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Pen of Inspiration – Preparation for the Final Crisis

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The great crisis is just before us. To meet its trials and temptations, and to perform its duties, will require persevering faith. But we may triumph gloriously; not one watching, praying, believing soul will be ensnared by the enemy.

In the time of trial before us God’s pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience. Christ will say to His faithful ones: “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast” (Isaiah 26:20).  The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejecters of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror of the transgressor of God’s law is light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered. “He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:31).

Brethren, to whom the truths of God’s word have been opened, what part will you act in the closing scenes of this world’s history? Are you awake to these solemn realities? Do you realize the grand work of preparation that is going on in heaven and on earth? Let all who have received the light, who have had the opportunity of reading and hearing the prophecy, take heed to those things that are written therein; “for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3). Let none now tamper with sin, the source of every misery in our world. No longer remain in lethargy and stupid indifference. Let not the destiny of your soul hang upon an uncertainty. Know that you are fully on the Lord’s side. Let the inquiry go forth from sincere hearts and trembling lips, “Who shall be able to stand” (Revelation 6:17)? Have you, in these last precious hours of probation, been putting the very best material into your character building? Have you been purifying your souls from every stain? Have you followed the light? Have you works corresponding to your profession of faith?

Is the softening, subduing influence of the grace of God working upon you? Have you hearts that can feel, eyes that can see, ears that can hear? Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been made concerning the nations of the earth? They are under condemnation, preparing for the judgments of God; and in this day which is big with eternal results, the people chosen to be the depositories of momentous truth ought to be abiding in Christ. Are you letting your light shine to illumine the nations that are perishing in their sins? Do you realize that you are to stand in defense of God’s commandments before those who are treading them underfoot?

It is possible to be a partial, formal believer, and yet be found wanting and lose eternal life. It is possible to practice some of the Bible injunctions, and be regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you lack qualifications essential to Christian character. If you neglect or treat with indifference the warnings that God has given, if you cherish or excuse sin, you are sealing your soul’s destiny. You will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. Grace, peace, and pardon will be forever withdrawn; Jesus will have passed by, never again to come within reach of your prayers and entreaties. While mercy lingers, while the Saviour is making intercession, let us make thorough work for eternity.

The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed. Let this be the keynote of every message.

The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people. Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness.

The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is written the name, King of kings, and Lord of lords, is soon to lead forth the armies of heaven.

It cannot now be said by the Lord’s servants, as it was by the prophet Daniel: “The time appointed was long” (Daniel 10:1). It is now but a short time till the witnesses for God will have done their work in preparing the way of the Lord.

We are to throw aside our narrow, selfish plans, remembering that we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest importance. In doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and third angels’ messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming of that other angel from heaven who is to lighten the earth with His glory.

The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but the supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ’s coming or of the end of the world. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many has waxed cold.

There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon millions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover, the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out of their reckoning. The whole burden of their life is: What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal shall we be clothed? They are not in the procession that is moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and with him will be destroyed.

Unless we understand the importance of the movements that are swiftly passing into eternity, and make ready to stand in the great day of God, we shall be unfaithful stewards. The watchman is to know the time of night. Everything is now clothed with a solemnity that all who believe the truth for this time should realize. They should act in reference to the day of God. The judgments of God are about to fall upon the world, and we need to be preparing for that great day.

Our time is precious. We have but few, very few days of probation in which to make ready for the future, immortal life. We have no time to spend in haphazard movements. We should fear to skim the surface of the word of God.

It is as true now as when Christ was upon the earth, that every inroad made by the gospel upon the enemy’s dominion is met by fierce opposition from his vast armies. The conflict that is right upon us will be the most terrible ever witnessed. But though Satan is represented as being as strong as the strong man armed, his overthrow will be complete, and every one who unites with him in choosing apostasy rather than loyalty will perish with him.

The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.

To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.

Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the purposes of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a doomed world, could you see your own attitude, you would fear and tremble for your own souls and for the souls of your fellow men. Earnest prayers of heart-rending anguish would go up to heaven. You would weep between the porch and the altar, confessing your spiritual blindness and backsliding.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, 11–15.

Heaven and Earth Reunited

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Pentecost is usually thought of as the time when the power of God was poured out and those present spoke in tongues, but in this article, a most heartwarming, emotional and stimulating text will be highlighted that hopefully will be riveted in your minds forever.

John 20:17 reveals what happened when Mary discovered that Jesus was alive after His crucifixion, death and burial. “Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.”

The hope is that somehow this text will have a new and tremendous meaning, and that we may experience and exclaim with the Apostle Paul, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:14–19).

In the typical sanctuary service of ancient Israel it was customary for the high priest to lay aside pontifical robes and to officiate in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest. So likewise the Son of God came down to this earth from heaven and He laid aside His royal robes, clothing Himself with humanity to offer Himself as a ransom for humanity. Paul, speaking of this in 1 Corinthians 5:7, last part, says, “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” He did this to fulfill the requirements of the Passover, for as the word of God reveals, Christ Himself became the priest and Christ Himself became the victim. Thus He made an atonement for our sins, but in God’s blueprint for complete salvation He foresaw the need for yet some additional steps in order to restore man to his rightful place.

The atonement provided only for the forgiveness of sins, but sin had separated humanity from God so something more needed to be done to reunite man with his Creator; therefore God devised additional plans so that this could be accomplished. If these details were followed precisely this would make it possible for finite man to comprehend how heaven and earth, which were now separated, could be reunited in oneness, making it possible for you and me to actually become part of the family of God.

Immediately after the Passover Sabbath on the first day of the week, we read in Leviticus 23 verses 5, 9–11, “In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord’s Passover.” “The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.”

It was on the first day of the week that the sheaf was to be waved before God by the priest.  Jesus fulfilled this in person since He was the wave sheaf.

You remember that the Passover lamb was slain on Friday at the ninth hour, which was 3 o’clock in the afternoon as we reckon time today and that great curtain in the sanctuary separating the holy from the most holy which was some 60 to 70 feet in height was ripped from top to bottom by none other than God Himself. At that precise moment the priest was about to kill the sacrificial lamb, but because of this terrifying experience the lamb slipped away, and, in its place, Jesus was crucified at the exact moment that the lamb was to be slain.

During the Sabbath hours after His crucifixion, Jesus lay in a sleep of death in the tomb, but on the first day He is to awake and present the wave sheaf offering. Divine prediction must be fulfilled, for Christ was the wave sheaf. He became the firstfruits by His own resurrection. Thus He was able to comply with the stipulation which was laid down by God a thousand years before.

Let’s see how He did this. This first sheaf of grain was to be presented on the first day following the Passover Sabbath. Consider what actually took place. It is still dark. The gravestone covering the tomb’s entrance is still in place. The Roman seal is unbroken and around the tomb stand the Roman guards. If you look by Divine perception you will see a host of evil angels but looking more closely you will see a heavenly host immediately surrounding the sepulcher. Matthew tells us what took place. “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it” (Matthew 28:2). This was the same angel that took the place of Lucifer. Instantly, when this angel arrived all of the evil angels fled and the soldiers fell as dead men. This mighty angel rolled that great stone, which was at least 6 feet in diameter, as if it were a pebble. And then he cried out, “Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee.” Immediately Christ comes forth from the tomb as the angelic host sings with great joy, “Thou hast vanquished Satan and the powers of darkness; Thou hast swallowed up death in victory!” The Desire of Ages, 780.

But something else has taken place as Jesus arose. It’s a startling event, for an earthquake has opened a multitude of other graves. Individuals arose from their graves who had given their lives as a testimony to God’s truth. These resurrected saints are the Savior’s trophies of victory over the power of death. No longer are they captives of Satan. They are now redeemed, brought forth from the grave, the firstfruits of the end time resurrection. Christ had raised many others from death when He was here on this earth. For example, there was the son of the widow of Nain. There was the ruler’s little daughter, and there was Lazarus who had died and had been buried for three days. Each of these had to die again. But these resurrected saints who arose when Christ arose would never die. They were raised to everlasting life.

Shortly after these saints had arisen out of their graves, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. Imagine her amazement as she discovers that the tomb is empty. She fears that someone has stolen the body of Jesus. “And they [two angels] say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if Thou have borne Him hence, tell me where Thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” You see, her eyes were so filled with tears that she could not see clearly. Continuing, “Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God” (John 20:13–17).

There is something about this that we have in common. We are now the family of God and God is our Father. Something is about to occur that makes this possible, something that will reunite heaven with earth. What is this wonder? Christ is about to ascend to heaven where He will present Himself to the Father as the wave sheaf, the symbol of the first resurrected life of the great harvest to come.

Immediately, Jesus leaves this earth, He leaves Mary and goes to heaven where He is to approach His Father for the express purpose of presenting Himself as the wave sheaf. Apparently travel in space is no problem for Deity. One moment He is talking to Mary and the next moment He is billions of miles away standing before His Father. There He presents Himself as the firstfruits of the resurrection. It is a private meeting and it is not open to the universe. Here the assurance is given that Christ’s sacrifice has been accepted.

“He [Christ] ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men,” and please mark these words: The Father said “that He would receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son.” The Desire of Ages, 790. [Emphasis supplied.]

Amazing! Can you comprehend that? Naturally the Father loves His Son, but we who have been sinners, we who have damned Him, we who have done all kinds of evil things, can it be that God still loves us? Oh yes, we have always believed that but, loved us as much as He loved His Son? That’s what a family is all about, isn’t it? To be in the family of God and to be loved individually as much as God loves His Son, it boggles the mind.

No sooner had this short visit been accomplished with the Father then He immediately returns to this earth. During His absence, other women have arrived at the tomb. The Desire of Ages, 793: “After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women, saying, ‘All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshiped Him’ (Matthew 28:9).” He wouldn’t let Mary touch Him as He first had to go to heaven to present the wave sheaf. “Then said Jesus unto them, ‘Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me’ (verse 10).” Ibid. The time has now arrived that He can assure the disciples that He has fulfilled His pledge. Isaiah 13:12: “I will make a man more precious than fine gold.” No question about it. We can become sons and daughters of the family of God, each loved as much as God loves His Son who died for us. Praise His holy name! Oh, what God has planned for us!

Now He says to these women, Tell the disciples, Go into Galilee where I am going to instruct them for the next 40 days. In Acts the first chapter, verse 3, we read, “To whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs.” There they handled Him, they slept with Him, they ate with Him, they talked with Him, they were with Him 40 days. No question about it, Jesus was alive. But there must be 50 days, not 40, that must take place before the next great event which is called Pentecost. It will be at this coming celebration when the covenant will be ratified with His church. It was ratified with God when Christ presented Himself as the wave sheaf, but at Pentecost it is to be ratified to the church.

