Issue: 2006 March

The Pen of Inspiration – In Relation with One Another

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Many have borne so few burdens, their hearts have known so little real anguish, they have felt so little perplexity and distress in behalf of others, that they cannot understand the work of the true burden-bearer. No more capable are they of appreciating his burdens than is the child of understanding the care and toil of his burdened father. The child may wonder at his father’s fears and perplexities. These appear needless to him. But when years of experience shall have been added to his life, when he himself comes to bear its burdens, he will look back upon his father’s life, and understand that which was once so incomprehensible. Bitter experience has given him knowledge.

The work of many a burden-bearer is not understood, his labors are not appreciated, until death lays him low. When others take up the burdens he has laid down, and meet the difficulties he encountered, they can understand how his faith and courage were tested. Often then the mistakes they were so quick to censure are lost sight of. Experience teaches them sympathy. God permits men to be placed in positions of responsibility. When they err, He has power to correct or to remove them. We should be careful not to take into our hands the work of judging that belongs to God. . . .

The Saviour bids us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] Remember that soon your life record will pass in review before God. Remember, too, that He has said, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: . . . for thou that judgest doest the same things.” [Romans 2:1.]

Forbearance Under Wrong

We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most need to fear. No form of vice has a more baleful effect upon the character than has human passion not under the control of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self.

We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls, we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another. Whatever others may think of us, it need not disturb our oneness with Christ, the fellowship of the Spirit. [1 Peter 2:20 quoted.]

Do not retaliate. So far as you can do so, remove all cause for misapprehension. Avoid the appearance of evil. Do all that lies in your power, without the sacrifice of principle, to conciliate others. [Matthew 5:23, 24 quoted.]

If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” [Proverbs 15:1.] And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate; but anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.

Under a storm of stinging faultfinding words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God. Let mind and heart be stored with God’s promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat to yourself the precious promises: [Romans 12:21; Psalm 37:5, 6; Luke 12:2; Psalm 66:12 quoted].

We are prone to look to our fellow-men for sympathy and uplifting, instead of looking to Jesus. In His mercy and faithfulness, God often permits those in whom we place confidence to fail us, in order that we may learn the folly of trusting in man, and making flesh our arm. Let us trust fully, humbly, unselfishly, in God. He knows the sorrows that we feel to the depths of our being, but which we cannot express. When all things seem dark and unexplainable, remember the words of Christ, [John 13:7 quoted].

Study the history of Joseph and of Daniel. The Lord did not prevent the plottings of men who sought to do them harm; but He caused all these devices to work for good to His servants, who amid trial and conflict preserved their faith and loyalty.

So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.

We need not keep our own record of trials and difficulties, griefs, and sorrows. All these things are written in the books, and heaven will take care of them. While we are counting up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasing to reflect upon are passing from memory; such as the merciful kindness of God surrounding us every moment, and the love over which angels marvel, that God gave His Son to die for us. If as workers for Christ you feel that you have had greater cares and trials than have fallen to the lot of others, remember that for you there is a peace unknown to those who shun these burdens.

There is comfort and joy in the service of Christ. Let the world see that life with Him is no failure.

If you do not feel light-hearted and joyous, do not talk of your feelings. Cast no shadow upon the lives of others. A cold, sunless religion never draws souls to Christ. It drives them away from Him, into the nets that Satan has spread for the feet of the straying. Instead of thinking of your discouragements, think of the power you can claim in Christ’s name. Let your imagination take hold upon things unseen. Let your thoughts be directed to the evidences of the great love of God for you. Faith can endure trial, resist temptation, bear up under disappointment. Jesus lives as our advocate. All is ours that His mediation secures.

Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of His true-hearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel every one whose life is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: “I . . . will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” [Haggai 2:23.]

Then talk of the promises; talk of Jesus’ willingness to bless. He does not forget us for one brief moment. When, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidingly in His love and shut ourselves in with Him, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy. . . . [John 8:28, 29 quoted].

Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted to complain of what some one has said or done, praise something in that person’s life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.

Earnest workers have no time for dwelling upon the faults of others. We cannot afford to live on the husks of others’ faults or failings. Evil-speaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife, reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light that irradiates all who are connected with us.

Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, “I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must put away every evil from my life. I must overcome every fault. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging words.”

We are too indifferent in regard to one another. Too often we forget that our fellow-laborers are in need of strength and cheer. Take care to assure them of your interest and sympathy. Help them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it.

All who profess to be children of God should bear in mind that as missionaries they will be brought into contact with all classes of minds. There are the refined and the coarse, the humble and the proud, the religious and the skeptical, the educated and the ignorant, the rich and the poor. These varied minds cannot be treated alike; yet all need kindness and sympathy. By mutual contact our minds should receive polish and refinement. We are dependent upon one another, closely bound together by the ties of human brotherhood. . . .

It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world. Every man or woman who has received the divine illumination is to shed light on the dark pathway of those who are unacquainted with the better way. Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved in bringing souls to the Saviour. Christ is not to be hid away in the heart as a coveted treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by the possessor. We are to have Christ in us as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life, refreshing all who come in contact with us.

Gospel Workers, 473–480.

Children’s Story – A Courageous Visitor

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Samuel Levick rubbed his eyes and looked again. Yes, surely he was not mistaken—a thin wisp of smoke rose from among the trees that nestled in a hollow between two wide rolling fields. Somewhere hidden behind him was the home of his friend Gardner whom he was visiting. He had walked far, for his legs longed for exercise, while his brain was tired with the continual strain of carrying spiritual comfort wherever he went on his journey throughout western New York.

The sight of smoke, when he supposed he was far from a hearth, roused Samuel from his thoughts. He walked rapidly down the hill and peered in among the trees. In the deep, damp shade he could make out a hut of rough, unpainted boards. A rusty piece of stovepipe, sticking out at one end, served as a chimney from which the smoke poured. Openings that might once have had glass for windows were now stuffed with old sacking. Samuel walked nearer, picking his way between rotting branches and piles of brush. Still no sound. He stepped to the door and knocked loudly. Almost before he could withdraw his hand, the door was jerked open with a creaking of hinges. Nothing was visible within, but a coarse voice, startlingly loud and close, cried, “Who’s that?”

Samuel was entirely undisturbed.

“May I ask who lives here?” he inquired politely.

“Nobody but me,” and the door slammed shut.

At this point, most men would have been glad to leave. Not so Samuel Levick, who was quite used to talking with people whose unhappiness made them gruff and rude. He lifted the door-latch and without hesitation stepped inside. Before his eyes could adjust themselves to the dim light, he felt a man push past him, and the door was closed on the outside. He groped for the door, stumbled over a broken chair, and stepped outside. A little distance away stood a tall man, so thin and gaunt that the little clothing he wore seemed to hang on him as on a scarecrow. His face and head were covered with scraggly black hair; his eyes were horribly bright and piercing. A great wave of pity surged into Samuel’s heart. Here, evidently, was a hermit who had tried to put himself beyond the help of men and yet who, above all others, needed the hand of a brother.

The man stooped and picked up the axe that lay at his feet. Samuel only stepped closer.

“I have come to see you. Let us sit down on this log and talk together,” he said.

For reply the hermit, still grasping the axe, darted to the door and slammed it behind him. Samuel sat alone for a few minutes upon the fallen tree trunk; then he leisurely arose, knocked courteously again upon the door, and, receiving no answer whatever, again stepped inside. This time the hermit turned toward him with a gesture of despair. The axe was gone, but a flicker from the open stove gleamed on the barrel of a rifle leaning against the wall.

Samuel placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. He shuddered slightly and dropped his burning eyes, but stood still; then he pushed a stool forward, and by a gesture invited Samuel to be seated. The hermit himself dropped on a box in the shadow, his eyes fixed with eager longing on the placid, kindly face of his guest.

Two hours later, Samuel Levick walked into the study where his friend Gardner sat and described his visit to the hermit. Gardner was astounded. He told Samuel that this man was considered one of the most dangerous characters in that part of the country. No violence was supposed to be too desperate for him to undertake against anyone who approached or disturbed him.

“All, whether they are rich or poor, high or low, dependent or independent, need kindness, sympathy, and love.” Counsels on Health, 399.

The Privilege of Prayer

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I must talk with God,” said a tired mother to a guest, as she cleared away the last vestige of the midday meal. “That is my next duty, and my greatest privilege; I am sure you will gladly excuse me a little while, will you not?”

Her friend assented, and the mother went to her room, tired and heated with the duties of the day. She bathed, put on a loose gown, and lay down for a few moments to rest. When she arose, she dressed neatly, and sat down, her Bible in her hand, as if expecting a visit from some loving friend. She read for some time, then knelt in prayer. When, after a time, she returned to her guest, Mrs. Paull exclaimed, “How refreshed you look!”

“Yes, I am refreshed,” replied the mother, “both in soul and in body.”

“Tell me why you look so composed and so happy. Have you received good news?”

