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Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

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If Jacob had not previously repented of his sin in obtaining the

birthright by fraud, God could not have mercifully preserved his life.

So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins

to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, despair

would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to

plead with God for deliverance. But they will have no concealed

wrongs to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the

atoning blood of Christ, and they cannot remember them.

All who try to excuse or hide their sins and leave them on the

books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by

Satan. The more exalted their profession is and the more honorable

the position that they hold, the more certain is the triumph of the

great adversary.

Jacob's history assures us that God will not cast off those who

have been betrayed into sin but have returned to Him with true

repentance. God taught His servant that divine grace alone could

give him the blessing he craved. This is how it will be with those

who live in the last days. In all our helpless unworthiness we must

trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever

perish while they do this.

Jacob's experience testifies to the power of persistent, urgent

prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of unyielding faith.

The greatest victories are not those gained by talent, education,

wealth, or human favor; they are gained in the audience chamber

with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty

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