love

Bible Study Guides – Love: The Essence of Righteousness

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October 19, 2014 – October 25, 2014

Key Text

“God is love.” I John 4:16.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 23–36.

Introduction

“Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 18.

1 THE GREAT COMMANDMENT

  • In the Christian life, what vital significance does love have in relation to the law of God? Matthew 22:36–40.

Note: “Obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life?” Steps to Christ, 60.

  • How does the apostle John summarize God’s character—and how does His character relate to righteousness? I John 4:16; Psalm 11:7.

Note: “Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and ‘God is love’ (I John 4:16). It is conformity to the law of God, for ‘all Thy commandments are righteousness’ (Psalm 119:172), and ‘love is the fulfilling of the law’ (Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 18.

2 OUTWARD COMPLIANCE OR HEARTFELT OBEDIENCE?

  • What kind of service does the Lord desire? Deuteronomy 6:5; Joshua 24:15.

Note: “The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world’s dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, ‘with healing in His wings’ (Malachi 4:2).” The Desire of Ages, 22.

“It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour’s matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.” Ibid., 480.

  • In contrast to a willing, joyful obedience from the heart, what kind of obedience are some professed Christians rendering to God? Deuteronomy 28:45–47; I John 5:3.

Note: “Christ died on the cross to draw all to Him, and He would have us joyful in that joy which He alone can give, the joy of obedience.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 217.

“The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 97, 98.

3 IDENTIFYING TRUE LOVE

  • What will be seen in the life of those who genuinely love God? I John 3:10; 4:20, 21.

Note: “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance.” [Emphasis author’s.] Christ’s Object Lessons, 384.

  • Describe some of the characteristics manifested by true love. I Corinthians 13:4–7.

Note: “True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven. And the fact will also be revealed that the care of self, irrespective of the good and happiness of others, is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father. …

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 133–135.

4 LIVING THE LAW OF LOVE

  • In light of the self-sacrifice of Christ for us, what law or principle will be at the heart of the Christian life? II Corinthians 5:14, 15; I Corinthians 13:5.

Note: “When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. ‘Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God’ are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity ‘to the obedience of Christ’ (II Corinthians 10:5). Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth.” The Desire of Ages, 135.

“In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which ‘seeketh not her own’ has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” Ibid., 20.

  • In order to live a life of self-sacrificing love, what is required of us on a daily basis? Luke 9:23.

Note: “Every soul that accepts Jesus as his personal Saviour will pant for the privilege of serving God and will eagerly seize the opportunity to signalize his gratitude by devoting his abilities to God’s service. He will long to show his love for Jesus and for His purchased possession. He will covet toil, hardship, sacrifice. He will think it a privilege to deny self, lift the cross, and follow in Christ’s footsteps, thus showing his loyalty and love.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 394.

“Self-denial and the cross are our portion. Will we accept it? None of us need expect that when the last great trials come upon us a self-sacrificing, patriotic spirit will be developed in a moment because needed. No, indeed, this spirit must be blended with our daily experience, and infused into the minds and hearts of our children, both by precept and example. Mothers in Israel may not be warriors themselves, but they may raise up warriors who shall gird on the whole armor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 135.

5 THE SIGN OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

  • What is the sign of true discipleship? John 8:31; 14:15.

Note: “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. … Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.” Steps to Christ, 60, 61.

  • What does true obedience mean, and from where does it spring? Romans 5:5; 13:10.

Note: “In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.” Steps to Christ, 59.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What key element in God’s law does Jesus present to us in Matthew 22?

2 Explain the difference between outward compliance and true obedience.

3 When will the development of our Christian character be complete?

4 Describe the attitude towards service in those who have accepted Christ.

5 How closely will Christ be identified in the obedience of His followers?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Most Precious Message

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October 5, 2014 – October 11, 2014

Key Text

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 71–75.

Introduction

“As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind and spirit of Christ, that you may work the works of Christ.” The Review and Herald, February 23, 1892.

1 THE GOSPEL REPEATED IN OUR TIMES

  • What special truth was given over 100 years ago to prepare God’s people for holiness? Where did it originate? John 17:17; I Thessalonians 5:23.

Note: “The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people. … This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 91, 92.

“The present message—justification by faith—is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 359.

  • What truth is essential for our time—and what was required that we might have hope? John 1:29; Romans 5:10; 8:34.

2 THE NEED OF JUSTIFICATION

  • What truth should each of us individually take to heart—and in what perspective, especially in these last days? Matthew 1:21.

Note: “The third angel’s message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and this truth must be brought before the world; but the great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel’s message.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 383.

“Messages bearing the divine credentials have been sent to God’s people; the glory, the majesty, the righteousness of Christ, full of goodness and truth, have been presented; the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus Christ has been set forth among us with beauty and loveliness, to charm all whose hearts were not closed with prejudice.” The Review and Herald, May 27, 1890.

“The sweetest melodies that come from God through human lips—justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ—do not call forth from them [many unrepentant church members] a response of love and gratitude. Though the heavenly Merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though He invites them to buy of Him ‘gold tried in the fire,’ and ‘white raiment’ that they may be clothed, and ‘eyesalve’ (Revelation 3:18) that they may see, they steel their hearts against Him and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal. While making a profession, they deny the power of godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them. They are unfitting themselves to be members of His family.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 426, 427.

  • What does it mean to welcome Jesus into our heart as a heavenly Guest? Revelation 3:20. What happened when the message of Christ’s righteousness was brought before church leaders in 1888?

Note: “Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear did not receive its benefit. They did not open the door of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly Guest, and they have suffered great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which we must walk; the cross is presented at every step.” The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889.

3 OUR INDIVIDUAL NEED OF THE GOSPEL

  • What evidence reveals that God will not allow me to depend on others for my salvation? Ezekiel 14:20.

Note: “Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit’s working.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 412.

“Let everyone who loves God consider that now while it is day is the time to work. … Now is the time for the careless to arouse from their slumber. Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not only hear the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vessels with their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 233, 234.

“It is impossible for one Christian to impart character to another soul.” That I May Know Him, 215.

  • How do we know that Jesus wants us to serve God with our own individuality? Can we drink the “water of life” for another? Matthew 22:37; John 7:37.

Note: “No one can serve God by proxy. There are so many who seem to think that there is someone in this world stronger than Christ, upon whom they can lean. And instead of coming right to Christ, just as they are, giving themselves unreservedly to Him, they reach out for human help. God wants us to have an individual experience. … I cannot work out a character for you, and you cannot work out a character for me.” Our High Calling, 90.

“The gospel deals with individuals. Every human being has a soul to save or to lose. Each has an individuality separate and distinct from all others. Each must be convicted for himself, converted for himself. He must receive the truth, repent, believe, and obey for himself. He must exercise his will for himself. No one can do this work by proxy. No one can submerge his individuality in another’s. Each must surrender to God by his own act and the mystery of godliness.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 423.