The mother sat down and, looking straight into the eyes of her guest, said:

“Three years ago I gave my heart anew to God. Before that time I had been greatly discouraged. My health was failing. My duties, as you know, were increasing with my large family, and I had no heart to live and face the future. I had been a professed Christian for many years, but I had grown peevish, fretful, and faultfinding both with my husband and with the children. Nothing seemed to suit me. My own life was far from happy, and I made others as unhappy as myself. During this time a sister came to visit me. I noticed how different she was from me. She always seemed reconciled and contented. She spoke so cheerfully and hopefully of her husband and her children, of the church, and, in fact, of everybody.

“One day I said to her, ‘Tell me how you can be so contented and happy, with all your work and pressures.’ She looked at me for a moment, her eyes filled with tears, and she said, ‘Well, will you go up to my room and let me tell you?’ Of course I consented. When we were seated, she said: ‘I, too, used to fret and worry. The harder I worked, the more cross I grew. I felt ugly at times. I complained at my hardships. I scolded my children almost continually. My husband never seemed to please me. One time a minister came to our place and preached a sermon, which greatly touched my heart.

I do not remember now his exact words, but I resolved, while listening to his discourse, that I would get the victory over these things. Then and there I set apart one hour of each day to reading my Bible and prayer. I began at once, and I have never failed to meet God daily since that time.’

“Then we knelt in a season of prayer together. It broke my heart to hear that woman pray. God showed me what a sinner I had been. There came to me an impression of my utter worthlessness. My supreme selfishness overwhelmed me. I cried to God with all my heart to save me from these failings, and he gave me a new experience. Never shall I forget the moment when I found my Saviour. I promised that sister that I would not allow any family cares to intervene, but would undertake to seek God daily.

“I have tried now for three years to lead a Christian life. This season of prayer has been the keynote to all the victories I have gained. Every day I spend an hour or more in meditation and prayer, always first letting God talk to me through His Word. Sometimes I feel God’s presence in the room in a very definite way. Then I talk to Him. I tell Him some of the promises, which He has made in His Word, and ask Him to fulfil these promises to me, and make them true in my life. I ask Him for cleansing, that I may be purified and made clean. I place before him all my troubles, all my little worries, all my cares and burdens. If I have any special hurts or particular trials that are pressing me sorely, I make all these known to the Lord. Nor do I cease praying until the load is lifted, and I am reconciled to His will. I never come from this audience with God until I know that everything is right between us. He has all my burdens and understands them, and I have His peace and am in harmony with His will concerning me.”

Mrs. Paull sighed, and said, “Is that experience for all? Would God hear me pray if I talked to Him as you do?”

The mother answered: “When I began this communion, I doubted as you seem to doubt. I wondered if God did hear me. Once, after a very earnest season of prayer over a severe perplexity, I said to myself, ‘I will watch and see if God answers this prayer. If He does, then I shall know that He hears me.’ But to my surprise the answer did not come. I was disappointed. I did not know what to do. I had made this case a test in my mind, and what I had expected did not come true. As I was brooding over this condition, it came to me like a flash of lightning, ‘You do not believe God. Until you truly believe, He cannot answer you.’ Then I began praying for faith. It did not come to me in any miraculous way, but by degrees. I tried to believe God. As I persisted in prayer, I learned to go from my room, and act as if God had done the thing. I left the entire responsibility with the Lord, but in all my actions and planning I sought to work on the side of God, with the understanding that He had answered me, and things were changed.

“Now I never worry concerning any of our troubles, but trust the Lord to see that His will is fully accomplished. As a result of this experience my health has greatly improved. I enjoy almost uninterrupted peace. My whole life and the life of my family have been entirely changed. My children have found Christ, and my husband has given his heart to the Lord. I can only say that this daily season of prayer has done more for me and my family than anything else that I know.”

With brimming eyes, Mrs. Paull said, “Surely I, too, need this experience. Will you not help me to find it?”

Gladly the mother replied: “If you wish, we can go to my room now and have a season of prayer together. I count this privilege of prayer the greatest and most precious of all things that God has given to me. I would not part with it for anything that this world has to give. It has given me joy in the performance of every little household duty, and I now esteem it a pleasure to work for my family, and I feel that the very things that to me before were drudgery, are among the sweetest pleasures that God has given me.”

“I shall undertake to find this blessed experience in my own life,” Mrs. Paull concluded, “for surely I need it as much as you did before you found the Lord.”

Reprinted from The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Review and Herald, Washington D.C., Vol. 93, No. 27, June 1, 1916, 13.

The Ten Commandments, Part IX – The Sabbath is a Delight

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For many people, the Sabbath is a time to dwell upon those things for which they think they do not otherwise have time, and it seems that their thoughts are upon everything but that upon which they should be dwelling. We can be sanctified through Sabbath observance only if we are dwelling on sacred themes. If we are only observing a 24-hour period because that is what the commandment says to do, not recognizing the spiritual impact that the Sabbath is to have upon our lives, and merely using it as a time to dwell upon anything and everything for which we think we do not have time otherwise, we are not going to be sanctified. God wants us to be sanctified on the Sabbath day.

Interestingly, most of us talk most about that which we know the most. When the mind is focused on secular pursuits the majority of the week, you would think that it would be a delight to leave those things behind and on one day of the week think and speak on sacred themes. But so often this is not the case. We come to Sabbath School and the worship service, but even there we have trouble dwelling on sacred themes. If we are spending time during the week with that thoughtful, contemplative hour on the life of Christ, as we have been told to do, our minds will not have trouble redirecting and focusing when it comes to the Sabbath School and church services, because we will have an abundance of materials upon which to dwell.

A problem comes if we are not spending time in Bible study and prayer during the week and we decide that we are going to sleep in and not attend church or Sabbath School on the Sabbath. If this is the case, yet we still call ourselves Seventh-day Adventists, whom the Lord loves and in whom He delights, we are only fooling ourselves. If the Sabbath is the only time we have for some kind of spiritual fulfillment, then we most definitely need to be in church.

In many countries outside the United States, the lives of the people are very difficult and filled with just trying to eke out a living. When Sabbath comes, many of them are at Sabbath School by 8:30 in the morning. They start singing and preaching and praying, and they continue singing and preaching and praying until the sun sets on Saturday night, because this is the only time they can recharge their spiritual batteries. It is far better to acquire some kind of nourishment than no nourishment at all.

Sabbath Reform

“There is need of a Sabbath reform among us, who profess to observe God’s holy rest day. Some discuss their business matters and lay plans on the Sabbath, and God looks upon this in the same light as though they engaged in the actual transaction of business.” Evangelism, 245.

What goes through your mind on the Sabbath day is of great significance. The Bible says that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so [is] he.” Proverbs 23:7.

A number of years ago, one of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s schools was showing a film on skiing. This was in the days of the old 16-millimeter movie projectors, and the film that evening included two spools. The man who brought the film to show to the students and staff at the academy owned the ski lodge where they would go to ski. Of course, he took the opportunity to do a little promoting, trying to bolster his business. The first spool of film was shown, and while the second spool was being loaded, he wished to say a few complimentary words to the staff of the school concerning the young people who attended there. He said, “First of all, I want to compliment you on your young people. I think they are tremendous. You know,” he continued, “on Saturday afternoons they drive up to the ski lodge, but they sit in their cars until the sun goes down. They will not even go on the ski lift until after the sun sets.” The principal of the school did not feel complimented at all. He, as a matter of fact, was quite embarrassed that this kind of activity was being observed.

We need to think about this for a moment. We need to ask ourselves, How are we keeping the Sabbath? Is the Sabbath such a delight to us that we hate to see it go, or has it become burdensome for us, and we anxiously await the setting of the sun, so we can again go about our own activities?

The Sabbath is the Lord’s special time with us. If we cannot wait until it is over, we will never be happy in heaven, because the whole atmosphere in heaven is directed toward the worship of God.

Anxious for Sunset

The idea of being anxious for the sun to go down is not something new with us. This was the same problem that ancient Israel faced. They could not wait for the sun to go down, so they could be about their business. It even got to the point where they were bringing goods and setting them up outside the gates on the Sabbath day.

The situation is not a whole lot different today. A number of people, particularly in the Evangelical world, are looking to Israel and saying, This is a fulfillment of prophecy. God is blessing these people. They are His people, even though they are not keeping or observing the Sabbath day in Israel. Yes, they shut everything down on Saturdays. If you were to go to Israel on any given Sabbath, you would see that everything is closed down. On some streets there are even barricades so the traffic cannot go up and down the streets. But as sundown nears, the shopkeepers are inside their shops, ready for the whistle to blow indicating to all that the sun is set. When the whistle blows, the shades on the shop windows go up, and the carts go out into the streets, and they begin selling their wares again. This is the kind of thinking that pervades Israel today, so, regardless of what people may think prophetically, they are not living in harmony with even what they have written on the statute books. Where are their minds? Certainly not on the Sabbath.

Where are our minds at times? Are they on the Sabbath or on secular pursuits, the dollar, and self? Ellen White tells us, “The fourth commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing upon worldly things or by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking upon anything or everything which may come into the mind is speaking our own words.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 703.

