Issue: 2005 March

Ask the Pastor – Who Will Be Saved?

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Question:

Will babies and children who are too young to make a decision for Christ be saved? What will happen to older people who have had no opportunity to know Christ? Will they be saved?

Answer:

These questions have been in the minds of many people over the centuries. The popular teaching is that everyone will go to heaven, but the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, I believe, give clear information on this question.

In Ezekiel 18, there are statements made that we must take into account in searching for truth in this matter. The first part of this chapter establishes the fact that all life (souls) belongs to God. He is the giver of life, and He is the withholder of life. It all belongs to Him to do with as He pleases. In verses 5–9, God lays down the qualifications for acceptance with Him. Then, in verses 10–13, there is established the difference between a father who is just and his offspring who is unjust. The offspring cannot ride on the father’s good deeds; he will be judged for his own sin. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son.” Verse 20. This establishes the fact that every person is responsible for his own sin. It is sin that brings forth death.

In Romans 2:2, we read: “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.” Verses 6 and 7 tell us: “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.” Verses 11–16 go on to tell how God will judge the people who do not have knowledge of God through the Law of God. They will be judged according to what they know. God will not excuse some just because they did not know and were bad. “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.” Verse 12. He will judge accordingly. Good or bad, they will be judged according to what they have done.

The story of the Passover reveals to us the plan of God regarding little children. In Selected Messages, Book 3, 314, we read: “The word of God came to the Israelites in bondage to gather their children into their houses and to mark the doorposts of their houses with blood from a lamb, slain. This prefigured the slaying of the Son of God and the efficacy of His blood, which was shed for the salvation of the sinner. It was a sign that the household accepted Christ as the promised Redeemer. It was shielded from the destroyer’s power. The parents evidenced their faith in implicitly obeying the directions given them, and the faith of the parents covered themselves and their children. They showed their faith in Jesus, the great Sacrifice, whose blood was prefigured in the slain lamb. The destroying angel passed over every house that had this mark upon it. This is a symbol to show that the faith of the parents extends to their children and covers them from the destroying angel.”

Regarding the children of unbelieving parents, we read, “Whether all the children of unbelieving parents will be saved we cannot tell, because God has not made known His purpose in regard to this matter, and we had better leave it where God has left it and dwell upon subjects made plain in His Word.” Ibid., 315.

I hope this has helped to give some understanding to this age-old question.

Pastor Mike Baugher is Associate Speaker for Steps to Life. If you have a question you would like Pastor Mike to answer, e-mail it to: landmarks@stepstolife.org, or mail it to: LandMarks, Steps to Life, P. O. Box 782828, Wichita, KS 67278.

The Spirit and Power of Elijah, Part II

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As we read of the experience of Saul sparing Agag and the best of the sheep, when he had been commanded to utterly destroy all that the Amalekites had (1 Samuel 15), let us give heed to the admonition, “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14.

We are reminded of that significant passage in Joshua 17:12, 13 where it is said that the children of Israel could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, “but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.” The whole story of their subsequent failure and captivity is told in that one brief sentence, “The Canaanites would dwell in that land.” But they had no kind of right to dwell there. They were dispossessed. The cup of their iniquity was filled up, and God had said, “I will drive them out.” But they would dwell there; that is to say, they wanted to, and so Israel let them; a compromise was formed, and Israel did not utterly drive them out.

Let us apply these same principles to our spiritual warfare. Have there not been in all our lives all these years those besetting sins of fleshly lusts that would dwell with us, and in some instances have held their own, notwithstanding we have known that they had neither part nor lot with the soul redeemed by Jesus Christ? Let us not condemn too strongly ancient Israel, lest we condemn ourselves. Surely the words of Joshua are as applicable to us as to them: “How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?” Joshua 18:3.

Abundance of Rain

Returning again to the scene of Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Baal and their false system of religion, we find him saying to Ahab, “Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” Surely it was not the rumbling of the great thunderstorm that was soon to break upon them. For after this he went up on top of the mountain and cast himself down on the ground, and prayed seven times before there was seen even a cloud as large as a man’s hand. (1 Kings 18:42–44.) The preceding verses tell us that when all the people saw the manifestations of God’s power in the consuming of the sacrifice, they said, “The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.” Their hearts had been turned back to God again. This to Elijah was the sound of abundance of rain. The apostasy of the people of God was the thing that had shut up the heavens, and their return to God was the only thing that would open them.

And so it is in our own day. If we are walking in dry places, it is because we have departed from God. If we would enjoy the copious showers of the latter rain, we must repent of our backslidings and turn again to God with all our hearts. Then we shall receive largely of His Spirit.

“What doest thou here?”

The sad story of Elijah’s failure is told in 1 Kings 19, and proves beyond question that he was a man subject to like passions as we are. On the night following his mighty triumphs of faith on Mt. Carmel, where he had stood alone against the wicked king and all the prophets of Baal and a whole nation that had apostatized from God, he arose and fled for his life before the threats of one wicked woman. “When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life.” Verse 3. The story of his defeat is told in that brief clause, “When he saw that.” As long as he kept his eyes upon God, he was invincible; but when he looked away from God and saw that woman Jezebel threatening him, “he arose, and went for his life.” Terrified, he ran away to the desert, and requested that the Lord would take away his life.

Notwithstanding his cowardice, the Lord did not forsake his servant. Angels provided him food and drink, and he went in the strength of that meat 40 days and 40 nights, until he reached Mt. Horeb. This wild and rugged portion of Arabia had once before been the training ground for one of God’s chosen servants. (See Exodus 3:1.) And long after Elijah had finished his life work and gone home, it was for a time an asylum for the great apostle to the Gentiles. (See Galatians 1:17.)

When Elijah had finally put a journey of 40 days and 40 nights between himself and the scene of his recent triumphs, he reached the mount of God, and crawled into a cave and lodged there. “And, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9. It would be well if God’s children would always hear that same voice saying, “What doest thou here?” whenever unbelief has separated them from God, or the allurements of the world have enticed them into some pleasure resort or some questionable place of amusement.

Whisper of Conscience

“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” Verses 11, 12. God would teach Elijah that he would not always work through the elements, as during the years of famine, and those scenes that he had recently witnessed on Carmel’s height. Doubtless Elijah was depending too much upon the miraculous and spectacular methods to restore his people to their allegiance to God, feeling that it could be accomplished only by some unusually striking manifestation of God’s power. But these signs had failed, and he was now told that in these signs, in the highest sense, God was not—not in these, but in the still, small, gentle whisper of conscience, and solitude was the surest token that God was near him.

Life is filled with sharp and varied experiences. We think of Moses on the mount with God for 40 days, and then his return to the plain and the golden calf; of Christ at His baptism anointed with the Holy Ghost, His Father proclaiming from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” and then His temptation in the wilderness; of Christ on the mount of transfiguration talking with Moses and Elias, and then down in the valley to meet the demon-possessed boy; of Elijah on Mt. Carmel, carrying into effect in one day the greatest program for God of which we have any record, and then, before the excitement and inspiration of that eventful day were over, fleeing, panic-stricken, at the threat of the wicked queen.

Elijah had doubtless concluded that because God was not any longer working as he did on Mt. Carmel, he was not working at all. However, that was not God’s chosen way of saving Israel. There had been a more gentle and loving ministry going on that Elijah knew nothing about. The special message to Elijah was that the wind and the earthquake and the fire might pass before him, but God was not in them. But deep down in the heart of the nation, in the caves of Carmel, unknown to him, unknown to one another, were 7,000 who had not by word or deed acknowledged the power of Baal. In them God was still present. In them was the first announcement, often repeated by later prophets, of “an Israel within Israel,” of a remnant within all the great movements of God. This remnant embraced the true hope of the future.

Faith and Courage Renewed

Elijah was now instructed to anoint Hazael to be king over Syria, and Jehu to be king over Israel, and Elisha to be prophet in his stead. We do not know just what time elapsed between Elijah’s return from Arabia and his translation. Possibly it was about ten years. We catch only an occasional glimpse of him during those times. But again the old-time courage and faith had come back to him, and before his translation, he was brought over the same ground, and tested again on the very same point where he had signally failed.

Ahaziah, who was reigning in the place of his father, Ahab, had fallen down through a lattice in his upper chamber, and was very sick. When he learned that Elijah was in the country and had prophesied that he should surely die, he sent for him, doubtless to do him harm. (11 Kings 1:2–9.) There was just as much danger involved in his appearance at the court of Ahaziah, the son of Jezebel, who was still living, as there had been on a former occasion. Still Elijah went boldly down with the messenger through a crowded capital into the palace of his foes and announced to the king his doom. (Verse 16.) As he nears his reward, he no longer fears the wrath of man, for he is once more standing before his God, and is dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Before our final leave-taking of this wonderful prophet, let us remember that he was a man of like passions with ourselves, and the secret of his marvelous deeds was to be found, not in any inherent qualities that he possessed, but in the fact that he was filled with the Holy Ghost. It was by his consecration and faith that he “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, . . . escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness . . . [was] made strong. Women received their dead raised to life again.” [Hebrews 11:33–35.] Is it too much to suppose that God will again give unto us the spirit and power of Elijah in the closing years of this generation? In fact, has God not always through all the ages shown Himself strong toward those whose hearts were perfect toward Him?