4 CLOSING THE DOOR TO JESUS EQUALS SUICIDE!

  • What deception were our people warned about in 1893 when the majority believed they were ready for heaven? How is this self-deception repeated today—and might we be affected? Isaiah 58:2–8; Revelation 3:15.

Note: “It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon. This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a confessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their own unsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by their own immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit, in heart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and are full of deception through and through in their professed Christian life. Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians!” Christian Service, 41.

  • What will happen to anyone who would spoil heaven by his or her character if he or she were ever allowed to enter there? Matthew 22:12–14.

Note: “In this life many have not entered into fellowship with Christ; therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers to its joy. …

“Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, ‘I know you not’ (Matthew 25:12). The fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship.

“We cannot be ready to meet the Lord by waking when the cry is heard, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom’ (Matthew 25:6)! and then gathering up our empty lamps to have them replenished. We cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 413, 414.

5 GOD’S FINAL MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

  • How will the knowledge of salvation enlighten the whole world? Revelation 18:1; II Peter 3:12.

Note: “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 69.

  • Name some good works that Jesus bids us to use in shining His light on our world. Matthew 5:16; 25:34–40.

Note: “We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

“God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. …

“There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 417, 418.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What vital message, given to God’s people over 100 years ago, welcomes Jesus into our hearts as a heavenly Guest?

2 Why is this message crucial to the world at this time?

3 Can we reach Heaven just because our parents or friends love Jesus?

4 How may I be in danger of missing Heaven through self-deception?

5 Will I ever enter Heaven if my character does not belong there?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Uplifting the Savior

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September 28, 2014 – October 4, 2014

Trusting in the Love of Jesus

Key Text

“Behold the man!” John 19:5.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 9–15.

Introduction

“The great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel’s message. By many who have been engaged in the work for this time, Christ has been made secondary, and theories and arguments have had first place.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 383.

1 JESUS OUR SURETY

  • What act on God’s part demonstrated at the same time both His love for our world and the cost of transgression? John 3:16, 17; II Corinthians 5:21.

Note: “The scheme of redemption far exceeds the comprehension of the human mind. The great condescension on the part of God is a mystery that is beyond our fathoming. The greatness of the plan cannot be fully comprehended, nor could infinite Wisdom devise a plan that would surpass it. …Through this plan the great, the dreadful God can be just, and yet be the justifier of all who believe in Jesus, and who receive Him as their personal Saviour.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1133.

  • What act of Jesus declared beyond doubt the infinite love that He has for each of us? John 15:13; Romans 5:6–8; Ephesians 2:13, 14.

Note: “Oh, wonderful condescension! The Majesty of heaven, through love and pity for fallen man, proposed to become his substitute and surety. He would bear man’s guilt. He would take the wrath of His Father upon Himself, which otherwise would have fallen upon man because of his disobedience.” The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.

2 OUR FOCUS

  • What titles in Scripture describe the beauty of Jesus’ character, and what effect will beholding this beauty, have upon us? Song of Solomon 2:1; 5:16; Haggai 2:7.

Note: “With untold love our God has loved us, and our love awakens toward Him as we comprehend something of the length and breadth and depth and height of this love that passeth knowledge. By the revelation of the attractive loveliness of Christ, by the knowledge of His love expressed to us while we were yet sinners, the stubborn heart is melted and subdued.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 76.

  • Why is it essential for us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus? Compare Numbers 21:8 with John 3:14. Hebrews 7:25.

Note: “Our faith must be an intelligent faith, looking unto Jesus in perfect confidence, in full and entire faith in the atoning Sacrifice. This is essential that the soul may not be enshrouded in darkness.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 256.

“The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting His divine merits in the offering of Himself to the Father as our substitute and surety; for He ascended up on high to make an atonement for our transgressions. …

“It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works his justification. However sinful has been his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, he stands before God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness.

“The sinner so recently dead in trespasses and sins is quickened by faith in Christ. He sees by faith that Jesus is his Saviour, and alive forevermore, able to save unto ‘the uttermost [all] that come unto God by Him’ (Hebrews 7:25). In the atonement made for him the believer sees such breadth and length and height and depth of efficiency—sees such completeness of salvation, purchased at such infinite cost, that his soul is filled with praise and thanksgiving. He sees as in a glass the glory of the Lord and is changed into the same image as by the Spirit of the Lord. He sees the robe of Christ’s righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, wrought by His obedience, and imputed to the repenting soul through faith in His name.” Faith and Works, 105–107.

3 THE LIGHT OF OUR LIFE

  • What does it mean for us to have an eye single to God’s glory? Luke 11:34; John 8:12.

Note: “What is it to have a single eye? It is to have a disposition to look upon Christ; for by beholding, we become changed from glory to glory, from character to character.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 14, 1893.

  • What specific knowledge does God use to bring light into our life? John 1:4, 9; II Corinthians 4:6.
  • How will beholding the light of God’s glory, as seen in the life of Jesus, help our growth in Him and our commitment to Him? II Corinthians 3:18.

Note: “If we gaze even a moment upon the sun in its meridian glory, when we turn away our eyes, the image of the sun will appear in everything upon which we look. Thus it is when we behold Jesus; everything we look upon reflects His image, the Sun of Righteousness. We cannot see anything else, or talk of anything else. His image is imprinted upon the eye of the soul, and affects every portion of our daily life, softening and subduing our whole nature. By beholding, we are conformed to the divine similitude, even the likeness of Christ. To all with whom we associate we reflect the bright and cheerful beams of His righteousness. …

“Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; it is the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. The words of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center our thoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that liveth in us, and He is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us. We cannot stop to consider our disappointments, or even to talk of them; for a more pleasant picture attracts our sight—the precious love of Jesus. He dwells in us by the word of truth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 388–390.

4 THE BENEVOLENCE OF JESUS

  • How did Jesus treat the great variety of human beings He encountered on this earth? Acts 10:38; Matthew 14:14; 15:32.

Note: “Never was there such an evangelist as Christ. He was the Majesty of heaven, but He humbled Himself to take our nature, that He might meet men where they were. To all people, rich and poor, free and bond, Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, brought the tidings of salvation. His fame as the Great Healer spread throughout Palestine. The sick came to the places through which He would pass, that they might call on Him for help. Hither, too, came many anxious to hear His words and to receive a touch of His hand. Thus He went from city to city, from town to town, preaching the gospel and healing the sick—the King of glory in the lowly garb of humanity.” The Ministry of Healing, 22.

