Issue: 2018 October

Keys to the Storehouse – Don’t Shirk

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A shirker is somebody who gets out of responsibility. Do you shirk? Do you allow others to bear the responsibility while you sit back and watch or maybe even murmur? Or do you bear and strengthen the team?

“Caleb was faithful and steadfast. He was not boastful, he made no parade of his merits and good deeds; but his influence was always on the side of right. And what was his reward? When the Lord denounced judgments against the men who refused to hearken to His voice, He said: ‘But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 5, 303.

Which class do you occupy: cowards and murmurers or are you classed with the faithful Caleb? While the cowards and murmurers perished in the wilderness, faithful Caleb had a home in the promised Canaan. The Lord God of Israel saith, “… for them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30).

“Hannah prayed and trusted; and in her son Samuel she gave to the Israel of God a most precious treasure—a useful man, with a well-formed character, one who was as firm as a rock where principle was concerned.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 304.

What treasure do you offer to our Lord—a  well-formed heavenly character or a well-formed earthly character?

“In Joppa there was a Dorcas, whose skillful fingers were more active than her tongue. She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she freely ministered to the wants of both classes. And when Dorcas died, the church in Joppa realized their loss. It is no wonder that they mourned and lamented, nor that warm teardrops fell upon the inanimate clay. She was of so great value that by the power of God she was brought back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and energy might still be a blessing to others.” Ibid.

Are your fingers more active than your tongue? Do you offer sympathy and comfort when needed?

“Such patient, prayerful, and persevering fidelity as was possessed by these saints of God is rare; yet the church cannot prosper without it. It is needed in the church, in the Sabbath school, and in society. Many come together in church relationship with their natural traits of character unsubdued; and in a crisis, when strong, hopeful spirits are needed, they give up to discouragement and bring burdens on the church; and they do not see that this is wrong. The cause does not need such persons, for they are unreliable; but there is always a call for steadfast, God-fearing workers, who will not faint in the day of adversity.” Ibid.

Heavenly Father: Keep me from becoming a coward or a murmurer. Make me like faithful Caleb. Use me as an instrument of Thy righteousness. I offer you my heart to fill with Your love and mercy and sympathy and comfort so that others around me may be blessed. Don’t ever allow me to shirk, but to strengthen all around me through Thy grace, which is truly sufficient. Amen.

 

Testimony – From Prison in the Philippines

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My name is Amelia Sanchez.* I am 35 years old and I am currently incarcerated in a prison in Manila where I have been for about two years. I was a very successful business woman prior to coming to this facility. The events that caused me to be in this place happened rapidly and caused me to lose everything dear to me in this life: family and friends, possessions, a business, but most of all my dignity as a person.

On February 17, 2017, at my arraignment hearing I was surprised to see a familiar friend who I was allowed to speak with for a short while. He said that he would come to visit me with a pastor friend of his. He kept his word and did come to the prison with his Pastor friend, Joenel Panganiban. Pastor Joenel brought LandMarks magazine to me where I was able to learn Bible truth. It was through his personal efforts and visits that I came to learn the gospel of Jesus. He really showed me that knowing and living for Jesus is the only reason for this earthly life, and the bonus is that a large number in this jail have come to understand the truths that I have learned.

Because of Pastor Joenel’s faithful encouragement, I now do my very best to live according to the truths of the Bible. I now know how to pray. I encourage my fellow prisoners with the same Bible truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the good news of salvation. I continually encourage them (a group of 30 now) to read the Bible and now have regular devotional time before 6:00 a.m. This daily practice has given us the name of “prayer warriors.” This has also been noticed by the personnel in charge of the jail and testify how well behaved this group is since Pastor Joenel has been our mentor.

In December 2017, we were allowed a special time with Pastor Joenel and his team who brought us food and gifts. On this blessed day we enjoyed Bible themed events and all the inmates happily joined in. The Bureau officers so appreciated the assistance and sacrifice of Pastor Joenel and his team that they were requested to return for the celebration of Women’s Month in March 2018.

