overcome

Editorial – The Wheat and the Tares, part 2

by

The parable of the wheat and the tares forcibly teaches the lesson that salvation or damnation is not the result of a moment but is a process which takes place over a period of time. Unfortunately, the idea has become commonly accepted that a person may live a life of sin and at a moment of utmost extremity, call on the name of the Lord, and be saved by a mere profession of faith. But notice what Ellen White says.

“Those who are quieting a guilty conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose, that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed, take this course at their peril. They think that after casting all their influence on the side of the great rebel, in a moment of utmost extremity, when danger compasses them about, they will change leaders. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, the discipline of a life of sinful indulgence, has so thoroughly molded the character that they cannot then receive the image of Jesus. Had no light shone upon their pathway, the case would have been different. Mercy might interpose, and give them an opportunity to accept her overtures; but after light has been long rejected and despised, it will be finally withdrawn.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 269 (See also Testimonies, vol. 1, 81, 82.)

Salvation is not obtained by a simple profession of faith. The faith that is professed must be perfected through a growth in grace. “In the Kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Desire of Ages, 549 (See James 2:14-26.)

In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the wheat, or good seed, represents the gospel of truth. (See Signs of the Times, February 4, 1897.) When this seed is received, it begins to transform the character until the mind perfectly reflects the mind of Christ. (See Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 244.)
As a person is what he thinks in his heart, the person who is transformed into the likeness of Christ, displays a Christlike character—a mature stalk of wheat.

Tares, on the other hand, represent the seeds of evil. Any seed of evil that is allowed to remain in the heart will eventually choke the good seed. “Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel.” Steps to Christ, 34. As the seed of evil matures in the mind, it eventually becomes evident in a character that is symbolized by tares.

When the person is openly bearing evil fruit—living in open sin—he is to be disfellowshipped from the church but as long as he professes faith and is outwardly living according to the commandments, we are not to judge his character and motive. (See Christ’s Object Lessons, 71.)

Years ago we simply stated that the harvest is the end of the world, which is, of course, true. A careful reading of the parable, however, reveals something about the nature of the harvest.

All farmers know that the harvest is not instantaneous, but the closing period of the growing season. The same is true of the harvest of grace. Speaking of this event, Jesus said: “And in the time of the harvest.” That phrase could also be accurately translated, “during the time of the harvest.” The harvest time is that period in the “end of the age” of grace. It is that period of time when through the third angel’s message a final separation of the wheat and the tares takes place (see Early Writings, 118), when the character of every plant becomes evident and public.

Notice in the following quotation how clearly it is stated that the harvest is a period of time. “Let both grow together until the harvest. Then the Lord sends forth His reapers to gather out the tares, and binds them in bundles to burn, while the wheat is gathered into the heavenly garner. The time of the judgment is a most solemn period, when the Lord gathers His own from among the tares. Those who have been members of the same family are separated. A mark is placed upon the righteous.” Special Testimonies, Series A, 6. Clearly the harvest is a period of time during which the character, which has long been developing through the growing season (the age of grace), is fully developed, and the destiny forever fixed.

Friend, do not be tempted to think that the harvest could not possibly take place without you knowing it. It could be over before you know it! (See Jeremiah 8:20; Early Writings, 71.)

Inspiration – Christ Our Only Hope

by

Before the foundations of the world were laid, Christ, the Only Begotten of God, pledged Himself to become the Redeemer of the human race, should Adam sin. Adam fell, and He who was partaker of the Father’s glory before the world was, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down from His high authority to become a Babe in Bethlehem, that by passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He might redeem fallen human beings. He subjected Himself to all the temptations that the enemy brings against men and women; and all the assaults of Satan could not make Him swerve from His loyalty to the Father. By living a sinless life He testified that every son and daughter of Adam can resist the temptations of the one who first brought sin into the world.