We can converse on the Sabbath day. We can greet one another. We can make inquiry as to their well-being and the welfare of their family, but it is not the time to carry on light, jesting, joking kinds of conversation or deal with business matters.

Two Points

  1. The easiest way to keep the Sabbath and to keep the conversation on Sabbath topics is to converse with true Sabbath keepers. Although we are to spend some time in doing good deeds for those who may be of the world, too often we use this as an excuse to go to the homes of non-Sabbath keepers and spend God’s holy time visiting on Sabbath afternoons. One of the easiest ways for us to trample the Sabbath is to visit with relatives who are not Sabbath keepers. It is certain that they are not going to be speaking on sacred themes. Sabbath is not the time to visit unconverted relatives who do not realize the true keeping of the Sabbath. Leave that for another day of the week. If you are a Sabbath keeper, you will want to have Sabbath conversation.
  2. Included in not speaking our own words is not hearing other words spoken that are not Sabbath orientated. This means that we should not watch or listen to worldy, non-spiritual programs on our radios and televisions, and any materials that are not Sabbath orientated, such as newspapers and worldly magazines, should be put away.

Many Seventh-day Adventists feel that it is not a problem to sit at home on Sabbath afternoons and watch television, as long as it does not affect anybody else. But if we are going to follow what the Scripture has to say, we should not only guard the words that we speak but also the words that we hear.

Necessary Rebuke

“Ministers of Jesus should stand as reprovers to those who fail to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. They should kindly and solemnly reprove those who engage in worldly conversation upon the Sabbath and at the same time claim to be Sabbathkeepers. They should encourage devotion to God upon His holy day.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 704.

If there are Sabbath keepers that we are to rebuke because their conversation is not on Sabbath issues, it should be done “kindly and solemnly.” Great emphasis is to be put upon “kindly.” We need to make sure that, as we encourage someone in his or her Sabbath observance, it is done gently and kindly. One of the ways that we can gently and kindly rebuke someone, as far as conversation on the Sabbath, is to take charge of the situation. When the conversation is going in a direction other than sacred themes, you may say something such as, “By the way, I do not mean to change the subject, but the other day I was reading in Patriarchs and Prophets about . . .” If you make the rebuke in that way, it will be done in kindness, and they will not feel that you are shaking a finger right under their nose.

Repairers of the Breach

Some may think that this is getting down to some pretty fine points of Sabbath observance. Well, perhaps so, but the Lord has spoken to us on these issues through the Bible and through the counsel of Ellen White. Therefore, we cannot lightly set these things aside. God sent them to us for one purpose and for one purpose only, and that is because we are called to be reformers. We are called to be repairers of the breach. (Isaiah 58:12.) This verse has been specifically applied to the hole that has been knocked in the Sabbath. We are to repair that hole; we are to restore the old paths upon which we are to be walking. The reform message that has been given to us needs to be carried out in our being the kindest, the most courteous, and the most thoughtful people in the world. We also need to be true to the mission to which God has called us. In doing that, we will find that the Sabbath is going to be more meaningful to us because we understand its principles.

If the Sabbath is to be a delight, then we need to delight ourselves in the God of the Sabbath. If we delight ourselves in the God of the Sabbath, we are then going to have true understanding of what the Sabbath is all about and the blessings that are in it for each one of us.

Thorough Bible Students

“Every position of our faith will be searched into, and if we are not thorough Bible students, established, strengthened, settled, the wisdom of the world’s great men will be too much for us.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 386. That is quite an awesome statement! When you consider it, you will understand precisely the reason why we are lingering over Exodus 20:8–11 and Deuteronomy 5:12–15. Both of these passages of Scripture deal with the Sabbath, the fourth commandment.

Unless we are “thorough Bible students,” unless we are established in the faith and have incorporated these truths into our hearts and into our minds—so we are prepared, when called to appear before magistrates and in legislative courts, to give an answer for our faith—the wisdom of these men will overwhelm us. One issue with which we must really come to grips in the last days is the issue of the Sabbath and Sunday.

Inspiration does not say that the test will be over whether or not we have stolen, lied, committed adultery, or built graven images. Those things are important, and I am not trying to minimize them in the least, but they are not going to be the confronting focal point. We will be confronted over the issue of the Sabbath and Sunday.

When asked why we are keeping Saturday, the seventh day of the week, instead of Sunday, the first day of the week, we must be able to give an answer. We will need to be able to defend the observance of the seventh day of the week.

New Testament Only

What would you say, what kind of a response would you give, if you were called before a panel or before a group of Sunday keepers, and they asked, “Can you defend the observance of this day you keep from the New Testament only? We know that Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 talk about the Ten Commandments and about the Sabbath day, but we are New Testament Christians.” In that circumstance, you will need to give a definitive answer from the New Testament.

Perhaps you would remember Hebrews 4:9: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” But is there more to New Testament Sabbath observance than this passage? Even though you may know New Testament texts to argue against the sacredness of the first day of the week, it is not enough to just do away with Sunday keeping. Establishing Sabbath keeping from the New Testament is really the issue. Can we establish Sabbath keeping from the New Testament?

Jealous of Jesus

We know, as we near the end of the world and the approach of Jesus’ Second Coming, that the devil will move to convince the world that the seventh-day Sabbath is history and that Sunday, the so-called Christian Sabbath, is to be reverenced and observed as God’s rest day. We see movements even now taking us in that direction, but we know from the Word of God that these things are nothing more and nothing less than the workings of the devil. The devil hates the Sabbath, because he hates Jesus.

Why does he hate Jesus? He hates Jesus, because he is jealous of Jesus. Satan’s jealousy is motivated by the fact that Jesus is much better than he, and he hates that fact. Recognizing this, he would want, in a moment, to do away with Jesus and to take His place, if he could. He has tried that on more than one occasion.

“I will be like the most High,” declared Lucifer before being thrust out of heaven. Isaiah 14:14. Do you know who the “most High” was to whom he was referring? Jesus Christ. He wanted to take Jesus’ place and, ultimately, take the whole throne of God.

But since the devil cannot touch Jesus, he has determined to attempt to try to obliterate anything that would serve to remind a follower of Jesus about Him. That is why it serves the devil’s end to try to obliterate the Sabbath, because the Sabbath reminds us of Jesus Christ. It tells us so much about Him.

Developed from Ignorance

It is often said that the New Testament does not teach about the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. It is also said that when Christ and the apostles brought the gospel message to us, they did not give any teachings about the Sabbath. The Sabbath is really downplayed and virtually ignored, as far as New Testament teachings are concerned, so people conclude that they are justified in believing that the Sabbath is not really a Christian institution and has very little to do with Jesus’ plans for our lives.

Such a concept as this comes entirely out of the sophistry of human intelligence, which is nothing more than ignorance. It does not come as a result of Bible study. The New Testament has its own Sabbath theology, and, indeed, it is quite a well-worked-out Sabbath theology.

Jesus had a lot to say regarding the Sabbath. In fact, it was the subject of several of His discourses that are recorded for us in the New Testament. A number of people have the idea that if something is not stated in the New Testament, then we do not have to pay much attention to it. If stated in the Old Testament, it had its life, but that life is now past, and we no longer need to deal with it.

The Sabbath is just such an issue, but it is going to play such an integral part in the scheme of last day events that it is taught throughout the Gospels and in the teachings of Jesus.

Problem of Observance

The problem has always been the observance of the Sabbath. In Old Testament times, consider Elijah on Mount Carmel. What was the issue? It was the Sabbath. (See 1 Kings 18.) Many people do not understand that this event concerned the Sabbath—whether the people were going to worship Baal, the sun god, or whether they were going to worship Jehovah, the God of the Sabbath day. That was really the issue. When John the Baptist came with his Elijah message, it was a message about the keeping of the Commandments of God. It was an issue between the traditions of men and the Commandments of God.

This is why God raised up the Seventh-day Adventist Church—for the purpose of bringing back the truths of the seventh-day Sabbath. This is why its message is called the Elijah message, because it is an issue over the worship of God on the Sabbath or worship on Sunday.

Old Testament Sabbath

As far as the Sabbath is concerned, in the Old Testament, we see there that God is described as the Maker and the Owner of the Universe, the One who initiates the covenant with His people. The Sabbath in the Old Testament describes God’s authority. It shows us the right God has to own us as His people, the right He has to make His people whole again. It describes God as the Maker and the Restorer, the One who sanctifies, and it is the Sabbath that becomes the hallmark. It is the Sabbath that really identifies God as the Maker and the Owner, and it is the covenant of God.

So the Sabbath, in the Old Testament, gives God His authority over His people. It ascribes to Him all authority that is in heaven and in earth. It ascribes to Him the sole proprietorship of the universe. Why? Because He created it all, and the Sabbath is the hallmark—the sign or the seal—of His creative ability as God. He is the One who is in charge of it all; the One who has the authority over all things.

