Salvation Archives - Page 5 of 25

Your Name Will Not Save You

March 2, 2020 by John J. Grosboll

Are you concerned about your personal salvation? Where will your personal destiny be? Jesus said that if we deny Him before men then He will deny us in heaven; but if we confess Him before men then He will confess us in heaven. (See Matthew 10.) Sometimes this confession has a big price but, salvation is either worth everything or it is not worth anything.

Standing Firm

“Even life itself should not be purchased with the price of falsehood. By a word or a nod the martyrs might have denied the truth and saved their lives. By consenting to cast a single grain of incense upon the idol altar they might have been saved from the rack, the scaffold, or the cross. But they refused to be false in word or deed, though life was the boon they would receive by so doing. Imprisonment, torture, and death, with a clear conscience, were welcomed by them, rather than deliverance on condition of deception, falsehood, and apostasy. By fidelity and faith in Christ they earned spotless robes and jeweled crowns. Their lives were ennobled and elevated in the sight of God because they stood firmly for the truth under the most aggravated circumstances.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 336.

While we are never to deny the truth, we must not put our trust in anything external such as profession of faith or being a professed Christian. We will let the Prophet speak for us. The following statements bear this out. (Emphasis is supplied)

“We are not saved as a sect; no denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved individually as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And ‘by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.’ We may have our names recorded on the books of the most spiritual of the churches, and yet we may not belong to Christ, and our names may not be written on the Lamb’s Book of Life. Christ said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.’ If we could reach heaven through our own merits and efforts, then Christ need not have come to the world, to endure suffering, reproach, and shame, to be subjected to humiliation, mockery, insult, and death. He made an infinite sacrifice, because it was the only way whereby man could be saved. Those who believe in Christ will reveal it in their life and character. By beholding Christ they will be changed into His image, and Christ will be represented to the world by His followers. If we are branches of the True Vine, precious clusters of rich fruit will appear in the life as the natural result. Practical faith in Christ will result in the doing of His words; the believer in Jesus will work the works of God. ‘We are laborers together with God.’ ‘Without Me,’ says Christ, ‘ye can do nothing.’ In and through the grace of Christ we can do all things.” Review and Herald, February 10, 1891.

Profession Does Not Save

The question in the judgment will not be primarily the name, because in this world many of God’s followers have been stigmatized as children of the devil. The question will not be the name, but the fruit of the life.

“’And now also,’ said the prophet, ‘the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.’ Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God’s law, they were not His people.” Desire of Ages, 107.

“It is not profession, pharisaism, that God values, but moral worth. A Christian character unspotted by avarice, and possessing the grace of humility, is more precious in the sight of God than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir. Lazarus, though in so mean a condition, possessed true worth, and God regarded him of such value that He lifted him from his despised and suffering condition to exaltation and honor, while the wealthy, ease-loving man, who was devoid of the grace of Christ, was plunged into misery and woe unutterable. All the wealth of the rich man was unable to draw upon him the favor of God; for his character was worthless. And so Christ desires His followers to estimate character. They are not, like the Pharisees, to value men by their worldly possessions; for a man may possess both riches and worldly honor, and yet be worthless in the sight of God. The poor man, despised by his fellows, and loathsome to the sight, was of value with God because he possessed moral soundness; and these elements fitted him for the society of the holy angels, to be an heir of God and joint heir with Christ.” Review and Herald, December 19, 1899.

“Those who follow in the light need have no anxiety lest that in the outpouring of the latter rain they will not be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If we would receive the light of the glorious angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, let us see to it that our hearts are cleansed, emptied of self, and turned toward heaven, that they may be ready for the latter rain. Let us be obtaining a fitting up to join in the proclamation of the angel who shall lighten the earth with his glory. Let us be co-laborers with Christ. Now is the time for us to let self die, to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts, to deny the cravings of appetite and passion. The minds of many are channels for impure thoughts. They do not have a realizing sense of the offensive character of sin. I call upon you to clear the King’s highway. Weighty responsibilities are resting upon you; for you are to represent the character of your Lord to the world. Faith without works is dead. There must be corresponding works, or the faith is worthless, a mere pretension, an empty profession. You are to manifest your faith by a life of integrity, making it evident that Christ is abiding in the heart, and that you are able to show forth what is the hope of His calling.” Signs of the Times, August 1, 1892.

“Your profession of Christianity is true if you follow Christ; worthless if you do not follow Him.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16,49.

The Name that Will Save

“The name of Jesus is all powerful. It is accepted of the Father, always. No other name will He honor. It is through faith in His name that we are saved. We are complete in Him. Jesus will not sanction sectarianism or a legal religion, which is so prevalent even among those who claim to believe present truth. Christ and His righteousness is our only hope. Christ is our only hope, and He is everything to us. Self must die. Jesus must be to us all and in all. Let self be put out of sight. Let Jesus abide in our hearts by faith, and we will be strong in His strength.” 1888 Materials, 453.

Sectarianism is the idea that a person must belong to a certain religious organization or sect to be saved. It is forbidden and not allowed by Christ. (See Mark 9:38-41.)

“Only through faith in Christ’s name can the sinner be saved….Faith in Christ is not the work of nature, but the work of God on human minds, wrought in the very soul by the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ, as Christ revealed the Father. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. With its justifying, sanctifying power, it is above what men call science. It is the science of eternal realities. Human science is often deceptive and misleading, but this heavenly science never misleads. It is so simple that a child may understand it, and yet the most learned men cannot explain it. It is unexplainable and immeasurable, beyond all human expression.” In His Presence, 51.

“Families must be divided, in order that all who call upon the name of the Lord may be saved. All who refuse His infinite love, will find Christianity a sword, a disturber of their peace. The light of Christ will cut away the darkness that covers their evil doings; and their corruption, their fraud, their cruelty will be exposed. Christianity unmasks the hypocrisies of Satan, and it is this unmasking of his designs that stirs his bitter hatred against Christ and His followers.” Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, March 26, 1894; Review and Herald, July 24, 1894.

“The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be understood whether those who profess to be converted are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventist, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord’s side, to come out of the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing. When they give evidence that they fully understand their position, they are to be accepted. But when they show that they are following the customs and fashions and sentiments of the world, they are to be faithfully dealt with. If they feel no burden to change their course of action, they should not be accepted as members of the church. The Lord wants those who compose His church to be true, faithful stewards of the grace of Christ.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 329.

Our Banner, Which We are Not to Cast Down

“God has placed in our hands a banner on which is inscribed the words ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,’ he declares. At all times and in all places we are to hold the banner firmly aloft. God’s denominated people are to take a firm stand under the banner of truth.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 246.

“As the fourth commandment and those who observe it are ignored and despised, the faithful feel that it is the time not to hide their faith but to exalt the law of Jehovah by unfurling the banner on which is inscribed the message of the Third Angel, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Maranatha, 239.

“Our work now is to enlighten the world, in the place of bearing a peace-and-safety message. A banner has been placed in our hands, upon which is inscribed, ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ This is a distinct, separating message—a message that is to give no uncertain sound. It is to lead the people away from the broken cisterns that contain no water, to the fountain of living waters.” Letter 60, 1898. Counsels to Writers and Editors, 102, 103.

“Stand firmly for God’s truth. Exalt before the people the banner bearing the inscription, ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’ (Rev. 14:12)” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 226.

“This distinctive banner, described in the words, ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,’ is to be borne through the world to the close of probation.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 144.

“Let the world go into spiritualism, into theosophy, into pantheism, if they choose. We are to have nothing to do with this deceptive branch of Satan’s work. The pleasing sentiments of pantheism will lead many souls into forbidden paths. God forbids His servants to leave their fields of labor to enter into a discussion of these sentiments. The last testimony published, opens to our people the danger of these theories, and the testimonies published in the future will urge still more strongly the necessity of lifting up and carrying high the banner on which are inscribed the words, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ God’s people are to let no one take this banner from their hands. I am instructed that false theories will be presented, and that some in the medical missionary work, who have been wavering, will yield up the faith, and give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” Special Testimonies, Series B.

Magnify the Law

“The Third Angel’s Message, embracing the messages of the First and Second Angels, is the message for this time. We are to raise aloft the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over His broken law. This is not the time to put out of sight the great issues before us. God calls upon His people to magnify the law and make it honorable.” Counsels on Health, 357.

“The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, [also] the First and Second Angels’ Messages and the Third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God’s law. The non-immortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30, 31.

“I call upon my brethren who are appointed to educate, to change their course of action. It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them. Those who stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any line, have no battles to fight in the political world. Their citizenship is in heaven. The Lord calls upon them to stand as separate and peculiar people. He would have no schisms in the body of believers. His people are to possess the elements of reconciliation. Is it their work to make enemies in the political world? No, no. They are to stand as subjects of Christ’s kingdom, bearing the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ They are to carry the burden of a special work, a special message. We have a personal responsibility, and this is to be revealed before the heavenly universe, before angels, and before men. God does not call upon us to enlarge our influence by mingling with society, by linking up with men on political questions, but by standing as individual parts of His great whole, with Christ as our head. Christ is our Prince, and as His subjects we are to do the work appointed us by God.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 478, 479.

“Pretenders will arise with theories that have no foundation in the word of God. We are to hold aloft the banner bearing the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ We are to hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. Let no one attempt to dilute truth with a mixture of sophistry. Let no one attempt to tear down the foundation of our faith, or to spoil the pattern by bringing into the web threads of human devising. Not one thread of pantheism is to be drawn into the web. Sensuality, ruinous to soul and body, is always the result of drawing these threads into the web.” Letter 249, 1903. Medical Ministry, 97, 98.

Bear God’s Sign Before the World

“Every medical institution established by Seventh-day Adventists is to bear God’s sign before the world prominently, without disguising the facts in any way. We are to voice the message of the Third Angel flying in the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel to proclaim to the world. We are to bear aloft the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’” Medical Ministry, 164.

“In the name of God lift your banner for truth and righteousness—‘the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’” My Life Today, 315.

“In the name of the Lord we are to go forward, unfurling His banner, advocating His word. When the authorities command us not to do this work, when they forbid us to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then it will be necessary for us to say as did the apostles: ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ Acts 4:19, 20.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 395.

“Christ is our example. The determination of antichrist to carry out the rebellion he began in heaven will continue to work in the children of disobedience. Their envy and hatred against those who obey the fourth commandment will wax more and more bitter. But the people of God are not to hide their banner. They are not to ignore the commandments of God and, in order to have an easy time, go with the multitude to do evil.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 230.

“We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ This is the great issue. Let it not be put out of sight. We must strive to arouse church members and those who make no profession, to see and obey the claims of the law of heaven. We are to magnify this law and make it honorable. We are to arouse those who are sunk in spiritual slumber.” Letter 138, December 12, 1910. This Day with God, 355.

“I am sure Satan with his hellish agencies, is striving his best to dishearten and discourage; but we must not be discouraged, neither must we fail. We must suffer loss and be spoken against; and have false witness borne against us, and take it patiently for Christ’s sake. One thing is sure, God is true. We may lean heavily upon Him, and we shall not become confused amid the babble of voices. We must put the armor on, and keep it on. Then what? Fight manfully the battles of the Lord, and having done all, stand ready for another conflict. We must keep in harmony, taking the whole armor of God. We must have increased faith and move forward, carrying this banner of truth—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We must not think that we are the generals, but that we are under the mighty General of armies. Oh, let us pray as never before. Let us believe with heart and soul the words of John, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.’ It is a poor time, when in the fierce conflict, to show one particle of cowardice. We have a General who never lost a battle. Have faith in God and we shall gain the victory.” Bible Training School, March 1, 1909.

“This is the work now to be done on earth. Those who are living in transgression of the holy law of God will not find the truth palatable. When it is made plain that Sunday is a spurious Sabbath, founded in the power of the man of sin, they will say in language too plain to be misunderstood, ‘We want not a knowledge of thy ways, O Lord.’ Others will say as did Pharaoh, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?’ But in the face of all opposition we must hold aloft the banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It takes both of these to make up the burden of the message to be given to the world.” Review and Herald, February 7, 1893.

“Those who make light of the Third Angel’s Message do so because they know little of Daniel or the Revelation. They have not read these prophecies with a determination to find out the meaning by prayer, by study, and by fasting. If they had the experience of Daniel or of John, they would know that the Third Angel’s Message will go forth unto perfect victory. Those who proclaim that message because they see and believe it, will understand that very much is comprehended by it. The Third Angel is represented as flying through the heavens with a banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ All who will gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their defections, and loyalty from their treason, will triumph with the Third Angel’s Message.” Review and Herald, June 8, 1897.

A Chosen Generation

“’Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.’ The time when God is especially dishonored by those who make void His law is the time when every loyal subject should unfurl the banner inscribed ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ Signs of the Times, June 12, 1893.

“But though the attitude of the churches is discouraging, yet there is no need of being disheartened; for God has a people who will preserve their fidelity to His truth, who will make the Bible, and the Bible alone, their rule of faith and doctrine; who will elevate the standard, and hold aloft the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ They will value a pure gospel, and make the Bible the foundation of their faith and doctrine.” Signs of the Times, February 19, 1894.

“Pray on, church of God, pray on; for the General of the heavenly army, with angels that excel in strength, is with His people on the field of battle. In the hour of peril, be steadfast. The adversary of souls is determined to oppose all who plant their feet on the platform of eternal truth, who would uplift the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ They are the objects of Satan’s deadly hatred. But rest assured that Christ fights with His army. He Himself leads His followers, and He will renew the strength of every faithful soldier.” Signs of the Times, September 15, 1898.

“Who will now understand these things that I write? There are men who have known the truth, who have feasted upon the truth, who are now divided between infidel sentiments. There is only a step between them and the precipice of eternal ruin. The Lord is coming; but those who venture to resist the light that God gave in rich measure at Minneapolis, who have not humbled their hearts before God, will follow on in the path of resistance, saying, ‘Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?’ The banner all will bear who voice the message of the Third Angel, is being covered with another color that virtually kills it. This is being done. Will our people now hold fast to the truth? ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ This is our standard. Hold it aloft; for it is truth.” Special Testimony, Series A, 26.

