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Man’s Best Friend

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“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you
more than he loves himself.”

Josh Billings

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind’; and it was so. And God … saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24, 25, last part

Along with all the other creatures that God created on the sixth day of Creation, He made the dog. A person could write, and many have written, volumes on the origin of the dog, the many different species of dog, and the multitude of breeds. But I would like to talk about just one very special characteristic of a dog—its capacity to love under any and all circumstances.

The dog is a domesticated descendant of the wolf, specifically the extinct gray wolf. It is thought to be the first species to be domesticated by man. For hundreds—even thousands—of years, man has been selectively breeding the dog. The process of breeding brings forward various behaviors, sensory capabilities, and certain physical traits. Since dogs are natural hunters, certain breeds, like Pointers and Spaniels, are bred to make this trait stronger. Some breeds may be bred to make the hunting trait stronger, but also physical traits that allow them to go where larger dogs and man can’t go; for instance, Terriers, Beagles, Foxhounds, and the Dachshund. Other breeds are bred for their strength and ability to protect, specific behavioral traits like the ability to sniff out drugs and bombs, for search and rescue, as overseers of herds and flocks, as comfort/companion animals, to lead the blind, and assist the disabled.

Did You Know? A dog’s vision is dichromatic. They see yellows, blues, and grays, but have a hard time telling the difference between red and green.

I did say that I wanted to talk about the dog’s ability to love. I don’t think man especially bred or breeds the trait of love into dogs. I believe that a dog’s capacity to love unconditionally is a gift God gave to it so that we might learn from them how to love and give love. In this broken world marred by sin, marked by hatred, neglect, and abuse, it is incredible that the God who unconditionally loves us, the Father who promises to never abandon nor forget us, the Brother whose love for us is eternal, would offer mankind a living, breathing illustration of that boundless love.

We can see it in their eyes (most often brown, but sometimes blue, amber, or green), in the wiggle of their body (no matter how big or small) when we walk through the door, and in their tail. While a dog’s tail helps it to maintain its balance, its primary function is to communicate the dog’s emotional state.

Did You Know? Dogs can actually hurt themselves by wagging their tails too forcefully. What a wonderful welcome after a long day at work to come home and be met at the door by a creature that loves you so much, and missed you so badly, that it could actually injure itself by being so happy to see you.

Dogs exemplify the compassionate nature and unwavering dedication of God for man. It reminds me of the parable of the Lost Sheep. The Shepherd left the other 99 sheep in the fold and went in search of that one lost sheep until He found it and brought it safely home.

“This is the way the true Shepherd treats the lost sinner. He goes after him; He does not hesitate at peril, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. He is intent upon bringing the sin-burdened soul to repentance, to salvation, to peace, rest, and happiness in his Saviour’s love … .” Sons and Daughters of God, 277

But dogs also remind me of the importance of remaining committed to God. Take, for instance, Bobbie the wonder dog.

In 1923, the Brazier family and their dog Bobbie left their home in Edgerton, Oregon, to travel to Indiana to spend some time with relatives. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by a pack of dogs. For months they searched for him, but when hope of finding him faded, they returned to Oregon without their beloved dog.

Six months later, to their utter amazement, Bobbie showed up on their doorstep, having traveled almost 2,500 miles from where he was last seen. He was severely malnourished, his paws worn down to the bone, and he was covered in cuts and bruises, but none of this mattered to Bobbie. He was simply overjoyed to see his family again. Bobbie’s unwavering loyalty and determination to be reunited with his family is a reminder that love knows no bounds. His incredible journey is a testament to the power of love and loyalty.

When we realize that we are far from home, far from God, we must turn our back on where we are, and with steadfast determination, head for home. We may be tired and foot sore, but every mile that brings us closer to God is worth the struggle.

Dogs have earned the moniker “Man’s best friend” because when you have troubles, hurts, pain, fear, emptiness, and loneliness, he sits with you—sometimes on you—or he will lay his head in your lap or on your shoulder, he will lick the tears from your cheeks, and softly whine encouragement.

The Bible tells us that we have a Friend who loves us even more than this furry friend can, and that He will stand by us whenever we call upon Him.

“There is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24, last part

“He is our best friend. … We should ever keep Him in view.” Our High Calling, 55

Jesus is our best friend, and while we do not see Him, nor do we feel His touch, through this marvelous and amazing creature of His design, we can know that Jesus loves us, died to save us, and will never forsake us.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:12

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog

Omnipotence from God

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Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task … .” Gospel Workers, 477

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always do a very good job of conquering self, and I’m a long way from noble heroism. It can be discouraging, yet God does not want us to be discouraged. In fact, He promises that we do not have to be discouraged or depressed.

The very thing that I am supposed to do in this world, but am totally unable to do by myself, He says I can accomplish. How? Because He has promised to give me the strength and ability to do everything He asks me to do.

God is:

Omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24; Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 139:7–10)

Omniscient (Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 139:1–3)

Omnipotent (Matthew 19:26; Isaiah 43:13; Genesis 18:14)

And He says through Inspiration, “As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333

When I accept the hand of God, when I turn my life over to Him, He makes me powerful enough to conquer self. Friends, omnipotence means “having very great or unlimited power.” God says that I am to conquer myself, which is impossible for me, and then He gives me—you, us—unlimited power to do it, if only we will surrender.

“Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him. Self is crucified. Day by day his duties may become more taxing, his temptations stronger, his trials more severe; but he does not falter; for he receives strength equal to his need.” Messages to Young People, 98

Power and peace. Both are promised to the man, woman, and child who will make God their fortress, who will accept His help.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Lord, give us the desire to seek Your will and the strength to accomplish it. Amen.

Story – A Special Birthday

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Laura had saved a very special present to open last. It was a birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa. They almost always got her a doll, but she had no idea what was in this tiny box. She sat down with her two favorite dolls and opened her last present.

It was a beautiful music box! Laura lifted the top and giggled when she heard the little song.

“What is this?” she asked, as she took a little card out of the box. Two ten-dollar bills fell out! There was also a little note that said:

Dear Laura,

We wanted to buy you a doll, but we didn’t know which one you would like. So this birthday we want you to get a very special doll, one that you can keep for your own little girl.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa

Laura was excited. She knew just which doll she wanted. There was one little girl doll at the toy store that she liked so very much. She looked at the money again and said, “Mom, with this money I can buy two dolls—one for me and one for my best friend Becky.”

“Maybe you should think about that a little more, Laura. Grandma and Grandpa want you to have a very special doll. Maybe you’ll find one.”

“But Mom, if I buy two of them, both Becky and I will have a special doll. She would like to have a new doll, too. The only one she has is one her sister played with.”