Absolute Surrender

When D. L. Moody was a young man, he read somewhere that the world had yet to see what God could do through a man who was fully surrendered to Him. Mr. Moody was greatly impressed with the statement; and although he had a very humble opinion of himself, he reasoned that he was a man, and if it was not so much a question of who it was if only the surrender was complete, he was willing to pay the price if only God would use him. His choice was made, and his unsurpassed record as an evangelist and soul-winner for nearly half a century shows what one man may do in one brief life if only he is willing to surrender absolutely and unconditionally to God. While Mr. Moody was a man of rare gifts and a born leader of men, yet the secret of his power was unquestionably due to the fact that he was a man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.

“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” Christ said to His disciples; and their lives from that time became a never-ceasing record of mighty signs and wonders done in the power of the Spirit. [Acts 1:8.] Stephen, we are told, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Charles G. Finney was so filled with the power of the Spirit that as he entered a mill, the operatives fell upon their knees in tears before the mere presence of the evangelist before he had uttered a word. There is no limit to the usefulness of those who are willing to put self aside and live a life wholly consecrated to God. One has well said that “there is nothing the church of today needs so much as spiritual power, and there is nothing that we can have so easily, if only we are prepared to pay the price.” It is of no use to exclaim in despairing tones, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” He is here waiting to do as much now as for the illustrious saints of olden times.

O for that flame of living fire

Which shown so bright in saints of old;

Which bade their souls to heaven aspire,

Calm in distress, in danger bold!

Where is that spirit, Lord, which dwelt

In Abram’s breast, and sealed him thine?

Which made Paul’s heart with sorrow melt,

And glow with energy divine?

Is not thy grace as mighty now

As when Elijah felt its power?

When glory beamed from Moses’ brow,

Or Job endured the trying hour?

Remember, Lord, the ancient days;

Renew thy work, thy grace restore;

And while to thee our hearts we raise,

On us thy Holy Spirit pour.

~ Wm. H. Bathrust

The Adventist Review and Sabbath Herald, October 19, 1916; October 26, 1916

Lessons from the Children of Israel, Part III

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There are literally hundreds of instances in Scripture where God places an emphasis upon the keeping of His Commandments. That is emphasized so much, because it, in reality, is a manifestation of a relationship that we are to have with God and with our fellowman. This is why Solomon, who has been called the wisest man that ever lived, wrote, as a conclusion to his life’s experiences, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13.

Previously, in this series, we have looked at the travels of the children of Israel and the experiences in which they became involved at Kadesh. There we saw a working out of what God wanted for His people all along, but just because God has a congregation does not necessarily mean that congregation is following everything that He has outlined for them or that they are all keeping the Commandments of God. Nonetheless, God has a plan for His people.

In this series on “Lessons from the Children of Israel,” we have seen, in Numbers 14, that the people had sinned, but Moses interceded on their behalf, and because of his intercession, God pardoned the people. As a result of this pronouncement, conversion flourished among the children of Israel. They decided that they wanted to go in and take the land that God had promised to them.

Verse 40 says, “Here we are, and we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised, for we have sinned!” But there is more involved in gaining God’s acceptance than just saying, “I have sinned.” Moses warned them against such action “for the Lord [is] not among you,” but they went anyway. Verse 42.

We are told, “Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.” Verse 45. Thus ends this sad chapter in the story of the children of Israel.

The Love Chapter

Then, interestingly, this chapter in the history of the children of Israel is followed by a chapter that could be titled, “How to Deal with the Unintentional Sin.”

If we were to study 1 Corinthians 12 about the gifts of the Spirit, we would find a lot to learn there about how the gifts of the church are applied. Then we could go to 1 Corinthians 14 and study more about the gifts. But sandwiched in between those two chapters is 1 Corinthians 13, which is known as the love chapter. It is there for a very specific purpose. It is indeed contextual, for we can have many gifts, but if we are not in harmony with God and with our fellowman and do not love as God has called us to love, we are doomed to destruction and failure.

The love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, is inserted between the chapters telling us about the gifts to give balance to them. There is—and was for those in the church at Corinth—the tendency to become puffed up thinking, “Look what God has done for me. I am some great person, because I can speak in tongues; I can do miracles.” Paul says of that church, “They came behind in no gift.” (1 Corinthians 1:7.) Yet, in reality, they did not have the love that they should have had. Basically, this was the experience of the children of Israel. Numbers 15 is inserted as a balance between two chapters of rebellion.

Unintentional Sin

The nation of Israel had become involved in a tremendous rebellion against God. It was a rebellion orchestrated by proud hearts and spirits that were in harmony with the devil himself. God said to them, “I am merciful, but I am not going to clear the guilty. Let me show you how I deal with the issue of unintentional sin.” Numbers 15 details the kinds of sacrifices that were to be brought for certain kinds of offenses. Those sacrifices were designed so the people could see that God does make provision. He wants us to be obedient to His will, but if we should unintentionally sin, provision is made so we can find acceptance again with Him.

Rebellion Again

I wish that Numbers 16 were different, but it is not. It begins with the account of another rebellion. It is unfortunately quite easy to focus on the sin to the neglect of the Saviour, and I do not want to do that. I want to try to be as balanced as I can, not only pointing out the sins but also pointing out the Saviour who is able to save from those sins. We must each do that, because if we do not, we may become extremely Pharisaical and lax in our understanding of the mercy of God and His plan. We may lean toward the rigidness of being obedient, and then we multiply the traditions until finally we are in such a narrow box that even we ourselves cannot live in it. We must understand that there needs to be not only the justice of God but also the mercy of God. We are not to skip over the times of rebellion that are placed in Scripture. They are there for a reason. Just as, at the beginning of this article, I mentioned how we could enumerate the number of times in Scripture that God says to keep His Commandments, it is repeatedly mentioned to put into our minds the fact that God requires obedience of us. In Numbers, several accounts showing each type of rebellion are given, so we might learn the lessons and not fall into the same kinds of traps. Even though it may seem at times that we are concentrating on the sin to the neglect of a Saviour, it is just because these things are all foundational for us, and we need to make sure that we are on the right foundation.

“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the Lord [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? And when Moses heard [it], he fell upon his face.” Numbers 16:1–4.

Most of the time when we read about someone falling on his or her face, we are usually thinking in the aspect of intercession. We consider this as a posture of prayer—bowing down in a sign of humility and intercession before the Lord. Actually, Moses had just come through one experience where he fell on his face (Numbers 14:5). In this passage, it seems as if he was covering his head in an effort to save his body from being blown apart by the fire that could come from the Lord against the current rebellion. What was it that was happening?

A Better Idea

“Korah, Dathan, and Abiram first commenced their cruel work upon the men to whom God had entrusted sacred responsibilities. They were successful in alienating two hundred and fifty princes who were famous in the congregation, men of renown. With these strong and influential men on their side, they felt sure of making a radical change in the order of things. They thought they could transform the government of Israel and greatly improve it from its present administration.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 344.

This did not happen overnight. It took awhile to gain the sympathies of these princes. The interesting part about this is that Korah was a cousin to Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. He was of the tribe of Levi who had distinguished themselves and to whom God was giving special attention. He had watched how God had been leading Moses and Aaron, how Miriam had prophesied, and he now complained that they had taken on what we could call kingly power. He declared that they were taking too much upon themselves, that they were exalting themselves where they should not be exalted.

I do not believe for a moment that Moses and Aaron were guilty of self-exaltation. They were just following what and where God wanted them to follow, but Korah came along and gathered Dathan and Abiram, brethren from the tribe of Reuben, and they began to solicit support to undo Moses and Aaron.

The Lesson

How should we look at designated leadership? The foundational question we really should ask ourselves is, “Were Moses and Aaron doing God’s will?” The answer unquestionably is, “Yes, they were doing God’s will.”

If they were not doing God’s will, then God would have perhaps supplanted Moses and Aaron with Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 princes in a heartbeat. God is always open to change—if it is for the better, if the change will further His cause. If the people in leadership are doing God’s will in all things when advances are made against that leadership, all I can say is, “Woe be unto the person who could be categorized as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram when that kind of thing takes place.”

Charm of Flattery

How was Korah able to gather 250 princes of the assembly—famous men of renown in the congregation—to his cause and to his side? It was through means of flattery.

You know, it is very easy, if we are wanting to get someone on our side, to go to them and pump them up a little bit as far as their personal virtues are concerned—“You have really been successful . . . . You have been able to accomplish this, and you have been able to accomplish that.” Suddenly the person stands straighter, and they adjust their shoulders a little bit—and then the bomb usually drops: “I would like to have your support of me here.” When people are in darkness and in error and deserving of reproof, there is nothing that will please them more than to be praised and flattered. We do not like to be told that what we are doing is wrong. That is just a response of the human heart.

“Korah gained the ears of the people, and next their sympathies, by representing Moses as an overbearing leader. He said that he was too harsh, too exacting, too dictatorial, and that he reproved the people as though they were sinners when they were a holy people, sanctified to the Lord, and the Lord was among them.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 345. Error never really can go anywhere unless it has a certain amount of truth to it.

As It Was

The people in those days usually perpetuated their history by the telling and retelling of stories that were pertinent to their history. Their history would usually start with Abraham and continue on down through his descendants. The people were a holy people—at least they had been called to be that in the beginning. Every father of every family was the spiritual leader. They did not have a sanctuary; they did not have a priesthood; they did not offer sacrifices at the tabernacle. They all did that in their own homes. For centuries they did that. As they entered into that experience, that made them holy, as far as God was concerned.

