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Current Events – The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

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Marriage has received Christ’s blessing, and it is to be regarded as a sacred institution. True religion is not to counterwork the Lord’s plans. God ordained that man and woman should be united in holy wedlock, to raise up families that, crowned with honor, would be symbols of the family in heaven. And at the beginning of His public ministry Christ gave His decided sanction to the institution that had been sanctioned in Eden. Thus He declared to all that He will not refuse His presence on marriage occasions, and that marriage, when joined with purity and holiness, truth and righteousness, is one of the greatest blessings ever given to the human family.” The Signs of the Times, August 30, 1899.

A United States federal law enacted September 21, 1996, restricts federal marriage benefits and required inter-state marriage recognition to only opposite-sex marriages in the United States. The law passed both houses of Congress by large majorities and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Section 3 of The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) codifies the non-recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal purposes, including insurance benefits for government employees, Social Security survivors’ benefits, immigration, and the filing of joint tax returns.

Clinton and key legislators have since changed their views and advocated DOMA’s repeal. The current administration announced in 2011 that it had determined that section 3 was unconstitutional and, though it would continue to enforce the law, it would no longer defend it in court. In response, the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives instructed the House General Counsel to defend the law in place of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Section 3 of DOMA has been found unconstitutional in eight federal courts, including the First and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, on issues including bankruptcy, public employee benefits, estate taxes, and immigration. The United States Supreme Court has heard an appeal in one of those cases, with oral arguments on March 27, 2013. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act, March 28, 2013.

A majority of the Supreme Court on March 27, 2013, appeared ready to strike down a key section of a law that withholds federal benefits from gay married couples, as the justices concluded two days of hearings that showed them to be as divided as the rest of the nation over same-sex marriage.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, the pivotal justice on the issue, said the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) may have intruded too deeply on the traditional role of state governments in defining marriage. The federal law recognizes marriages only between a man and a woman, and Kennedy said that ignores states “which have come to the conclusion that gay marriage is lawful.” www.washingtonpost.com, March 28, 2013.

A majority of the Supreme Court’s justices expressed skepticism March 27, 2013, about the federal law defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Today’s arguments on DOMA marked the second straight day that the nation’s highest court considered a high-profile case on gay marriage.

After considering a challenge to California’s Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage Tuesday, March 26, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the 1996 law signed by President Bill Clinton that defined marriage as heterosexual and prevented gay couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. If the Supreme Court considers the merits of either case, it could issue a landmark ruling on gay marriage by the end of June. www.abcnews.go.com, March 28, 2013.

Inspiration – Angels in Amazement!

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Angels are amazed that men regard so lightly and indifferently the vital truths which mean so much to the sinner, and continue willing subjects under the captivity of Satan and sin, when so much has been endured in the divine person of the Son of God. O that we may cultivate habits of contemplation of the self-denial and self-sacrifice of the life of Christ, until we shall have a deep sense of the aggravating character of sin, and hate it as the vile thing it is.

Let the mind awaken to gratitude that through Christ Jesus, the Father is faithful to fulfill the promise to forgive all sin. His mercy and His love are forever an assurance as we look upon Christ uplifted upon the cross of Calvary. Will we individually rise to the appreciation as far as we have capacity to comprehend the truth, that God Jehovah loves and forgives us if we believe in and love Jesus?

O what a glorious truth! God is waiting to forgive all who come unto Him with repentance. Preach it. Lift up Jesus high that the people may behold Him. …

The Jews saw in the sacrificial offerings the symbol of Christ whose blood was shed for the salvation of the world. All these offerings were to typify Christ and to rivet the great truth in their hearts that the blood of Jesus Christ alone cleanseth from all sin, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Some wonder why God desired so many sacrifices and appointed the offering of so many bleeding victims in the Jewish economy.

Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred ceremony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins.

This grand and saving truth is oft repeated in the hearing of believers and unbelievers, and yet it is with amazement that angels behold the indifference of men to whom these truths mean so much. How little is evidenced that the church feels the force of the wonderful plan of redemption. How few make this truth, that only through faith in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ there is forgiveness of the sins that cling to human beings like the foul leprosy, a living reality.

What depths of thought should this awaken in every mind! He needed no suffering to atone for Himself. His was a depth of suffering proportionate to the dignity of His person and His sinless, exalted character.

Selected Messages, Book 1, 106, 107.

Keys to the Storehouse – The True Fast

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In a society of plenty where most people eat far more than what is necessary for good health, there is great benefit in fasting. There are many ways to fast, but it can be done simply by eliminating just one meal on one day each week, or by fasting for a whole day drinking only water or juice. Basically, by withholding some food or drink the body is given an opportunity to rest and heal, resulting in the well being of the person.

God asks us to enter into another fast; one from doing our own thing so that others may receive a spiritual blessing through us. So, how do we do that?

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens [instead of binding them on], and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6, 7.

The true fast is not mere formal service, but is spiritual. The Scripture, in Isaiah 58:6 and 10, describes this fast:to loose the bands of wickedness,

  • to undo the heavy burdens, and
  • to let the oppressed go free,
  • and that ye break every yoke;
  • to draw out your soul to the hungry,
  • and satisfy the afflicted soul.

Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with the publicans at Matthew’s feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost.

“Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.” The Desire of Ages, 278.

“Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise and help someone who needs help.” A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, 25.

No more time should be wasted. Those who know Christ should never suffer depression or boredom. There are those in need; arise and help somebody who needs help! Remember, Christ’s whole life was one sacrifice for the saving of the world. What are you willing to give up in order to reach out to others in love and mercy?

“A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim that the doer of these things regards himself as righteous, and as entitled to heaven; but it is all a deception. Our own works can never purchase salvation.” The Desire of Ages, 280.

Enter into the true fast—arise, reach out and help somebody!

Father: Help me to fast from myself. Show me how to reach out to others in such a way that they will receive that special blessing you have for them through me. Show me ways that will relieve the stress and burdens of another for whom You gave Your only begotten Son. Use me as an instrument of Your righteousness today. Amen.

Ellen White in Vision

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Mrs. Ellen G. White was a woman very gifted in prayer, her voice clear, her words distinct and ringing, and it was almost always during one of these earnest seasons of prayer that she was taken off in vision. She also had important visions in public, usually an unexpected experience to those present.

Though many of her old friends and associates are passed away—Elders J. N. Loughborough, Uriah Smith, J. N. Andrews, S. N. Haskell, G. W. Amadon, and others, yet there are people living today in various parts of the world who have seen her in vision from time to time, and what is here stated [November 24, 1925] will doubtless be familiar to them.

As one who has frequently observed her in vision, knowing the company of people usually present, all deeply observant, and believers in her exercises, I have often wondered why a more vivid description of the scenes which transpired has not been given.

In vision her eyes were open. There was no breath, but there were graceful movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands, expressive of what she saw. It was impossible for anyone else to move her hands or arms. She often uttered words singly, and sometimes sentences, which expressed to those about her the nature of the view she was having, either of heaven or of earth.

Her first word in vision was “Glory,” sounding at first close by, and then dying away in the distance, seemingly far away. This was sometimes repeated. When beholding Jesus our Saviour, she would exclaim in musical tones, low and sweet, “Lovely, lovely, lovely,” many times, always with the greatest affection. Looking upon the cloud which enveloped the Father, as she afterward explained, her shoulders would draw back, her hands lift in awe, and her lips would close.

