Salvation

The New Jerusalem and the City of Destruction

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My family and I received the call to the New Jerusalem and it is just too good for us to turn down. We didn’t want to go without telling friends and family. We read about it in Revelation 21:10, 11: “And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” If you could only see a picture of it—the grass is a living green, the flowers, the beauty—it’s all there, anything that you could ever want, or imagine.

Paul tried to describe it, but look what he says, “As it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for them.” I Corinthians 2:9. You can’t imagine it, Paul says; it’s beyond description the things that God has prepared for us.

Abraham caught a glimpse of this city in his mind’s eye. “By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he should afterward receive for an inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in a land of promise as in a foreign country.” He never really became a citizen; it was a foreign country to him. The whole rest of his life he was a foreigner, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. “For he waited for a city that has real foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:8–10.

Why did Abraham leave his relatives, friends and the comfortable home where he had lived? When Abraham caught a glimpse of that city, he said, “Lord, however you lead, wherever you lead, I’m going. I am following.” And there the Lord led him away from his comfortable surroundings, his boyhood friends, work acquaintances from his job and all that he had established there. He led them away and he went out and he lived in tents. Imagine, for the rest of his life, in tents, moving here and there, having to pitch a tent every place he stopped. See Genesis 12.

As Abraham was journeying, his cattle began to increase. His nephew Lot was with him, and his cattle increased. Soon Lot’s herdsmen and Abraham’s herdsmen got into arguments because of all the cattle, and the watering situation. See Genesis 13.

Abraham came to Lot, who was the younger man, and he said, “Listen, Lot. We’re headed for a city. Let’s not argue or have our herdsmen argue. You go any place you want; you can stay here, or take anything you want. I’ll take anything that’s left.” See Genesis 13. Abraham knew that this wasn’t his home. It did not matter whether he was in the valley or ravines. Wherever he was, it was only a temporary place for him.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we had that same attitude in the church, and in church offices, and church duties, and all these things? This world is as a temporary journeying place with temporary duties until we get to our heavenly home. Abraham showed an unselfish attitude. I wish we could all live in tents, maybe not literal tents, but like Abraham lived, that we would see our houses and our dwelling places as only temporary abodes.

If we could only break away from the hypnotic trance of this world like Abraham did. If we could just get our eyes beyond that car or cars or whatever it may be in our driveways or out on the curb that is holding our affections. Oh, that we could take our affections away from our wardrobes, our homes or whatever else that may consume our time and our planning. They are all going to burn together. The Rolls Royce will burn just as well as the Volkswagen. The Taj Mahal is going to burn right along with the row houses of Washington, D.C. They are all but temporary dwellings whether people realize it or not. We do not own anything in this life; we just lease it. We are temporary sojourners and are just living here for a little while. I believe with all my heart that it’s not that far away.

We have received two calls. One of them is to the city of destruction which is an easy call and has a lot of temporary benefits. Even though it is an easy call, the retirement is lousy. Let me tell you about that call.

To accept that call, you do not really have to do anything. You can either sit down and watch television or go out and work hard earning a living. You can eat and drink and marry and give in marriage just like they did before the flood, and you’ve got the call. It is all paid for; the journey is paid for. The devil has your ticket and your name is written right on it. It is yours; you have got it. You can be basically a good person, outwardly. You can be a social person or a cultured person; whatever you want and it is all yours.

The only way you can forfeit that call is to take the cross of Jesus Christ. Take Him as your Saviour and as your Lord and your Master and take His cross for your cross. That is the only way you can forfeit the call. Other than that, it is yours for the taking. It’s all paid for; the way is free. The Devil has paid the way. It’s an easy call. There’s only one sad thing about that call. A whole lot of people have that ticket which is made out for the city of destruction, but think they are going to the New Jerusalem.

Jesus said, “Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, look, we have a ticket to heaven; look at all these things we did. We prophesied in the name of Jesus. In your name, Lord, we cast out demons. We did many wonders in the name of Jesus, in your name, Jesus. And then I’ll declare to them, says Jesus, I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21–23).

They thought they had a ticket that was stamped to the New Jerusalem and it was to the city of destruction. What a disappointment that is. Jesus says in verses 13 and 14, “Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way.” You see, it is an easy way. It can encompass all your peculiarities and all of your prejudices. It can encompass all of your traditions and all of the things you think you should do. It is a broad way and many there be that go in thereat. But, remember, it is the broad way and leads to the city of destruction. The way to the New Jerusalem is narrow and the way is difficult.

Did Jesus really say it is difficult to get to heaven? Yes He did. He said it over and over again, but He has given us the strength, and it is the way that He has paid for. He wants everyone to make it and promises to be our personal guide, but it is not the easy way. It is the difficult way that leads to life and there are few who find it.

As I said, this way to the city of destruction is the easy way. But the retirement is lousy. Let me tell you about that retirement. The next moment, according to the Bible, after they die, those on that road wake up a thousand years later, a thousand years too late.

The centuries have passed by as in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, because when you are unconscious, totally dead, you know not the passing of time. The Bible says the dead know not anything. The Bible says they are asleep. Jesus said they are asleep but to them it is instantaneous; instantly they are awake. There they are outside of the New Jerusalem. One moment they are here; maybe in an auto accident, a heart attack, or something happens, and instantly they are in a new place, outside the New Jerusalem, in the city of destruction.

In Revelation 20:7, 8, it says, “Now when one thousand years are expired, Satan will be released from his prison, And he will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them to the battle: whose number is as the sand of the seas.”

Here we have the two great cities of earth, the New Jerusalem and the city of destruction. There was a time when God’s people lived in tents while those in Sodom, Gomorrah and Babylon built great and beautiful cities where they made their homes. But now the tables are reversed. Now it is God’s people who are in the city and it is those who have followed Satan who are all living in tents out there in tent city, out there in the city of destruction, in the country of Gog and Magog.

In Revelation 20:12, we find there is going to be a great white throne set up above the city: “And I saw the dead, both small and great, standing before God; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged according to their works by the things which were written in those books.”

What a time that is going to be when all the inhabitants who have ever lived on earth from the beginning to the end are all going to be at one place at one time—all the good and also the wicked. Some in tent city and some in the New Jerusalem. You will be there and I will be there; whatever our beliefs, we will all be there. Whatever our lives are like or whatever our habits are like, or wherever we are planning on going, we will all be there—every one of us. All of the inhabitants of earth are to meet at one place at one time. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to wake up outside the New Jerusalem?

You know it can happen in just a moment of time. Maybe you are driving down the road and all of a sudden someone swerves out, coming the opposite way in front of you and you get that panic feeling that comes up over you. You reach for that brake, your eyes open wide, and there’s that sound—an instantaneous split second crash sound of crashing metal, and instantly you wake up. You thought you were in the car. You pinch yourself. Where am I? And for a moment your thoughts go back to where they were, about what you were planning to fix for supper that night. Oh, the accident; I never made it home. My family. Where are they? Oh, no, my existence is over, and I’m a member of the church. My dear friend, that will be a heartache that will pierce so deep that there will be no remedy if you wake up in the wrong place. That will be a heartache that will go deeper than anything we’ve ever known or experienced before. And there is going to be no cure, no remedy. I will tell you, friends, that unless we are having a deeper experience than a lot of us are, that is a nightmare that ought to haunt us every night and every day because it is going to be a reality; it is going to happen. Jesus said that the way to destruction, to that city of destruction, is broad and it is easy, but the way to the city of God, to the New Jerusalem, is a narrow way. It does not matter what tradition is, what human opinion is, or what everyone else is doing. No, the only way to get there is God’s way. The only way is the narrow way.

There are many people who have a lot of false hopes today. They can sing songs about going to the New Jerusalem and get all excited about it, be happy and smiling. A lot of people are giving false assurances today, but there are a lot of people going to be disappointed. A lot of people who think they are going there, are not.

We have got to become like Jesus to go there, not only in name, but also in character. I John 3:2, 3 says, “Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be: but we know this, that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” What a high calling. There is only one way to become pure like Jesus, and that’s by spending time with Him every day.

How do we break the shackles? We all know that we must spend time with God. Somehow when we sit down, we fall asleep. It’s just like we are shackled with shackles of iron. How can we ever break through the shackles and really develop a relationship with Jesus Christ?

II Corinthians 3:18 says, “We all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory into glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Are you being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ? There is no transformation without beholding, and we become what we behold. “By beholding, we become changed,” Wesley said.

If we are spending more time beholding television, the newspaper, the magazines of this world, and listening to rock radio, rock music and all these things of the world, than we are with God and His word, I can assure you we are not being transformed into Jesus’ image. We are being transformed by what we are beholding, by what we are seeing. There is no way we are going to the city of the New Jerusalem if we are spending more time with the things, the entertainments, and the attractions of this world than we are with our Lord Jesus Christ, because where the heart is, there is where we are going to spend time.

Are we being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ? That is the question. Are you less easily offended today than you were a year ago? Are you conquering those thoughts in your mind, those thoughts of pride and of self-emulation? That is a serious question because God reads the thoughts, and He reads the heart. Is your love all wrapped up in fashion and sports, and the things of this world, or is your love changing so that those things are losing their glitter? Where are your affections or your conversation? Do you love to talk about Jesus, or is your conversation all about this world?

We all have a call, and there is a position that God has waiting for us. It is an administrative position with great responsibility, if we will accept the call. Look at Revelation 3:21: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father on His throne.” In Revelation 20:4, “I saw thrones and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus Christ and the word of God who had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on his forehead or his hands and they lived and they reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

The Bible reveals that those who are saved are going to judge. Paul says we are even going to judge angels, the fallen angels, of course. Now, Jesus, of course, and the angels, the Bible reveals, are judging. God goes through and judges enough to know who is righteous and who is lost. The judgment of the lost, other than the fact that they are lost, is given into the hands of the saints. The Bible reveals that there are different punishments for different people.

The Devil has always accused Jesus of being a tyrant, intolerable, and being unjust. No one is going to be able to tell God He is unjust, tyrannical, or any of these other things, because He is not doing the judging. He is giving it into the hands of human beings who will judge their own parents, their own children, their own relatives, their own kinsmen, their own neighbors. The saved will be doing the judging and you know they are going to be fair.

Just imagine being able to see yourself in your living room and there see your son and your daughter and can see their thoughts. You see the angels struggling for their souls and there is the great controversy going on. You see the convictions of their lives and then to your horror you see yourself sitting there watching television while the great controversy is going on for your children, while they are under conviction. There you are earning money, hurrying to get ready for the Sabbath, hurrying to get ready for church, hurrying for everything, and they are not there. You think, Oh, if I could live my life over again, but you can’t. Later you were converted, but it was too late.

You look out your windows and you see your neighbors. You go outside the door and you can see their thoughts, wondering about your religion, what made you tick. There you see the angels in a great controversy for their souls and you are unconcerned. Then a thought flashes into your mind that you are going to meet them again; you are going to have to look into their eyes at the end of the millennium. You are all going to be there together. There your children are going to look up into your eyes. There you are in the city, and there they are in the city of destruction. Oh, if you had only helped them. There are your neighbors saying, If you had only told me; why didn’t you tell me?

There’s going to be anger and resentment outside the city. There are going to be tears for lost opportunities, tears for loved ones, tears for family.

Today is the day to make sure of our calling. Today is the day to do our witnessing. Today is the day to talk with our sons and our daughters and our next door neighbors. Tomorrow it may be too late. Today is the day to give money for the spread of the gospel. Today is the day to make an appointment to meet together on that other shore. Look at Revelation 22:14. It says, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” Verse 17 says, “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Here is the call, friends, He’s calling today. He says, “Come. Come. And let him who hears say, Come. And let him who is thirsty and whosoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely.”

You need to make an appointment to meet around that great white throne by the river of life that flows from that crystal white throne. Today is the day to accept that call. We have all received the call. Today is our day of probation. Today is the day that God has given us life to make our calling and election sure. We are but sojourners in this earth. Let him who accepts the call, give the call.

Pastor Marshall Grosboll, with his wife Lillian, founded Steps to Life. In July 1991, Pastor Marshall and his family met with tragedy as they were returning home from a camp meeting in Washington State, when the airplane he was piloting went down, killing all on board.

Preparing for Heaven

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Time is speeding by and changes are constantly being made. Children are growing up and every day we all get a little older and hopefully wiser. Amazing scientific progress has been made in business, education, transportation, health resources and everyday life activities. The greatest changes seem to be in communication and travel. Many of you cannot imagine what it would be like to carry all the water you need each day into the house by bucket. Heating water, and all cooking and baking was done on wood burning stoves. Once the daylight was gone, a candle or a kerosene lamp had to be lit in the evenings. The differences in lifestyle are too many to be mentioned here. Even museums cannot accurately depict the way people used to live. It is certainly a different world in which we live today than the one in which our grandparents lived.

