Ellen G. White

Conformed to God’s Word

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Those who desire to know the truth have nothing to fear from the investigation of the word of God. But upon the threshold of investigation of the word of God, inquirers after truth should lay aside all prejudice, and hold in abeyance all preconceived opinion, and open the ear to hear the voice of God from His messenger. Cherished opinions, long-practiced customs and habits, are to be brought to the test of the Scriptures; and if the word of God opposes your views, then, for your soul’s sake, do not wrest the Scriptures, as many do to their soul’s destruction in order to make them seem to bear a testimony in favor of their errors. Let your inquiry be, What is truth? not, What have I hitherto believed to be truth? Do not interpret the Scriptures in the light of your former belief, and assert that some doctrine of finite man is truth. Let your inquiry be, What saith the Scriptures? Let God speak to you from His living oracles, and open your heart to receive the word of God.

Many are following the traditions of men; but as the traditions of men are erroneous, and no error has sanctifying power, their souls are not sanctified to God. Yet they hold on to the doctrines of men with firm tenacity, and will not be moved by the testimony of Scripture. They have been educated to believe falsehood, and they use every ingenious method to make it appear that the Bible supports them in their position of error, making falsehood appear to be truth. … Make up your mind that your former theories must change if they are not in harmony with the doctrines of the Bible. You are called upon to put forth diligent effort to discover what is truth. This should not be thought a hard requirement; for men are called upon to toil for their temporal and earthly blessings, and it is not to be expected that we shall find the heavenly treasure unless we are willing to dig in the mines of truth, and exercise all our powers of mind and heart to understand.

We thank God for the Bible; for it is the treasure-house of knowledge, and it is the duty and privilege of every son and daughter of Adam to search the pages of both the Old and the New Testament with diligence, in order that all may know what are the terms of salvation. We are to explore the sacred word as a miner searches the earth, and examines the rocks for hidden treasures, for the gold and the silver concealed in the veins of the mountains. Those who come to the searching of the sacred mine of truth with a humble and teachable spirit, will soon discover jewels of truth that will reward the earnest seeker. …

It is Satan’s studied plan to pervert the Scriptures, and to lead men to put a false construction on the words of God. … All articles of faith, all doctrines and creeds, however sacred they have been regarded, are to be rejected if they contradict the plain statements of the word of God. If the Bible supports the doctrine we have held in the past, we are justified in retaining it; for the word of God gives us foundation for our faith.

The holy oracles should be studied with humble hearts and earnest prayer, in order that we may bring the truth which we see plainly stated into our practical, everyday life. Thus we shall make it evident that we conform our life to the teachings of God’s word. Jesus presents to us two classes who have been blessed with an understanding of divine truth. One class not only hear His sayings, but they also do them, and another class hear, but do them not. …

Experience to be Tested by the Word

There are many who claim that they have been sanctified to God, and yet when the great standard of righteousness is presented to them, they become greatly excited, and manifest a spirit which proves that they know nothing of what it means to be sanctified. They have not the mind of Christ; for those who are truly sanctified will reverence and obey the word of God as fast as it is opened to them, and they will express a strong desire to know what is truth on every point of doctrine. An exultant feeling is no evidence of sanctification. The assertion, “I am saved, I am saved,” does not prove that the soul is saved or sanctified. Many who are greatly excited are told that they are sanctified, when they have no intelligent idea of what the term means; for they know not the Scriptures nor the power of God. They flatter themselves that they are in conformity to the will of God, because they feel happy; but when they are tested, when the word of God is brought to bear upon their experience, they stop their ears from hearing the truth, saying, “I am sanctified,” and that puts an end to the controversy. They will have nothing to do with searching the Scriptures to know what is truth, and prove that they are fearfully self-deceived. Sanctification means very much more than a flight of feeling. Excitement is not sanctification. Entire conformity to the will of our Father which is in heaven is alone sanctification, and the will of God is expressed in His holy law. The keeping of all the commandments of God is sanctification. Proving yourselves obedient children to God’s word is sanctification. The word of God is to be our guide, not the opinions or ideas of men. Let those who would be truly sanctified search the word of God with patience, with prayer, and with humble contrition of soul. Let them remember that Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.”

Christianity is simply living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. We are to believe in, and live in, Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. We have faith in God when we believe His word; we trust and obey God when we keep His commandments; and we love God when we love His law. Believing a lie will not put any one of us in the way of being sanctified. Should all the ministers in the world tell us that we were safe in disobeying a single precept of the holy standard of righteousness, it would not lessen our obligations, nor make our guilt less, if we reject a plain “Thou shalt” or “Thou shalt not.” We need not think that because our fathers did a certain way, and died happy, we may follow in their footsteps, and be accepted in rendering the same service, and doing the same works, that they did. We have had more light than they had in their day; and if we would be accepted of God, we must be as faithful in obeying the light and walking in it as they were in receiving and obeying the light that God sent to them. We must accept and improve the light that shines upon our pathway, as faithfully as they accepted and improved the light that fell upon their pathway in their generation. We shall be judged according to the light that shines into the soul-temple in our day; and if we follow the light, we shall be free men and women in Christ Jesus. The Review and Herald, March 25, 1902

Tell It Again Song

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Mrs. Mary Bridges Canady Slade was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1826. She was well educated, a teacher, poet, and a minister’s wife. She was an assistant editor of The New England Journal of Education, and the author of a children’s magazine, Wide-Awake. Mary authored hymns, Sunday School materials, and books on education, primarily for training teachers. She and her husband were active in the underground railroad. She spent her entire life living in Fall River, passing away in 1882 at the age of 56. Source: hymnary.org/person/Slade_Mary

I couldn’t find a backstory for this particular song, but it was a favorite, sung in my Primary Sabbath School class when I was a child. So simple a message that even a child can understand that we must take the gospel to everyone.

Tell It Again!

Into the tent where a gypsy boy lay,

Dying alone at the close of the day,

News of salvation we carried; said he,

“Nobody ever has told it to me.”

 

“Did He so love me, a poor little boy?

Send unto me the good tidings of joy?

Need I not perish? My hand will He hold?

Nobody ever the story has told!”

 

Bending, we caught the last words of his breath,

Just as he entered the valley of death,

“God sent His Son!” “Whosoever,” said he;

“Then I am sure that He sent Him for me!”

 

Smiling, he said, as his last sigh he spent,

“I am so glad that for me He was sent!”

Whispered, while low sank the sun in the west,

“Lord, I believe;” “tell it now to the rest!”

 

Tell it again! Tell it again!

Salvation’s story repeat o’er and o’er.

Till none can say of the children of men,

“Nobody ever has told me before.”

A Trip Out of This World

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Have you ever thought about being an astronaut? Not just being a stargazer with your feet firmly planted on the ground, but to actually travel among the stars and galaxies? The Bible tells us of a few good men who have been given this privilege. Who were they and what qualified them to be the world’s first space travelers?

A Life of Continual Perfecting

Enoch was the first man to travel in space. This is what the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy tell us about him.