Sometimes she would cross her lips with her fingers, meaning that she was not at that time to reveal what she saw, but later a message would perhaps go across the continent to save some individual or church from disaster. She said, “Words cannot express the beauties of heaven”; no more can they describe these scenes of which she was a part. Her visions seemed to bring you nearer heaven; and you longed to be there.

There was never any excitement among those present during a vision; nothing caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour—a scene, during which, like prophets of old, she saw so much of the vastness of God’s work for His people that it would be the principal subject of her writing for two or more years. When the vision was ended, and she lost sight of the heavenly light, as it were, coming back to the earth once more, she would exclaim with a long-drawn sigh, as she took her first natural breath, “D-a-r-k.” She was then limp and strengthless, and had to be assisted to her chair, her position in vision being a recumbent one.

These impressive scenes encouraged and strengthened the faith of those present, not only in her work, but in the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

The first time I ever saw her in vision was at my father’s house in Potsdam, New York. I was a girl of twenty, and there were only a few Sabbathkeepers then anywhere, no church as yet having been organized. This was in the early [eighteen] fifties. Brother John Andrews accompanied Elder and Mrs. White in our place, my father having made an appointment for Sister White to speak at the Wesleyan Methodist church in Morley, two miles distant. Just as we were about to start for the meeting, a violent thunderstorm came up, lasting so long that we could not go.

But what I best remember of that evening, nearly seventy-five years ago, was the occasion of our family worship, when Sister White was taken in vision.

The subject of this vision was the Sabbath question, and in connection with it, she saw that God had a great work for Brother Andrews to do.

As she came out of vision she reached for the hand of a young woman near her and, calling her by name, earnestly said, “Will you keep the Sabbath?” As the girl hesitated, Sister White repeated, “Will you keep the Sabbath? Will you?” She responded, “I will,” and she always did to the day of her death. Sister White had had no acquaintance with this girl, a beautiful young woman about whom we had all been anxious, fearing that she would not take the right step concerning the Sabbath. The earnestness of the Lord’s servant won her over, and it seemed that the Lord must have presented this case in the vision and impressed Sister White with what to say.

Similarly these experiences have turned many other footsteps from the wrong path to the right. From the very first a love for Sister White sprang up in my heart, and never has faded away.

Those were the days of turnpikes and plank roads; and the year before the Civil War, Brother and Sister White drove through from Rochester to Vermont, visiting little churches on the way. Father had pitched a tent in his pasture and fenced it in. It would hold about fifty people; and he called in his friends and neighbors for a meeting with Brother and Sister White.

This was a wonderful occasion—Sister White was taken in vision. After coming out she walked up and down in the tent, appearing in great perplexity, and repeating these words several times: “This country is to be deluged with blood.” It was a startling prophecy to all present, for political men were saying that the prospect of war would soon be over. But God knew otherwise, and her words proved true, for soon fathers and sons had to stand the draft and were sent to the battle front; and the time came when our whole country was in mourning for the loss of sons.

Another vision, which has always been of the deepest interest to me was in Sister White’s own room in Battle Creek. She sometimes differed in judgment even with her associate workers, and at this time their opinion varied somewhat over a situation which had arisen, and the matter was so intense to her that she fainted under the pressure. She was laid on the bed and Brother White, much alarmed, sent for Elder J. N. Loughborough and others to pray. While prayer was being offered—we were all kneeling about her—Elder White exclaimed, “She’s gone!” He thought that she was dead. But at that very instant he saw a gentle movement of her hand, and, showing great relief, he said, “She’s in vision!” By this vision the matter that was so difficult to understand was made clear, and God’s instruction through her was accepted by His people.

It is not easy for one to describe the influence of the Holy Spirit upon an individual, but all of Sister White’s experiences were appropriate and harmonious, and in no way apocryphal. She was quick to discern between the right and the wrong. Eternity only will reveal the influence she has had in saving souls.

In the old church in Battle Creek, before the tabernacle was first built, Sister White at one time arose to address the meeting concerning some who were too critical of one another because of differences of doctrine. While speaking she walked back and forth on the platform, earnestly appealing to the people, and pressing the question as to whether they had hold of the silken cord of love. Suddenly the sound went through the audience as if she had dropped to the floor, but immediately it was apparent that she was wrapped in a vision of God’s glory. What she saw was short and to the point, and sealed the truth of what she had been saying against the criticism prevalent. Her reproofs on such occasions might seem to have been severe, but she always ended with cheering encouragement to those who would obey the counsel of God.

A vision was given Sister White at Brother Aaron Hilliard’s in Otsego. This was in 1863. Brother White had been laboring under heavy discouragements. One Friday morning he invited some of his friends in Battle Creek to go with him to Otsego for a Sabbath meeting, for there was a tent effort at that place.

Friday evening we found ourselves all assembled at Brother Hilliard’s for family worship, about a dozen being present. A chapter was read and Sister White led in prayer, Brother White kneeling across the corner from her. Her burden in prayer was for him, and as she prayed, while still on her knees, she moved over to his side, laid her hands on his shoulders, and prayed until she was taken in vision. This lasted for about three quarters of an hour. At this time she was given the light on the health reform. Brother White also was greatly blessed and encouraged, and he was relieved of the burden of discouragement that he had been carrying.

Sister White loved the cause she served from her girlhood days. She loved the schools and the Sabbath schools which prepared the young people for missionary work; she loved the sanitarium for their promotion of health; she loved the church memorials built in His name; she loved the printed page which ever tells of the cross of Christ. The cross of Christ was her favorite theme. Her constant association with the atmosphere of heaven and with God’s Holy Word gave her a delineation of character far beyond human standards. She talked with Jesus, and He entrusted her with His messages of truth and love. The law of kindness was in her heart; she was thoughtful and considerate of those less fortunate than herself. She loved the fields, the trees, the flowers, and nature in all its beautiful forms had a charm for her.

Those best acquainted with her work have the most confidence in it. When she made her first visit to our old home in New York, she made a little appeal to our family. At first my brothers and sisters manifested some prejudice, and assembled in a room by themselves. As she ceased speaking, I went to them and said, “It makes no difference how anyone feels; I know that she is a woman of God.”

I am now nearly ninety-two years old and am the only living member of the first organized Seventh-day Adventist church in Buck’s Bridge, New York, about a mile from father Byington’s farm, St. Joseph, Michigan, November 24, 1925—the sixty-fifth anniversary of her marriage to George Amadon. She was nearly 103 years old when she died. Review and Herald, May 18, 1944.

Pioneers Authors, 1984, J.N. Loughborough, In Heavenly Visions, part 2, 123–125.

The Reformation and the New Covenant

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Protestantism failed to adhere to the principles that were stated during the Protestant Reformation and because of that, the second angel’s message was pronounced against them.

Ellen White describes the foundational principles of the Reformation as follows: “We protest by these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will one day be our Judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in anything that is contrary to God, to His holy word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our souls. …

“This word is the only truth; it is the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail or deceive us. He who builds on this foundation shall stand against all the powers of hell, while all the human vanities that are set up against it shall fall before the face of God.” The Great Controversy, 202, 203.

