Keys to the Storehouse – Hold Up My Goings

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:2, 3. [Emphasis added.]

Has the experience of David also been yours? Has our Lord brought you up out of a horrible pit, that hole in the ground which is that thick mud of earthiness where there is impatience, unkindness, rudeness, pride, selfishness, and all kinds of ugliness? Has He brought you out of the miry clay and set your feet upon the Rock and established your goings? Is there a new song of praise in your mouth that many are noticing?

When our feet are set upon the Rock, the influence of the Holy Spirit takes over. What is that influence? “The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1112. [Emphasis added.] The new song that comes forth from our hearts is the life of Christ living in the soul. What influence is shining from you?

The opposite of this is the influence of the unholy spirit which is impatient, unkind, rude, full of pride, selfish, and all kinds of ugliness. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20. Those with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will reveal the fruits of the Holy Spirit as set forth in Galatians 5:22, 23, of which love is the first fruit. The meaning of love is explained in great detail in I Corinthians 13:4–8. That first fruit working in and through you will influence those around you lifting hearts heavenward.

An unholy spirit struggles for control of your influence. He does not want you to reflect that love which suffers long and is kind, to reflect Christ-likeness.

“It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. In order to convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and lives.” The Ministry of Healing, 469.

What spirit or character are you reflecting?

It just takes one slip of the tongue in shortness and impatience to turn a soul in a wrong direction. It just takes one wrong look or action, and a soul may be turned away from God. It would be a terrible experience to know that because of your influence, the devil would gain a victory.

“Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 427.

Our Lord has brought you up from that horrible pit—that hole in the ground where all the murmuring, discontent and displeasure reign. Now is the time you need to talk with Him and pray:

“Lord, please hold up my goings in Thy paths that my footsteps slip not. (Psalm 17:5.) If You do not hold up my goings in Thy paths, a soul may be turned out of the way.” Then claim the answer and promise for that request in Psalm 121:3: “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”

Thank our Lord for hearing and answering your prayer and watch throughout the day to see how the Lord will redirect your thoughts and actions and how He will give you the grace to walk in His paths so that your footsteps do not slip back into that horrible pit. Jesus tells us to “let your light so shine.” Why? “That they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. [Emphasis added.] It is that heavenly influence that the unholy spirit hates because it is of heavenly origin.

God has brought you up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set your feet upon a Rock and established your goings. He has put a new song in your mouth, even praise unto our God. Why? So many shall see that Christ-likeness and be influenced to trust in the Lord.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let your influence—the life of Christ in your soul—be a light in this world. May you use this key to unlock the storehouse so that God may hold up your goings in His paths that your footsteps slip not. [Emphasis added.]

Do You Hear the Call?

Revelation 14:7 tells us to “fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment is come.”

The Lord is telling us that the hour of judgment is now upon us and it is our responsibility to “fear God and give glory to Him.” But what does this mean and how do we do it?

“It was the privilege of the Jewish nation to represent the character of God as it had been revealed to Moses. In answer to the prayer of Moses, ‘Show me Thy glory,’ the Lord promised, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before thee.’ Exodus 33:18, 19. ‘And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.’ Exodus 34:6, 7. This was the fruit that God desired from His people.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 285.

When in the mount Moses asked to be shown God’s glory, God showed him His character attributes. Here we see glory shown as character. Character is defined as, “the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 310.

If God’s glory is shown to be His character, and the thoughts and feelings make up the moral character, then we must give glory to God by developing moral characters—through our thoughts and feelings.

Paul tells us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. What is it that we have come short of? The glory of God, His character—His thoughts and feelings. We have all sinned and come short of the thoughts and feelings of God.

Romans 8:18 tells us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The glory that Paul is referring to is character. God’s character will be revealed in His followers in thoughts and feelings.

We are all being called, but for what purpose? II Thessalonians 2:14 states, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The calling is to obtain the glory, the thoughts and feelings of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what are we told in Revelation 14:7: “Fear God and give glory to Him.”

Paul also says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5. We need to examine ourselves to see what spirit rules supreme in our minds.

There is a wonderful statement in Numbers 14:21: “But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Here is a promise that all the earth will be filled with the glory of God! The thoughts and feelings of God will fill the earth.

Heaven rejoiced at the thought of the creation of man: “All heaven took a deep and joyful interest in the creation of the world and of man. Human beings were a new and distinct order. They were made ‘in the image of God,’ Genesis 1:27, and it was the Creator’s design that they should populate the earth. They were to live in close communion with heaven, receiving power from the Source of all power. Upheld by God, they were to live sinless lives.” The Review and Herald, February 11, 1902.

In Isaiah 40:3–5, it states, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord—His character, His thoughts and feelings—reflected in His people on the earth.

“Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1. Again, we see the glory of the Lord being the moral character of His people.

“The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of our being, and He is also the author of our redemption, and everyone who will enter the kingdom of God will develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God.

“The Lord, by close and pointed truths for these last days, is cleaving out a people from the world and purifying them unto Himself. Pride and unhealthful fashions, the love of display, the love of approbation—all must be left with the world if we would be renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created us.

“By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature.

“It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord.” God’s Amazing Grace, 246.

“When Adam came from the Creator’s hand, he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to his Maker. ‘God created man in His own image’ (Genesis 1:27), and it was His purpose that the longer man lived the more fully he should reveal this image—the more fully reflect the glory of the Creator.” Education, 15.

This is God’s purpose for you and me. The longer the life, the more fully God’s character will shine through us. We are in need of self-examination to assess what is happening in our lives. Are we pleading to God for His character to shine through us and accepting those character traits so freely offered? As we pray for God to transform our characters and purify our thoughts and feelings we must allow the Spirit to bring forth the fruits of love, joy, peace, and gentleness to soften our own temperament.

The choice is ours to determine whom we reflect. Sometimes we do not see the ugliness that we have accumulated over the years, and become content with who we are. David recognized the deceptiveness of his heart and prayed, “Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24. When we pray that prayer God will honor that sincere desire and search our heart. He will cause something to happen in our life that reveals exactly what is in there. Be prepared and be ready to turn whatever it is over to Him, that is not part of a heavenly character, when it is made known. This is what Paul calls working out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12.)

We are told, “Through His people Christ is to manifest His character and the principles of His kingdom.