Christ brought men and women power to overcome. He came to this world in human form, to live a man amongst men. He assumed the liabilities of human nature, to be proved and tried. In His humanity He was a partaker of the divine nature. In His incarnation He gained in a new sense the title of the Son of God. Said the angel to Mary, “The power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). While the Son of a human being, He became the Son of God in a new sense. Thus He stood in our world—the Son of God, yet allied by birth to the human race.

Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and of the fallen world that ample provision has been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their Creator. He endured the temptations that Satan was permitted to bring against Him, and resisted all his assaults. He was sorely afflicted, and hard beset, but God did not leave Him without recognition. When He was baptized of John in Jordan, as He came up out of the water, the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, descended upon Him, and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). It was directly after this announcement that Christ was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Mark says: “Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts” (Mark 1:12, 13). “And in those days He did eat nothing” (Luke 4:2).

Meeting Temptation

When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He was to travel. How should He begin His work of freeing the captives held in torment by the destroyer? During His long fast, the whole plan of His work as man’s deliverer was laid out before Him.

When Jesus entered the wilderness He was shut in by the Father’s glory. Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human weakness. But the glory departed, and He was left to battle with temptation. It was pressing upon Him every moment. His human nature shrank from the conflict that awaited Him. For forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). Now was Satan’s opportunity. Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ.

There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel of light, and this was the message that he bore: “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3).

Jesus met Satan with the words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “Thus saith the Lord” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

A familiarity with the word of God is our only hope. Those who diligently search the Scriptures will not accept Satan’s delusions as the truth of God. No one need be overcome by the speculations presented by the enemy of God and of Christ. We are not to speculate regarding points upon which the word of God is silent. All that is necessary for our salvation is given in the word of God. Day by day we are to make the Bible the man of our counsel.

From all eternity Christ was united with the Father, and when He took upon Himself human nature, He was still one with God. He is the link that unites God with humanity. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself liksewise took part of the same” (Hebrews 2:14). Only through Him can we become children of God. To all who believe on Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. Thus the heart becomes the temple of the living God. It is because Christ took human nature that men and women become partakers of the divine nature. He brings life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Selected Messages, Book 1, 226–228.

Keys to the Storehouse – The Prickly Chestnut Bur

by

Have you ever had somebody observe your attitude and say “ouch”? Why would they say such a thing? Could it be because you have “prickles”?

What a terrible thing to be prickled like a chestnut bur. Have you ever tried to touch a chestnut bur without being pricked? I am sure each of us would love to receive heavenly guests into our home but if our character is full of prickles, they will not abide with us.

“Unless we daily cultivate the precious plant of love we are in danger of becoming narrow, unsympathetic, bigoted, and critical, esteeming ourselves righteous when we are far from being approved of God. Some are uncourteous, abrupt, and harsh. They are like chestnut burs: they prick whenever touched. These do incalculable harm by misrepresenting our loving Saviour. …” Testimonies, vol. 5, 605.

“Never should we lose control over ourselves. Let us ever keep before us the perfect Pattern.

  • It is a sin to speak impatiently and fretfully
  • or to feel angry—even though we do not speak.
  • We are to walk worthy, giving a right representation of Christ.
  • The speaking of an angry word is like flint striking flint: it at once kindles wrathful feelings.
  • Never be like a chestnut bur. …

“When others are impatient, fretful, and complaining, because self is not subdued, begin to sing some of the songs of Zion. While Christ was working at the carpenter’s bench others would sometimes surround Him, trying to cause Him to be impatient; but He would begin singing some of the beautiful psalms, and before they realized what they were doing they had joined with Him in singing, influenced, as it were, by the power of the Holy Spirit, which was there.” In Heavenly Places, 246.

Their prickles were melted!

“The man or woman who preserves the balance of the mind when tempted to indulge passion stands higher in the sight of God and heavenly angels than the most renowned general that ever led an army to battle and to victory. Said a celebrated emperor when on his dying bed, ‘Among all my conquests there is but one which affords me any consolation now, and that is the conquest I have gained over my own turbulent temper.’ [His prickles melted!] Alexander and Caesar found it easier to subdue a world than to subdue themselves. After conquering nation after nation, they fell—one of them ‘the victim of intemperance, the other of mad ambition.’ ” Child Guidance, 95. They died in their prickles!