As Jesus, on the walk to Emmaus, directed the minds of the disciples back to the word of God to understand the ministry of Jesus in the sanctuary of the new covenant, so the Protestant reformers also directed the people back to the Bible as the foundation of their faith.

There are two very important, basic principles contained in the protest of the princes. They are recorded as follows: “The principles contained in this celebrated Protest … constitute the very essence of Protestantism. Now this Protest opposes two abuses of man in matters of faith: the first is the intrusion of the civil magistrate, and the second the arbitrary authority of the church. Instead of these abuses, Protestantism sets the power of conscience above the magistrate, and the authority of the word of God above the visible church. In the first place, it rejects the civil power in divine things, and says with the prophets and apostles, ‘We must obey God rather than man’ (Acts 5:29). In presence of the crown of Charles the Fifth, it uplifts the crown of Jesus Christ. But it goes farther: it lays down the principle that all human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles of God.” Ibid., 203, 204.]

The importance of these two principles to the success of the Reformation is emphasized in the following statement: “Had the Reformation, after attaining a degree of success, consented to temporize to secure favor with the world, it would have been untrue to God and to itself, and would thus have ensured its own destruction.” Ibid., 204.

As noted in the following quotation, the Protestant reformers had built on Christ, the word of God: “The Protestant Reformers had built on Christ, and the gates of hell could not prevail against them.” Ibid., 210.

Unfortunately, those that followed did not continue to maintain the high standards set by the reformers. The following statement confirms that in later years these new leaders departed from their foundation of truth: “In our time there is a wide departure from their [the reformers] doctrines and precepts, and there is need of a return to the great Protestant principle—the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith and duty.” Ibid., 204, 205.

There is a prophecy about these Protestant churches in the book of Revelation in the message to the Sardis church, which represents the period of church history from the Reformation to the opening of the great second-advent movement. Revelation 3:1, 2 states: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

The early reformers were “alive” to Christ (the Truth), but as new leaders came in, they began departing from the word of God, replacing those precious truths with the false teachings and traditions of men.

It is important that we understand what took place during the period of the reformation that is a fulfillment of this prophecy. During the rise of Protestantism, it set “the power of conscience above the magistrate, and the authority of the word of God above the visible church. In the first place, it rejects the civil power in divine things, and says with the prophets and apostles, ‘ “We must obey God rather than man.” In presence of the crown of Charles the Fifth, it uplifts the crown of Jesus Christ. But it goes farther: it lays down the principle that all human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles of God.’—Ibid. [D’Aubigne], b. 13, ch. 6. The protesters had moreover affirmed their right to utter freely their convictions of truth. They would not only believe and obey, but teach what the word of God presents, and they denied the right of priest or magistrate to interfere. The Protest of Spires was a solemn witness against religious intolerance, and an assertion of the right of all men to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences.” Ibid., 204.

This protest was so important that it was registered in the books of heaven. “The declaration had been made. It was written in the memory of thousands and registered in the books of heaven, where no effort of man could erase it. All evangelical Germany adopted the Protest as the expression of its faith. Everywhere men beheld in this declaration the promise of a new and better era.” Ibid.

In this protest they had “a reputation of being alive.” The question that is before us is, Why did God say they were dead?

Let us see how this great change of being “alive” at time of the protest of the Princes to being “dead” at the time when the great second-advent movement began in the 1830s and ’40s took place.

“Rome withheld the Bible from the people and required all men to accept her teachings in its place. It was the work of the Reformation to restore to men the word of God; but is it not too true that in the churches of our time men are taught to rest their faith upon their creed and the teachings of their church rather than on the Scriptures?” Ibid., 388.

One of the first steps in separating from the pure truth is to substitute the teachings and traditions of the church for the word of God. Charles Beecher made a very interesting comment of the importance of men’s writings in the present religious world: “Said Charles Beecher, speaking of the Protestant churches: … ‘The Protestant evangelical denominations have so tied up one another’s hands, and their own, that, between them all, a man cannot become a preacher at all, anywhere, without accepting some book besides the Bible. … There is nothing imaginary in the statement that the creed power is now beginning to prohibit the Bible as really as Rome did, though in a subtler way.’ ”—Sermon on ‘The Bible a Sufficient Creed,’ delivered at Fort Wayne, Indiana, February 22, 1846.” Ibid., 388, 389.

The warning is given: “The same unswerving adherence to the word of God manifested at that crisis of the Reformation is the only hope of reform today.” Ibid., 204.

Let us review the definition of the word creed. The meaning of creed in the 10th edition of Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is defined as follows:

  1. a brief authoritative formula of religious belief,
  2. a set of fundamental beliefs.

In The Great Controversy we find this clear explanation of what took place in the Protestant churches later in the Reformation: “Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church calling itself Protestant? As the founders, those who possessed the true spirit of reform, pass away, their descendants come forward and ‘new-model the cause.’ While blindly clinging to the creed of their fathers and refusing to accept any truth in advance of what they saw, the children of the reformers depart widely from their example of humility, self-denial, and renunciation of the world.” Ibid., 385.

When these descendants came forward and “new-modeled the cause” they stepped from the foundation principles that the Reformation was founded upon. They established a creed or statement of beliefs and refused to consider any new light (truth), which the Lord was pleased to reveal. Thus, when the second-advent awakening began with the preaching of the first angel’s message and Daniel 8:14, they were unprepared to receive the new light (truths) that God was pleased to send to them. The following quotation explains how the Protestant churches responded to the first angel’s message and the preaching of Daniel 8:14:

“As his work tended to build up the churches, it was for a time regarded with favor. But as ministers and religious leaders decided against the advent doctrine and desired to suppress all agitation of the subject, they not only opposed it from the pulpit, but denied their members the privilege of attending preaching upon the second advent, or even of speaking of their hope in the social meetings of the church.” Ibid., 376.

Those who desired to hold to the two great principles of the Protestant reformation found this to be a very distressing situation. The following is a description of the dilemma this put the true believers in and how they responded: “Thus the believers found themselves in a position of great trial and perplexity. … But as they saw the testimony of God’s word suppressed and their right to investigate the prophecies denied they felt that loyalty to God forbade them to submit. Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God’s word they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, ‘the pillar and ground of the truth.’ Hence they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew from the churches.” Ibid.

Because of the creeds the Protestant churches established, they were not prepared to receive the new light the Lord was pleased to send them in the proclamation of the first angel’s message and the time of the judgment announced in Daniel 8:14. As a result, they separated themselves from God and cut themselves off from the benefits of the new covenant. “In refusing the warning of the first angel, they rejected the means which Heaven had provided for their restoration.” Ibid., 380.

In Revelation 14:6, the first angel proclaimed far and wide the eternal gospel. “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel [the very foundation of the Christian faith] to proclaim to those who live on the earth.”

The ministry of Jesus in the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven where the terms and conditions of the new covenant formed by God the Father and Christ is the only place in the universe where our confessed sins are atoned for by the blood of Christ.

Revelation 14:7 states: “He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.’ ” The judgment, set by Daniel 8:14, is the last event under the new covenant plan of salvation. It prepares the way for the complete restoration of the kingdom of glory.

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days [Hebrew–evenings and mornings]; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed [restored to its rightful state].” Daniel 8:14 KJV.

This verse is the foundation and central pillar of the Christian’s faith and of the true church. “The Scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith was the declaration: ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ (Daniel 8:14).” The Great Controversy, 409.