“Satan seeks to counterwork the work of God, and he is constantly urging men to accept his principles.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 296. Once God brings these defects of character to light, a choice becomes necessary, and it is soon obvious that Satan is seeking and working hard to counteract the pleadings of God’s Spirit and have you reflect his character instead of our Lord’s. Watch and pray always!

“Wrongdoing and all thoughts and feelings condemned by the law are to be overcome.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 235, 236. This is essential, as they do not reflect God’s glory—God’s character, God’s thoughts and feelings. If they are not God’s thoughts and feelings, not God’s character, then they represent Satan’s character! Satan continually urges us to accept his principles. If we follow the principles of Satan’s kingdom, reflecting the glory/character of Satan, we are not giving glory to God as we are commanded in Revelation 14:7.

We are told that “God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; man makes the character. The mind is the Lord’s garden, and man must cultivate it earnestly in order to form a character after the divine similitude.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 341.

Watch and Cultivate

To do this we must begin with a prayer, which should always be, Father, let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5.) Please, “Search me O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24. Pray this with all your heart.

Another prayer that God is longing to answer is, “Create in me a clean heart, oh God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.

“Let your cry be to God, Convert my inmost soul. Plead with God for the transforming power of His grace … Your soul’s salvation is in great peril, and now do not, I plead with you, deceive your own soul.” In Heavenly Places, 24.

When you pray these prayers, God will allow circumstances to come to you to show you what is really in your heart. He will allow these circumstances to test you and try you so that you may know exactly what changes need to be made.

“Temptation is allowed to come upon us to discover the character [the thoughts and feelings] we possess and to improve our defects.” Ibid., 24.

Praise God for temptations and trials.

The way we react to these situations, whether it be with anger or frustration, reflect either the character of God, giving glory to Him, or the character of Satan, giving glory to him. Give glory to God every moment. Life is so uncertain, and we never know what the next hour will bring.

Plead with God, “Search me O God and know my heart.” Psalm 139:23. Allow the Lord to show you what is in the deep recesses of your heart, to see your real self through testing and trial, and then be ready to pull out the weeds. Cultivate the garden of the mind so that God will be glorified; then be ready at that moment to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10.)

We are told about our future companions in The Review and Herald, September 1, 1885: “The angels never fly into a passion, never are envious, selfish, and jealous. No harsh or unkind words escape their lips. And if we are to be the companions of angels, we too must be refined and courteous. And we have none too much time to change our wrong habits, reform our defective characters, and obtain a fitness for the society of those with whom we expect to associate not long hence. All harshness and severity, coarseness and unkindness, must be overcome in this life; for they are Satanic. Now is the very time for us to do the work. We can have no second probation. If we do not improve these hours of privilege, we would not improve a second probation should it be granted to us. It is now, while it is called today, that we are not to burden our hearts and continue to make Christ ashamed of the unsanctified words and deportment of us who bear his name.”

“All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his Satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God, for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 310.

Be careful not to insult Christ. “The greatest insult we can inflict upon Him, is to pretend to be His disciples while manifesting the spirit of Satan in our words, our dispositions and our actions.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1160.

In understanding what it is to “fear God and give glory to Him” we do not want to insult our Redeemer by giving glory to Satan! Cultivate Christlike thoughts. Watch, and in the moment of danger—before giving glory to Satan by reflecting his character—send up a prayer for help and then be still and wait on the Lord. “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3. This should be our prayer each moment, and God will hear you!

“Fear God and give glory to Him.” Destroy the devil’s darkness by letting His light shine through you.

Judy Hallingstad is part of our LandMarks team. She can be contacted by email at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Peace and Security

This is a study on the overwhelming surprise that is about to overtake the people of this world; what we can do about it, and how we can get ready for it. Our text is I Thessalonians 5:2-6: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”

Notice the words “sudden,” “as a thief in the night.” The day of the Lord is coming as a great surprise to the people of this world. Notice the comment on this in Testimonies, vol. 8, 37: “Soon an awful surprise is coming upon the inhabitants of the world.” And again, Testimonies, vol. 8, 28: “We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.” [Emphasis added.]

Now, Paul says that the “brethren are not in darkness.” God’s children walk in the light, so that which surprises the world is not to be a surprise to us. We’re to know what’s coming and get ready for it; but unless we get ready for it, we will be taken in the snare. The reason for knowing what’s ahead is so we can get ready.

There’s a very interesting point in this Scripture we’ve just read, as to the timing of the overwhelming surprise. “When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” Several of the modern translations put it, “Peace and security.” In the public press these are the two great words. “Peace” and “Security.” Phillips translates it, “You are well aware that the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a burglary to a householder. When men are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ catastrophe will sweep down upon them.” And the New English Bible: “While they are talking of peace and security, all at once calamity is upon them.” Isn’t that what they’re talking about right now, peace and security?

Let me call your attention to the two great world powers that are leading out and will continue to lead out in this talk of peace and security. One is the Pope of Rome, and the other is the United States of America. When we turn to the book of Revelation, we find that the entire thirteenth chapter is devoted to presenting these two great powers. The first part deals with “the beast,” and you and I know that leopard beast represents the papacy. In verse three we read of one of his heads being wounded to death and the deadly wound being healed; and then what? “All the world wondered after the beast.” Doubtless we all thought of that when the Pope made that historic trip to the United Nations where he appeared as the ambassador of what? Peace. Peace—that’s what the world is seeking.

The latter part of the thirteenth chapter of Revelation is devoted to the two-horned beast, and what does that represent? The United States of America. He is pictured in that chapter as joining hands with the Papacy. And that is what is happening right before our eyes. But as the Papacy—watch this point—as the Papacy is taking the lead in the world quest for peace, the United States is in a special sense talking about that word “security.” It’s the great quest of this generation.

Notice how these two fit together and supplement each other. “Security.” What are people thinking of? They’re thinking about this present world. They’re thinking about material possessions. They’re thinking about how they are to be taken care of in sickness and old age. They’re thinking about everything that will contribute to enjoying this present life. And we have now a program that’s supposed to bring to the people of the United States “The Great Society,” another name for “Security.” But the United States is saying that this must be made available, not merely for this nation, but for all the people of the world. It’s a great ambitious program.