We have been told in the Word of God that, “Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4. This prophecy is literally being fulfilled before our eyes. We are living in the closing days of this earth’s history. Are we really aware of the fact that Jesus is planning to come and gather His people to take them to a better country? Are we truly His people and are we earnestly preparing for the move, or are we planting our interests here in the present country where we are now living?

Are we too involved with the numerous modern inventions and allowing everyday responsibilities to take the lion’s share of our time? Does spending hours on our computer or Internet take precedence over studying our Bible and talking to the Lord on our knees? Are we living above our means and constantly worried about debts, or have we learned to be like Paul and can honestly say, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11.

Those planning for a future home in the New Jerusalem are seriously preparing their lives to fit into the heavenly society of that beautiful city. It is necessary to know how to get ready. The Bible and the inspired writings of the Spirit of Prophecy are the precious gifts that have been given as a guide to the eternal light.

Jesus said, “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:35–37. Are we sleeping or watching? Do we see so much wickedness and hear so much of the world’s music that we do not realize its sinfulness? Do we get so busy that we are not wide awake to do the Lord’s will and have time for prayer and Bible study?

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Luke 21:8–11. Only diligent study of the inspired writings will prepare us to recognize truth from the error of every wind of doctrine that is blowing today. Jesus said to “take heed that you be not deceived.”

And Paul said, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11. Are we wide awake as to the time in which we are living? Are we ready to go home with Jesus if He should come today? Jesus also said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44.

Knowing the attributes of the kingdom of heaven makes us aware of the necessity for a personal commitment to shape our characters so fit we may in with the heavenly environment. For instance, Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14. And again He said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. We must be as humble and as dependent as a little child. As a little child has to look to his parents for love and acceptance and for food and clothing, so we must realize our dependence on our heavenly Father for our very existence and sustenance.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45, 46.

Eternal life is as a goodly pearl; it is worth everything we have. We must be like Job who said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. We must rather miss our breakfast or our dinner than to miss worship or the study of His word.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: “the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.” Matthew 13:47–49. Notice, only the good fish are kept. All that are in the net are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. There is a judgment coming and although our names may be on the church books and we may be in the net or profess to be Christians, that does not ensure us of a home in the kingdom of heaven.

Just as in Jesus’ parable, it takes all to buy the field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matthew 13:44. Heaven is worth more than anything we might attain on this earth and we must be willing to give up all for it, even our mortal life itself if necessary. Jesus gave all to save us and we must be willing to deny ourselves and give all that we have to gain eternal life.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.

How do we do the will of the Father? To do His will we must first know what it is and that is found out by studying His word and talking to Him in prayer. We must daily study our Bibles and the Spirit of Prophecy so that we can recognize His voice and be guided by His word. Once we know the Lord’s will, we must be like Daniel and purpose in our heart to do His will regardless of the cost.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1, 2.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Corinthians 2:9.

A member of Steps to Life staff, she worked for many years with her husband in the mission field. She may be contacted by e-mail at ruthgrosboll@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Preparing for Home

I’ve been waiting for Jesus to come back again;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I’ve been praying and working for fitness within;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I’ve been watching the final events tell their tale;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I can almost see glory from heaven’s opening vale;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I must join in the final great controversy;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I must follow my Master through Gethsemane;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

by Marshall Grosboll

Who Will be Ready for Jesus’ Return?

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The night Jesus was betrayed He disclosed to His disciples that the time had come for Him to leave. At this they became very troubled and depressed, as Jesus had become the best friend they had in this world and they could not stand the idea of being separated from Him and wanted to be with Him.

They were with Him as He opened the eyes of the blind, healed those with leprosy, gave people who were speech impaired the ability to speak, and those who were deaf, the ability to hear. They were with Him and witnessed as He raised the dead and understood that He was the Messiah.

It was their delight to be with Him and they looked forward to Him setting up a kingdom in Jerusalem. However, they did not realize that in less than 24 hours from that time, their Master would be dead on the cross and their hopes would vanish.

But now they were troubled because He told them that He was leaving. It was at this time, when they were so distressed and depressed and troubled, that Jesus gave to them one of the most wonderful promises in the Bible. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1–3.

It is and always has been the Christian’s hope that Jesus is coming again. The apostle Paul called it the blessed hope. When Jesus comes again for His children, there will not be any more pain, sickness or death and there will be no more separation or loneliness.

Jesus made this promise to His disciples at the communion supper before his betrayal.

Six weeks later was Pentecost, which was the beginning of the apostolic Christian church. At that time when Peter preached, there were 3,000 converted in one day and Christ’s promise to return was made to His disciples and all of His followers since that time. However, this event does not provide any hope for the rest of the world. We who believe look forward to being reunited with our loved ones who have died in Christ. It is the most exciting hope that we have—the blessed hope.

But for some, this will not be a wonderful event, and they are going to be very upset and distressed at Jesus’ return.

Jesus said the last days are going to be like it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24). We know that only eight people out of all those living at that time actually accepted the invitation, entered the ark and were saved. Mathematicians have estimated that the world could have had a population of easily over one billion people at the time of the flood.

In those days people lived several hundred years. It is recorded that Adam lived 930 years so he and Eve would have had many children in their lifetime. From all of those people only eight got on the ark.

Jesus said it is going to be like that again. Paul said, “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you [the church]; And to give you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” II Thessalonians 1:6–9.

What is going to happen to those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel? They are going to be punished with everlasting destruction. When Jesus returns it will be the most exciting time for the saints, but for some it will be punishment with everlasting destruction.

A most important question to ask is, Will He acknowledge me as being part of His people, part of His church and one of His disciples?

It is not enough to simply make a profession and call yourself a Christian. How can you be sure that you are part of His remnant people in these last days? I want to know for sure that when Jesus comes, He will recognize me as being part of His people, part of His believers and part of His church.

Does God have a last day people in the earth today and if so, are they described in Bible prophecy?

Jesus said, “And I also say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades [that is the gates of the grave] shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18.

He said that the gates of Hades will not prevail against His church—so it must still be in existence today.

Notice what happened on the day of Pentecost: “Them that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls. … And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:41, 47.

God knows the intent of each heart. No one can fool God. He looked at each heart and He saw those who were responding to the gospel and added them to the church.

Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:18, 19.

One might wonder where is God’s true church today with over 300 different denominations in North America. However, the Bible has a very clear answer to that question because it was revealed to the prophets and the apostles, and we find it written down very clearly in the book of Revelation.

In Bible prophecy, a woman represents a church, and in Revelation 17 the counterfeit church and false system of worship is described as a great prostitute woman, called Babylon. This woman is not a pure woman. She is the great prostitute who is going to get worldwide influence. In fact, it says that everybody in the world is going to worship this woman except those who are saved. In Revelation 12 there is described an enormous struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil.

Satan’s object of attack is God’s church which is described in Revelation 12 as a pure woman—a woman standing on the moon, with a crown, and twelve stars on her head.

“A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars: Then being with child she cried out in labour, and in pain to give birth.” Revelation 12:1, 2.

This is not actually a woman in the flesh—this is a sign, or a wonder in heaven. She is clothed with the sun, that is, with light. On her head is a garland of twelve stars and she is described as getting ready to bring forth a son. This woman represents God’s church. It is a pure woman, not a prostitute woman like the woman in Revelation 17 who gains control over most of the world in the last days.

In Revelation 12 verses 7–9, is described a gigantic war between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent.” In Hebrew the word Michael means one who is like God.

When Lucifer fell from heaven he became Satan and is referred to as the dragon. It was the dragon speaking through a serpent that deceived Eve and ever since that time he has been referred to as that ancient serpent. He was not created as a serpent. He was created as a leading angel in heaven. He was called in Ezekiel “the cherub that covers.” Ezekiel 28:14. His place was right next to the throne of God, but he rebelled. Then he persuaded a third of the angels to rebel with him and war broke out in heaven between Michael, that is, Christ and His angels, and the dragon, Satan and his angels. And it says, “The dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth [how much of the world?] the whole world.”

This dragon, the devil, was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.

He was cast out of heaven physically before the world was created, but he was not completely cast out from the hearts of the angels. Remember, the dragon, the devil, Lucifer and his angels had been friends and companions with the angels of God in heaven for we know not how long, but it could have been many, many millions of years.

Though he was cast out of heaven at God’s command the results of his rebellion had not been realized and the angels still had some sympathy for him.

God saw that if the universe was ever going to be safe, this sympathy the angels of heaven had for Lucifer had to be cast out, or heaven would never be safe.

The plan of salvation was put into operation. Angels of God watched with wonder the controversy between Christ and Satan during Jesus’ earthly life. They saw the devil following Him with every kind of temptation, trying to make His way as hard as possible. They witnessed him stir up the people against Jesus, causing the Jews to finally reject Him, which caused Him to be scourged and flogged. Angels wept as people spat in His face and then nailed their Commander to the cross, lifting it up and jamming it into the ground, causing the most excruciating suffering to the Majesty of heaven who was innocent of any crime.

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross did not only benefit the people of this world. When the angels of heaven and the unfallen universe saw what the devil did to Jesus Christ, it totally uprooted any residual sympathy they had for their former friend.

Revelation 12:13 says, “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the man child.”

Jesus was a descendent of Eve, a child of the church, born of the virgin, Mary. Satan knew that the “seed of the woman” would eventually “bruise his head” (Genesis 3:15). In an attempt to stop that prophecy from taking place he stirred up Herod, who sent his soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the male babies two years old and under in an attempt to also destroy the promised seed, Jesus. God sent an angel to Joseph with the warning to flee down to Egypt right away, thus saving the life of Jesus. It is unknown how many babies were taken from their mother’s arms and put to death, causing great mourning in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16, 19–21).

The prophecy says that this child that was to rule all nations with a rod of iron was caught up unto God and to His throne (Revelation 12:5). That is exactly what happened. After his death He was resurrected and Jesus ascended to heaven. Angels came to comfort the disciples and told them that, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, is going to come back in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11.

At the cross, the dragon saw that he had been cast down—cast out of the affections and sympathy of all the unfallen universe, which stirred in him more anger. He then turned his attack on the woman—the church.

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

We will never know until the Day of Judgment, how many millions of Christians died violently at the hands of the pagan Roman government around the latter part of the 1st century. When the pagan persecution stopped, the Christian persecution began. The medieval church enlisted the power of the State to enforce its decrees and persecution started all over again. Christians were forced to make a decision. If they could not violate their conscience they were captured, taken in the dead of night from their hiding places to dungeons and prisons where many of them were cruelly martyred.

The Bible predicted this event in Revelation 12:14: “The woman fled into the desert, to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for twelve hundred and sixty days.”

In symbolic time prophecy, a day equals a year. “I have appointed you each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:6.

During that prophetic time, faithful men and women of God kept the lamp of truth burning, but at the peril of their lives. They were constantly afraid, always aware of the danger each time they opened the Sacred Writings that they could be caught and punished with even death.

The freedom we enjoy today in the United States has been bought with much blood of the past.

In The History of the Popes, vol. 2, 334, it states: “Great numbers were driven from their habitations with their wives and children, stripped and naked, many of them inhumanly massacred.”

The Bible predicted that, “The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” Revelation 12:15, 16.

The water represents peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues (Revelation 17:15).

There were isolated and desolate places in the earth where people fled to escape the persecution to places like the Piedmont valleys in the Alps, which was the home of the Waldenses for many years. Instead of just fleeing into the Alps, or into southeastern France, eventually some people seeking to flee from the persecution fled all the way across the ocean to America. These Christians became known as pilgrims.

God’s faithful found refuge in a land that was to become the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

At the end of the 1,260 years was predicted the rise of God’s last day movement and last day events. “And the dragon was wroth [angry] with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

Notice it is the same woman. It is the remnant of her seed. The word remnant means that which remains and is like the original.

The book of Revelation reveals the characteristics of this remnant. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Here we see that the remnant—God’s last people in the earth—keep the commandments of God. This means they would be Sabbath keepers because the Sabbath is the longest commandment in the whole law. They could not be idolaters because the second commandment is the second longest commandment in the whole law, condemning the practice of using idols or images in worship.

In the final angel’s message to the world, John describes God’s last people. “Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.

God’s people are described as keeping God’s commandments and having the same religion or the same faith that Jesus had. These two distinguishing characteristics of God’s remnant or last day people are:

Keeping all ten of the commandments of God. “If you keep the whole law and you offend in one, you are a lawbreaker; you are not a commandment keeper.” James 2:10.