“But are there not many who are … like a chestnut bur, hurting those with whom they come in contact? … Those who represent Christ will not speak harshly. Their words will be pleasant and helpful.” In Heavenly Places, 321.

“By our joyfulness we reveal that our life is hid with Christ in God, that in Him we find the most blessed companionship, and that through His grace we have a living connection with heaven.” Ibid., 246.

“The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control.” Sons and Daughters of God, 84. No prickles!

Heavenly Father: I do not want to be as a chestnut bur, full of prickles. Please remove everything that causes harm from my heart so that others may not experience pain from my attitude, words or actions. I would love to have others, along with heavenly guests, find a peaceful atmosphere—no more prickles, in my home or in my presence. Thank you Father. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Oh, What an Excuse!

by

How often have you heard the excuse, “It is natural”? Or have you used that excuse yourself?

“I have seen professed Christians act out their natural infirmities,

  • let their evil temper get the victory over them, and
  • after the excitement has passed, reflection and reason teaches them they have greatly erred.
  • They excuse themselves by saying,
  • ‘It’s natural for me to be quick, it’s my temperament.’ …

“I have heard the most covetous and selfish, when reproved for these sins, urge the excuse, ‘It’s natural. I was taught to be so.’ O, what an excuse for a Christian, ‘It’s natural.’

  • ‘It’s natural’ to give way to a passionate temper.
  • ‘It’s natural’ to indulge in pride.
  • ‘It’s natural’ to be covetous and selfish.

“Let me ask you professed Christian, are you going into heaven with all these ‘natural’ infirmities unsubdued? No, never! Heaven will not be marred with the presence of any with ‘natural’ infirmities.

“Well since these infirmities must be overcome, what shall we do?

  • Shall we excuse ourselves by saying ‘It’s natural?’ or
  • shall we rather go about the work earnestly to subdue self, and
  • take the steps necessary to be taken, to accomplish the object?

“ ‘It’s natural’ is the excuse that comes from a carnal heart. The axe has not been laid at the root of the tree. There has not been a thorough acquaintance with the heart, and poisonous weeds that choke every good growth have been permitted to flourish there. These evils must be rooted out, these besetments overcome, or lose heaven.

“Look to the rock that is higher than you, plead with God in secret prayer for grace. All these ‘natural’ infirmities can be overcome by grace. But the ‘natural,’ carnal, heart is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. If the carnal mind is subdued, you will not hear so frequently, ‘It’s natural.’

  • Satan loves to hear this.
  • His angels rejoice that you have not grace sufficient to overcome ‘natural’ infirmities.
  • They triumph at these words, ‘It’s natural.’

“But Jesus says, ‘my grace is sufficient for you.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Yes it is sufficient to overcome and subdue the ‘natural,’ carnal, heart.

“Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation (Mark 14:38). Earnest, fervent prayer will avail much when tempted to speak wrong. Say not a word until you first pray, then watch with all your powers. Set a watch before the door of your lips. Jesus knows just how hard you try to overcome, and His all-sufficient grace will be imparted, and with holy trust, you may rejoice in your Redeemer Who giveth you the victory.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 1, 1857. [All emphasis author’s.]

What is Freedom? Are We Free?

by

There are some people in the United States of America who do not know the reason for the 4th of July celebration and from whom they gained independence. Many Americans are ignorant of their historical roots.

The Bible deals with three aspects of liberty and it would be wise to consider whether we truly have liberty and freedom in our own lives. It is possible to experience liberty even in the midst of lawlessness when our civil liberties are taken from us.

God has told His church that what was not done when there was opportunity in times of peace would have to be done under terrible conditions and even persecution.

The two founding documents of the United States are the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Notice in the following quotation that Ellen White lumps these two together because the Constitution is based upon the principles in the Declaration of Independence. If you attack one, you attack the other. She says, “In that grand old document which our forefathers set forth as their bill of rights—the Declaration of Independence—they declared: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ And the Constitution guarantees, in the most explicit terms, the inviolability of conscience: ‘No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.’ ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ ” The Great Controversy, 295.

