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Help in Every Trial

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Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified.

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction to prove what temper they are of and whether they can be fashioned for His work.

The potter takes the clay and molds it according to his will. He kneads it and works it. He tears it apart and presses it together. He wets it and then dries it. He lets it lie for a while without touching it. When it is perfectly pliable, he continues the work of making of it a vessel. He forms it into shape and on the wheel trims and polishes it. He dries it in the sun and bakes it in the oven. Thus it becomes a vessel fit for use. So the great Master Worker desires to mold and fashion us. And as the clay is in the hands of the potter, so are we to be in His hands. We are not to try to do the work of the potter. Our part is to yield ourselves to be molded by the Master Worker.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13

In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth, and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward. The Ministry of Healing, 471, 472

We are not to let the future, with its hard problems, its unsatisfying prospects, make our hearts faint, our knees tremble, our hands hang down. “Let him take hold of My strength,” says the Mighty One, “that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend.

If in our ignorance we make missteps, the Saviour does not forsake us. We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy.

None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, “Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.” But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under, which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free. Ibid., 249

Story – A 1940 Miracle

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Mrs. Fuller was standing by the telephone in her sunny kitchen, listening intently to the news that was being conveyed over the wire. Her kind, weather-beaten face registered deep concern.

“I’m glad you told me about that poor family, Mrs. Higgins,” she commented after her friend had paused for breath. “I’ll run right over to Aunt Liza’s, and she’ll help me get some clothes and food together for them. You know, every year she cans hundreds of quarts of fruit and vegetables, just so she can have plenty to give away whenever she hears of someone in need. Tell them not to worry; we’ll bring food and clothing.”

Hastily she removed an old sweater from a hook on the wall, slipped it on, tied a scarf over her head, and walked quickly in the direction of her nearest neighbor, Aunt Liza, who lived alone on a five-acre farm. As she neared the modest white cottage, surrounded by colorful flowers, she quickened her steps. She knocked vigorously on the back door, for Aunt Liza was very deaf. After repeated knockings, the door was opened, and there was Aunt Liza’s cheerful face wreathed in smiles, her brown eyes snapping and twinkling.

“Why, Mary Fuller, I’m glad to see you,” she shouted with enthusiasm. “How could you leave your chores so early in the morning?”

By this time, Mrs. Fuller was able to catch her breath.

“I felt I just must run over and tell you about the poor family around the next bend—you know, the ones who live in the auto camp. The father is out of work, and the mother is sick, and they need food and clothing. I knew you would want to know about it.”

Aunt Liza started for the cellar, where she kept her canned food. “Come down and help me put up a box for them right now. I can everything that I don’t sell from this place, and then my son-in-law, who is a manager of a market in the city, brings me all the leftover fruits and vegetables that aren’t sold, and I put them up too, so I can give them to those who need food. I always say it is a sin to let anything go to waste.”

“I don’t see how you do so much, Aunt Liza, when you attend to practically all your farm work.”

“I always say the Lord fits the back to the burden, my dear,” replied Aunt Liza, “and I praise Him daily for giving me strength. I’ll go over to the camp with you and see if I can give the poor woman some treatment. You know, I often get people interested in the Lord.”

This instance is typical of Aunt Liza—always energetic, cheerful, praising God, and thinking of others more than of herself. The fact that she shouts because of her deafness only serves to give her a hearty, enthusiastic manner. She is truly one of God’s saints, a real missionary in her community. She regards God as a friend and takes all her troubles to Him. He rewards her trusting faith and hears her prayers.

One morning Aunt Liza rose early to irrigate her berries, which were soon to be ready for market and which would account for a large part of her income for the year. The water was supplied for her farm by a very fine artesian well. Each farm in this community had its own well, and the farmers were justly proud of the water.

This morning Aunt Liza was happily humming a hymn as she turned the switch of the pump and then went to put on her heavy boots before going into the berry patch. Imagine her surprise and dismay when she returned and found that although the pump was working, no water was coming out of the well. She hastened over to the Fullers’ farm to see if Mr. Fuller could help her, for Aunt Liza had no money to pay a repairman. When she arrived at her neighbor’s farm, she found great excitement there.

“Aunt Liza, do you have water?” inquired Mr. Fuller. “Our well seems to have gone dry.”

“That’s just exactly why I came over to see you,” exclaimed Aunt Liza. “Something has gone wrong with my well, too.”

Inquiry around the neighborhood revealed the fact that all the wells had gone dry, so an expert was called in to investigate the cause. They anxiously awaited his report.

When he inspected Aunt Liza’s well, he said, “Yes, yours is just like the others. The water level in this neighborhood has dropped down much lower than it was formerly, and the only way to get water is to dig your well deeper. Do you wish me to have someone come out to dig yours?”

Aunt Liza’s heart sank. There was no money for this emergency, and her berries needed irrigating immediately. A few days’ delay might seriously injure the crop.

“No,” she replied, “I have no money for that.”

“But what are you going to do for water?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” replied Aunt Liza, “except to do what I always do in cases of emergency. I shall pray to my God about it. I know that He can help me out of this trouble, even as He has helped me in times of trouble in the past.”

The engineer laughed. “I’m afraid you’ll need to do more than pray in this case,” he said skeptically, “for the water just isn’t there anymore. I’m afraid that you don’t understand the gravity of the situation.” He then disconnected the pump at the well, and as he turned to leave, he said, “Well, call me up when you decide what you’re going to do.”

Aunt Liza took her trouble to her Friend, who had never failed her in any crisis. She talked to Him as she would to an earthly friend, whom she could see face to face, and laid the whole burden on Him. That night in a dream she saw an angel standing by her bed. The angel said, “There is water in your well now.”

She awakened immediately after this dream and began to praise and thank God, for Aunt Liza’s faith knew no doubt, and she was confident that the water was now in her well.

The next morning, she called the engineer out to see her. He came, thinking that she was at last ready to make arrangements to have her well dug deeper. However, her first words disillusioned him. She said, “Mr. Nelson, I want you to start my pump.”

Mr. Nelson was alarmed, as he feared that too much worry might have affected his elderly client’s reason. Gently he began to explain the situation again. He said, “There is no use in turning the pump on, madam, as there is no water in the well.”

However, no words of his could change Aunt Liza’s mind, and when she persisted in her request, he decided to turn on the pump to prove that she was wrong. He went out to the well, connected the pump again, and turned it on. Out gushed an abundant stream of water, clear and sparkling.

Thanking the Lord, she exclaimed, “I knew He had answered my prayer!”

The well expert could not speak. Never had he witnessed such a phenomenon. After Aunt Liza had told him of her dream, he replied, “God must have answered your prayer, for this is a miracle. No other well in the neighborhood has water.”

Aunt Liza’s gratitude to her heavenly Father knew no bounds, and she told the story of God’s kindness to all the community. The engineer carried the news to the city hall, and some of the officials came out to investigate. Aunt Liza told each one about her God and how He hears and answers prayer.

Many times, when we read of answered prayer, we think that such experiences came to people long ago or in a mission field far away, but this modern miracle happened in the year 1940, in the western part of the United States.

My Favorite Prayer Stories, Joe L. Wheeler, ©2015, by Phyllis Prout, 77–79

The Gathering

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God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4. However, salvation has always been conditional upon man’s willing obedience to God. In speaking to the Israelites through Isaiah the prophet, God said, “ ‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19, 20

Throughout biblical history, God has always done all in His power to bring man into a saving relationship with Himself. His plea has been, “What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4

“The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.” The Desire of Ages, 311

120 years

As the antediluvians drifted further and further away from God’s plan for their lives, God sought through Noah to awaken them to the direction in which they were heading. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

“God bestowed upon these antediluvians many and rich gifts, but they used His bounties to glorify themselves, and turned them into a curse by fixing their affections upon the gifts instead of the Giver. They employed the gold and silver, the precious stones and the choice wood, in the construction of habitations for themselves, and endeavored to excel one another in beautifying their dwellings with the most skillful workmanship. They sought only to gratify the desires of their own proud hearts and reveled in the scenes of pleasure and wickedness. Not desiring to retain God in their knowledge, they soon came to deny His existence. They adored nature in place of the God of nature. They glorified human genius, worshiped the works of their own hands, and taught their children to bow down to graven images.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 90, 91

“Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9. Therefore, God chose Noah to carry a message to the wicked world of that day. He was to build an ark, and at the same time, he was to proclaim the destruction of the world by a flood for “one hundred and twenty years” (Genesis 6:3).