Have the testimony of Jesus. “And I fell at his feet to worship him and he said to me, See that you do not do that, I am your fellow servant and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.

The testimony of Jesus is to be confirmed in those who are waiting for Jesus’ coming. Paul said, “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 1:6, 7.

When Jesus left this world and ascended to heaven He gave to His church some spiritual gifts. It says, “And he gave some to be apostles; some prophets; some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11. These spiritual gifts were given for the perfecting of the saints, or, in other words, until the church would be perfect in Christ.

God’s last day people will be keeping His commandments and they will have the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, according to Revelation 12:17.

Toward the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, there was a great religious and spiritual awakening all over the world. Bible scholars at that time discovered that after the 1,260 years of hiding from persecution, the church was to appear again after 1798. It was discovered that this earth had reached the period in history that the Bible called the last days, or the time of the end.

For the first time in history God began to move upon His servants all over the world, in many different churches, to proclaim the news that the second coming of Christ was approaching. What was the result of this?

At first many people were very excited about the preaching of Jesus’ soon return. There was an awakening in all the different churches, the Roman Catholic as well as all the different Protestant churches. People started studying their Bibles and said, “We believe from Bible prophecy that Jesus is coming soon.”

As time went on, the people of the 1830s–1840s had the same problem that many Christians have today. They actually loved this world more than they loved Jesus and His soon return.

The Bible talks about this. The Ephesus church was rebuked by Jesus. “You have lost your first love; you have fallen.” See Revelation 2:4, 5. The people in the Christian churches loved the world, especially in the United States because this country was starting to become prosperous. They loved the world more than they wanted Jesus to come so there was opposition to the teaching that the Day of Judgment was approaching and that Jesus was coming soon. Those who persisted to advocate were actually disfellowshipped from the mainline churches in America and also other countries just because of their belief that Jesus was coming soon and that the whole world needed to hear the message. They were forced out. Where did they go?

From the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 Jesus was expected to return to this world in 1843 and then in 1844. The misunderstanding of the work of Jesus, the High Priest (Hebrews 8 and 9) and the meaning of the sanctuary caused a great disappointment when Jesus did not come as the prophecy predicted. Diligently, the faithful ones studied the Bible prophecy to find their error. “And he said to me, for 2,300 days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14.

A prophetic day is a literal year. The prophecy predicted exactly when the Messiah would come. He came at the very time specified in Daniel 9:24–26. This prophecy predicted the exact time when Jesus would be crucified and also the exact time when the judgment would begin in the sanctuary in heaven.

In 1844 this group who believed the second advent of Christ was to occur that year were deeply disappointed when He didn’t return. Faithful to His word, God raised up the gift of prophecy to guide His disappointed people and lead them into a worldwide movement to proclaim the gospel. Now there are thousands of people teaching this all over the world because Jesus is coming soon and the world has to be warned.

Revelation predicted that God’s remnant, or last day people, would appear after the woman (the church) came out of the wilderness where she (the church) was in seclusion for 1,260 years. In other words, God’s last day people would be seen some time after 1798. As mentioned before, these last day people, or remnant, are described as having two prominent characteristics:

They would keep the commandments of God in a time of lawlessness. Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:12 that the last days would be a time of great lawlessness. That is exactly what we see. Paul also said the same thing in II Timothy 3.

These people would have the testimony of Jesus—the gift of prophecy.

“And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6.

Notice that this message is going to go to the whole world, just like it did in Noah’s day. God is not going to destroy people in this world until they have had a chance to escape the destruction that is coming. The people who choose not to accept the gospel are going to be destroyed. Those who do not accept the mercy, so freely offered, will receive the just reward of their deeds (II Thessalonians 1:6–10).

God’s remnant people would not only keep God’s commandments and have the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, but they would take the gospel to all the world (Revelation 14:6–12).

Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness for all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Jesus did not say that the whole world would be converted but only a very small percentage. The book of Revelation makes it very clear, exceedingly clear, that in the last days almost the whole world will reject the gospel and be destroyed. Everyone will have a chance to accept it, just like the people in Noah’s day who all had an opportunity to get on the ark and be saved from the flood. There are far more converts to the gospel in countries that are deprived than in the countries where there is much wealth. Remember Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24.

The gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations and then the end will come.

There is a better world coming—a world with no death, no war, no sickness, and no pain. “And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain; for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

Heaven is a good place. The time is coming when every single person in this world is going to want to be in that place. But now is the time to make that decision. If you want to be in heaven you need to make a decision today to follow Christ and be loyal to the government of God by keeping His commandments and receiving the Holy Spirit so that your heart can be transformed and changed. God cannot pollute heaven with taking those whose hearts are filled with the rubbish of earth.

Jesus is not coming back to this world to get church buildings or organizations. He is coming for His people, those who love Him and keep His commandments, who delight to do His will and live by the Spirit of Prophecy. These are those who make up His church on this earth.

Accept God’s invitation today and be part of His remnant church. He is coming soon. Be ready!

Pastor John Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316–788–5559.

Experiencing God’s plan in the Sanctuary Message

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The sanctuary message is so deep and so broad that it would take a lifetime to study it. As you walk through the sanctuary you behold Jesus Christ. The sanctuary in heaven is the very sensor of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every living soul upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give the hope that is in them. The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truths connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great Advent Movement, revealing present duty as it brought to light the position of His people.

We all need to keep the subject of the sanctuary in mind. Why? God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a sanctuary in heaven, and that the pattern of this sanctuary was once built on this earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly sanctuary where God is all in all.

We live in a time where so many things bombard us, even in our churches. The sanctuary is not preached much. Before I came into the church, I was a Catholic studying to be a Mormon. I did not have much understanding of the Adventist faith, only studying for four days before being baptized. The sanctuary doctrine was particularly hard to understand. The Bible said there was a sanctuary and I was told about the 2300 days and how everything ended in 1844 but not too many people knew anything more than that. They could tell me that there was a building up in heaven and that was all. I knew I had to study more if I wanted to know the truth.

Eventually I met some people who confused me a little and one of my pastors in his message said that the sanctuary did not exist and not to believe that anymore. I thought he was a good pastor and kind of believed him. Another lay person said I needed to believe it and to read the Book, because the truth is there and that is just what I did. I do not know everything, but I do know there is a High Priest ministering in heaven and Jesus is interceding for me and for you right now and there is a sanctuary in heaven.

“In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?” The Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.

In 1905 the Ballinger controversy was going on and one of his teachings some still hold today. He believed in universal justification which means that everybody was saved at the cross. Ellen White tried to counsel him and told him to be careful, as he was taking a pin away from the sanctuary. If everyone is justified, there is no need for a high priest.

“Satan is striving continually to bring in fanciful suppositions in regard to the sanctuary, degrading the wonderful representations of God and the ministry of Christ for our salvation into something that suits the carnal mind. He removes its presiding power from the hearts of believers, and supplies its place with fantastic theories invented to make void the truths of the atonement, and destroy our confidence in the doctrines which we have held sacred since the third angel’s message was first given. Thus he would rob us of our faith in the very message that has made us a separate people, and has given character and power to our work.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 53, 54.

It is not merely being a vegetarian or keeping the Sabbath that made Seventh-day Adventists a special people, because there are vegetarians and Sabbatarians not of our faith. It is the understanding of Jesus’ work of salvation in the sanctuary, and there are no Sunday keepers who I know of who believe in this truth.

“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was his death upon the cross.” The Great Controversy, (1888), 489.

Salvation does not end at the cross but continues on into heaven. The cross is the power, but it does not finish there. Jesus is trying to lead us back to the Father. We cannot, in our own righteousness, stand in His presence until Jesus washes us and we are a new people in the way we look, talk and think. If our mind is not in unity with His mind, we would want to shrink away from the presence of the One who knows all and reads our mind. The graciousness of Jesus is to bring us back to the Father because He only knows what is acceptable in His sight.

“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was his death upon the cross. By his death he began that work which, after his resurrection, he ascended to complete in Heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered’ [Hebrews 6:20].” Ibid.

There is both an intellectual and also a practical faith. Just because I know that there is a heavenly sanctuary is not enough to save me. By faith I have to enter into that experience.

“There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man is accomplished at an infinite expense to Heaven; the sacrifice made is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God. Jesus has opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through his mediation the sincere desire of all who come to him in faith may be presented before God.” Ibid.

In the next passage, Satan is talking—these are his words: “Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. [Remember, this is Satan talking, and he wants us.] Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys [something that is false—Satan has decoys] to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith [within the church]. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.

“Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against commandment keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their gatherings. In their large meetings especially our cause will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance, and employ all our seductive arts to prevent souls from hearing the truth and becoming impressed by it.

“I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones present who will express doubts in regard to the Lord’s messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit His words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, God’s mercy will be withdrawn, and He will give them up to our full control.

“We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 474, 475.

Satan knows he is a defeated foe so he attempts to bring everybody else down with him by putting his decoys into the church, and many people are giving up their faith.

At one time while visiting with a minister he told me that The Great Controversy is 19th century theology, that it was not good for today but only good for their time and that the two beast powers were no longer the papacy and the United States because the United States does not act like a beast and the papacy is too quiet. Satan has fooled him.

“From the creation and fall of man to the present time, there has been a continual unfolding of the plan of God for the redemption, through Christ, of the fallen race. The tabernacle and temple of God on earth were patterned after the original in heaven. Around the sanctuary and its solemn services mystically gathered the grand truths which were to be developed through succeeding generations.” The Faith I Live By, 194.

“The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the closing work of these last days, should receive close examination.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 575.

We need to work in harmony with what God is teaching us through the sanctuary. “By study, contemplation, and prayer God’s people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing the sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness. They will see their own defects; they will also see that they must have the aid of the Spirit of God if they would become qualified for the great and solemn work for this time which is laid upon God’s ambassadors.” Ibid.

Exodus 25:8, 9 says, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.” God wants to dwell with us. Moses had to make everything after the pattern he saw in the mountain.

In Acts 7:44 it says, “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.” “The holy places made with hands were to be ‘figures of the true,’ ‘patterns of things in the heavens’ (Hebrews 9:24, 23)—a miniature representation of the heavenly temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf. God presented before Moses in the mount a view of the heavenly sanctuary, and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him. All these directions were carefully recorded by Moses, who communicated them to the leaders of the people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 343.

The earthly sanctuary was a symbol or a shadow of the heavenly. When you look at a shadow of yourself, you see an outline because you cannot see everything else. The message that God is portraying is that the sanctuary is so deep that even Moses did not have complete understanding.

“It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Hebrews 9:23, 24.

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.” Hebrews 9:11.

When everything was made for the earthly sanctuary, the priest went into the Most Holy Place, then to the Holy Place and then to the courtyard to dedicate it to the service of God. Then the priest went into the Holy Place for his daily work. Because of a misunderstanding through the translations of the Book of Hebrews some people think He went into the Most Holy Place. Many times when the Bible says Holy Place, it really means Holy places—plural. When Jesus’ ministry on earth was completed here on earth, He went to heaven, right into His Father’s presence. When His Father said that His sacrifice was accepted, He came back to His disciples and told them. When He went into heaven He took some first fruits and He went to a coronation, a dedication, of the sanctuary. He opened it; it says He anointed it and then He started his Holy Place ministration.

In Hebrews 8:1–5 it says, “Now of the things which we have spoken that is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.” Jesus could not be a priest here on earth because he was of the wrong tribe. He was from the tribe of Judah.

I believe that the sanctuary is a miniature crossing of the promise land. The children of Israel were supposed to go from Egypt, across the Red Sea to Sinai and then to the promised land. This is a symbol of the last days. God has brought us out of Egypt, out from all of our idols. He has baptized us, or brought us through the water, brings us to the law and now He wants to take us in. What is the problem? We do not believe there is a sanctuary. The Word says, “Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.” Exodus 15:17.

God wants to bring us into the sanctuary because that is where God dwells—in the sanctuary. He wants to draw us right in and say, “Well Done;” but many do not believe.

“Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin. God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 174, 175. The understanding of the sanctuary service is to lead us to the Saviour. Teaching the sanctuary message without introducing Jesus is of no value at all.

In A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed, all the Jews could do was run and say, “the temple, the temple.” The temple in itself was powerless to do anything for them because Jesus was not there. “Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live.” Ibid. Just like that serpent of brass that was erected in the wilderness, those who looked up in faith to Jesus, whom it represented, were healed.