Banner to be Borne until the Close of Probation

“A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinctive people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed it was not the best policy in securing success to our institutions. This distinctive banner is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. In describing the remnant people of God, John says, ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ [Revelation 14:12.] This is the law and the gospel. The world and the churches are uniting in harmony in transgressing the law of God, in tearing away God’s memorial, and in exalting a sabbath that bears the signature of the man of sin. But the Sabbath of the Lord thy God is to be a sign to show the difference between the obedient and the disobedient. I saw some reaching out their hands to remove the banner, and to obscure its significance.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 69.

“While we inscribe on our banner the words, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,’ we must not forget to cleanse the heart, that it may be a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. By your words and your works, show that you love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself. The members of Christ’s flock are the objects of His constant favor. In holy love to their Saviour and to one another, they are to be hid with Christ in God. Discord and strife testify that the union with Christ is imperfect. God desires us to be bound heart to heart by His Spirit. He will save those who are imbued with His grace, for in dealing with one another they reveal His love and tenderness. They deal generously with one another.” Ibid., 223.

“Your voice is working against the success and triumph of the truth in these last days. Our God has a message for His people represented by an angel flying through heaven proclaiming the last message to a fallen world. What is the angel proclaiming? The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This represents that God’s messengers are to hold this banner high, and with no feeble voice proclaim to a perishing world the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 432.

“To every soul will come the searching test, Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Satan is putting forth his utmost efforts in the rage of a last despairing struggle against Christ and His followers. False teachers are employing every device possible to stimulate the hardened sinner in his rebellious daring, to confirm the questioning, the doubting, the unbelieving, and, by misrepresentation and falsehood, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. Who are prepared to stand firmly under the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus’? Signs of the Times, November 8, 1899.

“At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,’ was gloriously triumphant. Testimonies, vol. 8, 41.

What Must I do to be Saved?

February 28, 2020 by Ralph Larson

Love Tries to Make the Loved One Happy

Why does a man use his money to support a wife and family when he could live much better if he kept all of his money for himself? Why does a woman work so hard to cook and keep a house for a family when it would be so much easier to live alone and just cook and clean for herself?

“That is love,” we say. Love wants to make the loved one happy. Those questions are easy to answer. But the next question may not be so easy.

Why do fathers and mothers make rules for their children and families to follow? Fathers and mothers will quickly answer, “Because we love them and we want them to be happy. The rules are to keep everyone happy.”

Sometimes children do not see it that way. They think they would be happier if there were no rules. But usually when they become fathers and mothers, they do the same thing—they make rules. Somewhere along the way, they seem to learn that love does make rules, rules that call upon all of the members of the family to be nice to each other so everyone can be happy.

So how about God? If God is love, and love makes rules for happiness, should we not expect God to make rules? Yes we should. And when we look closely at God’s rules, it is easy to see that their purpose is to make us happy. They are God’s happiness rules, given to us because God is love.

What Must I do to be Saved?

This is a question that a certain young man asked Jesus. (See Matthew 19:16.) Of all the questions that we might talk about tonight, surely this is the most important. Eternal life! Think of it! A thousand years—ten thousand, a hundred thousand years—endless life! If I could offer you a medicine that would make you live forever, what would you pay for it? Would you sell your car, your house, and your lands to buy it? Of course you would. Eternal life, what a glorious thought!

I once listened to an old man preach a sermon about eternal life. He said that when he was twenty he thought fifty years of life would satisfy him. When he reached fifty, he thought he would be satisfied if he could reach seventy-five. “But I am seventy-five now,” he said, “and I am sure that I could not be satisfied with less than a hundred and fifty years of life.”

I want to offer you eternal life! Not 50 years, not 75 years, not 150 years, but eternal life in which time is counted because it means nothing. Why count your birthdays if you are going to live forever? I offer you eternal life in the words of Jesus, as He answered the young man’s question: “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” How eagerly we listen to the Saviour’s answer. All conversation stops, every head is turned; every eye is on the Master. Every ear strains to hear. What will He say? Surely this is the great question of all ages. How will He answer it?

Keep the Commandments

Kindly Jesus looks at the young man and answers, “Why callest thou Me good. There is none good but One, that is God. But if thou wilt enter into life”—[now it is coming, listen carefully—] “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

The young man thought he knew what Jesus meant, but he asked, just to be sure, “Which?” In answer, Jesus quoted several of the age-old Ten Commandments, which had been the standard of life for centuries past, and which must still continue to be.

The young man, like many today, knew about the commandments already, but he was hoping for a new way, a modern, easy way to enter into eternal life. But Jesus kindly reminded him that the pathway to eternal life has never changed and never will be changed!

“If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Those words of Jesus fall strangely on the ears of modern Christians, who are used to hearing ministers sneer at the Ten Commandments, and at those who endeavor, by the grace of Christ, to keep them. Many people are greatly surprised by His answer. Try quoting the question to someone, just to check my statement. See if they do not think the answer to question is; “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” But that is not the answer Jesus gave!

Jesus didn’t give that answer to the question. Not because belief is not necessary, for it definitely is. But He knew that one who thinks he believes but does not keep the commandments actually does not believe at all, but has deceived himself. This is clearly shown in 1 John 1:9: “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

The apostle James also adds a word of caution about this empty, intellectual agreement that some people would call belief: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19.

Somebody says, “But I thought all I had to do was love God and nothing else mattered.” Yes, but notice how God tests your love to see if you really love Him: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3.

Yes, the law of the kingdom is the law of love. Not simpering sentimentality, not lip service, but love that is seen in action and in deed, more than in empty words. Christian, do you love your Saviour? Then listen to His words: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” John 14:15.

The Law of the Kingdom of God is the Law of Love

In our own America we cherish freedom. Freedom, liberty, is the law of our great land. Our constitution, our court system, our government, our laws—all are built upon the one great basic principle of liberty and freedom for every man.

Even so, in the kingdom of God the basic principle is the law of love. It is the great principle upon which everything else depends. See how Jesus explains this. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36–40.

Notice these words—on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. May I remind you that it does not say, “From these two commandments are cut off all the law and the prophets, so that you do not have to worry about them anymore.”

You would be surprised how many people think it says that. But it does not. It says, On these two commandments hang—how much of the law? Read it again. “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Remember also what Jesus said in Matthew 5:17–19: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

What Does Fulfill Mean?

Someone says, “What does fulfill mean? When Jesus fulfilled the law did that bring it to an end?” No, indeed, dear friend. The word fulfilled meant the same thing in the language Jesus spoke as it does in English—to carry into effect, to perform completely. By looking at a few verses where the same word is used, you can easily find the answer to your question.

In Galatians 6:2 Paul writes, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Does this mean bring the law of Christ to an end? Obviously not. Paul writes again in Philippians 2:2, “Fulfill my joy.” Does he mean bring his joy to an end?

In Colossians 1:25 we find these words, “…to fulfill the word of God.” Does this mean bring the word of God to an end? Paul sent word to a man named Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Does this mean to bring the ministry of the Lord to an end? Certainly not! It means to perform it perfectly and completely. And when John objected to baptizing Jesus, and Jesus said to him, “Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15. Does that mean bring all righteousness to an end? Of course not. It meant to perform it completely.

So Jesus did not say, “I come not to destroy the law, but to bring it to an end.” He said, “I come not to destroy the law, but to perform it perfectly and completely.” And all true followers of Jesus will, by His grace, do the same thing.

May I recommend this to you as a good way to find the true meaning of words used in the Bible. You do not have to know Hebrew and Greek. Just see how the word is used in other verses, and you will not go wrong.

Another good example of this is the statement by Paul in Romans 10:4: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” What does that mean? Look at other verses which use the same word, “Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy.” James 5:11.

Does this mean the Lord is finished? Of course not. It means you have seen the purpose of the Lord.

In 1 Peter 1:9 it says, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls?” This means the purpose of your faith is salvation. Likewise, when Paul wrote that Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness, he did not mean that the law was finished. He meant, Christ is the purpose of the law. He gives the same thought in Romans 8:4: “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

The Two Great Commandments

So the two great commandments are love to God and love to man, and on these two hang all the rest.

As you look at the Ten Commandments you can easily see how true this is. Love to God is the first great principle on which hang the first four commandments. He will have no other gods, he will make no idols or images, he will not take the name of the Lord in vain, and he will keep the Sabbath day which God has commanded.

Love to our neighbor is the second great principle of the law of love. If a man loves his neighbor he will carefully follow the last six of the Ten Commandments. He will honor his father and mother, he will not kill, commit adultery, steal, lie, or covet.

Love is the law of the kingdom, and genuine love is seen in action, not in empty words.

Did you ever notice how young girls make plans about the man they will marry? Talk to a young girl. She is going to marry a man who is handsome, cultured, educated, and wealthy. You may be sure that she will not settle for anything less than that.

But you come back in a few years. She is going to get married. You look at her finance. You have seen more handsome men and more cultured men. He does not have much education and he has no money at all! “Why are you marrying this man?” you ask. She has only one answer for all the questions: “He loves me!”

By the mysterious wisdom of a girl’s mind, she knows that it is better to have a poor man who loves her than a rich man who does not truly love her. She knows that a man who loves her will provide for her all he can and treat her kindly. She knows that true love will be seen in action.

A lady came to me in Honolulu one day in deep distress. She had a marriage problem that she wanted to discuss, and I listened in amazement as she told her story.

This woman had been married for about ten years to a certain man, she said, and in all those ten years she had been supporting herself. Her husband kept his food on one side of the refrigerator, and she kept hers on the other side. She bought her own clothes, and he bought his. She paid her expenses, and he paid his. He was not letting marriage cost him anything. They had lived this way for ten years, but now they were having trouble. So she came to me to find out what was wrong.

Of course, it was obvious what was wrong, but how do you tell a woman that her husband does not love her? I had to tell her. “Your husband does not love you, and apparently has never loved you. What his reasons were for marrying you, I do not know, but I am very sure that he does not love you.”

If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments

No man would treat a woman like that if he loved her. Love—true love—is seen in every action of the life, not just in empty words. This is why Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

This is the test by which you may know whether you truly love Him, or if you are among that class of people whom He describes in Matthew 15:8. “These people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”

Eternal life is not for such people—those who say they love God but despise His commandments and those who keep them. You must realize, of course, that Jesus is the author of the Ten Commandments. It was His own finger that traced them in the tables of stone. This is revealed by many verses of Scripture, such as Colossians 1:16: “For by Him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him.”

Obviously then, the Ten Commandments were written by Jesus Himself. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1–3, and 14.

This is clearly talking about our blessed Lord. It is Jesus who is the author and finisher of our salvation. He is the one who has set up all the plan whereby we may be saved. He is the one with whom we have to do, and the one with whom all men have had to do all the way back through the centuries. He startled the Jews, who honored Abraham, with the statement: “Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58.

The Unchanging Christ

The unchanging Christ has provided an unchanging plan of salvation. You must not suppose that Christ changes His mind about anything or experiments with anything. You may not suppose that He will have one plan of salvation for one age and another plan for a different age. We read in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” His love is the same; His law is the same; and His grace is the same throughout all past ages and throughout eternity.

Someone may be saying, “I thought before the cross was the age of the law, and since the cross was the age of grace.” I do not doubt that you may have heard some men say that, but what does the Bible say? Did the grace of Christ begin at the cross? Read 2 Timothy 1:9: “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

Beyond any doubt, we can understand His grace better since the cross, just as we can understand His love and mercy better since the cross, but that does not mean that the age of grace began at the cross. The age of grace covers the whole life span of this planet, dear friend. No man has ever been saved except by the grace of Christ. Adam, the first sinner, desperately needed the grace of God, and without it he would never have been forgiven. But the grace of Christ was there, ready to cover the repentant sinner with the blood of Christ, even though Christ had not yet died, because we read in Revelation 13:8 that in the true sense Christ was “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Noah needed the grace of Christ, and it was there for him, too. Read it in Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” If he had not found grace, he could never have been saved. But thank God, grace was there to pardon and cleanse him from sin.

Lot, who lived in the sinful city of Sodom, was able to say, “Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life.” Genesis 19:19.

The sinners of that city were the first on earth to be punished by eternal fire from the Lord, but Lot found grace and was delivered and saved by the grace of Christ. (See Jude 7.)

In Exodus 33:12 we find the words of God to Moses, “I knew thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in My sight.” In Jeremiah 3:2 we read, “Thus saith the Lord, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness, even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.”

Unchanging Grace

The unchanging grace of the unchanging Christ was there, dear friend. It was there for the first sinner who needed it, and is still here for the last, until the door of mercy will be finally and forever closed. No, the age of grace did not begin at the cross, but grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, as we have read in 2 Timothy 1:9.

Why did they need the grace of Christ? Because they were sinners. Why were they sinners? Because they had missed the mark, had fallen short, had broken the unchanging law of the unchanging Christ. Remember that it was the unchanging Christ who wrote the Ten Commandments on the tables of stone with His own finger. It was this same unchanging Christ who answered the young man’s question so many years later: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

The pathway to eternal life has never changed and will never change. The people who enter the gates of the eternal city will be commandment-keeping people: “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they might have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.

The judgment of the unchanging Christ will eliminate all commandment breakers. Yes, the unchanging Christ is to be our judge. “For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.” John 5:26, 27.

How will He judge us? By that unchanging law which He Himself wrote into the tables of stone. Is this true of those of all ages? Yes, the unchanging Christ will judge all men by the same standard. Here is a statement from the Old Testament on this point. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

Now look at how the unchanging Christ will judge New Testament Christians. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:10–12.

So, the unchanging Christ is going to judge all men of all ages by His same Ten-Commandment law, just as He saves all men of all ages who are willing to be saved by His unchanging grace.

These two things—the law of Christ to show us our sin, and the grace of Christ to forgive us and cleanse us from our sin, are two great pillars of the plan of salvation that cannot be moved. They remain the same through all the ages, as unchanging as Christ Himself. You cannot destroy one without destroying the other.

Destroy the Law—You Destroy Grace

If you take away the grace of Christ, you make the law helpless and the sinner helpless. The purpose of the law is to show you your sin and make you feel the need of the grace of Christ to forgive you. But if there is no grace of Christ, the law cannot save you because it cannot forgive.