“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:24

“Enoch continued to grow more heavenly while communing with God. … The Lord loved Enoch because he steadfastly followed Him and abhorred iniquity and earnestly sought heavenly knowledge, that he might do His will perfectly. He yearned to unite himself still more closely to God, whom he feared, reverenced, and adored. God would not permit Enoch to die as other men, but sent His angels to take him to heaven without seeing death.” The Story of Redemption, 59

“His faith waxed stronger, his love became more ardent, with the lapse of centuries. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul. He lived in the atmosphere of heaven. …

“For three hundred years Enoch had been seeking purity of heart, that he might be in harmony with heaven. For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day he had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the communion, until God took him to Himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal world, only a step between him and the land of the blest; and now the portals opened, the walk with God, so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the Holy City, the first from among men to enter there.” Reflecting Christ, 320

What qualified Enoch for translation? He abhorred iniquity and continually grew more heavenly, earnestly seeking to perfectly do God’s will. He purposed to unite himself more closely to God.

We also find that Mrs. White had occasion to meet and talk with Enoch during one of her visions.

“Wings were given me … . Then I was taken to a world which had seven moons. There I saw good old Enoch, who had been translated. … I asked him if this was the place he was taken to from the earth. He said, ‘It is not; the city is my home, and I have come to visit this place.’ He moved about the place as if perfectly at home.” Early Writings, 39, 40

A Life Restored

For 40 years, God had prepared Moses to lead His children out of Egypt into the promised land of Canaan. For another 40 years, he led the children of Israel through the wilderness. He withstood their rebellions, their whining, and their anger. And through it all, he remained faithful and obedient to God, until he, the meekest man in the world, was driven by frustration to strike the rock in disobedience to God’s instruction. With a contrite heart, Moses confessed his sin, and he was forgiven, but denied the privilege of leading the people into the promised land.

He stood before the congregation and spoke to them his last words.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him; for He is thy life, and the length of thy days. That thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” The Signs of the Times, March 24, 1881

That same day God commanded Moses to go to Mount Nebo.

“When Moses had ended his last words to Israel, he turned from the congregation, and in silence and alone he made his way up the mountain side. … To Nebo, the highest point on that ridge. Upon that lonely height he stood, and gazed with undimmed eyes upon the scene spread out on every side. …

“Angels of God presented to Moses a panoramic view of the land of promise. Every part of the country was spread out before him, not faint and uncertain in the dim distance, but standing out clear, distinct, and beautiful to his delighted vision. …

“As the glories of the promised land faded from his sight, a scene of deeper interest passed before him. He was permitted to look down the stream of time, and to behold the first advent of our Saviour. He saw Jesus as a babe at Bethlehem. He heard the voices of the angelic host break forth in that glad song of praise to God and peace on earth. He beheld Christ’s humble life in Nazareth, His ministry of love and sympathy and healing, His rejection by a proud and unbelieving nation, the agony in Gethsemane, the betrayal, the cruel mockery and scourging, and that last crowning act of nailing Him to the tree. Moses saw that as he had lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of God must be lifted upon the cross, to give His life a sacrifice for men … .

“Then, like a tired warrior, he lay down to rest. ‘So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.’ …

“Satan exulted that he had succeeded in causing Moses to sin against God. For his transgression, Moses came under the dominion of death. Had his life not been marred with that one sin, in failing to give to God the glory of bringing water from the rock, he would have entered the promised land, and would have been translated to heaven without seeing death. But the servant of God was not long permitted to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself with the angels who buried Moses, came down from heaven, and called forth the sleeping saint, and bore him up in triumph to the city of God.” Ibid., March 31, 1881

Romans 5 tells us that death reigned from Adam to Moses. Moses was the first human being to die and be resurrected. He was also given an immortal, sinless body at his resurrection.

Moses didn’t need a spaceship. Christ Himself woke Moses and took him, with a retinue of angels to the city of God.

A Life of Perseverance

“Elijah the Tishbite … entered upon his mission confident in God’s purpose to prepare the way before him and to give him abundant success. The word of faith and power was upon his lips, and his whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was the voice of one crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed.” Prayer, 133

A man of prayer and enduring faith, God used Elijah to deliver—during one of the most grave crises in the history of the children of Israel—a message of much-needed repentance among His people and judgment to King Ahab. We all know the Bible account of Elijah and the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the extraordinary and miraculous display of God’s power.

“Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and trying, for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God; yet he was compelled to flee from place to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a wild beast that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah. Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven.” Early Writings, 162

“In the desert, in loneliness and discouragement, Elijah had said that he had had enough of life and had prayed that he might die. But the Lord in His mercy had not taken him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude. Not for him the descent into the tomb, but the ascent with God’s angels to the presence of His glory.” Heaven, 102

“Suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them [Elijah and Elisha]; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” 2 Kings 2:11

Elijah didn’t need a spaceship. God sent a band of angels in a whirlwind to carry him up to heaven.

The Perfect Example

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He went back to heaven to present His sacrifice to His Father. That same day, He returned and remained 40 days with His disciples before He was taken up from the Mount of Olives.

“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men [angels] stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’ ” Acts 1:9–11

“They saw Moses, representing those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, representing those who at the close of earth’s history will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without seeing death.” Heaven, 103

Christ ascended from Olivet. He didn’t need a spaceship. He slowly began to rise, not subject to the law of gravity. He engaged in interplanetary travel without any worldly assistance. Jesus was received into a cloud, disappeared from sight, and went up into the kingdom of heaven.

Soon-to-Be Space Travelers

Jesus is coming again soon, in clouds of glory surrounded by an innumerable number of angels to take His children home with Him for eternity. What do the examples of Enoch, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus tell us about this glorious event?

The purpose of this 6,000-years-long controversy is two-fold:

  • to prepare a people, restoring the image of God in those whom He created, and
  • to demonstrate the heinousness of sin and its ultimate and utter destruction.

“The Lord here teaches a lesson of the greatest importance by the translation of Enoch, a descendant of fallen Adam, that all would be rewarded, who by faith would rely upon the promised Sacrifice and faithfully obey His commandments. …

“Enoch, separating himself from the world, and spending much of his time in prayer and in communion with God, represents God’s loyal people in the last days, who will be separate from the world.” The Story of Redemption, 59, 60

“To such communion God is calling us. As was Enoch’s must be their holiness of character who shall be redeemed from among men at the Lord’s second coming.” Reflecting Christ, 320

“God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which should never be forgotten—that He requires exact obedience … .” Heaven, 101

“Moses was a type of Christ. He received the words from the mouth of God, and spoke them to the people. God saw fit to discipline Moses in the school of affliction and poverty, before he could be prepared to lead the armies of Israel in their travels from Egypt to the earthly Canaan. The Israel of God who are now passing on to the heavenly Canaan have a Captain who needed no earthly teaching to perfect Him for His mission as a divine Leader. He manifested no human weakness or imperfection; yet He died to obtain for us an entrance into the promised land.” The Signs of the Times, March 31, 1881

When Jesus returns to this earth, the Bible says that all of His children, those who have died and those who are living, are going to take a space trip. It says, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Those who have died in Christ, those who were His disciples and followers, will rise first. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” Verse 17

Notice that when He comes, there will be a shout, and when Jesus shouts, graves all over the world will open and the dead in Christ will be alive again. Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:28, 29

Paul said, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 15:50, first part. A person cannot go to the kingdom of God in their present and sinful body. His body must be changed to an immortal, sinless body. He said, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep [we will not all die], but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Verses 51, 52

This immortal, sinless body is not bound by the law of gravity and will be able to lift off and travel into space. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20, 21

There are just two things needed to make this trip—a sanctified character and a new, transformed body. There is no need for reservations, visas, tickets, luggage, rental cars, planes, ships, or trains. The perfecting of character will have been done, and that perfect character will be carried in the heart as the new body rises up into the clouds to meet Jesus.