I grew up in the Catholic church; my godmother was a nun and she would tell me to pray to the rosary beads and they would help me. I would pray, but it did not help. Then she gave me this little statue of a black saint from Africa and told me to put him in my car and wherever I would go he would help me. When I got into an accident, where was he? I knocked him off my dash in frustration because he was no help. Then my godmother gave me some water that came from Italy and told me to put it on me and I would become smart. All of those things were just symbols and idols and useless.

We need to examine ourselves to see if our lives are leading others to Jesus or just uplifting ourselves. In Psalm 29:9 it says, “In his temple doth every one speak of his glory.” His glory is His character. Everything reveals His glory.

“And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.” Ezekiel 37:28. Most people in the world do not know anything about the sanctuary. I had an opportunity to work with a Baptist minister. One time he was reading the book, The Ministry of Healing, and he liked the book and he said that whatever spirit is in that book it is in the Bible. He asked about the author because he had never heard of Ellen White or Seventh-day Adventists. He was so interested that he went down to the book store and bought the whole three-volume set of the Spirit of Prophecy and started reading the books.

The first book he opened to read was The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 7A, Revelation chapter 13, where it talks about apostate Protestantism, and he was a Sunday keeper. He then started crying, recognizing that he was part of apostate Protestantism. He said that if he went back to his church and started preaching from these books, they would fire him. I assured him that if he was fired, Jesus would take him in. I challenged him to accept the message, and he said he was going to take the books back to his church and read them before making a decision. I have not heard from him since.

The understanding of the workings of the sanctuary is a blessing to God’s people. We are the ones privileged to have that light and are teaching it to others. The sanctuary is basically the plan of redemption.

“The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.” The Great Controversy, 488.

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2.

We know that God loves us because He tells us, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3. God is drawing us. “For the love of Christ constraineth us.” II Corinthians 5:14. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

In John 3:14, 15 it says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Jesus draws His people. He is pursuing you and He knows what you have been through and has the power to save you. When He takes your mess from your hands, He takes it into the sanctuary where He can cleanse you and make you into a new creature.

I John 4:8–10 tells us: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation is another word for mercy seat and Jesus is our Mercy Seat.

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not die but have everlasting life (John 3:16), and it is by leading us through the sanctuary service that He restores our relationship with Him.

Brad Neeley is Administrative Assistant of M.E.E.T. Ministry. He is a master gardener, lecturer and Bible instructor with over ten years in Christian ministry. He is married to S. Lynn Neeley, they have one daughter, Christiana.

John’s Message; Our Message

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In contemplating the mission of John the Baptist, a striking parallel came to view that arrested my attention.

Considering what he was to do, and what it meant to the world, it struck me that the event he was foretelling was the greatest event in history, not only of this world but the universe. What was that event? And what was John’s mission? “In him [Jesus], was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4–9.

John was no less than the messenger to prepare the way for the Lord. He prepared the way for the Son of the living God. He announced the coming of the Creator of the Universe to live among men. He had the privilege of being the forerunner of the One, the only One, who could and would save men from sin as the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8. What a privilege! What a responsibility!

Actually, as I thought about it, it seemed that the whole world would be looking forward with intense interest, with longing and inexpressible gratitude for that event. This event made possible a life of eternal happiness and bliss with their Creator! For four thousand years either through the patriarchal sacrificial system or the temple services, the great, compassionate, loving God of the universe had been telling the world of a Redeemer to come who would save it from the pit of ruin into which it had fallen. He had even chosen a special people and bestowed upon them tremendous blessing and care, a people commissioned to tell the world of a coming Saviour. He had given this special people prophecies pointing to the very time of His coming. The God of the universe, the Creator of all in heaven and earth, a Being who was worshiped and adored, with all power, He was coming to this tiny planet. He was coming to “take away the sins of the world.” What other message, what other matter could begin to compare?

Let’s look at this event from another perspective, the perspective of the heavenly universe, from the time before there was sin. Perfection, beauty, perfect harmony reigned. The inhabitants didn’t even realize there was law. They were so perfectly in harmony with the will of God there was nothing but perfect joy, peace, happiness and unity. Then, sin made its entrance. Then, sorrow, pain, and worst of all, they learned about separation from their most beloved Commander, the One they lived to worship, love, and obey. All this was interrupted and destroyed by this little speck of a world. And now the time had come for that separation, for the Father to send His Son to give His life to this world so it could be redeemed.

The entire universe watched with intense interest. To them there was no greater event than the advent of Christ to this one world that had marred God’s entire creation. Would not those for whom this great sacrifice was being made, welcome Him with joy unspeakable? Would not the great and mighty of the earth be the first to welcome and proclaim with joy this greatest of all events in the history of the earth? What a joy John’s life and mission would have been had that been the case. But, sadly, inexplicably, few were even aware.

Just what was the condition of things when the time came for John to begin his ministry? “In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin.” The Desire of Ages, 101.

“He saw his people deceived, self-satisfied, and asleep in their sins. He longed to rouse them to a holier life. The message that God had given him to bear was designed to startle them from their lethargy, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. Before the seed of the gospel could find lodgment, the soil of the heart must be broken up. Before they would seek healing from Jesus, they must be awakened to their danger from the wounds of sin.” Ibid., 103, 104.

Remarkably, this is speaking of the chosen people of God, the very people who were entrusted with the most wonderful message ever given to this world.

Friends, is there a parallel today? Is there an event pending today of immense and eternal import? The answer is a resounding YES!

After six thousand years of sin and misery, pain and alienation, this world is about to be freed, rescued, healed and restored. The one blot in the great, beautiful creation of God is about to be removed, no, remade; remade into what God, in His bounty and love created it to be in the first place. Yet is this tremendous event the one consuming topic of today? Is the world today absorbed in preparing and proclaiming this most wondrous and important truth? Or is it better described by the paragraphs above describing the condition of the world at Jesus’ first advent?

What a message we have to share; what a responsibility. Again I ask, is there a parallel today? Again, the answer is a resounding YES! I am inadequate in my knowledge and speech to share from my own words the message and its importance, so I quote from a book I believe God, in His providence, gave to His people of today just as much as He gave the Scriptures to prepare the world for His first advent. It says, “We are now living in the great day of atonement. …

“Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleasure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest, prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge of this subject for themselves regarding the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days.

“All who have received the light upon these subjects are to bear testimony of the great truths which God has committed to them. The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.” The Great Controversy, 488, 489.

“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered.’ Hebrews 6:20. There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man is accomplished at an infinite expense to heaven; the sacrifice made is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God. Jesus has opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through His mediation the sincere desire of all who come to Him in faith may be presented before God.” Ibid.

Friends, these are not my words. These are the words of inspiration. Is there any message at this time that can compare with this? Is there any other message that actually brings salvation to a soul? Let’s not repeat the history of the first advent. Let’s study, with humility and sincerity and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and not only be ready for this event, but also to be the instruments God would have us to be in proclaiming this most important and wondrous message to the world.

Brenda Douay is a member of Steps to Life staff. She can be contacted by email at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

The Tipping Point

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A tipping point is that point at which you cannot turn back and must continue.

In flying, commercial aircraft pilots would call voice signals to each other to indicate the various stages of the flight. When the copilot calls during take-off, “V-2,” it means you must take off at that point. Once you have gone so far down the runway at so fast a speed, you must take off. You have reached the tipping point—the point at which you cannot turn back and you must continue.

There is an artist’s conception of the sinking of the Titanic, which occurred on April 14, 1912,  after scraping an iceberg. The Titanic was on its maiden voyage with some of the wealthiest people in the world on board. Most of them drowned. Of the 2,024 people on the ship, only 705 were saved. There were only enough lifeboats for 1,178 people, but all the boats were not filled.

One survivor, 40 year old Elizabeth Schutes, was a governess to Margaret Graham who was traveling with her parents in a first-class cabin when she felt a shutter travel through the ship. At first she was comforted in her belief in the safety of the ship, but her composure was soon shattered by the realization of imminent tragedy.

She said, “Suddenly a strange quivering ran under me, apparently the whole length of the ship. Startled by the very strangeness of the shivering motion, I sprang to the floor. With too perfect a trust in that mighty vessel I again lay down. Someone knocked at my door, and the voice of a friend said: ‘Come quickly to my cabin; an iceberg has just passed our window; I know we have just struck one.’ ”

There was “no confusion, no noise of any kind, one could believe no danger imminent. Our stewardess came and said she could learn nothing. Looking out into the companionway I saw heads appearing asking questions from half-closed doors. All was still, no excitement. I sat down again. My friend was by this time dressed; still her daughter and I talked on with Margaret pretending to eat a sandwich.

“Her hand shook so that the bread kept parting company from the chicken. Then I saw she was frightened, and for the first time I was too, but why get dressed, as no one had given the slightest hint of any possible danger? An officer’s cap passed the door. I asked: ‘Is there an accident or danger of any kind?’ ‘None, so far as I know’, was his courteous answer, spoken quietly and most kindly. This same officer then entered a cabin a little distance down the companionway and, by this time distrustful of everything, I listened intently, and distinctly heard, ‘We can keep the water out for a while.’ Then, and not until then, did I realize the horror of an accident at sea. Now it was too late to dress; no time to waste, but a coat and skirt were soon on; slippers were quicker than shoes; the stewardess put on our life-preservers, and we were just ready when Mr. Roebling came to tell us he would take us to our friend’s mother, who was waiting above. …

“No laughing throng, but on either side of the staircases stand quietly, bravely, the stewards, all equipped with the white, ghostly life-preservers. Always the thing one tries not to see even crossing a ferry. Now only pale faces, each form strapped about with those white bars. So gruesome a scene. We passed on. The awful good-byes. The quiet look of hope in the brave men’s eyes as the wives were put into the lifeboats.” Women and children were put on the lifeboats first.

“Nothing escaped one at this fearful moment. We left from the sun deck, seventy-five feet above the water. Mr. Case and Mr. Roebling, brave American men, saw us to the lifeboat, made no effort to save themselves, but stepped back on deck. Later they went to an honoured grave.

“Our lifeboat, with thirty-six in it, began lowering to the sea. This was done amid the greatest confusion. Rough seamen all giving different orders. No officer aboard. As only one side of the ropes worked, the lifeboat at one time was in such a position that it seemed we must capsize in mid-air.

“At last the ropes worked together, and we drew nearer and nearer the black, oily water. The first touch of our lifeboat on that black sea came to me as a last good-bye to life, and so we put off – a tiny boat on a great sea – rowed away from what had been a safe home for five days.

“The first wish on the part of all was to stay near the Titanic. We all felt so much safer near the ship. Surely such a vessel could not sink. I thought the danger must be exaggerated, and we could all be taken aboard again. But surely the outline of that great, good ship was growing less. The bow of the boat was getting black. Light after light was disappearing, and now those rough seamen put to their oars and we were told to hunt under seats, any place, anywhere, for a lantern, a light of any kind. Every place was empty. There was no water – no stimulant of any kind. Not a biscuit – nothing to keep us alive had we drifted along. …

“Sitting by me in the lifeboat were a mother and daughter. The mother had left a husband on the Titanic, and the daughter a father and husband, and while we were near the other boats those two stricken women would call out a name and ask, ‘Are you there?’ ‘No,’ would come back the awful answer, but these brave women never lost courage, forgot their own sorrow, telling me to sit close to them to keep warm. … The life-preservers helped to keep us warm, but the night was bitter cold, and it grew colder and colder, and just before dawn, the coldest, darkest hour of all, no help seemed possible. …

“The stars slowly disappeared, and in their place came the faint pink glow of another day. Then I heard, ‘A light, a ship.’ I could not, would not, look while there was a bit of doubt, but kept my eyes away. All night long I had heard, ‘A light!’ Each time it proved to be one of our other lifeboats, someone lighting a piece of paper, anything they could find to burn, and now I could not believe. Someone found a newspaper; it was lighted and held up. Then I looked and saw a ship. A ship bright with lights; strong and steady she waited, and we were to be saved. A straw hat was offered so it would burn longer. That same ship that had come to save us might run us down. But no; she is still. The two, the ship and the dawn, came together, a living painting.”

There are pictures of what is believed that ship looked like as it was going down, one showing that it split in two on the way down and another showing it at a very steep angle with over a thousand people standing up on the upper deck climbing to the back of the ship as it was going down.

This horrific sight was witnessed by the people in the life boats. It was ready to go under with the back of the ship all that was left above the water. Nothing could be done to save it. It had reached the tipping point. It had gone so far that its course could not be reversed.

There are many areas in life where you can reach a tipping point and be unable to return to where you were before. For instance, between 2009 and 2012 the number of people in the United States with disability rose seven times faster than the number of new jobs created. There are many people in this country who are very alarmed about this situation.