“Hi Laura!” called Becky. “May I see your presents?”

Becky and Laura looked at the music box and the other nice gifts.

“Becky, I’m so excited! With my birthday money I can buy two dolls, one for you and one for me. Just think of how special that will be.”

“Well, Laura, I think you should get just one doll, the prettiest one you can find. That’s your birthday money and you should use it for yourself,” said Becky. “We can take turns playing with her. I know you have a favorite doll picked out at the toy store.”

“Come on!” said Laura. “Let’s ask my mom if we can go to the store now.”

Mother agreed.

The best friends skipped along, happy to be together. They looked in the window of the toy store and saw so many wonderful toys—stuffed animals, blocks, puzzles. In one corner of the window was a beautiful baby doll just waiting for a new mother.

“Isn’t she pretty?” gasped Laura. “She must have just come in.”

“She’s adorable!” agreed Becky. “Let’s go in and see if we can hold her.”

Laura picked up the doll and cuddled her. “I’d like to take you home. I’ll call you Baby Sue.”

Laura and Becky took turns carrying Baby Sue around as the two friends looked at all the other dolls in the store. Both agreed that Baby Sue was the most special of all.

“It looks like Baby Sue is the one for you,” said Becky.

Laura smiled at the doll. “I’m going to put you back in your corner, Baby Sue. But maybe I’ll come back for you.”

“Why didn’t you buy Baby Sue, Laura?” asked Becky.

“I want to talk to my mom first,” said Laura, with a twinkle in her eye. “Come on, let’s run home.”

That night Laura and her mother talked a long time about Baby Sue and Becky.

“Mom, Becky is too kind to say she’d like a Baby Sue of her own. But I saw the look in her eye as she held her. Becky has only one worn-out doll. I just wouldn’t be happy playing with Baby Sue, even if I shared her with Becky, because I know Becky would love to have a doll of her own. I wish I could give Becky a Baby Sue … but I would like a Baby Sue, too.”

“Maybe there is a way to solve the problem,” said Mother. “I want to think about it tonight. Let’s pray about it. Now it’s time for sleep. Sweet dreams.”

Laura could see that Mother had a special surprise sparkle in her eyes the next morning but Mother wouldn’t tell her the happy secret.

“Let’s check the toy store today,” said Laura when Becky came over to play that afternoon.

Together the friends skipped to the store. They looked for Baby Sue’s corner in the window and … she wasn’t there!

“Maybe they moved her,” said Becky. “We could look inside.”

Whoosh. They opened the door and ran to the doll section. No Baby Sue!

“She’s gone! I wonder if someone bought her! What will we do now?”

Slowly the two friends walked back to Laura’s house, trying to hold back the tears.

Mother was waiting for the two friends, her eyes sparkling.

“Come in, girls. There’s a surprise in the den,” she said smiling.

“Mother, Baby Sue is gone! She’s not at the toy store!” cried Laura.

“Hmmm,” said Mother, who didn’t sound at all surprised to hear that news.

There were two packages in the corner of the den. They were exactly alike, except one said, “To Becky.” The other one said, “To Laura.”

“Unwrap them together,” Mother said.

Rustle, rustle, rustle. Then no sound at all, not even a breathing sound. Laura lifted a baby doll out of her box. Becky lifted a baby doll out of her box.

“Baby Sue!” said Laura.

“I have a Baby Sue, too!” cried Becky.

Both of the girls giggled with delight.

Now it was Mother’s turn to wipe a tear off her cheek. But it was a happy tear.

Precious Moments Bedtime Stories, Samuel J. and Jon David Butcher, Debbie Ann and Steven Craig Wiersma, ©1979, 15–25

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.” Luke 6:38

The Sinner’s Trials

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We often hear the life of the Christian described as being filled with trials, sadness and sorrow, with but little to cheer and comfort; and the impression is too often given, that if he should give up his faith and his efforts for Eternal Life, the scene would be changed to pleasure and happiness. But I have been led to compare the life of the sinner with the life of the righteous. The sinner does not have a desire to please God; therefore can have no pleasing sense of His approbation. He does not enjoy his state of sin and worldly pleasure without trouble. He feels deeply the ills of this mortal life. O yes, at times he is fearfully troubled. He fears God, but does not love Him.

Is the sinner free from disappointment, perplexity, earthly losses, poverty and distress? O no! In this respect he is no more secure than the righteous. He often suffers lingering sicknesses, yet has no strong and mighty arm to lean upon, no strengthening grace from a higher power to support him. In his weakness he must lean upon his own strength. He cannot look forward with any pleasure to the resurrection morn, for he has no cheering hope that he will then have part with the blest. He obtains no consolation by looking forward to the future. A fearful uncertainty torments him, and thus he closes his eyes in death. This is the end of the poor sinner’s life of vain pleasures.

The Christian is subject to sickness, disappointment, poverty, reproach and distress. Yet amid all this he loves God, and loves to do His will, and prizes nothing so highly as His approbation. In the conflicts, trials, and changing scenes of this life, he knows that there is One who understands it all; One who will bend His ear low to the cries of the sorrowful and distressed; One who can sympathize with every sorrow and soothe the keenest anguish of every heart. He has invited the sorrowing ones to come to Him and find rest. Amid all his affliction the Christian has strong consolation, and if he suffers a lingering, distressing sickness, before he closes his eyes in death, he can with cheerfulness bear it all, for he holds communion with his Redeemer. You often see his countenance radiant with joy, while he contemplates the future with heavenly satisfaction—only a short rest in the grave, and the Life-giver will break the fetters of the tomb, release the captive and bring him from his dusty bed immortal, never more to know pain, sorrow or death. Let this hope of the Christian be our hope, and we will ask no more.

Many speak of the life of the Christian taking away from us pleasure and worldly enjoyment. I say it takes away nothing worth having. Is there perplexity, poverty and distress endured by the Christian? O yes, this is expected in this life. But is the sinner of whom we speak as enjoying the pleasures of this world free from these ills of life? Do we not often see in him the pale cheek, the racking cough, indicating a fatal disease? Is he not subject to burning fevers, and contagious diseases? How often do you hear his complaints of meeting with heavy losses of worldly goods; and consider, this is his only treasure. He loses all. These troubles of the sinner are overlooked.