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:30, 31

People who look to the world do many things to look better. They visit their barber or beautician, they go to a tailor or dressmaker, buy cosmetics, and maybe even have a face lift or some other cosmetic surgery. All this is done to make the outward man look more pleasing. All the while they remain inside the sinful, mortal creatures they are.

But God offers a new, sin-free character and a new body that will never age to everyone who is willing to believe in and surrender their will to Him. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12

Friend, sin does not have to control your life. You can be free from your evil habits and sinful ways. The Bible says that if you receive Jesus, He will give you the power to be victorious. The Holy Spirit will transform you, on the inside, to become a new person, and that changes everything. If you want to be a space traveler, you must surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and ask Him for a new heart and a perfect character. Only God—because of His Son, and through the working of the Holy Spirit—can do this for you.

Have you opened the door of your heart to let in the heavenly Guest who wants to transform you into His likeness as you cooperate with the Holy Spirit? To experience the greatest space trip ever, we must be born again. The kingdom of God, a land with no sorrow, no sickness nor death, no pain, no suffering, no disappointment, is awaiting its citizens.

“A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important, then, is the development of character in this life.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 332

“The character we cultivate, the attitude we assume today, is fixing our future destiny. We are all making a choice, either to be with the blessed, inside the City of Light, or to be with the wicked, outside the city. …

“When Christ comes, the balances of heaven will weigh the character, and decide whether it is pure, sanctified, and holy. …

“Happiness is the result of holiness, and conformity to the will of God. Those who would be saints in heaven, must first be saints upon the earth; for when we leave this earth, we shall take our character with us … .” Reflecting Christ, 303

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

That You May See

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“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

Revelation 3:18

In the above text, there are three items mentioned that we are counseled to use in our walk along the narrow way: gold, white raiment, and eye salve. All have their role in our walk, and without the use of all three, we are unlikely to cross the Jordan successfully. However, I want to investigate the specific role that the eye salve plays in our Christian journey. It’s the only one of the three that we apparently do not need to buy. Perhaps that is an indication that we already possess it.

Why does Christ tell us to anoint our eyes with eye salve? The scripture clearly answers that question: “that you may see.”

One of the dictionary definitions of the word see is to “discern or deduce mentally after reflection or from information; understand,” which the context of the word in Revelation 3:18 would lead us to accept as the intended use of the word.

But then the question becomes, What does Christ want us to see, to understand?

A study in the Spirit of Prophecy reveals that, as we walk the narrow way, there is more than one thing, aided by holy eye salve, that Christ would have us to see and understand. Note that these blessings found in the Spirit of Prophecy are in no particular order here.

In Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, there is an eye-opening account of an incident that occurred at Cooranbong, Australia, in 1900. It gives us a good understanding of one of the things that we are to “see” once our eyes have been anointed with holy eye salve.

“In April, 1900, a holiday was appointed at the Avondale school for Christian workers. The program for the day provided for a meeting in the chapel in the morning, at which I and others addressed the students, calling their attention to what God had wrought in the building up of this school, and to their privilege and opportunities as students.

“After the meeting, the remainder of the day was spent by the students in various games and sports, some of which were frivolous, rude, and grotesque.

“During the following night I seemed to be witnessing the performances of the afternoon. The scene was clearly laid out before me, and I was given a message for the manager and teachers of the school.

“I was shown that in the amusements carried on at the school that afternoon the enemy gained a victory, and teachers were weighed in the balances and found wanting. I was greatly distressed and burdened to think that those standing in responsible positions should open the door and, as it were, invite the enemy in; for this they did in permitting the exhibitions that took place. As teachers, they should have stood firm against giving place to the enemy in any such line. By what they permitted they marred their record and grieved the Spirit of God. The students were encouraged in a course the effects of which were not easily effaced. There is no end to the path of vain amusements, and every step taken in it is a step in a path which Christ has not traveled.

“This introduction of wrong plans was the very thing that should have been jealously guarded against. The Avondale school was established, not to be like the schools of the world, but, as God revealed, to be a pattern school. And since it was to be a pattern school, those in charge of it should have perfected everything after God’s plan, discarding all that was not in harmony with His will. Had their eyes been anointed with the heavenly eye salve, they would have realized that they could not permit the exhibition that took place that afternoon, without dishonoring God.” Op. cit., 348, 349

If they had understood what they were permitting, if they had had the anointing of the heavenly eye salve, they could have avoided allowing activities that grieved the Spirit of God. They would have been able to discern that the conduct that went on that afternoon was contrary to God’s will. In short, they would have been able to distinguish error in even its most subtle and disguised form.

This spiritual discernment of subtly-disguised evil is perhaps one of the most important things that the application of heavenly eye salve enables us to accomplish.

Another ability granted by this anointing is explained in the following passage:

“Discussions may be entered into by mortals strenuously advocating creature merit, and each man striving for the supremacy, but they simply do not know that all the time, in principle and character, they are misrepresenting the truth as it is in Jesus. They are in a fog of bewilderment. They need the divine love of God which is represented by gold tried in the fire; they need the white raiment of Christ’s pure character; and they need the heavenly eye salve that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life.” Faith and Works, 23

Here is the second thing that the eye salve of spiritual discernment enables us to perceive: that creature merit or believing that I or any other creature has inherent or innate or acquired worthiness, is totally false. It is Christ’s merit alone, acquired by faith, that offers the believer safe passage to Canaan.

The third thing that heavenly eye salve does for us: It gives us a clear vision of the narrow way that we are to tread—the path that leads directly to Canaan, as explained in the following statement.