Closely related to that situation is health care. The percentage of our gross domestic product in the United States spent on health care in 1960 was 5.2%. But in 2008 we spent 15.2%. How long can that keep going up, and at which point will something break down?

What would happen if there were more sick people to be taken care of than there were well people to take care of them? In that case, the health care system would have reached a tipping point.

What if a large number of people decided that the hope of a reward was not worth the economic risk involved? The result of that decision would be that the job market would absolutely dry up and there would not be jobs. The job market would have reached a tipping point.

There is a large number of people in the world who make their living in sales or in selling. You cannot sell anything unless there is a buyer. That precise condition is described in Revelation 18. It says there are no buyers (verse 11). If there are no buyers, your business and the economy collapse.

The Bible talks in Ezekiel 7 and in Revelation 18, about a time when the tipping point will be passed, and as a result, the whole world economy will shut down.

When I was a small child, we had one neighbor whose only transportation was his horse. For the most part, we had already passed the tipping point where automobiles had taken the place of transportation by animals, and there was no way to go back to the way it was before.

If a person refuses to surrender to the pleadings of the Holy Spirit in the conscience, finally he will not hear the voice anymore. If that happens, that person has reached a tipping point. He is not going to be able to return to the way it was before when the Holy Spirit was pleading with him.

In The Desire of Ages, page 383, Ellen White describes what happened with Jesus and His disciples the day after the feeding of the 5,000. “When Christ forbade the people to declare Him king, He knew that a turning point in His history was reached.”

What was that turning point? She says, “Multitudes who desired to exalt Him to the throne today would turn from Him tomorrow. The disappointment of their selfish ambition would turn their love to hatred. …” Ibid. That is the way the human mind works. Disappointment can turn love very quickly into hatred.

Ellen White said: “The disappointment of their selfish ambition would turn their love to hatred, and their praise to curses.”

That disappointment resulted in a turning point. It says, “From the first He [Jesus] had held out to His followers no hope of earthly rewards. … If men could have had the world with Christ, multitudes would have proffered Him their allegiance; but such service He could not accept. Of those now connected with Him there were many who had been attracted by the hope of a worldly kingdom. These must be undeceived. The deep spiritual teaching in the miracle of the loaves had not been comprehended. This was to be made plain. And this new revelation would bring with it a closer test.” Ibid.

“Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus.” Ibid., 392.

They turned away from Jesus because they were too vain and too self-righteous to accept reproof. And they were too world-loving to accept a life of humility. They had loved Jesus, and they had praised Him, coming by the thousands to listen to Him. They believed that He was the Messiah until they found out that He also reproved their sins and told them that He was meek and lowly in heart and they needed to become like He was. So many people turned away that Jesus turned to the twelve and said, Are you going to turn away too?

For this same reason, many do the same thing today. Being able to accept the slightest, kindest, mildest rebuke or reproof is one of the rarest traits to be found in the Adventist church. However, if you are going to be saved, at some point, the Lord is going to arrange things so that your sins will be rebuked.

“Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves.” Ibid.

She says, “They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered.” Ibid.

If my sins are discovered, I should say, Lord, thank You for making it possible for me to be saved. If I now know what is wrong, I can go to the Lord and ask that it be taken away from me so I can be changed. Many, when their sins are discovered, instead of saying, Lord, I want to be changed, get mad. How dare you talk to me that way? We are warned, “Praise and flattery would be pleasing to their ears, but the truth is unwelcome; they cannot hear it.” Ibid.

In the book by Dale Carnegie called How to Win Friends and Influence People, one of the things that he teaches is that you do not ever tell somebody that they are wrong. They cannot take it. That was one of the major reasons Jesus was crucified. He told people when they were in error.

The unwelcome truth that most cannot hear is the truth about their condition. If you will make them feel good, then they are willing to be friends and willing to go to heaven together, but do not tell them all that is wrong with them.

There are so many people who think they are going to heaven but the Bible says they will be disappointed. They reach a tipping point when their sin is revealed. They neglect to say Lord, I want to be saved; I want to be with Jesus; please take my sins away and give me Your Holy Spirit so that I can change. I want to be born again. With that prayer, a miracle can happen in your life. But if you get angry when something happens that reveals your sins, you will become stuck and find that there is no way for you to be saved.

Continuing in The Desire of Ages, 392, Ellen White says concerning those people the day after the feeding of the 5,000, that decision was never reversed. There may have been over 20,000 made up of 5,000 men besides women and children that you will never meet in the kingdom of heaven.

So many ate of the miracle bread and fish. They watched Jesus open the eyes of the blind and heal those that were deaf. They watched Him heal the lepers and some of them had seen Him raise the dead. They knew that He had power to heal all manner of disease and they loved Him until they were reproved and their sin was pointed out. Then their love turned to hatred.

She says, “When the crowds follow, and the multitudes are fed, and the shouts of triumph are heard, their voices are loud in praise; but when the searching of God’s Spirit reveals their sin, and bids them leave it, they turn their backs upon the truth, and walk no more with Jesus.” Ibid.

The first thing that the Holy Spirit does when it comes to any person is convict of sin. It is not pleasurable to have the Holy Spirit point out what is wrong in your life. It hurts. If you accept it and say, Lord, I yield to the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, if this is not pleasing in Your sight, I want not only forgiveness, but I want to be changed.

If you are willing to yield to that pleading, that convicting of the Holy Spirit, a miracle will take place in your life and you will start to realize the victory. And when you begin to realize the victory, the Holy Spirit will put His finger on another problem. The Holy Spirit will never use any form of coercion or force. If I turn away, the Holy Spirit will let me go. Sadly, Jesus let the people turn away from Him.

If you resist the spirit of God you first will have a guilty conscience. It is your friend to encourage you to do something about the problem, but by continual resistance you find that you do not feel as bad as you used to and are on the way to commit unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin is not instantaneous like falling off a cliff but like walking down ten thousand steps. The Holy Spirit pleads with you, and you say, “Not now.” Again, “Not now.” Again, “Not now,” thousands and thousands of times. But eventually, your conscience does not bother you anymore and you reach the tipping point—too far to turn back.

“As those disaffected disciples turned away from Christ, a different spirit took control of them. They could see nothing attractive in Him whom they had once found so interesting.” Ibid., 392.

“They rejected their Saviour, because they longed for a conqueror who would give them temporal power. They wanted the meat which perishes, and not that which endures unto everlasting life.” Ibid.

Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, reached a tipping point. “Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, ‘Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you’ (John 6:53). He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.” Ibid., 719.

There are many Christians like that today. They are part of the church, but stay in a position where they can back out if they need to. Another sad occasion when a group of people reached a turning point occurred in the church Christ attended as a youth. The people in the church had known Jesus since He was a little child. They had witnessed His blameless life. But, “… they were offended in Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in His own country and in His own house.’ Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:57, 58, literal translation).

At first, they had an almost irresistible conviction that this was the Son of God. They had witnessed His life for the last 28 years or so, but they were “offended in Him” when He didn’t work things out as they had supposed.

Luke 4:23: “He said to them, ‘… You will surely say this proverb to Me, “Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country!” ’ Then He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, No prophet is accepted in His own country.’ ”

They really got angry when He said, “… I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow” (verses 25, 26).

He said, “And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian” (verse 27).

It was too much for them to hear Jesus say that the heathen were in a better condition than they were and they refused to accept that. He meant the heathen who live up to all the light they have, are better in His sight than God’s chosen people who are not living according to what they know. These people He had known all His life were offended.

Ellen White says, “Here was the turning point with that company. As Christ’s divinity flashed through humanity, their spiritual sight was quickened. A new power of discernment and appreciation came upon them, and the conviction was almost irresistible that Jesus was the Son of God. But Satan was at hand to arouse doubts, unbelief, and pride. They steeled their hearts against the Saviour’s words. As they yielded to the control of Satan, they were fired with uncontrollable rage against Jesus.” The Signs of the Times, September 14, 1882.

Here you have the very same thing. They had an irresistible conviction that He was the Son of God but they hated the rebuke that He gave them. They had such uncontrollable rage that they determined to kill him. In anger, they became a mob and hustled Jesus, hustling up to the top of a mountain. They would have cast Him down headlong to kill Him if the angels had not rescued Him.

Human nature has not changed. There is a tipping point for all but those who desperately want to be saved and are prepared at whatever the pain or cost to receive the rebuke of the Lord to be changed into His image and become what He wants them to be.

Pray, Lord, What do you see in me that needs to be changed? What reproof do I need so that I do not reach a tipping point that will bring me to everlasting destruction?

God has devised a way so that even the weakest and the chief of sinners could be saved if we are willing to submit to His plan for saving us.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

A New Commandment

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Imagine living in a house with 20 other people. For those of us in the United States where the average household size is about three members, this may be somewhat foreign; however, such a large family can still be an object lesson for the people of God who may not have a real sense of how valuable and precious each member of the church of God is as a family. America’s most famous supersized family, the Duggars, from Arkansas, is one such example of a family with many members—19 children, all caring for each other, assisting each other in love. They are a well-ordered family engaging in Christian activities. All of the children are homeschooled with each of them involved in personal Bible study and all of them involved in music. God has blessed this home abundantly with each member using the talents given them to help the others, making the home a sanctuary. There are strict house rules and any young man desiring to court one of the young ladies is first required to ask permission from her father. Harmony and personal growth for each member in the family depends on order and boundaries, but most of all on a committed love for each one.

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3. There are many dwelling places, many rooms in God’s house. Is one of those rooms reserved for you? Is Jesus preparing a place for you? The illustration of the Duggar Family is to show that in order for God’s family to grow into the fullness of Christ and to fulfill God’s purpose, there must be a change of attitude toward one another. Each member must become more concerned for his/her brothers and sisters. I make an appeal to every member of God’s family to consider and keep the new commandment about which Jesus spoke.

Before we discuss this new commandment, let us identify just who are the true members of God’s family. We “are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26), but what does this mean? Basically, it is trusting in God’s Word and His promises and willingly obeying or keeping that Word. The Scripture says that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. Has the Word of God ever sounded in your ears? Has God ever spoken to you? I would have to say that He has spoken to me.

The Apostle Paul said that “the gospel, which ye have heard, … was preached to every creature which is under heaven.” Colossians 1:23. This brings to mind what is written in Psalm 19:1–3: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” These verses declare that the gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. Have you heard the voice of God? He has spoken, and He is still speaking. Are you listening for and have you heard that “still small voice” (I Kings 19:12)?

The story is told of Abraham the patriarch, a man to whom righteousness was accounted because of his faith. The Word of God came to Abraham and the promise was made that he would have a son who would be his heir. Abraham, who was nearly 100 years old, continued to wait without the fulfillment of the promise. His wife Sarah was barren. She was past childbearing years, and her womb was dead. How could Abraham have a son when all circumstances proved that this was impossible? As Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Abraham knew this truth, and as a result, in spite of his circumstances, how did he respond? “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20, 21.

Are you staggering today at some promise God has made? Does it seem that you have to wait too long to see the result? There are many promises in the Bible, but there is one in particular that has been given to all of us. “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” I John 2:25. Do you believe this promise? Do you have faith that what He has promised He is also able to perform regardless of how long it takes for it to come true? “Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. … Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.” The Desire of Ages, 126. Faith is one of the characteristics of those who are true members of God’s family.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27. To be baptized into Christ and thus be clothed with Him is an emblem of being buried with Him in death. Your old character, your old self, or old man is crucified with Christ, and you have, therefore, died to sin. Jesus told Nicodemus that, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Friend, you cannot be born again unless you die to sin first.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? … Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:3, 6. Have you died to sin? Have you been crucified with Christ, or are you still clinging to some pet sin that still has control over you?

Baptism is more than just partaking of Christ’s death. We do not remain in the grave. After the death and burial of Jesus, He was resurrected, so not only are we baptized into His death, but we are also baptized into His life. This is described as being born again. In other words, not only have we died to sin but we have also come alive to righteousness or alive to God. There is only one baptism, death to sin, followed by a new life in Jesus Christ. This is what it means to put on Christ, to be partakers with His life. We become clothed with His righteousness which is His character. Just as it was with the Apostle Paul, we too must experience dying to sin. This is a daily process.

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4. The Scriptures speak of two different forms of baptism. John the Baptist declared, “Repent ye, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2. His ministry, the baptism of water unto repentance, being submerged into water, is a symbol of what actually takes place within the heart, being buried with Christ. Just as Christ was raised from the dead or the grave to life, the repentant sinner comes out of the water into newness of life. The Scriptures also speak about baptism as being an answer of a good conscience toward God (I Peter 3:21).