  • Compare the way Jesus treated Judas and Peter? Matthew 16:23; John 13:27; 17:12.
  • What evidence do we have that He provided equal opportunities to both of these disciples—just as He does for each one of us? John 13:1, 5.

Note: “Jesus connected John, Peter, and Judas with Him in His work, making them co-laborers with Him; but at the same time they were to be constantly learning lessons of Christ. They were to gather from His divine teachings instructions which were to correct their wrong ideas and their erroneous views of what constitutes a Christian character. John and Peter were not perfect men, but they improved every opportunity to learn. Peter did not learn to distrust himself, to be jealous of himself, until he was overcome by the temptations of the devil and denied his Lord. Judas had the same opportunity that these disciples had to learn the lessons taught by Christ, but he did not appreciate their value. He was a hearer only and not a doer. The result was seen in his betrayal of his Lord.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 557.

5 OUR PURPOSE: REFLECTING THE LOVE OF JESUS

  • Who are we as Christians to represent to the world, and how? Colossians 1:26, 27; I Peter 2:22, 23.

Note: “It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live ‘by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 677.

  • How is our Christian growth and maturity revealed in the way we treat our fellow humans? I Peter 3:8, 9; I John 4:7, 8; Hebrews 13:1–3.

Note: “When the attention is fastened on the cross of Christ, the whole being is ennobled. The knowledge of the Saviour’s love subdues the soul, and lifts the mind above the things of time and sense. Let us learn to estimate all temporal things in the light that shines from the cross. …

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

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What emphasis should be given to the gospel today?

2 What are some meaningful examples of Christ’s love to men and women?

3 Why is the message of the love and life of Jesus important to me?

4 What does it mean to be a Christian?

5 How can I reflect Christ more fully to those around me?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Love, the Law and Heaven

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“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.”  Psalm 119:2, 3

Understand the most basic requirement of heaven, the deciding factor of entrance into heaven.

If I am seeking something with my whole heart, it must be something that I value above all other things. It is something that I love. Why is this so important in whether I am seen fit to gain entrance into heaven? I believe that answer to this question is stated very succinctly, in fact in three words: “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8, first part). This is not speaking of human love, but divine love as is defined in the preceding verses.

Let’s think about this for a moment. If I am motivated to do something from any other motive than pure, true principled love, I believe that it is a given that sooner or later that motive would change, and as the motive changes, the action also changes. However, God never changes. His character is love, the basis of His government is love, His law is love, and we are told that He never changes.

If our lives, our words and actions are based on love, divine love, true love based on principle, will we ever change? No, so if my motivating factor is love, then I am safe to be in the kingdom of glory restored. If I live, speak, act, make decisions based on God’s principle of love, I will be a safe citizen of that heavenly realm. If the motive power for my obedience is not love of the purity, holiness, righteousness of God’s government, law, kingdom, I will not be a safe subject for that kingdom.

The universe has endured over 6,000 years of sin, of rebellion, of spurious, self-centered love. It can be unequivocally stated that God will not allow it a second time. And as He is not a God of force, the only option He has is to restrict entrance to only those who are motivated by the unchanging principle of divine love. Because as the Bible says “love never fails.”

1 Corinthians 13 elaborates on this: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (verses 1–3 NASB).

God says it doesn’t matter how great the deed, how wonderful the gift or talent, how mighty the power. If it is not motivated by love, it profits me nothing. Why? It is because of those three words we read earlier from 1 Corinthians 13:8 – “Love never fails.” That is the only motive that is sure. That is the only motive power that is safe. All other motives will eventually fail.

Immediately after these words “it profits me nothing” follows a description of true love. In our world today, basically what we know and see is Satan’s counterfeit for God’s true principle of love. So we need to be educated as to what true love is. 1 Corinthians gives a definition of true love, principled love. It is this divine, principled love that is expressed in the Ten Commandments. It is this love that is the basis of the government of God. It is His very character.

This principled love is the basic requirement of entrance into heaven. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB also sheds some light as to why this is the case. It says, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” The love of God and of Christ are steadfast.

What does steadfast mean? Here is the first definition from Merriam-Webster: “firmly fixed in place; immovable.” Does that sound like something based on that love would be secure? Something based on that kind of “steadfast love” will not be changed.

Two more scriptures among many state clearly God’s requirement for those who would be citizens of His kingdom of glory.

Mark 12:30: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 10:12 NASB: “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

The most basic problem of the human race is whether or not I sin. I would like to propose to you that love is involved in the motive of everything I do or choose. It is either self-love or love of God. Think about that for a moment. When man sinned he lost the natural goodness, the propensity for good, that total lack of propensity to do evil which was the condition in which he was created by God. He lost the ability to do good and became wholly depraved, evil, wicked. The Bible teaches that, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it” (Jeremiah 17:9)? As a result of that first sin, mankind is now under the power that is the exact opposite of love, the epitome of hatred, evil and death. There is one power alone that is stronger than death – love, pure, divine love. Therefore, there is only one power that is stronger than sin. In other words, there is one power alone that gives us the power to overcome sin – love.

“If God has given His only begotten Son to die, the just for the unjust, He wants every voice to proclaim it; for this is the truth that is to work counter to the lies of Satan. Christ’s death for man shows that his compassion and love are without a parallel. Christ’s resurrection proves that He has power over death and the grave. He is willing and able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.” The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).

These are wonderful attributes – wonderful ability of speech, prophecy, understanding all mysteries and knowledge, faith even so strong as to move mountains, giving all you have to give to others, and even martyrdom. But God says all these are worth nothing without the motivating power of love.

There is another Scripture in the Bible that gives this exact same principle, but stated in the negative rather than in the positive, and in another setting. You all know these famous words of Christ. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21–23 KJV).

Again we have a description of someone doing wonderful things in Jesus’ name. But Jesus says, “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” What? Doing all these wonderful and good things, and Jesus says, “I never knew you?”

The problem here is one of motive. The issue is self-love, rather than love of God and the principles of His kingdom.

Inspiration says it this way: “No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.” The Acts of the Apostles, 318, 319.

Why? Why is this attribute of love so important? The crux of the matter is stated in these few words of Jesus recorded by John the Beloved. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15 NASB). God does not say if you are afraid of Me, or if you know I exist, or if you obey because you have to, and the list could go on. Satan has myriads of counterfeit reasons. God says, “If you love Me.” Period.

Let’s think about this in a logical way for a moment. Would you want to be in heaven if heaven is like this earth? Of course not. In that case, you and I must change. Think of this from the perspective of God. Think of the extreme cost of putting into effect the wonderful plan of salvation by which alone you and I have hope of eternity. Will God allow sin to rear its head again? Never. If we are to be in that kingdom of glory restored, we must have the attributes that would make us safe to be there—for eternity. That means obedience from that most basic principle – love for God and for the principles of His kingdom.