“Those who think that they can receive the blessing of God at this meeting [a council meeting in Michigan] without humiliation of self will go away just as they came. They will have as much perplexity as they had before. But, brethren and sisters, we cannot afford this. Let us humble our hearts before God. Let us allow Christ to anoint our eyes with the heavenly eye salve that we may see. We do not want to be blind; we want to see everything distinctly. We do not want to be marching one day toward Canaan, and the next day back to Egypt, and the next day toward Canaan, and then back to Egypt again. Day by day we are to march steadily forward. It makes my heart ache, it fills me with the keenest sorrow, to think of the precious blessings we are losing because we are so far behind the light.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Book 2, 727

The fourth thing that the application of heavenly eye salve does for our spiritual vision is it enables us to distinguish between truth and error. “The eye salve, [is] the power of clear discernment between good and evil … .” Our High Calling, 351

It is explained in more detail in this passage:

“Christian strength is obtained by serving the Lord faithfully. [We] should realize that to be one with Christ is the highest honor to which [we] can attain. By the strictest fidelity [we] should strive for moral independence, and this independence [we] should maintain against every influence that may try to turn [us] from righteous principles. Stronger minds may, yes, they will, make assertions that have no foundation in truth. Let the heavenly eye salve be applied to the eyes of your understanding, that you may distinguish between truth and error. Search the word; and when you find a ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ take your stand.” My Life Today, 73

A fifth blessing given by application of spiritual eye salve is the ability to discern the “indications of the divine will,” enabling us to walk the narrow way without becoming confused by erroneous winds of doctrine that are blowing with more and more frequency as we approach the end of time.

“Whatever path God chooses for us, whatever way He ordains for our feet, that is the only path of safety. We are daily to cherish a spirit of childlike submission, and pray that our eyes may be anointed with the heavenly eye salve in order that we may discern the indications of the divine will, lest we become confused in our ideas, because our will seems to be all-controlling. With the eye of faith, with childlike submission as obedient children, we must look to God, to follow His guidance, and difficulties will clear away. The promise is, ‘I will instruct thee and teach thee … : I will guide thee with Mine eye’ (Psalm 32:8).” Our Father Cares, 134

Closely akin to the fifth blessing is the sixth: the ability to discern the wondrous providences of God.

“Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all who have true faith. Shall we not anoint our eyes with eye salve, that we may discern the wondrous things here brought before us? Why do we not with persevering earnestness, work out this prayer, advancing onward and upward, reaching the standard of holiness? We are laborers together with God, and we must work in harmony with one another and with God, ‘for it is God which worketh in … [us] both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ (Philippians 2:13).” Ibid., 260

The ability to “see all things in the light of God’s word” is the seventh blessing that the application of eye salve provides.

“A deceiving crookedness is discernible in the minds of those whose eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eye salve that they may see all things in the light of God’s word. The will becomes enslaved, bound to pursue a course which the word of God will not justify.” Ibid., 268

The depth of meaning in the following passage, which details our eighth blessing, is from Our High Calling, 315, and requires a bit of analysis to fully comprehend the ninth blessing.

“The worker for God often regards the activities of life as essential to the advancement of the work. Self is mingled with all that is said and done. … The worker looks upon himself as a necessity. God says, ‘This poor soul has lost sight of Me and My sufficiency. I must cast My light and My vitalizing power into his heart. I must prepare him to receive truth by anointing him with the heavenly eye salve. He sees too many things. His eye is not fastened on Me.’ ”

First, God says that the application of eye salve enables us to perceive the truth, but then He adds that by perceiving the truth, our vision will be focused on God. When we perceive God with the aid of heavenly eye salve, we understand His loving character more and more.

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15

As we seek to advance the cause of truth, the use of eye salve is essential so that our “spiritual eyes are anointed with holy eye salve, that they may discern clearly what will be for the advancement, not the detriment, of the cause.” Publishing Ministry, 225. Clear spiritual vision will enable us to be effective workers as we seek to hasten the end of Satan’s rule and the return of our Lord and Saviour.

A common theme in the counsel we are given in the Spirit of Prophecy regarding studying sacred and inspired writings is to “mine” for hidden gems.

“Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No halfhearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young, not only to read God’s word, but to study it with wholehearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded, for Christ will quicken the understanding.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 111

Thus we have the tenth benefit of the application of holy eye salve: “When our eyes are anointed with the holy eye salve, we shall be able to detect the precious gems of truth, even though they may be buried beneath the surface.” Reflecting Christ, 111

The eleventh and last benefit we will look at is enabling us to distinguish the true from the counterfeit.

“It would be surprising if there were not some, who, not being well-balanced in mind, have spoken and acted indiscreetly; for whenever and wherever the Lord works in giving a genuine blessing, a counterfeit is also revealed, in order to make of none effect the true work of God. Therefore we need to be exceedingly careful and walk humbly before God, that we may have spiritual eye salve that we may distinguish the working of the Holy Spirit of God from the working of that spirit that would bring in wild license and fanaticism.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 142

In one sense, even though there may be subtle or situational differences between these eleven points, all can be lumped together by recognizing that the heavenly eye salve simply gives us the ability to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, the leadings of God from the deceptions of Satan, the real from the counterfeit, to distinguish between good and evil. Given that, we can easily recognize that the application and use of eye salve is essential in our Christian walk. Therefore it is also essential that we recognize what this eye salve is and how to obtain it. Inspiration clearly tells us.

“The eye is the sensitive conscience, the inner light, of the mind. Upon its correct view of things the spiritual healthfulness of the whole soul and being depends. The ‘eye salve,’ the word of God, makes the conscience smart under its application, for it convicts of sin. But the smarting is necessary that the healing may follow, and the eye be single to the glory of God.” Our High Calling, 350

We see, then, that the eye salve is the word of God. Indeed, we do not need to “buy” it. It is a free gift. And when we study that word, we are applying the heavenly balm to our thinking, our reasoning, our understanding, so that we may have the clear spiritual vision that the Lord wants all of His children to have.

Note: In the Spirit of Prophecy, our subject word is written eye salve, eyesalve, and eye-salve. For consistency, we have used eye salve throughout this article.

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

Coming of the King

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At creation God gave to man a beautiful world. “And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31. This earth was to be inhabited by a loyal, happy people, whose joy and delight would be to honor and obey the Giver of all the wonderful bounties of earth, sea, and sky.

Then entered Satan, and all was changed. Through sin, man became a rebel to the government of God. The dominion of the earth was lost to him, and Satan became the ruler. Again and again has the earth been cursed as man sinks lower and lower in his service of Satan, and departs farther and farther from God.

But this condition will not always maintain. In the outcome God’s purpose will be carried out. “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:18

And although man has sinned, and the earth is cursed, yet they will be redeemed, brought back to their loyalty to God, and the first dominion will be reestablished. Through Christ the blessings of Eden will be restored. “And Thou, O Tower of the flock, the Stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.” Micah 4:8

The First Advent of Christ

The only hope of salvation for a lost race was centered in the mission of Christ to earth at the first advent. The penalty for the sins of the saved must be met, and Jesus alone had wherewith to pay the price. As one with the Father, as Creator and Lawgiver, His sacrifice alone could meet the requirements of a broken law, and man could be redeemed.

Christ, the desire of the faithful of all ages, could purchase back the lost dominion. He could restore man to the vantage ground which he had lost. With longing anticipation patriarch and prophet looked forward to the coming Messiah. This was the keynote of all their hopes.

The Second Coming of Christ

Prophets have foretold, and Christ when on earth distinctly taught, that He would again come to earth and bring redemption to His faithful people.

Before the flood, Enoch, “the seventh from Adam,” testified, “Behold, the Lord cometh … to execute judgment upon all.” Jude 14, 15. This can refer only to the second coming of Christ.