Water baptism occurs after the recognition of sin and repentance, but it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that actually makes us part of God’s family. The sacred record declares that, at times, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Gentiles prior to being baptized by water, and often the disciples appealed to the people to repent and be baptized that they may receive the Holy Spirit. “God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying.” Galatians 4:6. In Romans 8:9, last part, we are told, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” If you do not have the Holy Spirit, you are none of His, and you are not a part of God’s family. This does not mean there is no hope, but I state this so you may recognize and question whether or not you are truly part of God’s family. Have you received His Holy Spirit?

We have identified the members of God’s family as those who have faith in Jesus, who take Him at His word and obey, and those who have been baptized into Christ, not only by water but, more importantly, by the Holy Spirit and have put on Christ.

What is the purpose for each person who is a member of God’s family? What is your purpose? First of all, we must recognize any gifts that our Father has given us. We must recognize what gift we have received once we received the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:7 tells us, “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” The Apostle Paul referred to how much grace God had given unto him which was displayed in the many talents and abilities he was able to perform in the name of Christ. Grace is given to everyone; no one is left out.

“When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8. Think about the gifts you have received from the Holy Spirit and whether you are using these gifts to benefit others and the church.

Let us look at some of the gifts given by the Spirit. The Apostle Paul said, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” I Corinthians 12:28.

Do you believe that God still gives gifts to His children? Sadly, we do not see gifts within the church as perhaps we could. Some of the gifts we may avoid or shrink back from when we see them displayed by others, especially within the Christian world, because we understand that the enemy is able to counterfeit these gifts. But we should not allow any people, church, denomination, group, not even angels to discourage us from praying for and desiring the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are important to the church and to recognize or possess any of these gifts is something about which to pray.

Perhaps you have had a talent since your youth. This is still a gift from God, given to you to be used in service for others. If you do not possess any of these gifts, we are told by the apostle to “covet earnestly the best gifts.” I Corinthians 12:31. Have a strong desire for the best gifts, not to hoard up for yourself but to use in service for others. In chapter 14:1 he says, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts.” In Luke 12:32 Jesus said, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” of heaven, and Psalm 84:11 says, “No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” We must believe these things and ask the Father for the gift of His Spirit.

What is the purpose of these gifts? In Ephesians 4:11–13 we read, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

The purpose of the spiritual gifts is to equip the church for ministry and to build up the body until every member is filled with Christ and every member reaches Christian maturity. Sadly, we have not yet reached this standard. How much, then, should we be pleading to the Father to pour out His blessing upon us?

Verses 15 and 16 say, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Building up the body in love, building up the church, the family of God, in love; this is the purpose of these gifts. This is our purpose as members of God’s family. This is precisely what God intends for us. We were born into God’s family to love and to be loved, to come to Christian maturity.

Now that we have considered our purpose, how are we to carry it out by loving and building up one another?

The new commandment that God desires to be engraved on the hearts of each of His children was given by Jesus to His disciples. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. In God’s church today, is this commandment being heeded? Does each church member love one another as Jesus loved us? You may ask the question, and it is a good question and one worthy of reflection, “How did Jesus love us?” We understand that He still loves us today and we need to reflect upon how Jesus did love us. Below is listed just a few of the ways that Jesus has demonstrated His love for us.

  1. He voluntarily left the riches of heaven, becoming a poor man on earth, despised and rejected by the majority. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” II Corinthians 8:9. What are you willing to give up for the family of God?
  2. He suffered hunger and privation, resisting the temptations of the devil while fasting in the wilderness for forty days. In His strength we can now be conquerors over the perverted appetite so common today. “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” Luke 4:1, 2. Jesus refused to indulge Himself when the enemy came with the suggestion that if He be the Son of God, He should turn the stones into bread. He waited on God and put implicit trust in Him for His sustenance, being an example.
  3. He refused the offer of power and riches in exchange for worshiping the prince of this earth. When Satan showed Him the kingdoms of this world saying that all of these things could be His, He refused to bow to anyone but His Father (Matthew 4:8, 9).
  4. He refused to act presumptuously. When the enemy told Him to cast Himself down and the angels of God would be summoned to His help and that God would give His angels charge over Him, He refused to tempt God, because He loved us (Matthew 4:6).
  5. Jesus spent entire nights in prayer with His Father. His mission was to save the sheep that had gone astray and only by being connected with His Father could He fulfill His assignment. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12. Inspiration tells us that He did this quite often because He loves us. How much time do you spend on your knees in prayer for the family of God? We are to love one another as He loved us.
  6. He suffered a cruel death, taking upon His shoulders all the sins of the world and being separated from His Father so that all who believe on Him will not have to suffer the second death. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Hebrews 2:9. That is how much He loved us. How much are you prepared to give?

I appeal to those who are family members, to those who claim themselves to be a part of God’s family. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12, 13. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I John 3:16. Are you a member of God’s family? Are you willing to lay down your life for the brethren? Let us love one another as Jesus loved us and thus fulfill the new commandment.

If you consider the criteria to be part of the family of God and you realize that you are not in possession of the Holy Spirit, do not lose heart. The Good Shepherd is calling you into His fold. He has already paid the price, so just come. There is no real life apart from Christ. If you are breathing, living and moving, there is no life apart from Christ. Without Him you are dead in your trespasses and sins. However, our Lord stands with His arms wide open, ready to receive any and all who come to Him by faith. If you hear the Father calling to you today, inviting you to be a part of His family, to be born again, believe His promise, have faith in Jesus and be baptized in Him.

Jesus said, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27–29. Just come and you will find a home and be safe at last.

Appealing to the people of Judea, “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38. Put your faith completely in Jesus, trust in His promises and be clothed with His righteousness.

Remember, this is the new commandment specifically given to God’s people. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:13–15.

Respond to this invitation now while the offer is still open. Everyone has been given special talents that are needed to complement others in the family of God. Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” He is coming soon; be ready!

Demario Carter is a Bible worker for Steps to Life. 

The True Object of Worship

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I am the Lord thy God. … Thou shalt have no other gods before Me,” or “beside Me” (Exodus 20:2, 3 Revised Version), is the first of the ten commandments. …

Just as the Decalogue is the summary of the Scriptures, the first commandment is the summary of the whole law. In principle it prohibits all kinds of idolatry and everything in the nature of false worship. Jesus gave a summary of man’s whole duty when He said to the tempter who offered Him the dominion of the world for an act of worship, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).

It was idolatry, or false worship, that excluded man from Paradise, and the passport to paradise restored is the worship of and obedience to the only true God. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

Because He is the Creator, the supreme right of the Lord in this world is the recognition of His sovereignty and the reverent obedience of His subjects. The first and greatest of all the obligations of man is to his Creator, in whom “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). In the first commandment, therefore, is the foundation of the whole law, the basis of all the commands that follow.

The Decalogue, like the Lord’s prayer, begins at the place of all beginnings—with God. That is where the Bible begins—“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The New Testament begins at the same place: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Gospel of John is just as truly the beginning of the New Testament as is the book of Matthew.

Evidence of Divinity

The Lord does not leave us without proof of His divinity and supremacy over all other gods. He issues two challenges to false gods, which they are unable to meet. The first and greatest evidence of Deity is the power to create, and Jehovah challenges all other gods to prove their right to be worshiped by exhibiting the power of creation. (See Psalms 95:3, 5, 6; 96:8–10; 86:8–10; Isaiah 45:18–22; Jeremiah 10:10–15.)

It is because Jehovah is the Creator that the sinless inhabitants of heaven worship Him. In vision the revelator saw these creatures “fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:10, 11). There is no other true basis of worship. No created being has a right to worship or receive worship from another creature. Since no creature has creative power, the Creator alone is the true and only God.

The Lord also issues another challenge to false gods as a proof of His divinity and the right to command and receive worship, namely, His ability to see and foretell the future. (See Isaiah 41:21–24; 48:3–6.) Only the members of the Godhead can foresee and forecast future events. All prophecy originates with the Father and is revealed to man by the Son through the agencies of the Holy Spirit, the angels, and the prophets. (See 1 Peter 1:10, 11; 2 Peter 1:19–21; Revelation 1:1.)

The angel Gabriel, the most exalted creature in the heavenly host, refused to receive worship from the prophet John, because he himself was likewise a creature. He told him to “worship God” (Revelation 19:10). Paul and Barnabas indignantly refused worship and divine honors from the people of Lystra because of a miracle they had performed in their midst. “They rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein” (Acts 14:14, 15). In accepting worship, Satan or any of his followers exalt themselves to the place of God.

Polytheism Condemned

The first command is a condemnation of, and a warning against, polytheism, or the worship of many gods. “There be gods many, and lords many” (1 Corinthians 8:5),  said Paul. It has been estimated that the Greeks worshiped thirty thousand gods. The Babylonians “praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone” (Daniel 5:4). The gods of the Egyptians were almost innumerable. The Romans had so many gods that in the city of Rome they built a temple called the Pantheon, or the temple of all the gods. They were so numerous that the priests of the temple could not name or enumerate them all. Modern India is said to have more than 330,000,000 gods, and they are almost as numerous in China. The Israelites had just been delivered from a nation where polytheism and pantheism reigned supreme, and from which the Jews were never completely delivered till after their return from Babylonian captivity. The promised land was filled with nations that were polytheistic in their worship, and whose gods became a snare to the children of Israel. Polytheism is the religion of the vast majority of the inhabitants of the modern world, and the first commandment of the Decalogue is just as applicable and up to date as when given thirty-five hundred years ago. The law of God is universal. It belongs to the whole human race in all ages. Even in countries where idols or graven images are no longer worshiped as such, gods in other forms constitute an idolatry no less displeasing to Jehovah.

Idolatry Defined

The apostle Paul defines idolatry as the exchanging of “the truth of God for a lie” and the worshiping and serving of “the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25, R.V.), or “more than the Creator.” “They had bartered the reality of God for what is unreal and had offered divine honors and religious service to created things, rather than to the Creator,” is the Weymouth translation. In other words idolatry in its broad meaning is false worship of every kind. Any object of adoration and worship that takes the place of God or comes between us and God is an idol.

Creature worship is just as popular and universal now as when paganism reigned supreme. It began at the dawn of human history when man first sinned. Adam set up an idol in his heart when he served and obeyed Satan instead of the Creator by eating of the forbidden fruit. That was the beginning of idolatry and false worship on the earth. Self and Satan took the place of God. Creature worship supplanted Creator worship.

Idolatry in many forms became prevalent among the descendants of Adam and Eve. It was the great sin of the antediluvian world. It was reintroduced after the deluge by the great rebel Nimrod. Babylon became the cradle of the idolatrous and spurious worship that has come down to modern times. The counterfeit religion of Satan is still divinely called “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17:5).

Modern Idolatry

For the vast majority of earth’s inhabitants there has been no change in the forms of pagan idolatry. The same gods without change even in names are being worshiped in heathen and pagan lands. In countries influenced by the gospel the old gods are still present but in different forms and under new names. The only graven images known to many of us are those seen in museums or exhibited by missionaries returned from heathen lands. There is not the least danger of our worshiping images in these forms of gross idolatry, but the devil is cunning and deceptive. He has hidden the identity of the old gods in new and attractive garments, and they are worshiped with as much fervor and devotion as were the gods in days of yore.

The instinct to worship was divinely planted in human nature. It is not even necessary to command worship, for all races of mankind, whether their civilization be high or low, have had deities and forms of worship. Voltaire declared that “if there were no God, it would be necessary to invent Him.” And Theodore Parker truthfully said, “Yet, if he would, man cannot live all to this world. If not religious, he will be superstitious. If he worship not the true God, he will have his idols.” Job recognized the universal instinct to worship and the inherent principle of idolatry in fallen man when he said: “If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; if I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also was an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above” (Job 31:24–28).

In this text gold and wealth in which men trust is reckoned as idolatry, along with the worship of the heavenly bodies. The god of gold is one of the chief gods of modern idolatry. The ancient name of this god was “mammon,” and Jesus declared, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6;24; Luke 16:13). Today the rule of gold is more powerful than the golden rule in the lives of the majority of human beings.

The Lord is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5) who refuses to share worship with any other god. The worship of the true God cannot be mixed with the worship of false gods. An ancient proverb declares that “when the half-gods go, the gods arrive.” When we dismiss all the lesser gods, the great God Himself arrives to claim our allegiance and worship. With Him it is all or none. He accepts no halfhearted service. We must seek and serve Him with all the heart. The promise is, “The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). We are then told that the Jews “sought Him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about” (verse 15). Jesus laid down the same principle when He said, “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:30).