Christians are too apt to think they are the only ones who have a hard time, and some seem to think that it is a condescension in them to embrace unpopular truth, and profess to be Christ’s followers. The road seems hard. They think they have many sacrifices to make, when in truth they make no real sacrifice. If they are adopted into the family of God, what sacrifices have they made? Their following Christ may have broken friendship with worldly relatives; but look at the exchange—their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—elevated, yes, greatly exalted to be partakers of salvation—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, to an imperishable inheritance. If the link which binds them to worldly relatives is weakened for Christ’s sake, a stronger one is formed, a link which binds finite man to the Infinite God. Shall we call this a sacrifice on our part because we yield error for truth, light for darkness, weakness for strength, sin for righteousness, and a perishable name and inheritance, for honors that are lasting, and an immortal treasure? But even in this life the Christian has One upon whom to lean for support who will help him bear all his trials. But the sinner has to bear his trials alone. He goes down into the grave suffering remorse, under darkness, bound by Satan, for he is his lawful prey.

It does seem to me if there is anyone who should be continually grateful, it is the Christian. If there is anyone who enjoys happiness even in this life, it is the faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of God’s children to be cheerful. They should encourage a happy frame of mind. God cannot be glorified by His children living continually under a cloud and casting a shadow wherever they go. The Christian should cast sunshine instead of a shadow. The unbeliever often receives the impression that religion is a gloomy thing, and that the life of the Christian has nothing inviting in it. If the Christian dwells too much upon the rough pathway, he makes it harder than it really is. If he dwells upon the bright spots in the way, and is grateful for every ray of light, and then dwells upon the rich reward that lies at the end of the race, instead of gloom, mourning and complaints, he will bear a cheerful countenance. He has carefully treasured every token for good, and God can safely bless him, and give him gladness of heart.

May the Lord ever give us a lively sense of the great sacrifice which has been made for us, and then present before us the inheritance purchased for us by that dear sacrifice, and may our vision be brightened and clear to dwell upon and appreciate the reward and excellent glory prepared for the faithful Christian. The Review and Herald, April 28, 1859

Imagination

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Imagination is a beautiful, yet terrifying thing.

When it is too late to be saved, most of this world’s population will experience the awful realization that they are irretrievably lost. No longer will there be a sacrifice for sins. They will die in their sins, alone, never to awaken. Imagine waking up one day to find probation for the human race has ended, and you are not saved.

However, the Bible prophets give us these warnings so that this will not be our experience:

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” Jeremiah 8:20

“Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 18:31

“Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ ” Ezekiel 33:11

The apostle Paul warns us against procrastination:

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ ” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“Again He designates a certain day, saying in David, ‘Today,’ after such a long time, as it has been said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’ ” Hebrews 4:7

Multitudes are in the “valley of decision” (Joel 3:14), and all those who remain too long in the valley of decision will die there.

“There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore, they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 118

Nearer, My God, to Thee

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Sarah Flower Adams was born in Harlow, Essex, England, on February 22, 1805. She wrote several poems and hymns during her short life (she passed away August 14, 1848), but her most well-known and beautiful hymn is Nearer, My God, to Thee, which retells the biblical account of Jacob’s dream found in Genesis 28:11–19.

“So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Verses 11, 12

The hymn gained more notoriety when it was sung by the crew and passengers of the SS Valencia as she sank off the Canadian coast in 1906, and was alleged to have been the last song played by the RMS Titanic’s septet orchestra as the she sank beneath the icy waters of the Atlantic in 1912.

Sarah’s sister, Eliza Flower, first set it to music as one of 13 hymns written by Sarah for publication in William Johnson Fox’s Hymns and Anthems published in 1841. In the United Kingdom, it is sung to the 1861 hymn tune Horbury by John Bacchus Dykes, named after a village where he found peace and comfort. However, today, the rest of the world usually sings the hymn to the 1856 tune Bethany by Lowell Mason.

There are many tales surrounding this hymn, aside from the Titanic. It is said that U.S. President William McKinley’s dying words were the first few lines of the hymn and that it was played by multiple bands across the country at 3:30 p.m., September 14, 1901, in his honor. It was played as U.S. President James Garfield was interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as at the funerals of Presidents Warren G. Harding and Gerald Ford. The Confederate army band played the hymn as survivors returned from the failed Pickett’s Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Sarah intended to become an actress in the theater. For a short time, she was able to follow that dream and was quite successful until ill health prevented her from continuing. Instead, she gave the world one of its most beautiful and endearing hymns. A legacy that has far exceeded anything she might have done on stage. Nearer, My God, to Thee is about the joy and comfort found in a loving relationship with God. What a wonder it will be when God’s children step into the holy city and see the sure results of this hymn.

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Nearer,_My_God,_to_Thee; thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/nearer-my-god-to-thee-history-and-lyrics

 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee;

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I’d be

Nearer, my God, to Thee;

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;

All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;

Angels to beckon me

Nearer, my God, to Thee;

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be

Nearer, my God, to Thee;

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee;

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

 

The True Object of Education

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Recently, I was reading in the book Patriarchs and Prophets, specifically in the chapter “The Schools of the Prophets.” On the opening page of the chapter, I had written: “This is an incredible chapter, especially from page 594 and onward!”

Because it had been several years since I had written the note or read the chapter, I was excited to reread it to determine why I had made such an enthusiastic note.

The first thing I had highlighted was an outline of the subjects taught in the schools of the prophets.

  • The duty of prayer
  • How to pray
  • How to approach their Creator
  • How to exercise faith in Him
  • How to understand the teachings of His Spirit
  • How to obey the teachings of His Spirit.

How wonderful it would be if these same subjects were taught in today’s schools.

Reading further in the chapter, I found an outline of the subjects NOT impressed on the minds of young people today.

  • The justice of God
  • The mercy of God
  • The beauty of holiness
  • The sure reward of right-doing
  • The heinous character of sin
  • The certainty of the terrible results of sin

This golden truth followed:

“The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created is the great object of life—the object that underlies every other.

“Were this principle given the attention which its importance demands, there would be a radical change in some of the current methods of education.

“… a knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. …

“As an educating power the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God, the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The Bible is the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. It lights up the far-distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate.” Ibid., 595, 596

I cannot work toward the restoration of the image of God in my character if I don’t know His attributes.