Arbitrary Argument

It is for this reason that some have argued against the Sabbath, saying that the fourth commandment is so arbitrary. If you looked to common sense, what is known as natural law, there is good reason for all of the other commandments. It just makes good sense, for instance, not to kill someone, because, for one reason, whoever is killed probably has a surviving relative who will come to kill you in revenge. It makes good sense not to steal from someone, because they may come after you and take back what was stolen from them plus some of your possessions. So natural law tells us that there is common sense in these commandments.

From an historical point of view, there is what is called The Code of Hammurabi. The stone containing this code was discovered through an archaeological dig. It is dated as a contemporary with the times of Abraham. The interesting thing about The Code of Hammurabi is that most of the laws that we find written in the Old Testament, such as the laws of Moses, are contained in it, yet the stone has been dated centuries before the time of Moses. So many have declared that Moses was just a lawgiver. They say that he came up with these laws, patterning them after the lands around him.

From an intellectual point of view, one could almost fall for this explanation, because there is evidence that would tend to support this idea, if it were not for the Sabbath. The Sabbath, located right in the middle of the Ten Commandments, is a declaration that the commandments are beyond human wisdom. The validity of the Sabbath cannot be argued from any of the natural laws. Some have tried, but God has arbitrarily said that the week shall be seven days long, that the seventh day shall be the day in which we shall turn our eyes to Him, acknowledging that all things come from Him, and that He has all authority over all things.

That is arbitrary. That is God’s divine implant. That is God’s divine insignia in the Law of the Ten Commandments. This proves to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that this law has a divine origin, because what man would have thought up a law like that, giving everyone a day of rest during the week, that governs man’s time so fully? It has to be of divine origin. It turns our eyes totally to God for its source and for its appreciation.

God’s Sabbath Activities

You and I know that we should not do anything on the Sabbath, right? The fourth commandment says that we should not work on the Sabbath, so most of us do as little as possible. Some do not even make it to church on Sabbath morning, because they are trying to do as little as possible.

The Bible does say that God rested on the Sabbath, but is that accurate? (Genesis 2:2, 3.) It says that God rested on the Sabbath from His work of creation. The Bible does not say that God rests on the Sabbath.

“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the Lord thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:9–11. [Emphasis supplied.] Note that rested is the past tense form of rest.

Remembering that we are studying how to better understand the Sabbath in the New Testament, it is important for us to get the point that the Sabbath is an institution that has more to teach us than the fact that God rested on the Sabbath day after creating the world. As important as it is to know that God did His work and that He finished His work, it is also important to know that the Sabbath has to teach us something today—currently, right now—about the authority and the work of God.

If we believe that we may someday soon be called to give an answer for why we are keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, that Old Testament Sabbath, when all of the rest of the world is keeping Sunday, then we must have a biblically founded explanation that not only satisfies us but also satisfies those who are making the enquiry. We must be “thorough Bible students” now.

To be continued . . .

A retired minister of the gospel, Pastor Mike Baugher may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Surrender, Part III

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From Steps to Christ, 47, we read: “Many are inquiring, ‘How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?’ You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin.” This is the condition we are in! Mrs. White continues, “Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. . . . What you need to understand is the true force of the will. [Now, again, this is not talking about willpower.] . . . Everything depends on the right action of the will.”

What is the right action of the will? This is what we want to know. We do know it is not willpower.

“The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. . . .

“Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.” Ibid., 47, 48.

We keep seeing that we need to yield the will, but we have not found out how. We are going to find out how shortly. Continuing on with this quote, it says,

“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.” Ibid., 48.

This is a good promise, but we still do not know how to do it.

Take My Heart

The next Spirit of Prophecy quote is based on the story of two worshippers, as recorded in Luke 18:9–14. You remember that the Pharisee said, “Well, I am glad I am not like that character,” referring to the publican. But the publican beat on his chest and said, “Lord be merciful to me a sinner.” Mrs. White says, “The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek God. By faith—faith that renounces all self-trust—the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon infinite power.

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

How to Surrender

Is this not a real problem? You have to be emptied of self, but it says that no man can do it. Now we are going to find out how to surrender.

“We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work.” Ibid. What does consent mean? It means, “to give permission.” If you go into the hospital for surgery, you give the doctor permission to cut your body. You sign a consent form.

Then, she tells us exactly how to give that permission; she even gives us the words to say: “Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Ibid.

In other words, you need to tell the Lord, “I want You to take my heart, my will. I cannot give you my heart, but I am giving You permission to come in and take it. Take my heart and purify it. Bring it into harmony with Your will. Then, after You clean it up for me, do not just give it back to me, because I will just mess it up again. You will have to keep it for me too.”

First Thing

When you decide to surrender your heart, your will, to God, you need to do so verbally, first thing in the morning. Now, you can do it all day long. You can send up silent prayers every time you run into a temptation or a problem or see anything that needs correcting. You can just tell Him, “Take my will, right now.” You can do that silently, but at least once a day, in the morning, you need to say it verbally, out loud, so the whole on-looking universe can hear you give God that permission. There are rules to the great controversy, and one of the rules is that supernatural powers cannot intervene in human affairs without being given permission. You need to give permission. This prayer is a legal contract between you and God, and the whole universe needs to hear and see it happen.

Step by Step

“It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.” Ibid., 159, 160.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. . . . Sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

Is this not what you want?

Satan’s Control Broken

“There were many in Christ’s day, as there are today, over whom the control of Satan for the time seemed broken; through the grace of God they were set free from the evil spirits that had held dominion over the soul. They rejoiced in the love of God; but, like the stony-ground hearers of the parable, they did not abide in His love. They did not surrender themselves to God daily. . . .

“When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world.” Ibid., 323, 324.

Job is a good example of this. The representatives from the different worlds came together for a council meeting. When God called the roll and said, “Earth,” Satan answered, “Here.” He had taken dominion of the world when Adam and Eve sinned. “And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:7, 8.

“Have you considered My servant Job?” God asked. “He is down there walking around in your kingdom, in your territory, but he is not one of your subjects. He is one of Mine. You do not have any authority in his heart; he is surrendered to Me.” This is the way you and I are to be. Job was a branch office of the kingdom of heaven.

Working Together

When God shows you something in your life that needs to be corrected, do not argue with Him. Do not rebel against Him. Do not ignore Him. Do not start using your willpower or using your human strength. Give Him your will. Surrender it to Him, so He can change it. After you have surrendered, then use it. That is when you make an effort, and God supplies His power, and right where the two come together is a point of victory—His power and your effort combined. You need to surrender your will and learn to cooperate with Him. You need to learn how to work with Him.

Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The good news is that you can be loyal and faithful to God, just as was Job. The good news of the kingdom is the kingdom of God within you, where Christ has complete and total control and authority. This needs to be preached in all the world, so people can decide in which kingdom they want to be.

If it is your desire to be part of God’s kingdom and quit trying to stand with one foot in Satan’s kingdom and the other foot in God’s kingdom, ask Him to help you to surrender your will totally and completely to Him today.

Knowing the Time, Part II

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In Part 1 of this article [February 2006], ten points were given which help us know that, without question, we are living in the last days of this world. We are not at the beginning of the time of the end; we are at the end of the time of the end.

As important as it is to know the time in the world—and that is important—it is even more important to know the time in the church. Do you know the time in the church? Well, if you do not, I hope you will start a study on this subject.

Time in the Church

Verse 1 of 11 Timothy 3 says: “This know, that in the last days perilous times shall come”; grievous, difficult times are going to come. Then several social problems are listed, such as children being disobedient to their parents, people being fierce and brutal, not loving their neighbor, loving money. It gives a whole list of social problems! Coming to the end of these social problems, verse 5 tells us what is going to go on in the Christian church in the last days. This is scary. It describes the people as, “having a form of godliness [having a form of piety, a form of religion] but denying its power.”

What is going to happen in the church in the last days? The people are going to be very religious. In the Midwest, monstrous churches are being erected like none ever before built. There are churches in Wichita, Kansas, that will hold over 4,000 people. They are like huge amphitheaters or auditoriums, so for people to see and hear the speaker from the back, five or six large screens are used with an enlarged projection of the speaker. Oh, let me tell you, friends, we have religion today. We have a form of religion, but the Bible says that people will deny the power of it.

Power of Godliness

Let me describe very briefly what it means to deny the power of religion, to deny the power of the gospel, to deny the power of godliness. When Jesus came to this world, He did not come just to die on a cross and pay the price for our sins. That was part of it, but that was not everything. Before Jesus ever died on the cross, He lived in this world for over 30 years as our example, to show us how to live. He said, “If you will follow Me, I will give you the power to become like Me.”

John 1:12 says, “As many as received Him, to them gave He authority to become the sons of God, even those who believe in His name.” And when He returns, it says in 1 John 3:2, we are going to be like Him. What is the power of godliness? The power of godliness is the power of God to take some wretch like me who has a sinful nature, a weak will, and a wicked mind and transform me, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to make me—I say this reverently—like Jesus Christ. That is what the gospel is about.