I want to thank all the LandMarks team for such a wonderful magazine. The magazine has been such a blessing to me and to my co-inmates. Thanks to all who write the articles that teach us Bible truth and help us to grow in faith. We enjoy all that is contained in the magazine from the health articles, current events, the children’s corner, and crossword. Again, thank you and God bless you.

* [A pseudonym has been used to protect her identity.]

Pen of Inspiration – The School of the Hereafter

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Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not that their faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that can never cease to flow; only by faith they see the children they have trained become a benediction and an inspiration to their fellow men, and the influence repeat itself a thousandfold. Many a worker sends out into the world messages of strength and hope and courage, words that carry blessing to hearts in every land; but of the results he, toiling in loneliness and obscurity, knows little. So gifts are bestowed, burdens are borne, labor is done. Men sow the seed from which, above their graves, others reap blessed harvests. They plant trees, that others may eat the fruit. They are content here to know that they have set in motion agencies for good. In the hereafter the action and reaction of all these will be seen.

Of every gift that God has bestowed, leading men to unselfish effort, a record is kept in heaven. To trace this in its wide-spreading lines, to look upon those who by our efforts have been uplifted and ennobled, to behold in their history the outworking of true principles—this will be one of the studies and rewards of the heavenly school.

There we shall know even as also we are known. There the loves and sympathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages, the sacred fellowship that binds together “the whole family in heaven and earth” (Ephesians 3:15)—all are among the experiences of the hereafter.

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. …

There 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 arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of body and mind and soul.

All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s children. With unutterable delight we shall enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. We shall share the treasures gained through ages upon ages spent in contemplation of God’s handiwork. And the years of eternity, as they roll, will continue to bring more glorious revelations. “Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20) will be, forever and forever, the impartation of the gifts of God.

The life on earth is the beginning of the life in heaven; education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heaven; the lifework here is a training for the lifework there. What we now are, in character and holy service, is the sure foreshadowing of what we shall be.

“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.

“Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God” (Isaiah 43:12). This also we shall be in eternity.

For what was the great controversy permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan’s existence was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God’s justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire to look. 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; will they have no testimony as to the science of redemption—nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings?

Even now, “unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places” is “made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God.” And He “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places: … that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:10, R.V.; 2:6, 7). …

In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found—witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew “the riches of the glory of this mystery;” “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

“It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Then, in the results of His work, Christ will behold its recompense. In that great multitude which no man could number, presented “faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24), He whose blood has redeemed and whose life has taught us, “shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11).

Excerpts from Education, 305–309.

The Never Ending Future

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Nothing brings more joy to the hearts of the followers of Christ than the thought of spending eternity in the presence of the One who died that we might enjoy a never-ending future. God’s word gives us unbridled hope in that regard.

One example of that hope is given in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians: “And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power” (1 Corinthians 6:14). This is just one of many texts that states firmly and positively the assurance of a never-ending future for God’s faithful people. However, reading this verse in context makes it clear that this assurance is only for those who glorify God in body and in spirit. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God” (verse 9)? Only through the righteousness of Christ, inherited by faith, can we hope to glorify God as we must.

There is a surprising number of texts that promise everlasting life to the faithful through the same experience of being raised from the dead just as Christ was.

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him” (Romans 6:4–9).

Resurrection from the grave freed Christ from the dominion of death. That same deathless future awaits those who “walk in newness of life” and are united together “in the likeness of His resurrection,” symbolized through the act of baptism.

Paul gave further assurance to the Corinthians in his second letter to them: “knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14).

It is clear that Paul understood the never-ending future that awaits those who fulfill the conditions of God’s promises.

As reassuring as Paul’s statements are, even greater assurance is found in the words of Christ Himself.

Following the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, when the Jews were seeking to kill Him, Jesus gave a lengthy discourse in which He explained His relationship with the Father in fairly explicit detail, no doubt angering the self-righteous Jews even more. In that discourse, He spoke words that, had the eyes of their understanding not been blinded by the enemy of souls, should have given them either unbridled joy or left them quaking in fear, depending on whether or not they chose to accept Him as the Son of God.

“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:26–29).