The thirteenth chapter of Revelation shows the Papacy and the United States of America joining hands in a great program that is to embrace the world: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,” that is, the papacy. And the two-horned beast is the inspiration to get all the world to do that. The twelfth verse says, “He causeth the earth and them to dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed.” The reason that people are interested in these two great powers today is that they’re hunting for peace and security. This is leading to combinations in every phase of life. Look at the Common Market in Europe. What’s the basis of it? They want peace and security.

What is the reason for these labor unions; these trade associations? What’s the basis of the ecumenical movement? Why are the churches trying to get together? Peace and security. And they will think that they have solved their problems by having these associations. With the papacy and the United States leading out, the whole world will think (for a very short time) that they either have this or almost have it.

Now, notice God’s answer to all this in the eighth chapter of Isaiah. This is wonderful. The eye of the prophet looking down the ages saw our time. Isaiah 8:9: “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries [Here’s the whole United Nations]: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.” That is, with the remnant, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Now, notice, they are not to be in these combinations. That’s the thing I want you to see. I read:

“For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.” Verses 11, 12. What’s driving them? Fear! Fear of want, fear of war, fear of many things. So, with the pope and the United States leading out, there must be combinations. The churches, the trades unions, the nations, the whole world must get together. But God’s people are told in advance, “Say ye not, A confederacy.” Don’t fear their fear, don’t get into that. “Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary,” Verses 13, 14. a place of security.

And so in the sixteenth and seventeenth verses He says, “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples.” Here is the sealing message, the Sabbath put back in the law. “And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him.” While all the world is looking to confederacies, binding together in bundles in order to solve human problems and get peace and security, God says to His people, Don’t get into that, look up. Look to the Lord. See how it is echoed in Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” Right here we have the answer to the problem. This is the faith that will save God’s people and take us through the overwhelming surprise,—looking to God. And it is the opposite course, looking to man, that makes it impossible for these world combinations to solve their problems. (The Great Society cannot solve the problems of man.) They are beyond human help; as the Spirit of Prophecy says, “They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 13. It is impossible for the governments of this world, following the plans they are using, to solve the material problems of men. It’s even more impossible (if we may use such a term), for the papacy to solve the spiritual problems, because the people are educated to look to man instead of directly to Christ.

And so the message for today as He has given it to us in His Book is, “Behold your God.” Notice how Jesus puts it in Luke 21. Pointing past the destruction of Jerusalem and the Dark Ages, He comes to the time of the end. In the twenty-fifth and twenty sixth verses He says, “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars.” Have we seen those? Yes. They are past. “And upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” There’s the fear again. That’s what’s driving them to these confederacies. There are thousands of people today who a few short years ago wouldn’t have considered listening to the Pope, that are ready to follow him now. Why? They are afraid of something that they think is far worse than the papacy.

Jesus says that men’s hearts in these last moments of time will be “failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” If we look where they look, we’ll fear their fear and we’ll be drawn into these combinations. We’ll get into situations where we’ll think that the only way out of trouble is to link up one way or another with some of these confederacies. And so what does Jesus say? “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Verse 28. [Emphasis Added.]

Soon, very soon, all the people in this world will be divided into just two camps—those who are looking to man, and those who are looking to God; those who are looking around them, and those who are looking up. Right there the line is drawn. Now, the question is this: If God who knows the future sees that all this is coming, what kind of training will He be giving to His people? Will it not be a training to get them to look up, to look to God instead of to man? And how will He do this? Let us study this point.

If we get into difficulty and we find a certain way to solve the problem, and then that problem comes up again and we find the same way to solve our problem, do we not develop a habit as it goes on day after day? And would it not be difficult to change? Suppose I am thirsty. I think, “Where will I get some water?” Somebody says, “There’s a faucet in the kitchen. Just help yourself.” Tomorrow I get thirsty again and I think, “Where will I get a drink? Oh, yes, I got a drink in the kitchen.” So I go again. And after I have done that a number of days, it’s almost automatic, isn’t it?

Now, if we get in the habit of having men solve our problems (whatever our problems are), what will be built into our characters? Dependence on whom? On man. And the devil has set every agency in operation to get us into that place, my dear friends, where whatever our problem is, whether it’s a financial problem, a health problem, an emotional problem, a happiness problem, a religious problem, whatever it is, that there’s some man or combination of men that can solve it all for us—especially if we will spend some money. The bill-boards, the newspaper ads, the radio, the television, are pouring these ideas into the eyes and ears of the multitudes. That’s the brainwashing that is going on. But God is conducting a different kind of school, and if we will listen, He will teach us something entirely different. “Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 45:22. And that’s in the little things as well as in the big things.

Now, let me touch on a very practical point. “We are prone to look to our fellow men for sympathy and uplifting, instead of looking to Jesus.” The Ministry of Healing, 486. Yes, our natural tendency is to look to people. A little child does that, and of course the little child should. Did you ever stub your toe and run, crying, “Mama, mama?” Is that all right for a little child to do? But how many “grown-up” people there are, my dear friends, that whatever trouble they get into, all they can think of is to run where? To some human being. And all the “father confessors” are not in the church of Rome. Ah, no! Nearly all the members of the human family, if they know anywhere to look for help, it is to some other human being. But if you and I are going to go through this overwhelming surprise and not be destroyed, we will have to learn the lesson of looking to God instead of men.

And so, watch how God brings us to this lesson: “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.” The Ministry of Healing, 486. How is the only way that God can get us to learn that lesson? Ah, by allowing human beings to fail us. Did you ever get disappointed in some human being? What’s the lesson of it all? “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm … blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:5, 7.

Soon, as this overwhelming surprise breaks upon the world, as they see that they’ve been led to perdition by the dragon and the beast and the false prophet, in the very act of talking peace and security—oh, what a terrible awakening! And there will be a great terror that will spread from east to west, from pole to pole. The whole world will be in utter confusion. Earthquake, hailstones, terrible storms—all the elements of destruction will be turned loose. But hark! In the midst of all those warring elements hear that song from the remnant, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed.” Psalm 46:1, 2. Whatever happens, if men fail us, we’re not building on them. If governments go down, our security is not in them. If the great religious leaders that have led the people to violate the law of God are overthrown, and the whole world breaks up like the French Revolution, our hope is in that Man in the sanctuary, Jesus Christ, who has said, “Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”

Now, as I have said, He is training us for that very day. So today if somebody disappoints us, let’s remember what it’s for. If it is a big disappointment, then we have a big lesson; if it’s a little disappointment, we can have at least a little lesson. We are learning step by step not to build on man, but to build on Jesus Christ. And thus we are preparing to stand when great Babylon goes down like a great millstone cast into the depths of the sea. God’s children will stand secure because their anchor holds within the veil.