We always think of the Bill of Rights as the amendments to the constitution, but here these rights are tied in with the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Christians will have to exercise their freedom of conscience when challenged personally over what God’s law says and what saith the state, called the image to the beast. “It (freedom of conscience) is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate. Congressional documents (U.S.A.), serial No. 200, document No. 271.” Ibid., 295.

Liberties will be eroded, but true liberty comes from God. The psalmist said, “I will walk at liberty for I seek Thy precepts” (Psalm 119:45). Here David is referring to God’s law. Those who seek to know truth and obey God’s law walk in liberty. Precepts here means commandments. In the book of Psalms, particularly Psalm 119, God’s law, His ten commandments, are referred to in many different phrases and words such as precepts, or testimonies, or a law, word, or commandments.

While a fugitive, being hunted by Saul like a wild animal, David could still walk at liberty in his own heart. He could have freedom, knowing he was right with God, even though his personal rights were being taken from him.

The apostle James said that true freedom, or liberty, comes from walking in obedience to God’s law. He said, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25 KJV). The apostle James calls the law a law of freedom.

Why would God’s law be seen as or described as a law of liberty? An examination of the ten commandments reveals that they were divided and written on two tables of stone, the first four on the first table of stone and the last six on the second table. God knew that the principles governing man’s relationship to Himself and to each other would have to be distinct and separate from one another, just as state and church are to be separate from one another.

The state has been given the responsibility of enforcing the last six commandments that deal with man’s responsibility to his fellow man, but religion has its part in the first table of the law, which deals with man’s relationship with God. The government has no right to infringe upon the first four commandments, which is why they were put on a separate table.

We also notice that within the commandments there are eight commandments of omission and two of commission. In eight commandments God reveals behaviors that are to be eliminated from each life. Freedom would be experienced if adultery, lying, stealing, and coveting other people’s things were eliminated. Many people think that keeping God’s law puts you in bondage, but that is just the opposite of what the Bible says.

An illustration was given of a pastor who asked a man who was smoking for a cigarette. The man had previously accused the minister of being in bondage to the law. On receiving it he put it into his mouth and asked for the lighter. When the lighter was about an inch away from his cigarette he said, “Nah!” He took the cigarette out of his mouth and gave back both the cigarette and lighter.

Then he said to the man, “Now, you do the same. I want you to put it down and never touch it again.”

“Oh, I can’t do that,” said the man.

“No!” said the pastor. “Who is really in bondage?”

You see, if anything has control of your life that does not give freedom and peace in your heart, then you are not at liberty. God’s law is a law of liberty. He says that if you omit the disruptive things from your life and then add the two commandments of commission, the Sabbath and give honor to your father and mother, then your days may be long on the land which the Lord gives you. You will experience complete freedom in your life. No matter what outward force may come against you, you will walk at liberty.

We have been told and can already see evidence that God’s law is going to be challenged in our own country and around the world, but we need not fear, for God is sovereign over all and still in charge.

James 2:10–12, literal translation says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ said also, ‘Do not kill.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but if you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” God’s law, the law of freedom, will one day judge us. Though you have complete freedom to do whatever you want to in this world, there are always consequences to doing what is contrary to God’s law.

The book The Man That Couldn’t Be Killed is a true story of a man who became a Seventh-day Adventist under Mao Se Tung, the late dictator in China. In his attempt to eradicate all religion, Mao Se Tung sent him to Siberia where the prisoners were forced to make the own prison. While it was being constructed, their accommodation was in caves. There was no need of barbed wire fences because any escape would mean certain death due to their isolation. Refusing to eat the pork that was served, he gave his portion to another prisoner. When the guards found out that he was refusing it, they held him down and shoved pork down his throat. Returning to his room, he stuck his finger in his mouth and gagged himself until the pork was regurgitated.