The day after the feeding of the five thousand, when the multitude were seeking Him for the loaves and the fishes, Christ explained that “the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33). In response to their demand to “give us this bread always” (verse 34), Christ asserted that “I am the bread of life” (verse 35). Then He spoke words that further inflamed His opponents but gives us further assurance of a never-ending future:

“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:39, 40).

Christ again gives assurance of a never-ending future to the faithful just prior to the resurrection of Lazarus. After Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died,” Jesus assured her “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:21, 23). Martha, in an expression of her clear understanding of Jesus’ teaching, said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (verse 24).

Jesus then provided yet another promise of everlasting life when He stated, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (See John 11:21–26.)

It is critical to note in this promise the condition necessary for its fulfillment. It is exactly the same as that given to Nicodemus near the beginning of his ministry when Christ told him, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Clearly a never-ending future awaits those who truly believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and who have chosen to manifest that belief in their daily lives by taking up their cross daily and following the Lamb whithersoever He leadeth. That never-ending future can begin today if you choose to commit your life to Him who is “the bread of life.”

John R. Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. He may be contacted by email at: johnpearson@stepstolife.org.

Heavenly Laundry

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And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people’ ”(Leviticus 23:26–30).

“Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself.” Early Writings, 55.

What does it mean to “keep” something? Is it possible to keep something if it is not in your possession in the first place? No, in order to keep it, it must be in your possession. So, what does this sentence mean, “keep your garments spotless?” To answer that we need to put the phrase into context. This phrase is taken from a vision Ellen White was given sometime before 1851, when it was first published.

“Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, ‘Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself.’ Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, ‘My Father, give us Thy Spirit.’ Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace.” Early Writings, 55.

This phrase, “keep your garments spotless” was spoken by Jesus to His faithful ones as He moved from the Holy to the Most Holy Place. That took place in 1844. Let’s turn to an historical account of His true people at that time.

“Those who sincerely love Jesus can appreciate the feelings of those who watched with the most intense longing for the coming of their Saviour. The point of expectation was nearing. The time when we hoped to meet Him was close at hand. We approached this hour with a calm solemnity. The true believers rested in a sweet communion with God—an earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can ever forget those precious hours of waiting.

“Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds, and in a few hours to close our eyes forever upon earthly scenes. There was no making of ‘ascension robes’ for the great event; we felt the need of internal evidence that we were prepared to meet Christ, and our white robes were purity of soul, character cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of our Saviour.” Life Sketches, 56, 57.

Here is the key to that phrase “keep your garments spotless.” That work of purification, of cleansing, had been done prior to when Jesus moved from the Holy to the Most Holy Place! “Through the grace of God and their own diligent efforts” they had become conquerors in the battle with sin. Then Jesus says to them as He moves from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place, “Keep your garments spotless.”

That is still His instruction to us today. This is the unique, compelling, singular message of the Most Holy Place. Is this possible? The answer is a resounding, glad, and triumphant Yes. If it were not, God would never require it of us, and is it required? Again, the answer is a resounding Yes.

Long ago God said, “Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 216.

Also, from Leviticus 23:26–30, in studying the “shadow” that was to teach us of the realities of the “true tabernacle” in heaven we read the following:

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people.’ ”

It is so clear here that during the typical Day of Atonement, God required His people to humble themselves, to afflict their souls through deep soul searching. This was so important that those who did not do this were “cut off.” God said “that person I will destroy from among his people.” Here is revealed the destiny of those who do not “keep their garments spotless.” That is serious my friends. This is the true Most Holy Place message. This is present truth.

“Many seem to think that it is impossible not to fall under temptation, that they have no power to overcome, and they sin against God with their lips, talking discouragement and doubt, instead of faith and courage. Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He said, ‘The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me’ (John 14:30). What does this mean? It means that the prince of evil could find no vantage ground in Christ for his temptation; and so it may be with us.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 192.

“If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by death or by the resurrection. You will come up from the grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in society. Jesus does not change the character at His coming. The work of transformation must be done now. Our daily lives are determining our destiny.” The Adventist Home, 16.

Does God ever lie? No, God cannot lie. He has laid out before us His expectation. He has outlined explicitly how this is to be accomplished. The real question is, Is heaven truly where your heart is?