To Korah’s thinking, this was the way it should still be. To establish the tabernacle and to take control away from the people, who used to sacrifice at home, and to centralize the leadership, putting Moses in control, he felt was totally wrong. Not only was it wrong, but Korah thought that Moses had become very harsh and dictatorial in the process. His requirements were way too high, and Korah thought something needed to be done about the situation. Oh, how I wish we could say that that spirit died centuries ago, but that spirit has not died at all. It is very much with us today.

“Korah rehearsed the incidents in their experience in their travels through the wilderness, where they had been brought into strait places, and where many of them had died because of murmuring and disobedience.” Ibid. Korah rehearsed all of this to the children of Israel in an effort to separate their affections from the leadership.

“With their perverted senses they thought they saw very clearly that all their trouble might have been saved if Moses had pursued a different course. He was too unyielding, too exacting, and they decided that all their disasters in the wilderness were chargeable to him.” Ibid. This kind of situation did not develop overnight. It had been working for a long time. The children of Israel had come out of Egypt; they had camped at Mt. Sinai where they constructed the tabernacle. It took around two years to do all of that. It could very well have been that Korah was starting his campaign even then.

Hard Decisions

Moses had to make a very difficult decision. Remember that I mentioned earlier that Korah and Moses were cousins. Moses surely pondered what he should do with family—how he should address the issues being raised by his own blood, by his own kinfolk. He had to make a decision, and the decision that he made was: “I am going to serve the Lord and not my family.”

This can be a very hard decision sometimes. Husbands are influenced by wives, and wives are influenced by husbands. Parents are influenced by children, and children are influenced by parents. Jesus could very well have been reflecting upon this instance when He said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37.

Was Jesus being too unyielding and too exacting when He made such a pronouncement as that? I do not think so. It was a painful experience that He was calling the people to go through at that point in time. It was a very painful experience, because there is nothing so close as kindred ties, and there is nothing so painful as the severing of those ties. But if a situation is of such a nature that it will cause you to be drawn away from God and from the plan and purpose that God has for you, then the ties must be severed.

Ultimately, God will bless us in the end, but we know that if we make one little compromise, there will usually be another. Many times they are not of enough notice to demand any attention. It is like being in the ocean and moving out with the tide. People can be playing in the ocean near the beach, and they can begin to bob along in the water without their feet touching the ground. If the tide is moving out, it is imperceptibly slow, and they may suddenly find they have been carried a greater distance from the beach than they are able to swim back. Many people have drowned in the ocean, because they were having a good time and not paying attention, and imperceptibly they were swept away from safety. If we begin to make compromises—things that are imperceptibly observed by others—we are going to find ourselves adrift far from the shore. That is exactly how the devil would have it.

Focus on the Stationary

There is only one way that we drift without knowing it, and that is by taking our eyes off of that which is stationary. If our eyes are on the shore rather than on the water, we will notice that the distance is starting to widen. We must keep our eyes on that which is stationary.

There is nothing more stationary than stone, and there is nothing that is more suitable for us to keep our eyes upon than the Law of God. It is indeed the reflection of the very character of God. It is a reflection of His very will for our lives. If we begin to move away from that, we are going to find ourselves in severe trouble.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were not looking to the Rock; they were looking at themselves, and they were drifting. It seems impossible that these men, who were allowed to climb the mountain with Moses and there experience that sheltered glory of the Lord, could be caught in this kind of a situation, but they were. (See Patriarchs and Prophets, 396.)

They had witnessed the glorious light that covered the divine form of Jesus Himself. These men were in the presence of the glory of Christ, and they ate and drank without being destroyed by the purity and the unsurpassed glory that reflected upon them. Yet as they came down that mountain, they went out and began their movement of subterfuge against what they perceived was not where they wanted things to go.

A Warning to Us

“The facts relative to Korah and his company, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and against Jehovah, are recorded for a warning to God’s people, especially those who live upon the earth near the close of time. Satan has led persons to imitate the example of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, in raising insurrection among the people of God. Those who permit themselves to rise in opposition to the plain testimony, become self-deceived. Such have really thought that those upon whom God has laid the burden of his work were exalted above the people of God, and that their counsels and reproofs were uncalled for. They have risen in opposition to the plain testimony which God would have his servants bear in rebuking the wrongs among God’s people. The testimonies borne against hurtful indulgences . . . have irritated a certain class, because it would destroy their idols. Many for awhile were undecided whether to make an entire sacrifice of all these hurtful things, or reject the plain testimonies borne, and yield to the clamors of appetite. They occupied an unsettled position. There was a conflict between their convictions of truth and their self-indulgences. Their state of indecision made them weak, and, with many, appetite prevailed. Their sense of sacred things was perverted by the use of these slow poisons; and they at length fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, that they would not deny self. This fearful decision at once raised a wall of separation between them and those who were cleansing themselves, as God has commanded, from all filthiness of the flesh, and of the spirit, and were perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. The straight testimonies borne were in their way, and caused them great uneasiness; and they found relief in warring against them, and striving to make themselves and others believe that they were untrue. They said that the people were all right, but it was the reproving testimonies which made the trouble. And when the rebellious unfurl their banner, all the disaffected rally around the standard, and all the spiritually defective, the lame, the halt, and the blind, unite their influence to scatter, and to sow discord.

“Every advance of God’s servants at the head of the work has been watched with suspicion by those who have had a spirit of insurrection, and all their actions have been misrepresented by the fault-finding, until honest souls have been drawn into the snare for want of correct knowledge. Those who lead them astray are so affected themselves by blind prejudice, and by rejecting the testimonies God has sent them, that they cannot see or hear aright. It is as difficult to undeceive some of these who have permitted themselves to be led into rebellion, as it was to convince the rebellious Israelites that they were wrong, and that Moses and Aaron were right.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 306–308.

To be continued . . .

Peter’s Counsel to Parents, Part III : Lessons from the First Chapter of Second Peter

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Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied [notice this expression; we shall refer to it again] unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things [nothing is withheld] that pertain unto life [eternal life] and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises”—mark carefully the language, because in the judgment every person who has ever had the privilege of hearing or reading these words will be held accountable for the way in which he has received them—“whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature”—partakers of divine power, divine grace, divine possibilities.

Is it possible for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam to stand on vantage ground, able to overcome? Yes, this is the great privilege that is granted them. They may be “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (11 Peter 1:1–4).

Constant Warfare

The Christian life is a constant warfare. The church militant is not the church triumphant. Paul says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12.] We must meet human beings of power and influence who are on Satan’s side of the controversy; and we must also meet unseen agencies of evil. Let us be found in the right position.

Addition and Multiplication

To those who are preparing for heaven I wish to say, In the Christian life we are to work upon the plan of addition. If we are faithful in working on this plan, God works for us on the plan of multiplication. We are not to deviate from virtue or fail to cherish and cultivate all the graces of the Spirit. To enable us to be partakers of the divine nature, God has given us exceeding great and precious promises. These promises are mentioned in the following verses:

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (11 Peter 1:5–8).

Add Virtue

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” Let not those who profess to have faith in Christ fail of having virtue. They are under obligation to place themselves where they will reveal to others the virtue of His character.

High Standard to Attain

God has called us to glory and virtue. We have no right to assimilate with the world—dressing, talking, and living as worldlings do. God has given us a high standard to reach. To enable man to reach this standard, God sent into the world His only begotten Son. In our behalf Christ made an infinite sacrifice. He laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came into our world to teach men and women the laws of life and salvation, which they must carry out to the letter in order to have everlasting life in the kingdom of glory.

Satan claimed that it was impossible for human beings to keep God’s law. In order to prove the falsity of this claim, Christ left His high command, took upon Himself the nature of man, and came to the earth to stand at the head of the fallen race, in order to show that humanity could withstand the temptations of Satan. On this earth He worked out the problem how to live in accordance with God’s standard of right. Bearing our nature, He was true to God’s standard of righteousness, gaining the victory over Satan. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet He was without sin.

Represent the Father

Before Christ came in person to reveal His Father’s character, Satan thought that he would have the whole world on his side. And today the enemy is still playing the game of life with everyone. He seeks to bring in dissension and division. But if we are partakers of the divine nature, we must stand as a united whole. Let us not think that our churches can enjoy God’s blessing while in a state of disunion. In this world we are to be representatives of Christ. He has called us to glory and virtue. As He represented the Father, so we are to represent Christ to the world; for in representing Him we are representing the Father.

We have a great work to perform for the Master. After Jesus has sacrificed so much in our behalf, giving His life for our salvation, shall we by our course of action make Him ashamed of us?

It is to the glory of God for Him to give us of His virtue. He desires to see us rise to the highest standard. When by living faith we lay hold of the power of a living Christ; when we plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as ours; when we seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. And “whosoever eateth my flesh,” said Christ, “and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. . . . The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:56, 63.]

Knowledge Beyond Expression

“And to virtue knowledge.” Oh, we can have a knowledge of God and His truth—a knowledge that is beyond expression! Tell me, what language can we find to express the knowledge that comes to us when Christ reveals His presence to us, and our hearts are softened and subdued by His power? Such knowledge is beyond expression. We cannot explain it; nevertheless, we know that we possess it.

