Faith

The Two Principles of Faith, Part I

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We are told in II Corinthians 13:5 to, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” The topic of faith is one that has been studied by Christians throughout the ages.

Every Christian has struggles, and as they have encountered challenges, hopefully their faith has developed. It is vitally important for us to pay attention to the little tests, for they form the basic foundation of faith upon which we must build to face the larger challenges and trials of life.

In this article, we will look at some basic principles of faith. These are not necessarily anything new, but it is good to review the basics. If we are majoring in math, we want to make sure, before we start on algebra, calculus, or other higher studies of the subject, that we understand the basics. We need to first understand how to add and subtract and how to multiply and divide, and what the principles of these basic skills are.

If we do not understand the basics, as we get farther down the line and start running into bigger problems, we will not have the skill to conquer them—in math or in our walk of faith.

“The time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews 11:32–38.

In this passage of Scripture, we are given a picture of some of the trials and experiences through which the men of old, the men of faith, passed. The question that we need answered is, What did they have that carried them through? What did they possess?

Ellen White wrote: “Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good.” Gospel Workers (1915), 259. The foundation of faith begins with these two basic principles―believing that God “loves us and knows what is for our best good.”

God Loves Us

We first must settle in our minds the question, Does God love us? John 3:16 offers the answer: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” But how we answer this question depends, in a large part, on how we see ourselves, upon what value we place on ourselves. We may see ourselves as unlovable; even though we may not say it, through our daily actions we live out that reality. However, Paul said, “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

“God’s love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love—a love born of mercy; for human beings are all undeserving. Mercy implies the imperfection of the object toward which it is shown.” In Heavenly Places, 12.

One of the things we must understand is that God’s love is not dependent upon who we are; it is dependent upon who He is. That is especially important to remember as we are on our Christian walk, developing our faith. We know that we are to go through trials, growing from faith to faith, “from grace to grace, from strength to strength, obtaining one spiritual victory after another.” Daughters of God, 184. The reality is that we make mistakes and we fail. We stumble; and when we do, we give the devil ammunition.

We know that God takes careful record of everything we do and all we say, but the devil is writing down everything that we do and say too. Then, when he gets us to fall, he is there to accuse us and to use those things against us. Those are the fiery darts that he hurls at us to try to discourage us and to keep us from coming to God. We need to understand that God’s love is not dependent on who we are.

It was because of sin that mercy was brought into active exercise. We cannot do anything to merit God’s love. God’s love is a peculiar love. It is a love that is born of mercy and, as Mrs. White wrote, “Mercy implies the imperfection of the object toward which it is shown.”

So, God loves us. His love is unconditional.

Parent-Child Relationship

If you are a parent, you understand that you demonstrate love to a child in different ways, depending on whether the child is being rebellious or obedient. The Bible tells us that, “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” Hebrews 12:6. We are not to be discouraged by that, but we need to realize that how God’s love is manifested toward us is dependent upon our relationship with Him.

From the writings of Ellen White we read: “God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet these but imperfectly represent His love. Though all these evidences have been given, the enemy of good blinded the minds of men, so that they looked upon God with fear; they thought of Him as severe and unforgiving. Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,― one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, that Jesus came to live among men.” Steps to Christ, 10, 11.

I did not grow up in a Seventh-day Adventist Christian home. My family did attend church, and I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was that influenced me, but this was the way I looked at God. This attitude is prevalent in the world in which we live. Satan is ever there to misrepresent the character of God through the very things that God has used to represent His character.

We can see in the world in which we live today that the devil is definitely on the attack. In Revelation 12:12 we read: “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

In the parent-child relationship, the parent is to stand in the place of God to the child. The parent is to represent God to the child, so when the child looks to the heavenly Father, he or she understands the child-Father relationship. The problem is that this is the exception, not the norm. The world is full of broken families, and often the parent-child connection is nonexistent or strained.

The marital relationship is another way God has used for us to learn about Him. “The husband is to love and cherish his wife; and as their marriage vow unites them as one, so their belief in Christ should make them one in Him. What can be more pleasing to God than to see those who enter into the marriage relation seek together to learn of Jesus and to become more and more imbued with His Spirit?” Daughters of God, 181. But, of course, the devil is there to attack that institution as well.

With the breakdown of the parent-child relationship and the marital relationship, people do not have anything with which to relate to the love of God. They have no personal experience to help them to understand it. Then, these people come to the church, where the members are to be Christ’s representatives and reflect His character, but we see the dissension in the church, and we can see that the devil is attacking there too.

Live By Faith

The apostle Paul was one of the great men of faith in the New Testament of the Bible. There are many examples of men of faith in the Bible, but the apostle Paul wrote so much of the New Testament that we have the opportunity to “get inside of his head” to see the way he thought. In Galatians 2:20, he said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

We must come to that point of understanding. To help us reach that point, Ellen White counsels, “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.” The Desire of Ages, 83. We need the persistence to develop this habit.

If we go to God thinking of Him as He was described earlier in the quotation from Steps
to Christ—as an unjust judge or a hard taskmaster—what confidence would we have to press on until
our prayers were answered? So, we need to understand who God is. That is where our faith is. That is where our confidence is—in who God is, because He is unchangeable.

“Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8. We have the promise that if we persevere, if we continue in faith, God will give us what we desire.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” If we do not believe that, we will not have the confidence to press on and press through the trials that come to us.

All Things Possible

Ellen White shares what will happen when we believe God: “When we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good we shall cease to worry about the future. We shall trust God as a child trusts a loving parent. Then our troubles and torments will disappear, for our will is swallowed up in the will of God.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 100.

This is the kind of faith that we need, that we should want to have.

“The widow’s prayer, ‘Avenge me’—‘do me justice’ (R.V.)—‘of mine adversary,’ [Luke 18:3] represents the prayer of God’s children. Satan is their great adversary. He is the ‘accuser of our brethren,’ who accuses them before God day and night. (Revelation 12:10.) He is continually working to misrepresent and accuse, to deceive and destroy the people of God. And it is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 166.

Jesus said, in Mark 9:23, “If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.”

Brooklyn Bridge

In 1883, John A. Roebling, an engineer, was inspired to build a bridge connecting New York City to Long Island. Bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat, and they advised Roebling to forget the idea; it just could not be done; it was not practical; such a thing had never before been done. However, Roebling could not ignore the vision of the bridge in his mind. He thought about it all the time. He knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He had to share the dream with someone else.

After much discussion and persuasion, he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge, in fact, could be built. Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project started out well, but when construction was underway only a few months, a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington succeeded his father as chief engineer on the project, but then he was stricken with decompression sickness caused from working in the caissons. This left him with a certain amount of brain damage which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.

Many of their associates chimed, “We told them so. Crazy men and their crazy dreams! It is foolish to chase wild visions.” It seemed as though everyone had a negative comment to make, and many felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roebling father and son were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built.

In spite of his handicap, Washington was never discouraged, and he maintained a burning desire to complete the bridge. He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his hospital bed with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy curtains apart, and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment. It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up.

Suddenly he had an idea. All he could do was move one finger, but he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this one finger, he slowly developed a tapping code of communication with his wife. He tapped his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do.

It seemed foolish, but the project was soon underway again. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances.

Focus

We can learn a lot from this story. We oftentimes allow ourselves to get beaten down by circumstances. We become discouraged. Washington Roebling certainly had a lot of reasons to be discouraged. His circumstances seemed pretty impossible. What was it that kept him from becoming discouraged? It was his focus. He was not focused on his weaknesses. He was not focused on his circumstances. He was not focused on the mistakes that he may have made. He was focused on the bridge and its completion.

Where is our focus? It is easy to get drawn into looking at ourselves, looking at our trials, and looking at everything that we are going through, and become discouraged. When that happens, we are looking in the wrong direction.

Again, consider the counsel of the apostle Paul: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14.

Paul had many reasons to be discouraged. He had many trials in his life—he was being chased around by the unbelieving Jews from city to city; in Ephesus, he was attacked by the craftsmen who made the idols of Diana,—but he could not be deterred from his goal of character perfection.

To be continued …

Jim Stoeckert is a Steps to Life staff member. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his two sons. He
may be contacted by e-mail at: jimstoeckert@stepstolife.org.

Two Principles of Faith, Part II

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In this article, we are looking at some basic principles of faith. These are not necessarily anything new, but it is good to review the basics. If we do not understand the basics, as we get farther down the line and start running into bigger problems, we will not have the skill to conquer them.

Ellen White wrote: “Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good.” Gospel Workers (1915), 259. The foundation of faith begins with these two basic principles—believing that God “loves us and knows what is for our best good.”

Character Perfection

We hear about character perfection, and we hear about obedience, which we should. We know that we must have character perfection to enter into heaven, but it seems that we can get into a self-centered attitude of character perfection. We focus on ourselves and take our eyes off Christ. We see the things that we need to change, and we focus on trying to change those things on our own; we end up trying to work out our own salvation instead of letting Christ do it.

A Bible verse that may help us to stay focused and not to get off on different things is John 17:3. It says, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

We can spend our whole lives focusing on different reforms and making sure that everything that we do is just so, but that is what the Pharisees did. We must go beyond that. We must keep our eyes focused on Christ and His character.

Our goal is to know Christ and the Father, and as we focus on this, everything else will come into perspective—we will not be seeking to save ourselves by works or to overcome sins for selfish reasons.

Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and he will do anything he can to keep us from coming to Christ, because he knows when we do, then his power will be broken, so he will throw everything he can at us to discourage us, to make us feel unworthy, or to keep us from coming to Christ.