On the other hand, if you take away the law, then no one needs the grace of Christ at all because, “Where no law is, there is no transgression.” Romans 4:15. What does this word “transgression” mean? “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law, For sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.

Sin is breaking the law, and where there is no law, there is no sin. No one can arrest me for preaching a sermon, because there is no law against it. Suppose a policeman did arrest me and took me to the judge and said, “I caught this man preaching about Christ to the people.” And suppose the judge said to me, “You shouldn’t have done that, but we will forgive you this time and put you under grace.” What then? Should I accept that? Certainly not! I would say, “Your honor, I have broken no law, and until I do break a law I do not need either grace or forgiveness.” Even so, if you take away the Ten Commandments and have no law to show the sinner what sin is, he has no need of grace.

“Where no law is, there is no transgression.”

Which Law?

Someone says, “But Dr. Larson, I read some verses in the New Testament which talk about the law being all changed and done away with.”

Yes, I am sure that you have. But you must always remember a very important thing. There are two laws in the Bible. One is the Ten Commandments, the one that we have been talking about. The one that tells us what sin is. Most Bible scholars call it the Moral Law because it deals with great and unchanging moral principles.

The other law is called the Ceremonial Law and is frequently referred to in the Bible as the Law of Moses. It tells how lambs should be sacrificed, how meat offerings and drink offerings should be made, how the annual, or ceremonial sabbaths, should be kept, and how the ritual of the old sanctuary service should be observed. This is the one that has passed away, not because God changed His mind about it, for God never needs to change His mind. He knows what will happen even before it happens.

The Ceremonial Law passed away because its work was done. It was only supposed to last until Christ came. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” Galatians 3:24. Now that Christ has come, He has taken away the old ceremonies that pointed forward to the cross and has given us new ceremonies, which take our minds back to the cross. In place of the old Passover, we have the Lord’s Supper with the bread and unfermented wine as emblems of His body, which was broken for us, and His blood, which was spilled for us.

In place of the old ceremonial washings we now have the ceremony of baptism, which He said is the memorial of His burial and resurrection.

In place of the sacrifice of a lamb, we now have the sacrifice and atonement of Jesus, the Lamb of God, as John the Baptist called Him.

Paul writes, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28.

So we are no longer under the ceremony of sacrificing a lamb, but we look instead to the one great sacrifice of the Lamb of God. And instead of the many priests of the Old Testament, we now have Christ Himself as our one and only Priest. “And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death; But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the peoples: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the Word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, who is set upon 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.” Hebrews 7:12–8:2.

So now we have a new set of ceremonies for the old ceremonies are no longer appropriate. They have brought us to Christ and their job is done, and they are now replaced by the new ceremonies.

Plan of Salvation is Still the Same

Under the two covenants, the old and the new, the plan of salvation is just the same. Sin is the same; the Ten Commandments are the same; the unchanging grace of the unchanging Christ is the same; but the sacrifice is different; the ceremonies are different; and the priesthood is different.

Some people think the gospel is only this side of the cross, but read what the Bible says, “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Galatians 3:8. “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 I them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2.

There is only one gospel of the one unchanging Christ, and it is salvation by faith. No man has ever been saved except by faith in the unchanging Christ. Go to Hebrews 11 and read the names of the heroes of faith, from the earliest times right on down through the ages. By faith Abel; by faith Enoch; by faith Noah; by faith Abraham; by faith Isaac; by faith Jacob; by faith Moses—and so on down through time. They were saved by the only plan of salvation that there ever was, and the only plan of salvation that there ever will be—faith in the unchanging Christ and obedience to His unchanging law, which is possible only through His grace (or indwelling power).

So when you are reading the New Testament, and you find a passage referring to law, always stop and ask, “To which law is the writer referring, the moral or the ceremonial law?” If you cannot be sure from one verse, read a few verses before and a few verses after it. That way you can always be sure.

And so, dear friend, the voice of the unchanging Christ comes ringing down to us through the years: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

There is no other way. There is no modern way. There is no newer, easier way. There is only one way to heaven, and if you want to go there you will have to go that way. Someone has said, “You are free to go to heaven in the way that God has provided, or go to hell any way you want to go.”

You and I stand facing the unchanging law of the unchanging Christ, and we realize our weakness, our helplessness. We are almost afraid to start. But here is where the grace of Christ comes in. We are forgiven for our past mistakes and by His grace we are able to live in harmony with His law. Leaning heavily upon Him, we take our first faltering steps. He helps us, as it says in Hosea 11:3: “I taught Ephraim to go, taking them by their arms…”

But sometimes we grow careless and forget to trust in His power. We stumble and fall. What, then, shall we do? “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

Is that not wonderful? If we fall, what should we do? Repent; place our hand in the hand of Christ and go right on again. And as we go, the prayer of Paul will be fulfilled in us:

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Excerpted from His Mighty Love by Ralph Larson

Forgiveness

February 27, 2020 by Ray Frigon

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew. 6:14,15.

We should not suppose there is a more plain condition in the Holy Bible. From the lips of the great Forgiver comes words that cannot be mistaken. There is no room for holding grudges, no room for a loveless attitude on the part of any professed believer in Jesus as their Savior.

Have you been forgiven of your sins? Have you experienced the peace that passes all understanding? Do you love much?

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Luke 7:47.

Does Your Heart Break?

Is there anyone who has not been hurt by a sinner? Is there anyone who has not had their heart thrust through with words spoken without forethought as to the consequences? The pain may be even greater from a premeditated personal attack.

Every day in our world sin takes its toll. Tens of thousands die because of reckless behavior. Minds swim in a thought process of “Why?” “How could this have happened?” Thoughts of abandonment, despair, and retaliation stir the cauldron of human godlessness.

The world, of course, is going mad. Acts of hatred will increase. Words spoken in rage and acts of violence will gather a momentum that will stun onlookers, as the planet reaches its final, probationary hours.

Tested and Tried

The time is at hand when those who have not been sanctified by the truth will become bitter enemies of those loyal to God. Our spiritual lives will be tested as though there is not another being on the face of the earth, (See The Great Controversy, 608, 490.) Ponder the pressures God’s people are about to face.

Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. Have you ever been rejected by those closest to you? Perhaps you have been rejected in no uncertain terms, in very emphatic, rude or crude ways. Have you been mocked, derided, scorned… hated?

“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.” John 15:25.

Cause to Hate

Think of this Scripture for a moment. Did the religious leaders have cause to hate Jesus? From a just point, no, of course not. Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God. On the other hand, from an unjust viewpoint, they had tremendous cause to hate Him, because He was toppling their entire tower of man-made authority over the people. He was a daily

threat to the established entrenchment of human power. Have we been forgiven much? Do we love much? Have we put as much energy into soul winning, especially in our own families, as those apostates put into stopping Jesus?

Have you ever noticed the number of times the word “suffer” is used in connection with Jesus, as He spoke of His own experience? Consider these two statements after His resurrection: “And He [Christ] said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:” and “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” Luke 24:46, 26.

To what “things” was our Lord referring? Cleopas and his fellow traveller provide our answer; “…Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him.” Luke 24:19, 20.

Here is the sad, common thread running through the garment of Christ’s sufferings. Seven times before His death Jesus spoke of how He would suffer. The connecting link is the word “pentho,” meaning “to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful).” Strong’s Concordance, Greek Dictionary, 56.

When Jesus spoke of His suffering, He did not equate it to experiencing the loss of connection to His Father, something of which we could have no understanding. He linked it to something we can and will understand, in vivid terms, in the soon coming crisis.

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 16:21.

Too Great a Threat

Jesus stated to us His suffering came at the hands of men who should have received Him and His truth with great joy. They should have received His offers of a kingdom a thousand times greater than the one they so desired. They did not. He was too great a threat to their system of religious power and authority. So they discussed, planned, and

carried out their hatred and unjust cause. The pain Jesus experienced was tremendous. How could men be so blind? How could they refuse so great a salvation? How could they act like demons and walk in darkness while professing belief in heavenly light? Jesus knew the answer, of course, though it did not release Him from experiencing the pain of rejection.

His greatest pain was in sensing rejection from His Father as He took on the sins of the world. God be praised through ceaseless ages, we shall not have to undergo such rejection. But make no mistake; a pain is coming we may have had tastes of, yet the full flavor of rejection still awaits.

“Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness be the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 136.

How did Jesus make it through? “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

We Have No Excuse

Did they hate Him without a cause? Yes and no. Did they know what they were doing? Yes and no. Dear Reader, do we know what we are doing? Is our cause a just one? They could have known. We have no excuses. If there is even a hint of lovelessness in us, we shall not receive the latter rain. Whatever pain we have gone through, or will yet go through at the hands of those closest to us, it is still eternally true that love and forgiveness are more powerful than pain and rejection.

We must never forget Paul’s timely words; “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered: And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8, 9.

As remnant believers in the work of Jesus in the Most Holy Place above, we have seen and heard much of character perfection from pen and pulpit. Have we considered what is coming that shall finish this work of the Holy Spirit within us? It is all tied in together in God’s plans of human restoration to Christlikeness.

The apostle Peter wrote more about this than any other author. Certainly he was a man who went through much emotional and physical pain and was a witness to Christ’s sufferings. His reflections, under the guidance of the Spirit, himself being a holy man of God, are to be noted.

“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye shall be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:19-24.

Deserving of Death

Let us face it; as sinners we only deserve death. But as we learn obedience through the things we suffer, God is filling us with eternal life from the infusion of higher principles, something swiftly being lost in our world. God desires witnesses. Witnesses who are able to stand on high principles and carry them through in our daily lives—no small task.

In the opening of this letter Peter writes, “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11.

The word “glory” in the Greek comes from the word “doxa” which is to make something apparent or obvious, like the noon day sun, shining in all its glory. We know by study that the word glory is synonymous with God’s character. Then behold, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13.

Love and Forgive

In partaking of Christ’s sufferings, going through the dark tunnel of rejection by leaders and those who make profession of truth, our characters undergo transformation that we may be pure, even as He is pure. We have hope beyond the human struggles with kingly power and Romanism. We have hope beyond the struggles of deception in human hearts. If we do not or cannot forgive all infractions or violations of sinners against ourselves, we do not and cannot have the fullness of Christ; we will not be ready to take on the final crisis or meet Jesus in peace when He returns. We stand on principle, but we must love in Christ and be ready to forgive.

There are too many amongst God’s people who continue to grind the ax of bitterness, who cannot wait for an opportunity to tell others how they have been maligned or mistreated. Does this give glory to God or ennoble our characters? Nay. And it must cease, if we expect God to use us when He takes the reigns in the finishing thrust. Is this not just before us? The end of all things is at hand.

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, [in His way, His truth, and His life, in His brethren preparing for translation at His return] but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busibody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:14-19.

Can we see the issues at stake for our lives? We must, or we will not see or enter the kingdom of God. Being born again is to have love to God and to our fellow men—sinners just as we are. If we believe in a truth that can sanctify fully, completely and entirely, our hearts will be perfected in love, which will cast out fear, which will leave in us only pity for those who oppose themselves, and deny the Lord that bought them. (See 2 Timothy 2:25, 26 and 2 Peter 2:1-3.)

“In the prayer that Christ taught His disciples was the request: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. We cannot repeat this prayer from the heart and dare to be unforgiving, for we ask the Lord to forgive our trespasses against Him in the same manner that we forgive those who trespass against us. But few realize the true import of this prayer. If those who are unforgiving did comprehend the depth of its meaning they would not dare to repeat it and ask God to deal with them as they deal with their fellow mortals. And yet this spirit of hardness and lack of forgiveness exists even among brethren to a fearful extent. Brother is exacting with brother.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 95.

Soon God will pull together a people of one accord, a people who will have experienced the blessings of being forgiven and of forgiving others. Hearts will be joined in chords of love and expectation of God doing marvelous things for His children, as we enter the final stages of earth’s history. Learn from the past what you can, but do not hold on to its pain. Give that to Jesus.

The Enemy Within

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matthew 10:36. Has this happened to you? Is it happening even now? Marital pain? Family strife? Has or is the professed household of faith putting you through sore trial and grief? Then strengthen your connection with our Father in heaven, and receive the power of forgiveness that you may have the peace, the patience and the faith of Jesus.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Changes

February 27, 2020 by Craig Meeker

“And the evening and the morning were the second day.” Genesis 1:8. When God created this earth, He created time. We know that the earth, in one revolution around the sun, creates time known as a year. The moon going around the earth in one orbit creates time known as a month.

Time Equals Change

There is an absolute consequence to time—change. We see changes take place in this world. From year to year we experience the change of the seasons. Right now when you walk outside, you definitely know the season, do you not? It is winter. So an absolute consequence of time is change.

My wife and I like to plant a garden in the spring. We plant little seeds, which will develop eventually into a full-grown plant. There is a change that takes place over time.

We are not the same people we were five years ago. If you look at a picture of yourself, you would see the changes. What has happened in this time period? Change has taken place because all change is an absolute consequence of time, and we live in a world of time.

By the study of God’s Word I am leaning that time is running out for this world, and we are entering a shorter period of time for change—change that is necessary if we are going to heaven some day.

Consistency In All Things

There is a consistency that runs through the time that God created, and the changes that take place as a consequence of time. The earth continues to rotate around the sun year after year. The moon rotates around the earth month after month. There is consistency in this.

“God says through His prophet, For I am the Lord, I change not.” Malachi 3:6. That is the ultimate reason why there is consistency in all the changes that take place from year to year.

What has God implemented in the creation of this world that brings forth consistency in time and change? “The works of His hands are verity [which means truth] and judgment, all His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” Psalm 111:7, 8. So we see when God created this world—and time—it all fell into the context of His laws. That is why there is consistency.

“Let it be made plain that the way of God’s commandments is the way of life. [God has created everything with a law in it.] God has established the laws of nature, but His laws are not arbitrary exactions.” Ministry of Healing, 114.

You see, God has not created law for Himself. He created law for you and for me, and we will see the goodness of God in giving us His laws.