Excerpts from The Ten Commandments, by Taylor G. Bunch, 25–32. (The Review and Herald, 1944.)

Ephesus and Eternity

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“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.’ ” 

Revelation 2:1–5 NKJV

In this message to the Ephesians, God commends them for their good works, for their labor, their patience, their intolerance of evil, for perseverance and labor for Christ’s name. He commends the fact that they have not become weary. That is quite a list, a wonderful litany of praise. Not one negative or evil or wrong is given concerning the things this church is doing. We find no sins of commission; however, it seems there is only one thing missing. To us, this lack may not even be discernable as they seem to be doing all the right things. This is a church that has left its first love. And due to that one ingredient being missing, Jesus says unless they repent, He will remove their lampstand from its place. That signifies a condition of being rejected—bottom line, a loss of eternity.

Do we, in our human point of view think this is a little unreasonable, maybe just a little stern, or too demanding? What a wonderful litany is given of this church’s character, and just because of the loss of one thing they are rejected? Well, let’s consider a few things in relation to this.

The following quote was written in 1856, just 14 short years after the disappointment of the expected return of Jesus. This article gives us a glimpse of God’s view of things. “The glory and majesty of God was made to pass before me. Said the angel, ‘He is terrible in His majesty, yet ye realize it not; terrible in His anger, yet ye offend Him daily. Strive to enter in at the straight gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it’ (Matthew 7:13).” The Review and Herald, January 6, 1863. This is God’s message also in the message to the church of Ephesus.

Let’s think for a moment about who God is. Human words are too feeble, too weak, too inadequate, so we will turn to God’s inspired Word to find descriptions of who God is.

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16, 17).

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3).

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:11–13).

“ ‘There is none like unto Thee, O Jehovah; Thou art great, And Thy name is great in might. Who should not fear Thee, O King of the nations’ (Jeremiah 10:6, 7, A. R. V.)? …

“ ‘Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” “Who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever’ (Acts 15:18; Romans 11:34–36). …

“ ‘He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, And hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up the waters in His thick clouds; And the cloud is not rent under them. … He hath compassed the waters with bounds, Until the day and night come to an end’ (Job 26:7–10).

“ ‘The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke. He stilleth the sea with His power. … By His Spirit the heavens are beauty; His hand hath pierced the gliding serpent. Lo, these are but the outskirts of His ways: And how small a whisper do we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand’ (Job 26:11-14, A. R. V., margin)?

“ ‘The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet’ (Nahum 1:3). …

“ ‘Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts. Of the glorious majesty of Thine honor, And of Thy wondrous works, will I meditate. And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts; And I will declare Thy greatness. They shall utter the memory of Thy great goodness, And shall sing of Thy righteousness.’ …

“As we learn more and more of what God is, and of what we ourselves are in His sight, we shall fear and tremble before Him.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 281–283.

We see here a God of limitless power; a God of indescribable glory; God, the Great and Mighty, full of light brighter than the sun, the One who travels “from star to star.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 69. This is the God who is returning to this earth—not this time as “the meek and lowly one” (The Desire of Ages, 20, 112, 295, 422), but rather as “the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

At this point in time, what would happen to any human being if they were once to catch a glimpse of this God? “The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His Father had a form like Himself. He said He had, but I could not behold it, for said He, ‘If you should once behold the glory of His person, you would cease to exist.’ ” Early Writings, 54. First Timothy 6:16 KJV tells us, “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.”

God does not want us to be destroyed. He loves us with a love stronger than death. What did He do, for a time that we might not be destroyed by His very presence? “God forbears for a time the full execution of the sentence of death pronounced upon man. Satan flattered himself that he had forever broken the link between Heaven and earth. But in this he was greatly mistaken and disappointed. The Father had given over the world into the hands of His Son for Him to redeem from the curse and the disgrace of Adam’s failure and fall. Through Christ alone can man now find access to God. And through Christ alone will the Lord hold communication with man.” The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.

In His great mercy, love, and forbearance, the Father separated Himself from us that His majesty, His power, the brightness of His glory would not destroy us fallen, sinful, degraded human beings. Did He then abandon us? No, No. He now holds communion with man through Christ. Our God is so gracious, so merciful, so long-suffering. In mercy He separated Himself from fallen man, communicating His love, His mercy, His compassion, and the great plan for the restoration of fallen man, through Christ, His One and Only Son. He did this that His “light unapproachable” might not consume us! But He will not always maintain that separation.

“ ‘Hereafter,’ said Jesus, ‘shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven’ (Matthew 26:64). In these words Christ presented the reverse of the scene then taking place [in the judgment hall of Annas the high priest]. He, the Lord of life and glory, would be seated at God’s right hand.” The Desire of Ages, 707, 708. No, that separation will not be maintained forever.

At that time, not only will the Father return, but Christ will no longer veil the glory of the Father that He also bears. He will come in the full glory of the Father, who dwelt in light unapproachable by humanity, so full of glory that no man could behold his face and live (see 1 Timothy 6:16).

We don’t want to be destroyed by His coming. But I wonder sometimes if we really want to be changed to reflect His image, or if by our actions, if not by our very words, we rather express the unspoken desire that God Himself change and thereby accept us in our fallen state, or at least in some degree excuse or lesson the obligations just a little.

Let’s think that through for a moment. Do you want this God to change to meet us where we are? Just think what that would mean! Consider the earlier statements about who and what God is! He not only created ALL things, but He upholds ALL things through His power.

We all claim that we want a change from this world of pain, misery, sorrow and death. We all claim to desire heaven. Friends, the only option is for us to change—completely. There is no other option. If we didn’t change—completely, wholly, entirely, we would replicate this earth in heaven! This is why in Revelation 2, a message of rebuke is presented to the church of Ephesus. We must attain to the perfection of God if we want to meet Him at the second coming, if we want to “see His face” (Revelation 22:4) without being destroyed.

And the bottom line in this change, the motive power for this change, and all the things we think, say and do, must be love. Good works, perseverance, labor, intolerance of evil—all these things must be motivated or undergirded, must spring from the great underlying principle of all heaven, the very character of God—love. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). [Emphasis supplied.] Therefore, no matter what we do, think, say, are, if it is not undergirded by the very essence of God—love, it will not stand in the day of final account, and our lampstand will be removed.

This is the burden of my heart and thought—who God is, who we are, who and what we must become if we are to “see His face” and live.

My friends, let us “reason together” (Isaiah 1:18) as God invited us to do. Let us see the beauty, the wisdom, the love, the yearning, the tenderness, and the absolute justice of His will and way. Let us return unto our Lord with the motive of pure, unadulterated love so that we may “abide the day of His coming” and be able to “stand when He appeareth” (Malachi 3:2 KJV).

All Bible quotes NASB unless otherwise noted.

Brenda Douay is a staff member at Steps to Life. She may be contacted by email at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

Our God is a Consuming Fire

by

The Lord is coming. He is coming with power and great glory. And “our God is a consuming fire” [Hebrews 12:29]. Of the times and seasons, you have no need that I should speak; for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape [1 Thessalonians 5:2,3]. And though it is true that of the times and seasons you need not that I should speak, there is that connected with His coming, of which it is altogether essential to speak, and to think upon, all the time; and that is, the effect of His coming; for He comes “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And all these will be “punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” II Thessalonians 1:8, 9.

Yet again it is written: “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. … And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity.” Isaiah 13:9, 11. And “who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth?” Malachi 3:2. …

When He comes, he is no more of a respecter of persons than before He comes. “There is no respect of persons with God” (Acts 10:34). Just as certainly … we shall see Him as He is, so certainly will we all—each one of us—be dealt with as we are. There is no change of character, there is no room for change in us in that day. …

It is not upon men themselves that God’s wrath is visited; but upon the sins of men, and upon men only as they are identified with their sins. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven,” not against all ungodly men, not against all unrighteous men, but “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” Romans 1:18. And only as the man clings to his ungodliness, only as he holds down the truth in unrighteousness, shall it be that the wrath of God will be revealed from heaven against him: and even then not against him primarily, but against the sin to which he clings, and will not leave. And as he has thus made his choice, clinging fast to his choice, he must take the consequences of his choice, when his choice shall have reached its ultimate. So it is written, and I read it again, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth [who hold down, who press back the truth] in unrighteousness.”

“Then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: even Him, whose coming is a after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” [II Thessalonians 2:8–12]. “Believed not the truth.” They knew of it; it was presented to them; their hearts told them, the Spirit of God told them, that it was the truth; their own consciences approved of it all: but they would not believe the truth; they “had pleasure in unrighteousness,” and held down, and pressed back, the truth in unrighteousness; and “for this cause” it is that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, and strikes them.

Yet, as already stated, the wrath of God is not primarily against them, but against the thing which they love; against the thing which they cling to, and will not be separated from. And at last, in that great day when the judgment is set, and on the right and on the left are all the people who have ever lived, those on the left will depart “into everlasting fire, prepared”— not for them, but “for the devil and his angels” [Matthew 25:41]. The Lord has done His utmost that they might never see it. He gave His Son to save them, that they might never know it. It was not prepared for them. He does not desire that they should be lost; but they have to go there because they are the company which they have chosen; that is the place with which they have connected themselves, and from which they would not be separated. Therefore, He says, “depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Not prepared for you. God in that day—the Lord Jesus Christ in that hour—when that word shall be spoken, will be just as sorrowful as He was in the hour of the cross. He will be just as sorry that these have to go into that place, which was not prepared for them, as He was in the hour of the cross. It is not His pleasure that any should be there. They are there because of that sin to which they have inseparably joined themselves. And that being their irrevocable choice, they simply have the opportunity now of receiving indeed, and to the full, that which they have chosen. … God has done all that He could do, but they would not have it. …

“Taking vengeance on them that know not God” [II Thessalonians 1:8]. They had an opportunity to know God. Multitudes professed that they did know God, but in their works they denied Him. They had the form of godliness—the profession—but they denied the power thereof. … “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts … reprobate concerning the faith” (11 Timothy 3:1–6, 8). And destruction comes to them, not because they had no chance, but because they despised all the chances they had: not because they had no opportunity to know God, but because they rejected every opportunity that God ever gave them to find Him out, and know Him when He revealed himself.

God is altogether clear; for Jesus said: “If any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him.” John 12:47, 48. …

“If any man hear My words”—that word is the word of God. It is the word of life of God, … eternal is the life of God. … “ If any man hear My words, and believe not;” and “he that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words,” … and when he rejects the word, he rejects eternal life. … It is his own choice to reject eternal life; and in rejecting that, he chooses death. … God did all that He could: He set eternal life before him; He surrounded him with every possible inducement. … He rejected the word, and in rejecting the word of eternal life, he rejected eternal life; and in that he chose eternal death. And when he receives eternal death, it is only what he chose. He himself is the only one who counted himself worthy of it.

When Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, and the Jews contradicted and blasphemed against those things which were spoken by Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles, these men of God waxed bold, and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46. … It was not said, We judge you unworthy of eternal life. No; you “judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.” Every man who meets destruction passes upon himself the judgment of that destruction.

All the Scripture is founded upon this thought—that it is not against the person—but against the thing to which the person has fastened himself, that the wrath of God comes. Then as the Lord executes vengeance primarily only against sin, as His wrath is only against ungodliness and unrighteousness, and He has done everything He could to get the people to separate from sin, then in that burning day when He comes, and reveals Himself to the world, and the world sees Him as He is, it will still be only sin against which He will execute vengeance.

What more could God do than He did do to take away sin? He gave his only begotten Son; Christ gave himself, that whosoever would believe on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He pledges Himself to every soul who will believe, that he shall not perish. … To every soul in this world, wicked as he may be, God’s message is that He has made the provision, He has established the thing, and so firmly fixed it that just as certainly as a soul believes in Jesus Christ, that soul “shall not perish.” …

Destruction of sin is the only way of salvation. His name shall be called “Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins” [Matthew 1:21]. So when I accept his offer, as certainly as I believe in Jesus I shall not perish. And in that, I accept the provision that I will let sin go. I agree that I am willing to be separated from the sin, and that I will separate from sin. Listen: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed.” Then the object of the cross of Christ is the destruction of sin. Never miss that thought. Hold fast to it forever: the cross of Jesus Christ—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the object of it—is the destruction of sin. Thank the Lord, that object will be accomplished. Now let us read the whole verse: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6. Not only is there destruction of sin, but freedom from the service of sin. “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” Verse 14. …

“For he that is dead is freed from sin” [verse 7]. He who is crucified, he who has accepted the death of Jesus Christ, and is crucified with Him, he it is that is freed from sin.