Consider Joshua

Consider Joshua: “‘Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments.’ [Zechariah 3:3.] Thus sinners appear before the enemy who by his masterly, deceptive power has led them away from allegiance to God. With garments of sin and shame the enemy clothes those who have been overpowered by his temptations, and then he declares that it is unfair for Christ to be their Light, their Defender.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

“The enemy works with all his energy to lead persons into sin. Then he pleads that on account of their past sins, he should be allowed to exercise his hellish cruelty on them as his own subjects.” Ibid.

When the devil comes to us, what has to be our response? We cannot plead anything on our own behalf; we have to claim the blood of Jesus, right? We must put our faith and trust in Christ. Satan first tries to snare us, and when that is unsuccessful, he presents our case before Christ. The good news is that Christ does not enter into a controversy with him. He just answers with, “The Lord rebuke you.” Jude 1:9.

Christ has paid the price for us, and if we come to Him, we have the assurance that our sins will be forgiven, and that is the answer for the devil. We cannot claim anything for ourselves, but Christ has died for us; therefore, we can put our confidence in that.

Promises to Claim

There are several promises that I have memorized and claimed as I have been struggling with discouragement or have felt unworthy to come to the Lord. I would like to share a few of them with you.

“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 28:29–31. What a wonderful invitation this is that Christ gives to us.

John 6:37 says, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Another promise we may claim is given in 1 John 2:1, 2: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.”

Surely we all know 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is a good Scripture to memorize and to put into our hearts and minds. Then, when the devil does come to discourage us, to try to keep us away from Christ, we have these words with which to fight against him.

As Little Children

Jesus told His disciples, unless you “become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. Think through what we can learn from a little child.

In Genesis 18, when the angel came to Abraham and told him that Sarah, his wife, was going to have a son, and Sarah overheard it, the Scripture says that she laughed. She said, “Shall I have a son when I am old, when I am beyond the childbearing age?” (Verse 13.)

Now, if an angel had come to a five-year-old child and told him or her that Sarah was going to have a child, would that have been a big stretch of the imagination to the five-year-old? No. Why was it so hard for Sarah to believe? It was hard for Sarah to believe because she was old. She was old enough to understand that a woman her age did not have children, so it went against what her experience told her. We are products of our environment; we are influenced by our surroundings.

If we are fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home, we are surrounded with right influences. There are teachings that influence us. “Faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. We filter any new information through all the things we know to be true, through the word of God, and then we choose whether or not we are going to accept the new information.

When our experiences go in opposition to what God’s word says, that tells us that God wants to give us another experience, and the only way He can give that to us is if we believe, if we put our trust in Him, and believe what He says. Sometimes we have to fight against our own natures; God seldom does things the way we expect Him to do them. Sometimes He leads us in ways we do not understand, but “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

No Regrets

A child does not have any regrets, does not have a history of mistakes with which to deal. One of the hardest things with which Christians must deal is their past. But our past should not dictate what our faith is. God says that if we come to Him, He will receive us. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us, and we must focus upon that and let go of the past.

Paul said, “This one thing I do; forgetting those things which are behind, … I press toward the mark.” Philippians 3:13, 14. So, through faith in Christ, we can let go of the past and trust in Him—that He has forgiven us—and we can move forward.

Quite often we take this passage in a negative context—“forgetting those things which are behind.” It is good that we can come to Christ; we can be forgiven, and we can put those things of the past behind us and move forward. But when Paul speaks about forgetting those things which are behind, he is not talking about his sins. He lists a number of good things. The devil will get us into one ditch or another. If he cannot get us discouraged, he will get us to look to ourselves in a way that we should not, thinking that we are better than we are.

Not only are we supposed to forget the things which are past—maybe our past sins, our past mistakes—but we are not to focus on our good works either. We need to put those behind us and keep focused on the mark, because we are easily led into self-righteousness. We must guard ourselves against that.

Our Best Good

We have concentrated mostly on the first principle of faith, “believing that God loves us.” The most fundamental thing we can do in our Christian experience is to have faith that works by love. “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. If we do not understand that God loves us, then we cannot really love Him as we should, and we will not accept the fact that He “knows what is for our best good.”

Do we really believe that God is able to control our lives, that He is able to do things that are for our good? Do we really believe that? This may be a struggle. We have to lay aside our own plans, desires, and ambitions and trust the Lord that He is able to work things out for our best good.

Speaking of this unwilling spirit, Ellen White wrote: “Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 293, 294.

The apostle Paul said: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:11, 12.

How could he be content in all those things? Because he trusted in the Lord that He would do and was able to do that which was for his best good. This is the kind of faith the Lord wants to give to us—that we have perfect confidence and trust in His keeping and that we be content with whatever is our lot in life, whatever challenge we are called to experience.

“Faith in God’s love and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never-failing fountain of happiness. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best, and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression leads to misery and destruction; but wisdom’s ‘ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.’ Proverbs 3:17.” Ibid., 600.

“Our plans are not always God’s plans. …. In His loving care and interest for us, often He who understands us better than we understand ourselves refuses to permit us selfishly to seek the gratification of our own ambition. … Many things He asks us to yield to Him, but in doing this we are but giving up that which hinders us in the heavenward way. …

“In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings.” Conflict and Courage, 228.

The Lord has a blessing for each one of us. He has promised that if we put our faith and trust in Him and if we commit our way to Him, He will direct our paths, and He will lead us on that path that takes us to peace. We may be confident that if we are faithful, He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to finish it. (Philippians 1:6.) In that we can put our faith and trust.

Jim Stoeckert is a Steps to Life staff member. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his two sons. 

Bible Study Guides – Faith

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May 11, 2008 – May 17, 2008

Key Text

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16, 17.

Study Help: Education, 253–261.

Introduction

“Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged; and the disciples were to show a faith of the same enduring nature. They were to work as He had worked, depending on Him for strength. Though their way would be obstructed by apparent impossibilities, yet by His grace they were to go forward, despairing of nothing and hoping for everything.” The Acts of the Apostles, 23.

1 What is the Bible definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1.

Note: “We can have the salvation of God in our families; but we must believe for it, live for it, and have a continual, abiding faith and trust in God.” Child Guidance, 484.

“The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek God. By faith—faith that renounces all self-trust—the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon infinite power.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

2 What is written about the creation of the universe? Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6, 9.

Note: “God spoke, and His words created His works in the natural world. God’s creation is but a reservoir of means made ready for Him to employ instantly to do His pleasure.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1081.

3 What is recorded about Abel? Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4.

Note: “In every offering to God we are to acknowledge the one great Gift; that alone can make our service acceptable to Him. When Abel offered the firstling of the flock, he acknowledged God, not only as the Giver of his temporal blessings, but also as the Giver of the Saviour. Abel’s gift was the very choicest he could bring; for it was the Lord’s specified claim. But Cain brought only of the fruit of the ground, and his offering was not accepted by the Lord. It did not express faith in Christ. All our offerings must be sprinkled with the blood of the atonement. As the purchased possession of the Son of God, we are to give the Lord our own individual lives.” Review and Herald, November 24, 1896.

“Fallen man, because of his guilt, could no longer come directly before God with his supplications; for his transgression of the divine law had placed an impassable barrier between the holy God and the transgressor. But a plan was devised that the sentence of death should rest upon a Substitute. In the plan of redemption there must be the shedding of blood, for death must come in consequence of man’s sin. The beasts for sacrificial offerings were to prefigure Christ. In the slain victim, man was to see the fulfillment for the time being of God’s word, ‘Thou shall surely die.’ [Genesis 2:17.]” Ibid., March 3, 1874.

4 What was the main difference between Abel’s offering and that of Cain? Genesis 4:3–5.

Note: “Cain thought himself righteous, and he came to God with a thank offering only. He made no confession of sin, and acknowledged no need of mercy. But Abel came with the blood that pointed to the Lamb of God. He came as a sinner, confessing himself lost; his only hope was the unmerited love of God. The Lord had respect to his offering, but to Cain and his offering He had not respect. The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ [Matthew 5:3.]” Christ’s Object Lessons, 152.

5 Summarize the biography of Enoch. Genesis 5:21–24.

Note: “Did [Enoch] see God by his side? Only by faith. He knew that the Lord was there, and he adhered steadfastly to the principles of truth. We, too, are to walk with God. When we do this, our faces will be lighted up by the brightness of His presence, and when we meet one another, we shall speak of His power, saying, Praise God. Good is the Lord, and good is the word of the Lord.” “Ellen G. White Comments, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1087.

6 What was the reward of Enoch? Hebrews 11:5.

7 How can we be similar to Enoch?

Note: “We can have what Enoch had. We can have Christ as our constant companion. Enoch walked with God, and when assailed by the tempter, he could talk with God about it. He had no ‘It is written’ as we have, but he had a knowledge of his heavenly Companion. He made God his Counselor, and was closely bound up with Jesus. And Enoch was honored in this course. He was translated to heaven without seeing death. And those who will be translated at the close of time, will be those who commune with God on earth. Those who make manifest that their life is hid with Christ in God will ever be representing Him in all their life practices. Selfishness will be cut out by the roots.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1087.

“Be ambitious, for the Master’s glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 332.

“If you will only watch, continually watch unto prayer, if you will do everything as if you were in the immediate presence of God, you will be saved from yielding to temptation, and may hope to be kept pure, spotless, and undefiled till the last.” Gospel Workers, 128.

8 What is written of Noah? Genesis 5:28, 29, 32; 6:8, 9, 13, 14, 22; Hebrews 11:7.

Note: “The descendants of Seth were called the sons of God; the descendants of Cain, the sons of men. As the sons of God mingled with the sons of men, they became corrupt and, by intermarriage with them, lost, through the influence of their wives, their peculiar, holy character, and united with the sons of Cain in their idolatry. Many cast aside the fear of God and trampled upon His commandments. But there were a few that did righteousness, who feared and honored their Creator. Noah and his family were among the righteous few.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 66.