I have a great passion for national parks. I have lived or worked in them for over 50 years, and during that time, I was very much a worldling. As a consequence, when I began searching to develop and strengthen my relationship with God, I brought with me all of the erroneous teachings of modern-day geologists regarding the age of the earth and their explanations of the 200-million-year-old nonsense about the creation of mountains, plains, oceans, and heavenly bodies. However, after studying the Scriptures and inspired writings, I more clearly understood how these magnificent features had been formed. As Inspiration states, “All true science is but an interpretation of the handwriting of God in the material world.” Ibid., 66

“In God’s word, we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens.” Ibid., 598

Once I understood the reality of the Flood, how the Grand Canyon had formed became vibrantly clear. Once I read about the fountains of the great deep breaking up, I understood how the lofty mountains and vast oceans had formed. Once I read about the drying up of the Flood, I was able to comprehend this statement:

“The entire surface of the earth was changed at the Flood. A third dreadful curse rested upon it in consequence of sin. As the water began to subside, the hills and mountains were surrounded by a vast, turbid sea. Everywhere were strewn the dead bodies of men and beasts. The Lord would not permit these to remain to decompose and pollute the air, therefore He made of the earth a vast burial ground [oil deposits?]. A violent wind which was caused to blow for the purpose of drying up the waters, moved them with great force, in some instances even carrying away the tops of the mountains and heaping up trees [coal deposits?], rocks, and earth above the bodies of the dead. By the same means the silver and gold [gold mines?], the choice wood and precious stones [petrified wood and rich ore deposits?], which had enriched and adorned the world before the Flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized, were concealed from the sight and search of men, the violent action of the waters piling earth and rocks upon these treasures, and in some cases even forming mountains above them. God saw that the more He enriched and prospered sinful men, the more they would corrupt their ways before Him. The treasures that should have led them to glorify the bountiful Giver had been worshiped, while God had been dishonored and despised.

“The earth presented an appearance of confusion and desolation impossible to describe. The mountains, once so beautiful in their perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks were now scattered upon the surface of the earth. In many places hills and mountains had disappeared, leaving no trace where they once stood; and plains had given place to mountain ranges. These changes were more marked in some places than in others. Where once had been earth’s richest treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And upon countries that were not inhabited, and those where there had been the least crime, the curse rested more lightly.

“At this time immense forests were buried. These have since been changed to coal, forming the extensive coal beds that now exist, and also yielding large quantities of oil. The coal and oil frequently ignite and burn beneath the surface of the earth. Thus rocks are heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. The action of the water upon the lime adds fury to the intense heat, and causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues. As the fire and water come in contact with ledges of rock and ore, there are heavy explosions underground, which sound like muffled thunder. The air is hot and suffocating. Volcanic eruptions follow; and these often failing to give sufficient vent to the heated elements, the earth itself is convulsed, the ground heaves and swells like the waves of the sea, great fissures appear, and sometimes cities, villages, and burning mountains are swallowed up. These wonderful manifestations will be more and more frequent and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the end of the world, as signs of its speedy destruction.” Ibid., 107, 108

In addition to this wonderful explanation of the earth’s features—an explanation that seems to have completely escaped the knowledge of so-called learned men—the Bible presents a look into mankind’s history.

“Here only can we find a history of our race unsullied by human prejudice or human pride. Here are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the victories of the greatest men this world has ever known. Here the great problems of duty and destiny are unfolded. The curtain that separates the visible from the invisible world is lifted, and we behold the conflict of the opposing forces of good and evil, from the first entrance of sin to the final triumph of righteousness and truth; and all is but a revelation of the character of God. In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in His word, the mind of the student is brought into communion with the infinite mind. Such a study will not only refine and ennoble the character, but it cannot fail to expand and invigorate the mental powers.” Ibid., 596

All of this wonderous knowledge results from the revelation of God’s character and His plan for the education and salvation of man. Inspiration states, “There is no position in life, no phase of human experience for which the teaching of the Bible is not an essential preparation.” Ibid., 600

The chapter concludes with this beautiful passage:

“Day by day the wonderful works of God, the evidences of His wisdom and power in creating and sustaining the universe, the infinite mystery of love and wisdom in the plan of redemption, will open to the mind in new beauty. ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9. Even in this life we may catch glimpses of His presence and may taste the joy of communion with Heaven, but the fullness of its joy and blessing will be reached in the hereafter. Eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which man, restored to God’s image, may attain.” Ibid., 602

May we all enjoy that “glorious destiny”!

John R. Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. He may be contacted by email at johnpearson@stepstolife.org

A Religious Justification for Man’s Inhumanity to Man

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Out of love for man, God created humans with free will so that they could either freely reciprocate their Creator’s love or choose their own path, away from God—the source of life. And man made a tragic choice. Since the first humans chose to live on their own terms without God, God was no longer at the center of human life; instead, it was human ego. We know that from that moment, humanity has used its free will in astonishing and horrifying ways, defiling the earth with continual, creative evil.

The Evolution of Iniquity and the Beginnings of Tyranny

“Then 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. The evil that resides in the human heart is most clearly manifested at the dawn of human history in the sons of rebellion: Cain, Lamech, and Nimrod—the first tyrants of humanity and builders of great civilizations. The state of humanity after the fall into sin can also be described using the philosophical concept of the state of nature, which is a “state of war,” espoused by Thomas Hobbes, a 17th century English philosopher. This is because the consequence of the idea of “I” is the “state of war”, which occurs because beyond the “I” there is also the “not-I.” According to Hobbes, the state of nature is a war of every man against every man, which directly results from the fact that every person is inherently selfish.

The Recreation of Man

Human nature is sinful, which means that we are born separated from God, inclining more towards evil than good. This does not mean that fallen, sinful human nature is incapable of doing good. However, even in the midst of committing a noble act, it remains a fallen and highly imperfect nature. Therefore, the only chance for a person to overcome their old nature is a solution beyond human capability. Salvation for humanity exists solely in the person of Jesus Christ. Only in God can man find true hope. Jesus Christ, who created man in Eden, can do it again. Salvation means the recreation of man. Only in Christ can we receive a new nature as children of God. The universal message of Jesus to humanity is: “You must be born again.” John 3:7

The Gospel and a Better World

The issue of the depravity of fallen human nature and the possibility of overcoming this condition should be understood in the context of salvation. If we were to believe in the earthly order that the condition of human nature is in a hopeless state and that man will always choose evil, we would be mistaken. It would mean reconciling ourselves to the evil of this world, passivity, and surrender. Therefore, being called by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, we are also always morally obligated to not agree with the existing social injustice but to strive for the transformation of the world into a more just one.

The System of Enslavement

I believe that when addressing various forms of human oppression, one must start from the most general assumptions. This makes it easier for us to recognize the uncomfortable truth about our human condition. For the purpose of this article, which deals with one of the most challenging topics I’ve encountered, I will adopt the thesis that the human “self” believes it is superior to others because of possession. “I” am better than others because “I” possess power, fame, influence, money, wealth, education, and the like. Therefore, the more power and capital the ego possesses, the more privileged it feels. The problem is that access to power and capital is limited, which means that my “self” can possess more only at the expense of another “self.” This particular characteristic of human nature seems to be the psychological basis of all systems of exploitation and inequality among people. I do not deny the right to property, to personal possession. After all, the right to property is the foundation and guarantee of civil independence. Nevertheless, in a psychological context, it is possession that establishes and shapes the ego. This is an immutable law of human nature. At the same time, man does not have to be a hostage to this law, but through God’s grace, can submit his ego to a higher law, which states: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39. Therefore, the unassailable limit of the “self’s” exercise of the right to property is human harm and exploitation.

