Issue: 2025 April

Story – As One Whom His Mother Comforts

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At a summer resort, not long since, a clergyman and a lady sat on the porch of the hotel. The lady’s heart was heavily burdened, and she talked of her sorrows to the aged minister, who tried to lead her in her hour of need to the Great Comforter. His efforts seemed to be in vain; the lady had heard all her life of the promise that if a tired soul casts its burden on the Lord, that soul will be sustained, no matter how heavy that burden may be; but she seemed to lack the faith to cast herself upon the Lord.

A half hour later a severe thunderstorm came up in the western sky. With the first flash of lightning the woman, a mother, jumped out of her chair, and ran up and down the piazza, exclaiming, “Where is Freddie? Where is Freddie? He’s so terribly frightened in a thunderstorm, I don’t know what he will do without me.”

A few moments afterward her boy came running up the walk, almost breathless, his face plainly showing the great fear that was in his heart. “O Mother,” he exclaimed, “I was so frightened, I ran just as fast as ever I could to get to you.” The mother sat down, and took the frightened child into her arms. She allayed his fear and quieted him, until his head rested calmly on her loving heart.

The good clergyman stepped up gently, and whispered, “ ‘As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.’ (Isaiah 66:13).”

“I understand it now,” she replied, as she looked up with tearful face. “I did not trust Him as my boy trusts me, but now I will throw myself into His arms as a little child, and remember His promise, ‘As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.’ I never felt the depth of divine love as shown in that promise before.”

We may all learn the meaning of this precious promise. We know how full our hearts are of love and sympathy for the little ones who come to us in their hour of trouble and fear, and how tenderly we gather them in our arms and comfort them with our words of love and cheer. Is it not strange that with this sweet, practical demonstration of truth in our daily lives we so often forget the precious promise, and try to struggle on alone with our burdens of sorrow and fear? “As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.”

Susan Teall Perry

The Youth’s Instructor, January 9, 1896

“Come Unto Me”

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Matthew 11:28

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Here is a giving by Christ, and on our part an acceptance of the promise, a conscious finding, a sense of relief from all perplexing doubt. Simple enough, is it not?—Thus it appears. But the promise is large and far-reaching. It implies much. It means deliverance from constant, perplexing uncertainty. …

The reason there are so many in perplexity is because they take their case into their own finite hands, and manufacture yokes that are not pleasant for them to wear. They think they understand their needs, and they worry and plan and devise, while Christ stands inviting, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” The yokes of human manufacture gall the necks that wear them. Christ says, Try My yoke; it is easy: lift My burdens; for they are light.

If you have not found that rest offered to all who will learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart, would you not better yoke up with Christ without delay? Bear only His burdens. Do not load yourself with cares that weigh you down to the ground. Your troubles come because you are so anxious to manage matters yourself that you do not wear the yoke of Christ.

By some, the promise of God is grasped so eagerly that it becomes their own, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is their experience. Others suppose that they must wait until they become worthy. To these I would say, Never, never, will you become worthy. If this were possible, the Prince of heaven need not have come to our world. But by taking our human nature, He declared to the heavenly universe that He united humanity to divinity, in order that men and women might stand on vantage ground … .

God welcomes all who come to Him just as they are, not building themselves up in self-righteousness, not seeking to justify self, not claiming merits for what they call good actions, not priding themselves on their supposed knowledge. While you have been walking and working in meekness and lowliness of heart, a work has been done for you—a work that only God could do. It is God who works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. That good pleasure is to see you abiding in Christ, resting in His love. Let not anything rob your soul of peace, of restfulness, of the assurance that you are accepted just now. Claim every promise; all are yours if you will comply with the prescribed terms. Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of Christ’s ways, is the secret of perfect rest in His love.

… We must learn His meekness and lowliness before we experience the fulfillment of the promise, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” It is by learning the habits of Christ that self becomes transformed—by taking His yoke, and then submitting to learn.