Why is this? Had not Christ already died for the atonement? Christ had already arisen in victory over death and already presented the wave sheaf to His Father in heaven. Then why must there be a Pentecost? Because something else is needed to unite heaven with earth. The church of God must be given divine power to give the gospel to the entire world and this cannot take place until additional firstfruits are presented to God the Father in heaven before the universe.

Every divine stipulation that you find in the Scripture must be fulfilled; nothing fails. Leviticus 23:15–17: “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete [that is, 49 days]: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the Lord.”

These verses draw our attention once again to this special group that were resurrected when Jesus arose. They arose with Him on the resurrection day. They represent the family of God on this earth. They are the pledge of assurance that the resurrection of all the righteous will take place when Christ comes the second time. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

So it was in this divine plan that when Christ, after His resurrection had presented the wave sheaf to His Father, that He would go back to earth and return again to heaven, this time bringing a great multitude of His trophies to present them as the family of earth, to be united with the family of God.

But before this takes place a multitude of captives from the grave must first perform a special work. They are to go into the city of Jerusalem and to declare to the honest in heart that Christ had indeed risen from the dead. They were to be living proof that He had risen. This was necessary for several reasons. The priests had paid the soldiers to lie by commanding them to say that His disciples came by night and stole Jesus away while they slept. That in itself was quite a deception because any soldier knew that if he went to sleep at his post he would be killed.

Furthermore, the Sadducees who were supposed to be God’s ministers in His temple during the day of Christ had for centuries taught the people to disbelieve in the resurrection. For a hundred years they had preached the devil’s doctrine that there was no resurrection. So God is going to make sure there is no misunderstanding. Imagine, when these risen saints came to a person’s home and knocked at the door and said, “Look at me; I just arose from the grave with Jesus of Nazareth.” There could be no question about it. Here was living proof, for they declared that when Jesus arose, they arose with Him. Can you imagine the impact that this made?

Here is a lesson for us. In those days the ministers were teaching Satan’s lies to the people so that they would not accept Jesus when He came. We are told that the same evil power today will have his men preaching from the hellish torch of Satan. (See Last Day Events, 179.) They will again be teaching false doctrines and if you believe them you will not be ready to go home with Jesus when He comes. We must study continually. God’s word never leaves an honest soul in doubt.

For 40 days these risen saints went from house to house and from person to person telling the good news. The Spirit of God led them to honest souls, proving beyond a doubt that Jesus had indeed risen. “These went into the city, and appeared unto many, declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we be risen with Him.” The Desire of Ages, 786.

In Isaiah 26:19 prophecy had predicted this: “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise … and the earth shall cast out the dead.”

Every prophecy in the Bible is always fulfilled to the exact letter. But more than this, these risen saints were to give assurance to us who are alive today that God always keeps His promise, for we soon shall witness a coming resurrection ourselves. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). What a day that is going to be!

“The voice that cried from the cross, ‘It is finished,’ was heard among the dead. It pierced the wall of sepulchers, and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus will it be when the voice of Christ shall be heard from heaven. That voice will penetrate the graves and unbar the tombs, and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour’s resurrection a few graves were opened, but at His second coming all the precious dead shall hear His voice, and shall come forth to glorious, immortal life.

“The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church, and glorify it with Him, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come.” The Desire of Ages, 787.

Oh beloved, there are some mighty wonderful things to happen soon.

Now back to the 40 days Christ spent with His disciples before returning to heaven with His trophies. He knows that there is needed time in heaven to prepare for a glorious homecoming. Besides this, His disciples will need time to prepare for heaven’s overflow of that great celebration at which time heaven will bestow the Holy Spirit in its fullness, ratifying the covenant with His church.

Now let us follow this step by step. Jesus the risen Saviour is about to return victoriously to heaven bringing with Him His trophies. For 40 days Jesus has authenticated to His disciples that He is the living Saviour. No longer must He be associated with the tomb. Now they must think of Him as being alive, a glorified being, indeed, our Great High Priest who is in heaven’s sanctuary now for us.

Next, Jesus chooses a spot for His ascension. It will be the Mount of Olives upon which His feet will again rest at the close of the millennium when Jesus brings the New Jerusalem to this earth. As Jesus bids His disciples goodbye, they watch as He slowly ascends from among His disciples and they hear clearly the very last words that He ever spoke on this earth: “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

As the disciples watched, a cloud of glory hides Jesus from their sight. As the chariots of angels receive the Savior, the air is filled with the sweetest music as the angelic host sings. It is now that two angels reveal themselves and speak. “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). These are the same two angels who were His personal body guards while He was here on earth throughout His mission. They longed to go with Jesus to heaven but in love for the disciples they linger behind to remind His faithful disciples that Jesus would come again.

In the meanwhile, the multitude of captives who arose with Christ had joined the Savior in the clouds. They are on their way to heaven with Jesus as He returns to the Father. These risen saints are of the first fruits. This is what Paul meant when he said, “When He [Christ] ascended up on high, He led captivity captive” (Ephesians 4:8).

As Jesus ascended with His trophies, all heaven is astir in preparation to welcome the Savior. Jesus leads the way and the multitude of His captives follow as the escorting angels begin to cry, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in” (Psalm 24:7). Then those angels who were on the walls of Jerusalem cry back, “Who is this King of glory” (verse 8, first part)? Not that they didn’t know, but they loved to hear it. Back came the words, “The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle” (verse 8, last part). Again, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in” (verse 9). “Who is this King of glory” (verse 10, first part)? Back comes the words, “The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory” (verse 10, last part).

Now look closely as this mighty reception takes place at the walls of the New Jerusalem. The gates are opened as Jesus and the redeemed that arose with Him sweep through the gate into the city itself. There they go to the center of that great city where that throne encircled by a rainbow is found. Here the countless sons of God, the representatives of unfallen worlds, and the billions of unfallen angels also assemble to celebrate Christ’s triumphant return. This is the same heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son. Here are the representatives of the sinless worlds over which Satan has sought to establish his dominion. They are all eager to celebrate the triumph of their king. But wait … Christ raises His hand and “He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of the nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming.” The Desire of Ages, 834.

Now watch as Christ approaches closer to the Father. Imagine the joy as God beholds the family of earth that are now before Him who are resurrected with Christ, the trophies of the Saviour. Recall the pledge that the Father and His Son made before sin entered. Recall the covenant promise to redeem sinners. Listen once again to that cry on the cross when Christ cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Watch as Christ now presents the trophies to the Father with these words, “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 17:24). Listen as the Pentecostal celebration takes place, when you hear the words of God that justice is satisfied. Satan is forever vanquished. At last Christ’s struggling children are now accepted by God, for where Christ is, there His church shall be. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). Behold the Father’s arms as He encircles His Son.

“With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers acknowledge the supremacy of the Prince of life. The angel host prostrate themselves before Him, while the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven, ‘Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing’ (Revelation 5:12).” The Desire of Ages, 834.

Now the words of Christ have full assurance. My God is your God. My Father is your Father. Oh if we could only comprehend this when troubles come—that we have a Father we can go to. Never forget He has told us that He loves us as much as He loves our Savior, Jesus Christ. What kind of life would we live in this world if we really realize that we are now sons and daughters of the Almighty, for the family of earth is reunited with the family of God. This is why Revelation 5 states, “Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, … heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (verse 13). Words cannot adequately express the joy that the family on earth is now united with the family of heaven. This Pentecost celebration should ring a bell every day in our lives. We belong to Jesus. We are His. We were bought. We were redeemed. We are sons and daughters of Divinity. God is our Father, for Pentecost had finally arrived.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1–4).

This earthly celebration is important for us because the Savior’s sacrifice is now accepted by the universe. The gospel story is beyond question. Now the Holy Spirit fills the heart of each disciple on this earth with a spirit that leads God’s church to victory. When we speak of Pentecost our memories should recall Calvary’s atonement that was accepted, that the enemy of death itself has been defeated, that Christ has ascended with His risen saints giving us full assurance of a final resurrection soon to take place. Pentecost assures us that we are now the family of God. This, the joy of Pentecost, should be our daily experience. Every day let us remember the words of Jesus, “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father, to My God, and your God.”

 

For more than fifty years, Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a church pastor, evangelist, and then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership. When God laid upon him the responsibility to “tell it like it is” to alert the people how the church was leading them into the worldwide ecumenical movement, he was forbidden to preach in any church within the Oregon Conference. Though nothing could be found in his preaching that was contrary to the doctrines of the church, he was considered divisive. As a result, Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry was born. Elder Nelson passed to his rest on April 18, 2012.

Are You Really a Christian?

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Jesus emphasized in His teaching that there would be people who were deceived into believing they were going to heaven as part of God’s chosen people.

In Capernaum, a centurion came to Him requesting healing for his paralyzed servant. In His response to the centurion, Jesus addressed this common deception. When Jesus told him He would come, the centurion said, “ ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.’ … When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’ ” (Matthew 8:8, 10–12).

Here Jesus predicted that there will be people who will be weeping and gnashing their teeth when He returns. Many pious ones would only then be aware of their true condition and see that they were lost.

One of the primary reasons that those who think that they are part of God’s chosen people will be “weeping and gnashing” their teeth is because of their un-Christlike speech.

We are admonished to “Strive to overcome harshness of expression, and cultivate soft tones.” The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1911. Jesus taught that out of the abundance of the heart come our words and actions. He said, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36, 37).

We sin against the Holy Spirit when we are not in control of the way we speak. Our speech is an indicator of whether we are saved or not.

“We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure, correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet, kindly words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul.” The Signs of the Times, February 22, 1905.

The Bible says, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

In writing to a person who had this very problem Ellen White said, “You do not speak wisely and judiciously to your wife and children. You should cultivate kindness and gentleness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 78.

“When about to speak passionately, close your mouth. Don’t utter a word. Pray before you speak, and heavenly angels will come to your assistance and drive back the evil angels, who would lead you to dishonor God, reproach His cause, and weaken your own soul.” Ibid., 82.

“No harsh, passionate word is ever spoken without grieving the Lord Jesus, and hurting the heart of speaker and of hearer. From the Christian home all angry or trifling speeches will be excluded; for in the home above nothing of this character finds place.” The Signs of the Times, February 17, 1904.

In the heavenly home above there are no “angry or trifling speeches.” Children and young people in our homes need help in learning how to speak and conduct themselves to be prepared to live in heaven.

In the same article it says, “Parents, be sure to spend some time each day in private prayer, asking the Lord for wisdom, lest self-importance take possession of you, and you give the talent of speech into the control of the enemy.”

“Live lives that will help them to prepare for translation into the courts above when the last trump shall sound, and Christ shall come to gather His faithful ones to Himself. Do not neglect your children. They are your first care. The home is to be their first school. And in this school you yourselves are to learn lessons that will prepare you better to work for their salvation and for the salvation of others. These lessons will be of the highest value to you in your religious experience.

“As you labor successfully for your children, you are working out your own salvation, and God is working in you, to will and to do of His good pleasure.