Dear Father, we thank Thee so much for the wonderful searchlight of prophecy illumining the road ahead. We choose to be those who are taught of God. While all the world is talking of peace and security, give us the true peace that comes in Thee and Thee alone. Give us the true security that is found in Thee and Thee alone. Thus may we be prepared for the disappointments of this world because we are anchored in heaven. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

This article is reprinted with permission from Pioneers Memorial which assumes no responsibility for the context in which it appears. Pioneers Memorial was founded by the late W. D. Frazee to collect, restore, and distribute the materials of the pioneers of medical missionary work. For more information, you may contact them at: Pioneers Memorial, PO Box 102, Wildwood, GA 30757; 706-820-9755.

The Power of Divine Love

It was the American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who penned these words which I find to be so true, “Love gives itself; it is not bought.” The New Dictionary of Thoughts, 369.

The English author, Hanna Moore, agrees with Longfellow when she wrote, “Love never reasons, but profusely gives; gives, like a thoughtless prodigal, its all, and trembles then lest it has done too little.” Ibid., 370.

The great German Reformer, Martin Luther, in his summation on God’s love, says, “Love is an image of God, and not a lifeless image, but the living essence of the divine nature which beams full of all goodness.” Ibid., 369.

Therefore, dearly beloved, “They are the true disciples of Christ, not who know most, but who love most.” Fredrick Spanheim, German Theologian.

Jesus Christ our divine Savior taught specifically, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35.

What defines this “New Commandment”? What is it all about and why is it so important to the extent that Jesus says it is the trademark of discipleship?

One of Satan’s main activities among Christians is to destroy love for God and love for one another. He well knows the value and power of divine love. He knows what it can accomplish and what it will do for us individually, so he works determinedly to exterminate this plant of heavenly origin from every Christian’s life and the true church.

This commandment of Jesus to love was not in itself new. It was part of the instructions given to Moses, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18.

This verse contains some divine prohibitions. Firstly, God says, “Thou shalt not avenge.” This is another way of saying, “Thou shalt forgive.” With the spirit of vengeance there can be no peace on the earth. God says, “Vengeance is mine.” Secondly, God commands, Thou shalt not “bear any grudge against the children of thy people.” Here God specifically gives instruction to his people not to cherish anger or keep a record, or reserve of wrongs or hurts done to them by their fellow men.

Christ’s love was revealed by the things He taught and did, which sometimes seemed very unusual. He said, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43, 44.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38, 39.

“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” Matthew 5:40.

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matthew 5:46, 47.

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35.

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:3–5.

“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Matthew 26:51, 52.

Jesus’ love which is eternal and divine cannot be affected by circumstances. It is unchanging and focuses more on the person than the action of the person. We are told by God’s servant that “Christ has borne with the erring through all his manifest perversity and rebellion. His love for the sinner does not grow cold, His efforts do not cease, and He does not give him up to the buffeting of Satan. He has stood with open arms to welcome again the erring, the rebellious, and even the apostate.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 420.

Jesus, preparing himself for Calvary and his ascension back to heaven, was deeply concerned about the spiritual condition of the men he would leave in charge of his church. So, “in this last meeting with His disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this. ‘These things I command you,’ He said repeatedly, ‘that ye love one another.’ (John 15:17.) His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper chamber was, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ (John 13:34.) To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.” The Desire of Ages, 677, 678.

The apostle John speaks conclusively and emphatically of this love which is so different from anything earthly and human: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10. God, the offended, chose, and continues to choose, to love us, the offenders. He looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

The measure of this love is the standard found in I Corinthians 13. “Every true Christian will develop in his life the characteristics of this divine love; he will reveal a spirit of forbearance, of beneficence, and a freedom from envy and jealousy. This character developed in word and act will not repulse, and will not be unapproachable, cold, and indifferent to the interests of others. The person who cultivates the precious plant of love will be self-denying in spirit, and will not yield self-control even under provocation. He will not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but will feel deeply over sin when discovered in any of the disciples of Christ.

“Love vaunteth not itself. It is a humble element; it never prompts a man to boast, to exalt himself. Love for God and for our fellow men will not be revealed in acts of rashness nor lead us to be overbearing, faultfinding, or dictatorial. Love is not puffed up. The heart where love reigns will be guided to a gentle, courteous, compassionate course of conduct toward others, whether they suit our fancy or not, whether they respect us or treat us ill. Love is an active principle; it keeps the good of others continually before us, thus restraining us from inconsiderate actions lest we fail of our object in winning souls to Christ. Love seeks not its own. It will not prompt men to seek their own ease and indulgence of self. It is the respect we render to I that so often hinders the growth of love.” Testimonies, vol 5, 123, 124.

“This is the love Jesus brought, and it was a new thing in this world.” The Gospel of John, vol. 4, 1040, by James Montgomery Boice. This love focuses more on who we are than on what we do. It works from the inside out. The fruit of love reveals the true Christian, for if this fruit is absent, regardless of the profession, that person is not a disciple of Christ.

The apostle Paul struggles to provide an understanding of this wonderful love. He calls us to remember: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6–8.

Paul is emphasizing that this is the utmost that can be expected of human love. It is remotely possible that someone would be willing to sacrifice himself for a dear friend who is sufficiently good and lovable. But so great is the love of God for His erring creatures that Jesus died for us when we were godless and rebellious enemies. By the death of Jesus, God gives proof of His love to us.

Jesus sought for the best way to explain this new commandment. He said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12, 13. He wanted them to exercise the same love towards one another that He had manifested towards them. He was about to demonstrate the extent of that love and lay down His own life for them. His love exceeded that which He had commended to them: “while we were yet sinners” He died for us.

This brings to light His strange and unfathomable teaching recorded in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43, 44. Christ’s love transcends love for friends; it reaches out constantly to those who have done the greatest amount of evil. It confronts those who have done to us the greatest amount of wrong! Jesus’ love and example dictate to us that we should be as eager to demonstrate the same unchanging, unselfish love towards our fellowmen, in spite of whatever evil or wrong they may have done to us!