Do you have that kind of love? How do we get that kind of love? The answer is very simple.

The inspired writer says, “But 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” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). What is that glory of the Lord? It is self-sacrificing love.

“It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which ‘seeketh not her own’ has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” The Desire of Ages, 20.

“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB).

All quotes NKJV unless otherwise noted.

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

Bible Study Guides – Our Value in Christ

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December 7, 2014 – December 13, 2014

Key Text

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” II Corinthians 13:5.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 93–104.

Introduction

“In the light of the cross alone can the true value of the human soul be estimated.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.

1 REALIZING OUR DANGER

  • Against what must we be continually on guard to avoid falling from grace? Jeremiah 17:9, 10; Proverbs 16:18; I Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “Christ has provided means whereby our whole life may be an unbroken communion with Himself; but the sense of Christ’s abiding presence can come only through living faith. …

“Let all contemplate the completeness it is their privilege to have and ask themselves the question, Is my will submerged in Christ’s will? Is the fullness and richness of the Living Vine—His goodness, His mercy, His compassion and love—seen in my life and character?” In Heavenly Places, 56.

  • Give an example of a proper self-view and of submitting to the will of Jesus. I Corinthians 9:26, 27; 15:30, 31; Mark 7:14–23.

Note: “The essential work is to conform the tastes, the appetite, the passions, the motives, the desires, to the great moral standard of righteousness. The work must begin at the heart. That must be pure, wholly conformed to Christ’s will, else some master passion, or some habit or defect, will become a power to destroy. God will accept of nothing short of the whole heart.” Christian Education, 51.

2 DEVELOPING A PROPER PERSPECTIVE

  • What could likely be hindering our ability to serve God? Matthew 18:1–4.

Note: “Self-will in us must die; Christ’s will alone must be obeyed. The soldier in Christ’s army must learn to endure hardness, deny self, take up the cross, and follow where His Captain leads the way. There are many things to do which are trying to human nature, and painful to flesh and blood. This work of self-subduing requires determined, continuous effort. In fighting the good fight of faith, obtaining precious victories, we are laying hold of eternal life.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 22, 1886.

“Jesus gave His life for the life of the world, and He places an infinite value upon man. He desires that man shall appreciate himself, and consider his future well-being. … If the spiritual vision is clear, unseen realities will be looked upon in their true value.” Counsels on Stewardship, 136.

  • What needs to change that we may have a right relationship with God? Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 8:13.

Note: “Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet.” The Ministry of Healing, 157, 158.

“There are some who think that in matters of practical Christianity, they have a superior intelligence. Whether or not this is so, will be demonstrated by the life-actions. Are they self-centered, or are they moved by the Holy Spirit of truth and righteousness? Religion is to become a living, active principle. The one all-absorbing motive of the true Christian is to give an expression of the goodness and love of Christ.” Loma Linda Messages, 318.

3 WE ARE SERVANTS WITHOUT MERIT

  • In seeking God, what should we keep in mind? James 4:6–10; Luke 17:10.

Note: “Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed blood, as it had been a lamb slain. Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 344.

“When Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, the new and living way was thrown open to Jew and Gentile alike.

“Angels rejoiced as the Saviour cried, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30)! The great plan of redemption was to be carried out. Through a life of obedience, the sons of Adam might be exalted finally to the presence of God.” The Story of Jesus, 147.

“Perfection through our own good works we can never attain. The soul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks in humility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s Word. In amazement he hears the message, ‘Ye are complete in Him’ (Colossians 2:10). Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God.” Faith and Works, 107.

  • What must we always remember about salvation? I Corinthians 1:27–31.

Note: “The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Let nothing be brought into the preaching of the Word to supplement Christ, the Word and power of God. Let His name, the only name given under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in every discourse, and from Sabbath to Sabbath let the trumpet of the watchmen give a certain sound. Christ is the science and eloquence of the gospel, and His ministers are to hold forth the Word of life, presenting hope to the penitent, peace to the troubled and desponding, and grace and completeness and strength to the believing.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 337.

4 GAINING DEEPER PERSPECTIVE

  • What are we commanded to do with regard to our own spiritual condition? Galatians 6:4; II Corinthians 13:5.

Note: “A great many are likely to be deceived in regard to their spiritual condition. In Christ we shall have the victory. In Him we have a perfect Model. While He hated sin with a perfect hatred, He could weep over the sinner. He possessed the divine nature, while He had the humility of a little child. He had in His character that which we must have in our characters, undeviating perseverance in the path of duty, from which no obstacles or dangers could divert Him, while His heart was so full of compassion that the woes of humanity touched His heart with tenderest compassion.” This Day With God, 279.

  • How does God see us in relation to His law with its demands of justice? Isaiah 63:5, 8, 9; I Peter 1:18, 19; Romans 5:8–10.

Note: “The law of God had been broken. The divine government had been dishonored, and justice demanded that the penalty of transgression be paid.

“To save the race from eternal death, the Son of God volunteered to bear the punishment of disobedience. Only by the humiliation of the Prince of heaven could the dishonor be removed, justice be satisfied, and man be restored to that which he had forfeited by disobedience. There was no other way. For an angel to come to this earth, to pass over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, would not have sufficed. This could not have removed one stain of sin, or brought to man one hour of probation.

“Christ, equal with God, the brightness of the Father’s ‘glory, and the express image of his person’ (Hebrews 1:3), clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this earth to suffer and die for sinners. The only-begotten Son of God humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. By bearing in His body the curse of sin, He placed happiness and immortality within the reach of all. …

“When we realize that His suffering was necessary in order to secure our eternal well-being, our hearts are touched and melted.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 308, 309.

5 PRIDE IN CONTRAST TO HUMILITY

  • What are the differences between pride, humility, and self-pity? Daniel 4:29–33; James 4:13–16; Genesis 27:34.

Note: “In self-love, self-exaltation, and pride, there is great weakness; but in humility there is great strength. … In our separation from God, in our pride and darkness, we are constantly seeking to elevate ourselves, forgetting that lowliness of mind is power.” The Signs of the Times, October 21, 1897.

  • Why did God’s people fail to obey His will in times past? Numbers 13:30–14:4; I Samuel 17:4–11, 24; I Kings 19:1–18. How should we behave instead?

Note: “Zeal and energy must be intensified; talents that are rusting from inaction must be pressed into service. The voice that would say, ‘Wait; do not allow yourself to have burdens imposed upon you,’ is the voice of the cowardly spies. We want Calebs now who will press to the front—chieftains in Israel who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action. When the selfish, ease-loving, panic-stricken people, fearing tall giants and inaccessible walls, clamor for retreat, let the voice of the Calebs be heard, even though the cowardly ones stand with stones in their hands, ready to beat them down for their faithful testimony.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 383.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Of what must the Christian constantly beware?