Giving up the life to Christ means much more than many suppose. God calls for an entire surrender. We cannot receive the Holy Spirit until we break every yoke that binds us to our objectionable traits of character. These are the great hindrances to wearing Christ’s yoke and learning of Him. There is no one who has not much to learn. All must be trained by Christ. When we fall upon the living Rock, our wrong traits of character are taken away as hindrances to perfection of character. When self dies, Christ lives in the human agent. Acquaintance with Christ makes us long to abide in Him, and to have Him abide in us.

Christ desires all to become His students. He says, Yield yourselves to My training. I will not extinguish you, but will work out for you a character that will fit you to be raised from the lower grade to the higher school. Submit all things to Me. Let My life, My patience, My long-suffering, My meekness, My lowliness, be worked out in your character, as one who abides in Me. …

… Do not manufacture many things that you must do in order to find rest, assurance, confidence. Leave this work, which not even the wisest of the human family can do, and put your trust in One who has promised rest to your soul. Do just what He has told you to do, and be assured that God will do all that He has said He would do. The promise is, “Come unto Me, … and I will give you rest.” Have you come to Him, renouncing all your make-shifts, all your unbelief, all your self-righteousness? Come just as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. What is the “rest” promised?—It is the consciousness that God is true, that He never disappoints the one who comes to Him. His pardon is full and free, and His acceptance means rest to the soul, rest in His love. The Review and Herald, April 25, 1899

The Dream That Will Never Come True

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In 1965, because of an injury, I was taken to the emergency department of a local hospital and was subsequently admitted. My uncle was my attending physician.

At first, it did not appear that my situation was serious. However, a few days later, early in the morning, I asked my nurse to call my uncle immediately because I knew something was wrong, but she didn’t do it. Three hours later, my uncle arrived. When he saw me, he knew that he needed to call my parents and have them come to the hospital. My nurse had thought that I was just apprehensive and that she knew better than me whether something was really wrong. She decided there was no need to bother my uncle, but as a result of that delay, I almost lost my life.

I was rushed into surgery. Later, as I was regaining consciousness, I thought maybe this was the resurrection, and I was just about to get happy, but as I opened my eyes, the pain hit, and I knew right away it was not. I had survived the surgery, but I would remain in the hospital for many days.

I will never forget those days. It was summer, and my room was on the first floor. Through my window, I could look outside at the green shrubs and grass, and the beautiful Colorado sunshine that made everything warm and inviting. I wanted to go outside, but I couldn’t. As if being stuck within the four walls of my room wasn’t bad enough, I was also connected to so many electrical and mechanical gadgets that I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom by myself.

During those days, Curley Putman—a country/western singer from Nashville, Tennessee—wrote a song made popular by Tom Jones—a famous international singer/musician from Great Britain. It was a very emotional song, and I liked to listen to it. Maybe, because of my experience in the hospital, I could relate to it.

It is the story of a Spanish Roman Catholic man sentenced for execution. Lying on the bed in his prison cell on the last night before his execution, he falls asleep and begins to dream. The words of the song chronicle his dream.

 

The old hometown looks the same

As I step down from the train,

And there to meet me is my mama and papa.

 

Down the road, I look, and there runs Mary,

Hair of gold and lips like cherries.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Yes, they’ll all come to meet me,

Arms reaching, smiling sweetly.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

The old house is still standing

Though the paint is cracked and dry,

And there’s that old oak tree that I used to play on.

 

Down the lane, I walk with my sweet Mary,

Hair of gold and lips like cherries.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Then I awake and look around me

At four grey walls that surround me,

And I realize, yes, I was only dreaming.

 

For there’s a guard and there’s a sad, old padre.

On and on, we’ll walk at daybreak.

Again, I’ll touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Yes, they’ll all come to see me

In the shade of that old oak tree

As they lay me ’neath the green, green grass of home.

The Green, Green Grass of Home, Curley Putman, 1965

That song became one of the most beloved songs of the 20th century and is still considered a classic today. Its lyrics were the inspiration for this study. We will look at some very hard scriptures because the Bible talks a lot about the hope of eternal life in heaven and why, for the majority of the Christian world, it will be but a dream that will never come true.