The Human Relationship Factor That Prevents Us From Experiencing God’s Love

What is it that prevents us from experiencing the love of God? We find our answer in the book, Our High Calling, page 348: “Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste.”

The greatest challenge to man is to denounce self. It feels good to promote self, for then we can be revengeful, grudging, resentful, unkind, impatient, unloving, and selfish. In this way we can protect ourselves from being hurt or wronged; thus we take measures to prevent such things from ever happening to us. The question then that we need to answer is: Is this the way Christ loves? Does He love with reservation or with stipulated conditions, e.g., “I will love you only if …”? Please remember, Jesus is our paradigm!

Dr. Leo Buscaglia in his book, Loving Each Other, pages 95, 96, highlights the principle of love in this way: “When we give ourselves in love we become our most vulnerable. We are never safe. We become open to disappointment and hurt. In a relationship, individuals come together with separate histories and experiences. They do this in hope of creating new worlds by writing, living out and sharing new experiences together. But this is not easy, since we all interact in the shadow of past fears, expectations and habits; since we are all different, all imperfect, it is seldom possible without encountering conflict.”

In the church, people are brought together with different experiences, viewpoints, and characters, to build loving relationships in Christ that will be a marvel to the world. The church ought to be a microcosm of what the world should be. I believe Jesus had this thought in mind when He called His followers the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”!

Dr. Buscaglia continues by stating, “When we feel wronged, we immediately look to the other for blame. We perceive ourselves as victims. Something has been done to us, ‘the innocent.’ We have a right, therefore, to demand justice. We believe justice has been accomplished only when we can hurt those who have hurt us, disappoint those who have disillusioned us, make those suffer who have injured us and given us pain. They must experience our revenge at once and preferably continue to experience it forever. We are certain that wrongs will be righted in this way. Only then will the slate be wiped clean and our pain disappear. After all, we rationalize, it was the other’s fault. … Why then should we be the one to suffer? We seek vengeance for we know that the experience will be sweet. But do we find it so? How many of us have gone to great pains to avenge a wrongdoing, only to find that once we have had our revenge we have accomplished little more than finding ourselves loveless and alone? What satisfaction is there in causing another to suffer if our pain still remains?”

So we see that to be human is so dangerous, for it is only about self-seeking and self-satisfaction. After self has displayed all the selfishness there is, we find ourselves more sad, unhappy, sick and lonely! One author, namely Dr. Gerald Jampolsky states, “Hate, bitterness and vindictiveness are overpowering, self-defeating and intellectually as well as emotionally depleting.” Ibid., 95.

According to Dr. Buscaglia, “When wronged by those we love we seem to devalue years of relationship—a relationship that may have brought us many joys and which required much intellectual and emotional energy to have lasted so long. Still, with a single harsh statement, a thoughtless act, an unfeeling criticism, we are capable of destroying even the closest of our relationships. We quickly forget the good and set out to rationalize scenarios of hate. We do this rather than take up the challenge of honest evaluation and confrontation. We ignore the possibility that in the act of forgiving and showing compassion we are very likely to discover new depths in ourselves and new possibilities for relating in the future. We are too proud. We engage in self-defeating activities which keep us from forgiving; beliefs that if we withdraw and run from the situation we will hurt the other and absence will heal us; the fantasy that in avoidance there can be closure; the naïve hope that in hurting, shaming, blaming and condemning we will be made to feel better. We fail to realize that when we refuse to engage in forgiving behaviors, it is we who assume the useless weight of hate, pain and vengeance which is never ending, and, instead, weighs upon us rather than the wrongdoer.” Ibid., 96, 97.

It is far better to be governed by the love of God, for Divine love has healing power. “The power of love was in all Christ’s healing, and only by partaking of that love, through faith, can we be instruments for His work. If we neglect to link ourselves in divine connection with Christ, the current of life-giving energy cannot flow in rich streams from us to the people.” The Desire of Ages, 825. With this in mind a number of questions come to mind.

What Has Happened To God’s Love In His Church?

“The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result, the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 387. “Selfishness is driving benevolence and the love of Christ from the church.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 205.

When The Church Lacks Love, What Is The Result?

“The church is greatly deficient in love and humanity. Some preserve a cold, chilling reserve, an iron dignity that repels those who are brought within their influence. This spirit is contagious; it creates an atmosphere that is withering to good impulses and good resolves; it chokes the natural current of human sympathy, cordiality, and love; and under its influence people become constrained, and their social and generous attributes are destroyed for want of exercise. Not only is the spiritual health affected, but the physical health suffers by this unnatural depression. The gloom and chill of this unsocial atmosphere is reflected upon the countenance. The faces of those who are benevolent and sympathetic will shine with the luster of true goodness, while those who do not cherish kindly thoughts and unselfish motives express in their faces the sentiments cherished in their hearts.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 63. “There is nothing that can so weaken the influence of the church as the lack of love.” That I May Know Him, 153.

What Is It That Will Make The Church Prosper?

“In order for the church to prosper there must be a studious effort on the part of its members to cherish the precious plant of love. Let it have every advantage that it may flourish in the heart.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 123. “Nothing will so successfully defeat the devices of Satan and his emissaries, nothing will so build up the Redeemer’s kingdom, as will the love of Christ manifested by the members of the church. Peace and prosperity can be enjoyed only as meekness and love are in active exercise.” Ibid., 167.

What Will Be The Product Of Love?

“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.” Reflecting Christ, 200.

What Will Be The Instrument That The Church Will Use To Move The World?

“When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example, practicing the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world.” Ibid., 298.

“Christ’s most favorite theme was the paternal character and abundant love of God. The curse of every church today is that men do not adopt Christ’s methods.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 192.

Seriously ponder this question. Are you a true Christian, a true disciple of the meek and lowly Jesus? Are you? Our Savior emphatically affirms, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13: 35.

Jesus says to you today, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12. Amen!

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-822-3900.

Heaven is a Good Place

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth where moth and rust corrupts or disfigures and where thieves dig through or break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust corrupts and where thieves do not dig through, neither steal. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.” Matthew 6:19–21.