Let those who claim to have a knowledge of God work in cooperation with Christ. Christ is depending upon everyone to do his best. To every man and to every woman He has given a work.

Conditional Promises

God’s promises are conditional. In order to make it possible for Him to bless us, we must do our part. We cannot expect that all His blessings will come to us naturally, if we fold our hands in inactivity. We are to be laborers together with God. It is our privilege and duty to labor for souls ready to perish.

If you have a knowledge of God and have taken your position under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, remember that you are not to allow yourself to come under the control of the powers of darkness—the fallen angels. You are to keep in mind the promises that pertain to eternal life and godliness, and seek for divine power that is given to enable you to escape everything that would lead you astray.

Temperance in Appetite

“And to knowledge temperance.” This is a point that every one of us should consider. The strength of natural appetites depends very much on the treatment they receive. Those who indulge appetite, eating and drinking with the drunken; those who practice gluttony, eating double the amount that they should eat, bring the system into such a condition that it is next to impossible for them to be partakers of the divine nature, because they do not escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. The temple of God, which should be kept holy, is polluted and defiled.

Think of all the wickedness that is committed as the result of the sale of liquor! The men who sell liquor are familiar with the evil effects that it produces. Not only the man who sells liquor, but also the man who buys and drinks it, is held accountable for the wicked deeds committed under its influence. God stands ready to give divine power to any sincere man to enable him to overcome appetite for liquor; but oh, how much better it is for parents to teach their children from babyhood never to use a drop of intoxicating liquor! And parents, besides helping their children by setting an example of strict temperance, should shield them from the so-called friends who would lead them to indulge appetite.

The food that we eat has much to do with the question of temperance. Parents should take into account the relation of food to morals. The use of flesh-meat animalizes the nature. There needs to be an awakening on this point. How can anyone desire to live on the flesh of dead animals, when he has the privilege of using the fruit, grains, vegetables, and nuts that God has given us in such abundance?

Self-denial a Virtue

The enemy does everything in his power to gain control of the minds of men and women. He leads them to cultivate a perverted appetite, so that rather than to deprive themselves of injurious things, they go on in indulgence after indulgence. Self-denial is a virtue.

Brain Nerve-power to Resist Temptation

We hope that . . . those who understand the principles of health reform will exert a strong influence on the side of temperance. Let Christ’s followers abstain not only from alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, but also from every other harmful thing that beclouds the brain. The enemy has arranged matters so as to ensnare the greatest number. He leads men and women to use stimulating food and food that beclouds the nerve-power of the brain, so that they are unable to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. Parents, teach the members of your household that indulgence of appetite is the work of the enemy. Teach them to guard against his deceptions. Such instruction should be given by everyone who takes the responsibility of bringing children into the world; and especially at this stage of the world’s history fathers and mothers should realize that their children are the property of God, and that He holds them accountable to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

We are to practice temperance on every point; for we need all the brain nerve-power that it is possible for us to have in order that we may be able to resist Satan’s temptations. We are not to pamper appetite, diseasing our digestive organs by indulgence. God desires us to be true to the principles of health reform. Let us remember that we have a heaven to win and a hell to shun.

Disposition of a Christian

We are to realize that the divine Presence is constantly by our side. Christ has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Remember that He hears every unkind word, every harsh, cutting expression. Could you see Jesus standing by your side, would you speak such words? Then guard carefully every word and action. Walk in all lowliness of mind, cherishing a spirit of meekness and kindness. Live so that others may see that there is a difference between the disposition of a Christian and the disposition of those who make no claim to be Christ’s followers.

Words that create heart-burnings and disunion should never escape the lips of Christ’s followers. We must put on Christ; we must be Christlike in every word and action. Thus we shall be partakers of the divine nature. Only by partaking of the divine nature can we live the Christ-life.

Challenge to Parents

Fathers and mothers, wherever you are, whether in your home or elsewhere, it is never right for you to speak one disrespectful word to each other. If you are harassed say, firmly, “This is from Satan. He wants me to perpetuate his words, his spirit, but I will not do it.” Determine to speak in love; to cultivate patience, kindness, long-suffering, courtesy, and delicacy in dealing with one another. Why?—Because you are a Christian; because you are preparing for the society of the heavenly angels; for a home in the kingdom of glory, where no harsh, unkind, impatient words are ever spoken. Remember that it is Satan who leads men and women to speak unkindly to one another.

Avoid Arbitrary Authority

Never should parents scold their children. Never should they administer punishment while in a fit of passion. Children cannot be trained aright in this manner. Angry parents need to be chastened by the rod themselves, instead of chastening their children. Punishment in anger only hurts and provokes. Do you want a home in heaven? We are all desirous of reaching heaven. But does anyone desire to reach heaven in order that he may fret and scold or punish in anger, and exercise arbitrary authority? On the other hand, do we not desire to reach heaven because peace reigns there; because on every side we shall hear the words, “Thy gentleness hath made me great”?

Cheerful Countenance

Mothers, take your rightful position as a loving teacher of your children. Remember that the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that moves the world. Never give expression to words of anger. Keep a cheerful countenance. Children are very susceptible to expressions of joy and sorrow. I remember that sometimes when things which caused sorrow would be brought to me while I was holding one of my children in my arms, the change of expression on my countenance would be noticed at once by my child. Seeing the expression of sadness come over my face, the little babe only three months old would burst out crying, and could hardly be pacified. At first I did not know what caused him to cry, but I soon learned.

Missionary Work at Home

Parents, let our countenances reveal constantly the peace and consolation of Christ. This is a missionary work that you are able to do at home. Missionary work begins in the home. Educate and train your children for the future immortal life. Lead them to give their hearts to God, that they with you may be numbered among His people. You can teach them to stand by you, to strengthen your hands in the missionary work; and in turn, you can strengthen them.

Parents, sanctify yourselves, that your children also may be sanctified. Sanctify your talent of speech. Words are a precious gift, capable of doing much good and accomplishing a great work for the Master. Let every word be such that you can have it written in the books of heaven without being ashamed to meet your record in the judgment.

Sanctified Speech

Great blessings are lost because of discouraging and passionate words. Brethren and sisters, learn lessons of self-control. When someone speaks passionately to you, keep silent: Feelings of anger, when met in this way, die out very quickly. A hastily spoken reply only makes matters worse.

Confess Negligence to Children

Brethren and sisters, I beg of every one of you to make the most of this camp meeting. If you have backslidden, I entreat you, for Christ’s sake, to return to Him. Be reconverted. Let the conversions begin today. Let parents confess to their children in regard to the points on which they have neglected their duty. Let them confess their negligence in regard to allowing their children to follow the fashions and to mingle in worldly society simply because they wanted to be like the world. It is impossible for us to be Christlike while we are worldly-minded. We cannot separate ourselves from the world itself; we must remain in the world; but we should separate from its evil practices, its wrong ideas, its sinfulness. We should practice self-denial in everything, in order to have power by living faith in Christ to claim the richest promises given us in His Word.

Example of the Israelites

Just before the firstborn were slain in Egypt, the Lord instructed the Israelites to gather their children into their houses with them, and to strike the lintel and the two side posts of their doors with blood, so that when the destroying angel went through the land, he would recognize the houses thus marked as the dwelling places of Christ’s followers, and pass over them.

Today we must gather our children about us, if we desire to save them from the destructive power of the evil one. The conflict between Christ and Satan will increase in intensity until the end of this earth’s history. We are to have faith in the blood of Christ, in order that we may pass safely through the perilous times just before us.

Let the children receive the blessings of this meeting. If you try to help them by personal labor in your family tents, working with Christlike simplicity, the reviving, reformatory power of God will come into your tents and enable you to pray in faith. Then you can ask for the Lord’s richest blessings to rest upon the little company in your tent.

If we work diligently upon the plan of addition, we shall not be barren in a knowledge of Christ. We should, however, take heed to ourselves, lest we fall because we do not cherish and cultivate the Christian graces. “He that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [11 Peter 1:9.] This scripture brings to view those who are in a divided state, those who talk as they please, those who indulge appetite and passionate speech, failing to take themselves in hand. Such persons have no moral strength to carry out the principles that would bring to them, as overcomers, the crown of life. They are like a man who has forgotten that he has been purged from his old sins.

Only Election in Scripture

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] This is the only election that is spoken of in the Bible. Your election is dependent on your course of action. If you will to make your election sure, you can do so; if you will to make it uncertain by sinning while professing to be righteous, you can do so. You can become angry, you can be dishonest in trade, you can in other respects follow the course of the ungodly. But will it pay? I ask you, Will it pay? Will you not determine to make your calling and election sure, and not only for yourself, but for your children? Will you not strive to bind up your children with Christ?

If you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, you will never fall; “for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.] This promise is an eternal life-insurance policy, and it is offered to every one of us.

The apostle continues: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.]

Timbers in Character Building

To those who desire to make their calling and election sure, and to obtain this eternal life-insurance policy, we would say, Remember that you are “labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is watching intently to see what kind of timbers parents and children put into their character building.

Kindness and Patience

When the tiller of the soil sows seed, he apparently throws away his grain. Parents may think that in teaching their children the principles of kindness and patience, they are throwing away their time and efforts. But if they are faithful in training their children, they will reap an abundant harvest as surely as will the one who sows good seed in his field.