The Satanic System of Slavery

Satan is the father of lies, murder, and slavery. He became the first tyrant inspiring fallen humanity to all manner of lawlessness and wickedness. Slavery is morally the most abhorrent crime of humanity, as it deprives one human being of their humanity and their dignity as a person created in the image and likeness of God. If a person is dehumanized and reduced to an object, the owner can do as they please with their property and face no consequences within such a social system. If we understand what fallen human nature is, it is obvious that the phenomenon of slavery reaches back to the beginnings of fallen humanity. Notice that Satan—who rebelled against the rule of God and desired to be equal with the Most High (Isaiah 14:13, 14)—rules over his subjects as the worst of tyrants, offering his followers only eternal slavery.

The World of the Bible

The world of the Bible is not our world; the oldest books of the Bible are about 3,400 years old, and the New Testament books are about 1,900 years old. It is a gap we must reckon with. The world in which the Bible was written was tyrannical and inhumane. In biblical times, slavery was a widespread phenomenon. It was an integral part of the culture, and people accepted it as a normal aspect of society. Slavery was not considered a moral evil. From our perspective, it is very difficult to comprehend. As I wrote this article, I kept asking myself why the authors of the Bible did not call for the abolition of slavery. But as I continued to delve into this topic, I came to the realization that my approach must be flawed. So where does the error lie? The mistake lies in taking the words of the Bible literally, without considering the historical and cultural context. Not everything the Bible says about social issues is universally true, timeless, and unchanging. However, everything the Bible says about faith and salvation is universally true, timeless, and unchanging. We must keep in mind that the biblical truth about social issues is a truth of the time in which it was written. The Bible, in its fragments concerning the issue of slavery, indeed does not condemn slavery, but at the same time, it does not mean that the Bible supports slavery or declares it a moral good. The Bible simply regulates the issue of slavery in the times when slavery was prevalent. Primarily, this is because for centuries the Christian church did not question the political system of the Roman Empire or the social structure and institutions of that time.

Transformation versus Revolution

The change in social conditions was not supposed to occur through revolution. The reason is the example of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world. The kingdom of God, which Jesus preached, is like yeast (Matthew 13:33), which internally transforms earthly reality without the use of violence. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, initially small and unassuming, but eventually revealing its power and magnificence (Matthew 13:31, 32). At the same time, it is not hard to understand, throughout history, examples such as the Donatists in the 4th century AD, who liberated slaves, canceled debts of the poor, and administered justice; the Waldensians in the Pyrenees or the Hussites in the territory of the present Czech Republic, who defended themselves with swords against crusades organized by the papacy; the French Huguenots or the Reformed Evangelicals in the Netherlands fighting against the tyranny of Catholic rulers; or abolitionists who took up arms. In general, the history of Christianity provides countless examples of fighting for social justice and defending faith and life in accordance with one’s conscience.

The Letter and the Spirit

Primitive readings of the Bible, solely based on a literal interpretation, lead to the preservation and cementation of oppressive social structures. Regarding slavery and, for example, the subordination of women, the truth is that the Bible upholds both of these oppressive structures at a literal level. However, at a higher level, which is the level of the Spirit rather than the letter, the level of principles rather than rules, the Bible criticizes both of these oppressive social structures. In the Holy Scriptures, there are great principles, the highest and brightest revealed truths and principles, which go beyond the advice given to specific people in specific times on specific social matters. All human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and therefore are worthy of equal respect, and all human beings share in the divine mandate to exercise authority over the earth created by God (Genesis 1:28). All human beings are loved by God (John 3:16). Ultimately, the greatest commandment regulating the relationship between one human being and another is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39. These great principles of the kingdom of God completely negate any possibility of justifying slavery or claiming that as human beings—Christians—we are only equal in spiritual matters, not in earthly ones. Unfortunately, it is possible to focus so much on the letter of Scripture throughout one’s life that one completely overlooks the spirit of Scripture.

The Catholic position

If we assume that the Christian church could do nothing about slavery in its early centuries, from the time of the Edict of Theodosius making Catholicism the official religion of the Roman Empire onward, that is not entirely true. During the reign of medieval popes, the institution of slavery was not overturned. There were some changes towards humanitarianism, but in principle, the institution of slavery was not threatened. Only the classical Roman view of a slave as a speaking tool was rejected. Unlike the Romans, a slave owner could not simply kill or starve them. In the Roman Catholic Church, “practically until the 20th century, the doctrine was preached that slavery was in accordance with natural law and divine law. Therefore, the Roman Catholic Church defended the institution of slavery to the very end, even after the victory of abolitionism. Indeed, popes such as Eugenius IV, Pius II, Sixtus IV, Gregor XIV, and Urban VIII condemned the unworthy treatment of slaves, cruelty, or abuses against them, but they never condemned slavery itself.”

The Protestant Position

How did John Calvin, whose theology was embraced in countries like the Netherlands and influenced the Anglican Church, react to the issue of slavery? Calvin fundamentally viewed slavery negatively because he believed it was contrary to the created order, but he accepted regulations regarding slavery in the Bible. Calvin stated that the image of God present in every person does not in any way justify slavery. Importantly, Calvin spoke about slavery more in the context of the declining serfdom in Western European countries than the system of slavery practiced by the Spaniards and Portuguese in Africa and the newly discovered American continent. The Synod of Dordrecht, which took place in 1618 in the Netherlands, was one of the most important events for Reformed evangelicalism. It also deliberated on the issue of slavery. Ultimately, it neither endorsed nor prohibited slavery. However, the synod’s resolutions recommended that baptized slaves be freed. Nevertheless, actual practice varied. Unfortunately, it is true that Catholics and part of the Protestants have committed injustices and atrocities against their fellow human beings by enslaving the inhabitants of Africa and America. Confirmation of this is the approximately 350-year history of slavery practiced between certain European countries, Africa, and America.

The Age of Discovery

The new and even more tragic chapter in the history of slavery was opened by the far-reaching maritime expeditions of Europeans. This was the era of the conquest of the New World and the resulting prosperity for selected European maritime powers. At whose expense? At the expense of slave labor, suffering, blood, tears, and the deaths of millions of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples, women, children, and men. Starting from the 16th century and lasting until the 19th century, for about 350 years, over 11 million slaves were transported to America—formerly inhabitants of Africa, of whom approximately 9.6 million survived the journey. How is it possible that such a crime against humanity was committed in the history of mankind? How could Western nations, calling themselves Christians, perpetrate such atrocities, completely contradicting the principles of the gospel? What ideology could lie at the root of this crime? It is the utterly depraved nature of humanity, driven mad by greed and the desire to possess more and more. Racism is a symptom of the sickness of humanity. Greed came first. To justify the enslavement of some people by others, a demonic belief is necessary that people are not equal by nature in terms of their rights. Then it is only necessary to formalize such an attitude in a written doctrine. Who can write such a doctrine that will become binding law? The power that combines religious and political authority is best suited for this—the papacy.