“While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his works testified of his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and made evident. He gave the world an example of believing just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he began to construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from every direction to see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent words of the singular preacher. Every blow struck upon the ark was a witness to the people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 95.

9 What title did God Himself apply to Noah? Genesis 7:1; 11 Peter 2:5. How and why should we seek to be distinguished in a similar manner?

Note: “Of the vast population of the earth before the Flood, only eight souls believed and obeyed God’s word through Noah. For a hundred and twenty years the preacher of righteousness warned the world of the coming destruction, but his message was rejected and despised. So it will be now. Before the Lawgiver shall come to punish the disobedient, transgressors are warned to repent, and return to their allegiance; but with the majority these warnings will be in vain. Says the apostle Peter, ‘There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning.’ [11 Peter 3:3, 4.] Do we not hear these very words repeated, not merely by the openly ungodly, but by many who occupy the pulpits of our land?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 102, 103.

10 How was Abraham justified before God? Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1–5.

Note: “The first and the last are to be sharers in the great, eternal reward, and the first should gladly welcome the last. He who grudges the reward to another forgets that he himself is saved by grace alone.” Review and Herald, July 10, 1894.

11 How was Abraham justified before the whole universe? James 2:18–26.

Note: “In order for man to be justified by faith, faith must reach a point where it will control the affections and impulses of the heart; and it is by obedience that faith itself is made perfect.” Review and Herald, November 4, 1890.

“The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 397.

“Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Faith buds and blossoms and bears a harvest of precious fruit. Where faith is, good works appear. The sick are visited, the poor are cared for, the fatherless and the widows are not neglected, the naked are clothed, the destitute are fed. Christ went about doing good, and when men are united with Him, they love the children of God, and meekness and truth guide their footsteps. The expression of the countenance reveals their experience, and men take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Christ and the believer become one, and His beauty of character is revealed in those who are vitally connected with the Source of power and love.” Ibid., 398.

Additional Reading

“The character of everyone brought in connection with the light that the Lord communicates to His people will be proved and tested. If there is not expansion and development, and an increase of faith and holiness consistent with the light shining upon their pathway … there will be a blindness that will not see and discern the deep things of God. With those who appreciate the light God has given, there will be a freshness and power and growth in grace, and light will be diffused to others.” Daughters of God, 136.

“Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, ‘Ye shall receive.’ [Matthew 21:22.]” The Acts of the Apostles, 564.

“As a people we are to be purified from our natural evil habits and desires. Our hearts must be changed, or we can not correctly represent the Lord Jesus, who gave his life for us. The Son of God took humanity upon him that he might make it possible for humanity to take hold upon divinity through the exercise of a perfect faith. Christ is our example for the development of a perfect character. Through the strength we receive from him, we may be overcomers. In seeking him for those things that we need, we must exercise a faith that will not be denied. We must represent him by following humbly in his footsteps. Through faith in his merits and practise [sic] of the truth, we shall receive of his grace, and this will be revealed in kindness of heart and of action, and in singleness of purpose. Courtesy and sympathy will be revealed in our lives. By a daily opening of the heart to truth and righteousness, as they are found in Jesus, we shall be able to reveal that truth and that righteousness in our dealings with others.” Review and Herald, February 18, 1909.

“It is impossible for any of us to have a practical knowledge of this union with Christ, without the constant exercise of faith. Faith binds our souls to him, and makes us partakers of the divine nature. Our spiritual growth, our peace, our steadfastness, our constant obedience to the words of Christ, all depend upon the degree of faith we have in God. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please, Him’ [Hebrews 11:6]; for we are powerless to do anything from acceptable motives, except through the grace of Christ, and this grace can be supplied only through the channel of faith, that opens the way of direct communication between our souls and God. In accordance with our faith, we are enabled to overcome principalities, and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Selfishness will not be permitted to flourish in the heart that is exercising living faith. Sin will not be indulged where faith beholds God and angels watching the development of character, and weighing moral worth. Eternal life, the gift of God through Jesus Christ, is a precious reality, and sin becomes exceeding sinful and abhorrent. Faith beholds ‘the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world’ [John 1:29], and realizes something of the cost of Calvary.” The Signs of the Times, March 23, 1888.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Vitamin F

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Vitamin F cannot be purchased from a grocery store. You cannot even get it from a health food store. It is not folic acid; it is not even an essential fatty acid, but it is important for our well-being.

What is a vitamin? Vitamins are powerful chemical substances (keep that word in mind), essential, or necessary, in small amounts, to our nutrition. The purpose of vitamins is to regulate specific functions that promote growth, reproduction, or the maintenance of health and life.

People are excited about taking vitamin supplements, but if vitamin supplements are taken without minerals, an imbalance in the body will be created, because the body does not operate just on vitamins. The body also needs minerals, so if you are going to take iron, you need to take vitamin C; if you are going to take B vitamins, you need to also take calcium. Vitamins initiate the body processes, and without them, you cannot utilize the other nutrients.

Substance

From the Bible, we read: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.

What word do you see in this passage of Scripture that is also used in defining vitamin? Substance! That word, substance, as used in the definition of vitamins, refers to something tangible, something upon which you can put your hand. Is faith something upon which you can put your hand? Sure, you can experience faith. God has given every person a measure of faith—substance. So this vitamin F is nothing more than healing faith—not just physical healing but the totality healing of man.

Vitamin F Defined

Inspiration gives definitions of this important vitamin, such as: “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good.” Education, 253.

How do we develop this faith? God wants us to be obedient, but obedience will not come without trust and faith. He allows us to experience trials to strengthen our trust and faith: “Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles.” Ibid.

Biblical Example

The story is given in the Bible of a woman with an issue of blood for twelve years. “A certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.” Mark 5:25, 26. The significance of her medical problem is addressed in Leviticus 15:25–30.

In Scripture, the word woman symbolizes a church. This woman of Mark 5 may represent the church, while at the same time this woman could represent us personally. We might not have an issue of blood, but we have an issue of a heart problem, an emotional problem. It could be caused by anything that we face; any challenge that impedes our experience with God can be an issue.

This woman had exhausted her resources in an attempt to be healed. She had nothing left. However, God’s plan is accessible to everybody. You might not have the resources, but you will not be turned down by God’s medical plan.

The Bible says, in Mark, that this woman grew worse because there was no doctor that could heal her. The physician disciple, Dr. Luke, recorded: “A woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any.” Luke 8:43. Even Dr. Luke came to the conclusion that nobody in Palestine could heal this woman.

Just Touch the Hem

It could be said that this woman was in desperate need. She was not only physiologically and emotionally affected, but she was socially affected. Her only hope was to be healed by Jesus. Her one desire was to touch the hem of Christ’s garment.

“ ‘If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.’ Matthew 9:21. It was a poor woman who spoke these words—a woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies.” The Ministry of Healing, 59. There is not one plant, not one herb that can heal people of disease. They only support the body. God said, in Genesis 15:26, “I [am] the Lord that healeth thee.”

Yet, she was “pronounced incurable.” How many of us have been struggling with sins in our lives, and we finally come to the time when we do not think we are ever going to overcome these issues? We think we are incurable. If that is where we are, then we are in the position of that woman. We need to touch His garment.

Ellen White continues, “But as she heard of the Great Healer, her hopes revived. She thought, ‘If only I could get near enough to speak to Him, I might be healed.’ ” Ibid.

Come Boldly

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. What does the word boldly mean? It means with confidence, with assurance that Christ is a rewarder of those who come to Him by faith. We can come boldly to Christ, knowing He will forgive, heal, and cleanse. We can come with the confidence that Jesus will give us power. We can come with confidence that He will not cast us aside. Men might reject us, but God has proven time after time that He can be trusted.

We must come boldly. This means that we must be resolved. The reason our faith is not strong enough is because when we go through trials, we are not in a frame of mind of being resolute. Yet God gives us trials and tests and shows us His mighty works that we can come to trust Him.

Priest’s Robes

Christ is the High Priest, the type of a priest that served in the tabernacle on earth. (See Hebrews 9:11.) In Exodus 28:33, 34, the hem of the earthly priest’s garment is described: “And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.” Notice, it says, “a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate.”

What is the significance of the bell and the purpose of the pomegranate? The Bible tells us that we must bring forth fruit. (John 15:16.) The bell represents profession. The bell makes noise; it professes, and it sounds. So, with our profession, we must bring forth fruit. We can talk; we can ring the bell of truth, but we must also bring forth fruit. We cannot have a life of profession without bringing forth fruit. If we are true Christians and we are clinging to the garment of Jesus Christ, we will not only have a profession, but we will bring forth fruit.

Why did God direct Moses to use pomegranates on the hem of the priest’s garment? Why not use mangoes? Well, pomegranates have a lot of seeds. My wife tried to count the number of seeds in a pomegranate. She cut one of the fruits into quarters and counted the seeds in one of the quarters. She counted over 50 seeds in that one quarter! In my travels, I have been to many countries and experienced their fruits. I have not found any fruit with more seeds than the pomegranate. It is a virtual seed basket.

Promises of God

What do seeds represent? The Bible says, “The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11.

What does this have to do with the woman with the issue of blood? Well, you see, the seeds represent the promises of God’s Word. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” 11 Peter 1:4.

Claim Promises

She touched the hem of His garment, in faith reaching out and claiming the precious promises of the Word of God. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Word, the embodiment of every promise. We read: “The Word was with God, and the Word was God”; “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:1, 14. When Jesus walked on this earth, the Word was in the flesh. If the woman wished to be healed, it made sense for her to come into contact with the Word.

“For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22. What is health to all flesh? It is the Word of God.

Ellen White wrote: “The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God.

