The Eternal Present

Ellet J. Waggoner

The Present Truth : November 18, 1897

There is a common complaint that unbelievers have against believers in the religion of Christ, and that is that they live too much in the future, and not in the present; that religion concerns itself only with promises that are to be fulfilled at some indefinite future time, and leaves the things of the present entirely alone. Now so far as this complaint is directed against many professed Christians, it is all too applicable, but it is altogether wrong as regards Christianity itself.

He from whom Christianity springs “went about doing good.” His thought was of the poor and the suffering, and they received the most of His attention. To relieve present necessity, occupied His whole time and care. His appearance in this world was made known by the proclamation. “On earth peace, good will toward men.” The “glory to God in the highest,” and this was revealed in “grace and truth” bringing salvation to mankind. This salvation is indeed “eternal salvation,” including therefore the most distant future, but it is also, because it is eternal, a present salvation. “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4.8

Many people always conclude their prayers with a request to be “saved at last.” The future seems to be their only anxiety, and often they stumble because of their continual looking to the distant scene. But this is not according to the teaching of the Gospel. “Now,” “today,” are the words, which it most employs. It is quite true that it promises much for the future, but the only assurance of future salvation is present salvation. He, who is saved today, has no fear for tomorrow.