“The true Christian’s joys and consolation must and will be in heaven. The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not be satisfied with things of earth. Such will find enough to do in their leisure moments. Their souls will be drawn out after God. Where the treasure is, there will the heart be, holding sweet communion with the God they love and worship. Their amusement will be in contemplating their treasure—the Holy City, the earth made new, their eternal home. And while they dwell upon those things which are lofty, pure, and holy, heaven will be brought near, and they will feel the power of the Holy Spirit, and this will tend to wean them more and more from the world and cause their consolation and chief joy to be in the things of heaven, their sweet home. The power of attraction to God and heaven will then be so great that nothing can draw their minds from the great object of securing the soul’s salvation and honoring and glorifying God.” Early Writings, 112, 113.

Friends, have you studied, have you infused into your heart, the true Most Holy Place message? Is your character clean? Are your garments spotless? Are you keeping them that way? God is calling us to be a pure and holy people that we may be ready to stand?

Is your laundry done?

Brenda Douay is a staff member at Steps to Life. She may be contacted by email at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

The First Passover

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The First Cleansing of the Temple

Soon after His baptism and victory over the temptations in the wilderness, Jesus attended the Passover of A.D. 28.  At this feast He cleansed the temple the first time. In this action Jesus announced the beginning of His ministry.

The following references are given to document the order of events so we can better understand their significance. The first of His miraculous signs Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him. After this He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples. There they stayed for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (See John 2:11–13.)

The apostle John continues by explaining what took place at this most important feast of the Jews.

In the temple courts Jesus found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves He said, Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a market! (See John 2:14–16.)

The setting here indicates that this was the Passover that followed the first miracle Jesus performed at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.

First cleansing of the temple

  1. a) John 2:11–25
  2. b) The Desire of Ages, 154–166 – In His Temple

The Spirit of Prophecy gives us more insight as to what took place at this first Passover.

“As Jesus came into the temple, He took in the whole scene. He saw the unfair transactions.  He saw the distress of the poor, who thought that without shedding of blood there would be no forgiveness for their sins. He saw the outer court of His temple converted into a place of unholy traffic. The sacred enclosure had become one vast exchange.

“Christ saw that something must be done. Numerous ceremonies were enjoined upon the people without the proper instruction as to their import. The worshipers offered their sacrifices without understanding that they were typical of the only perfect Sacrifice. And among them, unrecognized and unhonored, stood the One symbolized by all their service. He had given directions in regard to the offerings. He understood their symbolic value, and He saw that they were now perverted and misunderstood. Spiritual worship was fast disappearing. No link bound the priests and rulers to their God. Christ’s work was to establish an altogether different worship.” The Desire of Ages, 157.

“The confusion is hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining has ceased. The silence becomes painful. A sense of awe overpowers the assembly. It is as if they were arraigned before the tribunal of God to answer for their deeds. Looking upon Christ, they behold divinity flash through the garb of humanity. The Majesty of heaven stands as the Judge will stand at the last day—not now encircled with the glory that will then attend Him, but with the same power to read the soul. His eye sweeps over the multitude, taking in every individual.” Ibid., 158.

The references above tell us that Jesus recognized a number of problems in the worship service as He entered the temple. He saw

  1. Unfair transactions
  2. The distress of the poor
  3. That the outer court of the temple was a place of unholy traffic
  4. That the people were not properly instructed concerning the ceremonies
  5. That the worshipers did not understand the meaning of the sacrifices
  6. That they did not recognize the One symbolized by the service
  7. That the offerings were perverted and misunderstood
  8. That spiritual worship was disappearing
  9. That no link bound the priests and rulers to their God

Jesus, seeing all of this, knew that it was His work to establish an altogether different worship.

“In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. … In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin, from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. ‘The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver’ (Malachi 3:1–3).” Ibid., 161.

To summarize, in the cleansing of the temple, Jesus

  1. Announced His mission as the Messiah
  2. Announced that He was entering upon His work
  3. Announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin
  4. Came suddenly to His temple
  5. Shall sit as a refiner and purifier

In the above references we see described the work of Jesus and the different type of worship He came to establish. The primary issue was not the physical cleansing of the temple. It had a much deeper meaning—the spiritual cleansing of the heart from the defilement of sin. “From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to men, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator.” Ibid.