Had the Protestant churches accepted the message of the sanctuary it would have opened to them “a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement.” Light from the sanctuary would have “illumined the past, the present, and the future.”

In their rejection of these messages, the Protestant churches virtually rejected the foundation and central pillar of the Christian faith and became “dead,” the churches represented by the message sent to Sardis.

In this rejection of the “everlasting gospel” and the announcement of the judgment to begin, we see the reason why the second angel’s message was pronounced against them in the summer of 1844. “The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid.” Ibid., 389.

Since Jesus has begun His atonement ministry in the most holy place in the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven on October 22, 1844, Satan has successfully led almost the whole world to reject this message again. Only a remnant remains who are giving a clear message concerning the ministry of Jesus in the most holy place of this new covenant sanctuary. They are described in Revelation 12:17: “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

Another description of them is recorded in the third angel’s message: “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.

We know from these verses that this remnant people believe in the true sanctuary message. The first evidence is that they keep the commandments, which are in the most holy place. They recognized that they had broken these commandments and were sinners, but they have gone to Christ to plead for His atoning blood to cover their sin. Then they trusted in Jesus to provide them with His strength to help keep them from sin and to obey the commandments. So, we see that those who keep the commandments believe in the true sanctuary message. Secondly, they “hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

We know from Revelation 19:10 that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. In the book, The Great Controversy, there is a complete description of the sanctuary of the new covenant and the atonement ministry of Jesus in the holy place. Therefore the remnant that holds to the testimony of Jesus will also hold to the true sanctuary message contained in that testimony.

Let us again turn our attention on the Protestant world that rejected the first angel’s message and the 2300 year time prophecy. The Bible says that the second angel’s message was immediately pronounced against them.

“In Revelation 14 the first angel is followed by a second proclaiming: ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 14:8). The term ‘Babylon’ is derived from ‘Babel,’ and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion.” Ibid., 381.

There remains one remedy for them by which they may be restored to the favor of God. It is as follows: “The same unswerving adherence to the word of God manifested at that crisis of the Reformation is the only hope of reform today.” Ibid., 204.

But, to the present time, there has been no evidence of reform or acceptance of the new covenant sanctuary message among the fallen Protestant churches. So, we see that Satan is continuing to be very successful in his warfare against the ministry of Jesus in the new covenant sanctuary. He continues to hold the Roman Catholic Church in rejection of the new covenant sanctuary truth since the Dark Ages and still continues to direct the people to confess their sins to priests in the place of their Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Satan continues to lead the whole world to reject the new covenant and the ministry of Jesus in the sanctuary above. But let us be of good courage; the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 states that, “the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.” The two great principles of the Protestant reformers will be revived and this will be done by the faithful believers described in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

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

Maurice Hoppe is Director of the Steps to Life Training Programs and a member of the Steps to Life Board. The Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders is a correspondence course that prepares individuals to serve as pastors or Bible workers. Preparing for the Final Conflict is a correspondence course for the laity. Both of these courses teach present truth that will be an anchor for the soul during the storm of opposition and persecution just ahead. He and his wife also have a correspondence course offered through Revelation Ministry. He can be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.

Three Steps to Glory

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In Paul’s writings, he classes individuals into three different groups:

  • Those without law
  • Those under law
  • Those under grace

By carefully examining his references to these three groups, we can determine the characteristics of those who composed each in Paul’s day and gain insight into who composes the corresponding groups today.

The first group we will examine that Paul spoke of were those “without law,” or apart from the law. He refers to them in two different places.

To the Romans, he wrote in Romans 2:12, “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law.”

In I Corinthians 9:21, he refers again to those “without law,” noting that he became “to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.” Notice that he added a very important caveat: although he became “as without law” to more readily empathize with those without law, he understood that he remained “under law toward Christ.”

Before quoting this text in Gospel Workers, 117, Ellen White wrote, “The minister must not feel that the whole truth is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion. He should study carefully when to speak, what to say, and what to leave unsaid.”

She expressed much the same principle in The Southern Watchman, 76: “All zeal and earnestness are to be retained; but at the same time some features of our faith, if expressed, would, by the elements with which you have to deal, arouse prejudice at once.” The “elements with which you have to deal” are those who at the time are without law, who have not yet had that rebirth experience and who perhaps do not yet understand or feel their need of such an experience.

In Paul’s day, those without law were primarily pagans. They are referred to in the King James Version as strange, outlandish, or foreign, and in the New King James Version as pagan.

While such still exist today, there are some who would probably be quite upset if referred to by any of those terms, although their belief system is essentially the same as was that of the pagans in Paul’s day.

Individuals in this group are unregenerate (not reborn) rebels against God; in most instances, not only have these individuals not had the rebirth experience, they do not want that experience. There are several titles applied to such people today. One would be atheist.

Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities of any nature or type. Most inclusively, atheism is simply the absence of belief that any deities exist at all.

Another term for those “without law” is Humanist.

According to Wikipedia, “When the first letter is capitalized, ‘Humanism’ describes the secular ideology that espouses reason, ethics, and justice, while specifically rejecting supernatural and religious ideas as a basis of morality and decision-making.” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/humanism)

Humanists believe that there is something inherent within the mind of human beings that somehow gives them the ability to be reasonable, ethical, and just without any external, objective yardstick. A simple review of any single day’s newspaper would reveal the folly of such an idea.

The second group are those whom Paul refers to as being under law. In Paul’s day, these were the Jews who professed to be doing God’s will while rejecting Christ. Paul describes himself as such prior to his Damascus road experience. The Pharisees and the Sadducees were among this group, as indeed were Christ’s disciples before their rebirth experience.

Today, we might call these people legalists. Though they profess to be doing God’s will, they are much like the children of Israel at Sinai: “All that the Lord has said we will do” (Exodus 19:8). They fail to realize that in and of themselves, they have no power to obey. Scripture frequently describes this class as wise, or the natural man. Clearly wisdom is a double-edged sword. There is indeed a divinely inspired wisdom, but there are also those who are wise in their own conceits, or more literally, wise within themselves. (See Romans 12:16.)

Paul goes further in his letter to the Galatians, noting that “every man who becomes circumcised … is a debtor to keep the whole law,” having “become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:3, 4.

There is yet another aspect of being under law, perhaps more appropriate today—and more easily understood and applied—than was the usage that Paul made.

Undoubtedly in your travels you have at one time or another passed someone who had been stopped by a highway patrolman, sitting in his car as the patrolman was writing out a ticket for some violation of the traffic law. This individual was, at that time, under law. You, however, because you had not violated the law at that time, were not under such condemnation. Although you may have violated the law at some time in the past and either not been caught or had been caught and had paid the penalty, you were at this point in time under grace, having made restitution for your transgression.

As regards the violation of the moral law, however, there is no way the sinner can make restitution. Thus we need the grace of God, provided so abundantly and so freely by the sacrifice that Christ made when He laid aside His royal robe and assumed the nature of fallen man. When the sinner accepts that sacrifice as the propitiation for his sin, confesses, and repents, he immediately becomes a member of the third group Paul refers to—those under grace.

“In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” Steps to Christ, 68.

Those in this group could be from either pagan or Jewish backgrounds, but they have accepted Christ as the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. KJV.

In Romans, Paul makes very clear what he means when he uses the term, “under grace”: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:14, 15.