Doctrine of Discovery

According to Catholic defenders of the Roman Catholic Church, the brutal violence, extreme exploitation, rapes, and cruelty accompanying the modern history of slavery do not burden the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, but only those who committed these sins. The attitude of Catholic defenders regarding the issue of slavery is, in reality, a distortion of history. The Doctrine of Discovery was presented in a series of papal declarations at the end of the 15th century, at the beginning of the Age of Exploration. These declarations, referred to by the papacy as “bulls,” provided European maritime powers with a religious, moral, political, and legal mandate to conquer non-Christian countries, peoples, and sovereign nations. The Doctrine of Discovery also allowed for the enslavement or extermination of conquered populations. Historically, it is supported by three bulls—Dum Diversas (1452), Romanus Pontifex (1455), and Inter Caetera (1493)—in which popes allowed Catholic rulers to take pagans into “perpetual slavery.” When we delve into these papal documents and understand that during those times the Roman Catholic Church was an undisputed religious and political power that kings and emperors of Europe had to reckon with, and then compare it to how the maritime powers of Europe implemented these papal documents, one conclusion becomes apparent: the papal Doctrine of Discovery contained in these three documents is the religious-political basis of all the harm inflicted upon millions of indigenous inhabitants of Africa and America. These papal documents provided religious justification for genocidal, racist actions. Indigenous peoples could be enslaved and murdered not only because of their ethnic origin but primarily because they did not know Christ. It is astonishing that the Doctrine of Discovery was invoked by both Catholic and Protestant European nations as well as the United States to justify their imperial policies. For instance, in the historically Protestant country like the U.S., the landmark 1823 Supreme Court decision Johnson v. McIntosh was justified based on, believe it or not, a document over 300 years old—the Inter Caetera papal bull.

Consequences

The consequences of the papal documents from the 15th century include the suffering and ultimately the death of millions of slaves working for their white masters over the approximately 350 years of slavery, the extermination of indigenous populations in both Americas, the cultural genocide of Native Americans, racial segregation in the U.S. and South Africa, racist housing policies in the U.S., deep economic inequalities, as well as the crimes of church-run residential schools in Canada. They also include symbolic political gestures masking the lack of real compensatory actions by the governments of the U.S. or Canada, and above all, the stigma of colonial-racist mentality in parts of Western societies. These consequences are visible in post-colonial and post-slavery societies to this day.

The Abolition of Slavery

Our world looked vastly different just 200 years ago. It was a world where the majority of people lived in systems of enslavement. They couldn’t choose where or how they wanted to live. They mainly worked in agriculture. No one paid them for twelve hours of work. If they didn’t meet their daily quota, they were beaten. They died young. They were part of a global economy based on forced labor. At the beginning of the 19th century, over three-quarters of humanity lived in various forms of slavery and servitude. In this context, it is astounding how quickly the end of slavery came. By the end of the 19th century, slavery, at least formally, was banned almost everywhere. Christian abolitionism, which had a distinctly Protestant character, defeated slavery in just 50 years. The victory of freedom over slavery began with twelve devout Protestants who met on May 22, 1787, in London to put an end to the system of slavery. Many radical Protestants joined the greatest civil movement in human history: the movement to abolish the slave trade and destroy the institution of slavery itself. However, that is a different story, perhaps for another article.

Endnotes:

  1. Kaute, Filozofia liberalizmu. Main ideas and their consequences in the modern world, ideology, doctrines and movement of modern liberalism, publishing house UMCS, Lublin 2004, p. 60
  2. biblia.info.pl/blog/jak-spisano-biblie/, accessibility: 05.12.2024
  3. Tomasiewicz, Amfetamina ludu, czyli Trzecie Królestwo, Nowy Obywatel No. 23, p. 86
  4. Giles, The Biblical Argument for Slavery: Can the Bible Mislead? A Case Study in Hermeneutics, Evangelical Quarterly 66/1994, p. 16
  5. Chmielewski, Do Rzeczy, No.16/2024, https://dorzeczy.pl/opinie/574203/chmielewski-kosciol-i-niewolnictwo.html, accessibility: 05.14.2024
  6. Majewski, Rozstania z doktryną, Tygodnik Powszechny, No. 38/2020, www.tygodnikpowszechny.pl/rozstania-z-doktryna-164830, accessibility: 05.14.2024
  7. Kayayan, Calvin on Slavery: Providence and Social Ethics in the 16th Century, www.koersjournal.org.za/index.php/koers/article/view/2119/2374, accessibility: 05.15.2024
  8. https://ewangelicy.pl/2019/09/05/badzcie-posluszni-swoim-panom-luteranie-przepraszaja-za-400-lat-niewolnictwa/, accessibility: 15.2024
  9. Eltis, The Volume and Structure of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: A Reassessment, “William and Mary Quarterly” 2001, Vol. 58, No. 1, in: A. Hochschild, Pogrzebać kajdany, Wołowiec 2016, p. 45
  10. Chmielewski, Do Rzeczy, No.16/2024, https://dorzeczy.pl/opinie/574203/chmielewski-kosciol-i-niewolnictwo.html, accessibility: 05.16.2024
  11. Sporniak, Kościół odcina się od doktryny odkrycia, No. 15/2023, www.tygodnikpowszechny.pl/kosciol-odcina-sie-od-doktryny-odkrycia-182959, accessibility: 05.16.2024
  12. Wilkin, Za zbrodnie na rdzennej ludności Kanady odpowiadają zarówno państwo, jak i katolickie oraz protestanckie szkoły, published 13 July 2021, https://klubjagiellonski.pl/2021/07/13/za-zbrodnie-na-rdzennej-ludnosci-kanady-odpowiadaja-zarowno-panstwo-jak-i-katolickie-oraz-protestanckie-szkoly/, accessibility: 05.16.2024
  13. S. Jenkinson, What the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery Means for Indian Country, published 9 April 2023, www.governing.com/context/what-the-repudiation-of-the-doctrine-of-discovery-means-for-indian-country, accessibility: 03.21.2024
  14. Hochschild, Pogrzebać kajdany, Wołowiec 2016, pp. 14, 15

Marcin Watras lives in Katowice, Poland. He is interested in the philosophy of religion and trends in society. He works for the European Union.