What was the attitude and response of the priests and rulers, the leaders of the church, to this work of Jesus? “But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts.” Ibid.

“For a time they were convinced that Christ was a prophet; and many believed Him to be the Messiah. The Holy Spirit flashed into their minds the utterances of the prophets concerning Christ. Would they yield to this conviction?

“Repent they would not. They knew that Christ’s sympathy for the poor had been aroused. They knew that they had been guilty of extortion in their dealings with the people. Because Christ discerned their thoughts they hated Him. His public rebuke was humiliating to their pride, and they were jealous of His growing influence with the people. They determined to challenge Him as to the power by which He had driven them forth, and who gave Him this power.” Ibid., 162.

To summarize the attitude of the leaders, we see that

  1. They did not understand the significance of the temple
  2. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit
  3. The unholy traffic of the temple courts represented the temple of the heart, defiled by sensual passions and unholy thoughts
  4. They initially were convicted that Christ was a prophet
  5. They would not yield to this conviction and would not repent
  6. They hated Christ because He discerned their thoughts
  7. They were jealous of His influence
  8. They were determined to challenge His authority

As the people observed the cleansing of the temple, there were two types of reactions to this work of Christ. It is important to identify the attitudes and positions of these two groups.

Of the larger group of people, the crowd that fled the temple and later slowly returned, Inspiration states, “They had partially recovered from the panic that had seized them, but their faces expressed irresolution and timidity. They looked with amazement on the works of Jesus, and were convicted that in Him the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled. The sin of the desecration of the temple rested, in a great degree, upon the priests. It was by their arrangement that the court had been turned into a market place. The people were comparatively innocent. They were impressed by the divine authority of Jesus; but with them the influence of the priests and rulers was paramount. They regarded Christ’s mission as an innovation, and questioned His right to interfere with what was permitted by the authorities of the temple. They were offended because the traffic had been interrupted, and they stifled the convictions of the Holy Spirit.” Ibid., 163, 164.

Here we see the attitude of the larger group of people; they

  1. Recognized that in Him the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled
  2. Were comparatively innocent
  3. Were impressed by the divine authority of Jesus
  4. Allowed the influence of the priests and rulers to be paramount
  5. Regarded Christ’s mission as an innovation
  6. Questioned His right to interfere with the authorities of the temple
  7. Were offended because the services had been interrupted
  8. Stifled the convictions of the Holy Spirit

Now let’s look at the attitudes of a smaller group of people, the faithful believers: “The poor remained behind; and these were now looking to Jesus, whose countenance expressed His love and sympathy. With tears in His eyes, He said to the trembling ones around Him: ‘Fear not; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. For this cause came I into the world.’

“The people pressed into Christ’s presence with urgent, pitiful appeals: Master, bless me. His ear heard every cry. With pity exceeding that of a tender mother He bent over the suffering little ones. All received attention. Everyone was healed of whatever disease he had. The dumb opened their lips in praise; the blind beheld the face of their Restorer. The hearts of the sufferers were made glad. …

“At the crucifixion of Christ, those who had thus been healed did not join with the rabble throng in crying, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him.’ Their sympathies were with Jesus; for they had felt His great sympathy and wonderful power. They knew Him to be their Saviour; for He had given them health of body and soul. They listened to the preaching of the apostles, and the entrance of God’s word into their hearts gave them understanding. They became agents of God’s mercy, and instruments of His salvation.” Ibid., 163.

To summarize the attitude of this smaller group, the faithful believers

  1. Looked to Jesus
  2. Pressed into Christ’s presence
  3. Appealed for His blessing
  4. Received His attention
  5. Afflicted were healed
  6. Praised the Lord
  7. Did not join with the rabble throng in the crucifixion of Christ
  8. Were in sympathy with Jesus
  9. Knew Him to be their Saviour
  10. Listened to the apostles
  11. Received God’s word which gave them understanding
  12. Became agents of God’s mercy
  13. Became instruments of His salvation

The reactions, positions and attitudes of these three groups of people at the first cleansing of the temple, the leaders, the large group of people who allowed the influence of the priests and rulers to be paramount, and the smaller group of faithful believers should cause us to consider our present position.