“Kindly but firmly correct every inclination to wrong that may appear in the lives of your children. When you are obliged to correct a child, do not raise the voice to a high key …” Ibid.

The more angry or upset a person gets, the pitch of the voice goes up, and the volume increases. When that happens, a child recognizes the emotion being communicated. A very young child who is not yet able to speak, recognizes the pitch of the voice immediately. The admonition to parents is to be sure to spend some time each day in private prayer. Pray to the Lord and say, Lord, I want to learn to speak the way the angels speak in heaven. Help me. I want to learn to speak in the right way.

Throughout their association with Jesus the disciples never heard Him speak a passionate word or a word spoken unadvisedly.

The intelligences of heaven have pure speech and we need to learn to speak as they do. When Jesus returns, the redeemed will be given new bodies but their characters will not be changed. Their habits will be those they have developed during this life and will be the same on that first day in heaven as it was their last day on earth. That being the case, if pure habits in actions and speech have not been learned, they will not fit in a pure atmosphere.

“The chief requisite of language is that it be pure and kind and true—the outward expression of an inward grace.” Education, 235.

Gossip originated in heaven with Lucifer among the angels and gossip is one of the main problems in the church today.

“Un-Christlike speech lies at the foundation of nine-tenths of all the difficulties that exist in the church. Satan’s agents are industriously trying to get professed Christians to speak unadvisedly. When they succeed, Satan exults, because God’s followers have hurt their influence.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 56.

Problems in our homes and churches would improve mightily with correct speech. Ellen White says to parents: “Scolding and passionate reproof will never work reforms. Fathers and mothers commit a grievous sin when they educate their children to give way to temper by giving way themselves, and by training them according to wrong methods. …

“Mothers, deal gently with your little ones. … They are God’s property; He loves them, and calls upon you to co-operate with Him in helping them to form perfect characters. The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He calls for perfection in character-building.” The Signs of the Times, August 23, 1899.

“Every defect in character, every fault in the disposition, needs to be cut away, for if allowed to remain, these will mar the beauty of the character.” Ibid.

When we consider the condition of this world today, it is hard to imagine a place where the inhabitants are perfectly happy all the time. Heaven is such a place. If we could just get one glimpse of that place, we would never want anything in this world again.

A big part of getting ready to live in heaven is learning how to speak like the angels speak. It may be surprising to know that one of the principle reasons for dietary and health reform is to help us exercise patience in our speech. The wrong type of diet can result in passionate speech and behavior, a character trait that must be conquered through self-control.

“God looks into every secret thing of life. By some a constant battle is maintained for self-control. Daily they strive silently and prayerfully against harshness of speech and temper. These strivings may never be appreciated by human beings. They may get no praise from human lips for keeping back the hasty words which sought for utterance. The world will never see these conquests, and if it could, it would only despise the conquerors. But in heaven’s record they are registered as overcomers. There is One who witnesses every secret combat and every silent victory, and He says, ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city’ (Proverbs 16:32).” Ibid.

Much prayer is needed to gain control over the tongue. James 3:8 says that no man can tame the tongue; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that the tongue can be tamed. Think how unhappiness, sorrow, and trouble could be avoided when control of speech is exercised as well as the blessing to others that can result if we learn to speak the way they speak in heaven. Every defect in the character can be overcome. Pray for opportunities to do that tender act or speak that tender word to somebody each day. Ask for a calm spirit before speaking when upset.

You may find yourself in a situation where you can’t quietly absent yourself and have to deal with it right then. Nehemiah found himself in a situation like that.

“I [Nehemiah] took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before. Therefore the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart’ ” (Nehemiah 2:1, 2).

Nehemiah found himself in a dangerous situation. Being cup bearer to the king, he was never to appear sad. The king was apprehensive for his own safety, for his life was dependent on his cup bearer who was responsible to see that he did not get poisoned. Often the cup bearer was to pour what was offered to the king into a glass and drink first to test for poison.

When Nehemiah was questioned by the king over his sadness, he didn’t know what to say. The Bible says, “So I [Nehemiah] prayed to the God of heaven” (verse 4). Here he was, standing right before the king. He could not absent himself for a private prayer. He needed help right away; so in his mind he said, Lord, help me.

We all get in situations where we have to speak, but don’t know what to say. Like Nehemiah, we can call on God and He will answer our prayer and give us clarity of thought and words.  You can read how the Lord led Nehemiah in his situation in the later part of that chapter.

It is common for these situations to arise in the home, when we are with those around whom we should guard our speech most carefully.

We are admonished, “Allow in the home nothing that savors of cheapness or commonness. You are preparing your children for entrance into the City of God, and nothing that defiles can enter there.

“Be pleasant and cheerful. Remember that love is the power that binds your children to you. Keep your words and actions free from anger. Do nothing that will destroy the harmony of the home. Let the sharp words that you are tempted to speak die unspoken. Such words wound and bruise the hearts of the hearers.” The Signs of the Times, September 16, 1903.

“It rests with you to decide whether good or evil thoughts shall occupy the minds of your children. …  To prepare them to inherit eternal life requires patient, untiring effort. Let not your perseverance fail. Study with your children. Remember that you yourselves are God’s little children, and that you must first learn of Him before you can teach your children aright.” Ibid.

It is imperative to teach our children and our young people that nothing can enter heaven that defiles. In Revelation 21:27, we read, “There shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

“Never treat your children harshly, for harshness arouses stubbornness and resistance. You will find that they are most easily and successfully governed by kindness and gentleness. Love breaks down all barriers, and gentleness subdues the most stubborn will. Treat your children as you would wish to be treated were you in their place. Let there be no scolding, no loud-voiced, angry commands. …

“Disobedience and rebellion must be punished; but remember that the punishment is to be given in the spirit of Christ. …

“All Heaven is interested in your home. God and Christ and the heavenly angels are intensely desirous that you shall so train your children that they shall be prepared to enter the family of the redeemed. Teach them to be loyal to Christ. Bring into the home the transforming power of the grace of Christ. … Teach your children to live Christlike lives.” Ibid., November 11, 1903.

Everything that we do has an influence. This is true for parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, any children you are around. The way that you speak, not just the words, but the tone, the volume, and the pitch will have an effect on the young people.

All these principles about correct speech are actually found in the book of Proverbs. Each table of the law also addresses speech. The second commandment in the first table of the law is about speech. The ninth commandment, in the last table of the law, directly deals with the honesty of our speech and whether we tell the truth.

“Parents should set their children an example of strict truthfulness. They should never utter one word that is not true.” The Review and Herald, April 13, 1897.

Most people think that many of the things that they tell their children are harmless, such as the lie about Santa Claus who reportedly brings gifts at Christmas. Many children are raised on fictitious stories and fairy tales like this. When the children later find out that these things are not true, it weakens their trust in those who have propagated the lies.

“We are to be in earnest for our efforts for gaining eternal life. The blessed Saviour has a crown waiting for us. It is to be decided by us whether or not we shall have that crown.” The Review and Herald, April 21, 1891. It is our daily choice whether we are to have that crown or not. We often subconsciously make that choice by our speech.

“Christ must be revealed in your daily life. There must be no angry words spoken in the home, no seeds of coarse, common talk sown in your children’s hearts, or they will have no confidence in you when you speak in meeting. … We may have a little heaven to go to heaven in, if Christ breathes upon us His Holy Spirit.” Ibid.

This means that when people come into your home, they sense it is like heaven because there is a heavenly spirit there. The home is pleasurable and enjoyable to be there. Your words are tender, thoughtful, true, and pure and never angry or passionate. Imagine how an atmosphere like that would affect people.

Beginning in Luke 13:24, Jesus says, “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, when you see Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out” (verses 24–28).

Here Jesus was talking to people who expected that they would be saved, but we read in the Scriptures that some will not be ready. And that’s the same thing He talks about in Matthew 25 in the story of the ten virgins. All ten virgins believed they were going to go to the marriage supper, but not all of them got to go because some did not have sufficient oil.

“In the parable of the virgins, five were found wise, and five foolish. Can it be possible that half of us will be found without the oil of grace in our lamps? Shall we come to the marriage feast too late? We have slept too long; shall we sleep on, and be lost at last?” The Review and Herald, April 21, 1891.

There are many places in the Bible that talk about a sleeping church and the need to awake. “We have slept too long; shall we sleep on, and be lost at last? Are there those here who have been sinning and repenting, sinning and repenting, and will they continue to do so till Christ shall come?” Ibid. That is a question you need to ask yourself.

If you look at the context, this passage is referring to people who lose their temper and talk passionately, but then they are sorry, so they repent. Then, they do it again and then they have to repent again. “Are there those here who have been sinning and repenting, sinning and repenting, and will they continue to do so till Christ shall come?” Ibid.

Here is the problem with that. When Michael stands up in heaven, probation is closed. This event occurs before Christ returns to this earth. We need to have victory over our unruly tongues now. Remember, no man can control it. Only the Holy Spirit can give us the victory.

“No unpleasant words are spoken in heaven. There no unkind thoughts are cherished. There envy, evil surmising, hatred, and strife find no place. Perfect harmony pervades the heavenly courts.” The Upward Look, page 163.

Heaven is a good place. It is a place we all need to go. But notice what is written about the devil. “Well does Satan know what heaven is, and what the influence of the angels is. His work is to bring into every family the cruel elements of self-will, harshness, selfishness. Thus he seeks to destroy the happiness of the family. He knows that the spirit governing in the home will be brought into the church.” Ibid.

So, what shall we do to counteract his plan?

“Let the father and mother always be guarded in their words and actions. The husband is to treat his wife, the mother of his children, with due respect, and the wife is to love and reverence her husband. How can she do this if he treats her like a servant, to be dictated to, ordered about, scolded, found fault with before the children? He is forcing her to dislike him and even to hate him. …

“Fathers and mothers, bring sweetness and brightness and hopefulness into the lives of your children. Kindness and love will work wonders. Never punish a child in anger. …

“Be sure, before correcting your child, to talk with your heavenly Father. When your own heart is so softened by sympathy, talk with the erring one. If the matter can be adjusted without the use of the rod, so much the better.” Ibid.

Ellen White wrote, “Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan.” The Signs of the Times, April 17, 1884.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18).

Remember, if your heart, thoughts, and emotions are right, the words you speak will also be right. But for that to happen, you must receive the Holy Spirit. While ever alive in this world, a battle is taking place in the human heart between the carnal, sinful nature, and the new spirit. Paul calls it the battle between the spirit and the flesh.

If you are looking at what is happening on the Internet or on television, you will notice that the speech of the people in this world has deteriorated to an all-time low. But praise God. At the same time that is happening, there are some people allowing the Holy Spirit to refine their speech. These are the ones who are preparing and longing to go to a different place where all is pure and holy.

And that place, friends, is heaven. Learn now the language of heaven so that you will not be among those “weeping and gnashing” their teeth when Christ returns to gather the faithful.

