Prayer and Promises

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

— John 3:17, NKJV 

The mission of Jesus is set forth in his words by the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives...” 

We need to have our souls barricaded with truth, that we may know God and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent; for the knowledge of God is life eternal. 

If we have a correct knowledge of the character of God, Satan will not be able to overwhelm our souls with doubt and discouragement. The enemy will come to you and say: “It is of no use for you to pray. Did you not do that evil thing? Have you not transgressed against God? and have you not violated your own conscience?” Answer him, “Yes; but Christ has bidden me to pray.” He has said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Satan will point to the filthy garments of those who have been in his power when they seek to come to the Savior. But let the repenting soul repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out.” 

Tell the enemy that you know your garments are stained with sin, but that by faith you claim the righteousness of Christ. Turn to Jesus, and tell him all your trouble. Christ sees all your circumstances, and knows all your temptations and sorrows. 

Heaven is all ready to receive those who would see Jesus. And now let us come to him, asking for the very things we need, believing that we shall receive them. 

Without him we can do nothing. Let us be true to God; let us pray that the Holy Spirit may be poured out upon us. 

The Holy Spirit is the gift of God; will we take it? Will we say, “I will place my hand in the hand of Jesus; I have no power, no merit, of my own”? “Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling.” 

Let us go forward united to Christ as closely as is the branch to the vine, with our life hid with Christ in God. 

— Signs of the Times, April 11, 1892 

 

THE RESPONSE 

Have your soul barricaded with truth that you may know God.  

Let the repenting soul repeat the promise of Jesus, “Those who come to Me, I will in nowise cast out.” 

Turn to Jesus and tell Him all your trouble. Ask Him for the very things you need, believing that you shall receive them.