“Amid the prevailing corruption, Methuselah, Noah, and many others labored to keep alive the knowledge of the true God and to stay the tide of moral evil. One hundred and twenty years before the Flood, the Lord, by a holy angel, declared to Noah His purpose and directed him to build an ark. While building the ark, he was to preach that God would bring a flood of water upon the earth to destroy the wicked. Those who would believe the message, and would prepare for that event by repentance and reformation, should find pardon and be saved.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 92

Noah was not only to proclaim God’s message of destruction, but at the same time, he was to seek to gather aboard the ark all who would turn to God for salvation. Thus, God established a principle very early in the world’s history: whenever there is a prophetic time period dealing directly with His people, He sends a prophet to proclaim the beginning of that prophetic period, and at the end of the period, God has a prophet who gathers His people for His purpose.

Noah was both the proclaiming and gathering prophet in this first, comparatively short, prophetic period. He warned the people regarding the Flood, but he also sought to gather them aboard the ark to save them from the destruction that was to come. “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Genesis 6:22

400 years

We find a second prophetic time period dealing with God’s people in Genesis 15. The Lord “came to Abram in a vision” (verse 1), showing him that he would have offspring more numerous than he could count. God then informs Abram (the proclaiming prophet) that His people would be in a strange land for a period of four hundred years (verse 13), but afterward, they would “come out with great substance” (verse 14). And Abram, whose name God changed to Abraham, “believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness” (verse 6).

As this remarkable time period draws to its climax, God prepared His gathering prophet. “You remember Moses went into the wilderness and stayed forty years, during which time he put away self, and that made room so that he could have the presence of God with him.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 83

“Shut in by the bulwarks of the mountains, Moses was alone with God. The magnificent temples of Egypt no longer impressed his mind with their superstition and falsehood. In the solemn grandeur of the everlasting hills he beheld the majesty of the Most High, and in contrast realized how powerless and insignificant were the gods of Egypt. Everywhere the Creator’s name was written. Moses seemed to stand in His presence and to be overshadowed by His power. Here, his pride and self-sufficiency were swept away. In the stern simplicity of his wilderness life, the results of the ease and luxury of Egypt disappeared. Moses became patient, reverent, and humble, ‘very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth’ (Numbers 12:3), yet strong in faith in the mighty God of Jacob.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 248–251

As Moses tended the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a fiery bush. The Angel said, “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey. … Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people … out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:7, 8, 10

Again, we see the biblical principle: Abraham, the proclaiming prophet, is seen at the beginning of the prophetic period, and Moses, the gathering prophet, is seen at the end. Moses was asked to gather “the children of Israel out of Egypt” (verse 10). “And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:41

From the beginning of Israel’s existence as a nation, the people scattered as a consequence of their disobedience to God. Notice the very powerful statement given to the Israelites after they departed from Egypt: “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you … . Then the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth to the other.” Deuteronomy 28:15, 64. But when the Israelites would repent with all their heart and return to the Lord in obedience to all He commanded, He would again gather them together as His people. (See Deuteronomy 30:1–3.)

70 years

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet proclaims that the Israelites would spend 70 years in captivity in Babylon. (See Jeremiah 29:10.) This is the third time period affecting God’s people. “When men’s hearts are softened and subdued by the constraining influence of the Holy Spirit, they will give heed to counsel; but when they turn from admonition until their hearts become hardened, the Lord permits them to be led by other influences. Refusing the truth, they accept falsehood, which becomes a snare to their own destruction.

“God had pleaded with Judah not to provoke Him to anger, but they had hearkened not. Finally sentence was pronounced against them. They were to be led away captive to Babylon.” Prophets and Kings, 425

But there were also promises of deliverance. “Prophecies of oncoming judgment were mingled with promises of final and glorious deliverance. …

“Like sweetest music, these promises of deliverance fell upon the ears of those who were steadfast in their worship of Jehovah.” Ibid., 427

Daniel, apparently an ardent Bible student, refers to this period in Daniel 9 as he seeks, through prayer and supplication, to have his people brought out of captivity per the prophecy of this prophetic period. “The deliverance of Daniel from the den of lions had been used of God to create a favorable impression upon the mind of Cyrus the Great. The sterling qualities of the man of God as a statesman of farseeing ability led the Persian ruler to show him marked respect and to honor his judgment. And now, just at the time God had said He would cause His temple at Jerusalem to be rebuilt, He moved upon Cyrus as His agent to discern the prophecies concerning himself, with which Daniel was so familiar, and to grant the Jewish people their liberty.” Ibid., 557

In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we see the beginning of the regathering of God’s people: “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, … ‘Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem … .’ ” Ezra 1:1, 3

Nehemiah 1 references the scattering and gathering promises found in Deuteronomy 28. “Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’ ” Verses 8, 9

So we see that for this 70-year prophecy, Jeremiah was the proclaiming prophet, while Daniel was the initial gathering prophet.

490 years

Daniel also serves as a proclaiming prophet in Daniel 9:24–27, where the prophecy of the Messiah, as well as the prophecy of the Jews’ probation as God’s people, is set forth. God gives His people 490 years “to make an end of sins, … and to anoint the most Holy” (verse 24). During that time, the Messiah would come and “bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (verse 27) through His death on the cross.

Right on time, Jesus came to begin His ministry of gathering the people to Himself. John the Baptist initiates this gathering process through his message of repentance and the announcement that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” (See Matthew 3:1–3.)

But notice the Lord’s statement in Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” And in John 12:32, Jesus says, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw [gather] all peoples to Myself.” So we see that Daniel is the proclaiming prophet, and Jesus is the gathering prophet.

2,300 years

In 1844, another time period came to its fulfillment. Daniel had prophesied this great time period of 2300 days. “And he said unto me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ ” Daniel 8:14. It had as its object the beginning of a new ministry for Jesus in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary—the judgment of God’s people, a significant and solemn event. (See Daniel 7:13.) At that time, the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 were to be proclaimed, bringing a revival of interest in the gospel and the second coming of Jesus worldwide.

“Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.

“When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing.” The Great Controversy, 425

In accordance with His principle of always following a proclaiming prophet at the beginning of a time period with a gathering prophet at the end, God called upon Ellen G. White to gather His people for this last great declaration of truth before the coming of Jesus, so that as many as will might be saved. “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7. And Satan seeks to prevent this gathering by doing away with the gathering prophet, for he knows that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18, first part, KJV

“The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. … Satan will work ingeniously … to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony. … The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 48

“Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 391. Without the prophet to give direction that is so badly needed in these last days, God’s people will flounder and drift in one direction and then another with all the winds of doctrine that blow around us. We must recognize God’s prophet and be diligent in heeding her counsel to us.

A Time is Coming

The time is near when the “sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

“And He will 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 24:30, 31

May God help us now to gather up and live by every word of instruction, reproof, and encouragement which He has spoken to us, that when the angels of heaven shall appear, we may be among the multitude of the redeemed gathered up by them to live forever with Jesus.

Source: Clark Floyd, Our Firm Foundation, Vol. 19, No. 4, April 2004, 4–7

The Keys to the Kingdom

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The time is coming when every person will be compelled to answer for their understanding of two questionable texts in the New Testament. Satan’s forces claim that these texts give them the power to demand absolute obedience to papal authority. On the other hand, those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus declare that these same scriptures provide them with unmistakable proof to reject Rome’s demands and obey only Christ. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that these two verses be divinely understood. Once we have discovered God’s explanation, let us implant the truth so deeply within our mind that we can stand without fear in the coming life and death issue. Let us examine these scriptures.

The Keys of Matthew 16:19

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19. These are powerful keys.

I had the privilege of attending a general conference session in San Francisco in the middle of the last century. There, I saw Kato Raguso from the Solomon Islands. He stood over six feet tall, barefoot, wearing a wrap-around skirt and bushy hair. He was also a Seventh-day Adventist ordained minister. We were all captivated by his pidgin English. Here is his thrilling story.