“And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’

“And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open for us,” and He will answer and say to you, “I do not know you, where you are from,” then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” But He will say, “I tell you, I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. And indeed, there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” ’ ” Luke 13:22–30

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’

“And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’

“The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!  And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” Matthew 8:5–12

“ ‘To what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” But wisdom is justified by her children.

“Then He began to upbraid the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.’ ” Matthew 11:16–24

“Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish”? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.’ ” Luke 14:25–33

This is a parable about the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews are spiritually rich, while the Gentiles are spiritually poor.

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19–31

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

“In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise, the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:26–32

The message found in these scriptures is unmistakable. People from every corner of the world believe they are saved, but most will find they are lost. How can this be? In the Christian world, two classes of people dream of having eternal life, but one class will see their dream drift away.

So, let’s study these two classes so that we can be in the class that will see its dream come true.

A perfect Pharisee. A perfect Laodicean.

The word Laodicea means “the judging of the people.” This is the description of the church today during the judgment.

“These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—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 eyesalve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’ ” Revelation 3:14–22. Laodicea says, “I am rich and increased with goods. I need nothing. Investigate for yourself, you won’t find any sin in me.”

In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees held this same belief about themselves. Jesus gave us a parable to demonstrate the difference between the proud and self-righteous who believe they need nothing and the humble sinner who recognizes that he needs salvation.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:11–14

Scary, isn’t it? To think of being so deceived regarding your true nature that you cannot see that, despite all your pride and self-conviction, you are bereft of the humility of spirit that will open your eyes to your actual condition and need. Those who are in and will remain in the Laodicean condition will not be part of the 144,000, nor will they have a place in eternity. The Pharisees believed, and Laodicea believes that sin is just a choice, and if sin is just a choice and they did not commit sin, then they are not sinners.

Paul describes his experience as a Pharisee, saying, “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Philippians 3:5, 6

“I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.” Romans 7:9. To his own eyes, Paul appeared to be perfect. But when he met Jesus on the Damascus road, when his eyes beheld His infinite purity, he instantly knew what he was: a sinner, rotten on the inside, and needing to be saved.

Christians, including Seventh-day Adventists, have been and continue to be taught that sin is just a choice. Jesus didn’t choose to sin, I’m not going to choose to sin, so He and I are the same. What nonsense.

The same, and yet, different

Every person born into this world is born in sin; Jesus Christ alone was the exception, having been born into this world without a single taint of sin. Jesus was not exactly the same as we are, and we must never think He was. Do not reduce Jesus just to the level of a man. He was a man, but He was not like every other man in one single point.

“Christ’s life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above others. Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He condescended to connect our fallen human nature with His divinity. …

“In humility Christ began His mighty work of lifting the fallen race from the degradation of sin, recovering them by His divine power, which He had linked with humanity.” Christ Triumphant, 232

“Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He condescended to connect our fallen human nature with His divinity. By thus taking humanity, He honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, He showed what it might become, by accepting the ample provision He has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 453

“It was a difficult task for the Prince of Life to carry out the plan which He had undertaken for the salvation of man, in clothing His divinity with humanity. He had received honor in the heavenly courts and was familiar with absolute power. It was as difficult for Him to keep the level of humanity as for men to rise above the low level of their depraved natures and be partakers of the divine nature.” The Review and Herald, April 1, 1895. Amazing statement.

A faulty definition

The Pharisees had a faulty definition of sin, and because of this, they thought they were okay. This erroneous definition of sin makes people believe they are okay. The Pharisee said, “I’m not like other men.” The Laodicean says, “I have ned of nothing.” It is a fatal mindset.

Wrong comparison

The Pharisee did not compare his life with Jesus’ life, but with other men. Since he is better, in his estimation, than other men, he is satisfied with himself. Consequently, he learns to despise others because they are not as good as he believes he is.

Motivated by self-interest

The Pharisee’s worship is motivated by self-interest. He worships the Lord because of the benefits he thinks he will receive. People around the world choose the religion they will follow and the church they will attend based on what will benefit them most and is easiest to follow, requiring the least sacrifice.