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” [verse 8]. … As certainly as we live with Him, we live with Him free from sin.

“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him” [verse 9]. … It had the dominion, because He gave Himself up in surrender to the dominion of death; but death could not hold Him, because He was separated from sin. Neither can death hold anybody else; even though it has dominion, it can not hold the man who is free from sin.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you” [verses 11–14].

There the apostle says that sin shall not have dominion over you. Let not sin therefore reign in your flesh, in your members. … “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” The next verse reads: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” [verses 16–18].

The cross of Christ gives not only freedom from sin, but makes men servants of righteousness. The next verse tells us that the service of righteousness is “unto holiness” [verse 19]; the end of holiness is everlasting life; and without holiness “no man shall see the Lord” [Hebrews 12:14].

Then it is perfectly plain, as plain as ABC, that the only true preparation for the coming of the Lord is separation from sin. It makes no difference how much we talk about the coming of the Lord; nor how much we preach the signs of the times; nor how much we prepare for it otherwise, though we sell all we have, and give to the poor—if we are not separating from sin, making it our constant consideration to be absolutely separated from sin, and to be servants of righteousness unto holiness, we are not making preparation for the coming of the Lord at all: our profession is all a fraud. We may not be working it as a fraud; but we are inflicting upon ourselves a fraud. It may be that we are deceiving ourselves by it; but that makes no difference: if our constant consideration is not entire separation from sin, our profession is a fraud.

The profession of being a Seventh-day Adventist, looking for the coming of the Lord, telling people that the coming of the Lord is near, watching the signs of the times—all this is right, absolutely and forever right. But, though I have all this, and have not that one thing—the sole ambition to be completely separated from sin, and from the service of sin—my profession of the Adventist faith is a fraud; for if I am not separated from sin, I cannot meet the Lord at all in peace. Therefore if my sole ambition is not separation from sin, and from the service of it, I am not preparing at all to meet the Lord. …

Are you preparing to meet the Lord, whom, without holiness, no man shall see? … Are you ready to meet the Lord? Of the times and seasons, you have no need that I speak to you. … Are you separated from sin? And being separated from sin, are you ready to meet the Lord? Our God is a consuming fire. …

Do you not remember that the Word not only says that we shall see Him, but see Him as He is? … John saw Him as He is—saw Him as we shall see Him … “His eyes were as a flame of fire.” “His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and “His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength” [Revelation 1:14–16]. His raiment was “white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them,” “as white as the light” [Mark 9:3; Matthew 17:21]—the whiteness of piercing, consuming brightness. And that is He as He is when He comes; and without holiness no man shall see Him. Without separation from sin, no man shall stand. …

Look at yourself and your record, and I will look at myself and my record. We will look at the evil traits that are in us, at the struggles we have made, and the longing we have had to overcome these besetments, and to separate ourselves from all the evil, that we might indeed be ready. Where is there time to get ourselves ready? In the short time that intervenes between now and that day—is there time? and if so, when shall be that time when you and I shall have that thing so accomplished, shall have so separated ourselves from sin that we shall be ready to meet Him in flaming fire? The answer is, Never. That time will never, never come.

What, then, shall we do? Do not misunderstand. I did not say that the time will never come when we could be separated from sin. I said, Look at yourself, and I will look at myself, and we will see what we are, how full of evil traits, and what little progress we have made in this work of overcoming, and ask the question, When will the time ever come when you and I shall have so separated ourselves from sin that we can meet Him in flaming fire? It is that time which I say will never, never come.

But, bless the Lord! there is time to be separated from sin. No time will ever come when we can do this work ourselves; but the time is now, JUST NOW, to be separated from sin. The time to be separated from sin is right now, and that now is all the time; for “now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation” [II Corinthians 6:2]. Only God can separate us from sin; He will do it, and He will do it just now. Bless His name!

Yet, what every one must understand is this: the only way that God does, or can, separate anybody from sin is by that very consuming fire of His presence. The only way, therefore, in which you and I can ever be so separated from sin as to meet God as He is, in the flaming fire that He is, in that great day, is to meet Him TODAY as He is, in the consuming fire that He is. … “I will not leave you comfortless: I will COME TO YOU.” John 14:18. But do not forget that whether He comes to you or to me now, or whether He comes to other people in that great day, He comes only as a consuming fire.

Listen: “If any man hear My voice, and open the door,”—what does He say?—“I will come in to him” [Revelation 3:20]. … And “He is a consuming fire” and when He comes in to you, that coming will consume all the sin in you, so that when He comes in the clouds of heaven in flaming fire, you can meet Him in joy in the consuming fire that He is.

Then do you hear His voice? “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I WILL COME INTO HIM.” Ibid. Do you hear His voice? Then swing open wide the door, and keep it everlastingly open. Bid Him welcome, in the consuming fire that He is: and that flaming fire of his presence will consume sin in all your being, and so will thoroughly cleanse and prepare you to meet Him in flaming fire in that great day.

When I meet Him today “in a flaming fire, “when I welcome Him today “a consuming fire” in me, shall I be afraid to meet Him in flaming fire in that day—No; I shall be accustomed to it; and knowing what a blessed thing it is to become familiar with meeting Him as “a consuming fire,” knowing what a blessing that has brought to me today, I shall be delighted to meet Him on that other day, when He shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire. “Our God is a consuming fire.” Bless the Lord!

“Who may abide the day of His coming? Who shall stand when he appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s FIRE” [Malachi 3:21]. Good. Then when I meet Him now, in the consuming fire that He is, I meet Him in a fire that is refining, that purifies. “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” [verse 3]. That is separation from sin; that is purification from sin. And that sets us where we offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness: we become the servants of righteousness unto holiness, that we may meet the Lord. So, then, bless the Lord that He is a consuming fire—that He is as a refiner’s fire.

Look again at that expression in Revelation: “His eyes were as a flame of fire.” In that day His eyes will rest upon each one of us, and He will look clear through us. … What will that look do for everyone who is wrapped up, body and soul, in sin?—It will consume the sin and the sinner with it; because he would not be separated from the sin. And today, just now, those eyes are the same that they will be in that day. Today His eyes are as a flame of fire; and “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” [Hebrews 4:13]. … As all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do, whether we will have to do with Him or not, why not accept the fact, choose to have it so, and on our part open up everything to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do? … Those eyes of living flame will look clear through us, and will consume away all the sin, and all the dross; and will refine us so that He shall see in us the image of Himself.

It is written that we are to serve the Lord “as of sincerity.” Sincere is genuine; it is true; it is as strained honey. Originally, it is honey strained, and strained again, over and over, until, holding up the honey to the light, it is found to be sine-cera—“without wax,” no trace of cera to be seen floating in it. That is what He says you and I are to be as certainly as we are Christians. God cleanses us in the blood of Christ, and holds us up in the light of the Lord, and the world can see only the light. And so, “ye are the light of the world” [Mathew 5:14]. Here, again, is the word of the Lord: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm 139:23, 24. That is the word given to us for today and for all time. Another word goes right along with it: “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising … and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.” Another translation has it: “Thou has compassed me all around; and holdest Thine hand over me.” Verses 1–5. That is a fact. He has compassed us all around, and His hand is over us. Whether we accept it or not, is another matter; but that is the fact with every man in all this wide world. That is how it is that all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Then when it is a fact that He has searched us, and known us, and does search out and know us all the time, why not accept it as a fact, and have the benefit of it? Why not present to Him the word, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts”? What for?— “And see if there be any wicked way in me.” O that sets me before His face; for His glorious eyes of light to look upon me, and to shine through me, as the fire, searching out if there be any wicked way in me! And having searched it out, and being a consuming fire, He consumes it all away, and leads me in the way everlasting. …

Therefore … let it never escape from your thought that “our God is a consuming fire;” and that the sure way to escape from that consuming fire in that great day when there will be no chance to change, and no time to choose, is to choose today the blessed change that is wrought, by welcoming freely, gladly, into the life, our God, who is a consuming fire.

I remember the word that was spoken to Moses. As Moses had come nearer and nearer to God, he said at last: “I beseech thee, show me Thy glory” [Exodus 33:18]. That is exactly what appears in the coming great day that is at hand: He comes “in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” [Matthew 24:30]. His glory covers the heavens in that day, and the earth is filled with His praise. In that day He is “wrapped in a blaze of boundless glory,” “and every eye shall see Him” [Revelation 1:7]. But who shall endure it? … Only those who have prayed, and now pray, that Christian prayer, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.”

When Moses prayed that blessed Christian prayer, the Lord said: “There is a place by Me, … and I will put thee in a cleft of the rock,” “and I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” “And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by,” I “will cover thee with My hand. And I will take away My hand,” and you shall see Me. Exodus 33:21-23. So, though every man should dread the terror of the consuming glory of the Lord in that great day, there is today a place by Him. … Come, and stand in this place by Him, in the very presence of the flaming glory. Do not be afraid. Moses was not able to bear the fulness of that consuming glory that day; but the Lord, in his love, covered him with His hand, and protected him from the effects of that glory, which he was unable to bear.

The great trouble in that great day is that the people are not able to bear the glory. The kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, the chief men and the captains, and every bondman, and every freeman flee to the rocks and mountains to hide themselves, and say to the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand” [Revelation 6:16, 17]? The blazing glory of God will shine upon the earth, and these people cannot bear it.

But today do not be afraid. He says: “There is a place by Me” there is a place “in a cleft of the rock” … and I “will cover thee with My hand,” so that you can bear the blaze, and the purifying power, of My glory. And that consuming fire of My presence shall consume away all the sin. I “will cover thee with My hand,”—I will protect you even from that weakness which, in you, makes you unable to bear the fullness of My glory. And when He takes away His hand in that great day, those who have dwelt by His side, and been purified by living in this consuming fire until they are made white and tried, can look upon His unveiled face. In the full brightness of His glory, we shall look upon Him, and see Him as He is.

And that is where we are now, to look. With open face we can look, even now, into His face. For, in the flesh of Jesus Christ, God has veiled the annihilating power of the glory of His face; for, having shined into our hearts, He gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In looking into the face of Jesus Christ, we see the face of God, and “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory, to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Then let every soul welcome the glorious message that God sends to the world, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” [John 20:22]; welcome that blessed Spirit that works this change by which we are changed from glory to glory, and made ready to meet Him in that great day of glory; and welcome not only the Holy Spirit, but covet earnestly the best gifts, which the Holy Spirit brings when He comes. Desire spiritual gifts; for these are to bring us to perfection in Christ Jesus. Only in this way shall we be made perfect in Christ Jesus; and in Christ be made ready to meet Him as He is.

God is a consuming fire; and I am glad of it. Our God is coming; and I am glad of it. He is coming in flaming fire; and I am glad of it. He is coming in all His glory; and I am glad of it. I am sorry that there will be anybody upon whom He will have to take vengeance; but I am glad that the day is coming when all sin will be swept away by our God, who is a consuming fire. …

Are you ready to meet Him in that day? If not, He says to you today, “There is a place by Me.” Come today, and stand in this place by Me. I will reveal to you all My glory; “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” And where there is any defect in you that cannot just now bear the deeply consuming fire of this glory, I “will cover thee with My hand” until it is all over: so that I may separate you from all sin, and save you in that day of glory.

O, then, welcome Him who is a consuming fire! Dwell in His presence. Open up the life. Recognize the fact that He is a consuming fire—that He is never anything else. Then rejoice in that today. Dwell in that consuming fire today. And when that great day breaks upon the earth, in all His glory, we shall also rejoice in that day. Then we shall stand and say, “Lo, this is our God.” But what! with the mountains hurling through the air; every island fleeing out of its place; the earth coming up from beneath; the heavens departing as a scroll, with a noise that is more than deafening; and flaming fire all around, His face as the sun, His eyes as a flame of fire—in all this shall we rejoice?—Yes, bless the Lord! We shall rejoice, because “this is our God.” We have seen Him before; we have lived with Him; we have welcomed His consuming presence; we have welcomed the living flame of which His eyes are as a flaming fire, that they should pierce us through, and search out any wicked way in us. We know what blessing and joy were brought into our lives when His consuming glory purified us from sin and from sinning, and made us the servants of righteousness unto holiness. And knowing what blessedness that was, we exclaim, in the fullness of perfect joy, “Lo, this is our God” indeed. We see Him now, more fully than before. That means more blessing still. “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9.

Sermon preached at the Battle Creek Tabernacle, October 22, 1898, and found in The Review and Herald, January 24 and 31, 1899.