Home to be Heaven on Earth

Parents, make your home a little heaven on earth. You can do this, if you so choose. You can make home so pleasant and cheerful that it will be the most attractive place on earth to your children. Let them receive all the blessings of the household. You can so relate yourselves to God that His Spirit will abide in your home. Come close to the bleeding side of the Man of Calvary. Those who are partakers with Him in His sufferings will at last be partakers with Him in His glory.

Life-insurance Policy

We are offered an everlasting life-insurance policy that assures us a life which measures with the life of the infinite God. We are to make manifest that we are not working for earthly riches and honor, but for a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. When we have been offered so much, shall we not with every power of the being strive to be overcomers? If such an effort made men and women miserable, if it caused them to feel that they were under condemnation, we could not appeal so strongly to you to take up the cross and follow the Saviour. But we know that the effort to run with patience the race set before you will bring happiness into your face, the sparkle of glad satisfaction into your eyes, and nobility into your soul. In this light look at the Christian’s race. Grasp the hand of the Infinite, reached down to save you. He says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” [Isaiah 41:13.] Remember that in God you have a mighty Helper.

Parable of the Talents

In the parable of the talents, the servant who had five talents traded upon them wisely, and in the day of reckoning was able to bring double that number to the master. The one also who had two doubled his talents. But the man who had one talent hid it in a napkin, and buried it in the earth. And when the master returned and reckoned with his servants, the sentence pronounced upon this slothful servant was “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.” [Matthew 25:28.]

Brethren and sisters, what are you doing to prepare yourselves for a home in glory? Do you realize that to everyone is given his work? God has not given all the same work. Some have a greater number of talents than others. Those who have five talents should faithfully trade upon them. To those who have two talents the Lord says, “Trade upon your talents, using and improving them to My glory.” We are to use our talents according to our several abilities.

Remember that you have at least one talent. Resolve by the grace of God to use your talent wisely, and see whether you can gain another one. Thank God that He has manifested His great love to you by entrusting you even with one talent. By word and action show that you appreciate this gift, and that you regard it as a treasure greater in value than anything else you possess. Put your talent out to the exchangers. If you use it faithfully, you will gain another talent; and by a faithful use of these two talents, you will gain two more.

One Talent

If you have received only one talent, instead of burying it, say, “I have but one talent, and I must make the most of it. I will be faithful in the little things, because the Word declares, ‘He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.’ [Luke 16:10.] I must use to the very best advantage that which is given me. I must not waste one jot or tittle of my powers in the gratification of appetite or pride of appearance. In my family I must be a faithful teacher, training my children for the future, immortal life. I must teach them to be honest and truthful, kind and patient. I myself must be all that I desire my children to be; for in speaking of His disciples, Christ said, ‘For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified.’ [John 17:19.]”

If you have buried in the earth the one talent that God entrusted to you, I beseech you to improve it before He inquires, What have you done with the talent that I gave you?

The Talent of Means

Often the talent of means is buried. Money lying unused in banks is regarded by the Lord as a buried talent. God wants His followers to use the talent of means in His service. We should do our part to carry forward the different lines of work in all parts of the earth. A great work is to be done in the cities. Camp meetings are to be held in many places. Those who have the talent of means may multiply it by using it to the work of giving to the world the message of truth for this time. When through the instrumentality of our one talent someone is brought into the truth, that one talent is doubled. And when this person brings others into the truth, there is still further increase of talents.

To him who uses aright his one talent, the Master will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” [Matthew 25:21, 23.] The well-doer is not rewarded in proportion to the number of his entrusted talents, but in proportion to the use made of that which he has, and the motive which prompts his action.

I tell you these things in order that you may individually feel that God desires to use you in His service. There is a place for you to fill in this world. If you fill this place faithfully, the Lord of heaven will work in your behalf, and you will see of the salvation of God. This is what we are so anxious for everyone to see.

In Isaiah 57:15 we read: “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” This scripture describes the man whom God approves.

Christ is coming soon. He declared that when there would be wars and rumors of wars, when there would be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places, we might know that the time of His second appearing is near. “When these things begin to come to pass,” He declared, “then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” [Luke 21:28.]

Parable of the Fig Tree

Christ represented this time by the parable of the fig tree. “Behold the fig tree,” He said, “and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.” [Luke 21:29, 30.] The wickedness, the turmoil, the disturbances on every side, should be regarded by us as signs that the day of God is at hand.

We are standing on the verge of the eternal world. We have no time to lose. It is high time to tell the people that Christ is coming. Let us warn them, visiting them at their homes, and talking and praying with them personally. By such efforts we shall win souls to Christ. If we come to God in faith, He will give us power and grace for every duty.

Practice Economy

Let those who profess to believe present truth practice economy. God has use for every dollar that can be given to advance His work in the earth. The cities throughout America are to be worked. The Southern field in all its barrenness is staring us in the face. Who feels a burden to go there to labor? Perhaps you are inclined to find fault with those who are there; but can you not go there yourself to see what you can do in working wisely for souls ready to perish?

Criticism and Fault Finding

We have only touched upon this subject, and now we leave it with you. We greatly desire to have everyone go to work. Cease to criticize and find fault. If anyone has aught against his brother, let him go to him in the spirit of Christ and settle the difficulty. Before the power of the Holy Ghost rested upon the disciples, they spent ten days before God in prayer and fasting and confession of sin. After they had come into unity, the heavens were opened, the glory of God was revealed, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. Then they went forth to proclaim the gospel with power, and under the influence of the Spirit five thousand were converted in one day.

Let us begin to look at these things as they are. The saving knowledge of the power of God should go forth from us as a lamp that burneth. Our tapers should be kindled from the divine altar.

Conversion

One reason that there are not more conversions now is because you yourselves need to be converted. Just as soon as you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you will see of the salvation of God. Let the breaking-up plow do its work in the heart. We desire to see everyone drawing strength from Christ by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. May God help you. May He cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and let His light shine upon you. May we see the salvation of God . . . .

[Sermon at Petaluma, California, California Conference Camp Meeting, Sabbath, June 7, 1902.] Manuscript 77, 1902.

To be continued . . .

How Readest Thou? Part II

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The title of this article comes from the reply Jesus gave to a certain lawyer when he queried: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. Jesus responded: “How readest thou?” Verse 26. The same can be asked of each of us. Do we study just to gain knowledge to settle theological questions or win arguments? Or do we study to be truly converted, having our eyes on Jesus? We must focus on specific things that are necessary to be converted and saved as individuals and as a people. We need to be focused on Jesus and learn of Him.

Our Greatest Need

Our greatest need is to get en-rolled in the school of Christ, to study His life as we have never before studied it.

“Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school.

“ ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9. Only through His word can a knowledge of these things be gained; and even this affords but a partial revelation.” Education, 301.

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.

“But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.” Ibid., 57.

Brothers and sisters, the highest and greatest education that man can obtain will be found in the Bible—Genesis to Revelation—and in the little books written by Ellen White. These are the greatest textbooks that have ever been written, yet they are the books that are collecting the most dust. They contain information for eternal life.

Steps of Repentance

“Christ must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as we behold the Lamb of God upon the cross of Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold to our minds and the goodness of God leads us to repentance. In dying for sinners, Christ manifested a love that is incomprehensible; and as the sinner beholds this love, it softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition in the soul.” Steps to Christ, 26, 27.

“Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” Ibid., 23.

We Own Not Ourselves

Somehow Satan has given us the idea that we are complete owners of ourselves, that we can think, do, act, and worship the way we want. But consider this food for thought: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23.

“How natural it is to regard ourselves as complete owners of ourselves! But the Inspired Word declares, ‘Ye are not your own.’ ‘Ye are bought with a price.’ 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. . . . In our relation to our fellow men we are owners of our entrusted mental and physical capabilities. In our relation to God, we are borrowers, stewards of His grace. . . .

“It is your privilege to obey the living Word of God as a truly converted and transformed soul, to perform the highest service as a free, heaven-born spirit, to give evidence that you are worthy of the sacred trust that God has given you by sending His only begotten Son to die for you. If you believe in Christ as your personal Saviour, you receive every grace, every spiritual endowment, necessary for the perfecting of the Christian character.” Our High Calling, 40.

Hunger and Thirst

Have you and I come to that real hunger and thirst for righteousness?

“[God] has promised, ‘I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.’ Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.” Steps to Christ, 95. That quote should not be too difficult to understand, should it?

Let me ask you a question, Which has more faith, birds or man? Mrs. White explains this: “The swallow and the crane observe the changes of the seasons. They migrate from one country to another to find a climate suitable to their convenience and happiness, as the Lord designed they should. But God’s people sacrifice life and health by seeking to gratify appetite. In their desire to accumulate treasure, they forget the Giver of all their blessings. Their health is abused, and their God-given powers are used to carry out their unsanctified, ambitious projects. Their days are filled with pain of body and disquietude of mind because they are determined to follow wrong habits and practices. They will not reason from cause to effect, and they sacrifice health, peace, and happiness to their ignorance.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 335, 336.

Rejection of Truth

“Rejection of truth has produced [the] present condition. ‘The prevalence of sin is alarming; the world is being filled with violence as in the days of Noah. Would the world be in its present condition if those who claim to be the people of God had reverenced and obeyed the law of the Lord? It is the rejection of the truth, man’s dispensing with the commandments of God, that has produced the condition of things which now exists. God’s Word is made of none effect by false shepherds. The decided opposition of the shepherds of the flock to the law of the Lord reveals that they have rejected the Word of the Lord, and have put their own words in its place. In their interpretation of the Scriptures they teach for doctrines the commandments of men. In their apostasy from the truth they have encouraged wickedness, saying, “We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us.” [Jeremiah 8:8.] The words of Christ to the Pharisees are applicable to them. Christ said to these teachers, Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God. [See Matthew 22:29.] . . .