In the depths of affliction, Job looks down the ages to the coming of the Lord, the resurrection and final deliverance, and exclaims, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.” Job 19:25–27

Of the final rescue of this world from the thrall of sin and Satan, the inspired David sings, “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.” Psalm 96:11–13

In glowing words, the prophet Isaiah tells of the joy of the saints as they catch a glimpse of their Lord coming in the clouds. They exclaim, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9

Just before the crucifixion the Saviour comforted the disciples with the promise, “In My Father’s house are many mansions. … I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3

And as the sorrowful disciples stood with uplifted eyes striving to discern the form of their Lord as the cloud “received Him out of their sight,” two men in white apparel appeared by their side, and said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9, 11

How will He come? In answer to the question of the disciples as recorded in Matthew 24, our Saviour said, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” Verse 4. This certainly indicates that there will be a great deception abroad in regard to the second coming of Christ.

No event which ever has transpired, or ever will take place in this world, is so offensive and hateful to Satan as the second coming of Christ. At that time our Lord will come to break Satan’s hold upon this world, and redeem the faithful and true. Then will be destroyed forever the power of the enemy. Hence every deception which he can use will be employed to deceive the world as to the nature and importance of this great event.

To meet the popular belief that the second coming of Christ occurs at death, at conversion, or in any other than the literal way, He says, “As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Verse 27

To the spiritualist, who proclaims that Christ has come in the private seance; to those who claim that the senseless jargon of Christian Science is the second advent of Christ; to all the pretenders in all time who claim to be Christ, the apostle John says, “Behold, He cometh with clouds [of holy angels]; and every eye shall see Him.” Revelation 1:7

And our Saviour warns us, “If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” Matthew 24:23–26

No one will be left to question and doubt when our Saviour really appears. John describes His appearance when He returns to earth: “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. … And His name is called The Word of God.” (See John 1:1.) “And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:12, 13, 16. He is not then the lowly man of Calvary, but the King coming to His kingdom.

Yes, Jesus is coming again. And while this fact rouses the hate and fury of Satan, and is a source of uneasiness and terror to the unprepared, it is the theme of joy and rejoicing to the few who “love His appearing.” Paul writes, “Unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28

The apostle says that our Lord will come with salvation “unto them that look for Him.” Jesus said, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:37. When Jesus comes, all who are thus watching will swell the glad shout of victory, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” Isaiah 25:9

But the wicked will not be able to endure the glory of Jesus as He comes to earth. They will hide themselves “in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” They will call to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the glory of the face of Jesus. (See Revelation 6:15, 16.)

Can we know the time of His coming? Our Saviour said, “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36

No, the day and hour have not been revealed, and hence all who set a definite time for the Lord to come are sure to be mistaken. But are we left in absolute uncertainty? The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew gives us many signs which mark as near at hand the day of His appearing. To the student of prophecy He says, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:33. Then comes the watching period. Then comes the time of waiting for our Lord. We do well to study our Saviour’s great second advent prophecy.

But the question is asked, “Does not Paul say that ‘the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night?’ ” Yes, and he also says that some will say, “ ‘Peace and safety,’ there is no danger that the Lord will come in our day.” But this is a dangerous position for any to occupy, for Paul says of such that “sudden destruction cometh upon them, … and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3

But there is no need for any to be overtaken unprepared. We may understand and know when the Lord “is near, even at the door.” The waymarks are plain and the mileposts are sure. For Paul adds, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” Verses 4, 5

Jesus is coming soon. Paul, writing to those who are looking for and expecting the Lord, said, “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37

When Jesus comes, He will bring the reward to the righteous. In the last chapter of the Bible, addressed to those in the last days, our Saviour says, by the mouth of John, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12

Past, Present, and Future, James E. White, ©1909, 416–423

[All Scripture taken from the King James Version.]

The Possibility – That People Think is Impossible

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Would you like your character to be like Jesus Christ’s character? People say “that is impossible,” but God says it is possible and that it will happen to all of His children because “we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2

“God has called His people to glory and virtue, and these will be manifest in the lives of all who are truly connected with Him. Having become partakers of the heavenly gift, they are to go on unto perfection, being ‘kept by the power of God through faith.’ ” 1 Peter 1:5. … [W]hen they plead His [Christ’s] unfailing promises, and claim them as their own, when with an importunity that will not be denied they seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him.” The Acts of the Apostles, 530

“None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through cooperation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory.

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. … The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. …

“The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man’s sanctification, and man is to co-operate with Him, putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. … Gladly He grants them the blessings they need in their struggle against the evils that beset them.” Ibid, 532, 533

The Plan of Redemption

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April 21 – 27, 2024

Key Text

“For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Study Help: Early Writings, 149–153; Patriarchs and Prophets, 63–70

Introduction

“As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. … As soon as Adam sinned, the Son of God presented Himself as surety for the human race.” The Faith I Live By, 75

Sunday

1 GOD’S PROVISION IN OUR BEHALF

1.a. Since when has fallen humanity had a Saviour? Revelation 13:8. How is God able to consider Christ as having already died for them from the foundation of the world? Romans 4:17, last part

Note: “The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63

1.b.  Why was no one except the Son of God able to redeem the fallen race? Isaiah 43:11; John 14:6; Acts 4:12

Note: “Only one equal with God could make atonement for its [the law’s] transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into harmony with heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63

1.c. Why did Christ have to die for us? Hebrews 9:22; Ephesians 1:7

Note: “To many it has been a mystery why so many sacrificial offerings were required in the old dispensation, why so many bleeding victims were led to the altar. … In every bleeding sacrifice was typified ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ John 1:29.” Our High Calling, 47

Monday

2 THE PLAN OF SALVATION ANNOUNCED

2.a. What did our first parents understand when they heard the sentence pronounced upon Satan? Genesis 3:15

Note: “God declares: ‘I will put enmity.’ This enmity is not naturally entertained. When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists naturally no enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through apostasy. The apostate is never at rest, except as he obtains sympathy and support by inducing others to follow his example. For this reason fallen angels and wicked men unite in desperate companionship.” The Great Controversy, 505

“ ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.’ This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 65, 66

2.b.      Upon what was the plan of salvation established? John 3:16

Note: “The time came that a change must be made, or the image of God would be wholly obliterated from the hearts of the beings He had created. All heaven watched the movements of God with intense interest. Would He once more manifest His wrath? Would He destroy the world by fire? The angels thought that the time had come to strike the blow of justice, when, lo, to their wondering vision was unveiled the plan of salvation. Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! God sent His only begotten Son into the world to save the world! Amazing grace! ‘Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’

“God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Outraged justice might have passed speedy sentence upon man. But in love and mercy God gave him another opportunity.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 569, 570

2.c. To how many is the plan of salvation made available? 1 John 2:2; Revelation 22:17; 2 Peter 3:9

Tuesday

3 GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE

3.a. How does the psalmist convey the reality of God’s foreknowledge of every human being? Psalm 139:1–4

