Editorial

What is Important?

by

Mary,* a woman I had known for many years, asked me to be the original executor upon her death after the original executor of her estate unexpectedly passed away.

I discovered that Mary’s financial affairs were complicated, and that her financial institutions were uncooperative. Mary held real estate and financial accounts in more than one state, and people owed her money. She and the original executor had been working diligently, and spending a lot of time in the process, to get these complications resolved.

A person had bequeathed money to Mary, but the executor of that estate was doing his best to find every legal way to withhold that money from her. It became extremely apparent that I would need help, so I retained an attorney to help me, costing the estate a considerable amount of money.

There were multiple boxes of papers that I had to go through, and as I went through each box, I wondered, “How much pleasure and satisfaction did Mary get from the money, property, and her other possessions? How much was society or the cause of God benefited?”

My late brother Marshall used to say, “We don’t really own anything in this world, we just use it until we die and then ownership goes to someone else.” In the resurrection, Mary will not own the real estate or monies she once did because at her death, they were all distributed to someone else. Paul wrote to Timothy, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

“Sad will be the retrospect in that day when men stand face to face with eternity. The whole life will present itself just as it has been. The world’s pleasures, riches, and honors will not then seem so important. Men will then see that the righteousness they despised is alone of value. …

“There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments.

“The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near. To us the warning is given, ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’ Luke 21:34.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 318, 319

*Not her real name

Representatives of Christ

by

“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

These words, spoken by Jesus just before His ascension, clearly states that as Christians we are to be representatives of Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

“What fruit does Christ expect from His disciples? The exerting of an influence like the influence exerted by the Redeemer. He expects us to follow His example of perfect goodness, living in obedience to all His commandments. Thus it is that we become Christlike. …

“Justification is the reward of faith in the righteousness of Christ. His imputed righteousness brings everyone who accepts Him as a personal Saviour into conformity to the will of God. … He who follows Christ must live in obedience to the law of God. Sin and holiness cannot unite.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 96

“No yoke that Christ has not framed is to be bound upon the necks of God’s people. Let those who have been wearing yokes of human devising cast them aside at any cost, and take the yoke of Christ. This is the instruction that God has been given me for the past years and has been repeating the past few days.

“Our heavenly Father knows how weak we are. He understands our necessities and our capacities. He has not left us to be guided or controlled by any human  will. We are to follow the word, ‘It is written.’ We gain purity of soul through the blood of Jesus, which is efficacious to cleanse us from all sin.”

“ … The work is to be done that will cause the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. This work can be done only by the whole church acting their part under the guidance and in the power of Christ.” Ibid., 98-100 (All emphasis supplied.)

Serious Questions

by

The time is coming when we will have to give an account of our life (Luke 16:2). Take this ten-question test below to prepare for this.

  1. “At this time, … shall we become so like the world in practice that men may look in vain to find God’s denominated people?
  2. “Shall any man sell our peculiar characteristics as God’s chosen people for any advantage the world has to give?
  3. “Shall the favor of those who transgress the law of God be looked upon as of great value?
  4. “Shall those whom the Lord has named His people suppose that there is any power higher than the great I AM?
  5. “Shall we endeavor to blot out the distinguishing points of faith that have made us Seventh-day Adventists?” Evangelism, 121
  6. “How do I meet the inspecting eye of God?
  7. “Is my heart cleansed from its defilement?” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 423
  8. Am I cleansed from all impurity?

“The heart must be cleansed from its impurity, self-will must be exchanged for God’s will; God’s ways must be chosen before our own ways. Many names are registered on the church books that have no place in the Lamb’s book of life. Let the question be asked with deepest concern, ‘Is my name written there?’ ” The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1887

  1. Have I overcome my secret faults?

“There is great need that our brethren overcome secret faults. … Selfishness, uncharitableness, covetousness, envy, evil-surmising, falsehood, theft, robbery, sensuality, licentiousness, and adultery, stand registered against some who claim to believe the solemn, sacred truth for this time. How can these accursed things be cleansed out of the camp, when men who claim to be Christians are practicing them constantly?” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 146

“The unconverted heart is the habitation of the evil one, and it is filled with unholy thoughts, with evil surmisings, envy, jealousy, falsehood, and uncontrolled passions, with strife and confusion and every evil work.” PH152 – Special Testimonies Concerning the Work and Workers in the Pacific Press (1897)

  1. Is my heart free from all these?

“Let each one closely examine himself to see whether he is in the faith, whether the truth which he professes to believe has been kept in the outer court, or brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul, that he may be sanctified thereby.” Ibid.

Joshua and the Angel – Zechariah 3

by

“Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of all things is at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath.

“ ‘And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.’ By this we see the importance of having our names written in the book of life. All whose names are registered there will be delivered from Satan’s power, and Christ will command that their filthy garments be removed, and that they be clothed with His righteousness. ‘And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.’

“In the time of trouble, Satan stirs up the wicked, and they encircle the people of God to destroy them. But he does not know that ‘pardon’ has been written opposite their names in the books of heaven. He does not know that the command has been given, ‘Take away the filthy garments’ from them, clothe them with ‘change of raiment,’ and set ‘a fair mitre’ upon their heads.

