Judy Hallingstad

Food – Parsnip, A Cousin of the Carrot

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The parsnip’s unique flavor comes after the first frost, when the vegetable is still in the ground. Many times the parsnip is harvested before the first frost and thus loses that unique flavor.

“Parsnips look like an anemic version of their cousin, the carrot. The parsnip’s starchy root, however, is one of the most nourishing in the whole carrot family. This starch is converted to sugar whenever the root is exposed to the frost. Parsnip isn’t a common vegetable anymore, even though most of us have heard of it. … Refrigerated in a plastic bag, parsnips keep for nearly a month.

“Fatigue Fighter and Cleanser. Imagine a food so highly concentrated with energy-giving properties that it is a remarkable internal cleansing agent as well. Such a one is parsnip, which is loaded with more food energy than most of our common vegetables except potatoes, yet is a relatively strong diuretic for helping to remove toxins from the body.

“A diet of parsnips, steamed or baked for lunch and dinner for at least a week, becomes an extremely valuable cleansing agent and has even assisted in getting rid of some stones in the kidneys and bladder. Parsnips in the diet once a day or at least every other day is very useful for strengthening those who have hypoglycemia or are just recently recovering from serious illness or surgery or both. [Emphasis author’s.]

“Save the juice left from cooked parsnips and drink a glass morning and evening for up to 6 weeks to get rid of gallstones. This is an old remedy from colonial America, which was introduced by the renowned eighteenth-century religious reformer the Reverend John Wesley.” Heinerman’s New Encyclopedia of Fruits & Vegetables, page 338, by Parker Publishing Company, Inc. 1995.

Small, tender parsnips may be peeled, grated and put into salads. Parsnips are best roasted in the oven, although many like them steamed and mashed like potatoes. You can add them to soups and stews near the end of the cooking time. Peeled and pared parsnips will turn dark when exposed to the air, so cook them right away or hold them in water with lemon juice added. Parsnips may also be substituted for carrots in most recipes.

Recipe
Carrot-Parsnip Mash
6 medium peeled parsnips ½ tsp. salt, optional
6 medium carrots, washed or peeled
Place peeled parsnips and carrots in a pot of water. Bring to boil and simmer until tender. Drain, mash and season. Or, in the alternative: You may cut parsnips and carrots into chunks, boil and drain. Or cook parsnips with potatoes and mash together when done.

 

Children’s Story – Cornelia’s Jewels

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Once upon a time in the city of Rome lived a noble woman whose name was Cornelia. She lived more than one hundred years before Jesus was born. Cornelia had two fine sons. The name of the older boy was Tiberius Gracchus. The younger boy’s name was Caius Gracchus. Their father, whose name was also Tiberius Gracchus, was one of the leading men in Rome. When the boys were quite young, their father died.

The father’s death was a terrible blow to Cornelia. But she was brave, as well as beautiful and cultured. In those days, the noble ladies of Rome wore beautiful dresses and expensive jewels. Cornelia was not as rich as many of the ladies she knew, but she was a sensible woman. She willingly went without jewels and expensive clothes. She would rather spend her money to educate her sons. She made up her mind that her sons should have the best education that Rome could give. She wanted them to become good, useful men.

Cornelia had many friends, and she enjoyed having her friends visit her. Even kings often sat at her table. She was a charming hostess, and her friends were happy to come to her house and be her guests. Cornelia never talked about her sorrows or how hard it was to raise her sons without her husband to help her. Her wonderful cheerfulness and gentle courtesy made her greatly loved by everyone.

One bright morning, a lady friend came to visit Cornelia. She was beautifully dressed. She wore lovely pearls and flashing diamonds. Cornelia was simply dressed in a plain white robe. No rings or necklaces glittered on her fingers or about her neck. Instead of flashing jewels in her hair, her long, soft hair was gathered up in brown braids that crowned her head. She took her friend for a walk among the flowers and trees in her beautiful garden.

Cornelia’s sons, Tiberius and Caius, were standing in the vine-covered summer house. They were looking at their mother and her friend.

“Isn’t our mother’s friend a handsome lady?” said Caius to Tiberius. “She looks like a queen.”

“She is not half as beautiful as our mother,” replied Tiberius who was nine years older than his little brother. “She has a fine dress, but her face is not so noble and kind as our mother’s is. It is our mother who is like a queen.”

“You’re right,” answered the younger boy. “No woman in Rome looks as much like a queen as does our mother.”

Soon Cornelia came down the garden path to speak to the boys. She looked into her sons’ proud eyes with a loving smile. “Boys,” she said, “I have something to tell you.”