Ceremony and outward display

The Pharisee’s religion was comprised entirely of form, ceremony, and outward religious observances—a religion dealing only with the outward life—without any heart work. He was very spiritual, at least to the human eye. He helped the poor, held church offices, paid his tithe, and often prayed so that he could be seen and praised by men as being very religious, but his religion involved only the outward. His religion was not from the heart. Jesus said that the Pharisee’s heart was rotten, like a tombstone that appears beautiful on the outside but inside is full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. On the outside, the Pharisee was zealous for God, but inside, he plotted to murder the Son of God.

Proud and self-sufficient

As a result, the Pharisee became proud and self-sufficient—the most spiritually-dangerous condition. What greater delusion can there be than believing you are saved but are actually lost?

The disobedient Christian

The second class of Christians for whom eternal life in heaven is just a dream that will never come true are not Pharisees or Laodiceans. This class does not boast that they are without sin. This Christian has one giant problem that will keep him out of heaven.

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” ’ ” Matthew 7:21–23

This verse speaks of the Christian on the day of judgment. He is certain that he is saved, so much so that he argues with the Lord, reminding Him of all the good works he has done in His name. But what does Jesus say? “I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.” This Christian has just one big problem—he is disobedient.

However, there is another category of Christian for whom the dream of eternity spent with Jesus will become a reality.

Humiliation, repentance, and transformation

This Christian

  • Knows he is sinful and polluted. He is not deceived by the Pharisaic delusion that sin is just a choice.
  • Because he knows he is sinful and polluted, is often overwhelmed with guilt. Therefore, he comes to God confessing that he is lost, knowing his only hope is found in the unmerited love of God. He comes to God in repentance and humiliation, knowing and confessing that he is hopelessly lost without Him.
  • Understands that the human heart of all humanity, except for Jesus Christ, is deceitful above all things and incurably wicked. He knows that unless he allows the Holy Spirit to open his eyes, he cannot see his own sinfulness. Once the Holy Spirit begins the work of transformation in him, he is immediately convicted of sin, and he no longer can say he is okay.
  • In beholding Christ’s purity and excellence he can see his weaknesses, defects, and poverty. He realizes that he is lost and hopelessly clad in the garments of self-righteousness like every other sinner. Self now appears to him as nothing but shame, and he cries out to the Lord.

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.

“It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward, it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore, there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

“The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. …

“Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.

“At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, ‘Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight.’ Ezekiel 36:31.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159, 160

This experience does not happen at baptism. Instead, as the power of Christ draws the sinner, he chooses to approach and look upon Christ on the cross, suspended between heaven and earth. In his mind and heart, he falls prostrate at the foot of the cross. It is then that a miracle happens. He is given a new heart and made a new creature, a true Christian, in Christ Jesus. God is the Justifier of man. When He looks upon him and finds nothing more to require, He will glorify him (Romans 8:30).

Jesus gave us the parable of the wedding feast to help us understand that salvation predestines everyone to be saved. Unfortunately, not every person will accept salvation, and their dream of living in heaven for all eternity will be nothing more than that—just a dream. But for those who accept God’s gift of salvation, heaven is waiting, her gates opened wide to receive all of God’s children home.

“ ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.

“ ‘Again, he sent out other servants, saying, “Tell those who are invited, ‘See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.’ ”

“ ‘But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.

“ ‘But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

“ ‘Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore, go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”

“ ‘So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“ ‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless.

“ ‘Then the king said to the servants, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” ’ ” Matthew 22:2–14

All are called, all are invited, but only those who accept salvation and surrender their lives to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, will be found wearing the wedding garment—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Only these are chosen.

It is this wedding garment that Jesus is referring to when He says to the Laodicean, “buy from Me … white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.” Revelation 3:18

Obedience opens the gates of heaven. Without it, man can never obtain the wedding garment. He cannot produce righteousness in or by himself, and he cannot receive it from Christ if he is disobedient to the law of God. Those who want to go to heaven must become obedient by the power of the Holy Spirit. The devil says that man cannot obey, and sadly many Christians believe him. It is true that we cannot do it alone, but God has promised each one who comes to Him in complete surrender of the will, will be given the grace and power to overcome.