It would have been easy for him to eat it, as there was nothing else, but he could not do that because, though he was a prisoner, he was walking in God’s freedom. God wants to put us in perfect, total control of ourselves, where, if offered something that is appealing to our sinful human nature but contrary to God’s will, we will not accept it. We must be able to be trusted to be taken to heaven. Unless tried, how can God know who will give Him allegiance under every circumstance.

When we acknowledge our sins and defects of character and turn to Christ for the remedy, we will find that the law is not a law of bondage, but a law of freedom. God’s law is good. “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin’ ” (John 8:34).

Friends, if you are enslaved to anything you eat, or drink, or to some activity you are engaged in, whether it be your cell phone, your Facebook account and you can’t get away from them, you are not free. Just try laying it aside for a week or two and see how you feel. National Public Radio did a study of everybody in their office, charging them not to look at Facebook for a week. There were some who could not last a couple of hours. In fact, two days is the most any went. Friends, do not be enslaved to anything in this world but experience complete freedom in Jesus.

Jesus said, “ ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’ ” (John 8:34–36).

There is freedom in Christ. Does your temper enslave you? Do you find yourself impatient, or are you enslaved to evil thoughts? The devil wants to keep you enslaved to the habits you have formed over your life. Many people are enslaved to the bitterness of their own hearts. All they can talk about are the wrongs that somebody did to them in the past. Are you enslaved to those past experiences? Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13, 14).

The bitterness connected to being enslaved to the past will defile your own heart. Jesus said, “The Son will make you free” (John 8:36). All desire liberty, but few understand how to get it. In John 8:31 Jesus told the Jews that believed Him that they were enslaved with unbelief. They had hatred in their hearts and harbored jealous feelings. They were envious of Jesus’ ministry. Are these same things also in our lives?

God wants to give us liberty. Speaking about the year of Jubilee, it says in Leviticus 25:10, “And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family.”

The famous landmark in the United States with this text written on the very top is the Liberty Bell, which became a rallying cry for slaves. Liberty was being proclaimed throughout all the land and the slaves said, “Hey, we are not free, and this is what you are proclaiming from the word of God?” They also wanted freedom.

“True liberty and independence are found in the service of God. His service will place upon you no restriction that will not increase your happiness.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 88. It is not going to create unhappiness in your life when you are restricted from eating or drinking something, or thinking something, or participating in some activity contrary to God’s will, but it will increase your happiness in the service of God.

“In complying with His requirements, you will find a peace, contentment, and enjoyment that you can never have in the path of wild license and sin.” Ibid. You can not have peace, contentment, and enjoyment when you give yourself up to your own carnal, sinful nature. “Then study well the nature of the liberty you desire. Is it the liberty of the sons of God, to be free in Christ Jesus? or do you call the selfish indulgence of base passions freedom? Such liberty carries with it the heaviest remorse; it is the cruelest bondage.” Ibid.

There are terrible consequences of doing whatever you want without restraint.

Another interesting dichotomy of liberty is found in Daniel 6. It was the envy and jealousy of the governors of Persia that caused them to find an occasion against Daniel to go and tell the king that this man was unfaithful. How much did they find with Daniel to substantiate their claim? Not even one thing. They had to find something Daniel did that would be contrary to the king’s law. So they made a law that no one could pray to any god except the king for 30 days. Daniel was not fazed; he did not change the way he prayed to his God.  Three times a day, as his custom was, he opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and there he prayed (see Daniel 6:10). Daniel experienced perfect freedom, even though there was a law in force to restrict it. He experienced liberty and was in perfect freedom with Christ.

Joseph in Egypt was a slave working for Potiphar. Resisting the advances of Potiphar’s wife resulted in his being thrown in jail. However, he was still free in his heart, even though he was incarcerated and his liberty had been taken away.

Another aspect of freedom is found in 2 Corinthians 3. This describes the difference between the Spirit of life and the spirit of the letter of the law. Notice in verse 17, it says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

In John 16 we are told a few things the Holy Spirit does in our lives that sets us free. He says, “Nevertheless I [Jesus] tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper, the Spirit, will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He is come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:7, 8). There is liberating theology within this one text.