Just as the obedient driver in the previous example is not free to violate the traffic laws with impunity, neither is the forgiven sinner free to live wantonly and hope to remain under grace. He immediately becomes under the condemnation of the law and in need of a Saviour when he commits transgression.

“When a sinner becomes sensible of the fact that only through Christ can he gain eternal life; when he realizes that obedience to God’s word is the condition of entrance into the kingdom of God; when he sees Christ as the propitiation for sin, he comes to the Saviour in humility and contrition, confessing his sins and seeking forgiveness. His soul is impressed with a sense of the majesty and glory of God. The blessedness of an eternal life of peace and joy and purity is felt so deeply that an entire surrender is made.” The Colporteur Evangelist, 68, 69.

Then, and only then, will the sinner find himself “under grace,” awaiting that glorious day when the kingdom of glory will be restored.

There is a natural progression toward the kingdom of glory outlined in Paul’s descriptions of these groups.

In the first stage of this progression, many live without regard to the great moral law, perhaps not even realizing that there is a moral authority, far more eternally significant than any law that man may write. The Holy Spirit is constantly appealing to these individuals, leading them to acknowledge the law that God has written on human hearts.

Once this acknowledgment occurs, many strive to keep this law through their own feeble efforts, falsely thinking that their legalistic obedience will merit their salvation. Those in this group fail to recognize that salvation is a free gift, secured to all through the sacrifice of Christ. They have put the proverbial cart before the horse, thinking that God will love and save them if they are obedient, rather than obeying because they realize the infinite love of God toward them. They do not recognize that true obedience springs from a desire to show love to God for the incredible gift that made salvation possible. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Once an individual realizes that it is impossible for him to keep the law through his own efforts, he flees to God in his weak and sinful state, pleading the blood of Christ as propitiation for his sins. Claiming Christ as his Saviour, he falls helpless at the foot of the cross, exclaiming as did Isaiah, “Woe is me, for I am undone (Isaiah 6:5). Job, Daniel, and Peter each had this same overwhelming experience when confronted with the pure sinlessness of Jesus. (See Job 42:6, Daniel 10:8, and Luke 5:8.)

“The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom Heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. Men who have lived near to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God has honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold the Saviour.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 5, 1902.

These are they who have progressed successfully from being without law to that state of grace wherein they give thanks to God for the victory provided through Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).

“Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12).” Here are those who are prepared to enter into the glory of the Lord when He returns to gather His saints.

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

John Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. After retiring as chief financial officer for the Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon, Arizona, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, to join the Steps team. He may be contacted by email at: johnpearson@stepstolife.org.

Why Some Prayers are Not Answered

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The English Puritan Theologian Thomas Brooks (1608–80), made reference to the attitude human beings should possess as it pertains to getting our prayers answered. He states, “God looks not at the oratory of your prayers, how elegant they may be; nor at the geometry of your prayers, how long they may be; nor at the arithmetic of your prayers, how many they may be; not at logic of your prayers, how methodical they may be; but the sincerity of them He looks at.”

He also agrees that, “If you would have God hear you when you pray, you must hear Him when He speaks. He stops His ears against the prayers of those who stop their ears against His laws.

God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart be dumb, God will certainly be deaf.”

I believe Thomas Fuller, the English Theologian contemporary to Thomas Brooks was in full agreement with him when he wrote, “Leave not off praying to God: for either praying will make thee leave off sinning; or continuing in sin will make thee desist from praying.”

I am therefore in agreement with the Scottish Poet Robert Burns (1759–96), who wrote, “They never sought in vain that sought the Lord aright.”

It is certainly true that Satan continues to cause us not to receive answers to our prayers by making us do things which he knows will directly place us out of harmony with God. In his assault on the Christian he not only makes us become preoccupied with things of minor importance to the neglect of prayer, but he further leads us to become involved in sinful and ungodly practices, of which he is fully aware will prevent our prayers from being answered. In this way our Christian profession is a mockery, for we are no different in character from the sinner who knows not Jesus! Indeed we are but the Devil’s children using the Lord’s name.

It is necessary to identify some of the things Satan leads us to do, which will ultimately prevent us from enjoying a growing, victorious prayer life with God.

Why Some Christian Prayers are Not Answered

1 Lack of faith – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:21, 22.

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.

We are reminded by God’s servant, “Learn to believe, as you pray to God for help.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 88. Also, we are told that, “The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 296.

It is evident therefore that the Devil understands the importance of faith in the prayer life of the Christian, thus he leads many to become unbelievers, for in this way he is sure of his prey.

2 Prayers will not be answered if people deliberately disobey God or who purpose to do so – The Scripture states, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18.

“The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29.

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22.

In order for prayer to be acceptable to God, it must be coupled with a purpose to forsake all known sins. So what we need to understand most seriously is that sin allowed in the heart becomes a fatal hindrance to prayers being answered. Now please remember that prayer is the Christian’s strength and Satan knows this fact very well. It is no wonder he causes us to devalue prayer, then engages us in all kinds of sins that we find difficult to give up. When this is our experience we are left totally vulnerable to his attacks.

The servant of the Lord says, “If we live according to His word, every precious promise He has given will be fulfilled to us. We are undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us. He will work for and through those who follow Him.

“But only as we live in obedience to His word can we claim the fulfillment of His promises. The psalmist says, ‘If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me’ (Psalm 66:18). If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises will not be fulfilled to us.” The Ministry of Healing, 226, 227.

3 Our prayers will not be answered if they are “form or lip” service – “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. … But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” Matthew 6:5, 7, 8.

The Lord, through the prophet Hosea, talks about those who cry to Him in a halfhearted manner. “And they have not cried unto Me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against Me.” Hosea 7:14. “Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not accept.” In Heavenly Places, 73.

4 God will not hear our prayers if our home relationship is not right –The word of God, as stated by the apostle Peter, reveals this fact. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” I Peter 3:7. Note carefully, the husband who does not treat his wife with Christian respect need not expect God to answer his prayers. This principle forms the bedrock for answered prayers within the family circle, understanding clearly that the husband and father is the one responsible to God for the spiritual direction of the household. This also is true; the wife and children must be aware that their mistreatment of the husband and father will most assuredly prevent their prayers from being answered as well!

Could this be the reason why so many Christian homes are severely affected by Satan’s assaults, because prayers are not being answered as a consequence of the fact that things are not right at home?

5 An unforgiving spirit and an unwilling attitude to reconcile will no doubt hinder our prayers from being answered – Matthew 6:14 tells us, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Also, in chapter 5:23, 24 the following is recorded: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

“When our duty is so plainly marked out, why do so many church members go contrary to a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ and speak of their difficulties to those who know nothing in regard to them or in regard to those whom these difficulties concern? Jesus the great Teacher, has told us what our duty is. Our gifts, our prayers are not acceptable to God while we leave this duty undone, and let the poison of envy, evil-surmising, and jealousy, take possession of our souls, and spoil our union and happiness. …

“A few words of explanation might change entirely the views of those who have been at variance, cherishing bitter feelings. We cannot be obedient to the law of God until we put out of the mind all differences, until we allow our hearts to be softened and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. Our prayers are hindered by our pride of heart, by our refusal to confess faults and to remove wrong impressions.” This Day With God, 19.