Summary – The significant points are

  1. Jesus announced the beginning of His ministry as the Messiah by cleansing the temple at the first Passover following His baptism, A.D. 28.
  2. This was an announcement of His work to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin
  3. It was a fulfillment of Malachi 3:1–3 that He would “sit as a refiner and purifier” “to purify the sons of Levi”
  4. The priests and rulers rejected the cleansing work offered by Jesus and decided to challenge Him
  5. The majority of the people were convicted that Jesus was the Messiah, but with them the influence of the priests and rulers was paramount
  6. A small group of faithful believers knew Jesus to be their Saviour, and they received the cleansing He offered

It would be well to contemplate the attitude of the larger group of people as compared with the attitude of the smaller group, the faithful believers. Where do you fit in?

Maurice Hoppe is Director emeritus of the Steps to Life training programs and a member of the Steps to Life Board. The Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders is a correspondence course that prepares individuals to serve as pastors or Bible workers. Preparing for the Final Conflict is a correspondence course for the laity. Both of these courses teach present truth that will be an anchor for the soul during the storm of opposition and persecution just ahead. He and his wife also have a correspondence course offered through Revelation Ministry. He can be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.

The Great House

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Isaac was old and blind, and called his sons to give them his last blessing. While Esau went hunting for venison to prepare a meal for his father, Jacob, covetous of the blessing given to the first son, deceived his father into thinking that he was the first born. Afraid of his brother, Jacob fled from his home, never to see his mother alive again (see Genesis 27).

Tired from his flight, Jacob slept, and the Lord spoke to him in a dream. Upon waking he said, “ ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!’ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel” (Genesis 28:16–19).

Beth is the Hebrew name for house, and el is the Hebrew word for God. So Bethel is the House of God—the Great House. Isaiah 2:2 says, “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.”

Timothy describes the foundation of God’s house. He said, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ But, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:19–21).

Here is described two characteristics of God’s professed church:

1) the Lord knows those who are His and

2) a call to those who claim the name of Christ to depart from evil.

The church includes those who have taken the name of Christian, although not everyone is a member of the royal family. From among the church the Lord knows who are really His. Some are just there to make appearances without experiencing a heart change.

Jesus referred to these in John 10:1. It says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” The only way to enter is through Christ, not Buddha, not Mohammed. No agnostics or atheists are in there, only those who call themselves Christian. “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver; but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor” (2 Timothy 2:20). In this house are both permanent vessels as well as temporary vessels that will be taken out. To remain in God’s house there must be a cleansing. Paul said, “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter (that which is dishonorable), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (verse 21).

Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul explained what is dishonorable saying, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8).

Peter also admonishes against un-Christian behavior in 1 Peter 1, “… as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy for I am holy’ ” (verses 14–16).

It goes on to say in verse 18, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold.” Because we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb, without blemish and without spot, we also are to separate ourselves from that which is dishonorable if we hope to become a holy people.

It is the holy people who are the precious, honorable vessels, who will not be thrown out with the trash someday. Paul says, “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is not an option, it is a necessity. Heaven will not be divided into two sections, one for the holy people and another for the unholy.

Isaiah 4:3 reads: “It shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy-everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem.” Only the holy will be left when the Great House is cleansed and purified.

Isaiah 35 is a wonderful chapter about the future glory that God’s people will enjoy in heaven. It says in verse 8, “a highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it” (because they will not be there).

“And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken” (Isaiah 62:12).

This article focuses on the group of people who belong to the Second Advent Movement that began in the early part of the 19th century and includes a number of denominations that developed within the Second Advent Movement. Many people today do not know that the Jehovah Witnesses, for instance, were a development of the Second Advent Movement. The Seventh-day Adventist Churches came out of that movement and claim that they are the remnant church, or the last church, just before Jesus returns to this earth, and they make this claim on the basis of two Bible texts.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring (the remnant of her seed, KJV) who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

Revelation 19:10 tells us, “… the testimony of Jesus Christ is the Spirit of Prophecy.” Adventists have preached for over a hundred and fifty years that they will be the ones left when the Great House is completely cleaned out and cleansed.