When the Holy Spirit comes and convinces of sin and that sin is confessed, there is freedom and liberty. The Holy Spirit then convicts of righteousness, to do what is right, and of judgment. There are consequences for sin and there may be some fixing up to do. The new birth experience is a process of liberty; it is freedom.

There is another function of the Holy Spirit: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come” (verse 13). The Spirit will guide you into truth. Truth is liberating. The opposite of truth is deception—error and lies. Truth will set you free from old deceptions. You cannot deceive God.

God said in Genesis 2:15 and 16 that if you eat of this tree you will die. In chapter 3 verses 1–3, the devil says the opposite of what God said in chapter 2. That was a lie. Eve deceived herself into believing that what the serpent said was actually true, that she would become like God, knowing good and evil. It is amazing that the devil can tell us just the opposite of what God’s word tells us, and we believe it as truth.

People deceive themselves all the time. If God says, “Don’t commit adultery,” somehow people have a text of Scripture to back up why it is acceptable. If God says, “Don’t lie,” they have a reason why they need to lie, some using Rahab as a reason why it is acceptable to lie in certain situations, when the Spirit of Prophecy says there is no situation under the heavens where we can lie. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

If you know the truth and obey it, you will no longer be deceived. In The Great Controversy, 277, it says, “The spirit of liberty went with the Bible. Wherever the gospel was received, the minds of the people were awakened. They began to cast off the shackles that had held them bondslaves of ignorance, vice, and superstition.” These were shackles of ignorance. There were people in the time of Martin Luther who believed that if they paid for indulgences they would receive a little piece of paper saying their sins were forgiven. Martin Luther was outraged at this and preached what the Bible says—that you have to confess your sins to Jesus and have faith in Him and be forgiven. But they said, “No, I like my piece of paper better.” They were deceived; they were bond slaves of ignorance, vice and many other things. When the Spirit of Liberty went with the Bible, it set them free from all their superstitions. No longer would they believe that their departed little loved one was floating out on the fireflies at night in the summer wind. “They began to think and act as men. Monarchs saw it, and trembled for their despotism.” Ibid.

In The Review and Herald, December 14, 1911, we are told: “It was not the apostle’s work to overturn arbitrarily or suddenly the established order of society. To attempt this would be to prevent the success of the gospel.” This was referring to the slavery in the Roman Empire. Two thirds of the population were slaves and the other one third were the owners of the slaves. Paul’s work to overturn this arbitrarily would not have worked. “But he taught principles which struck at the very foundation of slavery, and which, if carried into effect, would surely undermine the whole system. ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty’ (2 Corinthians 3:17).” Ibid.

When the Holy Spirit is withdrawn from this earth, slavery and bondage will take its place. Ignorance, vice, and superstition will return with falsehood, deception and lies. We see this happening today, which tells us that the Spirit of God is being gradually withdrawn from this earth.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus, quoting from Isaiah 61, described His mission. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance (liberty) to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed … .” Christ’s main reason in coming to this world was to give us freedom, freedom from sin and deception. He came to bring truth. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

“Through yielding to sin, man placed his will under the control of Satan. He became a helpless captive in the tempter’s power. God sent His Son into our world to break the power of Satan, and to emancipate the will of man.” Our High Calling, 104. To emancipate is to give freedom.

Dare to be a Daniel or a Joseph. They determined to do right even though they knew the consequences were dire. They would rather maintain their relationship with God through prayer and be thrown into a den of lions or into prison. That is being free in this world. God wants us to be able to stand fast in the liberty that Christ has given us to make us free. It is up to you and me whether we choose that freedom or not.

Just think what it would have been if there were not some men who were willing to sign that Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin said, “Well, if we don’t hang together, we’ll hang separately.” And there were some men who were willing to do that and put their names on the document, whether or not it would cost them their lives. That is what is at stake in our world. These brave men pledged everything and we must do the same if we are looking for an eternal inheritance.

All quotes NKJV unless otherwise noted.