Back in the 1940s, he had personally helped to save the lives of some 200 of our U.S. airmen shot down over the jungle islands. One day, an allied officer overwhelmed by the stress of war ordered Kato Raguso to commit a very unchristian act. Being a faithful Seventh-day Adventist, he refused to do so. The officer became angry and forced him over a gasoline barrel and beat him until the blood flowed. Then he commanded him again to commit this evil act, but he refused. This time, the officer pulled out his handgun and pistol-whipped him, breaking his nose and leaving him unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he was again ordered to commit this ungodly act, but he would not.

The officer was so angry that he placed him before a firing squad. Two times, he was unable to give the command to shoot. The third time, he was unable to speak for two days. Determined, this devil-possessed officer found another method that would kill Kato and his buddy Luti. He threw them both in the brig, locked the door with his key, and waited for the morrow to murder both men. The Adventists on the island heard of his desperate situation. They beat their drums, calling for an all-night prayer meeting.

While the Adventists were still praying, a man walked out of the jungle to the prison gate. In his hand was a key that he used to unlock the prison door, and he called for Kato Raguso and Luti to come out and follow him. He led them down to the seashore, where he had prepared a canoe with two paddles. By the moonlight, they could see some hundred yards in all directions. This man who had delivered them said, “Goodbye,” and the two Solomon Islanders turned to thank him, but he was nowhere to be seen. This angel had delivered them with a key that opened the prison door while the officer’s key still hung on the wall of the sleeping quarters. The angel’s key made the difference between life and death.

The First Question

The keys referenced in Matthew 16 have tremendous power because, with them, you can bind or loose on earth and in heaven. One must admit that this is a mighty power, and if that isn’t awesome enough, Jesus further described the power of these keys in this way: “ ‘If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ ” John 20:23

The first question we should consider is: Does Jesus have keys that He can give to whom He pleases? Isaiah 22:22 says, “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.”

John the Revelator declared that Jesus Christ had these keys. “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” Revelation 3:7. Jesus Himself said, “ ‘I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And have the keys of Hades and of Death.’ ” Revelation 1:18. We can clearly see who has the keys.

The Second Question

Our second question is: What are these keys? Inspiration gives us the answer. “ ‘The keys of the kingdom of heaven’ are the words of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His and are here included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men are received or rejected. Thus, the work of those who preach God’s word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Theirs is a mission weighted with eternal results.” The Desire of Ages, 413, 414

Since Jesus Christ has the keys, He can give them to whomever He chooses. He gave these keys to Peter and the same to the other eleven disciples. What is more thrilling and fascinating is that He promises to give them to you and me. “The words of Christ: ‘I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven,’ were not addressed to Peter alone, but to the disciples, including those who compose the Christian church in all ages.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 273

The Gospel, Repentance, Forgiveness, and a Miraculous Change

But what is our responsibility when we have these keys in our possession? How are we meant to use them? We are to share the gospel of repentance and forgiveness to all we meet, telling them that once they confess their sins and true repentance is at work in the heart, Jesus will write “Forgiven” in the heavenly records. Furthermore, Jesus will wash away the sin living in their heart with His precious blood, allowing them to stand before God as though they had not sinned, and providing their conscience with the peace for which it longs. The keys unlock man’s sinful heart on earth and open the door to heavenly forgiveness.

Rejection, Sinfulness, and the Closed Door

However, these keys also prevent Jesus from being able to perform this miraculous change if an individual refuses God’s love and offer of salvation. He may shrug his shoulders, uninterested in repentance or forgiveness, choosing to continue living as he is. You can tell him that his sinful record will remain locked in heaven’s record book and that Jesus will not be able to cleanse his heart, nor can he expect to receive God’s promised peace. If he does not change his sinful ways, the door to heaven’s salvation will be closed against him forever.

There is Always a Wrong Way

I recall an experience while I was the Youth Secretary of the Southern California Conference during World War II. One of my responsibilities was to pastor our young Seventh-day Adventist men in my conference serving in the armed services. When a soldier had a problem, I was required to help him.

Recently drafted into military service, a young marine stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego had accepted Jesus as his Saviour. He had committed to keep the commandments and been baptized.

On the Sabbath following his baptism, his commanding officer ordered him to dig a trench for battle practice with the other men of his barracks. He respectfully refused, saying, “I cannot, for my God commands me to keep the Sabbath day holy.” The marine officer became very angry and ordered him to be placed in the brig and to face court-martial. When I received the call from this young man, I immediately drove to Camp Pendleton.

When I entered the training base, I went directly to see the chief chaplain. As I walked into his office, I noticed he was a Roman Catholic priest. He listened intently while I told him of this young man’s problem. “I have been informed all about him,” He said. “He faces a court-martial in two weeks.” Looking the chaplain straight in the eye, I answered, “You must defend this young man, for his conscience will not allow him to disobey his God.” With a big smile, he replied, “I’ll take care of this case.” I felt relaxed. Then he asked, “Are you his pastor?” I answered, “Yes.” Then he said, “This is an easy case. All you have to do is to give him a dispensation to work on the Sabbath. Case dismissed.” In amazement, I said, “Wait, Chaplain, not so fast. Neither my church nor my God has ever given me such authority. God expects me, as His ambassador, to do only as He commands. I must, therefore, stand by this young man and defend his conscience. I will urge him to keep the seventh-day Sabbath holy.” I continued, “I am also aware that your church gives you the authority to give a dispensation whenever you choose so that you may tell such an individual that he can break God’s eternal law, but I cannot do this.”

There we stood—I, the representative of God’s remnant church, and he, the representative of Babylon. Each of us claimed to have the keys to the kingdom. This Catholic chaplain believed the keys gave him authority to change God’s word so he could tell the young man that it was not a sin to disobey God. There I stood, a representative of Jesus Christ, with the keys that required me to encourage this young marine to obey God and that he should be faithful even if it meant spending years in jail. The Catholic priest discovered that I would not compromise, so he decided to defend the young man, and together, we secured an honorable discharge for him.

You and I will soon face the final struggle between the system of Babylon and God’s true church. I trust you will never follow the satanic power that claims it can give you a dispensation to sin. May you stand firmly with the church of Christ—those who keep the commandments and have the faith of Jesus who is the Rock of salvation.

A Rolling Stone or a Mighty Rock

The second scripture for which we must answer is Matthew 16:18, but let’s start with verses 13–17, “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’ ”

“ ‘And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’ ” Verse 18. We must understand this scripture if we are to be faithful to Christ in the coming test.

We must look at this scripture in the original Greek to understand it better. “ ‘And I say also to you, that you are Petros [a small pebble, a rolling stone, something unstable upon which you must never build], and upon this Petra [a mighty rock, a stable foundation on which to build] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’ ” I can think of no better illustration than that of El Capitan, that mighty rock in Yosemite National Park in California. Standing some 4,000 feet high, El Capitan is composed of solid granite and embedded deeply within the earth. In this scripture, Jesus says He will build His church upon Petra, the mighty Rock—Christ Himself—against whom the gates of hell cannot prevail. No matter where you read in God’s word—Old Testament Hebrew or the New Testament Greek—Christ is the Rock upon which His church is built.

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.” Isaiah 28:16. The papacy does not have the keys of Christ, which are founded on the Rock Jesus Christ, for the Roman Catholic system is founded on St. Peter, which Inspiration reveals to be Petros, a pebble. The time is near when you will stand before a judge appointed by a Catholic power, using the Catholic interpretation of this text to convince you that you must keep Sunday holy in obeisance with the laws of the Roman Catholic system.

The Spirit of Prophecy reveals this final issue. “Two great opposing powers are revealed in the last great battle. On one side stands the Creator of heaven and earth. All on His side bear His signet. They are obedient to His commands. On the other side stands the prince of darkness, with those who have chosen apostasy and rebellion.” The Review and Herald, May 7, 1901

The Jesuits have a satanic plan to lure you from the divine truth. Unity of the Churches, An Actual Possibility by Karl Rahner—published in 1983 and studied in all Jesuit schools—lays out a detailed, seven-step formula built by the World Council of Churches, called Faith and Order of Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry, that reveals Satan’s plan.