Christianity Is More than a Ticket to Heaven

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So many in the Christian world today, including many Seventh-day Adventists, believe that all you have to do is believe in Jesus, belong to a church, pay your tithe to the right place, do a few good deeds and you’ve got your ticket to heaven. But are they right? What is true Christianity?

First, let’s see what it means to be a Christian.

“What is it to be a Christian? It is to be Christlike; it is to do the works of Christ.” Lift Him Up, 341

“A Christian is a Christlike man, a Christlike woman … .” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 935

“To have a Christlike character it is necessary to act in a Christlike way. …

“… it is essential to persevere in right doing.” Mind, Character and Personality, Vol. 2, 552

It is clear then that being a true Christian requires a character like Christ had. We find that the Bible describes this character in Galatians 5:22, 23. If you are Christlike, you will have love for God and your neighbor, you will be joyful, peaceable, patient, kind, humble, constant, and composed. You will do right because it is right.

1 John 2:6 tells us that if we abide in Him, we “ought also to walk as He walked.”

“Christ has come to be our example, and we are to walk as He walked, and work as He worked, with unselfish purpose, ever keeping the Pattern before us. Weighted with the sense of responsibility, we are to represent Christ to the world. This is our work as Christians; for we are to let our light shine forth to the world in good works. Actions will tell, and therefore how important it is to study the life of Christ to see how He glorified the Father, that we may go and do likewise.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 15, 1892

So if a true Christian is a person whose character is like Christ’s character, then what is true Christianity?

“Theology is valueless unless it is saturated with the love of Christ. True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part—the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet—enabling men to stand firmly where God requires them to stand, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning, consuming love of Christ for perishing souls is the life of the whole system of Christianity.” The Signs of the Times, May 10, 1910

Religion and theology are only good when they display the love of Christ. Many people believe in religion, but while they say they believe in Christ, their characters do not represent Him.

“The Lord expects His followers to reveal, in the transformation of their life and character, the power of the gospel, which converts and sanctifies the soul.” The Review and Herald, March 1, 1898

“The Lord of glory clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to our world to endure self-denial and self-sacrifice, in order that the moral image of God might be restored in man. All the heavenly attributes were in His heart in abundance, and flowed out in an irrepressible stream of good works.” Ibid.
The more Christlike we become, the more we will do the deeds of Christ.

“In Christ’s unwearying efforts is our pattern. Pity for those in need and suffering will be awakened in all who will attempt this self-denying, self-sacrificing work that the Majesty of heaven came to our world to perform. Those who receive Christ by faith will represent His compassion, His goodness, and His love in a world that is marred and seared with the curse. The degree to which these graces exist in the life and character, measures the genuine likeness to God. ‘By their fruits,’ said Christ, ‘ye shall know them.’ This is the true test both in grace and in nature. …

“But who are walking even as He walked? Who are working in Christ’s lines? Who among us have the faith which works by love and purifies the soul? Who are coming into such conformity to God as was represented in the grace of Him who is our pattern? Those who yoke up with Christ will have the mind of Christ. They will garrison the mind so that it shall not become enslaved to the control of a power that will stop at nothing in its earnest zeal to win the victory.” Ibid.

How then do we become more Christlike? Is it just sitting in church, listening to the minister tell us what we should know? Is it just believing in Jesus, but sitting back, not inclined to do the work that He did for a dying world?

“Let it never be forgotten that true Christianity comes through the engraving of Bible principles upon the heart and character. This must be an individual work, visibly expressed.” The Kress Collection, 122

“We can, we can, reveal the likeness of our divine Lord. We can know the science of spiritual life. We can glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are His.” In Heavenly Places, 43

“The worker for God needs spiritual life. This life will give vigor to soul and body. Spiritual life yields to its possessor that which all the world is seeking, but which can never be obtained without an entire surrender to God. The contemplation of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us, will make our lives sweet and fragrant, and give us power to perfect a Christian experience.

“Laborer for God, the work given you is to represent Christ. He came to this world to shed upon you His own brightness and peace. Close the windows of your heart against the atmosphere of unbelief, and open them heavenward. It is your privilege to face the light, to talk faith and life. Let your countenance reflect the joy of the Lord. Speak of His goodness, tell of His power. … You may reflect the beauty of the character of your risen Lord … .” The Signs of the Times, May 10, 1910

“True Christianity is a religion of progress. It is ever giving light and blessing, and has in reserve still greater light and blessing to bestow to those who receive its truths. The illuminating influence of the gospel of Christ, and the sanctifying grace of God, can alone transform the carnal mind to be in harmony with spiritual things.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 124

“Never rest satisfied until you possess a loving and lovable spirit. Your words may strengthen, help, and bless those around you. True Christianity makes the religious life attractive. Come to Christ, and His gentleness and love will break down the harsh, cold selfishness that prevents you from revealing Him to the world. Your hasty temper will be subdued, your pride expelled. Jesus will fill your heart with His gentleness, His patience, His love. Then you can uplift Him before sinners.” The Review and Herald, January 26, 1911

“In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that external decorations only hide its true worth. It is the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with God.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 383

What is true Christianity?

“Nothing can elevate man, nothing can make him pure and keep him pure but believing in and practicing the truth. He must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. This is the lesson all should learn. They should see that to be sanctified means more than to have a theoretical knowledge of the truth. They must have living faith. They must do more than denounce wrongs in others; they must fight it in themselves. They must be whole-souled Christians possessing the earnestness and living energy derived in Christ.” Educational Messenger, March 19, 1909

“Christ is represented as stooping from His throne, bending earthward to send help to every needy soul who asks for it in faith. He is raising up the fallen, bringing hope to the helpless, and placing their feet in sure paths. He gave Himself to a shameful, agonizing death to save the perishing. O, He is able, He is willing, He is longing to save all who will come to Him! As you look upon our Intercessor, let your own heart be broken. Then, softened and subdued, you can address repentant sinners as one who knows the power of redeeming love. Pray with these souls. Get them to look away from themselves to the Saviour, and the victory is won. They behold for themselves the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The strong tide of redeeming love pours into the parched, thirsty soul, and the sinner is saved to Christ. As he responds to the drawing of the Saviour, he repents of his sins and confesses them, and pardon is written opposite his name. The Holy Spirit takes of the things of God, and shows them to him. And his heart is filled with a sense of the greatness of God’s love. The grace of Christ expels the selfishness that has hitherto ruled the life. The affections turn to God. The character is transformed. The man is filled with an intense desire to serve Him who has done so much for him.” The Review and Herald, January 26, 1911