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

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

 

Editorial – Deprived of Your Bible

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Many years ago, Ellen White wrote, “The time will come when many will be deprived of the written Word. But if this Word is printed in the memory, no one can take it from us.

“Study the word of God. Commit its precious promises to memory so that, when we shall be deprived of our Bibles, we may still be in possession of the word of God.” Last Day Events, 67, 68.

A large percentage of the world’s population has already experienced this deprivation.

Perhaps you have read the miraculous stories of Brother Andrew whom the Lord used to smuggle large numbers of Bibles into Communist countries prior to Communism’s collapse in Eastern Europe and Russia in 1989. He also organized a large transport of Bibles into China and into Islamic countries.

Today Christian organizations are working to bring Bibles into areas of the world where it is against the civil law for people to possess them. This includes large parts of the Middle East and Far East. Until a few years ago it included Russia and Eastern Europe. People have never suspected that in Western Europe and the United States this would happen, but it is being attempted in the United States right now.

As David Horowitz describes in his book Dark Agenda, The War to Destroy Christian America, there are global radicals, high ranking leftist politicians, entertainers in Hollywood, and financial powers on Wall Street who are engaged in an attack on Christianity. If they are successful, freedoms that Americans have taken for granted for over 200 years will suddenly vanish.

It is high time for you and me to memorize what is in the Bible.

“Several times each day precious, golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of the Scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life may exist in the soul.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 459.

“Hang in memory’s hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above silver or gold.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 81.

“Keep a pocket Bible with you as you work, and improve every opportunity to commit to memory its precious promises.” The Review and Herald, April 27, 1905.

The More Excellent Ministry, Part II

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As stated at the beginning of Part I of this article, the Book of Hebrews contains a lot of information in an area to which we need to give a little thought. This article will address the Christology of the Book of Hebrews, the Christology of the apostle Paul in Hebrews. When you think of the word Christology, you think of theology—theos is God; logos is wisdom and knowledge. Hence, theology is the knowledge of God. We use that to talk about the nature of God and the work of God. Christology is the nature of Christ and the work of Christ.

Hebrews is the treatise on Christology given to us by the apostle Paul, and it is unique; it is different from the others. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we have what you could call a Christology by narration. John shifts the emphasis quite a bit toward what Jesus said, so we would call that a Christology by quotation. In Hebrews, Paul gives a Christology by comparison.

In Part I, we had worked our way through Hebrews to the seventh chapter.

Levites

In Hebrews 7:10, 11, and going on from there, Paul talks about the Levitical priesthood. This discussion of the Levites finishes out chapter 7, and we have here that Christ is greater than the Levites. This is the next comparison.

Verse 22 introduces a subject that Paul enlarges upon later: “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” Some people say that the word, better, is the key word in Hebrews. Jesus is better all the way through—better testimony, better covenant.

Better

Hebrews 8:6 begins talking about the better covenant: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

What are the better promises? The better promises of God. In the first covenant, the promises of the people figured largely, but in the new covenant are the promises of God. This is enlarged upon all the way through chapter 8.

Let us return, though, to the first few verses of chapter 8, because here we find that there is a better sanctuary. You see, after comparing Christ with prophets, Christ with angels, Christ with Moses, Christ with Aaron, Christ with Abraham, and Christ with Levites, Paul now compares the covenants and the sanctuary.

“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; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Verses 1, 2. The better sanctuary! If Paul could only get the people to accept all of these things, they would not be disturbed at all when the temple is destroyed.

The discussion of the better sanctuary picks up again in chapter 9. “Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” Verse 1. The sanctuary is then described. This is all very interesting and very valuable, but we have the picture that Paul is comparing the two covenants; he is comparing the two sanctuaries; and now he is comparing the two dedications.

Two Dedications

The two dedications—the earthly sanctuary dedication—and the heavenly sanctuary dedication are now compared.

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:13, 14. Paul again enlarges upon this subject, and then, in verses 21 and 22, he states:

“Moreover he” (that is, Moses) “sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

But now, notice the change.

“[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these;” (that is, the earth purified with these) but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” Verse 23.

So, he says that a dedication ceremony was conducted when the earthly tabernacle was finally built and in order, but had never been used. During this dedication ceremony, Moses sprinkled the Ark of the Covenant and all the things that were there with the blood of dedication, but Paul states that the one in heaven was sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ellen White wrote on that a statement, which has been misunderstood by some, when she said, “Still bearing humanity, he ascended to heaven, triumphant and victorious. He has taken the blood of his atonement into the holiest of all, sprinkled it upon the mercy-seat and his own garments.” The Youth’s Instructor, July 25, 1901. Some people have not recognized that that was the dedication.

Two Sacrifices

Beginning with verse 24, Paul settles in for his long comparison of the two sacrifices: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

Paul’s emphasis has been on quality. Christ is greater. Christ is higher. Christ is better. Christ is more glorious. Now he compares the two sacrifices and points out, over and over again, one particular thing: the sacrifices made on earth had to be done repeatedly, but the sacrifice of Christ was so much greater, it only had to be done once.

This will be shown several times as we go through the next few verses, beginning with verse 25: “Nor yet that he should offer himself often, . . . ”—not often. If we were making a comparison list of the earthly and the heavenly, on the first entry under the heavenly caption would be “not often.”

“ . . . as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year” (on the earthly side, you would put, “every year”) “with the blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:” (and there is the second “not often” referring to the heavenly) “but now once” (there is the third reference—once, but not often) “in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once” (here again, this is another “once”) ‘‘offered to bear the sins of many.” Verses 25–28.

A Continuation

The same thing continues in chapter 10:

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually” (put that on your list under earthly) “make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year.” Verses 1–3. (On the earthly side, put “every year.”)

More of this type of thing continues all the way through to verse 11: “And every priest standeth daily” (put “daily” under the earthly column) “ministering and offering oftentimes” (put “oftentimes” under the earthly column) “the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,” (put “one forever” on the heavenly side) “sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Verses 11–14.

Do you see what Paul is telling us here? He is reinforcing, over and over and over again, that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is infinitely greater, infinitely better than the sacrifice of animals. He says that the animals could not of themselves take away sin; they are symbols of the greater.

The remainder of the Book of Hebrews is on practical godliness. Although it is wonderfully rich material, we will leave it for another time.

Ten Comparisons

Is the apostle Paul’s message of Christology clearer now? Let us review the ten things he has compared:

  1. Christ and prophets. Christ is greater than the prophets.
  2. Christ and angels. Christ is higher and greater than the angels.
  3. Christ and Moses. Christ is greater and higher than Moses.
  4. Christ and Aaron. Christ is greater than Aaron.
  5. Christ and Abraham. Christ is greater than Abraham.
  6. Christ and the Levites. Christ is greater than the Levites.

Paul then compares:

  1. the two covenants,
  2. the two sanctuaries,
  3. and finally the two sacrifices.
  4. He also compares the two dedications in the sanctuaries.

With these ten comparisons, Paul tries to prepare the Hebrew’s mind, knowing that when the Hebrew would bow in the early morning for his morning worship, in his mind he would be thinking that at this moment, or sometime near this moment, in that glorious temple in Jerusalem, “A priest is sacrificing a lamb to cover my sins.”

Now, the Hebrew is going to bow down in his early morning worship, but there is not going to be a lamb in the temple. What emptiness! And the same thing will happen when it is time for his evening worship. As he bows in his home for his evening worship, his mind goes to the fact that there in that glorious temple, at this hour, a priest is sacrificing a lamb for his sins. But now there is not a priest; there is not a lamb; there is not a temple. What an awful emptiness the Hebrew could experience!

The Greatest

But if Paul has managed to persuade the Hebrews of what he is telling them, if they have internalized this and really taken it into their systems, they are not concerned about it at all, because Jesus Christ is still there. He is the greatest sacrifice of all.

They do not need to look around for a Levite, and be disturbed because they cannot find any Levites.

They do not need to look around for a priest and be disturbed because they cannot find any priests, because the greatest Priest of all is there.

Oh, there are so many places where we could compare the Hebrews’ situation with our modern situation!

Atonement

Let us look to the Spirit of Prophecy and see the richness of Ellen White’s understanding of the writings of the apostle Paul, as well as her understanding of everything else in the Bible.

Ellen White makes reference to the atonement, using the phrase, “made atonement,” at least 11 times. Read these:

“He [Christ] bore the curse of the law for the sinner, made an atonement for him, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish.” God’s Amazing Grace, 177.

The apostle Peter, commenting on the writings of the apostle Paul, said, “There are some people who wrest them to their own destruction.” (11 Peter 3:16.) Here are some passages from Ellen White’s writings that some people “wrest to their own destruction.” That will become clear as we proceed.

“He [Christ] has made an atonement for us.” In Heavenly Places, 71.

“Christ has made an atonement for the sins of the whole world.” Lift Him Up, 235.

“Christ has made an atonement for you.” Medical Ministry, 44.

“Christ has made atonement for every sinner.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

“Jesus has made atonement for all sins.” Ibid., vol. 5, 1145.

“He [Christ] made an atonement.” That I May Know Him, 100.

“On the cross of Christ the Saviour made an atonement for the fallen race.” The Signs of the Times, December 17, 1902.

Notice in this next quote a combination thought, making and made in one paragraph. There before the throne of God, “He [Christ] is making intercession for those who by faith come to God. He presents them to the Father, saying, ‘By the marks of the nails in My hands, I claim pardon for them. I have made an atonement for them.’ ” Ibid., December 30, 1903. [Emphasis added.] Christ is making atonement while, He says, “I have made atonement.” Now, hold that in your mind as we go along. Do not wrest this.

“Jesus . . . made an atonement for us.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 81.

“He [Christ] has made an atonement for sin.” Battle Creek Letters, 56.

Quality of the Atonement

Next, we have the phrase, “full atonement.” Ellen White is talking about the quality of that atonement, as was Paul.

“Christ made a full atonement.” Lift Him Up, 345.

“How full the atonement of the Saviour . . . .” Testimonies, vol. 4, 124.

“The precious blood of Christ was of such value that a full atonement was made for the guilty soul, and this was to Paul his ‘glory.’ ” The Signs of the Times, November 24, 1890.

“For which He [Son of God] had now made a full atonement.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 2, 1901.

Then, Mrs. White uses the word, complete, incorporating it into the phrase, “complete atonement.”

“God has accepted the offering of His Son as a complete atonement for the sins of the world.” The Faith I Live By, 91.

“In the wisdom of God it [the atonement] was complete.” The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.

“In every part his sacrifice was perfect; for he could make a complete atonement for sin.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 14, 1900.

“We are to rejoice that the atonement is complete.” Review and Herald, November 11, 1890.

“His [Christ] atonement was complete in every part.” The Signs of the Times, July 31, 1901.