“The Lord Jesus has given special directions as to what each of His ‘little children’ is to do. When we pray, ‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us’ (Matthew 6:12), do we do our part to answer this prayer? … If our brother has ought against us, we are to leave on the altar the gift we have brought to God, and be reconciled to our brother. Then we are to come and offer our gift. This is the only way in which we can keep in our hearts the peace of God.” Ibid. This is one of the most successful ways that the devil utilizes in destroying the Christian! He sets church members against each other and then hardens them in an unforgiving spirit and irreconcilable attitude knowing very well that such disposition will cause their prayers not to be heard.

This matter is so important that I hope you will feel the weight of the matter. In an article entitled, “Instruction to Church Members,” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, April 8, 1902, the following is recorded: “Christ sees that little heed is paid to His instruction. His people come to Him in prayer, asking favors of Him, while at the same time they are cherishing hatred against their brethren, not only thinking, but speaking evil of them. God cannot bless them; for they refuse to put out of the way that which causes discord and variance. They would not appreciate the blessing of God should He give it to them as they desire. …

“It is impossible for their prayers to reach His throne, because the rebellion of disobedience is the substance of their petitions.” [Emphasis supplied.]

6 Failure to humble ourselves leads to unanswered prayer – “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Luke 18:10, 11.

7 Prayer motivated by selfishness cannot be answered – The apostle James states, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3.

8 Failure to pray in the name of Jesus will lead to unanswered prayer – John 14:13, 14 says, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.”

Ask yourself, Are you under the devil’s assaults with any, if not all of these? Satan knows that prayer is the life of the Christian, the strength and stronghold of every believer, and this is why he is doing everything to cut off our communication with heaven. This is why he works overtime to lock us in these areas whereby our prayers will never be heard. As long as this is the case with us we will never gain victory over sin and the devil, and for certain we will lose Heaven. Well, Jesus says to you and me today, “Come unto me!” Amen!

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

A Needed Cleansing

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The literal translation of Daniel 8:14 is: “Unto evenings and mornings, two thousand three hundred, then shall the holy place [or the temple or the sanctuary] be cleansed [or restored to its rightful state, or made right].”

Historically, that is the way Seventh-day Adventists have explained this verse and though true, a deeper study of God’s word reveals even more.

Jesus cleansed the sanctuary twice, once at the beginning of His ministry and again at the close. The Jewish religion demanded perfect animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, and businesses had been established in the temple court to sell animals for this purpose. There was much corruption in the court, and many of the offerings brought by the people were rejected and considered imperfect, forcing the people to buy from the traders. These could only be purchased with “temple shekels,” so moneychangers had set up tables for their trade and became rich due to their unfair transactions. Many of the poor who came to the temple with their offering were unable to purchase another offering when theirs was rejected. Jesus saw the distress of the poor, who thought that without the shedding of blood there would be no forgiveness and they would be lost.

John records that when Jesus entered and saw what was happening, He made a scourge out of cords, turned over the tables and, with the money rolling to the floor, He drove out the merchants with their sheep and oxen, saying to them, “Take these things out of here.” The merchants fled (John 2:15, 16) leaving only the poor and the children.

“With searching glance, Christ takes in the scene before Him as He stands upon the steps of the temple court. With prophetic eye He looks into futurity, and sees not only years, but centuries and ages. He sees how priests and rulers will turn the needy from their right, and forbid that the gospel shall be preached to the poor.” The Desire of Ages, 157.

Peter said, “Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” II Peter 2:3 KJV. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Luke 19:46.

In speaking those things, Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7. Notice it said all people, not just the Jews. “Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes?” Jeremiah 7:11.

When Jesus had cleansed the temple of the phonies and profiteers, the poor people came in. In the book, The Desire of Ages, we read that the cleansing of the temple is an illustration of the church.

The Lord said, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8. The sanctuary or temple was not only to be an illustration that God wants to dwell among His people but also what each person was supposed to be. “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’ But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” I Corinthians 6:15–19.

Paul says that your body is to be a temple. The same word for body is used for temple or sanctuary; these are interchangeable words. Your body is to be a temple, a sanctuary, for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came to the temple, He said, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people, but you have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13).

The Holy Spirit could not work on people while they were in that place, for it was a noisy house of merchandise and Jesus called it a den of thieves. All of the commercialism, the buying and selling, had to be removed in order for it to become a temple again—it had to be cleansed.

Consider here what the apostle Paul is talking about on an individual level. He said, “Your body is to be a member of Christ.” Should I then take what is supposed to be a member of Christ and make it the body of a harlot? Let’s paraphrase it. Can the Holy Spirit dwell within me if I am living in sin?

The first thing that the Holy Spirit does, when coming to a person to address his mind, is convict of sin. The Bible says, “And when He [the Spirit of Truth] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8. This is happening today. The Holy Spirit attempts to do this with every person in the world who has not committed the unpardonable sin. When the Holy Spirit decides that there is nothing more He can do for a person, they are in a very grievous situation, for by rejecting the Holy Spirit they reject the only means available to be convicted of sin and repent. They have then committed the unpardonable sin and are lost.

The devil knows this better than anyone and is busy trying to get your life so busy and noisy that you do not hear the still small voice. He has, it seems, a million ways to do this. Parents often experience talking to their small child when the child doesn’t hear because his mind is occupied with something else. The devil’s plan is to get your mind so occupied with things that may not necessarily be sinful; it could be making a living. He doesn’t care what it is as long as your mind is totally preoccupied so you cannot hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Remember, the first thing the Holy Spirit does is convict that person of sin, no matter who they are or of what faith, whether Adventist, Muslim, Buddhist or atheist. The Bible says that the true Light enlightens every man that was born into the world (John 1:9). It is the Holy Spirit that speaks to people convicting them of sin. Even in countries devoid of the knowledge of the true God there is some concept of right and wrong.

If you are willing to give up sin, the Holy Spirit will come into your heart, transform your life, and purify your heart to be His dwelling place. Ellen White talks about the fact that there are people who have never heard the name of Christ in heathen countries who will not perish because they were willing to listen and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. “In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The ‘Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.” Ye Shall Receive Power, 157.

Paul said, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” I Corinthians 3:16–17. When talking about the sanctuary or the temple, the Bible is not just talking about individuals. God’s church is His sanctuary. The word temple means a dwelling place for a deity.

When I was a child, while my parents were missionaries in Burma, which is now called Myamar, it was interesting to visit, as tourists, a Buddhist pagoda. All shoes had to be removed before entering the temple and inside was a huge idol of Buddha. Buddhists reverently knelt down before it and worshiped the statue. The temple was a dwelling place for that deity.

For Christians, a temple of God is where the God of heaven dwells. It was God’s desire that every created being, from the highest angel of heaven down to man, be a temple where His Spirit could reside. But because of sin, man ceased to be a temple for God. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in any heart that is living in sin. In order for the Spirit to dwell in the heart again, the temple must be cleansed.

The Christian church is a temple, a habitation, a dwelling place for God. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God [the church], having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19–22.

The building here spoken about is a living building, one that, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple. Ellen White has a long discussion about this in The Acts of the Apostles, 595–600. She talks about this building that has been slowly ascending through the centuries—the Christian church. “Upon the foundation that Christ Himself had laid, the apostles built the church of God.” “Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, the building of God’s temple has never ceased.” Ibid., 595, 598.