Born of the Holy Spirit

If you have a form of religion and you go to church, pray, sing, read, shout, witness, and do all kinds of good things, but a transformation of character through the Holy Spirit never happens in your life, you will not be saved. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” John 3:5. He did not say that he should not; He said that he could not enter the kingdom of heaven. To enter, you must be born of the Holy Spirit, and when that happens, the Holy Spirit will work a miracle inside of you.

Ellen White says that it is through the Spirit that the heart is made pure. (The Desire of Ages, 671.) The Spirit has to work a change in you; otherwise you cannot go to heaven—even if you go to church. The power of God is the power to change your life so you do not think like the devil anymore, but you think like Jesus Christ. You do not feel like the devil; you feel like Jesus Christ. You no longer talk like the devil; you talk like Jesus Christ. You no longer act like the devil; you act like Jesus Christ, especially in your home. “A Christian in the home is a Christian everywhere.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1085.

Form of Godliness

But in the last days there is going to be a people who will have a form of godliness. They will have all the outward trophies of religion. They will go to church; they will pray; they will sing; they will witness; they will prophesy; they will talk in tongues; they will work miracles. In Matthew 7:21–23, you may read about these people who come to the Lord and say, “Lord, You made a mistake. I know I am saved, because I cast out devils in Your name, and I prophesied in Your name, and I worked many powerful miracles in Your name.” And then Jesus will say to them, “Depart from Me, I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. You who break the law are not a loyal subject.”

Some people say that it is just too bad that it is this way, but they guess they will just have to endure it. Oh, no, it is not that way. Oh, no, that is not what the Bible says. We did not read the end of the text: “Having the form of godliness but denying the power of it, from these turn away.” 11 Timothy 3:5. This is where it gets tough. Paul says that in the last days there is going to be a people who have a form of godliness but they deny the power. Let me put it plainly: denying the power is the new theology that tells us that we cannot overcome sin. That is denying the power.

Turn Away

When new theology is being preached, is Paul telling us to just stay in there and do the best we can, because we are living in the last days? What does he say? He says to turn away. Do you get the thrust of that? I know people all over—I have friends—who are trying to stay in there. I heard of one person who said that if it gets too bad while the Sabbath School lesson is being taught, just go into the bathroom and read the Bible and The Great Controversy. Is that what Paul is telling us to do? Go into the bathroom and read your Bible while all this racket is going on? Paul said to turn away! Are you going to do it?

I have friends who tend to think that I am a fanatic. They have decided that they are not going to turn away; they are going to stay in there and fight to clean things up. But let me tell you what happens after they stay in this situation a few years. Instead of getting it cleaned up, they become spiritually anesthetized, until they do not even see that there is a problem in the church anymore. I have seen it happen repeatedly. Do not say that you will be strong; you can resist it; you will be all right; you are going to be a light. That is not what the Bible says to do.

You are a human being, and when God tells you to turn away from something, if you want to be saved, you better turn away. If you do not, you will become like that with which you associate. Do not ever forget that.

Why was the Seventh-day Adventist Church raised up in the first place? Why did we not just stay with the Baptists and the Methodists and the other Christian churches? Why? Because they rejected the truth of the Three Angels’ Messages.

I am sorry to have to say this, but there are many Seventh-day Adventist preachers and many Seventh-day Adventist churches today that have rejected the Three Angels’ Messages. If you are in one of them, you better get out. From those people turn away—people who no longer believe in the investigative judgment; people who no longer know who Babylon is; people who no longer know who the beast or antichrist is. The Bible says that there will be people who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof; from these turn away.

Similar to Jews’ Experience

Number two. What is the time in the church? It is the last days. It is the time of the end. What is going to happen at the time of the end in the church? Read Selected Messages, Book 1, 406. Ellen White said that God told her this over and over again. If God told Ellen White something over and over again, do you suppose that it may have some rather unusual importance?

What did He tell her over and over again? He told her that our experience in the second advent movement, just before the second coming of Christ, would be very similar to the experience of the Jews just before the first coming of Christ. That is not just a prophecy anymore; it is happening right around us.

Immodest Dress

Number three. This is a point I would encourage you to study more on your own. Isaiah 2 begins a prophecy about the last days, which continues in chapters 3 and 4. In chapter 3:16–26, it indicates that there is going to be immodest and prideful dress among the daughters of Zion in the last days.

I do not want any woman to think I am trying to point a finger at her, because I am not. I am not trying to say that women are any worse sinners than men. Men have their own problems, and women have their own problems. Let me explain what the men’s problem is; then I will explain what the women’s problem is.

A man’s problem is that he has a moral responsibility to guard his eyes. Men have a natural tendency to look at women, and the fewer clothes the women have on, the more the men tend to look. Jesus warned against that. In Job 31:1, Job said, “I cut a covenant; I made a covenant with my eyes. Why should I look intently upon a virgin?” He said, “ I will not do it.” Men have to guard their eyes. That is a man’s problem. A man has a moral responsibility to God to say, “Lord, help me to be careful as to what I am looking at, and what I am thinking about when I am looking at it.”

A woman has an opposite problem. Just as men are tempted to look at women, women are tempted to encourage men to look at them. Oh, my dear sister, do you realize that by immodest clothing, by the kind of clothing described in Isaiah 3, you can help to take some men to hell? Read Matthew 5:27–30. It was in regard to this problem that Jesus told men that it would be better to pluck out their eye or cut off their hand to get rid of it, to get away. If you are a woman and some man goes to hell as the result of looking at you, do you not think that the Lord is going to tell you about it in the Day of Judgment?

Number four. In Isaiah 8:12, we read, “Say not a confederacy or a conspiracy to all those who say a confederacy or a conspiracy. Do not fear their fear.” This is something that is happening in Adventism today and has been happening for over 20 years.

Wake Up

Number five. In Matthew 25—the story of the ten virgins—we see that the church in the last days is asleep. Have you ever gone into your closet or wherever you do your private praying and said, “Lord, please have mercy on me and wake me up”? Paul said, in Romans 13:11, that it is the hour to wake out of sleep. It is time to wake up. Ask the Lord to please wake you up, to send the Holy Spirit to help you hear that still, small voice. Do you realize that probation is going to close, and Jesus is going to come, and some Seventh-day Adventists are not going to wake up until it is too late? In Early Writings, 71, Mrs. White describes it exactly. When the plagues begin to fall, then they wake up, but it is too late to wake up then.

Number six. What has happened in Adventism while we have been asleep? In Matthew 13, Jesus told us what would happen while we were asleep. He said that while men slept the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. There have been so many tares sown in Adventism that unless the Lord works a miracle the tares will choke out the wheat crop. (See Review and Herald, October 3, 1899.)

That is one of the reasons that there are independent Seventh-day Adventist churches today, because Ellen White says very clearly that it is possible for the tares to choke out the wheat, so there is no crop.

Yielded Leaders

Now we come to one of the most important points of all. Do you believe that we are in the last years of this earth’s history? Following is one of the most startling prophecies ever written by the pen of Ellen White about what is going to happen in Adventism in the last years of earth’s history. It was written during the time of the alpha of apostasy. “In His Word the Lord declared what He would do for Israel if they would obey His voice.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 379. What did God promise to do for them, if they would obey His voice? He said, “You would be the head and not the tail”; “I will bless you, I will bless the fruit of your womb, I will bless your cattle, I will bless your crops, I will bless your children, I will bless your land.” Deuteronomy 28:13; 7:13.

In fact, if they had followed the Lord fully, they would not even have had to chase the Canaanites out of Canaan. The Lord told them that He was willing to send hornets after them; they would not even have to do it. (Exodus 23:28.) Read the blessings that were promised to the children of Israel, if they would have obeyed; it makes your mouth water! We wonder, with promises such as this, how anybody could not pay attention! But here is what happened.

“But the leaders of the people yielded to the temptations of Satan, and God could not give them the blessings He designed them to have, because they did not obey His voice but listened to the voice and policy of Lucifer.” Ibid. Who yielded? The leaders of the people! God could not give Israel the blessings He desired, because they listened to Satan’s temptations. They did not obey God; they listened to the voice and policy of Lucifer.

That is the easy part to read. Now we will read something that is absolutely scalding hot. “This experience [the experience of the leaders leading the people astray, listening to the voice and policy of Lucifer, and not obeying the Lord] will be repeated in the last years of the history of the people of God, who have been established by His grace and power.” Ibid. Who are the people of God who have been established by His grace and power in the last days? They are the Seventh-day Adventists. God could not do for ancient Israel what He wanted to do, because the leaders listened to the temptations of Satan; they did not obey God. They obeyed the voice and policy of Lucifer. Mrs. White says that the same thing is going to happen at the end, in the last days.

Sanctify Lucifer

If we are now in the last days, what do you think is happening right now? The leaders of God’s people have succumbed to the temptations of Satan. They are not obedient; they are not following Bible order. They have listened to the voice and policy of Lucifer, and then somebody says that we have to stay with this! This is God’s church? Wait a minute! Are the synagogue of Satan and God’s church the same thing? She says, “Men whom He has greatly honored will in the closing scenes of this earth’s history pattern after ancient Israel.” Ibid.