“The promise made to Joshua is made to all the remnant people of God: ‘If thou wilt walk in My ways [not in your own ways], and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.’ Who are these that stand by? They are the angels of God. Could our eyes be opened, as were those of the servant of Elisha at Dothan, we should see evil angels all around us, urging their presence upon us, and watching for an opportunity to tempt and overthrow us; we should also see holy angels guarding us, and with their light and power pressing back the evil angels.

“If we could only see the many dangers from which we are daily preserved by the holy angels, instead of complaining of our trials and misfortunes, we would talk continually of the mercies of God.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists (1886), 156

Living Representatives

by

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with a gentleman who has traveled over a large percentage of the world and has become acquainted with people in many countries. He told me there are many troubled populations who realize that things are terribly wrong in this world, and they are trying to figure out what is really happening, and why. They are seeking for truth but do not know where to find it. The Lord has revealed to those who understand the three angels’ messages the answer to the cry of these multitudes.

“A great work is to be accomplished in setting before men the saving truths of the gospel. This is the means ordained by God to stem the tide of moral corruption. This is His means of restoring His moral image in man. It is His remedy for universal disorganization. It is the power that draws men together in unity. To present these truths is the work of the third angel’s message. The Lord designs that the presentation of this message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in the world at this time.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 11

However, God needs a certain kind of person to take this message.

“The cause of God in the earth today is in need of living representatives of Bible truth. … God is calling not only upon ministers, but also upon physicians, nurses, colporteurs, Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of varied talent who have a knowledge of the word of God and who know the power of His grace … .” The Acts of the Apostles, 158, 159

“Everyone must lift the cross, and in modesty, meekness, and lowliness of mind, take up his God-given duties, engaging in personal effort for those around him who need help and light.” The Review and Herald, July 21, 1891

“There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Jesus, the power of divine grace makes him a new creature. Christ’s love transforms, sanctifies him.” My Life Today, 257

Religious Laws

by

Who has the right to make a religious law? Governments in this world are authorized by the God of heaven to make civil laws, laws that relate to the relationships between human beings—the second table of the ten commandments.

Paul makes this very plain in Romans 13. Peter also makes it plain in 1 Peter 2. For example, the Bible supports the death penalty for those who commit murder (Genesis 9; Romans 13).

But the first four commandments—the first table of the ten commandments—relate to our relationship with God; and concerning these commandments, no government has the right to interfere.

In 1 Peter 2, Peter encourages submission to government, but he himself said when the religious authorities commanded him to violate his conscientious convictions toward God, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29, last part

In Romans 13, Paul states explicitly the authority of the state to enforce the commandments relating to murder, adultery stealing, and lying (Romans 13:9). But Romans 14 tells us, in the most explicit language, that there is no civil or religious authority that has the authority to enforce the first four commandments in the law:

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.

“He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord, and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

“For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.

“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

“For to this end Christ died and rose, and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

“For it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’

“So, then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:5–12

Concerning religious laws, the Bible says, we have one Lawgiver, one Judge and one King (Isaiah 33:22).

The Sudden Change Coming

by

“There will soon be a sudden change in God’s dealings. The world in its perversity is being visited by casualties—by floods, storms, fires, earthquakes, famines, wars, and bloodshed. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power; yet He will not at all acquit the wicked. ‘The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.’ O that men might understand the patience and longsuffering of God! He is putting under restraint His own attributes. His omnipotent power is under the control of Omnipotence. … But His forbearance will not always continue. Who is prepared for the sudden change that will take place in God’s dealing with sinful men?” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 356

God called the second advent movement into existence to warn the world that the judgement of this world had come. Do not let any misguided person cause you to forget that we are living in that time when all its inhabitants will be judged by the God of heaven and the millions of angels at His court (Daniel 7:9, 10) First the righteous will be judged (1 Peter 4:17) and then the unrighteous—those who have not accepted the gospel and endured to the end (Matthew 24:13).

The judgment of the righteous will end at midnight—the darkest period of human history (Matthew 25:6) And a short time after this, the Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds of heaven (Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15).

Christ’s first advent to this world was not to judge but to save the world (John 3:17). At His second advent, He will come to judge its inhabitants (2 Timothy 4:1; Acts 10:43).

“People are now settling to rest, imagining themselves secure under the popular churches; but let all beware, lest there is a place left open for the enemy to gain an entrance. Great pains should be taken to keep this subject before the people. … The day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly. The fearful warning of the prophecy is addressed to every soul. Let no one feel that he is secure from the danger of being surprised. Let no one’s interpretation of prophecy rob you of the conviction of the knowledge of events which show that this great event is near at hand.” Ibid., 336

A True, Sincere Christian

by

A man teaching a class on how to become a salesman stated that 85% of the decisions people make are based on emotion or feeling. A decision based on feeling led to Lucifer’s fall in heaven, and will, no doubt, result in millions of souls in this world being lost.