They bowed before her as Roman boys were taught to do.

“What is it, Mother?” they asked.

“When you come home from school today, you are to dine with us here in the garden.”

Again they bowed as politely as if their mother really were a queen. Then they left the garden and went to school.

While they were gone, Cornelia’s friend opened a wonderful little box of jewels that she had brought. She wanted to show them to Cornelia. Carefully, she picked up first one shining jewel and then another. She showed Cornelia their beautiful colors. She told her of their great value. There were diamonds and pearls and rubies and many other kinds of gems. They were indeed beautiful.

At last she looked up at Cornelia and said, “Is it true, Cornelia, that you have no jewels? Is it true, as I have heard, that you are too poor to own them?”

Just then, Tiberius and Caius came in from school.

“No, I am not poor,” answered the fond mother as she drew her two boys to her side. “Here are my jewels! They are worth more than all the expensive gems you have shown me.”

Tiberius and Caius Gracchus grew to be great men in Rome. They stood for what they knew was right. They tried to pass laws that would help the poor. Tiberius helped the common people find comfortable homes. Caius helped them to be able to buy enough food so they wouldn’t go hungry. They both worked hard to make Rome a better place to live. And that is why the world still likes to hear the story of Cornelia’s “jewels.”

Storytime, Character-building Stories for Children, 48, 49.

Health – The Immune System

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We can hinder our immune system by having a bad lifestyle, or we can help our immune system by having a good lifestyle.

The special work of our immune system is to keep our bodies healthy. If two individuals visit in the home of a mutual friend suffering from a cold, and the following day one individual comes down with a cold, but the other does not, it is because the healthy individual’s immune system was high and was able to fight off the cold, whereas the other person’s immune system was low and could not fight off the cold.

Here are a few of the many, many things that can lower our immune system: eating the wrong foods; not drinking enough water; not getting enough sleep; not getting enough exercise; not getting enough sunshine; breathing poor quality air; being intemperate in any area; living with guilt, fear, hatred, or other negative emotions, and not taking your problems to God; using drugs; eating between meals; not keeping warm; living in unsanitary conditions; working in a very noisy atmosphere. As you can readily see, the list could go on and on … .

To keep our immune system up, we have to have a clean, free flowing blood stream. There are many different types of blood cells in our body. Red blood cells comprise a third of all the cells in the human body, about 20 trillion in the average adult. White blood cells are larger but less numerous than red cells, and there are approximately 20 million in the adult body. The white blood cells are the ones that play a major role in our body’s immune system, and are sometimes referred to as our warrior cells; they are responsible for apprehending and eliminating foreign substances.

While red cells are buoyed along like cargo rafts as the heart pumps the serum, white cells function more like patrol boats. Under their own locomotion, they can change direction to go after an invading molecule or cell. Whenever the body has an infection or any problem, internally or externally, the white blood cells will multiply rapidly. You may have three to five times as many of them in the blood stream during infection as you would have under normal conditions. If you had an infected cut, they accumulate at the point of infection like an army to fight the invaders.

At the sight of the infection, where the battle is raging, there is heat, redness, swelling, and pain. This is called inflammation and may result in the formation of yellow pus. This pus is made up mainly of dead white cells, living and dead germs, and broken down tissue. When the pus is cleared away, healing takes place. Poor health habits can hinder our white blood cells from doing their job. Let me share a few of these with you.

Watch out! Eating sugar lowers the immune system!

Eating sugar will paralyze and hinder your white blood cells from fighting off an infection. … One who eats sugar is lowering his immune system by paralyzing his white blood cells so that the body cannot properly fight off the cold.

Not drinking enough water lowers the immune system.

A normal sized adult needs two quarts of pure soft water daily. Those who do not drink enough water will have problems with constipation, which causes a backing up of waste materials in the body. Not drinking enough water causes the blood to become thicker and this slows down the circulation throughout the whole body, thus raising the blood pressure. Insufficient water causes many health problems such as kidney and bladder problems, skin eruption, eye problems, and similar troubles. These problems will put an overload on the body, indirectly weakening it and lowering the immune system.

Lack of sunshine will lower the immune system.

Sunlight increases the production and stimulates the activity of the white blood cells. These cells in turn produce more antibodies and interferons to circulate throughout the body. The net effect is that the individual’s defenses against disease are greatly strengthened with exposure to sunshine.

Eating meat lowers the immune system.

Eating meat lowers the immune system because the meat has a large amount of waste materials in it that the animal was unable to eliminate when it was slaughtered. This waste material eventually enters the blood stream, causing extra work for the white blood cells since they have to destroy all the harmful bacteria and other toxic substances introduced by eating meat.