Daniel 8:14 says that the temple—the sanctuary—is going to be cleansed, made right, restored to its rightful state. Seventh-day Adventists teach that this began in 1844. There was a cleansing of the church in 1844, and the results were very disturbing. When the midnight cry was given, up to 100,000 people came out from all churches and became Adventists. At that time they did not have a clear understanding of Daniel 8:14, that judgment was to commence, and believed that the cleansing of the sanctuary would be the coming of Christ. God had His hand over their misunderstanding. When that cleansing was over, and because of their great disappointment, there were not very many people left.

Remember, when Jesus was here He cleansed the temple twice, once at the beginning and again at the close of His ministry. That is happening again. There was a cleansing of the temple in 1844 at the beginning of the Day of Judgment, and there is another cleansing of the temple at the end of the Day of Judgment.

So, when will the temple (God’s church) be cleansed? People believe that either the church will be cleansed when Jesus comes or at least right after He comes. That belief opens up the view that we will keep sinning and confessing and sinning and confessing until Jesus comes, after which, in an instant, He will change you into His image and cleanse you. Many Seventh-day Adventists are being taught this today.

However, it does not matter how many people believe something; if it is not in the Bible, you cannot depend on it, and that teaching is not in the Bible. In Revelation 22:11, 12, it says, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” That statement refers to the time before Jesus comes, for the next verse says, “And [connecting the sentence before] behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Notice, the cleansing does not happen when Jesus comes, but He comes to give the reward to those who are already cleansed. When Jesus comes, whoever is cleansed is going to stay cleansed and whoever is not cleansed is never going to be cleansed.

Some say that this refers to right at the end of time, but are we not now living at the end of time? Will time go on for another 100 or 200 years, or do you believe that time could close up really quickly? If we are, in fact, living at the end of time, shouldn’t the church be becoming better and better? But if I believe that I am approaching the end of time, should things in my church be getting worse and worse, and then expect Jesus to magically change it at some point? You cannot find that cleansing operation anywhere in the Bible.

Since the late 1950s the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been moving directly contrary to the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy, but the popular belief is that there is no need to worry because the Lord is going to straighten it all out. Today, 60 years later, the same explanation is given, but how is this to be done?

The Jews taught that their church was to be cleansed and purified before the Messiah could come. That is one of the reasons they could not accept Jesus. The Bible teaches how the church is to be cleansed with an illustration that, at first reading, appears to apply to husbands and wives. Look at Ephesians 5:25–27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

Consider this illustration from the laundry. When your clothes get dirty, you take them to the laundry. Then they are put through the washing machine that is supposed to get the spots out, and the garments come out clean. Once the spots are out, the garments are ironed to remove the wrinkles, then they should be ready to put on again. The same is true with the church. It is God’s sanctuary, and it is to be cleansed to the point that it is holy and without blemish.

Daniel 8:14 says that after two thousand three hundred evenings or mornings or days, the sanctuary is going to be cleansed, restored to its rightful state, made right. For over 150 years Seventh-day Adventists have taught that this cleansing began in 1844.

The cleansing of the sanctuary and the purification of the church are one and the same thing. The sanctuary in heaven cannot be cleansed while the church on earth gets more and more defiled. That is impossible. Revelation 22:11, 12 says that the church on earth will be cleansed and purified by the close of probation, because after that time there can be no more cleansing. At that time it is declared to be either clean or unclean. It is either filthy or not filthy. It is either righteous or unrighteous. God is going to have a church, not just one individual here and there that is holy and without blemish, but a church.

The Jews were trapped into thinking the church would be purified in the future and the Messiah could not come until that happened. The church today could fall for the same deception, and Jesus will come while we are still waiting for the miracle cleansing to take place.

Consider just how much like the Jews we are. “Now as they came down from the mountain [the Mount of Transfiguration], Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ ” Matthew 17:9–12.

The Jews had said that Jesus of Nazareth could not possibly be the Messiah. We know that, because of the Old Testament prophecy that says before the Messiah comes, Elijah has to come first (Malachi 4:5). We have sent representatives to ask John the Baptist, and he said that he was not Elijah. They thought they had a watertight proof, and thousands of people rejected the Messiah on the basis of that evidence that was proved to them from the Bible. By the way, the reason John the Baptist told them that he was not Elijah is because the question they asked him was, “Are you the man that dealt with Ahab and Jezebel?” John the Baptist was not the man who had dealt with Ahab and Jezebel, but was he Elijah the prophet? The angel said so to his father, Zechariah: “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16, 17. Jesus also confirmed it: “For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ ” Matthew 11:10. What the Jews were looking to happen in the future had already happened. It was in the past.

This is one of the biggest dangers of conservative Seventh-day Adventists. The liberals do not even believe in the cleansing of the sanctuary, but the conservatives do and believe it to be in the future.

Ellen White wrote, “I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father.” Early Writings, 71.

Throughout history, God’s people have had a very poor track record of recognizing when prophecy is fulfilled right in front of their eyes. Most did not recognize what was going on when Elijah was here. They did not recognize what was happening when Jeremiah said, if you will do what I tell you to do, the temple will not be destroyed and your city will not be destroyed.

God’s church at the time missed Elijah the prophet when he came. They missed the Messiah when He came. When the Messiah was crucified, even the disciples did not get it. In the book, The Desire of Ages, Ellen White names only two people, Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene, who understood what was happening when it happened. When Mary Magdalene saw Jesus hanging on the cross, she knew He was there because of her sins. Nicodemus understood because Jesus had told him that “the Son of man [would] be lifted up.” John 3:14. As he witnessed the crucifixion it came together in his mind though few others recognized it.

It is easy to understand prophecy when we look into the future and we can recognize when prophecy has been fulfilled in the past, but when prophecy is being fulfilled right in front of our eyes our track record is poor. This leaves us in a dangerous position for there is not going to be a future chance to change course. What the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us is important. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been given the understanding on the cleansing of the sanctuary, and we are living in the time when it is happening—the sanctuary is being cleansed now, the church is being purified now.

The plan of salvation is not going to go on forever. Jesus said, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44. He did not say, “get ready” but “be ready.” Individually we must be cleansed, and God is going to have a group of people, a church that is cleansed, purified and holy without blemish. Whoever is not cleansed will be removed. The angels are the reapers, and before the final judgment they will gather the tares together and bind them into bundles.

We are living at the end of the period of time that is predicted. There is no time to procrastinate. Do not hang on to your darling sins and say, “I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll wait for the church triumphant.” When the church is triumphant it will be too late. The time to plead for the Holy Spirit to cleanse each heart of all its vileness, unholy thoughts, feelings and actions is now. We cannot make ourselves clean. Jesus is our high priest in the sanctuary in heaven, and He is in the business of cleansing each one who comes to Him with repentance.

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

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

Editor’s Letter – Perfection of Character

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“Christ designs that heaven’s order, heaven’s plan of government, heaven’s divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory—Christ, the great Center, from Whom radiates all glory.” The Desire of Ages, 680.

If we could only realize how Satan taunts Christ and the angels of glory with our character imperfections (Early Writings, 268) we would in earnest ask the Lord for grace and power to perfect a Christian character. This is the work that must be accomplished for all of God’s children who are elected to live through the time of trouble to the end of the world: “Says the prophet: ‘Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness’ (Malachi 3:2, 3).” 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.” The Great Controversy, 425. Read these Bible texts that speak about this subject: Genesis 17:1; Job 1:1; Psalm 37:37; Proverbs 2:21; Matthew 5:48; John 17:23; I Corinthians 1:8; II Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12; II Timothy 3:17; Hebrews 12:23; Hebrews 13:21; James 1:4; James 3:2; I Peter 5:10; I John 2:5; Revelation 3:2.