Every “Thou shalt not,” whether in physical or moral law, implies a promise. If we obey it, blessings will attend our steps. God never forces us to do right. It is amazing that the God whom we worship, the God who created us, does not force us to do what He knows to be right. You and I must choose.

Built In Consequences

With change, there is choice, but He seeks to save us from evil and lead us to good. That is the whole plan of redemption. Within every law that God created He placed a principle. God says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7. I have found that to be true, not only in the garden, but also in my own life.

What I sow, I reap, and I have been ashamed of much of what I have sown. But God is merciful. God is gracious, “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. What is repentance? Repentance is change; a change that comes from choice. Every law God created has a built in consequence. There is a blessing if we are in harmony with God’s laws; but there is a curse upon us if we are not.

Non-Compliance is Sin

What does God call non-compliance to His laws, whether the physical or moral laws? He calls it “sin.” Sin is being out of harmony with God’s laws. However we want to term it, we are not obeying God’s laws, for “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.

It is interesting to read what Jesus spoke to those He healed, physically or spiritually. When He forgave their sins there was a physical healing and a spiritual healing of forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?

Notice John 5:1–14. This story is about the paralytic man by the Pool of Bethesda, who for 38 years could not walk. He believes that when the water gets troubled, the first one in is going to be healed of his disease.

It is Sabbath, and Jesus is walking through Jerusalem. He comes by the Pool of Bethesda. He looks, and He wants to heal everyone, but He cannot. So He chooses the worst case. He comes up to this man, bends over him and says, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Verse 6. That is all.

The man looked at Him and said, “I would like to be made whole but every time the water ripples, I do not have anybody to carry me into the pool.” (See verse 7.) Did Jesus get into a discourse with this man? No. The next thing He said is, “Arise and walk.” (See verse 8.) Is that a command, a law? Yes. It may not be a law that we totally understand, but if we respond to God’s commands, we will reap the benefits.

Did the paralytic reap the benefits? Yes. He arose and walked for the first time in 38 years. Is this not a wonderful God we serve? Are His laws grievous? No! His laws are beneficial. The man was healed. “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more.…” John 5:14.

All sickness, whether physical or spiritual, is the result of sin. Whether you have a spiritual deformity or a physical sickness or disease, God wants to heal you. He will heal you as you come into harmony with His laws.

Principles of Life

“In His written Word and in the great book of nature He has revealed the principles of life. It is our work to obtain a knowledge of these principles, and by obedience to cooperate with Him in restoring health to the body as well as to the soul.” Ministry of Healing, 115.

What is our work? Our work is to obtain a knowledge of these principles, an understanding of what constitutes God’s laws in the physical world in which we live and, in regard to our moral nature, the spiritual laws that God has given us. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.…” Psalm 19:7. “Converting” means restoring. Physical and spiritual restoration will come by way of allowing God, through His grace, to bring us into harmony with His laws.

We see this clearly brought to view in Exodus 15:26. Jesus Himself is speaking, through Moses, to the ancient Israelites in the wilderness. “…If thou wilt diligently harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

In Romans we see a strong inference that God’s laws, as Himself, are no respecter of persons. We may be totally ignorant of the laws that God has ordained for our physical health, but this does not mean that we cannot receive the blessing if we are choosing to do these things that constitute those laws.

Some people in the world may not even believe in God, or they may believe in a concept of a god that is not scripturally founded, but whether you have an intellectual knowledge of the law or not, if you are brought into harmony and work in harmony with the law, you will receive the benefit. (See Romans 2:14.)

God’s Plan for Health

Some of the physical laws that God has given to keep us well are found in Ministry of Healing, 127:

Pure Air:

Is that something consistent that we need? Is that a law? It is. When someone smokes a cigarette, are they getting pure air? No. Are they breaking a law? Yes. Will they reap a consequence? What you sow, you reap. People who smoke cigarettes have a high incident rate of lung cancer, and most of them die earlier than God planned.

Sunlight:

Maybe you never thought of sunlight as a law. We cannot be perfectly healthy unless we get a certain amount of sunlight. Close somebody up in a dark room; and after a month or two, you will find they are not physically healthy.

Abstemiousness:

This is a long, old fashioned word that means temperance. Temperance is self-control. The only way we can have self-control is to allow God to have control of our lives. He wants to help us be temperate in all things, and that is a law.

Rest:

Most of us are so busy we do not rest until our eyes start drooping in the evening. That is the signal that we had better go to bed. We live in a society that does not rest. We are constantly moving, and stress is the result. That is a law.

Exercise:

God is balanced. He says, “Rest, but I want you to exercise, too.” We need to exercise if we are going to have physical health. That is a law.

Proper Diet:

What we eat is what we are physically. How we eat, when we eat, how much we eat will determine, to a great degree, how physically healthy we are. It is a law.

Pure Water.

God created water to cleanse us inside. The best water we can drink is pure water. When we talk about pure water, we are not talking about mineralized water. Our bodies cannot break down inorganic material. So it is not true when people say you must drink water containing minerals. We are told, by Ellen White, through the testimony of Jesus, that pure, soft water is the best water to put into our bodies, and we need to get plenty of it every day. If you are not drinking pure water, you are not in perfect harmony with God’s laws.

Trust in Divine Power.

Faith is a law. God has laws, and if we choose to be brought into harmony with these laws, we are going to have physical health.

How Do You Hear?

How is it with us spiritually? We should know, or we are totally deceived. We have a choice whether we want to be wayside hearers, stony ground hearers, the ones who allow the thorns to crowd out the Word, or we can be good ground hearers. Did you know that is a choice? It is a choice that we are all making right now.

Diagnosis of Death

Some of us may be burdened with besetting sins, wondering if God has a message for us. In Revelation 3:17 we find a diagnosis from the Great Physician, the Son of God. Under the seventh church, the last dispensation just before Jesus returns to this world, He diagnoses the spirituality of His people: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.…” Jesus placed Himself in a position with humanity as a Physician because we are definitely in need.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. The whole plan of redemption is to bring us back into harmony with that law that we have sinned against, that we might be a glory to God.

God knows us. If you have never understood that, read Psalm 139:1–3. “Oh Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” He knows what we are thinking and doing.

“…and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Is that a diagnosis? If you went in for a physical exam and received a diagnosis like that from a medical physician today, he would probably be telling you that you are about to die.

We do not have to be in this position, and I hope none of us are. But this is a warning that it is possible to return to this Laodicean condition, if we choose. Jesus says the people (Laodiceans) are preoccupied with a form of religion, and they are forgetting the power that God has to change their lives and to bring them into harmony with His laws. (See 2 Timothy 3:5.)

Our Greatest Need

What is our greatest need? “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 121. We should seek for true godliness, not a form of godliness that God says the majority of His professed people have in the last days just before He comes.

The question we should ask ourselves is, Are we weary of a form of godliness that denies the power? It is only those who sense their need, who realize their true situation, who are going to lay hold of the solution. Jesus has the solution: “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.…” Matthew 6:33. Do you know you cannot separate those? The kingdom of God will only be found in His righteousness. No one is walking into God’s kingdom without His righteousness. His righteousness is harmony with His laws. “…all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:172.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” Is it a real kingdom, a real place? It is fully as real as where you and I are at this moment. It is reality and God wants to give us a sense of that reality. He tells us to exercise the law of faith in His Word. Believe and He will give us evidence by the presence of His Holy Spirit.

God wants to heal us of our physical diseases, if we allow Him to bring us into harmony with His laws. He wants to heal us spiritually. He wants us to be whole.

Love Obeys

Romans tells us something about God’s laws. “…love is the fulfilling of the [My] law.” Romans 13:10. He has put His love into every law that He has made. When we choose to be brought into harmony with that law, and allow that law to have its right place in our lives, His love will come out of us. His love is His righteousness. To do right is to show love.

Scripture tells us that we will never be able to implement the moral law of the Ten Commandments fully and completely into our lives without His grace. Some people today are preaching a message that God’s grace does away with the law. That is just the opposite of what God says.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created [or restored] in Christ Jesus unto good works.…” Ephesians 2:8-10. And what are the good works that God wants us to perform? His law!

“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life.…” Revelation 22:14. God wants to bring us into harmony with His laws, which are filled with His love for us. If we allow Him, we will be the healthiest, happiest people on the face of this earth. Jesus says, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

The only way we can have more abundant life is to be brought into perfect harmony with all of God’s laws. We will never accomplish this without God’s grace. “Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives man power to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables him to break the bondage of evil habit. This is the only power that can make him and keep him steadfast in the right path.” Ministry of Healing, 115. The right path is the narrow path.

All lasting changes involve consistent choices. There is only One being in the whole universe who is consistently changeless, and He can help us be consistent in our choices.

Our first choice in obeying God is to love Him. He says it is of faith that works by love. God wants us to have a faith that works by love. (See Galatians 5:6.) In fact, a professed faith that does not have the love of God motivating it constantly and consistently does not work consistently.

He Loves You!

You must fully understand and believe, with all your heart, that Jesus loves you personally, fully and completely, no matter who you are. No matter what you have been doing or where you are. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.…” Jeremiah 31:3.

An everlasting love is a love that lasts forever. Forever, as long as life exists. God loves you personally. He wants you to know that. It is so important because that needs to be the full motivation of our experience with Him. That is what will cause us to love Him fully.

When we believe that He loves us fully, we can love Him fully, and when we love Him fully, it is only natural to obey Him fully. Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15. There will be a promise of love in every law, it will not be a “Thou shalt not” to you any more.

One of the most drastic changes that God reveals in His Word concerns Laodicea. We read about Laodicea earlier. How were they? They were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

But now look at where they are. Some, not all, will accept the message to the Laodiceans, and those who accept the message undergo a drastic change. God says, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. That is a drastic change! These people, over time, have allowed God, through His grace, to change them. Now they are a perfect people, before a perfect God, having a perfect law written upon their hearts.

Is that the kind of people you want to be? That is the kind of people we must be. His grace, we are told in 2 Corinthians 12:9, is sufficient. I do not care where you are today, I do not care how down and out you feel in regard to sin in your life, God is talking to you today. He is trying to wake you up to the reality that He loves you fully and wants you to love Him so He can bring you into harmony with His laws. He wants to bring about a change in your life. Time for change, however, is running out.

“Our Saviour’s words, ‘Come unto Me,… and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28), are a prescription for the healing of physical, mental, and spiritual ills. Though men have brought suffering upon themselves by their own wrongdoing, He regards them with pity. In Him they may find help. He will do great things for those who trust in Him.” Ministry of Healing, 115.

Jesus, right now, this very moment, lives and moves in the heavenly court for you and for me. He knows us, loves us, and wants us to respond fully and completely so He can perform a full and complete work in us.

Facing The Crisis – When God Speaks Seven Times

February 27, 2020 by Lawrence Nelson

Ready or not we have finally arrived in the end time when every person who is alive on earth will behold the most thrilling event ever witnessed by mortals. The Bible portrays this in these cataclysmic words found in 2 Peter 3:10–12. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.”

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. As we envision the Second Coming of Jesus, as pictured by inspiration, we need God’s mighty Spirit to impress us with the conviction that now is the time to prepare for the final revival and reformation that will enable us to go home with Jesus when He comes.

Preparing for the Second Coming

Let us contemplate how God has invited you and me to prepare for the Second Coming by giving us three separate messages as found in Revelation 14 which, if followed and obeyed, will prepare us to be ready for this cataclysmic event.

The First Angel begins with the good news of the everlasting gospel, revealing a loving Saviour who made possible on Calvary the redemption for every nation, kindred, tongue and people. This angel declares that a judgment is now taking place in heaven’s sanctuary in which Christ, our High Priest, is able to forgive and take away our sins. It is a call to those who would be saved to worship God as Creator by keeping holy the seventh day Sabbath.

The Second Angel sounds an alarming message, warning us of a worldwide structure of religious systems which have become drunk with the traditions of paganism by drinking of the cup extended through the ecumenical movement which has been brewed by Roman Catholicism. God declares that this world power is Babylon, which has fallen from Biblical truths.

God’s Last Call

Finally a Third Angel gives God’s last call, to all who would be saved, to totally separate from Babylon’s pagan doctrines, because God’s wrath is soon to be poured out upon all who worship the beast of Babylon or who make an image to her customs and traditions. This is absolutely God’s last call for every individual to never accept the mark of the beast when Babylon will make it a law to keep Sunday as a holy sabbath day.

Such pleadings of God, who desires all to be saved, concludes with a call for each individual to become a part of His remnant church. This church is described by the angel as a people who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. They believe that, through His mighty power, He can give you victory over every known sin and make ready a people who stand unafraid when they hear God speak seven times at the Second Coming of Christ.

These people will be ready, together with God’s sleeping saints, to be gathered together with Jesus to go to the eternal home that He has prepared for them. The following details I have gleaned from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy and especially from the chapter in The Great Controversy entitled, “God’s People Delivered.” Everyone loves a thrilling story of what has taken place in the past, but this amazing true story is yet to take place.

Some day very, very soon, in a day just like our days, when people are buying and selling, building homes and mighty skyscrapers, conducting weddings and getting divorced; in a day of unstoppable crime of every description, men’s thoughts continually dwelling on evil. In such a time when the majority defy God and His law by preaching that God is such a God of love that all anyone needs to do is just believe, in such a time as this, suddenly a darkness, deeper than any night ever experienced, will come to this old world, and to the amazement of all, a great rainbow will be seen in the heavens that will encircle the entire earth.

God Speaks

And that is not all. A small rainbow will hover over each small group of commandment keepers. Then it happens. God speaks for the first time. As He speaks, He will shake the earth with just two words, “Look up!”

Immediately the black clouds of total darkness will part, and the living saints obey God’s command. They will look up into the heavens and see God the Father and Christ the Son seated on their thrones. The saints will listen to the conversation between the Father and the Son as Jesus speaks: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.

When we hear these words, we shall give a shout of victory not heard since the deliverance at the Red Sea in the days of Moses. The time is at midnight. Signs and wonders will appear as the sun shines forth in all its glory. The wicked will be filled with terror. Streams will cease to flow. Angry clouds will fill the heavens, but there remains one clear spot filled with indescribable glory.