Additional Phrases

“[Christ] offered in man’s behalf a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, He has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full salvation.” The Faith I Live By, 50.

“He [Christ] planted the cross between Heaven and earth [watch this], and when the Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He [the Father] bowed before it in recognition of its perfection. ‘It is enough,’ He [the Father] said. ‘The Atonement is complete.’ ” Review and Herald, September 24, 1901.

“A perfect atonement was made.” Lift Him Up, 319.

“Then a perfect atonement was made.” That I May Know Him, 73.

Atonement for Us

Then we will look at present tense phrases: “Our great High Priest is making the atonement for us.” The Great Controversy, 623.

Right here is where the Calvinist begins to scream, “No, no, no! You are belittling the cross of Jesus Christ. It was all done on the cross.” No, it was not! Christ is now making an atonement for us.

“Today He [Christ] is making an atonement for us before the Father.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7-A, 481.

“Our Mediator stands before the mercy-seat making an atonement for his people.” Review and Herald, May 6, 1884.

“Jesus is engaged in a special work in our behalf, making an atonement for us.” Ibid., November 24, 1885.

“He is making an atonement for his people.” Ibid., April 8, 1890.

“Christ is in the heavenly sanctuary. And what is He doing? Making atonement for us. . . . He will make an atonement for all who will come with confession.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 1, 127.

Final Atonement

We now come to a difference. These things that we have just read have been seized upon by the Calvinists among us and by the Calvinists that are not among us. The Calvinists who are not among us rage at them; the Calvinists who are among us are embarrassed by them, because of the argument of the Calvinists that it was all done on the cross, which is totally unscriptural. But here we find Ellen White’s superior knowledge clearly revealed to us. The richness of her understanding—her total grasp of the theology, the Christology—of the situation, because we have a new phrase introduced: “final atonement.”

“So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment . . . .” The Great Controversy, 480.

“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357.

If we read through the first 15 chapters of Leviticus, we will find 18 statements where it says that the sinner comes and an atonement is made. In 8 of those 18 statements, the words are added, “the sin is forgiven.” Then, in the sixteenth chapter, we read about the great day of atonement. Five verses there tell us that those very same people must have an atonement made for them on the great day of atonement. That is the final atonement. Those who argue that there is no final atonement simply are not following Scripture.

“His [Christ] work as high priest completes the divine plan of redemption by making the final atonement for sin.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, 157.

“As the priests in the earthly Sanctuary entered the Most Holy once a year to cleanse the Sanctuary, Jesus entered the Most Holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by his mediation, and to cleanse the Sanctuary.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, 162.

Understanding

Ellen White understood the apostle Paul very, very well. She understood the whole Bible very, very well. This understanding came not because she was so brilliant, not because of her own abilities, but because the Holy Spirit led and guided her. Ellen White is telling us the truth of this whole message.

The apostle Paul’s message was given to turn the people’s attention away from buildings. Do not fasten your faith to a building. That building may be swept away someday.

Do not fasten your faith to a priesthood, a ministry. That priesthood may be gone someday.

Do not fasten your faith to the sacrifice of lambs and bullocks and goats; that all ended one day.

Fasten your faith to the One who never changes. He always will be there.

If we understand correctly those things that are written for our instruction and guidance, we recognize that there is likely to come a time for every single one of us when all earthly supports will be gone. It is going to boil down to the same experience that came to Joseph and Daniel. We must come to the place where we look realistically at the situation and say, “I am down here, and my Lord Jesus Christ is up there. That is all there is, but that is enough.”

Our great High Priest is standing before the throne of God, and we know that He is never going to leave that job until that job is done. He is always there, always doing His work, and He will do it until His work is totally finished. We have nothing to fear, except our human weakness and our human inabilities, and the Lord can take care of that, if we will let Him.

Dr. Ralph Larson has completed forty years of services to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as pastor, evangelist, departmental secretary, and college and seminary teacher. His last assignment before retiring was chairman of the Church and Ministry Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Far East. His graduate degrees were earned from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Andover-Newton Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts. He now lives in Cherry Valley, California. His evangelistic sermons have resulted in more than five thousand persons being baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Obstacles, Part II

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How do we relate to obstacles? One of the most common practices among God’s people can be documented from the days of the children of Israel to the present time!

Give Up

Quite often, when people meet obstacles, they just give up. This is true even in spiritual things. Perhaps you have heard someone lament that their spouse will not accept the truth, so they are going to give up. Such choices result in a lost condition. There will be many people in hell fire who gave up truth so they could stay with their spouse.

Getting you to give up is part of the devil’s strategy. If the devil can get you to give up, he has you. That is why the Bible says, in Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” All of the cowardly will be in the lake of fire, because when an obstacle came, they gave up.

Unbelief

Another common reaction to obstacles is to express unbelief. This is what the children of Israel did. They expressed so much unbelief that the Lord said, “I cannot lead these people into the land of Canaan; they are just not ready. They do not even believe in Me. They do not believe I can do it.”

Have you ever wondered whether there is some wonderful, powerful thing that God would like to do in your life, but He cannot do it because you do not believe? That is what happened to the children of Israel. God could not do for them what He wanted to do, because they did not believe.

Discouragement

Discouragement is another common reaction to obstacles. Certainly some of you would argue that I do not know how bad your situation is. That is true; I may not know how bad your situation is, but the Lord knows how bad your situation is, and He knows how to get you out of it. He knows how to get you through it. But you are never going to get through the obstacles if you have a halting, unbelieving spirit and just fold your hands, do nothing, and give up. It is not going to happen!

I meet people that think the Christian religion is not true because they met an obstacle, and when they met the obstacle, they either gave up, experienced unbelief, or decided to get discouraged and not do anything. Such people cannot figure out why the Christian religion does not work—when they are the ones who are not working.

The Christian religion does work. I know it works, because I have seen it work over and over again. I have seen people overcome all kinds of apparently insurmountable obstacles through the power of grace, the power of God, when they united with it.

Trials and Trouble

The children of Israel questioned, If God is leading us, why are these things happening? Those things happened to them because God was leading them. Obstacles are happening to you because God is leading you. He wants to get you to a certain place, and to get there, you have to go through some trials and trouble.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christian churches, in Acts 14:22, “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” You may say that you cannot endure the tribulation. Well, then, you cannot go. Simple!

In vision, the apostle John was shown a picture of the saints in heaven, and the angel asked him, “Do you know who these are?”

“No, I do not know who they are.”

The angel said, “These are the people who have come through great tribulation.” (Revelation 7.) They had obstacles, but they went through the obstacles by the grace of God.

Meeting Obstacles

In Part I of this article, we learned that the most serious obstacles that we have to meet are not the external ones. It is not the danger of going bankrupt, getting a fatal disease, or something like that.

The most serious obstacles are the internal ones—such as pride—that nobody thinks are that bad. But pride is bad enough. The Bible says that everyone who is proud is going to be in the lake of fire someday. (See Malachi 1.) Pride, selfishness, and covetousness—those are the most serious obstacles, even more serious than adultery and stealing. Men think those are the most serious, but according to the Bible, pride, selfishness, covetousness, and love of the world are the most serious obstacles that we have to conquer. (See, for example, 1 John 2:15; Proverbs 16:18; Mark 7:21–23.)

How, then, should we meet obstacles?

Persistent Faith in God

The first prerequisite to successfully meeting obstacles is to have faith in God. Jesus said, in Luke 18:1, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” And then He told a story to illustrate this point.

He said that there was a certain widow in a certain city with a problem. We do not know what the legal issue of this widow was, but evidently she had not received part of the inheritance that she should have received from her deceased husband, so she was destitute. She had to have some legal relief, so she went to an unjust judge, and she said, “Avenge me of my adversary.” (Verse 3.)

The judge would not do anything. Consequently, this widow had an obstacle. She was in trouble, but she would not quit. She went to the unjust judge again, and she said, “Avenge me of my adversary.” He would not do it. So she went to the unjust judge again, and she said, “Avenge me of my adversary.”

She kept going to the unjust judge day after day after day, saying, “Avenge me of my adversary,” but he would not do anything.

Finally the unjust judge said, “I am going to avenge this woman of her adversary just to get rid of her, so she will not keep coming back.” (Verses 4, 5.) So he did it.

Jesus said, “Did you hear what the unjust judge said? And shall not your heavenly Father avenge His children that cry day and night to Him? Truly I say unto you, He will avenge them speedily, but when the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth?” (Verses 6–8.)

What is the lesson here? Be persistent in prayer! Say to the Lord, “You have promised. This is what you have promised. I am fulfilling the conditions. You have promised; You cannot go back on Your word.” He will not go back on His word. He never goes back on His word.

Your job and my job, when we have an obstacle—some trouble, a trial, a difficulty, or the insurmountable problem—is to keep going to the Lord in prayer and saying, “Lord, I am reading in Your book; I am fulfilling all of the conditions that I find in Your book, and this is Your promise. I pray that You will deliver me from this problem. Save me.”

Remember, the most serious problems are the internal ones. You have to overcome those if you are going to go to the kingdom of heaven. There will not be any prideful people in the kingdom of heaven. Not one person there will be selfish. There will not be anybody in the kingdom of heaven that is covetous.

Caleb’s Faith

You must have a faith like Caleb’s. When Caleb returned from spying out the Promised Land, he encouraged the people, “Let us go up right now [into the Promised Land]. With the Lord’s help, we can overcome the people there right now.” (Numbers 13:30.)

Was that true? Yes, that was true, but nobody except Joshua believed him, so they did not enter into that land. Consequently, they had to stay in the wilderness for 40 more years. After those 40 years, Caleb was 85 years old, and he was still ready to go in. All those who had doubted before had died.

Caleb was given, as his share of the Promised Land, the territory where the giants lived. Those giants were 10, 12, 13 feet tall. They were huge. And Caleb said, “Well, give me that territory where the giants are.” Then this 85-year-old man conquered the giants, because the Lord blessed him.

The Lord will bless you, too, if you will say, “Lord, help me to get through this obstacle. Help me to overcome this selfishness, this pride, this covetousness that I have inside.” The Lord will give you the help you need.

Exercise Faith

How should we meet obstacles? We have to exercise faith; we have to pray; but we also have to press on against the obstacle. Ellen White addresses this in the following statements:

“You will have obstacles and difficulties to encounter at every turn, and you must with firm purpose decide to conquer them, or they will conquer you.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 497. You have to conquer the obstacles, or they will conquer you.

“Success will come to them as they struggle against difficulties.” Prophets and Kings, 595. So, you have a work to do.

You see, those giants did not just mysteriously disappear. Caleb had to go up and conquer them. He prayed, and then he had to work.

A third thing that you need to do if you are meeting obstacles and troubles and insurmountable trials in your life is given in Patriarchs and Prophets, 293, 294: “The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining.

“Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust of God which leads us to make a preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though our happiness consisted in these earthly things. It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care.”