3.b.  What does the apostle Paul mean when he says, “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 2 Timothy 2:19? Give examples: Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15

3.c. How did God reveal His foreknowledge concerning Esau and Jacob? Genesis 25:23

Note: “God knows the end from the beginning. He knew, before the birth of Jacob and Esau, just what characters they would both develop. He knew that Esau would not have a heart to obey Him. He answered the troubled prayer of Rebekah and informed her that she would have two children, and the elder should serve the younger. He presented the future history of her two sons before her, that they would be two nations, the one greater than the other, and the elder should serve the younger. The firstborn was entitled to peculiar advantages and special privileges, which belonged to no other members of the family.” The Story of Redemption, 87

3.d.  In what sense is everyone predestined for salvation? Ephesians 1:3–6, 11, 12. Why, then, will anyone be lost? John 3:18, 36; 6:37

Note: “God wills that all men should be saved; for ample provision has been made, in giving His only begotten Son to pay man’s ransom. Those who perish will perish because they refuse to be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus. The pride of man hinders him from accepting the provisions of salvation. But human merit will not admit a soul into the presence of God. That which will make a man acceptable to God is the imparted grace of Christ through faith in His name. No dependence can be placed in works or in happy flights of feelings as evidence that men are chosen of God; for the elect are chosen through Christ. …

“When the repenting sinner comes to Christ, conscious of his guilt and unworthiness, realizing that he is deserving of punishment, but relying on the mercy and love of Christ, he will not be turned away.” Our High Calling, 78

Wednesday

4 ONGOING ACCOUNTABILITY

4.a. Where are our names written when we turn from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God? Luke 10:20. Where are our actions recorded? Philippians 4:3

Note: “All who choose Christ’s kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind.” The Desire of Ages, 313

4.b Explain why the doctrine “once-saved-always-saved” is in conflict with the Bible. 1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 6:4–6; Revelation 3:5

Note: “When we become children of God, our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and they remain there until the time of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individual will be called, and his record examined by Him who declares, ‘I know thy works.’ If in that day it shall appear that all our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand against us.” The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1885

4.c  What is required of those who have been called and elected? Matthew 24:13; 2 Peter 1:1–11

Note: “Every soul is to strive with ‘all diligence’ to add constantly to his spiritual attainments, strengthening every grace, increasing in efficiency that he may grow in usefulness and holiness, as a fruit-bearing tree in the Lord’s garden. He is to be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. True religion leads to the cultivation of the gifts that make a man more precious in God’s sight than the gold of Ophir.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 943

Thursday

5 THE ETERNAL PURPOSES OF GOD

5.a By what name is the plan of redemption called in the Bible? Romans 16:25, 26; Colossians 1:26, 27

Note: “God had a knowledge of the events of the future, even before the creation of the world. He did not make His purposes to fit circumstances, but He allowed matters to develop and work out. He did not work to bring about a certain condition of things, but He knew that such a condition would exist. The plan that should be carried out upon the defection of any of the high intelligences of heaven—this is the secret, the mystery which has been hid from ages.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1082

5.b How do we know that the door of probation will not remain open forever, and that there will come a time when there will be no second chance for unrepentant sinners? Revelation 10:6, 7. Compare Luke 13:23–25; 17:28–30

Note: “The gospel dispensation is the last period of probation that will ever be granted to men. Those who live under this dispensation of test and trial and yet are not led to repent and obey will perish with the disloyal. There is no second trial.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 971, 972

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Since redemption is through the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14), how were God’s faithful servants saved before the cross of Calvary?

2    What was the first gospel message preached to Adam and Eve?

3    Give examples revealing the foreknowledge of God.

4    What do you know about the book of life?

5    What is “the mystery which hath been hid from ages”? Colossians 1:26

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

The Creation and Fall of Humanity

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April 14 – 20, 2024

Key Text

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 44–62

Introduction

“Satan exulted in his success. He had now tempted the woman to distrust God, to question His wisdom, and to seek to penetrate His all wise plans. And through her he had also caused the overthrow of Adam.” The Story of Redemption, 38

Sunday

1 THE CREATION OF HUMANITY

1.a. What was God’s purpose in creating the human family? Genesis 1:26–28

Note: “God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human family might become one with the heavenly family. It was God’s purpose to repopulate heaven with the human family, if they would show themselves obedient to His every word.” God’s Amazing Grace, 344

1.b.  Even though our first parents were created in God’s image, why did they have to be tested? Genesis 2:16, 17; Isaiah 43:7

Note: “Adam was to be tested to see whether he would be obedient, as the loyal angels, or disobedient. If he stood the test, his instruction to his children would have been only of loyalty. His mind and thoughts would have been as the mind and thoughts of God.” God’s Amazing Grace, 344

Monday

2 THE TEMPTATION AND FALL

2.a. What simple test did God give to Adam and Eve to see whom they would believe—God the Creator or Satan the deceiver? Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:1–5

Note: “Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator’s law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned, could not spare them; transgression would forfeit His gifts and bring upon them misery and ruin.

“The angels warned them to be on their guard against the devices of Satan, for his efforts to ensnare them would be unwearied. While they were obedient to God the evil one could not harm them; for, if need be, every angel in heaven would be sent to their help. If they steadfastly repelled his first insinuations, they would be as secure as the heavenly messengers. But should they once yield to temptation, their nature would become so depraved that in themselves they would have no power and no disposition to resist Satan.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 53

2.b.  Which commandment of God’s law did Adam and Eve transgress by believing and obeying Satan? Exodus 20:3. How did their transgression affect all their descendants? Romans 3:23; 5:12, 19

Note: “How attentively the angels listened to the words of Satan, the originator of sin, as he placed his own ideas above the commands of God and sought to make of none effect the law of God through his deceptive reasoning! How anxiously they waited to see if the holy pair would be deluded by the tempter and yield to his arts. They asked themselves, Will the holy pair transfer their faith and love from the Father and Son to Satan?” The Signs of the Times, May 12, 1890

“Adam was endowed with a nature pure and sinless, but he fell because he listened to the suggestions of the enemy. His posterity became depraved; by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 2, 1898

Tuesday

3 WORTHLESS ARTIFICIAL COVERING

3.a. As soon as their eyes were opened, what did Adam and Eve realize? And what did they do? Genesis 3:7

Note: “The love and peace which had been theirs was gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future, a nakedness of soul. The robe of light which had enshrouded them, now disappeared, and to supply its place they endeavored to fashion for themselves a covering; for they could not, while unclothed, meet the eye of God and holy angels.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 57

3.b.  Describe the spiritual condition of humanity since the Fall. Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10–18

Note: “Through sin the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted. Sin has degraded the faculties of the soul. Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart, and the feet turn imperceptibly toward evil.” Maranatha, 91

3.c. Nevertheless, how are many still trying to cover their spiritual nakedness? Proverbs 30:12; Luke 18:9–12

Note: “The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed by God in holy Eden. … This robe of light was a symbol of their spiritual garments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God it would ever have continued to enshroud them. But when sin entered, they severed their connection with God, and the light that had encircled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a covering.