God Responds to Christ’s Plea

This is the moment when God speaks the second time with these unforgettable words: “It is done!” Just three short words in answer to the request of Jesus. Suddenly there is a mighty worldwide earthquake as foretold in Revelation 16:18. “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” Mountains are shaken like blades of grass in the wind. The whole earth convulses in destruction. Ragged rocks are hurled in every direction. The sea boils like a pot.

Mountains sink beneath the earth’s surface and islands disappear. The whole earth heaves and swells like the ocean. Seaports, which have become like Sodom in wickedness, are swallowed up. Great hailstones, over 50 pounds in weight, drop from the sky and the earth’s proudest cities are destroyed.

Prison walls crumble, setting free God’s faithful who have been imprisoned for their faith. Then another wonderful surprise. A special resurrection takes place as some of the graves open all over the earth as the Bible foretold. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.

At this time all who have died in the faith of the Third Angel’s Message arise, glorified. What a moment! There will also be a special resurrection of those who condemned and crucified Jesus. This resurrection will include a third class who were the most violent oppressors of God’s truth. They are to see the redeemed rescued and honored.

Thundering Doom Pronounced

Revelation 1:7 tells us “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” As sheets of flame envelope the earth, God now speaks for the third time, declaring the doom of the wicked. His words are not comprehended by all, but they are distinctly understood by the false teachers who are overwhelmed in fear. Even the demons are terrified.

This is the moment spoken of by the prophets of old, “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:…In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:10-12, 20, 21.

Amid the wails of these false watchmen and the fear of demons who now openly acknowledge the deity of Christ, God does not forget His faithful few. Amid a rift in the clouds a star shines forth four times brighter than the darkness. This is to encourage the saints with hope and joy amid such cataclysmic events. The faithful become aglow with wonder and faith and love.

They repeat the promise; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3.

Pen of Fire

As God listens to His saints, He commands the clouds to part so that the glory of the New Jerusalem shines upon His faithful. Oh, what a God! How wonderful! Next God spreads His TV screen across the heavens. Two hands will be seen, each holding a table of stone. As every living soul watches, a pen of fire traces each word of the Ten Commandments. Can you see them as they are traced one by one in the heavens?

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Instantly millions will realize that there god has been the riches of gold and silver. Others will see that they have worshipped sports, sex, even the theater as their god.

And now the second commandment: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.…Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them.” Too late the pagans and the misled Catholics will see that God means exactly what He says in His law.

Next the finger of fire traces, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. …” Those who have made a habit of swearing discover how wrong they were.

And then the wicked will tremble as the finger of fire traces the words, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

Billions of the earth’s inhabitants will discover that God has not altered these words from His lips. Too late they see that Sunday keeping has been inspired by Satan.

And then the youth will tremble for they shall see the words “Honor thy father and thy mother.”

Then appear the words traced in fire, “Thou shalt not kill,” followed by the words, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” These commanding words disprove beyond question the present consensus that abortion makes things right with God. Now they see that it is a terrible lie. Those who live together, without benefit of marriage, will be speechless.

Then the pen of fire concludes, “Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not covet ….” Too late all will recognize that God’s law is eternal, a transcript of His character, that this law is the basis upon which God judges between life and death. It is impossible to describe the hour of despair of those who have trampled upon God’s requirements.

Too Late, Too Late!

Too late the enemies of God’s law, especially the false ministers and priests, see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the very seal of the living God. Too late they now see the true nature of Sunday keeping, that it is the mark of the beast which God warned against. Now the voice of God is heard for the fourth time, declaring the day and the hour of the coming of Christ.

Hope fills the heart of every saint. Their faces shine like that of Moses as he descended the mount. God also pronounces a blessing upon Sabbath keepers. The saints respond with a shout of victory. Soon there appears in the east a small cloud. It is a cloud of angels surrounding the Saviour. Because of the distance, it appears shrouded in darkness, but it soon becomes brighter and more glorious as they behold the King of kings, coming as a mighty Conqueror surrounded by countless angels.

Who Shall be Able to Stand?

Every eye beholds Him. As the saints see the beauty of His character, they cry out, “Who shall be able to stand before Him?” Suddenly the angels stop their singing. The whole universe awaits God’s answer. It is here that God speaks for the fifth time in answer to the saints’ question. He speaks those loving words; “My grace is sufficient for you.” At these words the angels rejoice in songs of victory.

The righteous are filled with unutterable joy as the Saviour descends in clouds wrapped in flaming fire. “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him.” Psalm 50:3. This is the time when “…the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Revelation 6:15, 16.

And now God speaks for the sixth time, not to the righteous but to the wicked, to awaken their memory that He has done everything possible that they might be saved. He declares, “…I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof.” Proverbs 1:24, 25.

These words bring to memory warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted. As Pilate listens, he remembers his own words when he said, “I find no fault in Him.” Haughty Herod recalls how he mocked the Saviour. Those very hands which placed the crown of thorns on Jesus now tremble. The soldiers, who drove the nails and pierced His side, try to hide.

The very same priests who cried “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” are now speechless. These, together with today’s ministers who declare that you do not have to obey God’s law and that you can sin until Jesus comes, all such, together with the earth’s wicked, are consumed with the brightness of Christ’s coming.

A Mighty Army Awakes

And now for the seventh and last time the voice of God loudly cries out, “Awake! Awake! Ye that sleep in the dust of the earth. Arise.” Instantly the whole earth rings with the tread of an exceeding great army from every nation, kindred and tongue. Together these risen, immortal righteous and the remaining living righteous unite in a great shout of victory. Oh, what wonderful victory over sin and death for these living righteous are now made immortal in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17. For the next seven days we shall travel to heaven. All will celebrate the Sabbath before entering the Holy City. As our journey ends on the Sea of Glass just outside the City, Jesus gathers the redeemed around Him.

Home at Last!

Try to catch this picture with me. Jesus is crowned with seven crowns and with His own hand he places a crown upon each saint, upon which is imprinted a new name. Then the angels give a golden harp to each of the redeemed who will skillfully play and sing in unison.

“And I saw as it were a Sea of Glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the Sea of Glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Revelation 15:2, 3.

And now the city becomes the center of attraction. Standing on the Sea of Glass we shall behold its walls made of jasper with twelve foundations. It is a city with no night, just never-ending day. Jesus opens those great pearly gates and bids us enter in to walk on streets of gold, which lead us to that great white throne. Picture with me the rainbow above the throne and the river of life flowing out beneath the throne.

It is here that Jesus presents us to God the Father that we may take the place of the fallen angels. Adam, who is some 14 to 16 feet tall, represents the redeemed. He stands but a little lower than Jesus. The Saviour points him to the Garden of Eden, and “Transported with joy, he beholds the trees that were once his delight—the very trees whose fruit he himself had gathered in the days of his innocence and joy. He sees the vines that his own hands have trained, the very flowers that he once loved to care for. His mind grasps the reality of the scene; he comprehends that this is indeed Eden restored, more lovely now than when he was banished from it. The Saviour leads him to the tree of life and plucks the glorious fruit and bids him eat. He looks about him and beholds a multitude of his family redeemed, standing in the Paradise of God. Then he casts his glittering crown at the feet of Jesus and, falling upon His breast, embraces the Redeemer. He touches the golden harp, and the vaults of heaven echo the triumphant song: ‘Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again!’ The family of Adam take up the strain and cast their crowns at the Saviour’s feet as they bow before Him in adoration.” The Great Controversy, 648.

Oh, beloved, never forget. What Jesus did for Adam He can do for you and for me. “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24.

Come Sit with Me in My Father’s Throne

And now a most precious promise is to take place. Are you ready for this? It is unbelievable but true. Christ now assumes His place with the Father on the great white throne. As He looks over the redeemed, that number as the stars of heaven, as He looks over the vast multitude, He sees you, and He lovingly asks you to come up to the throne, to ascend the stairs and to sit on the throne with God.

Are you astonished? Do you not remember? “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21. Oh, what a marvelous salvation! Praise the Lord!

Dear Child of God, I cannot, I must not conclude this godly message without making a special appeal to you in the name of Jesus. Will you just now give your heart anew to such a loving Saviour who died for you that you might live with Him? I urge you to determine right now, this moment, that when the mark of the beast, so soon to be enforced by law, is passed, that you will stand firm and be faithful to God’s commandments no matter what the cost may be.

None But These Will Stand

February 27, 2020 by Ralph Larson

I would like to direct your attention for a few moments to the first part of Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth shall pass away.”

In the book The Great Controversy, beginning with chapter 29, page 492, we find a series of eleven chapters which appear to be telling us how heaven and earth are going to pass away—very essential reading for all of us who are in the Seventh-day Adventist movement today.

Our Greatest Danger Today

Six chapters describe the supernatural powers that will be arrayed against us. Four chapters describe the earthly powers that will be arrayed against us, and in those chapters, I suggest that as you read them you take careful notice of the number of times the warning is against false teachers. It appears that, in Ellen White’s view, the greatest danger we face is the false teachers among us and around us in these last days.

Then there is one chapter entitled “The Scriptures a Safeguard,” telling us how we may survive. At the bottom of the first page of this chapter we find these lines: “Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided.” Think about that for just a moment.

Will they be called dirty names? Yes, they will be called dirty names. Will they be called legalists? Yes, they will be called legalists by people who do not even know what the word means. A legalist is one who thinks he can make it to the kingdom of God doing all of the things that God tells him to do without any help from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the historic definition of legalist and is the one that we ought to always remember.

Will they be called perfectionists? Another dirty word. Yes, they will be called perfectionists. May I point out that the doctrine of perfectionism is a specific theological doctrine, and you should not misuse that word anymore than a doctor should diagnose appendicitis for a man who has a broken leg.

The doctrine of perfectionism, whenever and wherever it has appeared in the history of all churches, has rested like a three-legged stool on three legs.

The first idea is the teaching that man can, by the power of Christ, live a sinless life. That is the only one of the three that Seventh-day Adventists have ever accepted.

The second one is that man can have instant sanctification; he can become perfect in a moment of time. Seventh-day Adventists have always rejected that, and Ellen White very firmly rejects it.

The third one is that when this instant sanctification has occurred to you, you can know it; you can recognize it, and you can testify to the world that you have become a sinless person. You know how firmly Ellen White rejects that. She often wrote there is no instant sanctification, it is the work of a lifetime, you never lay it aside as finished.

“Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided.” The Great Controversy, 593. They will be called legalists. They will be called perfectionists. They will be called right-wingers, which is perhaps the most ludicrous of all of these epithets, these dirty words. If you want to check that out, all you have to do is go to a college library or any church school library and examine the books on Bible doctrines that were used in Seventh-day Adventist schools up to the mid-1950s.

You will see that those of us who call ourselves “historic” Adventists and who are scornfully called by others “traditional” Adventists (there is a propaganda technique there you understand quickly), have not deviated one iota to the right of what you see in those books. But those who have gone wildly off to the left are calling us right-wingers! That is about as crazy as anything could possibly be. But we are told that is the way it is going to be.

Fortified with the Truth

Now, how can we handle it? The very last line on page 593 of the Great Controversy is the one upon which I want you to focus your minds. “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.” Ron Spear once said, “One of the best ways to study the Bible is to read the Spirit of Prophecy, because every few pages that you read you get loaded up with Bible texts!”

Folks, in the end, we are going to divide over the Spirit of Prophecy. Those who accept the Spirit of Prophecy will go one way, and those who reject it will go another way. Just hold that in your mind.

Fortified. A fort is put where you expect an attack, is it not? I want to ask you to consider the following Ellen White statement most carefully. It is a prediction of what will happen in the future.

“After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations…” She is referring to Matthew 24:14. “…this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” We have seen ourselves as the people who had the special task of taking the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

Tearing Down the Pillars

But notice this, “After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations,… there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 985. What might that say to us about our present position in the stream of time? Are we seeing a removing of the landmarks today?

What are these pillars, these landmarks? Depending on how you divide the Three Angels’ Messages, whether you think of them as one or as three, you can count the pillars as five or eight.

We have the landmarks defined for us in the book Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30. “The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary [Number 1] transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, [also] the First and Second Angels’ Messages and the Third. [That is one or three, depending on how you count.]… One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God [Number 3]. The light of the Sabbath [Number 4, if you separate the Sabbath from the Law] of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway.… [Finally] The non-immortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.”

What are they?

The sanctuary
The Three Angels’ Messages
The Law
The Sabbath
Non-immortality of the soul.

Those are the landmarks, and the one under attack most bitterly, most viciously, most unyieldingly at this moment, is the sanctuary.

Attacking the Sanctuary

A gentleman called me from England recently. He asked me for some materials to help him. He said, “One of our prominent church elders has launched a paper attacking the sanctuary with the approval of the conference president.”

One week after that, I had a telephone call from Australia. The caller said, “The conference has given a man freedom to circulate among the churches attacking the sanctuary.” He wanted to know whether I would prepare a response if he sent the tapes to me. He said he would fly all the way to the United States to make videotapes of my response in an attempt to offset what this man, with the approval of the conference, was doing.

That is where we are, folks, and we must bear in mind, and be cautious while still speaking the truth, that the increasing strangeness of the behavior of some of our leaders is equaled only by the sternness of their demand that nobody dare to criticize. I am sorry. I am going to have to speak out against that just the same.

When our conference officials approve of attacks on the sanctuary, I believe it is the sacred duty of every true man of God to speak out and say, “That is wrong. That is hopelessly wrong!”

I want to focus on one thing relative to the sanctuary. A few years ago a certain gentleman came up from the lands down under and sent a lot of Seventh-day Adventist ministers into a flap of confusion by proposing that our Seventh-day Adventist pioneers were so ignorant that they did not even know that Christ went to the throne of God when He went back to heaven in 31 A.D.

A lot of our Seventh-day Adventist ministers, perhaps mostly the younger ones, did not know how to handle that at all. They were really upset and troubled by it. I am going to give you a little Bible study. Unfortunately, this is the only place where you can get this Bible study at the present time.

How Many Thrones?