“A man lives unto God when he continually recognizes Him as a present Helper. When there is a recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be a holy fear lest he shall make mistakes. The soul will be drawn out continually in earnest prayer as he realizes his need. As he draws nigh unto God, God will draw nigh unto him; the love of God will be kindled in his heart, and he will be able to speak the words of God. The language of the heart will then be, ‘Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.’ ” Bible Training School, January 1, 1908

Judy Rebarchek is the managing editor of the LandMarks magazine. She may be contacted by email at judyrebarchek@stepstolife.org

Christ in His Sanctuary

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September 22 – 28, 2024

Key Text

“We have such a High Priest, … a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” Hebrews 8:1, 2

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 50–60, 479–491

Introduction

“Christ has made one sufficient sacrifice, and has become the only Mediator and sole Priest between God and man. Let every man stand out of the way, and occupy his own place as wearing Christ’s yoke.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 184

Sunday

1 CHRIST, A MINISTER OF THE SANCTUARY

1.a. In Old Testament times, what was the purpose of the daily atonement? Leviticus 4:13, 20, 26, 31, 35. Although the sins of the people were forgiven in the daily atonement, what was the purpose of the yearly atonement? Leviticus 16:16, 30, 33

 

Note: “Under the Mosaic system the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the great Day of Atonement, occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month (Leviticus 16:29–34), when the high priest, having made an atonement for all Israel, and thus removed their sins from the sanctuary, came forth and blessed the people.” The Great Controversy, 400

1.b. When the sins accumulated in the sanctuary were removed and put on the head of the live goat (who was sent away “unto a land not inhabited” “by the hand of a fit man” Leviticus 16:21, 22), what did this man have to do before entering the camp? Leviticus 16:26

 

1.c. When could the people know for sure that they were cleansed—exonerated from the sins they had confessed and that had been forgiven in the daily atonement? Leviticus 16:29, 30, 33, 34

 

Monday

2 THE THRONE OF GRACE—WHERE?

2.a. What was done in the earthly sanctuary to “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5)? Therefore, where do we have a High Priest, and what is He doing for us? Hebrews 9:11, 12; 1 John 2:1, 2

 

2.b. Where is the throne of grace to which we are invited to come with our prayers? Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 8:3

 

2.c. When our sins are confessed and forgiven in answer to our daily prayers (1 John 1:9; Matthew 6:12), are they blotted out immediately? If not, where do they go and for what purpose? 1 Timothy 5:24

 

Note: “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, confessed in penitence, and forsaken, and they go beforehand to judgment. Pardon is written over against the names of these men. But other men’s sins follow after, and are not put away by repentance and confession, and these sins will stand registered against them in the books of heaven.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 916

“Be ready and anxious to confess your faults and forsake them, that your mistakes and sins may go beforehand to judgment and be blotted out.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 331

2.d. Concerning our duty to eradicate sin in the church, what warning should we always bear in mind? Matthew 13:27–30

 

Note: “God has precious ones in His church; there are also men and women who are as tares among the wheat. But the Lord does not give you or anyone else the office of saying who are tares and who are wheat. We may see and condemn the faults of others, while we have greater faults which we have never realized, but which are distinctly seen by others.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 333, 334

Tuesday

3 OUR ONLY MEDIATOR

3.a. What was taught to God’s people from the beginning of the world? Hebrews 9:22 last part; John 1:29; Revelation 13:8

 

Note: “There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.

“These lessons were taught to the chosen people of God thousands of years ago, and repeated in various symbols and figures, that the work of truth might be riveted in every heart, that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The great lesson embodied in the sacrifice of every bleeding victim, impressed in every ceremony, inculcated by God Himself, was that through the blood of Christ alone is forgiveness of sins.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

3.b. Who is our only Mediator and Saviour, and how did He obtain our redemption? John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:12

 

3.c. Since access to Him has been opened in the sanctuary, what are we advised to do? Hebrews 10:19–22. Where are God’s people worshiping by faith in the time of the end—and what do they see? Revelation 11:1, 19

 

3.d. What else do they see by faith? Daniel 7:9, 10. What do they understand? Revelation 14:7; Acts 3:19

 

Note: “The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.’ Acts 3:19, 20. When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be.” The Great Controversy, 485

Wednesday

4 IN THE END OF THE WORLD

4.a. When the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary is understood, what deception clearly stands out? Daniel 8:13

 

Note: “The so-called intercession of the saints is the greatest falsehood that can be invented. Priests and rulers have no right to interpose between Christ and the souls for whom He has died, as though invested with the Saviour’s attributes, and able to pardon transgression and sin.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

“The church’s claim to the right to pardon leads the Romanist to feel at liberty to sin; and the ordinance of confession, without which her pardon is not granted, tends also to give license to evil.” The Great Controversy, 567

4.b. How can we become “complete” in Christ? Colossians 2:10; 4:12

 

Note: “Through His [Christ’s] sacrifice, human beings may reach the high ideal set before them, and hear at last the words, ‘Ye are complete in Him,’ not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness that He wrought out for you.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 907

4.c. How does Paul refer to the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary at “the end of the world,” just before Christ’s return? Hebrews 9:23–28

 

Note: “In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, ‘without sin unto salvation’ (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away ‘unto a land not inhabited’ (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked.” The Great Controversy, 485, 486

Thursday

5 VICTORY STILL POSSIBLE!

5.a. In view of the shortness of time remaining for our sins to be blotted out, what should be our most urgent priority? 2 Corinthians 4:5–7; 6:2; Philippians 2:5

 

Note: “Satan triumphs when he hears the professed follower of Christ offering excuses for his defects of character. Sin unrepented of, unconfessed, can never be blotted from the books of God’s record. Through faithful, thorough confession of sin, the heart is cleansed from its moral impurity. There must be a forsaking of the sins the Lord has reproved before the soul can stand acquitted before God. …

“It is Satan’s work to tempt; it is man’s work to resist, and, in the name and strength of Jesus, to say, ‘It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.’ ” The Signs of the Times, December 13, 1899

“Life, with its marvelous privileges and opportunities, will soon be ended. The time for improvement in character will be past. Unless our sins are now repented of, and blotted out by the blood of the Lamb, they will stand in the ledger of heaven to confront us in the coming day. Then let us earnestly examine ourselves in the light of God’s word, seeking to discover every defect of character, that we may wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The Review and Herald, April 21, 1910

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          Explain the difference between the daily and the yearly atonements.

2          What way was opened before us by the death of Christ? For what purpose, and how, do we enter the heavenly sanctuary?

3          After our sins have been confessed and pardoned, day by day, where do they go before they can be blotted out?

4          On the basis of Hebrews 9:23–28, explain the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary in the time of the end, before Christ’s return.

5          What opportunity, which is still available to us, will soon pass away?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.