“The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. ‘By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4) shall man live.” Education, 126.

Who Touched Me?

The woman joined a crowd thronging Jesus. Writing about this event, Mrs. White penned: “To the curious crowd pressing about Jesus there was imparted no vital power.” The Ministry of Healing, 62. Notice, people were touching Him, pressing against Him, but there was no vital power.

“In making His way through the multitude, the Saviour came near to where the afflicted woman was standing.

“Christ knew every thought of her mind, and He was making His way to where she stood. He realized her great need, and He was helping her to exercise faith.” Ibid., 59, 60.

Even though many followers surrounded Him, Jesus recognized the woman’s need and faith, and He was moving in her direction. Even though in the crowd of more than six billion people on the planet earth, be assured that Jesus is always moving to that one soul who is crying out. He knows every need, every thought.

As Christ passed the woman, “She reached forward and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. That moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness disappeared. Instantly she felt the thrill as of an electric current passing through every fiber of her being. There came over her a sensation of perfect health….

“ ‘Somebody hath touched Me,’ Jesus said; ‘for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me.’ Luke 8:46. He could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual touch of the careless throng. Someone had touched Him with a deep purpose and had received answer.” Ibid., 60.

“So in spiritual things does the casual contact differ from the touch of faith. To believe in Christ merely as the Saviour of the world can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere assent to the truth of the gospel. True faith is that which receives Christ as a personal Saviour. God gave His only-begotten Son, that I, by believing in Him, ‘should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16. When I come to Christ, according to His word, I am to believe that I receive His saving grace. The life that I now live, I am to ‘live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20.

“Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which, through the grace of Christ, the soul becomes a conquering power.” Ibid., 62. [Author’s emphasis.]

“And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:34.

Measure of Faith

We have all received a measure of faith, and it must be cultivated. God helps us to cultivate it by permitting trials to come our way. He is continually measuring us, because without faith we cannot please Him. “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8.

We should thank God for the trials. We should thank God for the issues in our lives. We should thank God for the disappointments. We should thank God that He does not waste His time on useless material. When we are going through trials, we should each exclaim, “God sees something of infinite value in me!”

Thomas Jackson is a Health Evangelist and Director of Missionary Education and Evangelistic Training (M.E.E.T.) Ministry in Huntingdon, Tennessee. He may be contacted by e-mail at: godsplan@meetministry.org or by telephone at: 731-986-3518.

Pen of Inspiration – Co-operation

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“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

“Partakers of the divine nature.” Is this possible? Of ourselves we can do no good thing. How, then, can we be partakers of the divine nature?—By coming to Christ just as we are, needy, helpless, dependent. He died to make it possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature. He took upon himself humanity, that he might uplift humanity. With the golden chain of his matchless love he has bound us to the throne of God. We are to have power to overcome as he overcame. To all he gives the invitation: “Come unto me … and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In order to be partakers of the divine nature, we must co-operate with God. Man is no passive being, to be saved in indolence. Let no one think that men and women are going to be taken to heaven without engaging in the struggle here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to gain. God says to us, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” How?—“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Man works, and God works. Man is called upon to strain every muscle, and to exercise every faculty, in the struggle for immortality; but it is God who supplies the efficiency.

God has made amazing sacrifices for human beings. He has expended mighty energy to reclaim man from transgression and sin to loyalty and obedience; but he does nothing without the co-operation of humanity. Paul says: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy, and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.

“Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” This figure represents human character, which is to be wrought upon point by point. Each day God works on his building, stroke upon stroke, to perfect the structure, that it may become a holy temple for him. Man is to co-operate with God, striving in his strength to make himself what God designs him to be, building his life with pure, noble deeds.

No one is borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in the warfare for themselves. Individually we are responsible for the issue of the struggle; though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.

There is a science of Christianity to be mastered,—a science as much deeper, broader, higher, than any human science as the heavens are higher than the earth. The mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained; for we are to do service for God in ways that are not in harmony with inborn inclination. Often the training and education of a lifetime must be discarded, that one may become a learner in the school of Christ. Our hearts must be educated to become steadfast in God. We are to form habits of thought that will enable us to resist temptation. We must learn to look upward. The principles of the Word of God,—principles that are as high as heaven, and that compass eternity,—we are to understand in their bearing on our daily life. Every act, every word, every thought, is to be in accord with these principles.

The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in God’s power to save, are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God are to seal their destiny.

Wrongs cannot be righted, nor can reformation of character be made, by a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Sanctification is the work, not of a day, or of a year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown.

The Review and Herald, April 28, 1910.

Patience, Please

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Be careful for what you wish; you just might get it. Patience is a common request made of God, and yet, are we sure we know what we are in for? It is, of course, a necessary Christian virtue, but it is not for the weak. Unlike Egypt, which was built for the Egyptians on the backs of slaves, no one will build patience for us. Patience will be built by the perspiration of each individual, fervent Christian. No, Christianity is certainly not a faith for the faint-hearted. When Christ said, “Take up your cross and follow me,” [Matthew 16:24.] He was not talking about the pendants that are so commonly seen in the secular Christianity that is thriving nowadays. He was speaking of the perils, afflictions, and heartaches that are bound to follow any person who has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The “hurry-up-and-wait” patience that modern day America demands at their beckon call is not the patience that Christians are called to exhibit. The word “patience” comes from the Latin word patiencia, which means “to suffer and endure”. Patience in America means waiting in the check-out aisle on a Friday afternoon whether you like it or not. There is nothing in American living that would induce patience. We live in a fast-paced world; we have fast food, we drive fast cars, and we have super fast computers. We are programmed to be in a hurry. We are in such a rush that God, who created time, is sometimes too slow to fit into our overdrive schedules. We demand what we want or need right away, as if our lives were going to end if we did not get it now. Sometimes we get so impatient with God and charge on ahead of Him without knowing which way He wants us to go, all the while saying that we want to do His will.

God, who is infinitely patient, calls us back to reality, though, through the dead ends we run into when we run on ahead of Him. As Christians, we will have enough struggle in our lives simply in enduring the devil’s attacks; we certainly do not need to get in our own way, or God’s. Every decision in life from scheduling our day to deciding on a career is to be made with great care and prayer. Acting hastily and running ahead to grab something that God may not have in mind for us only serves as a setback. God is methodical and steady; He is in no rush and knows what is best for us and when it will be in our best interest. If we are in such a hurry that we run on ahead of God, we may find when we come to a dead end that He wanted us to take a left a few intersections ago. What then? We would have to retrace our steps, turn left, and then gain momentum on the course God had in mind for us before we even started on the journey. There is great wisdom in the saying “haste makes waste.”

We often ask for patience, pleading and begging with great fervency, and when God grants our request and commences building it in us, we gripe and moan over the hardship suddenly being heaped on our heads. I wonder if God ever looks down at us in utter exasperation with a look of, “Make up your mind; did you ask for it or not?” In His mercy, though, He will not let up until we have learned the lessons and have mastered the attribute. He knows the importance of patience in our lives. God knows that, while we are on earth, we will be afflicted on all sides. The Christian race is not a sprint; it is a long distance run requiring strength and stamina to endure the agony of the marathon. Patient endurance is needed to reach the finish line. We will ache and burn inside and out, in our relationships, our careers, our families, and in our spiritual lives. Satan is a fierce enemy who never tires of his tormenting. He will do everything in his power to break us. It is a lovely thought, though, that God uses the weapons of the enemy for His glory. But we must be willing to let Him. If we moan and groan and lose faith, the devil is defeating us.

Christ warned us that hardship paves the road of Christianity just as it did for the Saviour. “We are in a world of suffering. Difficulty, trial, and sorrow await us all along the way to the heavenly home.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 459. Satan hates Christians as much as he did Christ. Until we go home to our heavenly Father, the devil will do everything in his power to make us miserable and, if possible, achieve our fall. God’s people are being watched constantly; is there a difference in what they see by way of a reaction to the hardship? Do they see God’s peace in us? Do they see our trust in a Father who is larger than anything afflicting us? Do they see Christ’s behavior and his forbearance?

God knows that a large portion of our happiness depends on how we respond in the times of trial. We will either bear the burden with a joyful heart, knowing that nothing comes to us except through Christ and that He is making us strong, or we bellyache and moan because life is so very miserable and get angry with God because life is not enjoyable. The difficulties are not going to be enjoyable; however, knowing that God is in them and He has a purpose for it all is a joyful thought and the burden is then borne not on our shoulders alone, but on His as well. James 1:2, 3 says: “Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations [trials]; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” It is a matter of what is best for us, what we need to learn, that God allows us to be tried and tested. Anytime we wish to develop a spiritual strength, it comes by trials which will exercise the attribute we are asking God to grow in us. In other words, when we ask for patience, what we are truly asking for are the trials that will build that muscle. No matter what test we are undergoing, though, patience is something we will need in each. Patience does not mean just waiting till the Lord decides enough is enough; it is bearing the burden with a joyful heart and a quietness of spirit.

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:8, 9. We can believe, say, and live this because Christ conquered the battle ahead of us. The human psyche is a funny thing. Before 1954, running a mile in under four minutes was said to be humanly impossible. Because of this “fact,” no human had ever been able to beat four minutes; many came dangerously close, but none made it. None, that is, until Roger Bannister. He made running history in 1954 at a meet at Oxford University where he broke the four-minute barrier by one second (back then they did not count nanoseconds). Since then, though, male athletes have made the mile in even less time than Bannister’s—because they knew it could be done. Christ’s life gives us knowledge that it can be done. His character and His triumphs over evil can be ours. The catch? It takes training. Bannister could never have accomplished the supposedly impossible without training. And was it fun and easy and painless? No way! Will it be fun and easy and painless for us? No! But it can be done! The main challenge is in developing the patience that is going to get us through it. It can be easily compared to the strict diet to which Bannister and other professional athletes must adhere in order to optimize their performance. It is the basis of their training. It is what allows them to maximize their training. Patience needs to be our diet. Patience is what is going to allow us to get the most out of our training.