Here are the seven steps from Rahner’s book.

  1. There must be unity in all churches.

“When this shall be gained, then, in the effort to secure complete uniformity, it will be only a step to the resort to force.” The Great Controversy, 445. Any student of the Spirit of Prophecy can see that the ecumenical program to secure the unification of all churches is the last step before persecution. When you read or hear the word unity or the word ecumenical, it should ring an alarm bell that persecution will be coming soon.

  1. Protestant laity are to obey their leaders.

“With respect to ecclesiastical leadership the average congregation in the Protestant churches in fact usually practices the kind of obedience to their church leaders that is customary in the Roman Catholic church. … On the basis of their theological expertise and their religious conscience, the representatives of this ecclesiastical leadership can decide in favor of church unity and can also work with sufficient zeal among the church members to gain their understanding for this decision.” Unity of the Churches, An Actual Possibility, 54

We have come to a time in the Seventh-day Adventist church when our leaders are doing all they can to bring this church into conformity with the ecumenical program; therefore, we must weigh every church command from headquarters to see if it conforms to the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. We must not mindlessly obey our church leaders.

  1. The churches will unite because they have become liberal.

I know of no other terminology which so accurately describes the Seventh-day Adventist church today. “Doctrines must become inconsequential. The time for interconfessional polemics is gone. So is the time of controversies focused solely on substantive differences.’’ Ibid., 66. This book demands there be no controversy between Protestantism and the Papacy. That means we are not to call the pope the antichrist. Is this why you seldom hear the three angels’ messages from our pulpits? Is this the reason for the change of our three angels’ logo?

  1. The churches may retain their structures.

Rahner explains the pluralism promoted by the ecumenical movement: “In this one church of Jesus Christ, composed of the uniting churches, there are regional partner churches, which can, to a large extent, maintain their existing structures. These partner churches can also continue to exist in the same territory, since this is not impossible in the context of Catholic ecclesiology.” Ibid., 43. Pluralism is often used by many Adventist ministers in our papers and books. Again, Ellen White was shown that this was to come. “When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.” The Great Controversy, 445

  1. The churches are to live in reconciled diversity.

“The Catholic church will be satisfied if the individual has an affirmative relation to fundamentals and does not raise explicit and decided objectives.” What does such language mean? “All churches are to shut their eyes and ears to the truth. You must never teach what you believe to a member of another church.” Rahner is teaching a message from the old Greek philosophers. “The propositions of both sides, when developed further and understood in a larger context, do not really contradict each other.” Unity of the Churches, An Actual Possibility, 36, 37. Now, isn’t that a sneaky position?

Rahner pleads, “The Protestant Christian would not need to make a doctrinal and definite agreement right now to many of the propositions that the Catholic regards as binding on the faith. But he does not need to reject them definitely either. … This Protestant Christian can most certainly assume that (hopefully) in the course of the further history of religious consciousness these Catholic propositions will obtain the kind of clarification and interpretation that will permit a definite agreement on his part (not yet possible today) without his having to feel duty-bound to reject them directly.” Ibid. What a subtle, devilish approach.

  1. No church is to reject the dogma held by another.

“Nothing may be rejected decisively and confessionally in one partner church which is binding dogma in another partner church. Furthermore, beyond Thesis 1, no explicit and positive confession in one partner church is imposed as dogma obligatory for another partner church. This is left to a broader consensus in the future.” Ibid., 25. This means that you are to do as other churches; you are no longer to depend on your study of God’s word alone. “One has to depend more and more on the knowledge of others, which one can no longer assimilate or check oneself.” Ibid., 28

Rahner’s argument is precisely this: “The church itself is the guarantor, through its formal teaching authority, of the truth of the individual doctrines it presents.” Ibid., 32. This means that we don’t question what our church teaches concerning a belief or the actions that it commands. Inspiration foresaw this and declared, “A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. … The false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages.” The Great Controversy, 573, 574

  1. The ministers are to exchange pulpits in a pulpit fellowship.

“It is self-evident that there must be fraternal exchanges and intensive cooperation among the theologians of these partner churches, even though this in no way requires the fusion of the institutional or organizational representatives of the theologies of these distinct churches.” Unity of the Churches, An Actual Possibility, 52. How clever. I’ll never forget when, out of the blue, the Catholic priest of the nearby parish asked me if I would be willing to exchange pulpits with him. I am sure you know my answer.

“The solution to these problems will nevertheless require that all sides give up certain number of old familiar customs, so as to make possible not just coexistence with tolerance and much indifference but a true unity of these partner churches in truly loving recognition of their differences.” Ibid., 48. I may be considered a fanatic, but I believe in the Bible’s way of being separate. “Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

So there you have the seven steps to be followed by all churches.

“The word Peter signifies a stone—a rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon which the church was founded. The gates of hell did prevail against him when he denied his Lord with cursing and swearing. The church was built upon One against whom the gates of hell could not prevail. …

“The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually. At a later time, repeating the words that were spoken to Peter, He applied them directly to the church. And the same in substance was spoken also to the twelve as representatives of the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any special authority to one of the disciples above the others, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest. They would have submitted to the wish of their Master, and honored the one whom He had chosen. …

“ ‘The head of every man is Christ.’ God, who put all things under the Saviour’s feet, ‘gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.’ The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. … Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. ‘Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.’ The Lord ‘is the Rock, His work is perfect.’ ‘Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 413, 414

Each of us has the keys to the kingdom. May we wisely use them.

Pastor Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist church for over fifty years as a pastor and evangelist, and then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership, and was the director of Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry. Elder Nelson passed to his rest on April 18, 2012.

Holy Traits of Character

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“True holiness is bestowed only upon those who ‘are doers of the word,’ and ‘not hearers only.’ ”

The Signs of the Times, September 24, 1896

Holiness is Like the Wind

Jesus used the wind in the trees to help Nicodemus understand what it means to have holiness in the heart. We can hear the wind but cannot tell where it comes from or where it will go. We cannot see the wind, but we can see its effects on the things around us—the rustling of the leaves, flattening of the grass if the wind is strong enough, whitecaps on the water, your hair blowing in your face, the clouds moving swiftly across the sky. We cannot see the holiness inside, but we will see the effects of holiness in the outworking of the life. People do not see holiness but are affected by it, both the one who is made holy and those who witness it.

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ ” 1 Peter 1:15, 16. The Bible tells us that if we respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and seek to be like Jesus in character, our thoughts, words, and actions will demonstrate that we have accepted the in-working power of the Holy Spirit to make us genuinely holy.

“ ‘For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.’ ” Leviticus 11:44

“Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Without Holiness

I will not be in heaven if I am not a holy person.

The most common English word used to describe a holy person is saint. The word saint [hagion] comes from the same Greek root word hagios meaning sanctify [hagiaso] and sanctification. In Hebrew, the word is qadosh, meaning “a holy person.” “ ‘The court shall be seated [the court was seated in 1844], and they shall take away his [the anti-Christ’s] dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ ” Daniel 7:26, 27. The kingdom, dominion, and all its greatness are for the saints or God’s holy people, but if a person has not been made holy, they will not be one of God’s people, nor will they receive the kingdom.

The Characteristics of a Holy Person

A holy character is recognized by its specific characteristics, and becoming holy is a process that does not happen in a day, a year, or ten years. We all have unholy traits. We are born with them as a part of our sinful nature, making us naturally inclined toward unholiness. Responding to these inclinations develops an unholy character. It is these unholy habits that must be resisted and changed.

“The formation of a right character is the work of a lifetime and is the outgrowth of prayerful meditation united with a grand purpose. The excellence of character that you possess must be the result of your own effort. … Wishing, sighing, dreaming will never make you great or good. …

“True character is a quality of the soul, revealing itself in the conduct.

“A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. … And in heaven we are continually to improve.

“A good character is a capital of more value than gold or silver. … Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible—a power which makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity.” My Life Today, 267

“Now is your golden opportunity to form pure and holy characters for heaven.” Lift Him Up, 305

“The nearer we live to Jesus, the more will we partake of His pure and holy character; and the more offensive sin appears to us, the more exalted and desirable will appear the purity and brightness of Christ.” Sons and Daughters of God, 62

“The people of God are in constant warfare to maintain their peculiar and holy character, and under no condition or circumstance is the cross of Christ to be shunned or laid aside.” This Day With God, 294

Let’s look at some holy character traits and how we can recognize if we possess them.