Consuming the flesh of dead animals also puts an overload on the kidneys, liver, colon, and many other organs in the body. It is a well known fact that vegetarians have a lower red blood cell count than do meat eaters. They also have a lower white blood cell count because of their stronger immune system. The vegetarian doesn’t need as many white blood cells because he is not consuming meat which contains large amounts of waste materials which would require additional white blood cells. …

Ways to build the immune system:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Exercise in the sunshine and fresh air
  • Get the proper amount of rest
  • Be temperate and trust in God

Conclusion

If you faithfully follow these few guidelines I have just covered I can promise you that you will be helping your body to have a strong immune system which will, in turn, add time and joy to your life.

Adapted from Natural Medicine, Jerry Hoover, N.D., pp 219–225.

Question & Answer – How Does the Salt Lose its “flavor” (Matthew 5:13)?

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“The savor [flavor] of the salt represents the vital power of the Christian—the love of Jesus in the heart, the righteousness of Christ pervading the life. The love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. If it is dwelling in us, it will flow out to others. We shall come close to them till their hearts are warmed by our unselfish interest and love. The sincere believers diffuse vital energy, which is penetrating and imparts new moral power to the souls for whom they labor. It is not the power of the man himself, but the power of the Holy Spirit that does the transforming work.

“Jesus added the solemn warning: ‘If the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men’ (Luke 14:34).

“… the people could see the white salt glistening in the pathways where it had been cast out because it had lost its savor and was therefore useless. … It represents the life of every soul from whom the power of the grace of God has departed and who has become cold and Christless. Whatever may be his profession, such a one is looked upon by men and angels as insipid and disagreeable. It is to such that Christ says: ‘I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth’ (Revelation 3:15, 16). …” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 36.

“When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing upon all around. It is this, and this only, that can make us the salt of the earth.” Ibid., 38.

Inspiration – Like a Grain of Mustard Seed

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In the multitude that listened to Christ’s teaching there were many Pharisees. These noted contemptuously how few of His hearers acknowledged Him as the Messiah. And they questioned with themselves how this unpretending teacher could exalt Israel to universal dominion. Without riches, power, or honor, how was He to establish the new kingdom? Christ read their thoughts and answered them:

“Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” In earthly governments there was nothing that could serve for a similitude. No civil society could afford Him a symbol. “It is like a grain of mustard seed,” He said, “which, when it is sown upon the earth, though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth, yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof” (Luke 4:30–32 RV).

The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. Its principles of development are the opposite of those that rule the kingdoms of this world. Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit represents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). In His plan of government there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience. The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be established in the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To promote righteousness they resorted to external measures. They devised methods and plans. But Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness, He counterworks error and sin.

As Jesus spoke this parable, the mustard plant could be seen far and near, lifting itself above the grass and grain, and waving its branches lightly in the air. Birds flitted from twig to twig, and sang amid the leafy foliage. Yet the seed from which sprang this giant plant was among the least of all seeds. At first it sent up a tender shoot, but it was of strong vitality, and grew and flourished until it reached its present great size. So the kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant. Compared with earthly kingdoms it appeared to be the least of all. By the rulers of this world Christ’s claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel possessed a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how widespread its influence! When Christ spoke this parable, there were only a few Galilean peasants to represent the new kingdom. Their poverty, the fewness of their numbers, were urged over and over again as a reason why men should not connect themselves with these simple-minded fishermen who followed Jesus. But the mustard seed was to grow and spread forth its branches throughout the world. When the earthly kingdoms whose glory then filled the hearts of men should perish, the kingdom of Christ would remain, a mighty and far-reaching power.

So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that is the beginning of the new life; and who can measure its results?

Not only is the growth of Christ’s kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated. For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See “Paul the aged” (Philemon 1:9), in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world’s wisdom. See him holding fast God’s word against emperor and pope, declaring, “Here I take my stand; I can not do otherwise. God be my help.” See John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ’s message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: “Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine.”

The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? The old cry is repeated, “We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends], we know not from whence he is” (John 9:29). As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are” (I Corinthians 1:26–28); “that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:5).

And in this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go to “every nation and kindred and tongue” (Revelation 14:6–14), “to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14; Revelation 18:1). And the earth shall be lightened with His glory.

Christ’s Object Lessons, 76–79.

Keys to the Storehouse – Now or Never

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The following are two statements which we really need to think on as they pertain to our spiritual preparation. Pablo Picasso stated: “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” and Benjamin Franklin said: “You may delay, but time will not.”