“There is not one of us who will be placed in heaven with the mold of our own will.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 259

“You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are ‘willing to be made willing,’ God will accomplish the work for you … . ‘For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ ” The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1904

If any man doubts that he can overcome, he need only look in Revelation 2 verses 7, 11, 17, 26, and Revelation 3 verses 5, 12, and 21. Jesus says that we can and are to overcome. And Inspiration tells us that “All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333. Whatever God asks us to do, He provides the ability to do it.

“If we would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, the principles of righteousness would guide our lives, and self-seeking would find no place in our hearts. The desire to do our own will would be submerged in the desire to do the will of God.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 82

“Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159

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

Without Excuse

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We are drawing near to the day of God. Eternal decisions must now be made. The Master stands at the door. This day is not an uncertain object in the dim and distant future; but it is, to him who reads aright the page of prophecy and history, a vivid reality, even now throwing the beams of its approaching glory and the light of its consuming fires upon a slumbering world. It comes not without a numerous array of precursors and heralds; yet it will come to many suddenly and unexpected. With what real and unfeigned surprise will multitudes awake to their condition, as the terrible realities of this coming day burst upon them! So different from what they expected. So contrary to all their plans. So fatal to all they had hoped for or believed. What astonishment, what amazement, what terror, will seize them! At once they find themselves in the unrelaxing grasp of eternity, its irrevocable decisions upon them, and they among the lost. And how many, in the agony of their despair, will put the question to their own souls, Why should I be found in this condition? And what would be their reply to such a question? Should the Judge of all meet them with the solemn inquiry why they had not made preparation for that day, what answer would they return? What excuse would they render?

Would they say, “Lord, this day of all days, this day which forever concludes all human history, this decisive day for all the human race, should have been clearly set forth in Thy holy word?” The answer would be, “It was thus set forth. From Genesis to Revelation, the word was full of it. That solemn moment which closes probation and brings its terrible retribution to the ungodly, and its glorious reward to the righteous, was everywhere kept in view, with warnings and exhortations to all the race to prepare for its solemn scenes. Bibles were in your hands, and you should have read them for yourselves.” Would they not thus stand speechless and condemned?

Would they say that signs should have been given of so momentous an event, some strange phenomena in nature to mark the approach of the end? The answer would be, “Such signs were given. The sun was darkened, the moon withdrew her shining, the stars fell from heaven, strange sights appeared above, and strange convulsions were felt below (Joel 2:31; 3:15). And ere probation closed, while yet you could have escaped the coming wrath, the land was full of Bibles containing these predictions, and full of histories recording their fulfillment. Did you care to trouble yourselves to compare the two?” And again, they would stand speechless and condemned.

Would they say that the state of the world, moral and political, which was to mark the last days, should have been clearly described? The answer would come. “It was so described. It was declared in the word of God that iniquity would abound, that evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse, that the nations would be angry, that there would be wars and rumors of wars, and that there would be distress of nations, with perplexity (Matthew 24). And in your own days, every paper groaned with a record of these things, and all the land was startled at the fearful spectacle which the world presented. Did you not see it, and wonder? And why did you not read its import aright?” Would they not again stand speechless and condemned?

Would they say that the history of nations, and the course of empires, in consecutive order, down to the end, should have been given, that the world might know when the last nations were on the stage of action, at the end of whose history the kingdom of God should be set up? Again, the answer would be, “Such information was given in the prophetic word. Beginning 600 years before Christ, step by step, kingdom by kingdom, event by event, the student of prophecy is brought down even to the closing scenes of trouble, the dashing of all the nations to pieces, and the standing up of Michael for the deliverance of His people. And you saw the last kingdoms of earth in a condition such that even human foresight scarcely failed to discern the very day of their dissolution (Daniel 2:31–45). Did you take the trouble to inquire what was to follow?” And once more, they would stand without answer and without excuse.

Further they would say that, “messengers divinely sent should have given warning of the approach of the great and dreadful day. That the proclamation should have been made through all the land when that day was near.” The answer would be again, “Such proclamation was made. The world heard; the honest, humble seekers after truth believed; and scoffers everywhere raised the inquiry, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ 2 Peter 3:2–5.”