Where did Christ go in 31 A.D.? Revelation 3:20, 21 tells us how our pioneers understood that. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. [Read carefully]. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

How many thrones are there? Two. My throne and His throne. One is present and one is future. Which is which? He says, “I overcame [past tense] I am set down [past tense] with My Father in His throne. You will, if you overcome, [future tense] sit down with Me in My throne [future tense].” Two thrones, two times, two persons or groups of persons, and two distinctly different situations.

Now let us begin at the beginning: “The Lord said unto my Lord [God the Father said to God the Son], Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies.… The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Psalm 110:1, 2, 4.

A Scripture that is recognized by virtually all conservative commentators as a prediction, or prophecy, about our Lord, says, “And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord: Even He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His [the Father’s] throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between Them both.” Zechariah 6:12.

Now go to the New Testament and look at Mark 16:19. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” In Peter’s Pentecostal sermon he states, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted [You will find modern translations sometimes translate that as “Therefore, being to the right hand of God exalted.”], and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on my right hand [What is he quoting? Psalm 110.], Until I make Thy foes Thy footstool.” Acts 2:32–35.

You see, He is not going to always be sitting on the right hand of God. He is not going to be always a priest sitting on the throne of God. Some day He is going to sit on His own throne.

“Him hath God exalted with His right hand,” again, modern translations frequently put that “to His right hand.” It is an acceptable translation of the Greek. “…to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31.

Before he died, the testimony of Stephen was, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55.

A Priest on His Throne

Let us get the testimony of the apostle Paul: “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, [And what is He doing there?] who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34. What kind of a person makes intercession for us? A priest on the throne of God, on the right hand of God. As Zechariah wrote, “A priest on the throne.”

Look at the following texts: “Which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:20.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1.

“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:3.

“But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Hebrews 1:13. What is he quoting? Psalm 110.

“(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:).” Hebrews 7:21. What is he quoting? Psalm 110.

There is another reference in Hebrews 7:17: “For He testifieth, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.”

Hebrews 8:1 and onward, “Now of the things which we have spoken this 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.” And then he goes on to talk about His priestly ministry there.

“But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [Look carefully at verse 13.] From henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.” Hebrews 10:12, 13. What is he quoting? Psalm 110.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2,

And, of course, we could add to these Revelation 12:5, the vision of John. “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.”

Where Was the Father’s Throne?

Can there be any question that Christ went to the throne of the Father in 31 A.D., and sat down beside the Father as a priest on the throne of the Father, from henceforth expecting until He would sit on His own throne when His enemies are made His footstool? And we shall share that throne with Him. Now that creates a question. Where was the throne of the Father in A.D. 31? We need not speculate. The answer is in Revelation 4:1–5. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: [Now note this] and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

The Pioneers Still Speak

Were these seven lamps in the holy place or the most holy place? In the holy place, the first apartment. Where was the throne of God in 31 A.D.? In the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. Now where do you think I learned all this? Where do you think I got this Bible study? From the writings of our pioneers.

I have a whole stack of articles written by our pioneers, the first one in 1858. That is going a long way back in Adventist history. A gentleman by the name of F. M. Bragg wrote an article entitled, “Jesus Reigns Upon Two Thrones.” He went through briefly the same material that I have shared with you here. In The Review and Herald, September 12, 1871, J. N. Andrews and J. H. Waggoner comment briefly on it. (J. H. Waggoner was the father of E. J. Waggoner of 1888 fame.)

An article by Uriah Smith talks about these things in some detail. He includes some answers to an objector, a critic, who had tried to say that God was in the Most Holy Place in 31 A.D., and that is where Christ went. I would like for you to notice how he sums up his response to that. This is a little bit different, if I may say so.

After pointing out the strange conclusions that would be forced upon us in so many different ways if we said that God the Father was in the most holy place in 31 A.D., he says this. “To such stupid driveling absurdities are we driven the moment we take the position that Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary when He ascended. Dear Brother Smith, we do not talk like that any more, do we?” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1875 and August 5, 1875.

Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893, a Mrs. M. E. Steward wrote an article entitled, “Our Priest King,” in which she covers the same ground.

Signs of the Times, December 10, 1894, an Elder M. H. Brown writes an article entitled, “The True Tabernacle,” and one of the subtitles is “The Two Thrones.” “Christ occupies that throne with His Father at the present and as Christ rules upon the Father’s throne and is a priest upon His Father’s throne, we know that Christ’s present office and work is that of a priest-king.”

J. Waggoner makes a brief comment on it in the same fashion, Ibid., April 18, 1895. And beginning with The Review and Herald, June 2, 1910, Elder J. N. Loughborough put in four lengthy articles in succession all under the one title, “The Two Thrones.”

In the Australian Signs of the Times, December 23, 1929, an article by William W. Prescott, appeared, entitled, “The Priest Upon the Throne.”

And, of course, in The Great Controversy, 415, 416, you will find Mrs. White briefly summing up the whole thing.

Did our pioneers know where Jesus went in 31 A.D.? They most certainly did! They knew exactly where He went. They knew exactly what He was doing, and their position was just as Biblical as anything could possibly be.

I cannot claim credit for this Bible study. I got it out of the writings of our pioneers. I want to testify to you that our message can stand against any challenge. Our message cannot be faulted. In its essential points, in its broad picture, it is absolutely certain. It will stand against the powers of hell itself.

Never have any questions, any doubts. I would like to appeal to you to remember those words, “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand.” Ibid., 593. You have heard comments on the shaking time and you need to be studying that. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken.

Multitudes, Mrs. White writes, of false brethren will leave us. Companies will throw down the flag and depart from us. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away from the floor where we see only rich wheat. Men that we have admired as brilliant stars will go out in darkness and turn against us. Let us resolve that, by the grace of God, we will let the chaff blow, let the brilliant stars go, let company after company join the foe, nevertheless we will stand though the heavens fall.

Which Goal?

February 14, 2020 by Ruth Grosboll

Unless there is a goal to be reached, very little effort is put forth by anyone for anything. All successful businesses, all competitive sports and all other worthy or unworthy enterprises have a goal. That goal governs the thoughts, words and actions of the individuals concerned.

As Christians, we too must have a goal, and that goal is to be much higher and nobler than any worldly enterprise. There is only one way we are going to reach that goal, and that is if our thoughts, words, and actions are governed by our determination to reach the standard which we have set.

Setting a Goal

The first thing we need to do is to set our goal. Basically, our goal should be eternal life with Jesus, which means living in heaven and in the earth made new where there will be no sin, no pain, no death, no sorrow, no angry words spoken, no disappointments and no deceptions. It will be a life filled with activity and wholesome association.

To reach any goal we need to know the requirements to see if we have the ability to perform them. Let us look at this for a few minutes. The requirements are set down by God Himself. In Isaiah 13:12, God has promised to make a man more precious than fine gold even than the golden wedge of Ophir. And in Matthew 5:48 He says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” I would say those requirements are pretty stringent.

But God would never make a requirement, or a goal, that can not be reached; so let us spend a little time on what we must do to reach our goal. In order for gold to become purified it must go through the process of refining, which requires tremendous heat; and that heat represents trials and afflictions. Are we willing to endure the heat of trials such as unjust criticism, unjust treatment or being scoffed at? Are we able to suffer losses without complaining or becoming irritable?

They Forgot Their Leader

These things may sound very trite and simple, but remember that millions of Israelites lost their lives in the desert just because they complained of their situation. They forgot who their leader was; they forgot that every trial was for the purpose of purifying their characters so they would have a better society of people to live with when they got to Canaan. Can you imagine being very, very thirsty and then tasting water so bitter you could not drink it and not saying one impatient word about it? or wandering in the wilderness for 40 years eating the same food day after day, and still keeping a sweet disposition? Remember “all these things happened unto them for enamples: and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1Corinthians 10:11.

A Poor Foundation

So how do we reach the goal. There is only one way, and that is to keep our eyes riveted on the life of Jesus. We cannot take time to look any other place. We have no time to look at the supposed mistakes that our brothers and sisters are making. I once knew a minister who used to say, “Other peoples’ mistakes are a poor foundation on which to build your conversation.” That statement has helped me many times.

The story is told in the Bible about the time that Joseph sent his brothers from Egypt back to Canaan, to bring their families and their father to Egypt where there was food. The admonition Joseph gave them was “. . .See that you fall not out by the way.” Genesis 45:24. That is good admonition for us as we are traveling to our heavenly Canaan, for if we fall by the way we will have missed our goal completely and lost our heavenly home.

Where Are Your Eyes Focused?

There are many ways that we could fall out by the way. We could start focusing our eyes on the things of the world; or we could start focusing our attention on the failings of the General Conference brethren; or even spending time trying to figure out why our historic Adventist brothers and sisters are doing what they are doing; or making suppositions about the meanings of what they are preaching.

Focusing our eyes on things of this world—what does that mean? Are we admiring our neighbor’s good car, wishing for and working to have a far better one than we can really afford? Are we dressing with the intention of looking like the worldly models and being pleasing to the eyes of our worldly acquaintances, or are we dressing to represent Jesus, here on earth? Are we loving the entertainments, fashions and fine things of this world, above the worship of our heavenly Creator? Are we watching TV, or reading the newspaper when we should be devoting our time to Bible study or reading the Spirit of Prophecy? Where are we spending our time and energy? Are we just making a living, or are we spending a couple hours a day with the inspired writings and in prayer or even devoting some time for prayer and fasting?

We need to get our eyes riveted on Jesus and realize the purpose for which we were created and given life here on earth. We are told about an experience Peter had when Jesus was on earth. Peter was so happy to see Jesus walking on the water that Peter asked if he could join Him. Jesus bid him come. When Peter got out on the water he was elated that he could actually walk on the water, (Matthew 14:22–36) but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves on the sea, he began to sink.

Taking Our Eyes Off Jesus

If we for one minute take our eyes off of Jesus, we too will sink. Let us look at some of the other ways that we take our eyes off Jesus. Have you ever had someone come and tell you of all the mistakes the men at Silver Springs, Maryland are making? Have you ever gone over and over their failures and the way they are investing God’s money and what they are saying about celebration or the new theology? There is nothing wrong with being aware of the conditions in our world or in the church, but there is a difference in being aware of these things and spending time and mental energy dwelling on them, hashing over situations and mistakes.

I am sure that Peter was aware of the fact that he was walking on water. But when he got to thinking about himself, saw the waves and began worrying about his situation, he began to sink. We must be aware of the kind of world in which we are living. But if we begin looking at ourselves, at our situation, at the problems in the church and lose sight of the fact that God is leading and that He will see His work through, then we too will sink. We must be divested of self and determined to do as Jesus would do if He were in our situation. God’s will, will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. The truth will triumph. The question is, Will we triumph with it?

To Glorify God in All Things

The advancements in the modes of travel and communication are given to us for one great purpose—to hasten the Gospel to all the world? When we realize that, we can rightly enjoy our computers, telephones, e-mails, airplanes, cars, and whatever can be used to help save souls from the final destruction of the inhabitants of this world.

When we travel down the fine freeways, that are built to make travel easier and swifter, do we remember that God gave these things to us to expedite His work more efficiently? We need to make use of every modern convenience to which we have access, to glorify God and to help hasten the work of getting the Three Angels’ Messages out to the inhabitants of this troubled world.

We have a goal to be reached, a saving message to be given to the world, and we have not a moment to lose in accomplishing our task. Every dollar we have, and every bit of influence we can exert, is to fulfill that one great purpose. If we keep our eyes riveted on Jesus, and put our all to the task, we will reach our goal.

Jesus tells us that without Him we can do nothing, (John 15:5). In another place He said that with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26), so with God’s direction you and I can reach our goal.

Consecrated Daily

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus, day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.

“A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” Steps to Christ, 70, 71.

Reflecting His Character

We have been promised that the glory of God would circle the earth. In Numbers 14:21, it says, “But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.” If we, His followers, develop in us His character, He will use us to accomplish His purpose. My plea is, Let nothing detract us from the purpose for which we were created and that is to reflect the image of God perfectly. Let us ask ourselves, when we communicate with one another, are we reflecting the character of Christ or are we aiding the “accuser of the brethren?” (Revelation 12:10.)

“In the lives of God’s people the truths of His word are to reveal their glory and excellence. Through His people Christ is to manifest His character and the principles of His kingdom.

“Satan seeks to counterwork the work of God, and he is constantly urging men to accept his principles. He represents the chosen people of God as a deluded people. He is an accuser of the brethren, and his accusing power is employed against those who work righteousness. The Lord desires through His people to answer Satan’s charges by showing the results of obedience to right principles.

“These principles are to be manifest in the individual Christian, in the family, in the church, and in every institution established for God’s service. All are to be symbols of what can be done for the world. They are to be types of the saving power of the truths of the gospel. All are agencies in the fulfillment of God’s great purpose for the human race.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 296.

May we, by the grace of God, who claim to be God’s children and call our selves Seventh-day Adventists, fulfill the purpose for which we are placed in this world.

Two Conditions You Must Meet to be Saved, Part I

February 14, 2020 by John J. Grosboll

There are two conditions that you must meet to be saved. Let us look at the prayer of Jesus just before He went into the Garden of Gethsemane. “‘And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:3. There are many places in the Bible that tell us that the world does not know God. One place is right here in this prayer.

In verse 25, Jesus says, “‘O righteous Father! The world has not known You.’” The world does not know God. But if you know God, you are going to have eternal life. That is one condition, and the second one is like unto it.

Not only must you know God, but He must also know you. In the gospel of Matthew we read about some people who say that they know the Lord, but the Lord says that He does not know them. “‘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, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”’” Matthew 7:21-23.

Does God Know You?

These are people who think that they know God, but God says I do not know you. So these are the two conditions you must meet if you are going to be saved: You must know God, and He must know you. Everybody who knows God will be saved. Everyone that God knows will be saved.

Now we are human beings and sometimes we get confused in terminology. We think that if we know something about God, that is the same thing as knowing God. Many years ago I heard a story about a preacher. Late one night the telephone rang, and on the other end of the line was a young woman who was about to commit suicide. Almost every preacher or pastor has had at least one telephone call from somebody who was contemplating suicide. It is more common than you might think.