“Satan is constantly at work to present worldly things in so attractive a light that the Christian may be bribed to make the world his first consideration. Should he induce the Christian to seek for worldly treasures, and make things of God of secondary importance, he could readily efface the image of God from the soul. There is continual danger that the things of this world will gain the supremacy and cause us to neglect the things of priceless value.” The Signs of the Times, April 4, 1895.

More time should be spent on the subject of heaven. The devil is presenting all kinds of things in this world in such an attractive light that we are in constant danger of making the things of this world first and more important than the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. The devil plans to rob us of our eternal inheritance.

“The great Teacher gives man a view of the future world. He brings it, with its attractive possessions, within the range of his vision. He presents the actual claims of God and heaven. If He can fasten the mind upon its future life and its blessedness, in comparison with the temporal concerns of this world, the striking contrast is deeply impressed upon the mind, absorbing the heart and soul in the whole being. He [Christ] thus removes the things of time and sense from the affections where they have had the supremacy and gives them their place as subordinate to the higher and eternal realities.” Our High Calling, 286.

Jesus presents the attractions of heaven to us to remove the temporal things of this world from our affections where they have had the supremacy. If we lose our vision of heaven, it will be impossible to get ready to go to a place that is out of mind. Constantly imagine the kind of a place it is and the things we will do there.

Firstly, let’s look at some things that will not be in heaven. Some time ago I knew a gentleman who had become a Seventh-day Adventist a short time before he died. His funeral was held in the Lutheran church which was packed with hundreds of people. Almost his whole family and friends were of the Lutheran faith. One of his friends suggested that I talk about heaven and in researching this subject, most of what I found in my Bible were things that would not be there.

No More Trouble

“There the wicked cease [from] troubling; and there the weary be at rest.” Job 3:17.

There will never be any trouble from any wicked person in heaven because they cease from troubling. Here in this world people are in trouble because of what they or others are saying or doing, something contrary to the law of God causing all kinds of trouble, stress, and strife in our world. In heaven, there will be no more trouble.

No More Tears

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death will not be anymore, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither pain will be anymore, because the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4. No more sin, no more death, no more sorrow. Just a few days before she died, Ellen White wrote, “All will be a happy, united family, clothed with garments of praise and thanksgiving. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, ‘There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.’ ” The Adventist Home, 544.

No Violence

“Violence will no longer be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.” Isaiah 60:18. It goes on to say how the days of mourning will be ended and the people will all be righteous. It is a wonderful passage of Scripture. There will not be any mourning or any violence, and there will not be any destruction.

No Deformities

There are many deformities in this world. Most of us have fillings in our teeth, wear glasses and have many other kinds of deformities. But in heaven there will only be perfection. Isaiah 35:5, 6, says, “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. The lame man shall leap as a hart [a deer], and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.” The deformities so common in this world will be gone, and no one will ever say again, “I am sick.” “Not, he will say, the inhabitant, I am sick.” Isaiah 33:24. Sickness and deformity will be something of the past. We look forward to the time when those using canes and wheelchairs and crutches will be able to throw them away and be rid of all their deformities.

No Selfishness

The disciples at one time came to Jesus inquiring who would be the greatest in heaven. He answered them in Matthew 18:3, 4 saying, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

There will be no rough, unkind or selfish person in heaven; only those who have the meekness of a little child will be there. “In the family of God in heaven, there will not be found one who is selfish. The peace and harmony of the heavenly courts will not be marred by the presence of one who is rough or unkind. He who in this world exalts self in the work given him to do will never see the kingdom of God unless he is changed in his spirit, unless he becomes meek and lowly, revealing the simplicity of a little child.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 140.

If I recognize myself as rough, harsh, unkind, or selfish, I need to go to the Lord immediately and plead with Him to create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit within me. In heaven there will be no roughness or selfishness.

No Contentions

It is recorded in the Bible that on the night of Jesus’ betrayal there was strife and quarrelling amongst His disciples over which of them would be accounted the greatest. Jesus told them to be at peace with each other. You can read about it in Luke 22:23–27. Many times, whether being serious, or even in a joking manner, we fall into the devil’s temptation of shocking or jarring others, but there will be no contentions or war of words in heaven.

“Heaven is a home where sympathy is alive in every heart, expressed in every look. Love reigns there. There are no jarring elements, no discord or contentions or war of words.” Last Day Events, 296.

Does this mean people will be free to think in heaven? Yes, we will be free to have a different opinion; however, we are not going to have a war about it. Heaven is going to be a place full of individuals with different tastes. Here on earth Christians don’t all wear the same clothes or eat exactly alike because of our different tastes and cultures, and God made us to exercise the power of choice in these matters. There are many good things to choose from, making the world so diverse and interesting, but in heaven there will be no war of words over individual likes or dislikes.

No Tempter

This is really something to anticipate. There will be no tempter in heaven. “No tree of knowledge of good and evil will afford opportunity for temptation. No tempter is there, no possibility of wrong. Every character has withstood the testing of evil, and none are longer susceptible to its power.” Education, 301.

For a thousand years he (Satan) will experience the fruit of the curse which he has caused.

“Limited alone to the earth, he will not have the privilege of ranging to other planets, to tempt and annoy those who have not fallen. During this time Satan suffers extremely. … But he is then to be deprived of his power and left to reflect upon the part which he has acted since his fall, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future, when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done and be punished for all the sins that he has caused to be committed.” The Story of Redemption, 416.

This is not only deliverance for the people on the earth, but also for the beings on other worlds who have never fallen. The devil has also tempted the intelligences in all the other worlds, and they will be delighted to not have him around to tempt them anymore.

“I heard shouts of triumph from the angels and from the redeemed saints which sounded like ten thousand musical instruments, because they were to be no more annoyed and tempted by Satan and because the inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and his temptations.” Early Writings, 290.

No Funerals, No Tears, No Pain

“Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. In the home of the redeemed there will be no tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 286. I knew of a young man who was in so much pain before he died that he begged his father, “Please get a gun and shoot me; I can’t stand the pain anymore.” Any physician, preacher or anyone having to visit people who are very sick has run into situations where they have witnessed unbearable pain. That experience is seared into the memory for the rest of your life. I have personally experienced many things that I wish I had not witnessed or heard. All this pain and suffering is just a part of the results of sin. We are so familiar with the fact that this earth causes pain from time to time that it is almost impossible to imagine heaven being a place devoid of both physical and emotional pain. No tears, and no funeral trains or badges of mourning because there is no death, no hospitals, and no funeral homes.