2 How does one develop a proper perspective?

3 Are we deserving of salvation?

4 How do I stand in relation to the cross of Christ?

5 What do we too often forget about pride in opposition to humility?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Securing the Pearl of Righteousness

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November 30, 2014 – December 6, 2014

Trusting in the Love of Jesus

Key Text

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45, 46.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 85–91.

Introduction

“We cannot earn salvation, but we are to seek for it with as much interest and perseverance as though we would abandon everything in the world for it.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 117.

1 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

  • How are we to understand the Pearl of great price? Matthew 13:45, 46.

Note: “Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. … The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 115.

  • How does one obtain the Pearl of great price? Isaiah 55:1–3. What must be surrendered to get it? Zechariah 3:4; Ephesians 4:22–32.

Note: “Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be bought and sold. …

“The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; for no amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to Christ as His own purchased possession.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 117.

“O that you would search the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, and a spirit of surrender to God! O that you would search your hearts as with a lighted candle, and discover and break the finest thread that binds you to worldly habits, which divert the mind from God!” Maranatha, 48.

2 THE PROCESS OF BUYING CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

  • What does “buying” righteousness really mean? How is Christ’s righteousness “bought”? Revelation 3:18.

Note: “The Saviour comes with jewels of truth of the richest value in distinction from all counterfeits, all that is spurious. He comes to every house, to every door; He is knocking, presenting His priceless treasure, urging, ‘Buy of me’ (Revelation 3:18).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 964.

“In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord’s, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 116.

  • Why do we need to buy of Christ wholeheartedly? Jeremiah 29:11–13.

Note: “Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul-temple, proclaiming, ‘I stand at the door, and knock’ (Revelation 3:20). As a heavenly merchantman, He opens His treasures. … ‘Open your doors,’ says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritual riches, ‘and transact your business with Me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of Me.’ ” The Review and Herald, August 7, 1894.

“To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves.” [Emphasis author’s.] The Desire of Ages, 347.

3 PAYING FOR THE PRECIOUS PEARL

  • What do we all—rich, poor, those who have grown up in the church, and those who have grown up among worldly-minded persons—need to realize in seeking to pay for the Pearl of great price? Proverbs 22:2; Acts 10:34, 35.

Note: “Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will win for you salvation. God calls for your willing obedience. He asks you to give up your sins. …

“There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 117, 118.

  • What could cause us to miss this sale? Luke 9:24; 14:33; James 4:10.

Note: “How many, if now called to render up their accounts, would do it with grief, regret, and remorse that their God-given probationary time was so fully employed in self-serving! The eternal interests of the soul have been fearfully neglected for unimportant affairs. The mind is kept busy, just as Satan designs it shall be, with selfish interests and nothing of any consequence, and time may be passing into eternity without a fitting up for heaven at all.

“What can be compared with the loss of a human soul? It is a question which every soul must determine for himself—whether to gain the treasures of eternal life or to lose all because of his neglect to make God and His righteousness his first and only business. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, … looks with grief upon the large number of those who profess to be Christians who are not serving Him but themselves.” That I May Know Him, 321.

4 APPRECIATING THE VALUE OF THE PEARL

  • Why would anyone sell all to buy the Pearl of great price? What makes it such a profitable business transaction? Job 28:12–23; Proverbs 2:1–5.

Note: “The Gospel of Christ is a blessing which all may possess. It takes men as they are, poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked. The only condition Christ presents to those who come to Him to be clothed with His righteousness is obedience to His commandments. And by the obedient soul the law is found to be a law of perfect liberty, liberty to lay hold by faith on the hope that is sure and steadfast. When we render back to God His own, when we wash our robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb, then we shall be entitled to a celestial crown.” The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1898.

“What do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it.

“God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. 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.” Steps to Christ, 46.

  • What motivates the buyer to “sell” in order to “buy”? How does duty become “a delight and sacrifice a pleasure”? Numbers 21:8, 9; Matthew 13:44.

Note: “A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him [our Saviour] Who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.” Steps to Christ, 65.

“When once the gaze is fixed upon Him [Jesus], the life finds its center. The enthusiasm, the generous devotion, the passionate ardor, of the youth find here their true object. Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy.” Education, 297.

5 DISCERNING VALUE

  • What happens when we discern the value of the Pearl? Acts 2:37.

Note: “As the apostles set forth the glory of the Only-Begotten of the Father, three thousand souls were convicted. They were made to see themselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their friend and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. By faith these believers saw Him as the One who had borne humiliation, suffering, and death that they might not perish but have everlasting life.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 120.

  • What happens when we understand the cost and value of the Pearl—so much so that we decide to buy it? Isaiah 55:7; Philippians 3:7, 8.

Note: “If we have forsaken all for Christ, our lives will be humble, our conversation heavenly, our conduct blameless. The powerful, purifying influence of truth in the soul, and the character of Christ exemplified in the life, are a confession of Him.

“Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible—a power which makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity. … Those who have placed themselves without reserve on the side of Christ will stand firmly by that which reason and conscience tell them is right.” God’s Amazing Grace, 277.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Who is the Pearl of great price?

2 What process is involved in the purchase of the Pearl?

3 What is the biblical purchasing method? Explain.

4 Why would a person sell all for one pearl?

5 What happens inside us when we truly appreciate the value of the Pearl?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Children’s Story – A Mother’s Love

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The story was reported of a mother’s sacrifice during the Japan earthquake.

After the earthquake had subsided and the rescuers reached the ruins of a young woman’s house, they saw her dead body through the cracks. But her pose seemed somehow strange, for she knelt on her knees like a person who was worshiping; her body was leaning forward, and her two hands were supporting an object.

With great difficulty the leader of the rescue team put his hand through a narrow gap in the wall to reach the woman’s body. He hoped that this woman would be still alive. However, her cold, stiff body told him that she had passed away for sure. The collapsed house had crushed her back and her head.

The team left this house and moved on to search for life in the next collapsed building. But for some strange reason the team leader was driven by a compelling force to go back to the ruined house of the dead woman. Again, he knelt down, wriggled his hand in through the narrow cracks to search the little space under the dead body. Suddenly, he screamed with excitement, “A child! There is a child!”

The whole team worked together; carefully they removed the piles of ruined objects and under the young mother’s dead body they rescued a three-month-old little boy wrapped all snug in a flowery blanket. It was obvious that the woman, desperate to save her son had made the ultimate sacrifice. When her house was falling, she used her own body to make a shelter to protect her son. The little boy was still sleeping peacefully when the team leader picked him up.

The medical doctor came quickly to examine the little boy for injuries and when he opened the blanket he saw a cell phone inside the blanket with a text message on the screen. It said, “If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” As the cell phone was passed around from one hand to another all of the rescuers that read the message wept. “If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” Such was the mother’s love for her child!