Living a Life of Service

A holy person does not desire to be first. That was Lucifer’s problem. At first, he wasn’t satisfied with being the highest-created being in heaven. He wanted to be equal with God’s son. Then, the more he nurtured the need to be first, the more he wanted to be “like the Most High.”

The disciples also had this problem. The mother of James and John had petitioned Jesus to appoint her sons to the highest positions possible in His kingdom—the temporal kingdom they were all hoping for. Naturally, the other ten apostles took exception to the request. “When the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’ ” Matthew 20:24–28

Jesus said, “I do not seek My own glory.” John 8:50. So if we want to be like Him, we will not seek to be first.

Being a Team Player

A holy person will not seek to be independent. Individual independence was a problem in the Corinthian church. “For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, … that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. …

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:15, 17

The devil has worked to divide families, friends, and churches for 6,000 years, and he’s become very accomplished at it. “For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” 1 Corinthians 3:3

Holy people do not work independently of each other. “Now he who plants and he who waters are one … . For we are God’s fellow workers … .” Verses 8, 9, first part What a privilege to be a fellow worker with God. He could have sent angels to do His work on earth. He could have raised up stones to do it. But He wanted to make us coworkers with Himself and prayed that we would be united, in harmony with Him and one another, and He promised to make us fit—holy—for the work.

Not Self-seeking

Have you ever encountered someone—at work, home, or church—who feels superior to everyone else?

John wrote about just such an experience. “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John 1:9, 10

Seeking control over others is what the devil has been doing since the beginning of sin. “Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself.” The Desire of Ages, 21. Jesus Christ was and is the commander of the heavenly host, but Satan stirred up strife seeking to gain the authority and control that belonged to Jesus. And we all know how that ended—expulsion from heaven with a third of the angels in rebellion. The desire for preeminence is the devil’s spirit.

Willing to Stand Alone

A holy person will remain faithful to the truth even if it means he must stand alone. Paul wrote, “That from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. … that the man of God may be complete [perfect], thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15, 17

A time is coming when everyone around us—our family, friends, coworkers, and church family—may refuse to obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to His truth. Still, His holy people will stand alone under the banner of truth no matter the cost.

The Bible contains many examples of those who stood alone for their faith. Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, the Waldenses, Martin Luther, and many others prove that God can change sinful hearts, recreating a person into His holy child.

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men [and women]—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.

“But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.” Education, 57

Intercedes for Others

Have you ever been in trouble and wished someone would speak on your behalf? Abraham interceded for the people of Sodom. Moses interceded for the children of Israel more than once in Egypt and the wilderness. Esther risked her life to intercede on behalf of her people. Just about every father and mother who has ever lived has interceded on behalf of their children. And of course, Jesus interceded on behalf of the whole world on the cross.

Satan’s hold on the people of this world is unbreakable, and most of the time, they are unaware that they are in bondage and need help. That is why they need someone to intercede on their behalf. Jesus is our Mediator in heaven, pleading before His Father on our behalf. But here, in this world, we know that prayer can change things. Only power from heaven can break the devil’s hold on a person, and intercessory prayer may be our most effective way to work as colaborers with heaven on behalf of those we love and respect here.

No Vengeance

“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.” Deuteronomy 32:35

A holy person does not repay evil for evil. They will be kind to others, sharing the love of God, serving others, and living peacefully with all (Romans 12:17, 18).

It hurts when we are slandered and treated unkindly and unfairly—particularly for reasons that are beyond our control, like our race, heritage, or color. As sinful human beings, our first response is to lash out at the perpetrator, to seek to strike out, to avenge our bruised pride. Vengeance and avenging are attributes of pride. Pride must be eradicated from the heart if we are to be made holy. Regardless of how the world may treat God’s people, He will, at His appointed time, dispense vengeance upon sin and the sinners of this world.

“The long forbearance of God had ceased, the figures in the books of God’s reckoning had been accumulating, the cup of the unjust was full. Mercy then ceased and justice took the sword of vengeance. …

“There was a shut door in Noah’s time. There was a shut door to the unbelievers in the destruction of Sodom but an open door to Lot. There was a shut door to the inhabitants of Tyrus, a shut door to the inhabitants of Jerusalem … who disbelieved, but an open door to the humble, the believing, those who obeyed God. Thus it will be at the end of time.” This Day With God, 235

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’ ” Isaiah 35:3, 4

Hospitality

Abraham extended hospitality to the three strangers headed for Sodom. In so doing, he entertained heavenly angels and the Son of God Himself. Lot, for all his faults, had cultivated this holy trait. And when the angels sent to destroy Sodom came to the gate to enter the city, Lot offered them a meal and shelter, not only from the elements but from the evil decadence that held sway in the hearts of the Sodomites. (See Genesis 18, 19.)

Seeking God’s Will

A holy person does God’s will from the heart. Many Christians believe they are doing the Lord’s will but act and speak for show—much like the Pharisees in Luke 18:9–14.

“As a nation the Jews had been growing prouder and prouder. They had made great boasts of their righteousness. They made broad their phylacteries*, uttered long prayers in the marketplaces, and gave alms to be seen of men. Their religion was formal, consisting of ordinances and purifications, rites and ceremonies. It was not heartfelt.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, 153

But Paul tells us that a holy person will seek God’s will “not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6

Jesus came to reconcile all who are alienated from God because of sin. The man whose character is sanctified and holy is no longer alienated from God and works with Him to help others be reconciled.

Calmness

Both perceived and actual unfairness can cause a person to speak and act provocatively. Being provocative is an extension of pride. Perhaps to gain support or have others agree with him, a person will provoke or instigate trouble and stir up the feelings of those around him. Again, the example of Lucifer’s efforts in heaven comes to mind. He provoked or created circumstances that caused unrest and agitated the sensibilities of the holy angels. But a holy person will work instead to appease, soothe, and seek out the Lord for the calmness of spirit needed to face his trials.

Fellowship with the Saints

A holy person will seek out the fellowship of fellow believers. The Bible provides many examples of this (Ephesians 5; Hebrews 10; Galatians 2). Being holy, we will recognize the same holiness in fellow believers, and they will recognize it in us, making us brothers and sisters in Christ. We are welcome because we are no longer strangers in a foreign land but part of the family of God.

Also, this trait of fellowshipping with the saints means that we will not be in fellowship with the works of darkness.

“We are called to be the Lord’s special people in a much higher sense than many have realized. The world lies in wickedness, and God’s people are to come out of the world, and be separate. They are to be free from worldly customs and worldly habits. They are not to accord with worldly sentiments, but are to stand out distinct, as the Lord’s peculiar people, earnest in all their service. They are to have no fellowship with the works of darkness.” Our Father Cares, 243

Hates Evil

Even in Christ’s church, a Christian may still hold close to some beloved, darling sin. A holy person will abhor evil (Romans 12; 1 Thessalonians 5). The first angel’s message says, “Fear God.” Revelation 14:7. What does it mean to “fear God”?

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” Proverbs 8:13. If I love a particular sin, I must take it to the Lord and ask Him for the strength to overcome it. Then He can change my heart, and I will hate what I once loved.

Is Selfless and Practices Self-Control

A person who practices self-will and selfishness and is quarrelsome, a gossiper and a busybody needs a change of heart. A holy person practices self-denial and self-control and does not gossip about his brother or sister (1 Peter 3). He will have a servant’s heart and be compassionate, especially with those in trouble (Colossians 3). He does not threaten other people (1 Peter 2). He is obedient to authority. He will be courteous (1 Corinthians 3).

Pressing Toward Perfection

Perfection does not come automatically; it is a daily process (Philippians 3). Paul writes to us about this process. “I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling that is in Christ Jesus.” Verse 14

Character perfection is completed here because everyone in heaven will be perfect. If I hold on to my imperfect traits of character, then I will not be in heaven.