Thus, their last excuse fails them, speechless and condemned, what more could they say?

And, reader, so far as the evidences of the near coming of Christ are concerned, they stand today just as set forth above. The declaration of God’s word, the signs in the natural world, the state of the nations, the moral condition of mankind, and the proclamation of the coming of the day of wrath, the last message of mercy, are all before us. The eyes of all the world are now watching for the final destruction of these powers at the termination of whose career the Bible places the opening of the day of God.

Some Features of Our Times

This is an age of brilliant pretensions, but sad realities. Its professions and practices, its facts and theories, present a climax of contradictions.

There never was so much of the form of godliness, and never so little of the power.

Never were there so many professors of religion, and never so little of religion itself.

Never so many assurances of peace, and never so extensive and urgent need for preparations for war.

Never so many tokens of coming danger and calamity, and never such a feeling of security, expressed and implied, on the part of the people.

There never was a time when the doctrine of the immediate opening of the temporal millennium was more universally cherished and talked of, and never a time when every feature of society—social, moral, and political—rendered such an idea more preposterous.

There never was a time when there was so much money in the world, and never a time when there was more widespread and distressing spiritual poverty.

There never was a time when there were so many remedies for every disease, real or imaginary, which profess to be sure cures, absolutely infallible, and never a time when there existed so much disease, sickness, suffering, and death.

There never was a time when there was so much boasting of progress and advancement on the part of the race, and never a time when they gave more palpable evidence of fast descending into the depths of sin and degradation.

And what does all this show? It shows that the pretensions on which men build themselves up are a sham, and their professions, hypocrisy. They are willing to deceive others, and to be deceived themselves. This is the time when the prophet tells us that evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). We see this work going on before us, which proves that we have reached the time to which the prophet’s words apply. There is nothing to which men will not put their hand for gain. With worthless remedies, which the venders know will not accomplish what they claim, the confidence of the afflicted is secured, and their means looted. Falsity and insincerity exist on every hand. “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14. Nor will this state of things improve till He whose right it is, the Prince of the house of David, takes the throne.

“The end of all things is at hand. Satan is availing himself of every means to thwart the purposes of God and to make the truth of God of none effect. While Satan is pouring in his darkness, angels of God are diligently at work forcing back the gross darkness, that there may be a place for the truth. If the ministers of God will move forward in humble faith, relying fully upon God to work with their efforts, they will not pray in vain. Angels are waiting, ready to help, longing to help with our efforts.

“The message of solemn warning must be given to all nations, tongues, and people. The message will convict and convert the hearers or condemn them. All will be left without excuse.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 5, 300

We rejoice that this event is at the door. Hasten, O King of kings, the glad day.

Uriah Smith was a Seventh-day Adventist author, minister, educator, and theologian, and the longest-serving (50 years) editor of The Review and Herald. He served as the first secretary of the General Conference and, later, as its treasurer. He co-founded Battle Creek College. As an author, he was best known for “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” He passed away in 1903 from a stroke while on his way to the Review office.

The Home of the Saved

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The Bible opens with a new heaven and a new earth, perfect from the Creator’s hand; with man sinless and having access to the tree of life in the midst of the Eden paradise, out of which flowed a river that spread its life-giving waters through the earth.

The Bible closes with a new heaven and a new earth; with man upright and sinless once again, having right to the tree of life growing in the midst of Eden; with the river of life flowing out from the garden of God, clear as crystal.

Between the two scenes spreads out the panorama of 6,000 years of conflict with sin. It is a story of the fall of man, of the loss of his Eden home, of the curse that marred the earth, of sin, sorrow, and death overspreading all.

The Restorer

But from the hour when the shadow of sin fell upon the earth, there has been a light shining in the darkness. Amid the ruin that sin had wrought, there appeared the great Restorer.