It is through difficulty that God teaches us the lessons we need to learn. We can learn these lessons best if we are not spending our emotional, mental, and physical energies on worry, self-pity, and desperate efforts to change a circumstance outside of our control. Rather, we can put our efforts into biding through the trials and strengthening our faith in God. Yes, it does take lots of energy and dedication. Faith is an absolute to patience. Our ability to withstand the hardship that we face on earth is through the faith that we have in God—faith that He sent His Son to die for us that we may be saved: faith that Christ has conquered so we too may conquer: and faith that we cannot be touched by anything, except that God allows it and His allowance is to work out an end to our benefit. Without this knowledge, life for Christians would be over. And yet at times, it has not sunk down far enough to reach our hearts, or our patience and endurance would see a drastic turn for the better. A runner can push the pain out of mind to achieve the medal awaiting him at the finish line. We, too, can endure because we know that God has something far better awaiting us on the other side of the trial. We persevere, knowing that this too shall pass.

It is quite audacious for us to complain about our treatment here on earth; what servant would expect to be treated better than the master? Satan was working overtime on Christ during His brief time on earth. If the devil could get Jesus, our only chance at salvation, to fall, he would have claim as conqueror. And those three-plus decades were Satan’s only shot. He tortured Christ with every temptation, grief, peril, and pain he had at his command to effect Christ’s fall. From the moment of His birth, Jesus was wanted dead. He grew up poor, knowing the fatigue of physical labor. As an adult, He owned nothing, living a nomadic life in order to spread a truth rejected with vehemence by most, and in His darkest hour, deserted by every earthly companion; even His heavenly Father was being blocked from His vision. In Gospel Workers, 56, Ellen White says, “Angels of God stand amazed, and ashamed of this lack of self-denial and perseverance. While the Author of our salvation was laboring and suffering for us, he denied himself, and his whole life was one continued scene of toil and privation. He could have passed his days on earth in ease and plenty, and appropriated to himself the pleasures of this life; but he considered not his own convenience. He lived to do others good. He suffered to save others from suffering. He endured to the end, and finished the work which was given him to do. All this was to save us from ruin. And now, can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so great love, will seek a better position in this life than was given to our Lord? Every moment of our lives we have been partakers of the blessings of his great love, and for this very reason we cannot fully realize the depths of ignorance and misery from which we have been saved. Can we look upon Him whom our sins have pierced, and not be willing to drink with him the bitter cup of humiliation and sorrow?”

“All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures.” Steps to Christ, 46.

It may seem that developing patience is more trouble than it is worth; yet God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, is quite determined that we obtain this attribute. Although it may seem a strange thing to say in the face of the nature of the tools used to grow patience, God is very concerned with our quality of life. Not one person goes through life without feeling the terrible effects of sin. Some face the trials feeling fearful, weak, and bitter; others experience the inevitable sorrows patiently, knowing that God intends to use the devil’s attacks to His good purpose. They endure, and while remaining peaceful, are able to feel some degree of joy. Which class of people is happier? Obviously, those who endure the difficulties with patience. But we cannot do this without practice. Trials are unavoidable, and God wishes us to be at peace through them; one area where practice does indeed make perfect. On-the-job-training is the best way for God to teach us how to lean on Him and be patient. Nothing could be more effective in foiling the devil than to be gracious in trial and use his attacks to bring glory to God.

The patient endurance of those persecuted for their faith has been a testament through the ages to believers and unbelievers alike. However, their trials and suffering would not be noted whatsoever had they not the quietude and contentment that accompanied them; many, even unto death. No one admires anyone who moans and groans over their lot. The heroes whom we admire are those who accepted their fate without a word of complaint or despair. The attitude with which they underwent suffering is what defines them from others who have shared in the same agony. Although at the time we may not be staring down death in the presence of onlookers who would be affected by our placidity, we are being watched by others in our daily lives, most of the time without knowing it. They see how we respond to hardship; whether we are enduring quietly and trusting a loving heavenly Father with our best interest, or struggling with inconsolable doubt and frustration. Our lives are testimonies for others to see Christ’s strength, patience, peace, and joy. Once again, this takes practice, and both the devil and God will ensure that we have the practice we need. Our duty is to shake off Satan and let God conquer in our lives. “We are examples to others … we can see the importance, then, of having true faith, for it is the motive power of the Christian’s life and action.” The Signs of the Times, November 24, 1887. Through our patience, we may be giving someone else the opportunity to see just a glimpse of Christ and what He has to offer in the lives of every person.

Do not make light the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as a son. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (See Hebrews 12:5–7.) We serve a loving God who has our best interest at heart. He longs to see us at peace here on earth as well as for eternity. Anything that will achieve this end He will allow to come our way. It may at times be what we tend to call “tough love,” yet anything that comes from God is for our good, and we can thus patiently endure and lean on Him who carries the burden with us.

Sandra Rowlandson is part of the Landmarks team and can be reached at: sandrarowlandson@stepstolife.org.

Living by Faith

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The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. This statement is the summing up of what the apostle has to say about the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but only “to everyone that believeth.” In it the righteousness of God is revealed. The righteousness of God is the perfect law of God, which is but the transcript of his own righteous will. All unrighteousness is sin, or the transgression of the law. The gospel is God’s remedy for sin; its work, therefore, must be to bring all men into harmony with the law,—to cause the workings of the righteous law to be manifested in their lives. But this is wholly a work of faith,—the righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith”—faith in the beginning, and faith to the end,—as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

This is true in all ages since the fall of man, and will be true until the saints of God have his name in their foreheads, and see him as he is. It was from the prophet Habakkuk (2:4) that the apostle quoted the statement. If the prophets had not revealed it, the first Christians could not have known it; for they had only the Old Testament. To say that in the most ancient times men had but an imperfect idea of faith in Christ is to say that there were no just men in those times. But Paul goes right back to the very beginning and cites an instance of saving faith. He says: “by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Heb. 11:4. He says of Noah, also, that it was by faith that he built the ark to the saving of his house; “by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Heb. 11:7. We say that their faith was in Christ, because it was faith unto salvation, and besides the name of Jesus “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

There are too many who try to live the Christian life on the strength of the faith which they exercised when they realized their need of pardon for the sins of their past life. They know that God alone can pardon sins, and that he does this through Christ; but they imagine that having once been started they must run the race on their own strength. We know that many have this idea, first, because we have heard some say so, and second, because there are such multitudes of professed Christians who show the working of no greater power than their own. If they ever have anything to say in social meeting, besides the ever-recurring formula, “I want to be a Christian, so that I may be saved,” they tell only of past experience, of the joy they had when they first believed. Of the joy of living for God, and of walking with him by faith, they know nothing, and he who tells of it speaks a strange language to them. But the apostle carries this matter of faith clear through to the glorious kingdom in the following most forcible illustration:—

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:5, 6.

Note the argument to prove that Enoch was translated by faith: Enoch was translated because he walked with God, and had the testimony that he pleased God; but without faith it is impossible to please God. That is enough to prove the point. Without faith not an act can be performed that will meet the approval of God. Without faith the best deeds that a man can do will come infinitely short of the perfect righteousness of God, which is the only standard. Wherever real faith is found it is a good thing; but the best faith in God to take away the load of the sins of the past will profit a person nothing unless it is carried right through in ever-increasing measure until the close of probation.

We have heard many people tell how hard they found it to do right; their Christian life was most unsatisfactory to them, being marked only by failure, and they were tempted to give up in discouragement. No wonder they get discouraged; continual failure is enough to discourage anybody. The bravest soldier in the world would become faint-hearted if he had been defeated in every battle. Sometimes these persons will mournfully tell that they have about lost confidence in themselves. Poor souls, if they would only lose confidence in themselves entirely, and would put their whole trust in the one who is mighty to save, they would have a different story to tell. They would then “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Says the apostle, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. The man who doesn’t rejoice in God, even though tempted and afflicted, is not fighting the good fight of faith. He is fighting the poor fight of self—and defeat.

All the promises of final happiness are to the overcomer. “To him that overcometh,” says Jesus, “will I give to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:21. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things,” says the Lord. Revelation 21:7. An overcomer is one who gains victories. The inheriting is not the overcoming; that is only the reward for overcoming. The overcoming is now; the victories over the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, victories over self and selfish indulgences. The man who fights and sees the foe give way may rejoice that nobody can keep him from rejoicing, for joy comes spontaneously as the result of seeing the enemy give way. Some folks look with dread upon the thought of having to wage a continual warfare with self and worldly lusts. That is because they do not as yet know anything about the joy of victory; they have experienced only defeat. But it isn’t so doleful a thing to battle constantly, when there is continual victory. The old veteran of a hundred battles, who has been victorious in every fight, longs to be at the scene of conflict. Alexander’s soldiers, who under his command never knew defeat, were always impatient to be led into the fray. Each victory increased their strength, which was born only of courage, and correspondingly diminished that of the vanquished foe. Now, how may we gain continual victories in our spiritual warfare? Listen to the beloved disciple:—

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4.

