The Ladder to Perfection
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3.
Quote; “Jesus is the ladder to heaven, . . . and God calls upon us to mount this ladder. But we cannot do this while we load ourselves down with earthly treasures. We wrong ourselves when we place our convenience and personal advantages before the things of God. There is no salvation in earthly possessions or surroundings. A man is not exalted in God’s sight, or accredited by Him as possessing goodness, because he has earthly riches. If we gain a genuine experience in climbing, . . . we must leave every hindrance behind. Those who mount must place their feet firmly on every round of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round of the ladder, looking to Christ, clinging to Christ, mounting step by step to the height of Christ, so that He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of this ladder.
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save are needed. These heavenly graces do not come in a moment; they are acquired by the experience of years. But every sincere and earnest seeker will become a partaker of the divine nature. His soul will be filled with intense longing to know the fullness of that love which passes knowledge. As he advances in the divine life, he will be better able to grasp the elevated, ennobling truths of the Word of God, until, by beholding, he becomes changed, and is enabled to reflect the likeness of his Redeemer. Child of God, angels are watching the character you develop, they are weighing your words and actions; therefore take heed to your ways, . . . prove whether you are in the love of God.
To love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves is genuine sanctification.”
Pauls admonition is further developed in this verse, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17. The promises are, “A new heart will I give you”; “I will put my Spirit within you.” This provision is made for us through the merit of Christ’s righteousness: “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Isaiah 32:17. Those who experience the change spoken of in these words will find that their restlessness and disquietude are all taken away, and they will find rest unto their souls in Christ. His merit, His righteousness, are imputed to the believing soul, and the believer has inward peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. . . .
Happiness that is sought from selfish motives, outside of the path of duty, is ill-balanced, fitful, and transitory; it passes away, and the soul is filled with loneliness and sorrow; but there is joy and satisfaction in the service of God; the Christian is not left to walk in uncertain paths; he is not left to vain regrets and disappointments. If we do not have the pleasures of this life, we may still be joyful in looking to the life beyond.
But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace.
There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy. Believe, believe! my soul says, believe. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to His trust. He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him who hath loved you.” {FLB 120-121}
Will God ever let us down, Definitely NO! we stop him from continuously working in our lives, we often turn off his permission to act on our behalf. Let us consider this quote; “We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us; and His teaching in our past history.” {TM 31} This is the Faith and Trust part of the Christian walk, just listen to the Testimony of people who have let God lead and have been obedient, it is most encouraging.
Here is one example; A chap was captured by rebel soldiers, after a time they were divided them into two groups, his group was told that they were being released and sent home in the morning. The Holy Spirit told a Christian to swap positions with an Old Man in the other team. He refused, and kept refusing until the Holy Spirit stopped talking. Next morning they were herded out onto the area, all expecting release, only to be told that they were messing with their minds and the other team went home last night. This Christian had to endure many many months more toil and hardship, because of his disobedience as God wished him to be released and freed.
We have this admonition in 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” And I think our man in the story wished that he had been quick to respond when the Spirit led. Dear Reader, please like me, will you resolve to be quick and responsive, fast to unload this worlds baggage and the progressively climb the ladder to perfection and closer and closer to Jesus Christ.