The inspired record gives a word picture of Jesus taking man’s place to win back the lost dominion:

“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“ ‘What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’

“For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not see all things put under him.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:5–11

Just where Adam fell and lost his dominion over the earth, we see Jesus, the second Adam, taking man’s place and winning back the lost inheritance. That is why the picture of the new earth and man’s sinless state depicted in the first two chapters of the Bible is repeated in the last two chapters with even greater fullness of glory. God’s original plan and purpose will be carried out, and this earth renewed will be the eternal home of sinless men and women, redeemed by grace.

Sin will be found not to have frustrated, but only to have delayed, the purpose of God. And what is 6,000 years in working out the divine plan? In our brief span, we may divide human history into ancient, medieval, and modern; but in heaven’s life a thousand years are but as “a watch in the night;” and these six watches are to heaven but as one night of grief and of loving ministry in rescuing the lost.

It has cost all that heaven had to give, but the infinite Gift was made, and all heaven has wrought at the work. Of the angels it is written, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

Bringing Back the Lost Dominion

Of all the worlds that shine in the heavens declaring the glory of God, this earth is the one that was lost. Its light went out in darkness. It wandered from the fold of God’s perfect creation.

Then the divine Shepherd came to find it and bring it back. And the angels that rejoiced when they saw this earth created—“when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy”—this earth redeemed from the curse, shining in the bright universe again with the perfection of the glory of God.

Christ not only redeems lost men, but He is to redeem this lost earth. “The Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

By sinning, man lost not only his righteousness and his life, but his dominion as well. Originally man had dominion “over all the earth” (Genesis 1:26). As the psalmist says, “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands.” Psalm 8:6. He was prince and ruler of the earth. But when he yielded to Satan’s temptation, he yielded up that dominion to the enemy, thus placing himself in the power of his foe. Satan thus became the “prince of this world,” exercising the dominion wrested from man.

But through Christ, this dominion is to be restored. The prophet of old said:

“And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” Micah 4:8

The Hope of the Promise

The promise of the gospel of salvation includes not only life eternal through faith, but of an eternal inheritance in the earth made new, the fulfilment of the Creator’s plan when He made this world to be man’s home. This was the star of hope that shone before Adam and Eve as they stepped forth from Eden into a dying world. It was to Abraham, “the promise that he would be the heir of the world.” Romans 4:13

It was not the promise of the world in its present state. For the Lord gave Abraham “no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on.” Acts 7:5. Abraham himself did not look for the promise to be fulfilled in this sinful earth, but in the earth made new, redeemed from sin. The scripture says of his hope:

“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:9, 10

It was in the new earth and the New Jerusalem that Abraham, the father of the faithful, expected to receive the eternal inheritance promised to him and to his seed. And there, all the faithful will find their inheritance.

“And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

The psalmist said, “But the meek shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37:11, first part. Christ repeated it: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

The New Earth and the New Jerusalem

Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord described the re-creation of this earth as the home of the saved:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” Isaiah 65:17–19

It is not of old Jerusalem that the prophet is speaking, but of the New Jerusalem, which John saw coming down, with the saints, from God out of heaven. He saw it descending upon the earth at the end of the millennium, and saw the wicked come forth from their graves to judgment. Then he saw the fires of the last day falling upon the lost, consuming sin and sinners, and purifying the earth itself from every trace of the curse. It is the day of which Peter wrote: “Because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:12, last part, 13

Out from the dissolved elements of the earth and the atmospheric heavens, the Creator’s power again calls forth a new heaven and a new earth, the old creation cleansed and renewed in the perfection of the original Eden paradise. It is coming; for John saw it in vision: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Revelation 21:1

He saw the city which had come down from heaven—those mansions that Christ has been preparing—the New Jerusalem, the holy capital of the eternal kingdom of the saints, where Christ’s own throne is set.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ ” Verses 3–5

It passes comprehension, but it is true. And the life of the saved in their eternal inheritance will be just as real as is life upon this present earth.

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. …

“ ‘The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 65:21, 25

The whole earth will be as the Eden paradise planted by God in the beginning. And from week to week and from month to month the saved will gather to worship before the glorious throne in the holy city.