“ ‘The condition of our world today is just as the prophet has represented that it would be near the close of this earth’s history.’ ” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1155.

A Skeptic’s Understanding

“How readest thou?” A choice example of the knowledge of the Bible possessed by skeptics is here related: Once a skeptic was at a dinner and sat next to a Bible teacher who engaged him in conversation and opened to him the subject of faith in Christ. The skeptic said that he had once been a reader of the Bible. He related, “I came across the story of Noah and the ark. I am a lumberman, and it interested me. I began to figure out its dimensions and how many feet of lumber went into it. I was astonished and impressed at its size. A few days later, I opened the Bible again and saw that the Levites took the ark on their shoulders and carried it around the wilderness. Such foolishness made me angry. I have never looked inside the Bible again.”

This is a sample of some people’s understanding of the Bible and the arguments used against authenticity of the Bible! The Bible needs to be studied prayerfully and earnestly to find the gospel plan of salvation. Oh, friend, how do you study the Bible?

“It is not by looking away from Him that we imitate the life of Jesus, but by talking of Him, by dwelling upon His perfections, by seeking to refine the taste and elevate the character, by trying, through faith and love, and by earnest, persevering effort, to approach the perfect Pattern. By having a knowledge of Christ—His words, His habits and His lessons of instruction—we borrow the virtues of the character we have so closely studied, and become imbued with the spirit we have so much admired. Jesus becomes to us ‘the chiefest among ten thousand,’ the One ‘altogether lovely.’ [The Song of Solomon 5:1, 16.]” Our High Calling, 58.

“The character of Christ was one of unexampled excellence, embracing everything pure, true, lovely, and of good report. . . . Not one of His hours from childhood to manhood was misspent, none were misappropriated. . . .

“Jesus was sinless and had no dread of the consequences of sin. With this exception His condition was as yours. You have not a difficulty that did not press with equal weight upon Him, not a sorrow that His heart has not experienced. His feelings could be hurt with neglect, with indifference of professed friends, as easily as yours. Is your path thorny? Christ’s was so in a tenfold sense. . . .

“Take Jesus as your standard. Imitate His life. Fall in love with His character. Walk as Christ walked.” Ibid., 59.

“For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:26.

“How readest thou?”

Would You Deny Christ?

Would we even think of denying (crucifying) Christ today? Hastily we might respond with a definite “No way!” But let us take a serious look at this question.

“He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him. He cannot communicate that which he has not received. The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession. Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking, by foolish talking, by words that are untruthful or unkind. They may deny Him by shunning life’s burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him by conforming to the world, by uncourteous behavior, by the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness. In all these ways they declare that Christ is not in them. And ‘whosoever shall deny Me before men,’ He says, ‘him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.’ [Matthew 10:33.]” The Desire of Ages, 357.

“True, saving faith is a precious treasure of inestimable value. It is not superficial. The just lives by faith a truly spiritual, Christlike life. It is through faith that the steps are taken one at a time up the ladder of progress. Faith must be cultivated. . . .

“The life of obedience to all of God’s commandments is a life of progression, a life of constant advancement. . . .

“ ‘Grace and peace’ will be multiplied ‘through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.’ [11 Peter 1:2.] Here is the Source of all spiritual power, and faith must be in constant exercise, for all spiritual life is from Christ.” Our High Calling, 67.

Ladder to Heaven

How are you and I going to get to heaven? The only way is by the ladder that we must climb. You may ask what ladder that may be. Genesis 28:12 says, “And he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”

“Let us consider this ladder which was presented to Jacob. . . . The sin of Adam cut off all intercourse between heaven and earth. Up to the moment of man’s transgression of God’s law there had been free communion between earth and heaven. They were connected by a path which Deity could traverse. But the transgression of God’s law broke up this path and man was separated from God. . . .

“Every link which bound earth to heaven and man to the infinite God seemed broken. Man might look to heaven, but how could he attain it? But joy to the world! The Son of God, the Sinless One, the One perfect in obedience, becomes the channel through which the lost communion may be renewed, the way through which the lost paradise may be regained. Through Christ, man’s substitute and surety, man may keep the commandments of God. He may return to his allegiance and God will accept him. Christ is the ladder. ‘By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.’ John 10:9. . . .

“The ladder is the medium of communication between God and man. Through the mystic ladder the gospel was preached to Jacob. As the ladder stretched from earth, reaching to the highest heavens, and the glory of God was seen above the ladder, so Christ in His divine nature reached immensity and was one with the Father. As the ladder, though its top penetrated into heaven, had its base upon the earth, so Christ, though God, clothed His divinity with humanity and was in the world ‘found in fashion as a man’ (Philippians 2:8). The ladder would be useless if it rested not on the earth or if it reached not to the heavens.

“God appeared in glory above the ladder, looking down with compassion on erring, sinful Jacob. . . . It is through Christ that the Father beholds sinful man. . . . The broken links have been repaired. A highway has been thrown up along which the weary and heavy laden may pass. They may enter heaven and find rest.” Our High Calling, 66.

Thank God that ladder, Jesus Christ, has been provided for mankind to have an escape to a better land through obedience to His Word.

“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5.

Are You Enrolled?

Are you getting your education? Are you getting the right education? Are you enrolled in the preparatory school?

“Those who in this earth become sons of God sit together with Christ in the preparatory school, getting ready to be received into the higher school. Day by day we are to make an individual preparation; for in the courts above no one will be represented by proxy. Each one must heed for himself the call, ‘Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest. . . .’ [Matthew 11:28.]

“The Lord Jesus has paid your tuition fees. All that you have to do is to learn of Him. The Christlike politeness practiced in the higher school is to be practiced in this lower school, by both old and young believers. All who learn in Christ’s school are under the training of heavenly agencies; and they are never to forget that they are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

“They are to represent Christ. They are to help one another to become worthy of admission into the higher school. They are to help one another to be pure and noble, and to cherish a true idea of what it means to be a child of God. They are to speak encouraging words. They are to lift up the feeble hands and strengthen the feeble knees. Upon every heart there is to be inscribed the words, as with the point of a diamond, ‘There is nothing that I fear, save that I shall not know my duty, or shall fail to do it.’ . . .

“A self-controlled spirit, words of love and tenderness, honor the Saviour. Those who speak kind, loving words, words that make for peace, will be richly rewarded. . . . We are to let His spirit shine forth in the meekness and lowliness learned of Him.

“Jesus is the great Teacher. . . . He is so willing, so ready to take you into a closer fellowship with Himself. He is willing to teach you how to pray with the believing confidence and assurance of a little child. . . . Enroll your name anew as a student in His school. Learn to pray in faith. Receive the knowledge of Jesus. . . .

“Will you not sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him?” Our High Calling, 102.

“How readest thou?” Are you learning of Christ? Are you making sure you are not denying or crucifying Christ afresh? What is your answer today?

[All emphasis supplied.]

An ordained minister of the gospel, Howard Anderson, now retired, lives in Zellwood Station, Florida. He may be contacted by telephone at: 407-886-1951.

The Seven Churches, Part VI : The Church of Thyatira

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In our survey of the seven churches, we are now in the middle—there are three churches before Thyatira and three churches after it. The middle church is an appropriate place to analyze where we have been and where we are going. The messages to the seven churches were given to the seven churches in western Turkey during biblical times. They also represent seven periods of time between the time of the apostles and the end of time. During this time—with the exception of the great revivals that took place during the second advent awakening in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and early nineteenth centuries—the course of the church of Christ since the days of the apostles has been mostly downward.

We see striking evidence of this fact if we look at the churches in sequence with the description given them by Jesus in the Revelation. The list would look like this: (1) Ephesus—the loveless church; (2) Smyrna—the persecuted church; (3) Pergamos—the compromising church; (4) Thyatira—the corrupt church; (5) Sardis—the dead church; (6) Philadelphia—the faithful church; and (7) Laodicea—the lukewarm church.

There is not much question about the period of the Ephesus church—the time of the apostles until the latter part of the first century. The Smyrna church covered the period of the great pagan persecutions in which “Paganism foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity.” The Great Controversy, 39. This period lasted from the time of Nero (see Ibid., 40) until the edict of Milan in 313 a.d. We see, then, that almost immediately (less than ten years) after the edict of Milan, there was a tremendous compromising with the world by the Christian churches that lasted for over 200 years.

Tolerating Jezebel

When did the compromising have such an effect that the church could be described as corrupt? The church at Pergamos is described as a compromising church, but the church at Thyatira is described as tolerating the harlot Jezebel. This is a similar description to that of Babylon in Revelation 14:8; 17 and 18. The church is to be espoused to Christ and is to be presented as a pure virgin to Him at His coming. She is to have no other liaison or relationship.

“He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. . . .

“Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. . . .

“Now, as in Christ’s day, the work of God’s kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’ Galatians 2:20.” The Desire of Ages, 509, 510. [Emphasis supplied.]