The Lord promises that I can reach this standard of perfection. In fact, He tells me to be perfect. “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

I must, as did Paul, choose to press on to perfection. One by one, I must throw off my unholy character traits. God provides the power; I surrender the will. The Holy Spirit will show me what must be removed from my life, one sin after another. Each victory prepares me for the next. God does not fail; if I surrender to Him, He will keep me from failing. That’s not to say that there will be no setbacks, but God has promised that as I commit to do His will, the work He begins in me, He will see it done (Philippians 1:6).

“Holiness is … an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.” Sons and Daughters of God, 155

First Corinthians 13—the love chapter—describes nearly a dozen holy character traits. Romans 12 outlines Paul’s sermon on holiness and is a tremendous additional read. A holy person will have all the characteristics contained in these chapters.

We must pray for each other. It is not so far in the future that the only people living in this world will be holy. How we think, talk, and act must be changed because no one who cherishes sin will be in that number.

True conversion is what we need. Once there was an unholy person in heaven and God cast him out with all who followed him, and He will not accept any unholy person back. But if you surrender your will to the Holy Spirit and are willing to be changed, He will change you. That is the Holy Spirit’s business—changing hearts and rebuilding ruined characters to reflect the character of Jesus.

He is waiting to change you. Will you let Him?

*Phylactery – two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men and especially adherents of Orthodox Judaism during morning weekday prayers. Source: merriam-webster.com/dictionary

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.

How Can These Things Be?

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What does it mean to be born again? Christians often ponder this question, seeking a deeper understanding. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5. He also told him not to be surprised by His words, but Nicodemus still wondered, “How can these things be?” Verse 9

When born into this world, we are born of the flesh—our natural, carnal nature (the will of man). As a result, every human being has failed to keep the law of God (Romans 3:23). And because of this inheritance, we are sold under sin (Romans 7:14), are at enmity with God (James 4:4), and cannot keep the law of God, even if we wanted to because our carnal nature prevents it. However, obedience is a requirement for receiving the gift of salvation.

The Holy Spirit speaks to my carnal heart, enabling me to see my unfaithfulness and disobedience to my heavenly Father. This personal journey of realization and repentance is a deeply introspective and contemplative process. I can see that Christ came to this world to bear my sins on the cross, and I can see just how sinful I am and how much I have hurt my Best Friend. Sorrowful and remorseful, I cry out, as did Paul, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24

“Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and all ages. To all, there is but one answer, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ John 1:29.” The Faith I Live By, 96

The first step in the Christian life is repentance, which allows the Holy Spirit to produce in me a new life that is obedient to God, believes in Jesus as my personal Saviour, and commits my life to His sovereignty (The Desire of Ages, 175). Only then am I truly born again.

“I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

Having Confidence to Enter the Sanctuary

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October 20 – 26, 2024

Key Text

“There, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith … .” Hebrews 10:19–22, first part

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 409–413, 428, 429

Introduction

“It [the faith of God’s people] will go with Him [Christ] into the sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 575

Sunday

1 MOUNT ZION

1.a. What did Mount Zion designate in the days of Isaiah the prophet? Isaiah 8:18; 18:7; 24:23

1.b. What is the name of the place of God’s throne in heaven? Joel 3:17; Micah 4:7; Revelation 14:1–3

1.c. As King David lifted up his eyes to God’s sanctuary, what was his great concern? Psalms 14:7; 15:1. What should be ours?

Note: “We need to study God’s word, to meditate and pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the notes of thanksgiving sung by the heavenly choir around the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assembly of the saints. Little disappointments and difficulties will be lost sight of.” Sons and Daughters of God, 198

Monday

2 THE TABERNACLE OF THE TESTIMONY

2.a. What name was given to the earthly tabernacle? Numbers 1:50, 53; 9:15; 10:11. Why? What was the most important object in it? Exodus 31:18; 32:15; 40:20

Note: “The ark was merely a receptacle for the tables of the law, and the presence of these divine precepts gave to it its value and sacredness.” The Great Controversy, 433

2.b. In view of the conflict waging over our souls and our Saviour’s present work in the most Holy Place in our behalf, what should we pledge? Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 119:109, 113

Note: “Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present, sealing truth; and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people, to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of Almighty God.

“Satan knew this and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many as he possibly could unsettled and wavering on the truth.” The Review and Herald, August 1, 1849

“In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory. Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from the Source of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of the heavenly universe, the conflict goes forward.” Sons and Daughters of God, 328

Tuesday

3 THE MEASURING OF CHRISTIAN STATURE

3.a. What is the measuring rod to measure those that worship God in His sanctuary by faith? Revelation 11:1, 19

Note: “Every case is coming in review before God; He is measuring the temple and the worshipers therein.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 219

“The grand judgment is taking place and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshipers thereof. Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate. …

“Here is the work going on, measuring the temple and its worshipers to see who will stand in the last day. Those who stand fast shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 972

3.b. Why must the altar of incense also be examined? Isn’t it to test our prayers which are symbolized by the incense that is offered upon the altar? Revelation 5:8; 8:3 (Compare Isaiah 1:13, 15; Proverbs 28:9.)

Note: “The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 344

Wednesday

4 SPIRITUAL ISRAELITES AND SPIRITUAL GENTILES 

4.a. What is the name of the capital city of the kingdom where the faithful have their citizenship? Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 4:26. On what condition can we be accepted into this kingdom? Matthew 5:20; John 3:35; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18

Note: “The condition of being received into the Lord’s family is coming out from the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of God are to have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to reach a higher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then God says, ‘I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of the heavenly King.’ As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice from sin and sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 481

4.b. In what sense do we have access to the heavenly Jerusalem and to the sanctuary on Mount Zion? Hebrews 10:19, 20

Note: “By faith we may stand on the threshold of the eternal city.” The Acts of the Apostles, 601

4.c. What is God’s provision for those who are not “the children of Abraham” by faith (Galatians 3:7), but honestly desire to learn the truth? Revelation 11:2 first part

Note: “Among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, He [the Lord] sees men and women who are praying for light and knowledge. Their souls are unsatisfied; long have they fed on ashes. See Isaiah 44:20. The enemy of all righteousness has turned them aside, and they grope as blind men. But they are honest in heart and desire to learn a better way.” Prophets and Kings, 376

Thursday

5 THE REDEEMED WILL BE THERE IN PERSON

 5.a. What does the Bible call those who understand the sanctuary doctrine and by faith worship God in His temple? Revelation 7:4; Romans 2:28, 29

 5.b. Describe the complete victory we must obtain to be sealed. Revelation 15:2, 3

 Note: “To follow Christ is not freedom from conflict. It is not child’s play. It is not spiritual idleness. All the enjoyment in Christ’s service means sacred obligations in meeting oft stern conflicts. To follow Christ means stern battles, active labor, warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our enjoyment is the victories gained for Christ in earnest, hard warfare. Think of this.” The Upward Look, 217

5.c. Where did John the Revelator see the victors, and how many were there? Revelation 14:1–3. What privileges will they enjoy? Revelation 7:15–17; John 14:1–3

Note: “Every heavenly intelligence is interested in the assemblies of the saints who on earth meet to worship God. In the inner court of heaven they listen to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers below is taken up in the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly courts because Christ has not died in vain for the fallen sons of Adam. While angels drink from the fountainhead, the saints on earth drink of the pure streams flowing from the throne, the streams that make glad the city of our God.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 366

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          What name is shared by both the earthly temple and the heavenly?

2          By what name was the earthly tabernacle called, and why is the heavenly sanctuary called “the tabernacle of the testimony”?