Today is the day to make our decisions. Tomorrow is not ours and it may never be ours.

  • “It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world.
  • It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness.
  • It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character.

‘Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts’ (Hebrews 3:15). We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. ‘But ye, brethren,’ says Paul, ‘are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief’ (I Thessalonians 5:4).

  • It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness,
  • joy out of sorrow, and
  • rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 215, 216.

We may stop our spiritual preparations, but time stops for nobody. We may slow down, but the seconds tick on and continue to pass. Are you lagging behind?

“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will

  • never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. …
  • never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. …
  • never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.

All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” Ibid., 216.

Think on the things of God today and prepare your heart for life in heaven now. Tomorrow is not yours, but today is. This moment will pass. As it passes, will it be filled with heavenly treasures that will be stored for you? Or, will it be empty and heavy with sorrows and regrets?

Heavenly Father: You have given me this day to do all to Thy glory. Help me to let go of the world and prepare for heaven. Let my thoughts be placed on heavenly things so that I may avoid all sorrows and regrets as time passes. Please continue to remind me that time stops for nobody and that I only have this moment to walk in Thy ways. Amen.

Current Events – Brexit and Prophecy

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Recorded in Daniel 2 is the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in which he saw a huge statue. This statue had a head of gold, chest of silver, loins of brass, legs of iron and feet that were iron mixed with clay. Daniel interpreted this dream, telling the king that his dynasty was the head of gold which would be followed by Media and Persia, Greece and Rome symbolized by the various metals. Then the feet were represented by a mixture of iron and clay which cannot mix well together for strength. This mixture represents the countries of Europe. Some are strong and others are weak. It is often considered that the stronger countries meddle in the affairs of the weaker countries. Old hatreds, seemingly buried for many years in the ruins of World War II, are suddenly resurfacing.

The European Union has its roots after World War II when the people realized that to have peace there must be an economic base that would not cause any rivalry or hate. Many people do not understand that religion was and remains an important ingredient in the establishment of the economic union. The president of the E. U. wrote in 2000 that he believed there must be something cultural—not economic—to hold the countries together, suggesting that the one thing held in common was loyalty to the church. Many attempts have been made to make Europe into a powerhouse – Napoleon tried without success and more recently Hitler attempted but also failed.

Britain is one of the three biggest contributors to the Union. Their departure will leave a huge vacuum at its heart. Prophecy has foretold that there will not be another united Europe and all attempts at union will fail.

Professing to know little of why the British chose to leave the Union, Pope Francis made this comment:

“Give more independence, give greater freedom to the countries of the Union. Think of another form of union, be creative, something is not working in this massive Union.” He said that this current crisis did not mean “we throw out the baby with the bath water.”

In his Charlemagne speech in May, 2016, Pope Francis said that what Europe must now do is “promote an integration that finds in solidarity a way of acting, a means of making history.”

However, there was more to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. A rock, small at first, smashes the feet of iron and clay. That rock represents Jesus and His kingdom. As we see the events come to pass we have assurance that His kingdom will soon be established.

Mental Purity

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“As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

Proverbs 23:7

In a material sense man is a thinking machine. Thoughts evaporate from a healthy brain like light from a burning lamp. They flow involuntarily, and are fed from the surrounding elements in which we live. Our five senses take cognizance of such things as they come in contact with. Whatever the eye looks upon or the ear hears, sends a throb of a similar character through the brain. Profane or vile words, or obscene pictures, will leave thoughts generating in the mind that we dare not utter. Again and again they will flash upon us until the soul is corrupted or, if seeking the purity of heaven, divine help is implored to drive them away. The promise of seeing God is only to the pure in thought (Matthew 5:8).

We live in the sphere of our material surroundings. We are known by the company we keep and the books we read; but God “searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (I Chronicles 28: 9). To keep ourselves pure necessitates a total abstinence from other men’s sins, and a continual warfare against the passions of life, inflamed, as they are, by daily contact with the evil temptations around us. On the street or in public gatherings, the vulgar and profane exercise but little respect, and one is continually subjected to these annoyances. The mind is polluted, the public morals are continually being corrupted; and this generation is rapidly attaining to the condition of man as he was before the flood, when “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The advertising illustrations on placards, the public show-bills, the theatrical display of nudity, the wily schemes of Satan that meet the eye and the ear on every hand, betoken the evils of the days in which we live, and are fast ripening the tares for the harvest of God’s wrath (Matthew 13:30).

It is hardly possible to escape the sight and sound of these things, although we strictly guard our fireside and maintain pure conditions around the home circle. The only sure remedy is a strict education in moral duties, and the cleansing power of God’s Spirit:—

“Vice is a monster of so frightful mien.

