Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

The great trial of Christ in the wilderness on the point of appetite was to
leave man an example of self-denial. This long fast was to convict men of
the sinfulness of many things in which professed Christians indulge. The
victory which Christ gained in the wilderness was to show man the
sinfulness of the very things in which he takes such pleasure. The salvation
of man was in the balance, and to be decided by the trial of Christ in the
wilderness. If Christ was a victor on the point of appetite, then there was a
chance for man to overcome. If Satan gained the victory through his subtlety,
man was bound by the power of appetite in chains of indulgence which he
could not have moral power to break. Christ's humanity alone could never
have endured this test; but his divine power, combined with humanity,
gained in behalf of man an infinite victory. Our Representative in this victory
raised humanity in the scale of moral value with God.
Every man born into the world with reasoning powers has the
opportunity, to a great extent, of making himself whatever he chooses to be.
The blessings of this life and the blessings of the immortal life, are within his
reach. He may build up a character of mental and moral worth, gaining new
strength at every step in life. He may advance daily in knowledge and
wisdom, conscious of new delights as he progresses, adding virtue to virtue,
and grace to grace.
His faculties will improve by use, and the more wisdom he gains, the
more he will be able to acquire, and his intelligence, knowledge, and virtue
will thus continually increase and develop into greater strength and beauty.
On the other hand, he may allow his powers to rust out for want of use,
or be perverted through evil habits, lack of self-control or of moral and
religious stamina. His course then tends downward; he is disobedient to the
laws of God, and to the laws of health. Appetite conquers him; inclination
carries him away. It is easier for him to stand still and be dragged backward
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