“His [Lucifer’s] disaffection was proved to be without cause, and he was made to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt. Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that ‘the Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works’ (Psalm 145:17); that the divine statutes are just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven. Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels. … He nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade him. It was too great a sacrifice for one who had been so highly honored to confess that he had been in error, that his imaginings were false, and to yield to the authority which he had been working to prove unjust.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 39

Feelings were the problem for Judas. “He saw his faults, but instead of correcting them revenged himself by picking flaws in others around him. … You can gain no spiritual strength by talking about the defects of those around you; but if you continue to do this, like Judas you will eventually separate yourselves from God and His work.” The Review and Herald, August 18, 1885

Making decisions based on feelings is one of the biggest problems in Christendom today.

“Look at men who are professedly converted under the excitement of feeling. They are not brought to face the great moral mirror, the law of God, which discovers to them the defects in their character. … They feel no binding claims of the law of God … they have not a sensitive conscience toward sin. They have not a fixed principle. … They are unsound at heart. … [T]hey will follow inclination [and] you will see that there is not firmness when it is really needed.

“Oh, how much to be admired is a true, sincere Christian! Such a one will be loyal to God and true to his Saviour, living a life of purity, cultivating habits of the strictest temperance, making the word of God his daily study, earnest and faithful to duty, not wearying in well-doing, growing up into full stature in Jesus Christ, his Head.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, 186

Inheritance

by

Inheritance is a wonderful thing. Some people are geniuses because of what they inherited. Inheritance is also an awful thing. Some people must be taken care of like infants for their entire lifetime because of what they inherited. Some babies die before or shortly after they are born because their inherited physical or mental defects make it impossible for their body to survive.

Not only do we inherit physical and mental qualities but we inherit spiritual qualities. This is something that many Christians, including many theologians, seem not to understand. However, Job understood something about this subject and he discusses it in some detail in Job 13 and 14. He said, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. … Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one!” Job 14:1, 4

“The law of God is the standard of character; it is the expression of the character of God Himself. It was given to Adam and Eve in Eden. God planted for them this beautiful garden, and supplied their every want. Was it too much to ask them to respond to all His love and care by obedience to His righteous law, which, if kept, would have secured to them happiness, peace, and joy forever?

“God gave our first parents a pure and upright character, in harmony with His law; and had they remained obedient, they would have bequeathed the same character to their posterity. But they listened to Satan’s specious temptations, and transgressed this holy law, and the result was death. And the sons and daughters of Adam, instead of coming into the world, as God first made man, righteous and heirs of eternal life, have been the victims of sin and death and woe. This is the result of the transgression of God’s law in Eden.” The Bible Echo, July 29, 1895 [Emphasis supplied for clarity.]

The common use of the word bequeath is “to give or leave to another by last will and testament. Example: to bequeath an estate.” But this is not the only definition of bequeath. It also has the following dictionary definition and is used in this sense by Ellen White in the above paragraph—“to hand down, to give by inheritance.”

If Adam and Eve had never sinned, all of their posterity would have inherited a perfect body, mind, and character. However, because of their sin in Eden, all of their posterity are born in sin, and they are doomed to die by inheritance. They are also the inheritors of many other woes that are common in mankind today. Mrs. White writes, “Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost and the world that God created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and that there was no way of escape for the offender! The whole family of Adam must die.” Early Writings, 127

Your Nature Can Be Changed

by

It is only the overcomer who at last will receive a crown and eternal life.(See Revelation 21:5-7; 1 John 5:4, 18.)

All must overcome sin if they are to have eternal life, but there are many who become discouraged, believing they cannot overcome because they inherited evil tendencies (propensities) from Adam; tendencies they cannot change. Consequently, overcoming is not possible for them, or so they say. However, Inspiration tells us it is possible.

“You may claim much leniency because of your human nature, of your temptations and trials, and seek to excuse yourself for sin because of inherited tendencies, but Christ gave Himself in behalf of humanity, and there is no reason for failure. Christ bore temptations such as you will never be called upon to bear. He suffered as you will never suffer. He knew all your griefs, He has carried your sorrows. He has made it possible for you to be an overcomer. Do not say it is impossible for you to overcome. Do not say, ‘It is my nature to do thus and so, and I cannot do otherwise. I have inherited weaknesses that make me powerless before temptation.’ We know you cannot overcome in your own strength; but help has been laid upon One who is mighty to save. When God gave His only begotten Son, He provided everything essential to your salvation. … The resources of heaven are open to us. We should believe this precious truth. And when the enemy comes in like a flood to discourage and to dishearten, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him. … All heaven was poured out to us in Christ, and He that spared not His own Son will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.” The Upward Look, 154

The true child of God will be made free of every defect of character by the blood of the Lamb and the transforming power of God. And it is the privilege of every believer to possess Christ’s nature. Jesus spoke of this change in the human heart when He said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see (discern) the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“The blessings of salvation are for every soul. Nothing but his own choice can prevent any man from becoming a partaker of the promise in Christ by the gospel.” Conflict and Courage, 297