Today we are living in the shaking time predicted in Hebrews 12. I do not claim to understand it all yet, but one thing I do understand is that the purification of the Lord’s house is actually a terrible ordeal. What is it that will eventually cleanse and purge out all the dishonorable vessels from the Great House? Ellen White says, “Renewed, purified, sanctified, the church must be, else the wrath of God will fall upon them with much greater power than upon those who have never professed to be saints.” Lift Him Up, 301.

We see here that it is the wrath of God, the seven last plagues, that are going to clean out the house completely. There will be millions of people who claim they are in the Great House. But when the seven last plagues are over, the majority will be gone. We just read, “Renewed, purified, sanctified, the church must be, else the wrath of God will fall upon them with much greater power than upon those who have never professed to be saints.”

We are living in the most sobering times of earth’s history. The question must come to us all, Am I a holy person? Holiness is a theological word but it is not complicated. It simply means you agree with God. Those who disagree are unholy.

Holy people are obedient. “Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 91.

When you are baptized, you acknowledge publicly that you agree with God and are now under His authority. “Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.” Evangelism, 307.

To be members of the royal family of God brings responsibilities. There are many who neglect to meet with the rest of God’s family when they worship the Lord on the Sabbath. We have an appointment each week at the house of God on Sabbath, the day the Lord has set aside to meet with His children. Unless sick or in the hospital, all should endeavor to meet together with like believers in praise and worship, if at all possible.

Isaiah says, “And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 66:23). I doubt that in heaven anyone would make an excuse for not coming to worship our Maker.

We are told: “Everyone should feel that he has a part to act in making the Sabbath meetings interesting. You are not to come together simply as a matter of form, but for the interchange of thought.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 362. The Sabbath School is a time for interchange of thought. It is a time when people have opportunity to testify what the Lord has done for them over the past week, or ask for prayer requests. It is also time for the expression of thanksgiving. How wonderful would it be that the hour of Sabbath School was filled with thanksgiving.

Another reason we meet together is “for the utterance of your sincere desire for divine enlightenment, that you may know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Communing together worshiping Christ will strengthen the soul for life’s trials and conflicts. Never think that you can be Christians and yet withdraw yourselves within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web of humanity, and the experience of each will be largely determined by the experience of his associates.” Ibid.

H.M.S. Richards used to say that if the church was not necessary, Christ would not have established it. Do not think you can get along on your own and not show up in God’s family to meet together for worship.  Many who live where there is no religious freedom and risk being captured, tortured, put in prison, or killed, still meet; they see the necessity of getting together to study God’s word and worship Him.

We often receive letters from people who have no one with whom to worship; others meeting in very small churches of maybe 2, 3, 4 or 6. Be encouraged, for the servant of the Lord said, “The place of worship may be very humble (it maybe in somebody’s home) but it is no less acknowledged by God. To those who worship God in spirit and in truth and in the beauty of holiness it will be as the gate of heaven. The company of believers may be few in number, but in God’s sight they are very precious. By the cleaver of truth they have been taken as rough stones from the quarry of the world and have been brought into the workshop of God to be hewed and shaped. But even in the rough they are precious in the sight of God. The ax, the hammer, and the chisel of trial are in the hands of One who is skillful; they are used, not to destroy, but to work out the perfection of every soul. As precious stones, polished after the similitude of a palace, God designs us to find a place in the heavenly temple.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 363.

If we are to be one of the living stones in His heavenly temple we must be fashioned by the “One who is skillful.” A look at the people in most of the churches throughout history reveals them in a deplorable condition, but it is God’s work to shape all into living stones that fit exactly where the Master Builder wants to place them.

It is recorded in Revelation 2 and 3 for all but two of the churches what the Lord had against them. Each was in a terrible condition and severely rebuked, but given hope if they would overcome their faults.

