October 26

And having done all, to stand. - Ephesians 6:13.

OH how significant is this! It is an intimation that heavenward is not easy walking. The Apostle says to the Philippians: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” not the procuring of salvation, it is already procured by the precious blood of Christ; not to make atonement for our sins, the atonement is already made;. nor to furnish a justifying righteousness in which to appear before God, “for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” The meaning of the Apostle is, that in the use of means, and in progressing and persevering to the end of life, we are to work out our salvation.

The Galatians “did run well,” but were “hindered;” they began in the Spirit, but ended in the flesh: “Ephraim’s goodness was as the morning cloud and the early dew, that soon passeth away.” It is not the first but the last step in the race that brings us to the goal. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” “He that endureth to the end,” says the Saviour,” shall be saved.” We are by “patient continuance in well-doing, to seek for glory, honour, and immortality.”

Some of God’s servants have been foiled after various successes, and have become affecting examples to show us that we are never out of danger as long as we are in the body, and in the world. Of Solomon, after all his attainments, it is said: “In his old age outlandish women drew away his heart from God.” Joab was a fine officer, and he faithfully adhered to David in the rebellion of Absalom, but he failed in the case of Adonijah; and therefore he perished, notwithstanding all his righteousness, in his sovereign’s fall.

The battle of Eylau, between the French and the Russians, was a dreadful conflict; more than sixty thousand perished; both parties claimed the victory. What then is the historian to do? Why, he will inquire who kept the field; and these were the French while the Russians withdrew. It is the keeping of the field to the last, to see all the adversaries withdrawn, that is to make us “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” It is this that gives decision to the battle.

Some have overcome, and then, alas! they have been themselves overcome: “What is it to gain success, and yield it at last?” Some have been often checked, they often meet with a defeat, but then they have succeeded upon the whole. And “having done all, they stand:” “Of Gad it is said, A troop shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at the last.” And this will be the case with every real Christian.

What comes from God will be sure to lead back to God: “A good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth greatly in his way; though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”