Jesus and Lucifer do not work in partnership. Do not ever get that wrong. Again, Jesus and Lucifer do not work in partnership. A few years ago we received a phone call from a clergyman who was quite irate. I am not saying that the people in our church did not make a mistake, because they went to his church’s parking lot while the congregation was meeting and put literature on the windshields of the cars parked there. That was not wise, because it was private property. The clergyman was quite irate because of this literature. (This clergyman was a clergyman in Babylon.) This literature told the evils of Halloween. Halloween is a holiday that has its origin in Druid and Satan worship. Halloween is all right today, he told us, because (concerning his church) we sanctified it.

Can you sanctify what Lucifer does? Friends, Seventh-day Adventists think like this today. They think that we, because we are Seventh-day Adventists, can sanctify something, and it is all right, even if it is the voice and policy of Lucifer.

Ellen White said that these leaders of ancient times listened to the voice and policy of Lucifer, and it is going to happen in the last years—and it is happening. It has been happening for several years already.

How to Relate

How do you relate to this? Some people get angry. There are a lot of angry Seventh-day Adventists today, because of the wickedness and evil going on in Adventism. There are some people who are just absolutely, white-hot angry. They are like the zealots in the time of Christ. They were angry too. They were ready to start a revolt and drive out the Romans. One of those zealots was one of Jesus’ disciples.

But then there are other people who say that we are to just stay in there no matter what the church or its leaders do, because it is the true church, and we will lose our souls if we leave it. In 11 Timothy 3:5, we have already studied that Paul said, in such a situation, we better turn away. We need to investigate the question, and then we need to understand the answer to that question.

Ellen White was shown that just as it was before the first coming of Christ, it would be before the Second Coming of Christ. It is one of the greatest signs that we are right at the end.

What about You?

How are you going to come out of all this? Friends, Jesus is coming soon. Ellen White saw that few Adventists would be saved. (Testimonies, vol. 1, 608, 609.) I am sorry that few people are going to be saved in the world, and I am sorry that few people are going to be saved in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I have said that I wish the whole city of Wichita, Kansas, would be saved, but it will not be. I can preach, but then the people have to decide. I wish the whole Seventh-day Adventist Church would be saved, but it will not be. You, however, can make a decision as to whether or not you are going to be saved.

I have often thought about Noah and his family in the ark. When the rain was falling, do you suppose any of them said, “There are so few of us in here; I wish I were out there with the others”? The people were drowning out there! Even though there were only a few in the ark, they were glad they were in it. I want to tell you something, friends. The few people who stay with the Three Angels’ Messages will triumph with it. Do you want to be part of that group?

I am sad. I am not happy reporting to you from the Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible about what is happening. I do not like to see people lose their souls. I am not happy about that, but I cannot help it. I tell them, and they will not listen. They say that I am a fanatic. Is anybody listening? Is anybody willing to live by the Word of God? Is anybody willing to say, Yes, I will still believe, and I will still spread the Three Angels’ Messages?

The Three Angels’ Messages will triumph. They are infallible. If you stay with them, you will triumph also. I have decided that this is where I want to stay. I am not going to attend a church where the Three Angels’ Messages are not preached, no matter what name is on the front of the building. It is the Three Angels’ Messages that are going to triumph, not a name.

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

Pastor John 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.

The Remnant Church Not Babylon, Part III

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Those who are carrying this message of error, denouncing the church as Babylon, are neglecting their God-appointed work, are in opposition to organization, in opposition to the plain command of God spoken by Malachi in regard to bringing all the tithes into the treasury of God’s house, and imagine that they have a work to do in warning those whom God has chosen to forward his message of truth. These workers are not bringing greater efficiency to the cause and kingdom of God, but are engaged in a work similar to that in which the enemy of all righteousness is engaged. Let these men who are rising up against the ways and means ordained of God to forward his work in these days of peril, divest themselves of all unscriptural views concerning the nature, office, and power of God’s appointed agencies. Let all understand the words that I now write. Those who are laborers together with God, are but his instruments, and they in themselves possess no essential grace or holiness. It is only when they are co-operating with heavenly intelligences that they are successful. They are but the earthen vessels, the depositaries in which God places the treasure of his truth. Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone that gives the increase.

God speaks through his appointed agencies, and let no man, or confederacy of men, insult the Spirit of God by refusing to hear the message of God’s word from the lips of his chosen messengers. By refusing to hear the message of God, men close themselves in a chamber of darkness. They shut their own souls away from vast blessings, and rob Christ of the glory that should come to him, by showing disrespect to his appointed agencies.

Unbalanced in Mind

God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. But Satan is a vigilant, unsleeping foe, ever at work upon human minds, seeking a soil in which he can sow his tares. If he finds any whom he can press into his service, he will suggest ideas and false theories, and make them zealous in advocating error. The truth not only converts, but works the purification of its receiver. Jesus has warned us to beware of false teachers. From the beginning of our work, men have arisen from time to time, advocating theories that were new and startling. But if those who claim to believe the truth, would go to those who have had experience, would go to the word of God in a teachable, humble spirit, and examine their theories in the light of truth, and with the aid of the brethren who have been diligent Bible students, and at the same time make supplication unto God, asking, Is this the way of the Lord, or is it a false path in which Satan would lead me? they would receive light, and would escape out of the net of the fowler.

Let all our brethren and sisters beware of any one who would set a time for the Lord to fulfil his word in regard to his coming, or in regard to any other promise he has made of special significance. “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” [Acts 1:7.] False teachers may appear to be very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their theories before the world and the church; but as they mingle error with truth, their message is one of deception, and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be met, and opposed, not because they are bad men, but because they are teachers of falsehood, and are endeavoring to put upon falsehood the stamp of truth. What a pity it is that men will go to such pains to discover some theory of error, when there is a whole storehouse of precious gems of truth by which the people might be enriched in the most holy faith. Instead of teaching truth, they let their imagination dwell upon that which is new and strange, and throw themselves out of harmony with those whom God is using to bring the people up upon the platform of truth. They cast aside all that has been said in regard to unity of sentiment and feeling, and trample upon the prayer of Christ as though the unity for which he prayed was unessential, that there is no necessity for his followers to be one, even as he is one with the Father. They go off on a tangent, and Jehu-like, call to their brethren to follow their example of zeal for the Lord. If their zeal led them to work in the same lines in which their brethren who have carried the heat and burden of the day, are working; if they were as persevering to overcome discouragements and obstacles as their brethren have been, they might well be imitated, and God would accept them. But men are to be condemned who start out with a proclamation of wonderful light, and yet draw away from the agents whom God is leading. This was the way in which Korah, Dathan, and Abiram did, and their action is recorded as a warning to all others. We are not to do as they have done,—accuse and condemn those upon whom God has laid the burden of the work. [See Numbers 16.]

Those who have proclaimed the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Babylon, have made use of the testimonies in giving their position a seeming support; but why is it that they did not present that which for years has been the burden of my message,—the unity of the church? Why did they not quote the words of the angel, “Press together, Press together, Press together”? Why did they not repeat the admonition and state the principle, that “in union there is strength, in division there is weakness”? It is such messages as these men have borne, that divide the church, and put us to shame before the enemies of truth, and in such messages is plainly revealed the specious working of the great deceiver, who would hinder the church from attaining unto perfection in unity. These teachers follow the sparks of their own kindling, move according to their own independent judgment, and cumber the truth with false notions and theories. They refuse the counsel of their brethren, and press on in their own way, until they become just what Satan would desire to have them,—unbalanced in mind.

I warn my brethren to guard against the working of Satan in every form. The great adversary of God and man is exulting today that he has succeeded in deceiving souls, and in diverting their means and ability into harmful channels. Their money might have been used to advance present truth, but instead of this, it has been expended in presenting notions that have no foundation in truth.

Lesson from the Past

In 1845 a man by the name of Curtis did a similar work in the State of Massachusetts. He presented a false doctrine, and wove into his theories sentences and selections from the testimonies, and published his theories in the Day Star, and in sheet form. For years these productions bore their baleful fruit, and brought reproach upon the testimonies, that, as a whole, in no way supported his work. My husband wrote to him, and asked him what he meant by presenting the testimonies interwoven with his own words, in support of that which we were opposed to, and requested him to correct the impression that his work had given. He flatly refused to do so, saying that his theories were truth, and that the visions ought to have corroborated his views, and that they virtually did support them, but that I had forgotten to write out the matters that made his theories plain.

Ever since the beginning of the work, one after another has risen up to do this kind of work, and I have had to go to the trouble and incur the expense of contradicting these falsehoods. They have published their theories, and have deceived many souls, but may God guard the sheep of his pasture.

I urge those who claim to believe the truth, to walk in unity with their brethren. Do not seek to give to the world occasion to say that we are extremists, that we are disunited, that one teaches one thing, and one another. Avoid dissension. Let every one be on guard, and be careful to be found standing in the gap to make up the breach, in place of standing at the wall seeking to make a breach. Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days. God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies,—men whom he is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are co-operating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.