This tells us what will not be in heaven, but what is it that makes heaven, heaven?

Jesus is what makes heaven, heaven. When Jesus was here on this earth it was like heaven to be in His presence. Heaven is where Jesus is. The reason the disciples were so troubled when He said that He was going away was because after they got acquainted with Jesus, they found more happiness, more enjoyment in being in His presence, than they had ever had in all their previous lives.

If you want to be ready to go to heaven, you need to get acquainted with Jesus. He is the King of that place, the One whom everybody loves and worships. The wonderfulness of His character is something no human being or angel can really describe. You have to be there in heaven and experience eternal life to fully realize how wonderful He is. But there are several other things that have been promised when we get there.

Rest

Over the years I have met many people who have worked so hard for so long that they are just plain tired. Heaven is a place where people, who are physically and mentally tired, will have time to rest. Those who are weary from the struggles and trials of this world are going to be able to rest. They will no longer be under pressure to go somewhere or do something. That is very comforting to many people who have been struggling under all kinds of pressing circumstances for many years.

Fullness of Joy

David said, “You will teach me (or show me) the path of life: in your presence there [is] fullness of joy; at your right hand [there are] pleasures for ever more.” Psalm 16:11. In the Hebrew text it says, “There is fullness of joys,” plural. There is more than one kind of joy; there are many joys. And fullness of joy is found in His presence. This means that in heaven we will be the happiest of human beings.

Ellen White describes it this way. “If we can meet Jesus in peace and be saved, forever saved, we shall be the happiest of beings!” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, 343. “The Lord has made every provision for our happiness in the future life.” Marantha, 369. Then we are told that we are not “to measure the conditions of the future life by the conditions of this life.” Ibid.

“Everything in heaven is noble and elevated. All seek the happiness of others. No one devotes himself to looking out and caring for self. It is the chief joy of all holy beings to witness the joy and happiness of those around them.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 239 “One rich tide of happiness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on.” Ibid., vol. 9, 286.

It is impossible for us to imagine a place of permanent bliss. For the average person, the happiest moments of this life were when they first got married. The Lord uses illustrations to help us understand how happy we are going to be in heaven. In the book, Song of Solomon, the most sensual language is used to describe this bliss. Unfortunately for many, marriage does not stay blissful, but in heaven, that bliss just goes on and on. One rich tide of happiness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on, and we will be the happiest of beings.

Permanent Dwelling

Just prior to Jesus’ ascension he told his troubled disciples that He was going to leave. He encouraged them by saying, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go also, I will prepare a place for you. Again I am coming and I will receive you to Myself, in order that where I myself am, also you might be.” John 14:1–3.

Heaven is a place where you will have a permanent dwelling. The word monai, translated mansions, means places or “places” or “permanent dwellings.” There will not be any trailer parks or mobile homes in heaven. All will have a permanent home that will last forever.

Everyone WIll Be Known

“For we see now through a glass in an indistinct image, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know as also I am known.” I Corinthians 13:12. This means that in heaven those who are saved will know the friends that they had here in this world.

“The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Savior, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to arise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured in this mortal life and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved.” The Desire of Ages, 804.

“Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection.” The Faith I Live By, 185. God in His own time will call forth the dead, giving again the breath of life. The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect. It lives again, bearing the same individuality of features so that friend will recognize friend.

“The loves and sympathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise.” Ibid., 279.

“Every saint connected in family relationship here will know each other there.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 316. In heaven there will be a reunion of friends and loved ones who are now separated by death. There, the saved will be together forever and never separated for more than a week. It is possible that one of your friends, or your family members may decide to stay in the Holy City and you may be taking a trip somewhere in the universe, but never more than a week. Why? Because it says in Isaiah 66:22, 23, “Every Sabbath and every new moon, all flesh is going to come together and worship before Me.” There will be no more “goodbyes” for more than a week.

A Home, Roots

“For those saying these things make it manifest that they seek a fatherland. And if, on the one hand, they had wanted to return to the one they left, they would have had time to return. But now they seek a better one, that is an heavenly. Wherefore God, is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:14–16.

Notice, these people are seeking a fatherland, or a country, and God has prepared for them a city. In the Bible, the inheritance of the saved is called a fatherland or a country that also has a city. It has lakes, rivers, woods and mountains. Ellen White saw this in vision: “We entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here; no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees moved to and fro, and we all cried out, ‘We will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.’ We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion.” Early Writings, 18. Heaven is a beautiful place. It has everything the heart could possibly desire.

Occupation

What will we do in heaven? Isaiah 65:21, 22 tells us that we are going to build houses. You are already going to have a house in the city, but you are also going to be able to build yourself a country house, inhabit it and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. It will never be taken from you. You are not going to build and another inhabit or plant and another eat. It goes on to say, “My elect are going to enjoy the work of their hands for a long time.”

“There [in heaven] every power will be developed. Every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will appear new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to study to call forth the powers of mind and soul.” The Review and Herald, July 1, 1915. “All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar.” The Great Controversy, 677.

In Abraham’s day, looking at the sky without telescopes, it was thought that there were a few thousand stars. Later, with the use of telescopes, we found that there were millions of stars, and today with more sophisticated telescopes we know that there are billions. Every time we build a bigger telescope, we find that there are more.

How many galaxies are there? We have no idea, but in heaven you will be able to go to those places and also do things that Adam and Eve enjoyed doing: build houses and plant vineyards. All the treasures of the universe will be open to your study.

Music

Heaven is a place where we are going to enjoy music. No one will be singing the blues in heaven. A different kind of music will be heard there. “The ransomed of the Lord will return, they will come to Zion with songs.” Notice what kinds of songs. “And everlasting joy upon their heads. They will obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10.

Isaiah 51:3 also talks about joy and gladness, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. And there will be instruments: “The singers and the players on instruments: will be there.” Psalm 87:7.

When I get to heaven I want to have a music room with different kinds of instruments.

I learned when I was very young that there were all kinds of things I wanted to do that there would not be time to do in this world. I took trumpet lessons for a few years when I was young, but I actually wanted to be able to play a saxophone, the clarinet, the trombone, the piano, and the organ. It was impossible to learn all those instruments in this short lifetime.