Do You Know God?

This young lady was planning to commit suicide, but before she did, for some reason, there was one question that she wanted to get answered. So she asked this preacher the one question on her heart: “Do you know God?” It just took him aback, because do you know what preachers know? Well, we know Greek; we know Hebrew, and we know history. We have been taught about public speaking; we have been taught about church administration, how to run committees and boards, how to administer communion, how to baptize people; we know theology, teaching, philosophy, psychology and sociology.

But she did not want to talk to anybody who knew all that. She wanted to talk to someone who knew God. That is the question I want to ask you. Do you know God? Does He know you? The Bible makes it very clear, there in Matthew 7, that many people think they know God, and they really do not.

There was a lady who came to one of our workers at the State Fair this past summer. She said, “Well, I know my Lord.” Because she knew Him, she knew He would and would not do certain things, and it is very interesting what people think they know about what God will and will not do. They think that they know, but they really do not. Matthew 7:21–23 is a good example of that. But there are others.

Luke 9:55 speaks about the apostles. Surely they knew the Lord. But notice what Jesus said to them: “He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.’”

And again, in John 14:9 Jesus is talking to one of His own disciples: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Phillip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, “Show us the Father?”’” You see, these people had been with Jesus for over three years at this time and Jesus asked Phillip the question, how could I be with you so long and you not know Me? You see there are many people today, many Christians who know Jesus the way the apostles knew Jesus when He was here in the world.

What Is the Difference Between Professed and True?

“Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open for us,” and He will answer and say to you, “I do not know you, where you are from,” then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” But He will say, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. . . .” Luke 13:23–28. This is but another example of this same problem.

I will just give you a little tip for your own devotional study. If you look in the gospels where Jesus talks about weeping and gnashing of teeth, you will find out that every single time He is talking about a certain group of people at the end of time. He is talking about people who were in the professed church, who believed that they were part of His chosen people, that they were part of His own, but they find out at the end that they are not. They were in the church, and they were sure they were going to be saved, but they come right up to the end, and they are not. It is serious when you put it in that vein, is it not? But that is whom He is talking about every single time when He talks about weeping and gnashing of teeth in the gospels. (See Matthew 8 and 25.)

Incidentally, there are going to be a lot of preachers in that crowd. A lot of them. In fact, Ellen White says that a lot of them had high positions in God’s work. (See Upward Look, 301.) I can tell you that you and I do not want to be in that group.

We need to talk to the Lord about this and say, “Lord, is my religion real? Or is it just a game of pretend?” The apostle Paul talks to a young preacher about this very problem. He says, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:16.

The Horror of Rejection

So we can see from these Scriptures that there will be many people who thought that they knew God and that God knew them. They will come right up to the end, and they will have the most bitter, awful disappointment and shock that they have ever had.

I try to imagine this in my mind over and over again, and frankly I am unable to do so. I cannot imagine how terrible it would be to realize that probation is over, and you are lost. There is not going to be another second chance like a lot of people think. It is over. You have already had your second chance, and you are lost. This has happened not just to individuals but to whole groups and nations and people. There are many texts in both the Old and New Testaments that point this out as a problem with the Jewish nation.

Isaiah 58:1, 2 says, “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God.”

These are people who are very religious. They go to church and they say, “We want somebody to preach to us and show us the ways of God.” It says they delight in the ways of God, but the Lord says, “You do not even know Me. You do not even know the way of peace,” as you can see in Isaiah 59:8.

Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet, because he did a lot of weeping. He says, “Oh, that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night. . . . They have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:1, 3.

The Lord says My own chosen people do not know Me. They just think they do. They are very religious. These people, even from a human point of view, probably seemed much more religious than the average Seventh-day Adventist today.

The gospel of John, of all the gospels, deals with this issue and this question a great deal. In fact, John deals with it in all of his writings. This is John the Baptist speaking: “John answered them, saying, ‘I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.’” John 1:26.

They Did Not Know Him!

Jesus had been in the world for 30 years at this time, and they did not know Him. They did not know Him! Now there had been much evidence given. Everybody knew about the shepherds and about the wise men. And there were many of the leaders of the people who knew about the time when Jesus had been in the temple for three days asking questions of the leaders of Israel.

But they did not know Him. This theme keeps coming up over and over again. “Then they said to Him, ‘Where is Your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.’” John 8:19.

So the Jewish people did not know that God was among them in the flesh. It was the greatest opportunity that had ever been given to the human race since Adam and Eve. He was there, right then, and they did not know.

Are you aware of the fact, friend, that very soon we are to be given the greatest opportunity that has been given to God’s people since the time of Christ and the apostles? Did you know that the majority of Adventists will not know what is going on? Are you aware of the fact that Ellen White says that the light that lightens the earth with its glory will be called a false light.” (See Review and Herald, May 27, 1890.)

The Last Message of Mercy

The light that lightens the earth with its glory is an expression from the Bible. What is that about? It is about the Loud Cry that is described in Revelation 18:1. It says, ‘I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” (KJV.)

The Loud Cry is the last message of mercy given to this world, and it is going to be accompanied by an experience of primitive godliness that has not been seen since the days of the apostles. You can read about that in The Great Controversy, 464. It is going to be accompanied by more miracles than any of us have ever yet seen. Signs and wonders are going to follow the believers. That is what it says.

Miracles of healing will be wrought. Everybody that is an Adventist is going to know that something is happening. But Ellen White said that they would call this light that lightens the earth with its glory, a false light.

Why? How could that be? Because the people do not know God, that is how. That is why. They did not know Him. That is why they crucified Him. They did not know who He was. Paul says that if they had known who He was, they would not have done what they did. But they did not know Him. The question is, do you and I know Him? As we draw closer and closer to the end, we are going to have to know Him.

Friends, you and I are going to be told that we are in league with the devil, that we do not know God at all and that we are the cause of all the trouble coming upon the earth. We are going to be told that, and if you do not know Him, you are not going to make it. Do you know Him? Do you know that you know Him? Do you know that He knows you?

An Intimate Relationship with Your Redeemer

This is a big theme in the Bible. Do you know God? Does He know you? The problem is not God knowing about us, and us knowing about God. It is not talking about knowing information about someone; it is talking about us actually having an experience, a relationship with that person.

God wants to have a relationship with you and you need to have a relationship with Him. “‘To him (that is the Good Shepherd) the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.’” John 10:3, 4.

Do you know His voice? If you know Him, you will know His voice. Do you know how to distinguish the voice of Jesus from a stranger? Jesus says that the sheep can tell the difference. In verse 5, He says that His sheep will not even listen to the voice of strangers; they will flee from them.

What is the difference between the voice of the Shepherd and the voice of the stranger, and how do you tell the difference? Here is one quick tip: the voice of the Shepherd will never contradict anything in the Bible, especially the law of God. That is why you need to be studying the Bible, so you can recognize the Voice, because there are lots of voices today.

“‘I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.’” John 10:14. Jesus says, the people who belong to Me, they know Me. I know them, and they know Me. No exceptions! People who are taken to heaven when Jesus comes will be people who know Him, and He knows them.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me.” So there is one question you can ask yourself, “Can I tell the difference in the voice?” Now the gospel of John also points out certain criteria so you could know which people are not the Lord’s; they are not His sheep; they are not His people, and they do not know Him. Maybe this is not so pretty, but it is surely appropriate for the times in which we are living.

Hated and Persecuted for Christ

In John 15:19, 20, Jesus is telling His disciples that they are going to be persecuted. The world is going to hate them and persecute them. Why is the world going to hate them and why is the world going to persecute them? Verse 21 explains it: “‘But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.’”

Why? They do not know Him. They do not know God. “‘These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues [They will disfellowship you, in other words.]; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.’” John 16: 1, 2. The Greek text says, “Whoever kills you will glory that he is doing service for God.” He will exult that he is doing something for the Lord because he is killing God’s people.

“‘And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.’” Verse 3. Why do they do these things? They do not know God. I want to tell you, friends, if, in your heart and in my heart, we ever have the desire to get even with the people that abuse us, there is something wrong. We do not know God. There is a lot of that going on today. Professed Adventists even take other Adventists to court, so they can put them in prison, if they do not do what they want.

God’s “Professed” People

Why? Jesus told us why. They do not know “the Father nor Me.” Are you brave? Are you ready for me to get very specific? We are living in a time just like this time. Who was it that Jesus was talking about that was going to do this? Was it the Romans? No, it was the Jews, God’s chosen people. His professed people. That is the way it is today.

It is a very serious thing to profess to be one of God’s children and then get involved in persecuting other children of God, because they are heretics or fanatics or whatever they are. I do not believe in heresy; I do not believe in fanaticism; I believe in fighting both of them, but I do not believe in killing the people. I do not believe in putting the people in prison because their doctrines are wrong, or they are fanatics.

Jesus said the people who do this do not know God. “They do not know the Father nor Me.” Now let us just think this through a little bit. I want you to think.

Are You Involved?

I want to ask you some questions. Do you think that God is going to finish His work in this world through people who do not even know Him? Is that what you think? Well, that is what some people think. That is what some Adventists think. They write me letters and tell me that. Some people think that God is going to finish His work through people who do not even know Him.

“Oh,” they say to me, “that is not everybody.”

Now listen, let us think that one through. Not everybody. There is a Nicodemus. Let me tell you something, friends, Jesus did not finish the work that God gave Him to do through Nicodemus, and He did not do it through the Sanhedrin. Those people in the Sanhedrin did not know Him. Even Nicodemus did not really know Him yet. It took him a while. After the cross, Nicodemus got it figured out.

We are not passing judgment on who is going to be saved and who is not going to be saved. Not at all! That is God’s business. But it is time to think things through and it is not rude or sacrilegious for a preacher to ask you some questions such as, “Do you really believe that God is going to finish His work through people who do not even know Him?” That is what the majority of Adventists believe today. Jesus said the people who are involved in persecuting other believers do not know Me, and they do not know the Father. It is too pointed!

Somebody says, “Well, Pastor John, they are not all involved in that.”

I am sorry, brother and sister, that is not true. You are mistaken. They are all involved, and the reason they are all involved is very simple; they all belong to one organization that is doing it. Unless they are protesting it, they are part of it!

To be Continued …

Two Conditions You Must Meet to be Saved, Part II

February 14, 2020February 10, 2020 by John J. Grosboll

At the end of Part One of this article, we were looking at what our responsibility becomes when we have our names on the membership of a particular organization, and that organization does something that is wrong. Are we responsible? Are we involved with the wrongdoing?

You Are Part of It

Why is it wrong for a Seventh-day Adventist to belong to a labor union? Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever tried to think that through in your mind? Have you read what Ellen White says about labor unions? She says that you cannot belong to a labor union without disregarding every commandment in the Decalogue: “While they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep the commandments of God; for to belong to these unions means to disregard the entire Decalogue.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 143.

Now why is it impossible for a Seventh-day Adventist to belong to a labor union without disregarding every commandment in the Decalogue? I have been around a number of Adventists who have belonged to labor unions, and they did not kill anybody. The labor union did not force them to lie or to commit adultery. Why then did Ellen White say that you cannot belong to a labor union without disregarding every commandment in the Decalogue? Because, when you become a member of that organization, you are part of that for which the organization stands.

When you are part of an organization that officially, through its highest elected officers, goes to court and sues God’s people and you do not protest it, do you still bear responsibility? We are all going to the Day of Judgment. Do you think about the Day of Judgment often? I do. I want to tell you, friends, I pray about this. I do not know if it is because I preach too straight or not, but I have enemies in this world, and they tell me, in effect, that I am going to hell.

So I kneel down and pray, and I say, “Lord, I really do not want to go to hell. I want to know You; I want to obey You; I want to do whatever You say. Show me what I am doing or saying that is wrong so it can be corrected, so I can be ready for the Day of Judgment. I want to know You, and I want You to know me. I do not want to have a pretend religion. I am not concerned about what so-and-so says or thinks, but I am very concerned about what You think.”

Is Persecution Ever Right?

Well, John 16:3 and 4 are verses that Seventh-day Adventists need to think through, if we are involved in persecuting our brother in Christ just because they are fanatics or heretics, or whatever they are. The Bible says if we do that we do not know either the Father or the Son. We are not candidates for eternal life at all but are still in the bonds of unrighteousness.

You see, there is no text in the Bible that says you can persecute people if they are heretics or fanatics. There is no statement in inspired writings that condones persecution. Even in the Old Covenant, when punishment for sin was meted out, no one was punished except those who had broken the Law of God. When you study church history you find that all of the people who have been persecuted have been called heretics, schismatics and fanatics. That is what they have always been called. And, by the way, have you ever stopped to think that there probably were some people burned at the stake who, if you knew what they believed, you would say were either heretics or fanatics? You would probably say that about some of those people, yourself. But that does not mean it is right to burn them.

II Corinthians 5:15, 16 says, “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh [That is, if they knew Christ when He was here on earth.], yet now we know Him thus no longer.”

We Need a Deeper Experience in Jesus

Notice there is a deeper experience than knowing Jesus according to the flesh. From now on we regard no one according to the flesh, for now we know Him thus no longer. Verse 17 continues, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Oh, friend, do you know Him? Not according to the flesh, but do you know Him? Does He know you? “If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” I Corinthians 8:2, 3.

If you know God, you will love Him, and you will be known by Him.

How do you know whether you love God or not? Let us allow Scripture to answer this question.

In Philippians 3:10, this is Paul’s great desire. In fact, he says in verse 7, I have lost everything, and it is just rubbish compared with this. This is all I want, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” This verse, by the way, reveals why there are so many Christians who do not know God, because there are some parts of religion of which they do not want to be a part.

Are You Part of His Suffering?

They do not want to be part of the suffering, that is the cross. Did you know that the cross is not really popular today like most people think it is? That is a good passage of Scripture to study. That was Paul’s great desire, and because that was his great desire, that desire was fulfilled. He said it was fulfilled.

Read what he said in II Timothy 1:12: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.”

Frightened Seventh-day Adventists

Many Adventists today are frightened, because they see that we are facing the greatest crisis of the ages—and we are.