As to be hated, needs but to be seen.

Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face.

We first endure, then pity, then embrace.”

The Review and Herald, June 2, 1891.

The Christian Race

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Its Course, Hindrances, and Rewards

In various places in ancient Greece, races and other tests of skill and endurance had been practiced for centuries when the Christian era opened. The most celebrated and ancient were those held quadrennially on the plain of Elis in honor of Olympian Jove, and called Olympiads. Second to these were the Isthmian games, held the first and third years of the Olympiads, near the city of Corinth, established, according to legend, in honor of Theseus after his famous victories over the enemies of Attica.

These games brought together Greeks from the different provinces, usually antagonistic and often at war in the years between. Heralds proclaimed throughout the country the truce of the gods, which put a stop to all warfare and insured a safe-conduct throughout the sacred month. The judges were carefully instructed in their duties, and the contestants trained for ten months. The latter must prove themselves free from impiety, blood-guiltiness, and grave violation of the laws, before they were allowed to enter the lists. When all preliminaries had been finished, the heralds proclaimed in the stadium, “Let the runners put their feet to the line,” and the race was on.

An Illustration

Paul, the great missionary apostle, who had visited both Athens and Corinth, must often have seen the olive-crowned victors and heard the plaudits of admiring throngs. A passage in his first letter to the church in this same city of Corinth shows his familiarity with the Isthmian games. Instead of fighting the evil through political channels, he used it as an illustration, and thus drew the thoughts of his readers away from any allurement it might possess for them, to higher things.

He draws an analogy between the games and the Christian’s course, but shows also the inevitable contrasts (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). In the epistle to the Philippian church he writes of the mark toward which he presses for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14). The writer of Hebrews also uses the same figure (Hebrews 12:1).

Essentials to Victory

Self-control in all things, perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight, and single-hearted endeavor! These are the points which both writers emphasize. We cannot lose sight of one and succeed any more than ancient or modern racers. The two points in which there is contrast rather than analogy between Christians and the gamesters are found in the Corinthian letter: they ran or fought or wrestled in emulation, one only to receive the reward, a perishable crown; we run the race in no spirit of rivalry, but rather of encouragement to others, for we can say with the great apostle, “There is laid up for me”— and not for me only —“a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). The race is open to all; and the crown bestowed at the end is not of perishable leaves, but one that is eternal and undefiled. Not only is the race open to all, but it can be entered upon at any time, and the reward is the same to him who begins it late as to his fellow who entered while the dew of his youth was still upon him. Did not our Lord teach the same lesson under a different figure in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16)? The question is not, how long have you been running, but, did you enter at the right gate, and are you proceeding toward the right goal?

There are obstacles and stumbling-blocks in the way, many and difficult; but the promises still hold good. When one who is running in the course falls by the way, he is a cause of stumbling to those who are weak, unless we and they keep our eyes fixed on the Captain of our salvation, Who went safely past all obstructions, and has promised to be our Guide even to the end.

Causes of Stumbling

Sometimes our stumbles are caused by our failure to get rid of the weights which we were commanded to drop at the beginning of the course; sometimes by looking at our fellow racers instead of at Jesus, Who led us into the course, and is waiting at the goal for us; and the great enemy of souls is ready to provide as many causes of stumbling as possible. Oftentimes it may be said, as of the tare-sown field, “An enemy hath done this” (Matthew 13:28).

He tempts us to pause and turn aside to look at the kingdoms of this world, and the glory of them; to desire place and power; to look at our companions, and flatter ourselves that we are running better than they; to hope that others are admiring us; to look back with self-gratulation to the time when we entered the race, or with discouragement and fear at the way yet before us. There is as much danger in one temptation as the other. There is no time for either. There is no time for self-admiration or the plaudits of others, and really no occasion. If we keep our eyes fixed on the Master, and remember the race He ran, there will be little enough cause for anything but shame at the progress we are making. Our feet are neither swift nor sure.

Necessary Qualifications

Let us look in detail at the necessary qualifications for a successful race, as outlined above: self-control in all things, perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight, and single-hearted endeavor.

Temperance, or self-control – for that is the meaning of the word – is placed last in the catalog of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). That is no mistake of the writer. It is not an anti-climax, but a true climax, the greatest of all placed last. It means the tempering of the whole character into something strong and true, like finely wrought steel, able to bear any strain, without bending or breaking.

Perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight! The reward is bestowed at the end of the race. Can we expect anything short of that? The goal may be reached, but it will be by devious ways unless the eyes are kept on the point we wish to reach – not on our own stumbling, or those of others; not on those who may be observing us; not on the allurements presented by the enemy; but first, last, and all the time on the goal.

And what is the goal? – The perfect stature of full manhood found in Christ Jesus, to be built up in us as we run the race, feeding upon that bread from heaven which is our perfect food.

In the Appointed Way

This last point, single-hearted endeavor, scarce needs comment, so intimately is it bound up in the one just discussed. It is Paul’s “One thing I do” (Philippians 3:13), all else subservient to that. If we are on the road which is our Lord’s appointed way, let us run as though we were really interested in it, and expected to reach the end some day.

The Mosaic law made merciful provision that one under the ban of blood-guiltiness could flee to a city of refuge; but he must flee for his life, for the avenger was close upon his track. He was not likely to waste time by taking the wrong road, by waiting for admiration or sympathy, no, not even by stumbling. He kept his gaze straight ahead, where the hospitable gate stood open to receive him.

The accuser of the brethren is close upon the track of every son of man; and it behooves us all not to pause in our running, or he will overtake us.

As the reward at the end is one, so is the gate of entrance at the beginning. He Who is called the Author and Finisher of our faith called Himself both the Door into the right road, and the Way itself. The wrong entrance does not lead to the right way; and he who enters in any other way than through that open Door, is unprepared for the difficulties he will encounter. Paul shows in the Roman letter that he who has entered the way of holiness through Christ, has all the help he needs for every difficulty and every trial he meets in that way. If we enter that Door, if we follow that Way, we need have no fear of the end, for “Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you” (Isaiah 46:4).

The Isthmian races of old were established in honor of Theseus’ victories over the Minotaur, that evil beast who demanded and received an annual tribute of seven youths and maidens from Athens. The way is open to all into this heavenly race, because our Champion won a great and final victory over our “adversary” who seeks to devour us.

The ancient contestants swore that they were free from impiety, blood-guiltiness, and grave violation of the laws. Can we? Nay, rather, we must plead guilty to every charge. Impiety? “Covetousness is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Blood-guiltiness? “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” (I John 3:15). Violation of the laws? There is not one that we have kept perfectly, and to offend in one point is to be guilty of all (James 2:10). What then? Is the race hopelessly closed against us? Instead of swearing that we are free from sin, we acknowledge our guilt; and then we can gain through our Sacrifice that righteousness which we cannot obtain for ourselves, for our God is just, and yet the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus. The race is open to all who come with hearts sprinkled with the blood of Christ from an evil conscience, and their bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).

Let us provoke one another “unto love and to good works … exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24, 25).

The Signs of the Times, January 24, 1911.

Facing Life’s Judgment Day Unafraid!

by

When I was a boy of some nine years of age, my father, a plaster contractor, made a verbal agreement with a builder at which time I happened to be present. During the construction of the house the builder demanded my father do that which he had never agreed to do. It was not long after this incident that my dad received a court summons to appear before a judge and give answer to serious charges. My father secured a lawyer to represent him and I was informed that I must also attend because the judge would ask me some questions. I was afraid.

When the court date arrived Dad and I entered the stateliest structure that I had ever seen. Keep in mind I lived in a humble home with nothing over the windows and a bare floor, but here I was walking on marble and even the walls were covered with marble. Everyone present seemed to be so intent with what was taking place. I spied a policeman leading a hand-cuffed prisoner off to jail. It wasn’t a good feeling to a nine-year-old. I was afraid.

When we arrived at the judge’s chamber, an officer opened the tall door and Dad and I entered. My boyish heart began to beat so that I actually shook. I saw the judge seated on a raised platform, below was a table around which lawyers were talking. Dad squeezed my hand as we sat down and whispered, “Just tell the truth. Don’t be afraid.”

As the court trial proceeded I shall never forget as Dad walked to the witness stand and was asked to swear to tell the truth. Dad looked at the judge and replied, “For religious reasons I refuse to swear, but I affirm to tell nothing but the truth.” After many questions Dad returned to his seat.

Then the judge looked at me. His smiling face seemed to quiet my fears. He spoke kindly. “Son,” he said, “Come stand here and don’t be afraid and you just tell me exactly what you heard.” I looked at Dad; his loving eyes gave me courage. Then I told the judge the best I could what I heard my father and the builder say. Then the judge spoke: “I believe that I have heard the truth from this small boy.” Looking at my father he said, “You have been exonerated. The court rules in your favor. Case dismissed.”