This world is collapsing all around us. Every day brings more news of disaster and death. But there is One who loves even more than this little Japanese mother who gave her life that another would have the opportunity for life.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes and the mountains slide into the sea, though the oceans roar and their waves foam, or the mountains sway in the bottom of the sea.

“There is a quiet stream called the River of Life that makes us glad. It begins at the heavenly Sanctuary and flows through the Holy City of God, the place where God Himself lives. God is also with us in our city and does not intend for Jerusalem [or our city] to be destroyed. Even if we die, He will be with us until the resurrection morning. When God speaks, nations crumble and the earth itself melts.

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Look at what the Lord has done! He has caused amazing events to happen on earth. He will stop all wars. He will halt the flying arrow, break the strongest spear and set on fire the weapons of mass destruction. Fighting will stop everywhere. He will say, ‘Be still and know that I am God. My name will be exalted among nations, and I will assume my place as King.’

“The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46 (paraphrase).

This world is on a collision course and its time is running out, but before it is to be completely destroyed, God sent His only Son into this world to provide a shelter to everyone who believes in Him. He wrapped us in His arms of security and then took the brunt of the wrath when He died the cruel death of the cross so we could live on. When we realize that we have been saved at the cost of His life, we realize that His love for us is even greater than that expressed in the text message of a dying mother to her child, “If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.”

Question & Answer – Explain “first love” and “first works” in Revelation 2:4, 5.

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“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works …” (Revelation 2:4, 5). [Emphasis added.]

“Thine is a decay, a declension in holy zeal—not forsaken is the object of it, but lost is the fervor. The first affection of the convert to Christ is deep, full, and ardent. It is not necessary that this love should become less as knowledge increases, as the more and increased light shines upon him. That love should become more fervent as he becomes better acquainted with his Lord.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 956.

“The first experience of the Ephesus church led to good works. God took delight in the fact that His church reflected the light of heaven by revealing the spirit of Christ in tenderness and compassion. The love that dwelt in the heart of Christ; the love that caused Him to give Himself a sacrifice for humanity, and to suffer with forbearance the reproach of men, even to the extent of being called a devil; the love that prompted Him to perform mighty works of healing during His ministry—this was the love that was to be revealed in the lives of His disciples.

“But they neglected to cherish Christ’s compassion and tenderness. Self, as manifested in hereditary traits of character, spoiled the principles of the grand, good works that identified the members of the Ephesus church as Christians. … The love that constrained the Saviour to die for us, was not revealed in its fullness in their lives; and hence they were unable to bring honor to the name of the Redeemer. …” Ibid., 956.

“The losing of the first love is specified as a moral fall. The loss of this love is represented as something that will affect the entire religious life. Of those who have lost this love, God says that unless they repent, He will come to them, and remove their candlestick out of its place.” Ibid., 957.

“It is our work to know our special failings and sins, which cause darkness and spiritual feebleness, and quenched our first love.” Ibid., 957.

“The loss of the first love has opened the door to a great amount of selfishness, evil surmising, evil speaking, envy, jealousy, hard-heartedness. This is the fruit borne when the fervor of the first love has grown cold. There has been but little restraint upon the tongue, for prayer has been neglected. A Pharisaical righteousness has been cherished; there is deadness of spirituality, and a lack of spiritual eye-sight is the result.” Special Testimony to our Ministers, 2a, 27.

“With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren. The church may meet all the description that is given of the Ephesian church, and yet fail in vital godliness.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 387.

The Four Prerequisites for Unity

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Surrounded by the eleven men who were going to be responsible for taking the gospel of His grace to the whole world, Jesus offered the prayer for them that we find recorded in John 17. This prayer, however, is not for those eleven men alone, because verse 20 says; “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” All who believe in Jesus are included, because we only know of Him through the testimony of these men.

Jesus continues: “That they all may be one, as You, father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” All the way to the end of His prayer inverse 26, the primary point for which Jesus expressed great concern was that there might be unity among His people.

Unity is not just something that is important; it is something the must take place before Jesus comes again. It is so important that Ellen White has told us that if we do not press together in unity, we will be destroyed.

In studying this subject, I have found that a number of areas are included. In this article we will explore two of them.

From time to time, I have been asked to meet with various individuals in administration in the Seventh-day Adventist Church organization. While I would be glad to meet with these men, I cannot do it unless some conditions are met. We can have no unity with the various branches of the organization until four things have first taken place. The first two areas which we sill consider in this article, are repentance and confession.

What do we need to repent of? We need to repent for having wandered into doctrinal error, or heresy. There was a time when the head of our medical work, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, wandered into some theological positions that were not sound. Not only were they not sound, they would have destroyed Adventism had they been accepted, as was pointed out by Ellen White.

“I leave this matter as it now stand; for I am pained beyond measure because our brother’s spiritual views ate not founded on a solid basis. The man can never be relied upon in the future, unless heart and soul, mind and strength, are entirely changed, revamped. As matters now stand, I can not see how there can be Christian unity between the medical missionary work as led by those in error, and the gospel ministry. There can be no unity without a decided change in the one who has stood as leader of our medical work.” Series B, 7,54 [All emphasis supplied.]

Notice that she said that he could never be trusted in the future. It is no different today. When a minister or leader wanders into doctrinal heresy, he can not be trusted unless he decides to repent of his error and that fact has been demonstrated by a full confession. Our problem is that we have grown up in a public relations era where people believe that you can smooth everything over with a veneer and after a time everyone will forget and life can go on, but this is not the gospel.

Because of their desire for harmony, many people are tempted to seek a type of unity with those whom they know to be in error. The devil wants us to harmonize with error, but there is a grave danger in doing so, and we must not do it.

“Oh, how deceptive is the human heart! How easy it is to harmonize with that which is evil! There is nothing more detrimental to the soul’s interest, its purity, its true and holy conceptions of God, and of sacred and eternal things, than constantly giving heed to and exalting that which is not form God. It poisons the heart, and degrades the understanding.” Selected Messages, book 2, 78

What does it mean to repent? In the Greek language, the word for repentance comes form a word that means a change of mind. In other word, you change your mind about sin, and when repentance is genuine, you will change you life. That is why we are told that genuine repentance is followed by reformation. See The Desire of Ages, 555. If there is no reformation in the life, then there has not been true repentance.

If, however, we are too proud to confess, if we are too proud to repent, we can never come into unity.

It is so easy for people who have been Christians for a long time, and have not been living openly immoral lives, to think that somehow they no longer need to confess. This is especially true of those in positions of trust. Minister, however, need to study the subject of repentance and confession just as much as anyone else, and maybe more, because their position makes repentance and confession so much more difficult to do.