The Philadelphia church was one of the two churches that was not reproved. But if you go to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:16 and 17, it says, “So then, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

Only Smyrna and Philadelphia escaped reproof. However, they still had people in them who claimed to be true Christians but were actually part of the synagogue of Satan. These churches still had huge problems. Read Revelation 2:9, and Revelation 3:9.

The church is supposed to bring holiness into the world. But oftentimes the world, instead, has brought unholiness into the church. Remember, when the Great House is cleaned out, only the holy vessels—the honorable vessels—will remain.

The Lord repeatedly said to His people anciently, and repeated it through the apostle Paul: “Come apart from what is unclean, be separate and touch not what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, literal translation).

At the end of time a final loud cry will result in cleaning out the Great House.

Revelation 18 has to do with separating from organizations, groups, churches, who are living in open sin and refuse to repent. Revelation 2:21–23 speaks of a time in the church when the church was given opportunity to repent and would not.

Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon. Once identified, we must separate from it or we will end up sharing in her sins and sharing in the plagues as well. When a church falls and refuses to repent, she will receive the judgments of God.

Be sure to understand who Babylon is. Babylon claims to be part of the Great House. It cannot be the Hindus, the agnostics, the atheists, the Moslems, or anybody who does not claim the name of Christ. But Babylon, all of Babylon, claims to be part of the Great House of God. Babylon takes the name of Christ.

Revelation 18:2, last part, records that because of what Babylon has become, it is necessary to get out or receive the plagues with her. It says, “It has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird” (Revelation 18:3). Spiritualism will overtake the church and it will be controlled by demons.

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs.” A dog is an unclean beast. It is not a clean animal. It says in Revelation 22:15, that outside the holy city, on the outside, will be all the dogs. It is not talking about animals. It is talking about people. You cannot be part of any church that tries to mix what is holy with what is unholy.

“For all nations have drunk of the wine (false doctrines) of the wrath of her fornication, the kings (governments) of the earth have committed fornication (the union of church and state) with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury” (Revelation 18:3). It is impossible to stay pure and listen to false doctrines being preached and taught without losing your soul. The wealth and luxury of the world has come in and taken over the churches, shifting their focus from God to worldliness.

The Jews taught that where the law of God is not obeyed, there Satan dwells. “He who sins is of the devil” (1 John 3:8). If a church teaches that you can break God’s law and still go to heaven, that church has become a habitation of demons. For your safety, you have to get out of there.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1–11 carefully. This passage of Scripture talks about people who will believe “the lie”—the idea that you can sin and still have eternal life—the very first lie with which the devil deceived Eve.

The Great House of God is being cleaned out. The big question is, where will you be, on the inside as an honorable vessel, or cast out?

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

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

Editorial – Without Fault

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The book of Revelation says that at the end of the world there will be a group of people who will be “without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:5). This is a special group of people in the last generation living upon the earth and the final judgments that are ready to fall on this wicked world are being postponed until this group of people all receive the seal of God (see Revelation 7).

“When Christ came into the world, it was filled with criticism and condemnation of others.” The Review and Herald, August 16, 1892.

“Those only will enter heaven who have overcome the temptation to think and speak evil.” Sons and Daughters of God, 348.

If we are going to enter heaven we must have become perfect in speech, only then can we hope that our characters be perfected (see James 3:2). Below are a few comments on speech in the home and its relation to whether or not we will be in heaven.

“When tempted to murmur, censure, and indulge in fretfulness, wounding those around you, and in so doing wounding your own soul, oh! let the deep, earnest, anxious inquiry come from your soul, Shall I stand without fault before the throne of God? Only the faultless will be there. None will be translated to heaven while their hearts are filled with the rubbish of earth. Every defect in the moral character must first be remedied, every stain removed by the cleansing blood of Christ, and all the unlovely, unlovable traits of character overcome.

“How long a time are you designing to take to prepare to be introduced into the society of heavenly angels in glory? In the state which you and your family are in at present, all heaven would be marred should you be introduced therein. The work for you must be done here. This earth is the fitting-up place. You have not one moment to lose. All is harmony, peace, and love in heaven. No discord, no strife, no censuring, no unloving words, no clouded brows, no jars there; and no one will be introduced there who possesses any of these elements so destructive to peace and happiness.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 705, 706.