3          Why must the heavenly temple and its worshipers be measured?

4          How can we become citizens of the kingdom of heaven?

5          Explain the victories and the seal to be gained for admittance there.

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

“That They Might Know Thee”

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October 13 – 19, 2024

Key Text

“And this is life eternal, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 17:3

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 103–114

Introduction

“The experimental knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent transforms man into the image of God.” Reflecting Christ, 117

Sunday

1 THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL

 1.a. What is the central theme of the plan of salvation? John 17:3; 1 John 5:20

Note: “In His prayer to the Father, Christ gave to the world a lesson which should be graven on mind and soul. ‘This is life eternal,’ He said, ‘that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’ ” John 17:3. This is true education. It imparts power.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 114

1.b. Through whom do we know God the Father? John 14:8–10; 10:30

1.c. Through whom does Christ teach us? John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13

1.d. Where do the Father and the Son reveal themselves? Luke 11:28; John 5:39. Where else does God show His ways? Psalm 77:13

Note: “God designed the Bible to be a lesson book to all mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself. Every new truth discerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its Author. The study of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring men into closer connection with their Creator and to give them a clearer knowledge of His will. It is the medium of communication between God and man.” The Great Controversy, 69

Monday

2 A DISTINCT POSITION

2.a. What position does Christ occupy in relation to the Father? Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12

2.b. It is understood that, in biblical language, the “right hand” does not point to a geographical place, but to a position of authority (Exodus 15:6). What power was vested in Christ? 1 Peter 3:22

2.c. How does Christ extend His power also to the believer, providing help in daily life? Ephesians 1:17–22

Note: “Christ laid aside His royal robe, His kingly crown, and His high command, and stepped down, down, down, to the lowest depths of humiliation. Bearing human nature, He met all the temptations of humanity and in our behalf defeated the enemy on every point.

“All this He did that He might bring men power by which they might be overcomers. ‘All power,’ He says, ‘is given unto Me.’ Matthew 28:18. And this He gives to all who will follow Him. They may demonstrate to the world the power that there is in the religion of Christ for the conquest of self.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 190

“Were it not for the power received through Christ, we would have no strength. But Christ has all power. ‘Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world’ Matthew 28:18–20.

“Here is our power, our comfort. Of ourselves, we have no strength. But He says, ‘I am with you alway,’ helping you to perform your duty, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, and sustaining you, giving you success in speaking words that will draw the attention of others to Christ, and awaken in their minds the desire to understand the hope and meaning of the truth, turning them from darkness to light and from the power of sin to God.” This Day With God, 329

2.d. What authority is behind the law of ten commandments written on two tables of stone? Exodus 34:1; Deuteronomy 10:4; 33:2

Note: “The law of God in the sanctuary in heaven is the great original, of which the precepts inscribed upon the tables of stone and recorded by Moses in the Pentateuch were an unerring transcript.” The Great Controversy, 434

Tuesday

3 IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

3.a. Where, in heaven, does Christ officiate as our High Priest? Hebrews 8:1, 2; 9:11, 24

Note: “When Jesus at His ascension entered by His own blood into the heavenly sanctuary to shed upon His disciples the blessings of His mediation, the Jews were left in total darkness to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. The ministration of types and shadows had ceased.” The Great Controversy, 430

3.b. What is Christ doing in our behalf in the presence of the Father? 1 John 2:1, 2; Matthew 10:32, 33. Why should this bring us courage?

Note: “The divine Intercessor presents the plea that all who have overcome through faith in His blood be forgiven their transgressions, that they be restored to their Eden home. … He asks for His people not only pardon and justification, full and complete, but a share in His glory and a seat upon His throne.” The Great Controversy, 484

“Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. …

“He is today standing at the altar of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.” The Desire of Ages, 568

“Christ steps in between fallen man and God, and says to man: ‘You may yet come to the Father; there is a plan devised through which God can be reconciled to man, and man to God; through a mediator you can approach God.’ And now He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God; and though you sin, your case is not hopeless. …

“Be not discouraged; be not fainthearted. Although you may have temptations, although you may be beset by the wily foe, yet if you have the fear of God before you, angels that excel in strength will be sent to your help, and you can be more than a match for the powers of darkness. Jesus lives. He died to make a way of escape for the fallen race, and He lives today to make intercession for us, that we may be exalted to His own right hand.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 591, 592

Wednesday

4 SEVEN CHURCHES, SEVEN CANDLESTICKS, SEVEN STARS

4.a. How did the apostle John describe the vision in which he saw Christ in the heavenly sanctuary? Revelation 1:12–16, 20

Note: “The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number seven indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world.” The Acts of the Apostles, 585

4.b. What is the symbolic meaning of the seven candlesticks? Revelation 1:20

Note: “Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lord’s house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light.” The Acts of the Apostles, 586

4.c. What do the seven stars symbolize? Revelation 1:16, first part, 20

Note: “Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ.

“ ‘These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand.’ Revelation 2:1. These words are spoken to the teachers in the church—those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. … He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth.” The Acts of the Apostles, 586, 587

Thursday

5 A “NEW AND LIVING WAY” OPENED BEFORE US

5.a. What does the symbolic sword represent (Revelation 1:16, last part; 19:15, 21)? Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12. How can this help us walk in the path of godliness?

Note: “God is not unmindful of your struggles, of your conflicts to maintain the truth and obtain a personal daily experience in walking in the ways of truth. When you appreciate every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, as revealed in His word, higher than worldly policy, you will be guided into every good and holy way.” Loma Linda Messages, 248

5.b. What way was opened to us by the death of Christ on the cross? Hebrews 9:8; 10:19, 20

Note: “Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin.” The Desire of Ages, 757

5.c. Since the way has been opened for us, what are we advised to do? Hebrews 4:14–16

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          What is true education? How is it obtained? And what result does it bring?

2          How should we understand Christ’s position at the right hand of God?

3          Where is Christ now, and what work is He doing?

4          What is the symbolic meaning of the seven candlesticks, the seven stars, and the sharp two-edged sword?

5          What is the “new and living way” opened by the death of Christ?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Our High Priest

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October 6 – 12, 2024

Key Text

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 430–432

Introduction

“After His ascension, our Saviour began His work as our high priest.” Maranatha, 248

Sunday

1 VICTORY!

1.  When Christ accomplished His work on earth, what did He exclaim from the cross? John 19:30. What did these words signify? Ephesians 2:16–18; Revelation 12:10

Note: “All heaven triumphed in the Saviour’s victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.

“To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, ‘It is finished,’ had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory.

“Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion. …

“It was God’s purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed that these were superior to God’s principles. Time was given for the working of Satan’s principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe.

“Satan led men into sin, and the plan of redemption was put in operation. For four thousand years, Christ was working for man’s uplifting, and Satan for his ruin and degradation. And the heavenly universe beheld it all.” The Desire of Ages, 758, 759

Monday

2 RECONCILIATION IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH

2.a. What took place in heaven through Christ’s death on the cross? Colossians 1:20. What provision was made for reconciliation on earth? 2 Corinthians 5:18–21

Note: “Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken.” The Desire of Ages, 761

2.b. What decision was then confirmed about Satan? Hebrews 2:14. Why wasn’t he destroyed at that time?

Note: “[At Christ’s death on the cross,] Satan was not then destroyed. The angels did not even then understand all that was involved in the great controversy. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan’s existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve.” The Desire of Ages, 761

2.c. Why can the merciful and just King of the universe rightly offer hope to us but no longer to Satan? Revelation 12:9; 20:10

Note: “Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God’s glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God’s love. Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan’s sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God’s love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God.” The Desire of Ages, 761, 762

Tuesday

3 CHRIST AND THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD

3.a. What two principles actively operate together in the plan of redemption? Psalm 85:10

Note: “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been Satan’s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of God’s law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God’s plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. …

“Satan declared that mercy destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father’s law. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have died. But to abrogate the law would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world under Satan’s control. It was because the law was changeless, because man could be saved only through obedience to its precepts, that Jesus was lifted up on the cross.” The Desire of Ages, 762, 763

3.b. Explain Christ’s position in heaven. Hebrews 3:1

Note: “The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away; but the eyes of men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world. The earthly priesthood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the minister of the new covenant. …

“Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth.” The Desire of Ages, 166

3.c. How did Christ become our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek—by law or by oath? Hebrews 7:12–21, 28

3.d. When and how did Abraham and even the tribe of Levi pay tithes to Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:1, 2, 9, 10. How and through whom does our High Priest receive our tithes? Hebrews 7:8

Wednesday

4 BLESSED BY OUR HIGH PRIEST

 4.a. Under the old covenant, what compassion was expected of the high priest toward the people? Why? Hebrews 5:1, 2

 4.b. Under the new covenant, what attention, help, and love do we receive from our High Priest? Hebrews 2:14–18; Matthew 28:20

Note: “Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they [Christ’s followers] are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame. …

“In the language of One who has divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father’s arms. As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. …” The Desire of Ages, 679, 680

4.c. What assurance offers us comfort and stability in our daily life? Hebrews 13:6, 8

Note: “Jesus is always the same in His human tenderness combined with His divinity; always touched with the feeling of our infirmities, using His divine ministering attributes to do us good; always encouraging, guiding, leading us on step by step. He is unchangeable. What He is to us today, a faithful High Priest touched with the feeling of our infirmities, this He will be tomorrow, and tomorrow forever more. He is a Guide to lead, a Teacher to instruct, a Friend to counsel, a Donor to bestow His blessings upon His church in response to their faith.