Mike Bauler was ordained into the ministry in 2005 and serves as pastor of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. Prior to locating in Portland, Pastor Bauler served as a Bible worker for Steps to Life Ministries. His goal is to help give the gospel to the greater Portland area with an emphasis in helping his Bible students discover the truths in Bible prophecy, which are so often neglected today. His wife, Amanda, a family nurse practitioner, and their daughters assist him in his ministry. 

Bible Study Guides – Joseph’s Greatest Test

by

May 1, 2016 – May 7, 2016

Key Text

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (I Corinthians 6:18).

Study Help: Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 81–98.

Introduction

“Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people [the ancient Egyptian nation] was preserved.” The Acts of the Apostles, 13.

1 TAKE HEED LEST YOU FALL

  • When things are running smoothly, of what should we always be aware? I Corinthians 10:12; Matthew 26:41.

Note: “We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan’s enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God; the foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax and drowsy, to spring upon you and make you his prey.” The Great Controversy, 601.

  • While God was blessing Joseph abundantly, what was the devil trying to do? Genesis 39:5–7; I Peter 5:8.

Note: “Our great adversary has agents that are constantly hunting for an opportunity to destroy souls, as a lion hunts his prey.” Colporteur Ministry, 52.

“Man is naturally inclined to follow Satan’s suggestions, and he cannot successfully resist … unless Christ, the mighty Conqueror, dwells in him, guiding his desires, and giving him strength. God alone can limit the power of Satan. He is going to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it. He is not off his watch for a single moment, through fear of losing an opportunity to destroy souls.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 341.

2 THE DEVIL’S TRAPS

  • What was the purpose of the devil in laying the trap of adultery before Joseph’s eyes? Genesis 39:7; Proverbs 5:1–5; 7:22, 23, 27.

Note: “Few temptations are more dangerous or more fatal to young men than the temptation to sensuality and none if yielded to will prove so decidedly ruinous to soul and body for time and eternity. The welfare of his entire future is suspended upon the decision of a moment.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1097.

“A little time spent in sowing your wild oats, dear young friends, will produce a crop that will embitter your whole life; an hour of thoughtlessness, once yielding to temptation, may turn the whole current of your life in the wrong direction. You can have but one youth; make that useful. When once you have passed over the ground, you can never return to rectify your mistakes.” The Adventist Home, 59.

  • Under which circumstances is a person most prone to fall into the sins of immorality? Genesis 39:11, 12, first part; Proverbs 7:13–21.

Note: “All who willfully depart from God’s commandments are placing themselves under the control of Satan. Many a man tampers with evil, thinking that he can break away at pleasure; but he is lured on and on, until he finds himself controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape its mysterious power. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum.” The Faith I Live By, 312.

“One may conceal his sin from father, mother, wife, and friends, and yet all lies open before God, and is placed in His book of record.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 89.

  • Why are we to avoid being alone in compromising situations with the opposite sex? I Thessalonians 5:22.

Note: “All who love Jesus and keep the commandments will seek to avoid the very appearance of evil; not because they are constrained thus to do, but because they are copying a pure model, and feel averse to everything contrary to the law written in their hearts.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 81.

3 THE CENTER OF OUR THOUGHTS

  • When Joseph was confronted with the seducing temptation of Potiphar’s wife, where were his thoughts centered? Genesis 39:7–9; Colossians 3:1–3.

Note: “Joseph’s answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would not betray the confidence of his master on earth, and, whatever the consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven. Under the inspecting eye of God and holy angels many take liberties of which they would not be guilty in the presence of their fellow men, but Joseph’s first thought was of God. ‘How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God’ (Genesis 39:9)? he said.” Conflict and Courage, 75.

“When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. ‘Thy word,’ says the psalmist, ‘have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee’ (Psalm 119:11).” The Desire of Ages, 123.

  • What was it that made Joseph recoil from Potifer’s wife’s advances? Genesis 39:9; Hebrews 8:10; Psalm 119:10, 11. What happens when we hide God’s promises in our heart? 2 Peter 1:4.