Read again the words of the apostle Paul:—

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

Here is the secret of strength. It is Christ, the Son of God, the one to whom all power in Heaven and earth is given, who does the work. If he lives in the heart to do the work, is it boasting to say that continual victories might be gained? Yes, it is boasting; but it is also boasting in the Lord, and that is allowable. Says the psalmist, “My soul shall make her boast in the Lord;” and Paul says: “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

The soldiers of Alexander were reckoned invincible. Why? Was it because they were naturally stronger and more courageous than all their enemies? No; but because they were led by Alexander. Their strength was in his leadership. Under another leader they would often have been defeated. When the Union army was feeling panic-stricken, before the enemy at Winchester, the presence of Sheridan turned their defeat into victory. Without him the men were a quacking mob; with him at their head, they were an invincible army. If you had listened to the remarks after the battle, of the soldiers who served under those and similar leaders, you would have heard the praises of their general mingled with all their rejoicing. They were strong because he was; they were inspired by the same spirit that he had.

Well, our captain is the Lord of hosts. He has met the chiefest foe of all and has vanquished him single-handed. Those who follow him invariably go forth conquering and to conquer. Oh, that those who profess to be his followers would put their trust in him, and then, by the repeated victories they would gain, they would show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light.

John says that he that is born of God overcomes the world, through faith. Faith lays hold of the arm of God, and his mighty power does the work. How the power of God can work in a man, accomplishing that which he could not possibly do for himself, no one can tell. It would be easy to tell how God can give life to the dead. Says Jesus: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. How the Spirit works in a man to subdue his passions, and to make him victorious over pride, envy, and selfishness, is known only to the Spirit; it is sufficient for us to know that it is done, and will be done in everyone who wanted that work wrought in him, and above all things else, and who trusts God for the performance of it.

We cannot tell how Peter was able to walk on the water, when the waves were rolling about him; but as he kept his eye fixed on the Master, divine power enabled him to walk as easily as though it were solid rock underneath; but when he looked at the waves, possibly with a feeling of pride in what he was doing, as though he himself was doing it, fear very naturally took possession of him, and he began to sink. Faith enabled him to walk on the waves; fear made him sink beneath them.

Says the apostle: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.” Hebrews 11:30. Why was that written? For our learning, “that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4. Why, is there any prospect that we shall ever be called upon to fight armed hosts, and to take fortified cities? No: “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12); but the victories which have been gained by faith in God over visible foes in the flesh, are placed on record to show what faith will accomplish in our conflict with the rulers of the darkness of this world. The grace of God, in answer to faith, is as powerful in these battles as in those days; for says the apostle:—

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3–5.

It was not physical foes alone that faith enabled the ancient worthies to conquer. We read of them that they not only “subdued kingdoms,” but “wrought righteousness, obtained promises,” and, most wonderful and most encouraging of all, “out of weakness were made strong.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. Their very weakness became strength to them through faith, because the strength of Christ is made perfect in weakness. Who, then, shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? Since it is God that justifieth, and we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Romans 8:35, 37. The Signs of the Times, March 25, 1889.

©1999 by Teach Services, Inc., and used with permission. www.teachservices.com

In 1888, the Lord brought a message of righteousness to the Church through Elders E.J. Waggoner and A.T. Jones. This message was identified as the beginning of the loud cry of the third angel whose glory was to fill the whole earth in preparation for the second coming of Jesus.

Daily Christianity

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Christianity: what does the term mean? Although we have a superficial understanding of the word, we seldom spend time contemplating what the word “Christian” really means. The term, in the most basic definition, means to be Christ-like, a very high calling indeed. What an honor it is that we humans are invited to be like the king of the universe. And what a humiliating experience it was for the God who holds the world in His hand and is the sustainer of all things to come down to this earth of sin and be one of a broken and vile race. The best way for us to truly understand the power of living Christianity is to study Christ and His life among us.

We were created to have the wonderful privilege of being in the likeness of God. The great Creator said, “Let us make man in our image …” Genesis 1:26. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27. However, when sin entered, man cut himself off from God, the source of life, and thus accepted another leader, the source of death. Sin is a terrible offender. It is the exact opposite of the love of God, and has no place in His kingdom, and, unfortunately, sin carries a heavy price. God loved man so much that He was willing to pay that price for sin. He died so that eternal life, that we forfeited, could be reversed, to free us from the tyrannical rule of Satan. Our debt for sin paid, we now have the opportunity to accept the gift and live in such a manner. The plan of salvation has been explained for us in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Christian life demands action. Christ came and lived among us to show us how we are to fashion our lives. Jesus had to learn from infanthood just as we have to. He developed habits and skills just as we have to. Each country has its own traditions, customs, skills, and habits that are developed. In China, for example, people eat with chop sticks; in other countries, with their fingers; in the United States, a fork, knife, and spoon are traditional. We learn by watching and listening to others; we combine what we see and hear with our inherited tendencies and capabilities, and thus form our habits of living. Jesus did the same while He was with us.

God created man not just to go about daily life robotically, but to think, and choose, and feel as he meets different situations in life. What we choose is governed by what we think, and our thoughts are gathered by what we take in from what is around us, what we read, and from experiences and situations that have come to us in our lives. Practical Godliness is doing things that need to be done in a way that is pleasing to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31. In order that we may know what is pleasing to God, we must look to the life of Jesus when He was on earth, and study God’s word.

To glorify God physically, our health must be carefully tended to. Every individual must eat, drink, sleep, exercise, etc. But Christians are asked to make wise choices in these areas, choices that are against what most people do. We are asked to be responsible with the foods and drinks that we consume so that our bodies may be in optimum health. We need to balance exercise and rest for the maximum strength and stamina. We must also responsibly manage time for ourselves and time designated to others and their well-being. Living with these things as priorities is one form of practical Christianity.

Clean and healthy bodies are one part of Godliness; another is environmental cleanliness. Therefore, sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, and dusting, if done in a cheerful manner with a prayer in your heart, are also forms of practical Godliness. All such things as mowing the lawn, trimming the trees, and cleaning the sidewalks are included, if done with a sweet and pleasant spirit. Cleanliness is very important to God. “Order and cleanliness is the law of heaven; and in order to come into harmony with the divine arrangement, it is our duty to be neat.” The Adventist Home, 224. “Home duties should be performed with the consciousness that if they are done in the right spirit, they give an experience that will enable us to work for Christ in the most permanent and thorough manner. Oh, what might not a living Christian do in missionary lines by performing faithfully the daily duties, cheerfully lifting the cross, not neglecting any work, however disagreeable to the natural feelings!” The Adventist Home, 35.

Living a practical Christian life is not just about keeping oneself healthy and tidy. Matthew 7:12 reads, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” In other words, we should practice courtesy, kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Jesus explained this further in a parable that describes the experience of Him coming back to earth; “The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet.” The Adventist Home, 424.

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:31–40. These verses in Matthew describe the core of Godliness. When we see someone in need, we are to help them in whatever way we are capable. Our actions to one another are counted as having been done to the Savior Himself. He so identifies Himself with the human race that He feels and understands every act of kindness or brutality.

Godliness encompasses more than just human relationships and habits. We must have an intimate knowledge of someone to take on his or her thought patterns, behaviors, and values. We need to know God intimately. When we study Christ’s life, there are several things that are quite striking, the first of which is that He was intimately acquainted with Scripture. In His teachings, Christ told the people, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. He told the Sadducees, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?” Mark 12:24. When Jesus was suffering great agony, He said to His disciples, “But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:54. Jesus knew His Bible, and in knowing it, He was able to resist the devil and live according to God’s will. Secondly, He spent much time in prayer and fasting. Jesus was able to resist Satan in the wilderness in His dilapidated state because God the Father and the Scriptures were imbedded in His heart. Luke 6:12 gives us a picture of His dedication to speaking with God the Father; “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” It is recorded that when His disciples heard Him praying, they were impressed, and asked to be taught to pray as Jesus did. “And it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of His disciples said unto him, Lord teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1. In response to their request, Jesus gave them what we now call The Lord’s Prayer; “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9–11. We can read about Jesus fasting in Matthew, chapter 4. His church attendance is evident in Luke 4:16: “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”

If one was to sum up a life of practical Christianity, it could be said that it is living a life guided by the principles laid down in the word of God, which gives us a divine pattern to follow. In doing so, our lives will be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

“A living faith in Christ is demonstrated by good deeds in our families, and our neighborhoods, by thoughtful, and practical consideration of the poor, by visiting and comforting the widows and the fatherless in their affliction, by keeping ourselves unspotted from the world, and by using our means and influence for the advancement of the cause of God. This must not be done grudgingly or murmuringly, but freely and cheerfully as Jesus gave all for us.” The Signs of the Times, August 22, 1878.

Ruth Grosboll works at Steps to Life. She can be contacted by email at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Faith

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Without faith it is impossible to please God.” The reason for this is that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23); and, of course, sin cannot please God. This is why it is that, as stated by the spirit of prophecy on the first page of The Review and Herald, October 18, 1898, “The knowledge of what the Scripture means when urging upon us the necessity of cultivating faith, is more essential than any other knowledge that can be acquired.” And for this cause we shall hereafter, in this place in each number of the Review give a Scripture lesson on faith,—what it is, how it comes, how to exercise it,—that every reader of this paper may have this knowledge that “is more essential than any other knowledge that can be acquired.” The Review and Herald, November 29, 1898.

In order to be able to know what the Scripture means when urging upon us the necessity of cultivating faith, it is essential to know, first of all, what is faith.

Plainly, it must be to little purpose to urge upon a person the necessity of cultivating faith, while that person has no intelligent idea of what faith is. And it is sadly true that, though the Lord has made this perfectly plain in scriptures, there are many church members who do not know what faith is. They may even know what the definition of faith is: but they do not know what the thing is; they do not grasp the idea that is in the definition.

For that reason, the definition will not be touched now; but, rather, there will be cited and studied an illustration of faith, an instance which makes it stand out so plainly that all can see the very thing itself.

Faith comes “by the word of God.” To the Word, then, we must look for it.

One day a centurion came to Jesus, and said to him: “Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed … When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Matt. 8:6–10.