So, have faith as Caleb did, press on against the obstacles, ask God for help, and keep on going.

Persistence

Have you ever met people who have an obstacle or trial in their lives, and they try once, without success, to overcome it, so they quit? What is the problem? What would have happened to the widow in Luke 18 if she had just gone to the unjust judge and asked only one time to avenge her of her adversary? What would have happened? Nothing! But she was persistent.

Perhaps some people have tried to overcome smoking, but did not make it, so they guess they are stuck. This may be best illustrated by a quote accredited to Mark Twain: “It is no problem to quit smoking; I have quit a thousand times.” Of course, that would mean that he started smoking a thousand times!

“Many are the hindrances that lie in the path of those who would walk in obedience to the commandments of God. There are strong and subtle influences that bind them to the ways of the world, but the power of the Lord can break these chains. He will remove every obstacle from before the feet of His faithful ones or give them strength and courage to conquer every difficulty, if they earnestly beseech His help. All hindrances will vanish before an earnest desire and persistent effort to do the will of God at any cost to self, even if life itself is sacrificed.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 147.

There are millions of people who have lost their lives in order to do God’s will. If you are saved, you are going to meet all those people someday, so keep trying; keep trying.

Physical Habits

One important aspect about meeting obstacles in life, which a number of people do not like to address, is following correct physical habits. Your physical habits have a great deal to do with your state of mind and whether or not you will have the determination to attack the problem and to solve the problem with the help of God.

For example, as soon as an individual drinks an alcoholic beverage—the very first drink, not the second or third drink—it has an anesthetizing effect on the frontal lobe of the brain. This weakens willpower. Now, the devil sees an individual when he or she is drinking, and he knows that the willpower is weakened. He, then, brings to that person a strong temptation.

It is his favorite time to tempt, when you have weakened your mind or your body by lack of sleep, lack of exercise, a bad diet, alcoholic beverages, drugs, cigarettes, tobacco. Whatever it is that weakens the body weakens the mind; then you are not as able to meet the problem.

Do Not Just Wait

What is the result of meeting obstacles the way God directs? The answer is given in Zechariah 4:7 and Matthew 21:18–21. If you meet the obstacles in your life the way God directs, Jesus promises that mountains of difficulty are going to be cast into the sea; they are going to be removed.

But the mountains of difficulty will never be removed before a halting spirit who says, “Let us wait until the obstacle is removed.” The obstacle will just stay there forever. This is the problem with many Christians today. They are sitting there; they are praying; they are looking at the mountain of difficulty; and they are waiting for God to remove it, but God is waiting for them to do something.

Do not just wait! Some people say, “Oh, let us wait. Let us not pass out The Great Controversy now. Let us wait for a more opportune time.” Friend, there is never going to be a more opportune time than right now.

Some people say, “Let us wait to get the Three Angels’ Messages to the world. Let us wait until the national Sunday law happens.” Friend, that is a delusion. It is not going to be easier then than now. It is going to be harder then than now.

Some people say, “It is not time now to do evangelism. Let us wait.” And while they are waiting, the golden opportunity passes. People all around them are dying who do not know Christ and who are not saved, because people are waiting. Friend, do not wait!

The time to witness for your faith in the Bible is always now, and it is never a good idea to wait. If you have a friend or relative who is not saved, do not wait. You do not know how long they are going to live. Witness to them now.

Result

Do you know what happens to those people who meet obstacles the way the Lord tells us to meet them—with prayer, following the principles we have studied? In any church anywhere in the world, you find there are certain Christians that everybody recognizes as being rock solid; you cannot move them. They have a powerful, stable Christian experience.

Do you know who those people are every time? Just look around. They are the people who have met gigantic obstacles and problems and have overcome them. As they have surmounted one obstacle after another, those men and women have become men and women of power. That is why God allows those things to happen, so we might not be so weak, but may become men and women of power.

If you want to become a powerful Christian, you have to be willing to fight through the obstacles and ask the Lord to help you. The person who is dealing with discouraging circumstances needs to pray, needs to keep trying to deal with the obstacle, and needs to not quit. Do not talk unbelief. Do not say, “I am going to wait until the latter rain comes.”

The only people who will receive the latter rain of the Holy Spirit are those who are intensely active
in doing God’s service now. The other people are not going to receive it. They will not even know what is happening.

Do not wait until the church is purified. Do not wait until the obstacle disappears, because it will not disappear.

“When hedged about on every side, this is the time above all others to trust in God and in the power of his Holy Spirit. We are not to walk in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord God of Israel. It is folly to trust in man or to make flesh our arm. We must trust in Jehovah; for in him is everlasting strength.” Review and Herald, January 16, 1908.

Our Battle

We are in a battle against the devil, against the world, but, most importantly, we are in a battle against our own sinful, carnal nature. The internal enemy is the most dangerous one of all. You, however, can win and inherit eternal life. You can receive the gift of eternal life, but you are not going to win, friend, unless you are willing to fight. The Bible teaches that from the beginning to the end. You must be willing to fight through the obstacles and ask the Lord to help you.

“Let the tempted soul remember that he is a representative of Christ. It is only by coming in contact with obstacles and difficulties and overcoming them that we become strong. Our necessity is God’s opportunity. If we will hold fast to Christ, every trial will work out for our good.” The Signs of the Times, October 17, 1900.

Right now you and I are on the battleground. The devil is trying to get your soul, but you can inherit eternal life if you are willing to say, “Lord, I am going to follow Jesus. I am going to meet the obstacles. Whatever the problem is, I am going to follow Christ, and I plan to become Christlike, by His grace and power.”

It will not happen in one day, but it can happen to every one of us. Every one of us can become Christlike. We can surmount these obstacles internally that are unchristlike in the character. That can happen to every one of us if we go forward and follow the principles given in this article.

When Jesus comes, will you be one of those who will realize that He has made you like Himself? And how did He do it? He made you like Himself by allowing you to go through trials and troubles and obstacles in this world. If you really want to have that experience, you need to make a covenant with the Lord right now and tell Him that is what you want.

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

The Scriptures a Sufficient Guide

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Editor’s Note: The April 2007 issue of LandMarks will be a special Spring Week of Prayer issue featuring articles written by dedicated workers from seven different ministries. As we prepare our hearts to receive their messages, prayerfully contemplate the following counsel.

Dear Brethren who assemble in the Week of Prayer:

We are impressed that this will be an important time among us as a people. It should be a period of earnestly seeking the Lord and humbling your hearts before him. I hope you will regard this as a most precious opportunity to pray and counsel together; and if the injunction of the apostle to esteem others better than ourselves is carefully heeded, you can in humility of mind, with the spirit of Christ, search the Scriptures carefully to see what is truth. The truth can lose nothing by close investigation. Let the word of God speak for itself; let it be its own interpreter, and the truth will shine like precious gems amid the rubbish.

Depend on God

It has been shown me that there are many of our people who take things for granted, and know not for themselves, by close, critical study of the Scriptures, whether they are believing truth or error. If our people depended much less upon preaching, and spent far more time on their knees before God, pleading for him to open their understanding to the truth of his word, that they might have a knowledge for themselves that their feet were standing on solid rock, angels of God would be around about them, to help them in their endeavors.

There is a most wonderful laziness indulged in by a large class of our people, who are willing others should search the Scriptures for them; and they take the truth from the lips of these as a positive fact, but they do not know it to be Bible truth, through their own individual research, and by the deep convictions of the Spirit of God upon their hearts and minds. Let every soul now be divested of envy, of jealousy, of evil surmising, and bring his heart into close connection with God. If all do this, they will have that love burning upon the altar of their hearts which Christ evinced for them. All parties will have Christian kindness and Christian tenderness. There will be no strife, for the servants of God must not strive. There will be no party spirit; there will be no selfish ambition.

Understand Bible Truth

Our people individually must understand Bible truth more thoroughly, for they certainly will be called before councils; they will be criticised [sic] by keen and critical minds. It is one thing to give assent to the truth, and another thing, through close examination as Bible students, to know what is truth. We have been apprised of our dangers, of the trials and temptations just before us; and now is the time to take special pains to prepare ourselves to meet the temptations and emergencies which are just before us.

If souls neglect to bring the truth into their lives, and be sanctified through the truth, that they may be able to give a reason of the hope that is within them, with meekness and fear, they will be swept away by some of the manifold errors and heresies, and will lose their souls. I beg of you, my brethren, for Christ’s sake, to have no selfish ambitions.

Know What Is Truth

As you shall assemble together at these general meetings for prayer, I beseech of you to make personal efforts to cleanse soul and spirit from every defiling influence which would separate you from God. Many, many will be lost because they have not studied their Bibles upon their knees, with earnest prayer to God that the entrance of the word of God might give light to their understanding. All selfish ambition should be laid aside, and you should plead with God for his Spirit to descend upon you as it came upon the disciples who were assembled together upon the day of Pentecost. “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1–4.] Let every heart be subdued before God. Let there be a taking hold by living faith for victory over ourselves, victory over Satan.

If all who claim to believe the Bible did believe it as the oracles of God, as actually a divine communication teaching every soul what to do in order to be saved, what a different effect would follow their labors. It is because so many who handled the word of God in opening the Scriptures to others are not diligent students of the Scriptures or doers of the word themselves, that they make so little advancement in growth of grace and in coming to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. They take largely the interpretation of the Scriptures from others’ lips, but do not put their minds to the tax of searching the evidences for themselves, to know what is truth.

Perfectly United

All misunderstandings and controversies may be happily and successfully adjusted by the living testimonies of the word of God. One of the greatest hindrances to our spiritual success, is the great want of love and respect evidenced for one another. We should seek most earnestly, by every word and action, to answer the prayer of Christ, and to encourage that unity which is expressed in the prayer of Christ, that we may be one as he is one with the Father. Every feeling of indifference for one another should be strenuously overcome, and everything that would tend to variance with brethren should be put away from us. The love of Jesus Christ existing in the heart will consume these little things, or greater things, which tend to divide hearts. Satan sees that in unity there is strength; that in variance and dis-union there is weakness. Heaven’s enlightenment is what is needed, so that when we look upon the faces of our brethren, we may consider: “These are they that have been purchased by the price of the blood of Christ. They are precious in his sight. I must love them as Christ has loved me. These are my fellow-laborers in the harvest field. I must be perfectly united with them; I must speak only words that will tend to encourage and advance them in their forward movement.”