Amalgamation

When the church unites with the world instead of being united to Christ, she is called an adulteress in the Scriptures. When did the church compromise so much that she could be described as tolerating Jezebel in the church? Jezebel represents a union of paganism with the people of God—Israel—so much so that Jezebel—paganism—controls the people of God.

In the early 1980s, when it was being publicly debated whether the United States should have an official ambassador to the Vatican (as was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984), it was stated that the Catholic Church is not just a church like Protestant churches. Rather, the Roman Catholic Church is both a church and a state government. Since Jesus said, as recorded in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world,” whenever a church also becomes a kingdom of this world, that church is allowing that which the founder of Christianity would not allow—a mixture of churchcraft and statecraft. Jesus taught a strict separation of church and state. (See Matthew 22:21.)

When did the church first engage in this amalgamation? By decree it happened first in a.d. 533 when Justinian, the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, legally recognized the bishop (pope) of Rome as the head of all the Christian churches. However, because of the Arian domination of some of the Roman Empire by the barbarian tribes—Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Vandals—this authority could not be exercised by the bishop of Rome until a.d. 538 when the Ostrogoths, the last of the barbarian kingdoms, retired from the city of Rome. So the date when the church could be said to be corrupt by allowing in Jezebel with all her abominations would be a.d. 538.

The Dark Ages, a long period of time lasting almost 1,000 years—a longer period of time than that of any of the other churches—began in a.d. 538. The letter to Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters to the seven churches.

Addressing the Church

The title of the one addressing the church at Thyatira is “the Son of God.” Revelation 2:18. This is the only time this title is used for Jesus in the letters to the churches or in the entire Book of Revelation. It was during this period that Jezebel usurped the place and authority of Jesus in the church. Since the church at Thyatira had usurped the place of Christ, the witnesses of Jesus were put in dungeons and sent to stakes and inquisitions.

No longer does Jesus picture a Balak who has induced some of the leaders of the church to apostatize for worldly honor, as in the church at Pergamos, but rather, this church has a Jezebel at the very heart of the church. The antichrist has come right into the temple of God (the church, see Ephesians 2:19–22) and has seated himself there, showing himself that he is God.

A Little About Thyatira

Thyatira was located about 25 miles southeast of Pergamos. It was founded by Seleucus Nicator, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. It was a city built on the plains with no natural fortifications, such as Pergamos had, and was captured and destroyed and rebuilt many times.

When the Book of Revelation was written, this city was a manufacturing city, and its citizens were mostly poor, laboring people—just the opposite of Pergamos. In addition to various metallurgy industries, this was a center for dyeing cloth, especially of the royal purple. (See Acts 16:14.)

No Safety in Church Membership

There are many people who have assumed that if you belong to the church and stay with the church you will be saved. The letter to the church of Thyatira proves that this reasoning is false. Jesus predicts that he is going to destroy not only Jezebel but her entire family—all her children will be slain. (See Revelation 2:23.) If you are one of Jezebel’s children in character, even if your name is on the church books and you are professing to be a part of God’s people, the Lord says that you will be killed if you do not repent of your works. (See verse 22.) This letter shows that being part of the church by profession will not save you. If the church tolerated Jezebel inside of it, then all that participate in the works of Jezebel and do not repent will be killed.

There were some others in the church at Thyatira who did not have this teaching—that is, they did not tolerate Jezebel within their borders. They did not allow the amalgamation of the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world. Since they did not allow Jezebel within their church, “they did not have this teaching”—the teaching of Jezebel whereby the church and the state were united, forming an adulterous marriage between the church and the world. (See verses 20, 24.) As a result, they “did not know the depths of Satan” as the family of Jezebel did who claimed the right to be the teachers of all Christians. The Lord said to them, “I will not place on you any other burden. However, what you have hold fast till I come.” Verses 24, 25.

Character of the Professed

There are many lessons that we can learn from the instruction to the church at Thyatira.

First of all, in spite of the fact that there was a Jezebel in the heart of the professed church of Christ and the whole family of Jezebel who did not repent of the spiritual fornication taking place was destined to be slain, there were many Christians during the Dark Ages who lived up to all the light that they had and were commended for it by the Lord. Jesus says, “I know your love and faith and service and steadfast endurance, and your last works [are] more than the first.” Verse 19. This reveals clearly that the eyes of Him who has “eyes as a flame of fire” (verse 18) discern and detect not just profession of Christianity or profession of being members of the body of Christ, but Jesus detects the real character of the professed believers.

All the letters to the seven churches reveal this fact, and this fact shows us that in which Jesus is really interested. He values His church, not by the numbers of its professed believers or by the outward measurements that we use to evaluate, but by the character of His professed followers. He knows whether or not we have the first love. He knows whether our faith and love make us spiritually rich or poor. He knows whether or not our lives deny His character, whether we are spiritually dead or alive, whether our hearts are faithful, and whether we are hot, cold, or lukewarm.

The True Church

Second, Jesus knows what doctrines we are allowing to be taught in the church we attend. In the church at Thyatira, there were some people that would not go along with the teachings of Jezebel. In other words, they would not consent to an adulterous union of the church of Christ with the kingdoms of this world. As a result, not only were they excommunicated from the “church,” but they were also persecuted and martyred by the millions. They were told that they were cast out from the true church and therefore relegated to everlasting punishment, but actually, they were the true church.

These people were the true church at Thyatira, and Jesus addresses them as such. The counsel to them is as follows:

  1. They are referred to, in the King James Version of the Bible, as “the rest in Thyatira.” Verse 24. The Greek word translated “rest,” loipois, is the same Greek word that is translated as “remnant” in Revelation 12:17. They were the “remnant” or the “remaining”; that is, those who remained faithful in the midst of a worldwide apostasy.
  2. They did not learn, teach, or subscribe to the false teachings that resulted in Jezebel’s family knowing the depths of Satan.
  3. Jesus said, “I will not place on you any other burden. However, what you have hold fast till I come.” God did not expect as much of the Christians during the Dark Ages as He does of us. Most of them did not have ready access to the Bible, and gospel preaching was outlawed. God’s expectations are based upon opportunity. It is not good enough for any of us to say that our parents and grandparents did things in such and such a way, and they were good Christians, so it must be all right for us to do it that way also. Each of us is held accountable according to our opportunities.
  4. Those who conquered or were overcomers and kept unto the end Christ’s works would be given “power over the nations.” Revelation 2:26. During the Dark Ages, millions of Christians—the true church—were put to death by the various nations at the instigation of Jezebel and her family, but Jesus revealed that the time was coming when the circumstances of these Christians would be reversed. They would be the ones in power, and their former persecutors would be subject to their decision. (See 1 Corinthians 6:2.)
  5. The time is coming when the general to whose army these martyrs belong will shepherd the nations with a scepter of iron. (See Revelation 19:15.) After the manner that the persecutors have judged, they will be judged. They will be given a double reward for everything they have administered to others. (See Revelation 18:6; Isaiah 40:2.)
  6. The nations that have persecuted the saints, which will include every nation at the end of time, will be shattered in pieces or, in other words, completely destroyed. (See Revelation 16, 17, 18:7–24; 19:11–16.) The complete break-up and destruction of the old nations of this world must precede the new order of things that Jesus is coming to create. Before the first dominion can be restored to the church of Christ—the dominion of Adam before his fall and the kingdom of David with Christ ruling as King of kings and Lord of lords—He must bring to an end all rule, authority, and power. (See Revelation 19:16–21; 1 Corinthians 15:24.)
  7. The climax of the promise to the remnant or the faithful in Thyatira is that they will receive the Morning Star. (Revelation 2:28.) There are many morning stars written about in the Bible. (See, for example, Job 38:7.) The covering cherub, Lucifer, was one of these morning stars. (See Isaiah 14:12—the literal translation is “daystar,” “morning star,” or “shining one.”) In the future life, there will be those among the saved who are described as stars (see Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43), but when the Bible speaks of the Morning Star in the singular or, in other words, the Chief Star of the morning, it is referring to Jesus Christ. (See 11 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16.) He is the Royal Star that arose out of Jacob. He is the Daystar that changes night to day.

The morning star rises during the darkest part of the night, just before dawn. To those who lived during one of the darkest periods of earth’s history—“such persecution as the world had never before known,” The Desire of Ages, 631—was given the promise that they would receive the Morning Star—the Arbiter of all destinies; the General of all battles; the Ruler of all rulers; the Creator of the heavens and of the earth; the One whom the Father has appointed as the Heir of all things; the One who created the entire universe and Who upholds numberless worlds, solar systems, and galaxies by the Word of His power; the One who by Himself made a purification for our sins and Who sits on the right hand of His Father’s throne. This One unites His interest, presence, sustaining power, and grace with His torn, bleeding, scattered, persecuted flock who have been excommunicated, denounced, proscribed, persecuted, and sentenced to death by the professed church of Christ.

“Through the agency of Romanism, Satan took the world captive. The professed church of God was swept into the ranks of this delusion, and for more than a thousand years the people of God suffered under the dragon’s ire.” The Signs of the Times, November 1, 1899.

False Teachings Transmitted

Third, Jesus understands how false teachings and practices are transmitted from generation to generation. The tragedy and abomination of Jezebel in the church includes the fact that she has children. The false teaching and doctrine that Jezebel brought into the church in the past has been handed down by her children from generation to generation and will have to be dealt with by God’s people in the end of time. These false doctrines are what have caused a shaking among God’s people today.