There is what Jesus pronounces faith. When we find what that is, we have found faith. To know what that is, is to know what faith is. There is no sort of doubt about this; for Christ is “the Author … of faith.” And he says that that which the centurion manifested was “faith”; yes, even “great faith.”

Where, then, in this is the faith? The centurion wanted a certain thing done. He wanted the Lord to do it. But when the Lord said, “I will come” and do it, the centurion checked him, saying, “Speak the word only,” and it shall be done.

Now, what did the centurion expect would do the work? “The word ONLY.” Upon what did he depend for the healing of his servant?—Upon “the word ONLY.”

And the Lord Jesus says that that is faith.

Now brother, sister, what is faith? The Review and Herald, December 6, 1898.

Faith is expecting the word of God itself to do what the word says, and depending upon that word itself to do what the word says. When this is clearly discerned, it is perfectly easy to see how it is that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Since the word of God is imbued with creative power, and so is able to produce in very substance the things which that word speaks; and since faith is the expectation that the word says, and depending on “the word only” to do what that word says, it is plain enough that faith is the substance of things hoped for.

Since the word of God is in itself creative, and so is able to produce and cause to appear what otherwise would never exist nor be seen; and since faith is the expecting the word of God only to do just that thing, and depending upon “the word only” to do it, it is plain enough that faith is “the evidence of things not seen.”

Thus it is that “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were made of things which do appear.”

He who exercises faith knows that the word of God is creative, and that so it is able to produce the thing spoken. Therefore he can understand, not guess, that the worlds were produced, were caused to exist, by the word of God.

He who exercises faith can understand that though before the word of God was spoken, neither the things which are now seen nor the substances of which those things are composed, anywhere appeared, simply because they did not exist; yet when that word was spoken, the worlds were, simply because that word itself caused them to exist.

This is the difference between the word of God and the word of man. Man may speak; but there is no power in his words to perform the thing spoken: if the thing is to be accomplished which he has spoken, the man must do something in addition to speaking the word—he must make good his word.

Not so with the word of God. When God speaks, the thing is. And it is, simply because he has spoken. It accomplishes that which he was pleased to speak. It is not necessary that the Lord, as man, must do something in addition to the word spoken. He needs not make his word good: it is good. He speaks “the word only,” and the thing is accomplished.

And so it is written: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”—in you that exercise faith. I Thessalonians 2:13.

This also is how it is that it is “impossible for God to lie.” It is not impossible for God to lie only because he will not, but also because he can not. And he can not lie, just because he can not: it is impossible. And it is impossible, because when he speaks, the creative energy is in the word spoken; so that “the word only” causes the thing to be so.

Man may speak a word, and it not be so. Thus man can lie; for to speak what is not so, is to lie. And man can lie, can speak what is not so, because there is no power in his word itself to cause the thing to be. With God this is impossible: he cannot lie; for “he spake, and it was;” he speaks and it is so.

This is also how it is that when the word of God is spoken for a certain time, as in prophecy for hundreds of years to come, when that time actually has arrived, that word is fulfilled. And it is then fulfilled, not because, apart from the word, God does something to fulfill it; but because the word was spoken for that time, and in it is the creative energy which causes the word at that time to produce the thing spoken.

This is how it was that if the children had not cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” the stones would have immediately cried out; and this is how it was that when the third day had come, it was “impossible” that he should be any longer holden of death.

O the word of God is divine! In it is creative energy. It is “living and powerful.” The word of God is self-fulfilling; and to trust it and depend upon it as such, that is to exercise faith. “Hast thou faith?” The Review and Herald, January 3, 1899.

©Copyright 1995 TEACH Services, Inc. Used with Permission. www.teachservices.com

Fanaticism or Faith

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If a man believes a gospel that teaches that we can attain moral perfection before Christ comes, has he embraced fanaticism, or “the faith once delivered to the saints?” I believe Scripture proves that this matter touches the very heart of the Three Angels’ Messages, righteousness by faith, and sanctuary messages. It can be shown that these Bible messages constitute the very identity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But if “perfection” cannot be proven to be a consistent feature of the doctrine, or gospel, of Jesus Christ, it would seem to prove that the gospel that Evangelicals and espousers of the “New Theology” preach, that we are saved in sin, is true: then the doctrine of perfection is damnable heresy, and Seventh-day Adventism has grossly misapplied the first angel’s message in Revelation 14:6, 7, as well as the third angel’s message in Revelation 14:12. There is no room for pluralism here. Only one gospel is true, and the Bible is very clear regarding those who preach any other gospel.

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8, 9.

I suggest that most “Christians” unwisely deny the possibility of perfection because of the experiences and feelings of the person they look at in the mirror and the failures of others they see all around them. Paul touches on this principle when he says, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Corinthians 10:12.

It seems also that Christians limit themselves and God by repeating trite old bumper sticker-type slogans so often that they become more real to them than Scripture. Maybe you’ve heard or used one or more of these to excuse sin and failure. “I’m only human, not perfect.” “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” “Nobody’s perfect—nobody can be perfect in this world.”

I submit that “perfection” is controversial in Christianity mainly due to the unbelief of theologians and sin-loving professors of religion. Somehow just mentioning it as part of the gospel causes resentment. If you include it, you can expect to hear something like: “What and whom do you think you are, Mr. Perfect?” Saying this implies that perfection is unattainable, even unbiblical. Don’t get me wrong, I do not count myself to have arrived at the destination of perfection, but I cannot deny what the Bible teaches regarding perfection. (That would not be safe for any of us.) Also, we must be sure not to confuse O.C.D. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or human “perfectionism” that says you cannot, for instance, accidentally dot a “t” or cross an “i” and yet attain perfection. And we are not talking about physical perfection concerning the flesh. Jesus Himself came “in the likeness of sinful flesh.” (See Romans 8:3, 4.) So we are dealing with spiritual and moral, even character issues. Before we do a Berean search for the truth about perfection in the Scriptures, let’s look into Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary for a slightly abbreviated definition of the word:

PERFECT

Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind; as a perfect likeness; a perfect system.

Fully informed; completely skilled; as men perfect in the use of arms; perfect in discipline.

Complete in moral excellencies. (a.) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48. (b.) My strength is made perfect in weakness. II Corinthians 12. (c.) If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. I John 4.

Friends, we will approach this subject with questions, objections and a Bible answer format. First, is truth regarding “perfection” or any other Bible doctrine decided by what learned theologians say? Is truth decided by our feelings, personal opinions, experience, or comparing ourselves among others? (See Jeremiah 17:5, 9 for the wisdom of that.) If not, where does a real Christian find the truth of this matter? Does the Bible encourage or discourage man from believing that moral perfection is possible? Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us, let’s start with Genesis and go through the Old and New Testaments to get a consistent Bible understanding by weighing the evidence for ourselves and seeking an experience in what God’s Word shows us.

Among the prevailing wickedness just before and during the time of the flood, two men are known for gaining just such a perfect walk and experience. What did it get them? Genesis 5:22, 24: “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him.” Genesis 6:7–9. “And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.” After the flood, God commanded Abram to a certain kind of walk. What was connected with that walk? Genesis 17:1, 7: “The Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” It appears here that the words “And I will” following “walk before me, and be thou perfect” show that the Everlasting Covenant was (and is) conditional upon God’s command to be perfect. Was Abraham alone commanded to be perfect? No; God commanded all whom He has delivered from bondage to do the same. Deuteronomy 18:13, “Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.”

Some vehemently insist, “No man has ever been perfect!” Is that true to God’s Word? Has God ever declared any mortal to have become perfect? If so, what kind of spirit challenges God’s declaration? We find the answers clearly stated in Job 1:8–11, “And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

It appears that it is a satanic spirit that denies and defies perfection. Did any test cause this mortal man, Job, whom God called “perfect,” to turn against Him? If I remember correctly, even though Job did not understand what had happened to him, he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15. But some will say, “Oh, that was then, in Old Testament times; today we stand in a different relation to perfection entirely.” Is that true? How does the Bible define how we stand? Romans 3:12, 23: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

All have sinned, and come short of God’s glory (which is His divine character,) by breaking His royal law, the Ten Commandments (which also is an abbreviated transcript of God’s character). This is why the everlasting gospel defines itself with a loud voice, saying, “Fear God and give glory to Him.” Such a command calls us up to an experience opposite of Romans 3:12, 23. So if we limit our scope to the experience of Romans 3:12, 23, yes, it looks like we present a very imperfect picture. But how does that picture change when we receive God into it and into our experience? II Samuel 22:31–33: “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect.”

He does not leave us imperfect if we are joined to Him. His way becomes our way, and thereby He makes our way perfect in His strength and omnipotent power. Where do we most clearly see His perfect way? In God’s sanctuary and in Jesus Christ. (See Psalm 77:13 and John 14:6.) The process of our perfection starts as a command from the Lord. Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Peter, quoting Moses, and Moses, quoting the Lord, defines what this perfection means by using synonyms. 1 Peter 1:15, 16: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Leviticus 20:7, 8: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.”

These directives from the Lord parallel perfection with holiness and sanctification. We are directed to make these our experience because God is perfect. He is holy and He is our sanctification. And we as His born-again children are empowered to reflect Him. Hebrews 12:14 makes it clear that without holiness, also known as sanctification, no man shall see the Lord. This experience is not optional, if we would be saved.

Again, the Lord’s biddings found in Matthew 5 and through Peter and Moses are direct commands, and we know all His biddings are enablings. “The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To every one engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 332. “As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command, may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333.