In high school I thought it would be interesting to study science, history, biology, chemistry, and physics. Unfortunately, you cannot become a specialist in all those areas because we simply do not live long enough. I decided then that if I only had enough time to look at one of those subjects I had better study theology; I had better study, how to get to heaven so I will have enough time to study all the other interesting things throughout eternity.

Music is something I haven’t had much time to study, but someday I want to be a professional musician. Heaven will be a place where we will all be able to become musicians. “There will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived.” Maranatha, 361. For those of us who enjoy music, that is an exciting thing to look forward to.

Restoration of the First Dominion

In Micah 4:8, it says that we are going to be restored to the first dominion. When Adam was created, he was made the ruler, the king, or master of the whole world. All animals, birds, fish, and every living creature was under his direct control. “Man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful.” Marantha, 353. The wolf will dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the young lion and fatling together. A little child shall lead them. Why? Once more man will have dominion over the animals and they will do whatever the little child says. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together. The lions shall eat straw like the ox. They won’t hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, says the Lord. (See Isaiah 11:6–9.)

Man will again have dominion over the entire earth. The first dominion will be restored and all other living creatures will obey his will.

Living in God’s Presence

“There shall be no more curse; the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it. His servants shall serve Him, and they shall see His face, and His name shall be upon their foreheads.” Revelation 22:3, 4. In heaven there will be face to face communication with the Father and the Son. If you are alive at His Second Coming and make up part of the 144,000, you will go with Jesus wherever He goes throughout the universe for eternity. It is hard to imagine this, but it’s fun to try.

Youth and Beauty

At the resurrection, “All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. … But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth.” Maranatha, 299. “The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave.” The Great Controversy, 644, 645.

Heaven is a place of youth and beauty. There are people now with defects or blemishes in their appearance that make it hard for them to socialize and live a normal life because of embarrassment. This is often more difficult for a woman than a man, but soon that will all be gone. Everyone in heaven will be beautiful with the healthful vigor of youth.

Sympathy and Love

Never again will it be heard, “Oh, nobody understands me!” Heaven is a place of sympathy and love. “Heaven is a home where sympathy is alive in every heart, expressed in every look. Love reigns there.” Manuscript Releases, vol.9, 105.

Heaven is a Place of Learning

Is there something here on earth that you would like to know and don’t get the opportunity to study? “Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One.” The Faith I Live By, 360.

Maybe you want to study science or history. Maybe it is the plan of redemption, or how sin entered the universe and how the Lord has dealt with it for the last 6,000 years. What about understanding how the angels work in your own life? Do you want to understand what happened to you that seemed so awful that you said, “Lord, why did you even allow this to happen?” In heaven, “Jesus will lead us beside the living stream flowing from the throne of God and will explain to us the dark providences through which on this earth He brought us in order to perfect our characters.” The Adventist Home, 544. “All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain.” Ibid., 542. This is something to really look forward to.

Inheritance

Hebrews 11:24–27 tells us that Moses chose to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin. He chose that course because he had respect unto the recompense or the amount of the reward—the inheritance. Jesus also referred to this inheritance in Matthew 19:29. He said that “whatever you have lost in this world, when I come again you are going to receive one hundred fold, plus you are going to receive eternal life.” Ellen White also writes about this: “Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, whatever losses they have sustained, whatever persecution they have suffered, even to the loss of their temporal life, the children of God are amply recompensed.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 180. The word amply means plentifully. If we could just grasp that one fact it would change our whole life. We would never be mourning when we lose something here, for He has promised that we will be paid back one hundred fold when the Lord comes.

All that is pure, all that is excellent and lovely is there. The possession of heaven is endless bliss, infinite glory, riches, and knowledge. The character of heaven is perfect love, and holiness, and peace. We know these things now only in part. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9.

Oh, friend, you have to be there. We need to review these things so that we are not caught up with what this world has to offer. Everything in this world is coming to an end and is going to be destroyed. In heaven your happiness and joy will continually increase for eternity.

To miss out on heaven would be an infinite loss. For one soul to miss out on heaven is worse than missing out on a whole world of material possessions. In all of our relations with our fellow men, in our home, with our families, with our friends, we need to keep in mind at all times that we are all choosing day by day our eternal destiny.

Our mission as Christians is to reflect to others the character of Christ so that they also will be attracted to Jesus and desire to be in the place where He is. If they see Him in us, they will want to be there.

(Literal translation is used in many Bible quotes.)

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.

Editorial – The Law of Moses, Part II

The writings of Paul explain the ceremonial law as contrasted with the moral law, which is the law that defines right from wrong. Paul says, “I would not have known sin [what sin is] except through the law.” (Romans 7:7.) Later in the verse he quotes from the tenth commandment, indicating that except for the law that says you shall not covet, he would not have known that coveting was wrong.

In Galatians 3:19, he asks, “Why was the law given then?” which could be translated, “What purpose then is there for the law [the ceremonial law]?” He immediately answers this question: “It [the ceremonial law] was added because of transgression.” Paul says in Romans 4:15 that where there is no law, there is no transgression. In order for transgression to have occurred, a law had to exist first. What law was transgressed? It was the Ten Commandment law, the moral law which is eternal and unchangeable. What was determined right and wrong in the Garden of Eden is still the same today in harmony with the Ten Commandments, the principles of which have existed from eternity in the past, and will exist through all future eternity. Ellen White corroborates this in the first three sentences of the book, Patriarchs and Prophets, 21, “ ‘God is love.’ I John 4:16. His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be.”

When the moral law was transgressed, another law was added because of the transgression. This law can properly be called the ceremonial law, and included all laws that were added because of transgression. Sin is the transgression of law that is in force. Once the ceremonial law was added, it became sinful to transgress this law. For example, under the ceremonial law it was a sin for Moses not to have his male children circumcised, and he could not take the children of Israel out of Egypt before this was accomplished. (See Exodus 4:24–26.)

In Galatians 3:19 Paul shows the reason for the ceremonial law and when it came into being after transgression. He also shows the time limit of this law, clearly demonstrating its temporary nature, which only lasted until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made. (Genesis 3:15.) He had already explained that the seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16).

From Galatians 3:19 we understand (1) the purpose of the ceremonial law, (2) when it came into existence, (3) the intelligences that ordained it which are different than the moral law, and (4) the fact that it was a law that would only exist for a temporary time—until Christ should come.