“God’s Spirit has illuminated every page of Holy Writ, but there are those upon whom it makes little impression, because it is imperfectly understood. When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, these surface readers, anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into any position to suit the tenor of their feelings of bitterness.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 112.

In the final generation, the great mother harlot is spoken of as having “daughters” who are also harlots. (Revelation 17:5.) As already demonstrated, a church becomes a harlot when she becomes joined to a state government instead of being joined only to Christ, as was the apostolic church in the first century. The result of churches becoming joined to state governments always results in persecution of non-conformist Christians and churches. The threatened judgments in the letter to Thyatira include not only the mother but also all the daughters—the entire family of Jezebel will be destroyed. This is Christ’s own verdict on all churches that retain the teachings and practices introduced into the church by Jezebel.

They may claim to have separated from Jezebel, but if they still cling to any of her doctrines and practices, and commit spiritual fornication with the kings and nations by uniting with them when opportunity presents itself, they will receive the same punishment as Jezebel herself. These threatened judgments, then, include all Christians and all Christian churches—including Seventh-day Adventist churches that refuse to give up all the doctrines and practices introduced into the church by Jezebel.

End of Time Challenges

The following quotations show that the church in the end of time will have to deal with the same theological controversies with which the church of Thyatira had to deal.

“Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family.” Review and Herald, August 31, 1897.

“Old controversies which have apparently been hushed for a long time will be revived, and new controversies will spring up; new and old will commingle, and this will take place right early. The angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow, until the specified work of warning is given to the world; but the storm is gathering, the clouds are loading, ready to burst upon the world, and to many it will be as a thief in the night.” Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 01b, 38.

“In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. Those things which have been, will be repeated. Old controversies will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 109.

“The last great conflict will be short, but terrible. Old controversies will be revived. New controversies will arise.” Ibid., Book 3, 419.

Searches Affections and Minds

Fourth, Jesus understands the issues that will determine the eternal destiny of every professed church member. No one is saved because he or she professes to be a Christian or because his or her name is on the church books of any church. “It is the character, not the placing of our names on the church books, that makes us Christians.” The Upward Look, 28.

Jezebel claims to be a prophetess and a teacher of God’s people, but she teaches them to break the Law of God. (See Revelation 2:20.) The fact of her professed membership and leadership of God’s true church will not keep her and her children from the great tribulation that Christ will bring upon her for refusing to repent of her sins. (See verse 22.) The punishment of Jezebel and her children is going to be just as worldwide and well known as the sin was worldwide and well known—all the churches are going to know that Jesus is the One who searches the affections and minds (literally the “kidneys and hearts”). (See verse 23.)

In ancient times, the kidneys were thought to be the seat of the will and the affections, and the heart was thought to be the seat of intellect. So, using speech that they understood, Jesus is telling us that He is the One who searches the will and affections and intellect. In other words, He is the One who searches both the thoughts and the emotions or feelings.

Moral Character

“The thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 310. Jesus is teaching us here that it is our moral character that will determine our eternal destiny. Our thoughts and our feelings find expression in our works or actions. So, when Jesus says, “I will give to each of you according to your works,” He is saying, “I will reward each of you according to your character.” If we say it in the simplest way, character determines destiny. (See Christ’s Object Lessons, 74.)

Hold Fast

Fifth, Christian excellence is an attainment that requires holding fast. It is very easy when most of the church is compromising, as was the Pergamos church, to begin to compromise with the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans in order to retain friendship with others who are compromising.

“Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be, parental, filial, conjugal, or social, the effect is the same; the opposers of truth exert their power to control the conscience, and the souls held under their sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own convictions of duty.” The Great Controversy, 597.

It is very easy, in times of persecution, to begin to compromise to avoid trouble, loss, and suffering. But compromise, once started, never seems to end. The devil continually agitates for even more compromise. This is the way Babylon developed in the first place. There will be an army of people in the last generation just as there was in Thyatira who will hold fast.

“There will be an army of steadfast believers who will stand as firm as a rock through the last test.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 390. If we are going to stand firm as a rock then, we must stand firm as a rock now. “Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.” Early Writings, 67. [Emphasis in original.]

“We must know individually the prescribed conditions of entering into eternal life. We must know what is the voice of God, that we may live by every word that proceeds out of his mouth. We cannot allow these questions to be settled for us by another’s mind, or another’s judgment. We must search the Scriptures carefully with a heart open to the reception of light and the evidences of truth. We cannot trust the salvation of our souls to ministers, to idle traditions, to human authorities, or to pretensions. We must know for ourselves what God has said.” Review and Herald, March 8, 1887.

You Must be Faithful

Sixth, this letter contains a clarion call for Christian fidelity in the midst of an internal apostasy within the borders of the church as well as the unbelief of the world. The counsel is, if you have been part of Jezebel’s family by your teachings or practices, you must repent. And if you have been part of the remnant who have not partaken in the apostasy, then you must hold fast to the truth that you understand and be faithful to the truth that you know until Jesus comes. You must be faithful to the end. You must be an overcomer, a conqueror in the battle for Christian character, and you must keep until the end the works (character) of Christ. It is required that you be faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 24:13.) Every church member must be an overcomer if he is to be retained in the church when it becomes triumphant.

One with Him

Seventh, as Christians, we are united in a close fellowship with our Captain, Lord, and King—Jesus Christ—closer fellowship than exists between any earthly general and his troops. As we are united in battle and war, we will be united in victory and triumph at the end. In this world, we are together in witnessing to the truth of the gospel. We are together at the stake, the prison, the dungeon, and the headsman’s chopping block. We serve our Lord here in the midst of great tribulation with many tears and temptations. We are crucified together; we die together and are buried together. (See Romans 6.) But we are destined to rise together, to live together, and to be glorified together. As we become one with Him in heart, life, and suffering, we are destined to become one with Him in triumph and glory.

Broken to Shivers

We open our affections and minds to be searched by the Lord, but we also have the promise that we will be part of the future victory. When reigning with Christ, all opposition will be shattered into fragments. Our weapons are not fleshly, but spiritual and mighty through God. Our watchwords, if we are part of the remnant, will be: “The Word of God only! The cross of Christ only! The might of the Spirit only!”

The day of Christ’s triumph will become the day of our triumph. The enemy someday will flee, and the armies of the living God will take the field. The ultimate triumph will involve the breaking into shivers all opposition from Jezebel and her children. If we suffer with Him now, we will reign with Him then.

In that day, those who have raged against our Lord Jesus Christ will be broken into shivers, as the vessels of the potter. Then the dominion will be given to the saints of the Most High. Let us all remember from the letter to Thyatira that we each one have a dreadful alternative between which we now stand—either we will reign with Christ or, if we have clung to any of the teachings or practices of Jezebel, we will be broken to shivers.

[Some Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

Editorial – Quenching the Holy Spirit: When it is Impossible to be Happy

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Historic Seventh-day Adventists claim to be desirous of and preparing for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. The only way that this desired blessing can ever happen is through confession and forsaking of sin. In the letter we have been studying (Letter 16, 1888, written by Ellen White to an immoral administrator in an Adventist institution), repeated appeals are made to this leader to confess and come into harmony with the character of God. These appeals are for the remnant today who desire this promised blessing to come in this generation.

“You are preaching to others the binding claims of the law of God, but how does your own character stand in the light of that great moral standard of righteousness? You are weighed in the balance and found wanting. Will you now receive this light and humble your heart before God? Will you claim and accept longer the sympathies and the compassion and false estimate others will place upon you? Will you allow the cause of God to be burdened and reproached on your account? Will you confess your sins?

“The true happiness of the people of God depends upon righteousness of life and purity of character and true benevolence of heart. When their will harmonizes with the will of God; when they act as they know is right toward God and their fellow men, then they may claim peace and rest in Jesus Christ . . . . The heart is in harmony with God, they have the love of God in their heart and the love for their fellow men; perfect love united to a perfect life constitutes true happiness.

“A single unrighteous act of will, or bitterness, envy, jealousy, or evil surmising will quench the Spirit of God and banish from your heart true happiness. One emotion of hatred or ill will or of revenge, or an evil act or word toward one whom Christ calls ‘the least of these My brethren’ [Matthew 25:40], gives Satan the advantage over you, makes you a transgressor of God’s law, and will surely destroy the peace of the soul, and will stand as an act done to Jesus Christ in the person of His saints.

“Even hatred to an evil worker will place you in a position where your judgment will be warped and you will not be a doer of the work of Christ to render good for evil. While you despise the sin, you should love the souls of those for whom Christ has paid the price of His own blood.

“The desire for revenge, or any emotion but that of tender, pitying love as Jesus exercises toward us, fallen sinful humanity, injures the soul and is registered against us in heaven. Nothing short of perfection of character will meet the standard of God’s law. The great power of God will surely come to His people if they are obedient children and are living in accordance with the character of Christ. . . .

“We see God looking down upon the church with displeasure, because there are those who claim to be God’s representatives who have not in precept and example pointed to purity and holiness, but to earthliness and sensuality.

“Your sin stands charged against you in the books of heaven. We must labor in God to lead the people to the fountain of life. Your character is blotted and defiled by sin, and yet you have had messages sent from heaven to you which you have not heeded or appreciated. Now is your day; now is the time for you to humble your heart. Confess your sins. ‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy’ [Proverbs 28:13].” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, 164–166.