Christ’s Soldiers

My brethren, you are Christ’s soldiers, making aggressive warfare against Satan and his host; but it is grievous to the Spirit of God for you to be surmising evil of one another, and letting the imagination of your hearts be controlled by the power of the great accuser, whose business it is to accuse them before God day and night. Satan has his soldiers trained for the special work of breaking up the union which Christ made so great a sacrifice to establish between brethren. We are to be bound to one another in sacred bonds of holy union. But it is the work of the enemy to create a party spirit, and to have party feelings, and some feel that they are doing the work of God in strengthening prejudices and jealousies among brethren. God would have a sacred order to exist among his co-workers, that they may be bound together by Christ in the Lord God of Israel. We are to be faithful, frank, and true to the interests of each other. We are constantly to be listening for orders from our Captain, but not be guilty of listening to reports against our brethren, or imagining evil of our brethren. Our interests must be bound up with our brethren’s, and it is decidedly nothing but the work of the Devil to create suspicion and jealousies between each other. We are working for the same cause and under the same Master. It is one work,—the preparation of the people of God in these last days. The prosperity and reputation of our brethren are to be zealously guarded, as we would have our own honor and reputation preserved. Everything like evil-speaking, every word that savors of sarcasm, every influence that would demerit our brethren or any branch of the work of God, are all working away from the prayer of Christ. Satan is at work in this matter, that the prayer of Christ may not be answered, and he has helpers in the very men who claim to be doing the work of God. Everything that is said to create suspicion, or to cast a slur, or to demerit those engaged in appointed agencies, is working on Satan’s side of the question. It brings only weakness to our own souls, and is a great hindrance to the advancement of the work of God.

For years it has been shown me that everything of this character was grievous to the Spirit of God, and was giving the enemies of our faith great advantage to take misconceptions of the truth that God’s laborers were seeking to advance. Some who think that they are really doing the Lord’s work, are traitors in the cause. Envy is more common than we imagine, and prejudice is encouraged, and becomes strong by indulgence, in the hearts of those who should discern its baleful influence and spurn it from the soul-temple. Jealousy is as cruel as the grave, but Satan makes this a masterly temptation, not only to estrange friends, but brethren.

Examine Heart

It is high time that every soul intrusted with responsibilities should examine his own heart diligently by the lighted candle of God’s word, to see whether he is indeed in the faith and in the love of the truth. The spirit of love for one another, as Christ has evidenced for us, will lead us to examine closely every impulse, every sentiment and feeling indulged, in the light of the law of God, that the heart may be opened to conviction whether or not we are keeping the principles of that holy law. It is a positive duty, which God enjoins upon souls, to bring our will and spirit under the control of the divine influence of the Spirit of God. When we do this, we shall rise above all these cheap and unconsecrated feelings, and every victory that is gained by our brethren we shall be just as glad to see as if it were gained by ourselves.

Brethren, when we are doers of the word and not hearers only, we shall think much less of self, and esteem others better than ourselves. The greatest curse among our people today is, seeking for the highest place. Full of self-importance and self-esteem, we do not feel our need of the constant grace of Christ to work with all our efforts. Whatever you are in character, in purity, in persevering energy, in devoted piety, will give you position and will make others appreciate you. We should now closely examine the oracles of God. The garments of self-righteousness are to be laid aside. Let the word of God which you take in your hands be studied with simplicity. Cherish reverence for it, and study it with honesty of purpose. We are not to set our stakes, and then to interpret everything to reach this set point. Here is where some of our great reformers have failed, and this is the reason that men who today might be mighty champions for God and the truth, are warring against the truth. Let every thought, every word, and the deportment savor of that courtesy and Christian politeness toward each other which the Scriptures enjoin. God designs we should be learners, first, from the living oracles, and secondly, from our fellow-men. This is God’s order.

Detector of Error

The word of God is the great detector of error; to it we believe everything must be brought. The Bible must be our standard for every doctrine. We must study it reverentially. We are to receive no one’s opinion without comparing it with the Scriptures. Here is divine authority which is supreme in matters of faith. It is the word of the living God that is to decide all controversies. It is when men mingle their own human smartness with God’s words of truth in giving sharp thrusts to those who are in controversy with them, that they show that they have not a sacred reverence for God’s inspired word. They mix the human with the divine, the common with the sacred, and they belittle God’s word. We must in searching the Scriptures be filled with wisdom and power that is above the human, which will so soften and subdue our hard hearts that we will search the Scriptures as diligent students, and will receive the ingrafted word, that we may know the truth, that we may teach it to others as it is in Jesus.

The correct interpretation of the Scriptures is not all that God requires. He enjoins upon us that we should not only know the truth, but that we should practice the truth as it is in Jesus. We are to bring into our practice, into our association with our fellow-men, the Spirit of Him who gave us the truth. We must not only search for the truth as for hidden treasures, but it is a positive necessity, if we are laborers together with God, that we comply with the conditions laid down in his word, and bring the Spirit of Christ into our hearts, that our understanding may be strengthened, and we become apt teachers to make known to others the truth as it is revealed to us in his word. All frivolity, all jesting and joking, all commonness and cheapness of spirit, must be put away by the people of God. All pride, all envy, all evil surmisings and jealousies, must be overcome by the grace of Christ; and sobriety, humility, purity, and godliness must be encouraged and revealed in the life and character. We must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. This is in doing his word, in weaving into our lives and characters the spirit and works of Christ. Then we are one with Christ as Christ was one with the Father. Then we are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. There is no assurance that our doctrine is right, and free from all chaff and error, unless we are daily doing the will of God. If we do his will, we shall know of the doctrine. We shall see the truth in its sacred beauty. We shall accept it with reverence and godly fear, and then we can present that which we know is truth to others. There should be no feeling of superiority or self-exaltation in this solemn work. The soul that is in love with God and his work will be as candid as the day.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 1, 196–201.

Editorial – Practical Godliness

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Where is the fervor, the devotion to God, that corresponds to the greatness of the truth which we claim to believe? The love of the world, the love of some darling sin, has weaned the heart from the love of prayer, and of meditation on sacred things. A formal round of religious services is kept up; but where is the love of Jesus? Spirituality is dying. Is this torpor, this mournful deterioration, to be perpetuated? Is the lamp of truth to flicker and go out in darkness, because it is not replenished by the oil of grace?

There will be some terrible falls by those who think they stand firm, because they have the truth; but they have it not as it is in Jesus. A moment’s carelessness may plunge a soul into irretrievable ruin. One sin leads to the second, and the second prepares the way for the third, and so on. We must, as faithful messengers of God, plead with him constantly to be kept by his power. If we swerve a single inch from duty, we are in danger of following on in a course of sin that will end in perdition. There is hope for every one of us, but only in one way, and that is by binding ourselves to Christ, and exerting every energy to attain to the perfection of his character.

That religion which makes of sin a light matter, dwelling upon the love of God to the sinner regardless of his actions, only encourages the sinner to believe that God will receive him while he continues in that which he knows to be sin. This is what some are doing who profess to believe present truth. The truth is kept apart from the life, and that is the reason it has no power to convict and convert the soul.

God has shown me that the truth as it is in Jesus has never been brought into the lives of some. . . They do not have the religion of the Bible. They have never been converted; and unless their hearts are sanctified through the truth which they have accepted, they will be bound up with the tares; for they bear no clusters of precious fruit to show that they are branches of the Living Vine.

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” The lives of many show that they have no living connection with God. They are drifting into the channel of the world. They have, in reality, no part or lot with Christ. They love amusement, and are filled with selfish ideas, plans, hopes, and ambitions. They serve the enemy under the pretense of serving God. They are in bondage to a task-master, and this bondage they choose, making themselves willing slaves of Satan.

The false idea entertained by many, that the restraining of children is an injury, is ruining thousands upon thousands. Satan will surely take possession of the children if you are not on your guard. Do not encourage their association with the ungodly. Draw them away. Come out from among such yourselves, and show them that you are on the Lord’s side.

Will those who claim to be the children of the Most High, elevate the standard,–not simply while assembled in your meeting, but as long as time shall last? Will you not be on the Lord’s side, and serve him with full purpose of heart? If you do as did the children of Israel in forsaking God’s express requirements, you will surely receive of his judgments; but if you put away sin, and exercise living faith, the richest of heaven’s blessings will be yours.

Pamphlet, 157.

Bible Study Guides – Victory Through Prayer

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May 20, 2007 – May 26, 2007

Key Text

“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalm 84:2.

Study Help: Daughters of God, 81−84.

Introduction

“True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. . . . The silent, fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of grace and will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thus seek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. They will be strong in the day of trial.” God’s Amazing Grace, 86.

1 What request did the disciples make of Jesus upon a certain occasion? Luke 11:1. What example of prayer has our Saviour left us? Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12.

note: “They [the disciples] had marked how often He [Jesus] spent long hours in solitude in communion with His Father. His days were passed in ministry to the crowds that pressed upon Him, and in unveiling the treacherous sophistry of the rabbis, and this incessant labor often left Him so utterly wearied that His mother and brothers, and even His disciples, had feared that His life would be sacrificed. But as He returned from the hours of prayer that closed the toilsome day, they marked the look of peace upon His face, the sense of refreshment that seemed to pervade His presence. It was from hours spent with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now, as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ Luke 11:1.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 102, 103.

2 On what occasion did the Saviour hear His Father’s words of approval? Matthew 3:16, 17. What was the Saviour doing when He received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Luke 3:21, 22.

note: “Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. . . .

“The Saviour’s glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son.

“Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descends a dovelike form of purest light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One.” The Desire of Ages, 111, 112.

3 What occurred as Jesus and three of His disciples were praying in a mountain? Luke 9:28–31. What example of secret prayer is left us by the Saviour? Verse 18.

note: “The Saviour’s promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,—Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones.” The Desire of Ages, 422.

“We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart.” Steps to Christ, 98.

4 What special instruction is given concerning prayer? Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17. What spirit characterized the psalmist’s prayers? Psalm 42:1, 2; 84:2.

note: “Jesus was often found in prayer. He resorted to the lonely groves or to the mountains to make His requests known to His Father. When the business and cares of the day were ended, and the weary were seeking rest, Jesus devoted the time to prayer. We would not discourage prayer, for there is far too little praying and watching thereunto. And there is still less praying with the Spirit and the understanding also. Fervent and effectual prayer is always in place, and will never weary. Such prayer interests and refreshes all who have a love for devotion.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 582.

“While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God’s word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance.” Gospel Workers, 254.

“The life of a true Christian is a life of constant prayer. He knows that the light and strength of one day is not sufficient for the trials and conflicts of the next. Satan is continually changing his temptations. Every day we shall be placed in different circumstances; and in the untried scenes that await us we shall be surrounded by fresh dangers, and constantly assailed by new and unexpected temptations. It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties before us.” Ibid., 257, 258.

5 In what does the Lord delight? Proverbs 15:8.

note: “It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. [See Psalm 16:8.]

“We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.” Gospel Workers, 258.

6 What promises are given to those who pray? Matthew 21:22; Luke 11:9, 10.

note: “Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.” Gospel Workers, 258.

7 How only can victory be gained over the power of the enemy? Mark 9:25−29.

note: “To all, the pitying Saviour’s answer is, ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ [Mark 9:23.] It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God.” The Desire of Ages, 429.