“ ‘For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 66:22, 23

The Glories of the Saints’ Eternal Home

As the first two chapters of the Bible tell of earth’s original perfection, so the last two chapters constitute one psalm of ecstasy over the indescribable glories of the earth made new, with its city of light, the walls of jasper, the gates of pearl, the river of life flowing from the throne of the Lamb, clear as crystal, with the wide spreading tree of life on either side of the river. And supreme above all, Jesus Himself, “the King in His beauty,” without whom there would be no glory even in that city foursquare; “for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”

“Oh, heaven without my Saviour

Would be no heaven to me;

Dim were the walls of jasper,

Rayless the crystal sea!

 

“He gilds earth’s darkest valleys

With light and joy and peace;

Then what must be the radiance

Where sin and death shall cease?”

Next to the loveliness and grace of Christ our Saviour, the glories of this world to come have inspired the sweetest hymns of hope for longing hearts. How often has the spirit been lifted above earth’s trials as we have sung:

“O that home of the soul! in my visions and dreams

Its bright, jasper walls I can see

Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenes

Between the fair city and me.

 

“That unchangeable home is for you and for me,

Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;

The King of all kingdoms forever is He,

And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.

 

“O how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,

So free from all sorrow and pain,

With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,

To meet one another again!”

“But as it is written: eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Through the ages, the children of the promise have been journeying toward the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, and they have confessed themselves pilgrims and strangers in this present world. As they have followed the way of righteousness—oftentimes a thorny path—it has been with the shining city ever before their vision. As they have fallen in death, it has been with closing eyes fixed upon “that day” when Christ shall come to take His people to the New Jerusalem prepared above.

“The Lamb there in His beauty

Without a veil is seen.

It were a well-spent journey

Though seven deaths lay between.”

Now earth’s course is nearly run. It is but a little way to the holy city, where the water of life flows clear as crystal from the midst of the throne. The water of life is really there; for the Lord showed it to the prophet John in vision, that he might tell us that he saw it.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,” he says, “and He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal.” Revelation 21:2, first part; 22:1, first part

Christ invites every one to share the eternal inheritance, giving assurance of His power to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him. He is knocking at the door of every heart, asking admittance, in order that He may take away all sin, and prepare the soul for the heavenly home.

And the glories of the holy city invite us to come:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“He which testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Verse 21

William A. Spicer served the Seventh-day Adventist church from 1887 to 1930 as a minister, editor of The Present Truth in England and The Oriental Watchman in India, secretary and president of the General Conference, and worked for decades in mission development. He passed away October 17, 1952.

A True, Sincere Christian

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A man teaching a class on how to become a salesman stated that 85% of the decisions people make are based on emotion or feeling. A decision based on feeling led to Lucifer’s fall in heaven, and will, no doubt, result in millions of souls in this world being lost.

“His [Lucifer’s] disaffection was proved to be without cause, and he was made to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt. Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that ‘the Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works’ (Psalm 145:17); that the divine statutes are just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven. Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels. … He nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade him. It was too great a sacrifice for one who had been so highly honored to confess that he had been in error, that his imaginings were false, and to yield to the authority which he had been working to prove unjust.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 39

Feelings were the problem for Judas. “He saw his faults, but instead of correcting them revenged himself by picking flaws in others around him. … You can gain no spiritual strength by talking about the defects of those around you; but if you continue to do this, like Judas you will eventually separate yourselves from God and His work.” The Review and Herald, August 18, 1885

Making decisions based on feelings is one of the biggest problems in Christendom today.

“Look at men who are professedly converted under the excitement of feeling. They are not brought to face the great moral mirror, the law of God, which discovers to them the defects in their character. … They feel no binding claims of the law of God … they have not a sensitive conscience toward sin. They have not a fixed principle. … They are unsound at heart. … [T]hey will follow inclination [and] you will see that there is not firmness when it is really needed.

“Oh, how much to be admired is a true, sincere Christian! Such a one will be loyal to God and true to his Saviour, living a life of purity, cultivating habits of the strictest temperance, making the word of God his daily study, earnest and faithful to duty, not wearying in well-doing, growing up into full stature in Jesus Christ, his Head.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, 186