Bible Study Guides – Judah

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July 21, 2013 – July 27, 2013

Key Text

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” Genesis 49:10.

Study Help: The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 377; Steps to Christ, 115, 124–126.

Introduction

“The priesthood was apportioned to Levi, [and] the kingdom and the Messianic promise to Judah.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 235.

1 PRAISED BY HIS BRETHREN

  • What was Leah’s frame of mind when she bore her fourth son, Judah? Genesis 29:35. How was her attitude exemplary at that time? Psalm 50:23. Explain the meaning of the name “Judah” (see marginal note in the Bible).

Note: “While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 367.

  • How did Judah express his remorse at the idea of leaving Joseph to die of starvation? Genesis 37:25–27. How did he partially admit his sin in the case of Tamar? Genesis 38:24–26.

Note: “Some of them [Joseph’s brothers] were ill at ease; they did not feel the satisfaction they had anticipated from their revenge. Soon a company of travelers was seen approaching. It was a caravan of Ishmaelites from beyond Jordan, on their way to Egypt with spices and other merchandise. Judah now proposed to sell their brother to these heathen traders instead of leaving him to die.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 211.

2 A REMARKABLE CONTRAST

  • Describe one manifestation which shows how Judah prevailed above his brethren. Genesis 44:14–18, 30–34; 46:28, first part.

Note: “In words of touching eloquence he [Judah] described his father’s grief at the loss of Joseph and his reluctance to let Benjamin come with them to Egypt, as he was the only son left of his mother, Rachel, whom Jacob so dearly loved. [Genesis 44:30-34 quoted.]

“Joseph was satisfied. He had seen in his brothers the fruits of true repentance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 230.

  • Explain the contrast between Reuben and Judah as far as personality is concerned. Genesis 43:8–13 (cf. 42:36–38); 1 Chronicles 5:2. Why are trustworthiness and dependability such valuable traits?

Note: “We are living in an age when almost everything is superficial. There is but little stability and firmness of character, because the training and education of children from their cradle is superficial. Their characters are built upon sliding sand. Self-denial and self-control have not been molded into their characters.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 143.

“Reliable men are very scarce for the reason that the hearts of men are so devoted to their own selfish interests that they know no other.” Ibid., vol. 2, 636.

“It is not so much the religion of the pulpit as the religion of the family that reveals our real character. The minister’s wife, his children, and those who are employed as helpers in his family are best qualified to judge of his piety. A good man will be a blessing to his household. Wife, children, and helpers will all be the better for his religion.” Ibid., vol. 5, 161.

“A man may not bear the most pleasant exterior, he may be deficient in many respects; but if he has a reputation for straightforward honesty, he will gain the confidence of others. The love of truth, the dependence and confidence which men can place in him, will remove or overbear objectionable features in his character. Trustworthiness in your place and calling, a willingness to deny self for the purpose of benefiting others, will bring peace of mind and the favor of God.” Ibid., vol. 4, 353.

3 FIRMNESS PERPETUATED IN THE SEED

  • What did Jacob say about Judah, and why? Genesis 49:8.

Note: “The crowning blessings of the birthright were transferred to Judah. The significance of the name—which denotes praise—is unfolded in the prophetic history of this tribe:

“ ‘Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion: who shall rouse him up? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be’ (Genesis 49:8–10).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 236.

  • How can we be inspired by Jacob’s description of Judah’s firmness of character? Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 28:1.

Note: “The lion, king of the forest, is a fitting symbol of this tribe, from which came David, and the Son of David, Shiloh, the true ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ (Revelation 5:5), to whom all powers shall finally bow and all nations render homage.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 236.

“Remember that the nearer we approach the time of Christ’s coming, the more earnestly and firmly we are to work; for we are opposed by the whole synagogue of Satan. We do not need feverish excitement, but that courage which is born of genuine faith.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 475.

“Some men have no firmness of character. They are like a ball of putty and can be pressed into any conceivable shape. They are of no definite form and consistency, and are of no practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency must be overcome. There is an indomitableness about true Christian character which cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. Men must have moral backbone, an integrity which cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified.” Ibid., vol. 5, 297.

“God desires us to make use of every opportunity for securing a preparation for His work. He expects us to put all our energies into its performance, and to keep our hearts alive to its sacredness and its fearful responsibilities.” Gospel Workers, 291.

4 A RICH HISTORY

  • How did God honor the tribe of Judah when the tabernacle was built? Exodus 31:1–5.

Note: “The Lord gave an important lesson to His people in all ages when to Moses on the mount He gave instruction regarding the building of the tabernacle. In that work He required perfection in every detail. Moses was proficient in all the learning of the Egyptians; he had a knowledge of God, and God’s purposes had been revealed to him in visions; but he did not know how to engrave and embroider. …

“Then God Himself explained how the work was to be accomplished. He signified by name the persons He desired to do a certain work. Bezaleel was to be the architect. This man belonged to the tribe of Judah—a tribe that God delighted to honor.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 59.

  • Name some lessons we can learn from Caleb, another member of the tribe of Judah. Numbers 13:6, 30; 14:24.

Note: “He [Caleb] had believed God’s promise that He would put His people in possession of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord fully. … Now at upwards of fourscore his vigor was unabated. He did not ask for himself a land already conquered, but the place which above all others the spies had thought it impossible to subdue. By the help of God he would wrest his stronghold from the very giants whose power had staggered the faith of Israel. It was no desire for honor or aggrandizement that prompted Caleb’s request. The brave old warrior was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor God, and encourage the tribes fully to subdue the land which their fathers had deemed unconquerable.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 512, 513.

“Calebs are the men most needed in these last days.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 130.

  • Relate how one dark chapter in the history of Judah was contrasted by the shining faithfulness of a few young witnesses for God. Daniel 1:1, 6–8; 3:16–18.

5 A BOUNTIFUL BLESSING

  • What prophecy had been given regarding the tribe of Judah, and how will this be fulfilled? Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 7:14–16; Matthew 21:9.

Note: “Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 754.

  • How is Moses’ prayer for Judah significant for us today? Deuteronomy 33:1, 7. What accounts for the fact that the name of this tribe is mentioned first in the list of the sealed saints? Revelation 7:5, first part.

Note: “We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round about the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and precious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assemblies of the saints. Murmuring and complaining over little disappointments and difficulties will cease. As we apply the golden eyesalve we shall see the glories beyond. Faith will cut through the heavy shadow of Satan, and we shall see our Advocate offering up the incense of His own merits in our behalf. When we see this as it is, as the Lord desires us to see it, we shall be filled with a sense of the immensity and diversity of the love of God.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 368.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain the spiritual strength inherent in the name “Judah.”

2 How do we know that Judah was respected in his home life?

3 Describe some characteristics of the tribe of Judah.

4 Relate some significant points about Bezaleel, Caleb, Daniel, and his companions.

5 Compare Moses’ prayer for Judah with Jesus’ prayer in behalf of all believers.

Copyright © 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.