Here are a few more good places to see this call or command to follow the Lord and God’s enabling and transforming power. Note the conditions. We have a part and must choose to have this experience to be saved. I Peter 5:10, 11, “But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 5:8, 9: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” “ ‘We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ II Corinthians 3:18. Christ is the sinner’s advocate. Those who accept His gospel behold Him with open face. They see the relation of His mission to the law, and they acknowledge God’s wisdom and glory as revealed by the Saviour. The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of His character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men become changed to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine nature, and grow more and more like their Saviour, advancing step by step in conformity to the will of God, till they reach perfection.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 240.

There is no “creature merit” in all this. It is God’s power, and those who experience this perfecting power fear God and give glory to Him. Yet it is not automatically imparted to us! God does not force us; we must choose to believe, and act on that belief. Some try to hide the truth of this behind a smokescreen of falsehood or misapplication of words and concepts. They cause many to miss what God is offering. We must not let them deceive us or others by confusing worldly or human Perfectionism with the biblical process of Christian perfection, also known as sanctification. Romans 12:1, 2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Being transformed, proving (to all who look on) that God’s perfect will can be done “on earth, as it is in heaven,” (Matthew 6:10) is the reasonable service set before true Christians by the One Who calls us to it. Yes, it requires the sacrifice of our otherwise “unprofitable” lives. “True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth. Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God. We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection. Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all. The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to God’s will.” The Acts of the Apostles, 564, 565.

Can we see that proving the perfect will of God through the imputed and imparted powers of heaven is not optional? It is an ongoing work of Christ and the willing receiver to daily partake of the divine nature. But the fact that it is not done for us unconditionally should not remove any real assurance from us. Quite the opposite. From all we’ve seen so far, and especially coupled with the next divine assurance, any Bible believer will be assured that if we cooperate, He, the Author and Finisher of our faith, will bring this work to completion or perfection. Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

There are those who will look at all this and worry that they may not live long enough to have the work of Christian perfection completed in them. It is a genuine concern, one that causes me to remember certain truths about God’s character and how he judges us. John 3:17–19: “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Remember that Jesus’ name is who He is and what He does: Matthew 1:21, 23: “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” So we can safely trust that if we will walk in the light with Him, He will complete the saving work He began in us. For reassurance, let’s examine the case of a man who had his time cut short, yet Jesus promises him a place with Him in His kingdom. It is the story of a man whose life brought him a cruel death sentence, yet in his last moments of time, despite how unpromising every circumstance looked, his faith reached out to mercy and perfection in the Person who hung on a cross with him that day.

Luke 23:39–43: “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

With everything he had, he reached out in faith to Christ, when Jesus looked like anything but a king; when even the other malefactor joined the crowd in mocking Jesus, the other man strove against the tide of evil, repenting of his past and looking to the Author and finisher of his faith. He confessed Christ with his heart and lips, and placed his case in Jesus’ nail pierced hands. In this, his faith opened the way for the Saviour and His perfection to stand in his place. This is righteousness by faith, including both justification and sanctification, bringing in both the imputed and imparted merits of Christ’s sinless life, sacrifice, and His Spirit, to complete or perfect the good work begun in this man’s shortened life.

Some will attempt to refute this doctrine no matter how much proof you have, but I believe such prove that they are allied to the enemy of truth, and that it is spiritually suicidal to take an opposing view, as it leaves one with a mere form of godliness, but denies the power thereof. (Compare Romans 1:16–18.)

“The enemy will suggest that the Lord will not keep us from sinning, and make us obedient to all his requirements. He will direct our mind to our past imperfections, to our sins, failures, and mistakes, and tell us we need not expect to come off conquerors at last. We are not to listen to the suggestions of the enemy, or think that our unaided efforts can save us, but we are to believe that Jesus does the work for us.” The Signs of the Times, September 12, 1892. (Emphasis added.)

No one is safe who focuses on past sins or who listens to the enemy’s reasoning. But if we are going to prove our position, our evidence on this matter must be very biblical. We can use the Spirit of Prophecy with believers who have tested these writings to the Bible standard, but those among us who have not tested them or who are seeking loopholes have no fear of making those writings of none effect. So the rest will be only from the Bible. What did the Lord inspire Paul to write to those surrounded with the shadows of unbelievers? II Corinthians 6:17, 18; 7:1: “come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

God promises to receive as sons and daughters those who, in the fear of God, come out from among those who do not believe in the transforming grace that both justifies and perfects holiness in our lives. I pray that all who read this receive the power inherent in God’s promises. Without using the words “perfect” or “perfection” Peter and Jude described perfecting holiness as the result of believing and acting on God’s promises. What are the results He promises us? II Peter 1:2–4, 10: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. … Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Jude 1:24: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”

What do you get when you add this all together? We have the potential of being no longer “only human,” but enjoined with or a “partaker of the divine nature,” having escaped corruption, never falling, and faultless! May this also fit within the biblical definition of Christian perfection? By the way, who is given exceeding joy in this experience? Yes, it gives God joy to do it, and imagine the joy we can have as, in doing it, He lifts us up to sit with Him in His throne as overcomers! Paul wrote more about Christian perfection, though also here, other words describe that high, yet attainable condition. Please note once more who enables it and how it is accomplished. I Thessalonians 5:21–24: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.” It is interesting to note, in verse 23, how the word “wholly” is defined in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. G3651 ho-lo-te-las’ From G3650 and G5056, which means complete to the end, that is, absolutely perfect—wholly.

Our faithful God promises the power, but leaves it to us to believe Him and hold fast to it. But for those who maintain that “we will sin till Jesus comes,” I agree that you probably will! But nonetheless, take careful note that this absolutely perfect sanctification is something “preserved blameless” in its recipients “till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Let’s go with Paul as he describes further his mission to teach Christian perfection, as well as to and through whom it is to be taught. Here again, the Bible points us to the power through whom it is accomplished and its ultimate effect, calling it a “mystery.” Colossians 1:26–28: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

This is the purpose of the real gospel and its power—to present every man who receives it “perfect in Christ Jesus.” Can you say “Amen” to that? Friends, perfection is a continual biblical theme. Is it not precisely why we see Christ pouring spiritual gifts and administrations into His church? This is exactly what we see in Ephesians 4:7, 8, 12, 13: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Paul discovered that his traditional old Pharisaic view of the law and righteousness had not the power of true righteousness by faith. I submit that many of us have scales over our eyes. And like Paul, we have received them by traditions of men, and they have blinded us to true righteousness by faith, also known as justification, along with sanctification, or “perfection.” Look how Paul describes his experience once he discovered the truth. Philippians 3:9–14: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Far from teaching “saved by the law” or “once saved always saved,” Paul preaches a gospel that clearly illustrates our cooperation in pressing toward the mark of which sin causes us to come short. He preaches that the true Christian presses on with strength and confidence, knowing that Christ has apprehended him, laid hands on him, if you will, and is pulling him as he presses forward up the narrow upward path to the prize. What is that calling and what is the prize? It is perfection and the literal presence of God—face to face and side by side with Christ. Don’t you desire that? Can we get it any other way than Paul got it?

Let’s start bringing this home as we read what Paul wrote of the successful tools and gospel efforts of others that aided even more as they pressed toward the same mark. Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

In his letter to Timothy, Paul defines the purpose of the Scriptures, in II Timothy 3:15–17: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” All through the New Testament, God assures us that it is His will to bring us out of the experience of Romans 3:23. Hebrews 13:20, 21: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

James also describes this same process, illustrating one of the elements God uses to bring it about. James 1:2–4: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Friends, after seeing what the Bible says for itself, are those who teach perfection merely fanatics, preaching an impossibility or even a false gospel? Or is this a biblical doctrine of Christ? If it is clearly biblical, and it is a doctrine of our Savior, Jesus Christ, why do so many deny it? It would be best to let God’s Word briefly answer that, lest I be perceived to be judgmental, unChristlike, or unloving. II John 1:9: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” John 14:23, 24: “If a man love Me, he will keep My words: He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings.”

We are coming around full circle in this study. And before we close, if there is still some doubt in us or somebody else, I’d like to ask Jesus to help us expose and dispose of it. Let’s read two passages from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 5:16, 48. Ask anyone who claims to be a Christian and denies the doctrine of Christian perfection, “Is verse 16 to be taken seriously and not verse 48?” Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Why is one cheerfully and confidently proclaimed and encouraged by nearly every Christian? And why is it that most who call themselves Christians doubt that we can experience the other, and whole denominations and seminaries and theologians really doubt it, and discourage preaching all that it can mean?

Do we really love the Lord? Don’t we really want God the Father and Son to receive all they paid for with the greatest sacrifice the eternal universe will ever have known? There is really a lot more at stake here than many will ever think. As we go to our closing Scriptures, let’s use our imaginations and lean close to the Lord as He prays His last prayer with His disciples before being betrayed into the hands of the mob to be tried and crucified. This is really a dying prayer. Let’s read it and ask Him, “Lord, did you pray an unanswerable prayer?” John 17:20–23: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

In this prayer, if we look closely, we see how or if Christianity accepts this truth and prayer, “that they may be made perfect in one.” This determines how or if the world can really ever know that Jesus was truly the divine sent of God the Father. Our perfection in Christ, or our doubt and rejection of it, preaches a louder gospel than the words we speak or write. What gospel will your life preach?

Paul’s farewell to all Christians who read his inspired letter to Corinth and the world also expresses my appeal to you. II Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”

You or I may not yet have experienced perfection. We may not have known or seen others who have, but does that make God’s words untrue? We need to walk by faith (which comes by the word of God) and not by sight, feeling, or comparing the experiences of others with God’s Word. By God’s grace and calling, let us come up higher.

Dean Ferrell has served as a Bible worker, a pastor, and an evangelist in a variety of locations. He and his wife, Blanca, make a powerful team in ministry. Dean is currently helping his spiritual mentor, Elder Ron Spear, in Kettle Falls, Washington.