“Said Jesus to His believing disciples, ‘Abide in Me.’ This means continual faith on the part of the believer. ‘Abide in Me.’ This means, listen to the instruction of Christ. We must do His will. Christ makes us at home with Him, and we enjoy the favors of His home, enjoy His peace. All human frictions, all ill-temper, all irritation cease in His home.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 422, 423

Thursday

5 WHILE THE DOOR OF PROBATION IS STILL OPEN …

 5.a. Ever since His ascension, what has been the main work of our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 7:24–26; 9:12

 Note: “Christ Jesus is represented as continually standing at the altar, momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is a minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. … Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed blood, as it had been a lamb slain.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 343, 344

5.b. Describe how effective are the merits of Christ’s blood while the door of probation is still open. Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9

Note: “Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 344

“The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, nor another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.” Steps to Christ, 100

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          How was Christ’s exclamation, “It is finished,” interpreted by the angelic host?

2          Why was reconciliation in heaven needed, and when did it take place?

3          Explain how mercy and righteousness go together in God’s plan. Give examples.

4          While Jesus ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, how is He, at the same time, present with His earthly church?

5          Explain how Christ, while officiating on our behalf in the presence of the Father, is offering up His blood (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7) shed 2,000 years before.

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Lamb of God

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The Sanctuary In the Christian Dispensation

September 29 – October 5, 2024

Key Text

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 136–143

Introduction

“The sacrificial lamb represents ‘the Lamb of God,’ in whom is our only hope of salvation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277

Sunday

1 “BEHOLD, THY KING COMETH”

1.a. What had Zechariah prophesied about Christ 500 years before His birth? Zechariah 9:9

1.b. Describe the fulfillment of this prophecy. Matthew 21:1–11; Luke 19:37, 38

Note: “No sooner was He [Christ] seated upon the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which He had never before permitted, and the disciples received this as proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing Him established on the throne.” The Desire of Ages, 570

“About the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. …

“Many Pharisees witnessed the scene, and, burning with envy and malice, sought to turn the current of popular feeling … They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful, and would not be permitted by the authorities. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.’ That scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing. It had been foretold by the prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God’s purpose. Had men failed to carry out His plan, He would have given a voice to the inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with acclamations of praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.’ ” Ibid., 572–575

Monday

2 CHRIST, THE PROMISED DELIVERER

2.a. What kind of deliverance did the Jews expect? Acts 1:6, last part

Note: “The multitude were convinced that the hour of their emancipation was at hand. In imagination, they saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem, and Israel once more an independent nation.” The Desire of Ages, 570

“Their dissatisfied hearts queried why, if Jesus could perform so many wondrous works as they had witnessed, could He not give health, strength, and riches to all His people, free them from their oppressors, and exalt them to power and honor?” Ibid., 385

2.b. Did Christ come to deliver Israel from bondage under the Romans or from slavery of sin? Isaiah 61:1; John 8:32–36

Note: “The period of Christ’s personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan’s power, and setting his captives free.” The Desire of Ages, 257

2.c. The veil was removed from our eyes (2 Corinthians 3:16, 17) when we grasped the truth (John 8:32), which bids us seek the right kind of deliverance. Does Christ set us free from obedience to the law or from disobedience, which is sin? Psalm 40:7, 8; Romans 8:6–13

Note: “Speaking of the law, Jesus said, ‘I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.’ He here used the word ‘fulfill’ in the same sense as when He declared to John the Baptist His purpose to ‘fulfill all righteousness’ (Matthew 3:15); that is, to fill up the measure of the law’s requirement, to give an example of perfect conformity to the will of God.

“His mission was to ‘magnify the law, and make it honorable.’ Isaiah 42:21. He was to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-reaching principles, and to make plain its eternal obligation.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 48, 49

2.d. How might we summarize the truth in Christ? Psalm 119:142; John 17:17

Tuesday

3 THE DISAPPOINTMENT

3.a. Instead of seeing Christ crowned king, what did the people see? Luke 19:45, 46. What did Christ want to teach by the cleansing of the temple? Malachi 3:3

Note: “The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin—from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 161

3.b. What prophecy did the Jews overlook in connection with the Passover lamb? Isaiah 53:2–7

Note: “The Jews had become familiar with the offering of blood, and had almost lost sight of the fact that it was sin which made necessary all this shedding of the blood of beasts. They did not discern that it prefigured the blood of God’s dear Son, which was to be shed for the life of the world, and that by the offering of sacrifices men were to be directed to a crucified Redeemer.” The Desire of Ages, 589, 590

3.c. Since the Jews misunderstood the prophecy about the promised deliverance (Isaiah 61:1), were they able to discern the meaning of the Passover lamb? What did they say as they could not see that the lamb represented Christ? John 6:52

Note: “The Jews were about to celebrate the Passover at Jerusalem, in commemoration of the night of Israel’s deliverance, when the destroying angel smote the homes of Egypt. In the paschal lamb, God desired them to behold the Lamb of God, and through the symbol receive Him who gave Himself for the life of the world. But the Jews had come to make the symbol all-important, while its significance was unnoticed. They discerned not the Lord’s body. The same truth that was symbolized in the paschal service was taught in the words of Christ. But it was still undiscerned.” The Desire of Ages, 388, 389

Wednesday

4 DISAPPOINTED HOPES, MENTAL CONFUSION

4.a. What did Christ mean when He said that we have life eternal by eating His flesh and drinking His blood? John 6:51

Note: “To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our sins, and that we are complete in Him. It is by beholding His love, by dwelling upon it, by drinking it in, that we are to become partakers of His nature. What food is to the body, Christ must be to the soul. Food cannot benefit us unless we eat it, unless it becomes a part of our being. So Christ is of no value to us if we do not know Him as a personal Saviour. A theoretical knowledge will do us no good. We must feed upon Him, receive Him into the heart, so that His life becomes our life. His love, His grace, must be assimilated.” The Desire of Ages, 389

4.b. How are we to avoid the pitfall of those who were offended by Christ’s reference to the bread of life? John 6:52–60

Note: “That which was plain to those who had true faith, became a stumbling block to those who lacked spiritual discernment. They [many of Christ’s disciples] were offended because He spoke words to them that the natural heart could not comprehend and receive, and they refused to walk any more with Jesus.

“Are there not among the believers some who love the world and whose affections are so absorbed in their relatives and friends who obey not the truth, that they are confused in mind, and through the temptations of Satan take their stand on his side, instead of on the Lord’s side? … [John 6:54, 55 quoted.] These were the words over which some of the disciples stumbled, but Jesus removed everything that might constitute a stumbling block, and said to them: ‘Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ It is the word of God abiding in the heart that will quicken the spiritual faculties.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 10, 1895

4.c. As Christ was standing before the judgment seat of Pilate, what shout was heard from the multitude? Matthew 27:22–25

 Thursday

5 HOPE FOR THE WORLD

5.a. Just before Christ was to die for the sins of the world, what ordinance did He institute, and what was it to commemorate? 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 1 Peter 3:18

Note: “He [Christ], the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. …

“The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. … The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 652, 653

5.b. What door was opened to the world by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary? Romans 11:11, 15; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10; 1 Peter 1:18–20

Note: “In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. ‘Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Philippians 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim.” The Desire of Ages, 25

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          How was the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 fulfilled?

2          Describe the mistaken idea the Jews had about the expected Messiah.

3          Explain what led them to shout, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

4          What is the symbolic meaning of Christ’s body and blood?

5          What ordinance commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and what deliverance does the Lord’s Supper commemorate?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.