I trust that you will not be alarmed when I state that both you and I, who have professed faith in Jesus and have accepted Him as our Savior, will be examined before the eternal God of the universe in the coming investigative judgment day, which will take place in heaven’s sanctuary. And we need not be afraid because we have forsaken every sin and humbly asked for forgiveness. This makes it possible for Jesus our High Priest to mediate for us; that is, to act as our spiritual Lawyer. Remember He has never lost a case He has accepted in which to present His righteousness in our behalf to cover our sinful past. No wonder we need not be afraid. Praise God!

As we study this final atonement which is now taking place in heaven’s sanctuary day by day, may the Holy Spirit awaken our minds to realize how soon our life’s record will be examined and a decision rendered to which there will be no appeal. May God help us to overcome every wrong word and action and by His divine grace live daily, ready to see Jesus come and may our names be placed in His book of life.

The most solemn description of the investigative judgment now taking place in heaven’s sanctuary is found in Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, Whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool: His throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” … “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Inspiration continues in The Great Controversy, page 480: “The coming of Christ here described is not His second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom, which will be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take place at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts of His ministration in behalf of man—to perform the work of investigative judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits.”

The investigative judgment makes possible the final atonement which takes place in heaven’s sanctuary. This divine doctrine became one of the pillars of our faith. No other religious body in the world believes this great truth. Why? Perhaps it would be good for us to briefly examine the evangelical claim that Christ’s death on Calvary was a final and finished atonement for sin. There is a vast difference between what the churches of Babylon teach and what is taught by God’s remnant people.

The word atone means to make amends, to be in agreement and to reconcile. Most Protestants believe that Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to save any person who accepts His sacrifice and therefore nothing more is needed. But the question is, Did the Savior’s death on the cross make an atonement for the sinner with God providing for a full agreement or is the blood which was shed by Christ now being administered by Christ in heaven’s sanctuary making the final atonement?

Every Seventh-day Adventist should be familiar with the Old Testament sanctuary service that God gave to Moses revealing the total plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Permit me to briefly describe it. In order for a person who sinned to be forgiven, he must bring a lamb to be slain and offered on the altar of sacrifice, which was located at the entrance to the earthly sanctuary. Here it was the duty of the priest to instruct the sinner that the lamb he was about to sacrifice represented the coming Messiah, Who would become the Lamb of God to die for his sins. The sinner, having understood this divine truth, would then confess his sin by placing his hands on the lamb’s head and then slay the lamb, knowing that someday in the future, his confessed sin would slay the Lamb of God. Thus by faith in the coming Messiah’s death, his sins would be forgiven.

But there was much more than forgiveness to be obtained in this sacrifice, for the priest was to catch some of the blood in the bowl and carry it within the sanctuary, where he then dipped his fingers into it and sprinkled the blood before the veil as well as on the horns of the altar. Just behind this altar was the veil and behind the veil was the ark containing the ten commandments and above the law was the mercy seat, representing the throne of God. It was here through the mercy of God that the final atonement was completed and the sin was blotted out. How we should praise God for the mercy seat, for we all have sinned by breaking God’s divine law and are thus doomed to die. As the Bible states, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), but through the mercy of God Christ covers man’s sins with His precious blood which blots out the sin so that we can finally be at-one-ment with God, which makes it possible for our Father to accept us as though we have never sinned.

The sanctuary service reveals the total plan of redemption with an atonement at the cross providing forgiveness and a final atonement in heaven’s sanctuary making us fit to live in heaven. But this wonderful knowledge of salvation’s plan was lost sight of through the traditions taught by the Old Testament priests and during the Dark Ages when the Bible containing this sanctuary doctrine was taken from the people. In order to prepare a people for translation at the end of the world, the Lord began to bring to the fore knowledge about the plan of salvation to a lost world.

God led Wycliffe to translate the Bible from the Latin to the people’s language in the year A.D. 1370, which made it possible some years later to be printed and circulated widely. Next, God led John Huss to discover that the Bible only was infallible and not the teachings of the church fathers. This was followed by the Holy Spirit opening the eyes of Martin Luther to discover that great truth that the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). Likewise, John Calvin found the truth of salvation by grace. Then came John Wesley, who preached the new birth, and Roger Williams, who began to baptize by emersion.

Step by step, just as quickly as the people could grasp these forgotten truths that were hidden during the Dark Ages, God again revealed these eternal truths. By the year 1844 it was time to begin to call attention to the sanctuary, to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and to the second coming of Christ. As a result, God’s remnant church developed, preaching the three angels’ messages declaring with mighty power the investigative judgment which was now taking place. Thus the full sanctuary truth was proclaimed to prepare a people for the second coming.