The following is the letter sent to brother Stanton:—

“Napier, New Zealand, March 23, 1893.

“Dear Brother Stanton: I address to you a few lines. I am not in harmony with the position that you have taken; for I have been shown by the Lord that just such positions will be taken by those who are in error. Paul has given us warning to this effect: ‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.’ [1 Timothy 4:1.]

“My brother, I learn that you are taking the position that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, and that all that would be saved must come out of her. You are not the only man whom the enemy has deceived in this matter. For the last forty years, one man after another has arisen, claiming that the Lord has sent him with the same message; but let me tell you, as I have told them, that this message you are proclaiming, is one of the Satanic delusions designed to create confusion among the churches. My brother, you are certainly off the track. The second angel’s message was to go to Babylon [the churches] proclaiming her downfall, and calling the people to come out of her. This same message is to be proclaimed the second time. ‘And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’ [Revelation 18:1–5.]

“My brother, if you are teaching that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, you are wrong. God has not given you any such message to bear. Satan will use every mind to which he can attain access, inspiring men to originate false theories, or go off on some wrong tangent, that he may create a false excitement, and thus divert souls from the true issue for this time. I presume that some may be deceived by your message, because they are full of curiosity and desire for some new thing.

“It makes me feel sad indeed that you should be deceived in any way by the suggestions of the enemy; for I know the theory that you are advocating is not truth. In advancing the ideas you do, you will do great injury to yourself and to others. Do not seek to misinterpret, and twist, and pervert, the testimonies to substantiate any such message of error. Many have passed over this ground, and have done great harm. As others have started up full of zeal to proclaim this message, again and again, I have been shown that it was not truth.

“I understand that you are also proclaiming that we should not pay tithe. My brother, take off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon you are standing is holy ground. The Lord has spoken in regard to paying tithes. He has said, ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ [Malachi 3:10.] But while he pronounces a blessing upon those who bring in their tithes, he pronounces a curse upon those who withhold them. Very recently I have had direct light from the Lord upon this question, that many Seventh-day Adventists were robbing God in tithes and offerings, and it was plainly revealed to me that Malachi has stated the case as it really is. Then how dare any man even think in his heart that a suggestion to withhold tithes and offerings is from the Lord? Where, my brother, have you stepped out of the path? O get your feet back in the strait path again. We are near the end, but if you or any other man shall be seduced by the enemy, and led on to set the time for Christ’s coming, he will be doing the same evil work which has wrought the ruin of the souls of those who have done it in the past.

“If you are wearing the yoke of Christ, if you are lifting his burden, you will see that there is plenty to do in the same lines wherein the servants of God are laboring,—in preaching Christ and him crucified. But any one who shall start up to proclaim a message to announce the hour, day, or year of Christ’s appearing, has taken up a yoke and is proclaiming a message that the Lord has never given him.

“God has a church upon the earth, who are his chosen people, who keep his commandments. He is leading, not stray off-shoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. ‘Wilt thou then that we gather them up?’ [Matthew 13:28] was the question of the servant; but the master answered, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.’ [Verse 29.] The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are his.

“It is our individual duty to walk humbly with God. We are not to seek any strange, new message. We are not to think that the chosen ones of God who are trying to walk in the light, compose Babylon. The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to his birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy, sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, ‘For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and Satanic heresies which exalt the false Sabbath, and lead men to trample under foot God’s memorial.

“Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God’s holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, ‘Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.’ [Revelation 18:8.]”

Review and Herald, September 12, 1893.

1 Corinthians 12 and 13, Part II

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As long as we are in this world we must be linked with one another. Humanity is interlaced and interwoven with humanity. As Christians we are members one of another. The Lord has made us thus, and when disappointments come, we are not to think the worse of one another. We are individual members of the general body. In helplessness and disappointment we are fighting the battles of life, and the Lord designs us, as His sons and daughters, whom He calls His friends, to help one another. This is to be a part of our practical Christian work.” The Signs of the Times, February 7, 1900.

How is this unity (oneness) to be brought about?

“The prayer of Christ to His Father, contained in the seventeenth chapter of John, is to be our church creed. It shows us that our difference and disunion are dishonoring to God. . . .” Lift Him Up, 296.

Unity in Diversity

“[John 17:20, 21 quoted.] What kind of unity is spoken of in these words?—Unity in diversity. Our minds do not all run in the same channel, and we have not all been given the same work. God has given to every man his work according to his several ability. There are different kinds of work to be done, and workers of varied capabilities are needed. If our hearts are humble, if we have learned in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly, we may all press together in the narrow path marked out for us (MS 52, 1904). . . .

“[John 17:20-23 quoted.] What a wonderful statement! The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. In mind, in purpose, in character, they are one, but not in person. By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ, and of His power to take away sin (MS 111, 1903).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1148.

What is it that establishes a bond of unity with one another? Unity with Christ. How do we have this unity with Christ? “By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus.” Ibid.

Love and Unity Connection

The following quotes show how love and unity are connected. Love is a key ingredient to having unity in the church.

“Little differences dwelt upon lead to actions that destroy Christian fellowship. Let us not allow the enemy thus to gain the advantage over us. Let us keep drawing nearer to God and to one another. . . . The heart of the Saviour is set upon His followers’ fulfilling God’s purpose in all its height and depth. They are to be one in Him, even though they are scattered the world over. . . . When Christ’s prayer is fully believed, . . . unity of action will be seen in our ranks. Brother will be bound to brother by the golden bonds of the love of Christ. The Spirit of God alone can bring about this oneness. He who sanctified Himself can sanctify His disciples. United with Him, they will be united with one another in the most holy faith.” God’s Amazing Grace, 210.

“God is the embodiment of benevolence, mercy, and love. Those who are truly connected with Him cannot be at variance with one another. His Spirit ruling in the heart will create harmony, love, and unity. The opposite of this is seen among the children of Satan. It is his work to stir up envy, strife, and jealousy. In the name of my Master I ask the professed followers of Christ: What fruit do you bear?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 28.

“Selfishness and pride hinder the pure love that unites us in spirit with Jesus Christ. If this love is truly cultivated, finite will blend with finite, and all will center in the Infinite. Humanity will unite with humanity, and all will be bound up with the heart of Infinite Love. Sanctified love for one another is sacred. In this great work Christian love for one another—far higher, more constant, more courteous, more unselfish, than has been seen—preserves Christian tenderness, Christian benevolence, and politeness, and enfolds the human brotherhood in the embrace of God, acknowledging the dignity with which God has invested the rights of man. This dignity Christians must ever cultivate for the honor and glory of God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1140, 1141.

Christlike Forbearance

“Nothing can perfect a perfect unity in the church but the spirit of Christlike forbearance. Satan can sow discord; Christ alone can harmonize the disagreeing elements. . . . When you as individual workers of the church love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself, then there will be no labored efforts to be in unity, there will be oneness in Christ, the ears to report will be closed, and no one will take up a reproach against his neighbor. The members of the church will cherish love and unity and be as one great family. Then we shall bear the credentials to the world that will testify that God has sent His Son into the world. Christ has said, ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’ [John 13:35.]” Reflecting Christ, 200.

“True sanctification unites believers to Christ and to one another in the bonds of tender sympathy. This union causes to flow continually into the heart rich currents of Christlike love, which flows forth again in love for one another.

“The qualities which it is essential for all to possess are those which marked the completeness of Christ’s character—His love, His patience, His unselfishness, and His goodness. These attributes are gained by doing kindly actions with a kindly heart.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1141.

Perfect Oneness

“Our great need is unity, perfect oneness in God’s work.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 300.

“ ‘That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ John 17:21.

“Let these words be oft repeated and let every soul train his ideas and spirit and action daily that he may fulfill this prayer of Jesus Christ. He does not request impossible things of His Father. He prays for the very things which must be in His disciples in relation to their oneness to each other and their unity and oneness with God and Jesus Christ. Anything short of this is not attaining to perfection of Christian character. The golden chain of love, binding the hearts of the believers in unity, in bonds of fellowship and love, and in oneness with Christ and the Father, makes the connection perfect, and bears to the world a testimony of the power of Christianity that cannot be controverted.” That I May Know Him, 173.

Cease Criticism

“I am determined to keep before the people the fact that we must have unity. We must cease all criticism. We must urge that the great peculiarity distinguishing Christians from all others, is the union that exists between them and the Lord Jesus Christ, by constant exercise of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. This union, oneness with Christ, leads to unity with and love toward one another. Christians delight to honor God by obeying all His commandments. Bound together in love with Christ, they have love toward one another.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 347.

The “How” of Unity

So how do we gain this unity? “Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it. It will bring spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness, enabling you to overcome selfishness and evil surmisings, and to be more than conquerors through Him that loved you and gave Himself for you. Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves. Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God’s sons and daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you set.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 188.

“Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love, the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. O that all might repent and do their first works. When the churches do this, they will love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves. Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not vex Ephraim. Divisions will then be healed, the harsh sounds of strife will no more be heard in the borders of Israel. Through the grace freely given them of God, all will seek to answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples should be one, even as He and the Father are one. Peace, love, mercy, and benevolence will be the abiding principles of the soul. The love of Christ will be the theme of every tongue, and it will no more be said by the True Witness, ‘I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love’ (Revelation 2:4). The people of God will be abiding in Christ, the love of Jesus will be revealed, and one Spirit will animate all hearts, regenerating and renewing all in the image of Christ, fashioning all hearts alike. As living branches of the True Vine, all will be united to Christ, the living head. Christ will abide in every heart, guiding, coz`mforting, sanctifying, and presenting to the world the unity of the followers of Jesus, thus bearing testimony that the heavenly credentials are supplied to the remnant church. In the oneness of Christ’s church it will be proved that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 385.

Experiencing the Cross

How are we to gain this oneness with Christ? By crucifying self, which involves a cross. I call it experiencing the cross. Look at how we can experience the cross.

Let us first look at the example of the experience of the disciples and the cross. Before Jesus was crucified, the disciples were frequently engaged in disputing about who would be the greatest. For example, in Mark 9:33, 34, we read, “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who [would be the] greatest.” The disciples definitely had some strife as to who would be the greatest.

In the Book of Proverbs, the Bible tells us some things that cause strife. “A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28. “Where [there is] no wood, the fire goes out; And where [there is] no talebearer, strife ceases.” Proverbs 26:20. “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” Proverbs 28:25.

But then we see that in the Book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 1, it says: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Something had happened with the disciples! They had become unified and were no longer having strife as to who would be the greatest. What happened to the disciples that changed them so? I believe it was experiencing the cross.

A Thoughtful Hour

When we start looking at the cross, we see nothing but the greatest love and selflessness manifested. There was nothing selfish about the cross. It is not something a selfish person would do—give your life for a bunch of rebels. We see there the greatest love manifested—a love that completely melts selfishness. To think that Someone would give His life so we could have life for eternity is just mind boggling. To think that anyone would love us that much! It is amazing! He not only gave His life, but He suffered agony, rejection, separation from His Father, and pain—for you and for me. How can we not be drawn to One with a love like that? This is part of the reason we are counseled to spend a thoughtful hour every day studying the life of Christ, and especially the closing scenes.

“It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day reviewing the life of Christ from the manger to Calvary. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination vividly grasp each scene, especially the closing ones of his earthly life. By thus contemplating his teachings and sufferings, and the infinite sacrifice made by him for the redemption of the race, we may strengthen our faith, quicken our love, and become more deeply imbued with the spirit which sustained our Saviour. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and faith at the foot of the cross. . . . Everything noble and generous in man will respond to the contemplation of Christ upon the cross.” Gospel Workers (1892), 246.

Crowning Act

“ ‘As I have loved you.’ [John 13:34.] The crowning act in the sacrifice of love was yet to come. Soon, in the scenes of the Saviour’s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion the disciples were to see the measure of his love. They were to see him hanging on the cross in dying agony, bearing the sins of the world. In this, and in his resurrection and ascension, they were to see a love so broad and deep that all doubt as to the meaning of the new commandment would be swept away. The knowledge of the Saviour’s matchless love for them was to bind them heart to heart, preparing the way for the Lord to anoint them with his Spirit. United by this love, they were to go forth to witness with convincing power to the divinity of their Leader. And their Christlike love for one another was to be the sign of their discipleship.

“How much of this love have we shown for one another? Might we not better begin without delay to love one another as Christ has loved us? Would we not then be a power for good in the world? ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’ [John 13:35.]” Review and Herald, July 21, 1903.

“The disciples never realized Christ’s love for fallen man until they saw it expressed on the cross of Calvary, until He rose from the dead and proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ [John 11:25.] Lessons have been given in regard to this love which are just as new to us, as far as practice is concerned, as they were to the disciples before the death and resurrection of our Lord. When these lessons are brought into the practical life, when God’s people love one another as He requires them to do, there will be an entire change in the experience of the churches.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 109, 110.

“When the attention is fastened on the cross of Christ, the whole being is ennobled. The knowledge of the Saviour’s love subdues the soul, and lifts the mind above the things of time and sense. Let us learn to estimate all temporal things in the light that shines from the cross. Let us strive to fathom the depths of humiliation to which our Saviour descended in order to make man the possessor of eternal riches. As we study the plan of redemption, the heart will feel the throb of the Saviour’s love, and will be ravished by the charms of His character.

“It is the love of Christ that makes our heaven. But when we seek to tell of this love, language fails us. We think of His life on earth, of His sacrifice for us; we think of His work in heaven as our advocate, of the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him; and we can but exclaim, ‘O the heights and depths of the love of Christ!’ As we linger beneath the cross, we gain a faint conception of the love of God, and we say, ‘Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’ [1 John 4:10.] But in our contemplation of Christ, we are only lingering round the edge of a love that is measureless. His love is like a vast ocean, without bottom or shore.” Lift Him Up, 248.

“In all true disciples this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Jesus. It is on the earth that his children are to let this love shine out through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross, to behold the Lamb of God.” Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.

By Beholding

Have you experienced the cross and seen Christ’s love for you? As we look at His life, at His love, it is going to change us. By beholding, we are changed; we are going to become like Him. (11 Corinthians 3:18.) This is part of the way we can gain the experience that is talked about in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 of having love for one another and working in unity as a body. When we truly have this love, we will place others before ourselves, which involves crucifying self and letting Christ be enthroned within.

“By beholding Christ, you will become changed, until you will hate your former pride, your former vanity and self-esteem, your self-righteousness and unbelief. You will cast these sins aside as a worthless burden, and walk humbly, meekly, trustfully, before God. You will practice love, patience, gentleness, goodness, mercy, and every grace that dwells in the child of God, and will at last find a place among the sanctified and holy.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 388.

“He [Christ] became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Shall we feel it a hardship to deny ourselves? Shall we draw back from being partakers of his sufferings? His death ought to stir every fiber of the being, making us willing to consecrate to his work all that we have and are. As we think of what he has done for us, our hearts should be filled with love.” Review and Herald, December 1, 1910.

“To love as Christ loved means to manifest unselfishness at all times and in all places, by kind words and pleasant looks. These cost those who give them nothing, but they leave behind a fragrance that surrounds the soul. Their effect can never be estimated. Not only are they a blessing to the receiver, but to the giver; for they react upon him. Genuine love is a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in proportion as it is dispensed to others.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1140.

Foretaste of Heaven

1 Corinthians 12 and 13 tie together quite well. Chapter 12 tells us about the unity of the body, how each part has its job and works with the great whole. In chapter 13, we learn what love really is. If we truly have this love, it will enable us to have the unity, spoken of in chapter 12, with our fellow brothers and sisters. To learn what a person with this love is like, we must look at the life of Christ, especially at the cross, because it is the greatest display of love. Let us each keep pushing on to know Christ and not neglect the time with Him every day, so we can gain the experience of the cross, and possess this love and unity.

“Please read the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of 1 Corinthians. ‘And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.’ [1 Corinthians 13:13.] Let us wash our robe of character. Let us no longer bite and devour one another. Let those who claim to be Christians practise [sic] Christ’s words. ‘Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men. . . . Let all your things be done with charity.’ [1 Corinthians 16:13, 14.]” Review and Herald, October 17, 1899.

It would be a foretaste of heaven to belong to a church that had these characteristics. If it is going to happen, it has to start somewhere. I want to start. How about you?

Jana Grosboll, an Electrical Engineering graduate student, serves Steps to Life as its Network Administrator. She may be contacted by e-mail at: janagrosboll@stepstolife.org.

Editorial – Conflict

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In the Scriptures, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and of the increase of His government and peace there is to be no end. (Isaiah 9:7.) In the Sermon on the Mount, the peacemakers are called the sons of God, and, as far as possible, we are to be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18.)

Nevertheless, for 6,000 years or so, Jesus and those angels loyal to Him have been in a most fierce, bitter conflict. (See Revelation 12:7.) Anyone who wishes to acknowledge Jesus as their Supreme Sovereign, as well as their Saviour from sin, must also enter this conflict. What is this conflict about?

“As the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. . . . All the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God’s people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord’s second advent; and a people are to be prepared to stand before Him at His coming, ‘without spot, and blameless.’ 11 Peter 3:14.” The Great Controversy, ix, x.

“The apostles were sometimes cast down in the conflict with evil men and evil angels, yet by the grace of God they were enabled to rise and press once more to the front. Their preservation under manifold dangers testified that Jesus lived. Deliverance, support, consolation, and fortitude came to them as they endured suffering for the Redeemer’s sake.” Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.

“The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings.” Education, 308.

“The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.

“He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. . . . We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. . . .

“The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted. Were it possible to force upon you with a hundredfold greater intensity the influence of the Spirit of God, it would not make you a Christian, a fit subject for heaven. The stronghold of Satan would not be broken. The will must be placed on the side of God’s will. You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are ‘willing to be made willing,’ God will accomplish the work for you . . . .” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 141, 142.