“If when the Lord reveals your errors you do not repent or make confession, His providence will bring you over the ground again and again. You will be left to make mistakes of a similar character, you will continue to lack wisdom, and will call sin righteousness, and righteousness sin. The multitude of deceptions that will prevail in these last days will encircle you, [she is talking to ministers here] and you will change leaders, and not know that you have done so.

“I ask you who are handling sacred things, I ask the individual members of the church, Have you confessed your sins?” Review and Herald, December 16, 1890

It is a dangerous thing, when God reveals to a person something in their life that is wrong, for that person not to accept it with repentance and confession. When this takes place, the thinking becomes distorted so that sin appears as righteousness and righteousness as sin. It is even possible for a minister to continue preaching and call himself a Seventh-day Adventist, but to have changed leaders without realizing it. Instead of following Christ, he has become a part of Satan’s organization.

Confession is absolutely vital and of all people, ministers should be the most diligent to be sure that their sins are repented of and confessed.

“Confess your faults to one another, that you may be healed. How many there are who are carrying a load of unconfessed wrongdoing. They try to shape matters so that their dignity will not be hurt. To make wrongs right from the very first departure, looks to them like extinguishing themselves.” Signs of the Times, October 30, 1901

Where am I to go back to, to get things made right? To the very first departure from the right. This is a critical point to understand when you want to have unity. Some people ask, “Why can’t we all just all get together?”

Before we can get together in unity, we are going to have to go back to where the departure was and make it right.

Let me just give and illustration that has to do with this. Have you ever had somebody ask you, “Why can’t you just associate and fellowship with the Seventh-day Baptists? What is the difference?” Oh, there is a big difference between Seventh-day Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists. The difference is that in the 1840s, the Seventh-day Baptists did not accept the first angel’s message. When you do not accept the first angel’s message, you are not in a position to accept the second angel’s message. If you do not accept the second angel’s message, you are no in a position to accept the third angel’s messages which are present truth for today.

I worked with and evangelist once who told me that when you are explaining something sensitive, always put it on the other foot. Do not every make the person you are talking with appear in a bad light. If you are talking with Methodists, do not talk about the Methodists, talk about the Baptists or some other group, or the person to whom you are speaking is very apt to take it personally and you will have a barrier of prejudice to overcome before you can reach them. I just followed that principle. I have not talked to you about Seventh-day Adventists, but if you follow this principle through, it applies in Adventism.

“Men have in their minds justified the course that was then taken. They have viewed things, from beginning to end, in a altogether false light; and form the present showing, the same course will be followed in the future.” Spalding-Magan Collection, 178

These words are part of an appeal to our leading ministers to repent and confess of what we had done wrong. Some people urge charity and express a concern that it is hurtful to those involved to discuss these things, but notice what we are told about true charity.

“True charity never covers up unrepented and unconfessed sins.” Signs of the Times, May 11, 1876

“While we should manifest Christian courtesy, we are authorized to call sin and sinners by their right names—that this is consistent with true charity. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, and labor for their salvation, we should not make a compromise with sin. We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of the world to stand, as did john in his time, unflinchingly for the right, in opposition to soul destroying errors.” Sanctified Life, 65

Some people believe that it is wrong to name names, but that is not what we are told by inspiration. It is necessary that they be named so that other people will no be led astray. We are to call sin and sinners by their right name and appeal to them to repent. We are to denounce what they are doing so that the Holy Spirit can convict their minds to repent and confess their sins, because we are very close to the time when there will longer be an opportunity to confess our sin, to repent.

Friend, in Adventism today, there is a lot to repent of and much to confess, but there can never be unity unless these steps are first followed.

“When Brother G once takes a position on the wrong side, it is not easy for him to confess that he has error; but if he can let his wrong course pass out of his mind and pass from the memory of others, and he can make some changes for the better without an open acknowledgement of his wrong, he will do so. But all these errors and unconfessed sins stand registered in heaven and will not be blotted out until he complies with the directions given in the word of God: ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’” Testimonies, vol. 4, 241

Do you see what it is that is blocking us from having unity? Can we deny that there has been scheming and prevarication in Adventism in the last few years? These things make unity impossible.

“He would teach His people that disobedience and sin are exceedingly offensive to Him and are not to be lightly regarded. He shows us that when His people are found in sin they should at once take decided measures to put that sin from them, that His frown may not rest upon them all. Bur if the sins of the people are passed over by those in responsible positions, His frown will be upon them, and the people of God, as a body, will be held responsible for those sins.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 265

The plain, straight testimony must live in the church, or the curse of God will rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient Israel because of their sins. God holds his people, as a body, responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search our the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins.” Ibid. 269

Now, friends, if you understand very much at all about church history, that statement should put a great load on you. Do you have any idea of some of the things that have happened in Adventism that, as far as I can find out, have never been repented of or confessed?

What was happening in the 50s, 60s, and 70s?

Remember when the book Questions on Doctrine came out in the 1950s, introducing heresy?

Remember what took place in the Mary Kay Silvers case in the 1970s? Was it right? We have been defending it ever since. I have a whole booklet in my library defending what we did. I read the booklet and then read the accounts of what had happened and when I finished, I said, “It was not right.”

Somebody may say, “Well, she did this, that and the other.” It does not matter what the other person has done. You don not have to answer for what she did, but if we were a member of the organization at that time, we are going to have to answer for what we have don, or allowed others to do in our church, without protest. I think we have more repenting and confessing to do than many of us have ever imagined. I think that if we want to be ready for the Lord to come, we had better figure out what we are going to do and start doing something about everything that comes to our notice.

In the 1980s there was John Marik who was put in prison for religious reasons. This action was initiated by the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and I have paper work confirming this. That was a sin, friends, and what we did is registered in the book of heaven.

The first thing that is essential to unity is repentance.

Someone may ask, “Pastor John, are you speaking only about the organization?” No, I am not denying that there may be things for which I need to repent. If there are blind spots in my character that I do not see, for which I need to repent, then someone among god’s people who loves me needs to point them out to me, so that I can repent. Unity will never be obtained without repentance, and true repentance will always be followed by confession.

“All sin unrepented of and unconfessed will remain upon the books of record. It will not be blotted out, it will not go beforehand to judgement, to be canceled by the atoning blood of Jesus. The accumulated sins of every individual will be written with absolute accuracy.” Review and Herald, March 27, 1888

We are living in the Day of Atonement. Are you reviewing your life? Are you asking, “Lord, did I think a thought , speak a word or do anything today that was not pleasing in Your sight?”

If you will begin the process of repenting and confessing your faults and mistakes, you will find that it becomes progressively easier. It is certainly humbling, but as with many difficult things, it is always hardest at first.