“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1, 2). “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14–16).

Did you notice heaven’s invitation, “Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace”? God is here declaring, Be not afraid of the investigative judgment if you have confessed and transferred your sins into heaven’s sanctuary because the Savior’s precious blood will cover all such sins with Christ’s robe of righteousness.

“In the typical service, only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin-offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the day of atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period. ‘Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel’ (I Peter 4:17)?

“The books of record in Heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment.” The Great Controversy, 480. This quotation and all remaining quotes are taken from The Great Controversy, the chapter entitled, “Facing Life’s Record.”

In recent years we have entered the computer age. Today it is possible to place your life’s history on a tiny speck of a chip. At any time, by the push of a button, there can appear on the screen a record of all your health problems or your financial condition. Instantly, you can see how much money you may have in the bank, or how much debt you owe, and even a record of a failure to make a payment on time. Furthermore, your record will reveal details of your commitment to a religion, a record of every place you have lived, of travels abroad, and your marital status.

Oh, I could go on and on. If man can produce such records of your life never doubt that God keeps an unerring record of your sins. Inspiration states: “ ‘God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ ‘Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.’ Says the Saviour: ‘By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned’ (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36, 37). The secret purposes and motives appear in the unerring register; for God ‘will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts’ (1 Corinthians 4:5). ‘Behold, it is written before Me, … your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the Lord’ (Isaiah 65:6, 7).

“Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.” Ibid., 481, 482.

But beloved, do not fear for those who are accounted worthy; that is, those who have confessed and forsaken their sins. Such are assured, “Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (I John 2:1). ‘For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.’ ‘Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them’ (Hebrews 9:24; 7:25).” Ibid., 482.

Oh, beloved, could anyone ask more of our Savior? Not only did He die for our sins, making an atonement on the cross, assuring us of forgiveness, but now as our High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary, He is making a final atonement by pleading the sinner’s case before God the Father, revealing that not only are our sins forgiven, but also that His blood has blotted out all such records. He is ready to cover us with robes of His righteousness so that we may stand before God as being absolutely sinless. Oh, I know you will want to join me in praising His name! Standing sinless before God is the result of the final atonement that Christ is now making for all those who have successfully met the requirements of this investigative judgment.

This is what the Holy Spirit has revealed: “All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. The Lord declares, by the prophet Isaiah: ‘I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins’ (Isaiah 43:25). Said Jesus: ‘He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels’ (Revelation 3:5).” Ibid., 483. [Emphasis added.]

And what’s more: “The divine intercessor presents the plea that all who have overcome through faith in His blood be forgiven their transgressions, that they be restored to their Eden home, and crowned as joint heirs with Himself to ‘the first dominion’ (Micah 4:8).” Ibid., 484.

Beloved, there is still more: “… Christ now asks that this plan be carried into effect as if man had never fallen. He asks for His people not only pardon and justification, full and complete, but a share in His glory and a seat upon His throne.” Ibid. Oh friend, may God help us to comprehend those words, to share His glory and a seat on His throne. Such thoughts go far beyond the ability to comprehend. No wonder Ellen White was inspired to write, “The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered’ (Hebrews 6:20). There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man is accomplished at an infinite expense to heaven; the sacrifice made is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God. Jesus has opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through His mediation the sincere desire of all who come to Him in faith may be presented before God.” Ibid., 489.

This is a wonderful promise beyond our expectations. This is why we need never be afraid of the investigative judgment with Christ as our Mediator—never, never be afraid. However, friend, there is something I must remind you of that should awaken every nerve within you. So note this carefully. Probation will soon close. Now is the time to make absolutely sure that Christ will mediate on your behalf, for Inspiration declares, “The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour’s admonition: ‘Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is’ (Mark 13:33). ‘If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee’ (Revelation 3:3).” Ibid., 490.

“We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” Ibid., 489, 490.

“ ‘Watch ye therefore: … lest coming suddenly He finds you sleeping’ (Mark 13:35, 36). Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world. While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence: ‘Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting’ (Daniel 5:27).” Ibid., 491.

Dear child of God, with such counsel as this, we need not be afraid if we follow Christ as our Example and daily pray to God, Not my will but as Thou wilt. May God help us to heed His instruction and daily live unafraid, ready to see Jesus come.

For more than fifty years, Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a church pastor, evangelist, and then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership. When God laid upon him the responsibility to “tell it like it is” to alert the people how the church was leading them into the worldwide ecumenical movement, he was forbidden to preach in any church within the Oregon Conference. Elder Nelson passed to his rest on April 18, 2012.