8 How earnestly were the disciples seeking the Lord just before Pentecost? Acts 1:14. What response to earnest prayer was given after Pentecost? Acts 4:31.

note: “The disciples prayed that greater strength might be imparted to them in the work of the ministry; for they saw that they would meet the same determined opposition that Christ had encountered when upon the earth. While their united prayers were ascending in faith to heaven, the answer came. The place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were endowed anew with the Holy Spirit. Their hearts filled with courage, they again went forth to proclaim the word of God in Jerusalem.” The Acts of the Apostles, 67, 68.

9 With what should our requests to God be made known? Philippians 4:6, 7.

note: “Shall all our devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we be recipients of His mercies and never express our gratitude to God, never praise Him for what He has done for us? We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants.

“Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 317.

10 When we call upon the Lord in time of trouble, what has He promised to do? Psalm 107:6; 50:14, 15.

note: “The Lord’s care is over all His creatures. He loves them all and makes no difference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called to bear life’s heaviest burdens. God’s children must meet trials and difficulties. But they should accept their lot with a cheerful spirit, remembering that for all that the world neglects to bestow, God Himself will make up to them in the best of favors.

“It is when we come into difficult places that He reveals His power and wisdom in answer to humble prayer. Have confidence in Him as a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God. He will reveal Himself to you as One who can help in every emergency. He who created man, who gave him his wonderful physical, mental, and spiritual faculties, will not withhold that which is necessary to sustain the life He has given. He who has given us His word—the leaves of the tree of life—will not withhold from us a knowledge of how to provide food for His needy children.” The Ministry of Healing, 199.

11 Upon what condition has the Lord promised to hear prayer? 11 Chronicles 7:14.

note: “It is not necessary to weary the throat and lungs in prayer. God’s ear is ever open to hear the heartfelt petitions of His humble servants, and He does not require them to wear out the organs of speech in addressing Him. It is the perfect trust, the firm reliance, the steady claiming of the promises of God, the simple faith that He is and that He is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him, that prevails with God.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 645.

12 What admonition should we earnestly heed at this time? Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12.

note: “The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.” Steps to Christ, 94, 95.

“The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 142.

Adapted from “The Victorious Life,” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1924.

Bible Study Guides – Victory in Word and Thought

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May 13, 2007 – May 19, 2007

Key Text

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 1, 698, 699.

Introduction

“One class have come up without self-control; they have not bridled the temper or the tongue; and some of these claim to be Christ’s followers, but they are not. Jesus has set them no such example. When they have the meekness and lowliness of the Saviour, they will not act out the promptings of the natural heart, for this is of Satan. Some are nervous, and if they begin to lose self-control in word or spirit under provocation, they are as much intoxicated with wrath as the inebriate is with liquor. They are unreasonable, and not easily persuaded or convinced. They are not sane; Satan for the time has full control. Every one of these exhibitions of wrath weakens the nervous system and the moral powers, and makes it difficult to restrain anger or another provocation. With this class there is only one remedy,—positive self-control under all circumstances. The effort to get into a favorable place, where self will not be annoyed, may succeed for a time; but Satan knows where to find these poor souls, and will assail them in their weak points again and again. They will be continually troubled so long as they think so much of self. They carry the heaviest load a mortal can lift, that is self, unsanctified and unsubdued. But there is hope for them. Let this life, so stormy with conflicts and worries, be brought into connection with Christ, and then self will no longer clamor for the supremacy.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 10, 1886.

1 What is the greatest victory we can achieve? Proverbs 16:32.

note: “The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who can stand unmoved amid a storm of abuse is one of God’s heroes.

“To rule the spirit is to keep self under discipline; to resist evil; to regulate every word and deed by God’s great standard of righteousness. He who has learned to rule his spirit will rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and these will cease to cast a gloom over his spirit.

“It is God’s purpose that the kingly power of sanctified reason, controlled by divine grace, shall bear sway in the lives of human beings. He who rules his spirit is in possession of this power. . . .

“In the use of language, there is, perhaps, no error that old and young are more ready to pass over lightly in themselves than hasty, impatient speech. They think it is a sufficient excuse to plead, ‘I was off my guard, and did not really mean what I said.’ But God’s word does not treat it lightly. . . .

“The largest share of life’s annoyances, its heartaches, its irritations, is due to uncontrolled temper. In one moment, by hasty, passionate, careless words, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime’s repentance cannot undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends estranged, the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who might have brought help and healing!” Messages to Young People, 134, 135.

2 What is one able to do who can control his words? James 3:2. What evil is in the power of an unruly tongue? Verses 4–6.

note: “Some think it is a virtue to be unrestrained, and they will speak in praise of their outspoken habit of talking out disagreeable things which are in the heart. They let an angry spirit exhaust itself in a torrent of reproach and faultfinding. The more they talk, the more excited they become, and Satan stands by to help on the work, for it suits him. The words irritate the one to whom they are spoken. . . . When . . . you feel the rising of resentment, make it a rule to go by yourself and humbly pray to God, who will hearken to the prayer which goeth not forth from feigned lips.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 243.

3 How did Christ emphasize the importance of our words? Matthew 12:34–37.

note: “Let every soul who claims to be a son or a daughter of God examine himself in the light of heaven; let him consider the polluted lips that make him ‘undone.’ They are the medium of communication. [Matthew 12:34, 35 quoted.] Then let them not be used in bringing from the treasure of the heart words that will dishonor God and discourage those around you, but use them for the praise and glory of God, who has formed them for this purpose. When . . . the love of Jesus is the theme of contemplation, the words coming from human lips will be full of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb.” Review and Herald, December 22, 1896.

4 What promise of victory over our thoughts is given us? 11 Corinthians 10:4, 5. Upon what should we think? Philippians 4:8.

note: “We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man ‘thinketh in his heart, so is he.’ Proverbs 23:7. The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.

“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person’s life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.” The Ministry of Healing, 491, 492.

5 What instruction does the apostle Peter give concerning the control of the mind? 1 Peter 1:13.

note: “The reason it is so difficult for men and women to live religious lives is because they do not exercise the mind unto godliness. It is trained to run in an opposite direction. Unless the mind is constantly exercised in obtaining spiritual knowledge and in seeking to understand the mystery of godliness, it is incapable of appreciating eternal things because it has no experience in that direction.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 189.

6 How is the difficulty of controlling the tongue illustrated? James 3:7, 8. What power is promised to help us on this point? Colossians 1:9–11.

note: “There must be a thorough reformation in your life, a transformation by the renewing of your mind. . . . When tempted to give loose rein to the unruly member, oh! bear in mind that the recording angel is noting every word. All are written in the book, and, unless washed away by the blood of Christ, you must meet them again. You now have a spotted record in heaven. Sincere repentance before God will be accepted. When about to speak passionately, close your mouth. Don’t utter a word. Pray before you speak, and heavenly angels will come to your assistance and drive back the evil angels, who would lead you to dishonor God, reproach His cause, and weaken your own soul.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 82.

7 Against what are we especially warned by the Saviour? Matthew 7:1, 2. Instead of judging and condemning others, what should we rather do? Verses 3–5.

note: “Frequently the truth and facts are to be plainly spoken to the erring, to make them see and feel their error that they may reform. But this should ever be done with pitying tenderness, not with harshness or severity, but considering one’s own weakness, lest he also be tempted. When the one at fault sees and acknowledges his error, then, instead of grieving him, and seeking to make him feel more deeply, comfort should be given. . . . It is frequently the case that while one is quick to discern the errors of his brethren, he may be in greater faults himself, but be blind to them.

“All who are followers of Christ should deal with one another exactly as we wish the Lord to deal with us in our errors and weaknesses, for we are all erring and need His pity and forgiveness.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 93.

8 What similar admonition is given by the apostle Paul? What does he say those who condemn others are themselves doing? Romans 2:1.

note: “Even the sentence, ‘Thou that judgest doest the same things,’ [Romans 2:1] does not reach the magnitude of his sin who presumes to criticize and condemn his brother. Jesus said, ‘Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?’ [Matthew 7:3.]

“His words describe one who is swift to discern a defect in others. When he thinks he has detected a flaw in the character or the life he is exceedingly zealous in trying to point it out; but Jesus declares that the very trait of character developed in doing this un-Christlike work, is, in comparison with the fault criticized, as a beam in proportion to a mote. It is one’s own lack of the spirit of forbearance and love that leads him to make a world of an atom. Those who have never experienced the contrition of an entire surrender to Christ do not in their life make manifest the softening influence of the Saviour’s love. They misrepresent the gentle, courteous spirit of the gospel and wound precious souls, for whom Christ died. According to the figure that our Saviour uses, he who indulges a censorious spirit is guilty of greater sin than is the one he accuses, for he not only commits the same sin, but adds to it conceit and censoriousness.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 125.

9 What should we remember, and what would it lead us not to do? Romans 14:12, 13.

note: “It is always humiliating to have one’s errors pointed out. None should make the experience more bitter by needless censure. No one was ever reclaimed by reproach; but many have thus been repelled and have been led to steel their hearts against conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins.

“The apostle Paul found it necessary to reprove wrong, but how carefully he sought to show that he was a friend to the erring! How anxiously he explained to them the reason of his action! He made them understand that it cost him pain to give them pain. He showed his confidence and sympathy toward the ones who were struggling to overcome.” The Ministry of Healing, 166.

10 What comprehensive rule of life does the Lord lay down? Luke 6:37, 38. What new command is given us from the Lord? John 13:34, 35.

note: “The effort to earn salvation by one’s own works inevitably leads men to pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. For, seeing that they fail to keep the law, they will devise rules and regulations of their own to force themselves to obey. All this turns the mind away from God to self. His love dies out of the heart, and with it perishes love for his fellow men. A system of human invention, with its multitudinous exactions, will lead its advocates to judge all who come short of the prescribed human standard. The atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles the noble and generous emotions, and causes men to become self-centered judges and petty spies. . . .

“Jesus said, ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged.’ [Matthew 7:1.] That is, do not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions, your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as to their motives and passing judgment upon them.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 123, 124.

11 What kind of words are commended? Proverbs 15:1, 2; 16:24; 25:11.

note: “In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control. In His strength he may bring his thoughts and words into subjection to the will of God. The religion of Christ brings the emotions under the control of reason and disciplines the tongue. Under its influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.” Messages to Young People, 136.

12 What victory is recorded concerning the 144,000? Revelation 14:5.

note: “Sensuality is the sin of the age. But the religion of Jesus Christ will hold the lines of control over every species of unlawful liberty; the moral powers will hold the lines of control over every thought, word, and action. Guile will not be found in the lips of the true Christian. Not an impure thought will be indulged in, not a word spoken that is approaching to sensuality, not an action that has the least appearance of evil.” Medical Ministry, 142, 143.

Adapted from “The Victorious Life,” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1924.