Some of you may feel overwhelmed as you consider the formidable task before you and be tempted to say, “pastor John, if I follow your advice on repenting and confessing of sin, I would not even get all my sins repented of and confessed before the Lord comes; there are too many!” but, god is the One who said this and if you co not know how to get it all done, you had better talk to Him about it. All I can do is share with you what the Lord said. Ask the Lord to help you to get it done. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will finish.

About this time, one of the questions that makes people very nervous is, “What if I cannot remember? Am I then shut out of the kingdom of heaven?”

The Bible says: “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12. If you have a willingness in your mind and will make a commitment with the Lord, the Holy Spirit will point out to you what you need to do to be right with God. The problem is not with our memories because god can supply our deficiencies. The real problem is that we need to have a mind that is willing to make things right.

“There are those who are supposed to be excellent men, but they have some flaw in their character which, under special temptation, becomes as a dead fly in the ointment. The whole character will be perverted by one unconfessed sin.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 190

If we allow one sin in our life that is not confessed and repented of, that one sin will flaw the entire character. In Testimonies, vol. 5, 53, we are told that one sin will neutralize all the power of the gospel.

Ellen White once wrote to an elderly person who was living in sin, but who had not long to live. She said, “The sands of your life are nearly run out, and now if you will come to God just as you are, without one plea but that He has died to save the chiefest of sinners you will find pardon even in this the eleventh hour.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 133

Oh, friend, whatever your situation, whatever the sin in your life, even if it is the eleventh hour of your life, you can come to Jesus and repent and confess and find forgiveness for your sin. The gospel is a wonderful thing. Not only can you find forgiveness from your sins, but you can find power to live a new life, to no longer live in sin.

“Christ did not die to have power to cover transgression unrepented of and unconfessed. Not all sins are to be confessed publicly, but some are to be confessed alone to God and the parties that have been injured.” Ibid.

We need to pray: “Lord whatever You have to do with me to prepared me for heaven, whatever experience I have to go through, whatever trial, whatever happens, please, Lord, do not let me die in sin.” If you die with your mistakes concealed and unconfessed, you are lost.

“The mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for all who love Him, will be peopled by those who are free from sin. But sins that are not confessed will never be forgiven; the name of him who thus rejects the grace of God will be blotted out of the book of life.” Ibid.

Friend, I am willing for you to correct me on anything that you can find from inspired writings, but if I am correct, we have a lot more repenting and confessing to do than most of us have ever had any idea of and we had better pray and ask the Lord to help us to get it done. We are either going to confess it now, or after the millennium. By the grace of God, let us begin now.

The End

Bible Study Guides – God’s Love for You

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September 25, 2016 – October 1, 2016

Key Text

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (I John 4:9).

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 9–15.

Introduction

“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. … This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1113.

1 A DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE

  • What is the most enduring characteristic of our Creator? I John 4:16.

Note: “ ‘God is love,’ is written upon every opening bud, upon the petals of every flower, and upon every spire of grass. … All things in nature testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy. His prohibitions and injunctions are not intended merely to display His authority, but in all that He does He has the well-being of His children in view.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 600.

  • How did God most fully demonstrate His love? John 3:16; Romans 5:6–8.

Note: “The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a mother’s yearning sympathy for her wayward child.” Steps to Christ, 15.

2 SAVED FROM SIN

  • What great mission did Jesus accomplish by His sacrifice? Matthew 1:21.

Note: “Jesus might have remained at the Father’s side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father’s hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing.” The Desire of Ages, 22, 23.

“Christ’s mission could be fulfilled only through suffering. Before Him was a life of sorrow, hardship, and conflict, and an ignominious death. He must bear the sins of the whole world. He must endure separation from His Father’s love.” Ibid., 129.

  • What is His will for every person? 2 Peter 3:9; I Timothy 2:4.

Note: “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His.” The Desire of Ages, 25.

  • How do we receive the benefit of Christ’s death for our sins? Acts 16:31; I John 1:9.

Note: “The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy.” Steps to Christ, 37.

“Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one that can implant in the heart enmity against sin. Every desire for truth and purity, every conviction of our own sinfulness, is an evidence that His Spirit is moving upon our hearts.” Ibid., 26.

3 SAVED FROM EVIL WITHIN

  • Being saved includes not only forgiveness, but what else? Titus 2:11–14; Galatians 2:20.

Note: “It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. … Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.” Steps to Christ, 18.

  • What does the power of God do within the converted Christian? Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Note: “The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin.” The Desire of Ages, 308.

“As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we cooperate with God in overcoming Satan’s temptations.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 943.

  • What should be our constant prayer? Psalm 139:23, 24.

Note: “No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

4 SPIRITUAL WARFARE

  • What inward battle must be fought every day? Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 6:11.

Note: “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought.” Steps to Christ, 43.

“The cross stands as a pledge that not one need be lost, that abundant help is provided for every soul.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 96.

  • What will be the final step in the salvation of the righteous? Hebrews 9:28; I Corinthians 15:51–54.

Note: “Though they [those who sleep in Jesus] may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured in this mortal life, yet in their resurrected and glorified body their individual identity will be perfectly preserved, and we shall recognize, in the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, the lineaments of those we love.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 219.

“The living righteous are changed ‘in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye’ (1 Corinthians 15:52). At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air.” The Great Controversy, 645.

  • When will the warfare be finally over? 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.

Note: “Nearest the throne [of Christ in the New Jerusalem] are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the ‘great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, … before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands’ (Revelation 7:9). Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs.” The Great Controversy, 665.

5 THE HAND THAT KNOCKS

  • What invitation does Jesus extend to every soul today? John 7:37, 38; Revelation 22:17.

Note: “The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the hearts of men and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their longing. The Spirit of God is pleading with them to seek for those things that alone can give peace and rest—the grace of Christ, the joy of holiness. Through influences seen and unseen, our Saviour is constantly at work to attract the minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of sin to the infinite blessings that may be theirs in Him. To all these souls, who are vainly seeking to drink from the broken cisterns of this world, the divine message is addressed, [Revelation 22:17 quoted].

“You who in heart long for something better than this world can give, recognize this longing as the voice of God to your soul.” Steps to Christ, 28.

  • What should we remember about the hand that knocks on our heart’s door? Revelation 3:20; Zechariah 13:6.

Note: “We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our most joyful emotion. We should keep in our thoughts every blessing we receive from God, and when we realize His great love we should be willing to trust everything to the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.” Steps to Christ, 103, 104.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How has God demonstrated His love to you?

2 What is the significance of Christ’s death for every human being?

3 How does salvation go beyond the mere forgiveness of past sins?

4 What will be the final step in completing the work of salvation?

5 What makes today the best day to respond to Jesus’ knock on your heart’s door?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.