All preachers have a responsibility. They have a responsibility, not only to the lost world, but they also have a responsibility to God’s people to help them to be ready for the coming crisis. We are going to meet it whether we are ready or not, but it is better if we are ready. Would you not agree? And I want to tell you, friend, a large part of being ready is knowing Him.

Our Divine Lord is equal to any emergency, and you have to know that. You have to know Him. If you know Him, you will be all right. You may be in a dungeon somewhere one of these days; they may tell you that they are going to kill you; they may tell you they are going to torture you to death; they may tell you any number of things that they are going to do to you, but if you know Him, you need not fear. Then to you is the assurance “Every child of God that is brought into difficulty and trial because of His faithfulness to Jesus, may claim the promise, and will receive sufficient grace for every emergency.” Review and Herald, April 15, 1890.

Power to Endure

In An Adventist Apocalypse, Ellen White says that the Holy Spirit will help God’s people to endure whatever may happen. An Adventist Apocalypse is a compliation from the files of the letters and manuscripts written by Ellen G. White. Published by Biblical Studies Institute, Hermosa, S.D., 1992.) You see, nothing can happen that Jesus is not equal to, and that is what we have to know. We have to know Him.

Ellen White, writing concerning the power of Christ, said that by a touch or a word or a look He could banish all manner of disease. (See Counsels on Health, 457.) Is that not wonderful? After reading that I said, “Lord, it is all right with me, whether it is a touch, a word, or a look does not matter, I just want to be healed of all diseases, all spiritual disease.” You have to be healed of your spiritual disease before you can be given a new body.

Of all the Bible writers, the apostle John writes most about knowing God. He makes it simple. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His Word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” I John 2:3–5.

The Great Tragedy of the Christian World

Oh, the great tragedy of the Christian world today, is that people think that they know God while they are disobeying Him. John says that the person who says I know God, but is not keeping His commandments, is a liar!

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” I John 3:4–7.

John says he does not sin. That means that he does not sin—not just at a certain point, but he does not sin continuously! As I was thinking about that, I thought, he is not stating it in the weakest possible way; he is stating it in the strongest possible way. If you know Jesus, He knows you, and He will give you the power to live a new kind of life. If there is not deliverance from sin through Christ, then you can have no confidence in Scripture, and if you cannot have confidence in Scripture, what confidence do you have at all about the future?

Are You Having Personal Victory?

If you are discouraged by what I say, remember that I did not make this up. It came out of God’s Book, and God cannot lie. If you have some besetting sin in your life that you have tried a thousand times to overcome and you cannot do it, go to the Lord and say, “Lord, I am making a complete commitment with You. You have promised that You are going to give me victory. This is what you have promised, and I pray that you will fulfill Your Word in my life. I am going to try.” You will find out that God will work miracles in your life.

You do have to put the fork down and shove yourself away from the table. God will not make you quit eating. But, if you make a full commitment and say, “Lord, whatever is keeping me from having victory in my life, show me what it is, and I will listen, I will put forth my best effort to obey you;” you will have victory.

There are some people who are asking for victory in their lives, but then they negate their own prayers. Let me illustrate that simply so you can understand. You do not ask God to help you overcome smoking and then go to the store and buy cigarettes. Do you? Will God answer your prayer if you are doing that? No, He will not! God never takes away your power of choice. But if you choose to put your will on the side of God’s will and ask Him to fulfill His Word, and if you will cooperate, He will do it. His throne is staked on the fact that He will do it.

Have you ever thought about what would happen if one person could come to God at the Day of Judgment and say, “Lord, I surrendered my life totally to You. I made the commitment. I did everything I could to follow what was in Your Book, and I could not do it. I did not have enough strength; there was not enough power provided.”

If one person could do that, it would destroy the government of God, because God has promised that He will do it for everyone. He is no respecter of persons. Now, by the way, be careful, do not make up your own human test and expect God to fulfill that. I am not talking about what we decide we are going to do or not do; I am talking about what God’s Book says.

The Command Contains the Promise

There are things in His Book that we are told to do and not to do, and anything in His Book that it says to do or not to do, God will give you the power and the grace to obey. But do not make up your own human test and then expect that God will fulfill that. He might or He might not.

Whoever sins, has neither seen Him nor known Him, because when you get to know Him, you are going to quit sinning. “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding (that is a sound mind), that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (See John 5:18–20.)

Do You Know Him?

That is why Jesus came, so we could know Him. He wanted to have an experience, a relationship with us and make it possible for us to know Him, to have a close, intimate, spiritual relationship with Him. Is this happening in your life? It has to happen, friends, if you are going to get through the coming crisis.

The apostle Paul says that this experience of knowing the love of Christ is beyond knowledge. It is the condition that you must be in if you are going to get through the crisis and be ready for Jesus to come. It is time to go to the Lord in prayer and say, “Lord, I want to know You, and I want to know you better than I know you now.”

Do you think that any of us know the Lord as well as we could, or as well as we will in the future if we are saved? Do you think so? Well, should we not be learning day by day to know Him better?

Are you going to the Lord and saying, “Lord, I want to know you more. I want to get closer. I lack some information; I want to know You as a personal God, and I want to be touched, but a word or a look is all right.”

Obedience is Not Optional

Friends, one touch, one look, one word from the God that we serve can cure us of every physical and spiritual need instantly. He wants to come into your life, but He cannot do it if you are disobeying instructions.

The Last Invitation – Part I

February 10, 2020 by Craig Meeker

We live in a world and a generation of great darkness. I do a little colporteuring from time to time, and I meet various people. I can tell you that there is a lot of darkness, but I can tell you as well, there are also some bright lights. It is like the night sky. As you look into the heavens, the majority of what you see is darkness, but interspersed between the darkness, is the light.

God wants you and me to be part of the program to spread the light. There is one thing, and only one thing, that helps us bear the darkness in this world, whether it is physical darkness or spiritual darkness, and that is light. When it is dark, there is just something about light.

There Will be an End

Three or four things that I am going to mention have something in common about them. See if you can identify the common denominator. All of us, at sometime, have begun reading a book, and we have found it so interesting that sometimes we did not want to put it down. Is that right? This has something in common with making a dress, building a front porch or going on a vacation. They all share a commonality. Have you found it? There is something that is the same within all of those tasks,—there is an expected end in view. When you pick up a book, you know that there is going to be an end. And if it is a good book, the more you read, the more desirous you are to get to the end. When the ladies make a dress, as they begin cutting the fabric and putting it together, the further along they get the more desirous they are of getting it finished. Is that right?

It is the same with building a porch, and it is the same with taking a vacation. The closer we get to our completed project, the more excited we become. Is that right?

That excitement is like the experience God wants us to have with Him. You and I can gain in earnestness and desire only as we progress in the Gospel truth. As we choose to walk in the way with Jesus and make progress in the Christian life, we are going to grow in earnestness and desire to reach the expected end.

God says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, . . . thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11. You see, God has something in view for you and me and for all humanity, if we are willing to respond; He has an expected end in view for us.

No Power without His Righteousness

In Romans 1:16, 17, Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

You see, the power of God for salvation is in His righteousness. There is no power unto salvation without His righteousness. Paul makes that very clear.

If we want power in our lives, we must have the righteousness of God within—period. The gospel of Jesus Christ is an invitation from God to all humanity. God is not in the business of coercing us into heaven. He will not twist our arms. He will not force us, but He will invite us, and He is inviting us.

There may be some reading this who have never accepted Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour. I tell you that God is beside you, and He invites you to come to Him today. There are some of us who have accepted and responded to the invitation, but God is calling us to a greater commitment. He has an expected end in view. Do you? We must have the same view that He has. We must be in harmony with His mind if we are going to reach His expectation.

The gospel is an invitation to “Come.” “Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:3. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

High Expectations

God has a high expectation for humanity, higher than most professed Christians understand in this generation. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17.

It is an invitation, brothers and sisters, by the God of heaven to His created in this world. How you and I respond to this invitation will determine where we are when we see the reality of the expected end.

The expected end is revealed in Revelation 19:9: “And He saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And He saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” “These are the true sayings of God;” God does not lie, and what God says will happen, will happen.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

There will be a marriage supper of the Lamb. It is the expected end that He has in view for you and for me. How we receive the invitation, brothers and sisters, will depend on whether or not we are at that supper.

Jesus brings to view the reality of the expected end in the marriage supper of the Lamb in Luke 22:29, 30. “‘And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me; That ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”

Jesus wants us to someday sit down at His table, at the marriage supper of the Lamb. There we will eat and drink with the rest of the redeemed. I do not want to miss this supper. Do you want to be there?.

Jesus, the Servant

Jesus gives us a startling revelation in regard to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He lifts the veil a little bit so we can catch a view of the expected end. “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke 12:37.

Who is going to be one of the servants to serve the redeemed at the marriage supper of the Lamb? Who will come over to you and ask, “Would you like the pineapple, the watermelon or the cantaloupe?” Our Saviour Himself will serve us!

It is all reality, brothers and sisters, because what God says will happen, will happen. The question is, are you and I going to be a part of the happening?

He wants us there. He has a place, if I may say, a placesetting, that He wants to put out for you and for me at His table. Jesus said, “‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 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 14:1–3.

The Royal Table

I would suggest to you that it is more than a mansion that Jesus is preparing; it is a place at the table of the Lamb. It is reality, brothers and sisters, because these are the true sayings of God.

In Matthew 22, Jesus brings to view the marriage supper of the Lamb through a parable. This parable is fraught with all kinds of warnings for us. “And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid [invite] to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.’” (Verses 1–10.)

What a hard time the God of heaven has! You can sense it right there, can you not? He has a hard time getting humanity to respond to an invitation to eternal life. It is hard to understand! “‘

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him in the outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Verses 11, 12.)

Quite a revealing parable, to say the least, in regard to the marriage supper of the Lamb, which is the expected end that God has in view for His redeemed at the beginning of their eternal life with Him. You and I have the potential, by our choice, to make Jesus glad or sad in regard to this invitation.

Jesus is Preparing for You

There are seven things in this parable I want to review with you. Let us go back to some of the statements Jesus made.

“‘All things are ready.’” (Verse 4.) “‘Behold, I have prepared My dinner.’” All things are ready? Yes, God the Father, the Son and the Spirit have made all things ready that are necessary for us to be there at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Everything has been taken care of. Everything! God has not missed one point. He has taken care of it all. He is waiting for you and for me to choose to be in harmony with His readiness. They are ready, are we? Are we getting ready?

“‘But they made light of it.’” (Verse 5.) They made light of the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. You see, ultimately, you and I choose whether we are going to be earnest or whether we are gong to make light of it. It is our choice. They made light of it. They came to a decision within themselves to think it was not all that necessary to make all of these preparations to be ready for the supper. They allowed their minds to be focused somewhere else.

But, they remained being professed people of God. There is a total distinction between being professed and being possessed. God wants a people who are possessed with His righteousness. It is the only thing that will prepare us for the supper.

“‘They were not worthy.’” (Verse 8.) The wedding is ready, but they, which were bidden, were not worthy. Why were they not worthy? Because they were not ready. To be worthy is to be ready. Again, our choice is involved.

They went out in the highways and the byways and they gathered in people. (Verse 10.) There were two categories of people who responded to the invitation. What were they? the bad and the good. Now, do you and I have the ability to distinguish between those two categories within the church? No, God does. God reads the heart. God knows why you are reading this article. God knows where your thoughts are as you read. God knows where your heart is at this moment.

The Wedding Garment

As you read on in the parable, you find that heaven views those who are not putting on the wedding garment as bad. All you have to do is be reluctant to put on the robe of His righteousness to be deemed of heaven as one of the “bad ones.”

This should alarm us, brothers and sisters, because in every congregation of professed Christians, God tells us there are bad and good. The ultimate question is, which are you; which am I?

So, Paul, the great apostle, says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” II Corinthians 13:5. It does not matter if you are in the church. It does not matter how faithful you are in coming to church. Examine your heart, whether you are in the faith. Faith has everything to do with His righteousness, as we read in Romans 1:16, 17. Look at this phrase: “‘Which had not on a wedding garment.’” (Verse 11.) He came in and saw one of the guests. In the parable, this is the only item that is given that qualifies for sitting down at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Do not miss it. It is the only thing. It is the wedding garment. We must understand what that wedding garment is, and what it is not, if we are to some day sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

No Excuses

There will be no excuses. When he found that there was no wedding garment on this man, he asked him about it (Verse 12). What was the man’s response? He was speechless. There was nothing to say. All the excuses, all the self-justifying had just vaporized, and this man knew why he was lost. In the second resurrection, after the millennium, when God brings up every soul who is lost, who chose not to receive the invitation, there is no one with a voice saying, “I did not have a chance. This was unfair.”

There is no voice raised in that vast crowd, that sea of lost souls. Sad to say, they are speechless, because they all know why they are where they are. Then, in verse 13, Jesus says of those who will be lost: “‘Cast him away into outer darkness.’”

This parable brings time to view, brothers and sisters. There is a time to get ready, a time to be ready, and then there is no more time. The time will soon come when it is too late; it is over. Those who die no longer have a choice. It is over. It is done. There are no more choices; there are no more opportunities in the grave. So now, while we are living and breathing and moving, oh, what an opportunity we have to accept this invitation extended by a marvelous God. It is sad to see what a slow response God is getting.

Now, I want you to notice something. When the king came in and he saw this man, this guest, without a wedding garment, the man had come into the marriage supper believing he was all right. I have heard some people, as I go from door to door colporteuring, say, “I am good. I am ready. I am ready to go. I am good to go, I do not need any books.”

Well, this man thought that he was good and ready. The man was deceived. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. God can. So David, in Psalm 139:23, 24, says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Believing Does Not Make it So

That is the attitude you and I need to have. That is the spirit you and I need to have. Do you want to be at the expected end that God has in view for you? I do. I want to cooperate. You see, apart from God’s grace upon our hearts, we will be deceived. Our hearts will deceive us. I do not care how long you have known the Gospel truth; I do not care how much of the truth you know. If you walk outside of God’s grace, you are opening the door to being deceived by your own heart into thinking everything is right when everything is wrong.

To be continued . . .