“This is what the transgressors of God’s law have done ever since the day of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. They have sewed together fig leaves to cover the nakedness caused by transgression. They have worn the garments of their own devising, by works of their own they have tried to cover their sins and make themselves acceptable with God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310, 311

Wednesday

4 SELF-JUSTIFICATION

4.a. What questions did God ask Adam before pronouncing the death sentence upon him? Genesis 3:9–11

4.b.      How did Adam and Eve try to justify themselves? Genesis 3:12, 13

Note: “Adam could neither deny nor excuse his sin; but instead of manifesting penitence, he endeavored to cast the blame upon his wife, and thus upon God Himself: ‘The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.’ He who, from love to Eve, had deliberately chosen to forfeit the approval of God, his home in paradise, and an eternal life of joy, could now, after his fall, endeavor to make his companion, and even the Creator Himself, responsible for the transgression. So terrible is the power of sin.

“When the woman was asked, ‘What is this that thou hast done?’ she answered, ‘The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.’ ‘Why didst Thou create the serpent? Why didst Thou suffer him to enter Eden?’—these were the questions implied in her excuse for her sin. Thus, like Adam, she charged God with the responsibility of their fall.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 57, 58

4.c. What is the tendency of sinful men and women when their eyes are opened to their guilt? Romans 2:1–3

Note: “The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies; it was indulged by our first parents as soon as they yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessing their sins, they try to shield themselves by casting the blame upon others, upon circumstances, or upon God–making even His blessings an occasion of murmuring against Him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 58

Thursday

5 THE SENTENCE

5.a. What sentence did God pronounce upon our first parents and upon the earth? Genesis 3:16–19

Note: “So long as Adam remained loyal to heaven, all nature was in subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law, the inferior creatures were in rebellion against his rule. Thus the Lord, in His great mercy, would show men the sacredness of His law, and lead them, by their own experience, to see the danger of setting it aside, even in the slightest degree. …

“The warning given to our first parents—‘In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die’ (Genesis 2:17)—did not imply that they were to die on the very day when they partook of the forbidden fruit. But on that day the irrevocable sentence would be pronounced. Immortality was promised them on condition of obedience; by transgression they would forfeit eternal life. That very day they would be doomed to death.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 59, 60

5.b.      What did humanity lose by the Fall? Genesis 3:22–24

Note: “Had man after his fall been allowed free access to the tree of life, he would have lived forever, and thus sin would have been immortalized. But cherubim and a flaming sword kept ‘the way of the tree of life’ (Genesis 3:24), and not one of the family of Adam has been permitted to pass that barrier and partake of the life-giving fruit. Therefore there is not an immortal sinner.” The Great Controversy, 533, 534

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    On what condition do we have the privilege of taking the place of those who were expelled from heaven?

2    How were our first parents put to the test?

3    What have men and women tried to do over a period of 6,000 years?

4    Why is self-justification in wrongdoing a greater sin than disbelief and disobedience?

5    What were the immediate results of Adam’s transgression?

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

The Origin of Evil

by

April 7 – 13, 2024

Key Text

“And He said to them [the seventy], ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’ ” Luke 10:18

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 33–43; The Story of Redemption, 13–19

Introduction

“Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven.” The Great Controversy, 493

Sunday

1 THE ORIGIN OF EVIL AND SIN

1.a. Who was the originator of sin and evil? John 8:44; 1 John 3:8

Note: “Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, ‘son of the morning,’ was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 35

1.b. How does the Bible describe the original character of Lucifer and the sinful thoughts that arose in his mind? Ezekiel 28:15, 17

1.c. In what sense did Lucifer exalt himself? Isaiah 14:13, 14. Using the symbol of the prince of Tyre, how does Ezekiel describe Lucifer’s self-exaltation? Ezekiel 28:2

Note: “Lucifer allowed his jealousy of Christ to prevail, and became the more determined.

“To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching the wisdom and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince of angels.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 36

Monday

2 WAR IN HEAVEN

2.a. Who sided with Lucifer against God’s sovereignty? Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4

Note: “Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. They were not beings that could bring dishonor to God; all their thoughts were holy; it was no more possible for them than for God Himself to err.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 37

2.b.  Describe the result of Lucifer’s rebellion and the warning we should take from it. Revelation 12:7–9

Note: “All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father, to have each case determined. Satan unblushingly made known his dissatisfaction that Christ should be preferred before Him. He stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God and should be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes. God informed Satan, that to His Son alone He would reveal His secret purposes, and He required all the family in heaven, even Satan, to yield Him implicit, unquestioned obedience; but that he (Satan) had proved himself unworthy of a place in heaven. Then Satan exultingly pointed to his sympathizers, comprising nearly one half of all the angels, and exclaimed, ‘These are with me! Will you expel these also and make such a void in heaven?’ He then declared that he was prepared to resist the authority of Christ and to defend his place in heaven by force of might, strength against strength.” The Story of Redemption, 18

“Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 394

Tuesday

3 THE LAW OF GOD UNDER ATTACK

3.a. In that war of arguments, what was Lucifer’s false claim about God and His law? John 8:44, last part

Note: “He [Lucifer] had sought to falsify the word of God and had misrepresented His plan of government, claiming that God was not just in imposing laws upon the angels; that in requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, He was seeking merely the exaltation of Himself.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 42

“Before he was expelled from heaven, Satan had an acquaintance with God. He knew His character; but ever since then, his effort has been to misrepresent that character. It is at his suggestion that religion has been made a series of penances and mortifications, or of splendid sights and pageantries. There are many forms of religion instituted by the enemy of God, that are as Christless as was the offering of Cain.” The Signs of the Times, March 3, 1898

3.b.  What other sins were manifest in Lucifer’s early rebellion? Isaiah 14:13. Besides using self-exaltation and covetousness, what other transgression did Lucifer commit from the early phase of his rebellion? John 8:44, first part

Note: “He [Lucifer] had artfully presented his side of the question, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects. His power to deceive was very great. By disguising himself in a cloak of falsehood, he had gained an advantage. All his acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the true nature of his work.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 41

3.c. Explain why we need not be deceived by Satan’s charges against God’s law and character. Psalm 119:7–12, 18

Note: “The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments’ (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s word. ‘He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked’ (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).” The Sanctified Life, 80, 81

Wednesday

4 EXPELLED FROM HEAVEN

4.a. When Satan and his angels were expelled from heaven, where were they exiled? Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 12:9. Why was Satan exiled and not destroyed?

Note: “Even when it was decided that he could no longer remain in heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since the service of love can alone be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of other worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted from existence, they would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. Evil must be permitted to come to maturity. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages Satan must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His law might forever be placed beyond all question.

“Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages, a perpetual testimony to the nature and terrible results of sin. The working out of Satan’s rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the existence of God’s government and His law is bound up the well-being of all the creatures He has made.” The Great Controversy, 498, 499

4.b. What claim and title has Satan falsely maintained ever since he was thrown to the earth? Luke 4:6; John 14:30

Note: “When Satan declared to Christ, The kingdom and glory of the world are delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it, he stated what was true only in part, and he declared it to serve his own purpose of deception. Satan’s dominion was that wrested from Adam, but Adam was the vicegerent of the Creator. His was not an independent rule. The earth is God’s, and He has committed all things to His Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. When Adam betrayed his sovereignty into Satan’s hands, Christ still remained the rightful King.” The Desire of Ages, 129

Thursday

5 SATAN’S INFLUENCE IN THIS WORLD

5.a. What name does the Bible use to depict the spiritual and social atmosphere of Satan’s domain? Matthew 16:18; 23:15; 2 Peter 2:4, first part

5.b.  What has been the main occupation of Satan and his angels since they were hurled down to the earth? Revelation 12:9. Give an example showing how the powers of hell operate. Luke 11:24–26

Note: “Ever since his fall, Satan has worked by means of deception.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 31

“His [Satan’s] spirit now reigns in the children of disobedience. Like him they seek to break down the restraints of the law of God and promise men liberty through transgression of its precepts.” The Great Controversy, 500

5.c. What will be the outcome of the war between light and darkness? Revelation 17:14; 19:11–16

Note: “The warfare against God’s law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. …

“Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and deliver His people. Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off.” The Desire of Ages, 763

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How did Lucifer the “light bearer” become Satan the “adversary”?

2    How did he sow discontent among the angels?

3    With what sins did he begin his rebellion against God?

4    Why would it have been too early to destroy Satan when he had to be expelled from heaven?

5    How has he continued his rebellion after he was confined to this earth?

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

Bible Study God

by

The Plan of Redemption & The Sanctuary Service

March 31 – April 6, 2024

Key Text

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:2

Study Help: Testimonies, Vol. 8, 255–289

Introduction

“God always has been. He is the great I AM. … He is infinite and omnipresent. No words of ours can describe His greatness and majesty.” Medical Ministry, 92

Sunday

1 A PRACTICAL REVELATION OF GOD

1.a. How near is God to us? Acts 17:24–27; Jeremiah 23:24

1.b.  After the Exodus, God dwelt in what way among humanity so that people could see His glory and character? Exodus 25:8; Psalm 63:2. What was the name of the mountain where God’s sanctuary stood? Psalms 9:11; 76:2

1.c. What did the sanctuary service teach about God and the plan of redemption? Psalms 77:13; 68:24

Note: “The solemn service of sacrifice and worship at the sanctuary and the utterances of the prophets were a revelation of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 592

“The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system—the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world.” Education, 47

1.d.  How did King David feel when he looked up to the place of the sanctuary in Jerusalem? Psalms 122:1; 134:3

Monday

2 THE SANCTUARY’S PURPOSE

2.a. Why did God ask for Israel to build Him a sanctuary? Exodus 25:8

Note: “From a race of slaves the Israelites had been exalted above all peoples to be the peculiar treasure of the King of kings. God had separated them from the world, that He might commit to them a sacred trust. He had made them the depositaries of His law, and He purposed, through them, to preserve among men the knowledge of Himself. Thus the light of heaven was to shine out to a world enshrouded in darkness, and a voice was to be heard appealing to all peoples to turn from their idolatry to serve the living God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 314

“God commanded Moses for Israel, ‘Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them’ (Exodus 25:8), and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people. Through all their weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of His presence was with them.” The Desire of Ages, 23

2.b.  On what condition could God’s people dwell, by faith, in His sanctuary? Psalm 15:1–5. What assurance was theirs? Psalm 91:1–9. What assurance do we have as a steadfast anchor for the soul? Hebrews 6:19, 20; 10:19, 20

Note: “To Israel, whom He [God] desired to make His dwelling place, He revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai. …

“But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The revelation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness. Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice, was to teach—the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience unto life.” Education, 35, 36

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

Tuesday

3 GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE

3.a. Through whom does God dwell with each one of His servants? Isaiah 57:15; 66:1, 2; John 14:16, 17, 23. What is His condition for dwelling in us?

Note: “The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense, He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.” The Desire of Ages, 669

“If we know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, unspeakable gladness will come to the soul. Oh, how we need the divine presence! For the baptism of the Holy Spirit every worker should be breathing out his prayer to God. Companies should be gathered together to call upon God for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that the people of God may know how to plan and devise and execute the work.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 170

3.b.  How do the apostles Paul and John present the condition on which we may have the presence of God with us? 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 1 John 3:24

Note: “In the human heart, cleansed from all moral impurity, dwells the precious Saviour, ennobling, sanctifying the whole nature, and making the man a temple for the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 387, 388

“This is the test; the proof of our love is that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. ‘He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings.’ ‘He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.’ Here is a promise on condition. Shall we not rationally conclude that why the church has so little of the realizing sense of the presence of God, is their indifference to do the things He has specified, and they are giving to the world a misrepresentation of the character of Christ.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1037

Wednesday

4 GOD’S MANIFESTATIONS

4.a. Since no human being has ever seen God the Father, what are we to realize about our need of Christ’s revelation? John 1:18

Note: “What speech is to thought, so is Christ to the invisible Father. He is the manifestation of the Father, and is called the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity clothed with humanity, that man might bear the image of the invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His character.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1131

4.b.  What is promised to the pure in heart? Matthew 5:8. How should this affect our life in a practical way?

Note: “The pure in heart discern the Creator in the works of His mighty hand, in the things of beauty that comprise the universe. In His written word, they read in clearer lines the revelation of His mercy, His goodness, and His grace. The truths that are hidden from the wise and prudent are revealed to babes. The beauty and preciousness of truth, which are undiscerned by the worldly-wise, are constantly unfolding to those who have a trusting, childlike desire to know and to do the will of God. We discern the truth by becoming, ourselves, partakers of the divine nature.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 26, 27

“The pure in heart shall see God. His presence can be revealed; comprehended it cannot be. This knowledge is too wonderful for us. There are feelings that cannot be communicated. Some things one cannot say. Words are tame, and our thoughts come far short of taking all in; for there is an infinity beyond our thoughts.

“If we are to be colaborers with God, we must hold direct communion with Him: we must ask His guidance in everything we undertake.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 381

Thursday

5 WHAT IS GOD LIKE?

5.a. What is the character of God like? Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Peter 1:16

5.b. What other attributes belong to God’s character? Exodus 34:6; 1 John 4:8

 5.c. God’s throne is established upon what principles? Psalm 89:14. What is round about God’s throne? Revelation 4:3. Explain how justice and mercy go together in the plan of God. Psalm 85:10

 Note: “It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; men could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God.

“It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world’s Redeemer and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, ‘Thy greatness hath made me great’ (2 Samuel 22:36).” God’s Amazing Grace, 70

5.d.  What is the evidence that God created not only angels but also humans with free will? Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15

Note: “He [God] takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 34

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Where does God want to dwell right now?

2    What condition does God require in His “temple” before He will dwell there?

3    Do we reflect the characteristics of God revealed in the sanctuary?

4    How can we see God?

5    Describe the character of God. How can we prove from the Bible that men and women were created free moral agents?

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