Note: “The fear of God, united with the love of that which is noble, pure, and elevating, will guard you from a dishonest action. …

“What a lesson for all youth we have in the history of Joseph. Here moral integrity was preserved under the strongest temptations. How fierce and seductive was the assault upon his virtue! Coming from such a source and in such a form, it was the most likely to corrupt a youthful mind. Joseph was saved by his religious principles, which led him promptly and firmly to resist the device of Satan.” Christ Triumphant, 97.

“We shall be tempted in a variety of ways, but when we are tempted we need to remember that a provision has been made whereby we may overcome. … Those who truly believe in Christ are made partakers of the divine nature and have power that they can appropriate under every temptation. They will not fall under temptation and be left to defeat. In time of trial they will claim the promises and by these escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust.” Ibid., 197.

“Let the youth be taught to give close study to the word of God. Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against temptation.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 121.

4 FLEEING FROM TEMPTATION

  • What is the only way to meet any sexual temptations? Genesis 39:12; I Corinthians 6:18.

Note: “Joseph calmly casts his eyes to heaven for help, slips off his loose outer garment, leaving it in the hand of his tempter and while his eye is lighted with determined resolve in the place of unholy passion, he exclaims, ‘How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God’ (Geneses 39:9)? The victory is gained; he flees from the enchanter; he is saved.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1097.

“Do not stop for one moment to reason. Satan would rejoice to see you overthrown by temptation. Do not stop to argue the case with your weak conscience. Turn away from the first step of transgression.” Counsels on Health, 587.

  • In times when the devil is trying to destroy the purity and innocence of children and youth by promoting licentiousness, what can we learn from Joseph? 2 Timothy 2:22; I Timothy 4:12.

Note: “To shield their children from contaminating influences, parents should instruct them in the principles of purity. Those children who in the home form habits of obedience and self-control will have little difficulty in their school life and will escape many of the temptations that beset the youth. Parents should train their children to be true to God under all circumstances and in all places. They should surround them with influences that tend to strengthen character.” Child Guidance, 113.

  • What practical measures can we take to avoid falling into the way of temptation? Romans 13:14; Psalm 101:3.

Note: “Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness.” The Adventist Home, 403.

5 HEAVEN IS WATCHING

  • Who was watching Joseph when he was faced with the greatest temptation of his life? Genesis 39:2; Proverbs 5:20, 21; I Corinthians 4:9.

Note: “Fiery trials were to test still more severely the faith and integrity of Joseph. The morals of the Egyptians were very low. His master’s wife was a licentious woman, and now a temptation to deviate from the path of right, to transgress the law of God, is presented before the youthful exile. His future welfare depends upon the decision of the moment. Will Satan triumph? Will principle now garrison Joseph’s heart? Will he now have the fear of God before him? Will he be loyal and true to the divine law? Angels were regarding this servant of God with intense interest.” The Signs of the Times, January 8, 1880.

  • Although human eyes may not see what we do and we may hide our private sins from human eyes, what reality should we ever keep before our mind? Hebrews 4:13; Ecclesiastes 12:14.

Note: “If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are, and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High. Human laws, though sometimes severe, are often transgressed without detection, and hence with impunity. But not so with the law of God. The deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone, but to every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 217, 218.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why should the Christian always be vigilant?

2 How can one sin change the direction of our life?

3 How can we best prepare to meet temptation?

4 What steps can we take to avoid falling into licentious sins?

5 When we are alone, away from human beings, and are tempted to sin, what should we ever remember?

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

The Excellency of Christ

by

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Philippians 3:7 NKJV. The life and teachings of the apostle Paul reflect a relationship with Jesus Christ that is so deep and so profound, so all encompassing, that it is a thrill to read the inspired words.

What things do we count to be gained in this life? There are the obvious things that people feel are a gain to them, perhaps their reputation, or even church position. What was Paul referring to in his own experience? To find out, we need to turn back to earlier verses in this chapter.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel [generations of Seventh-day Adventists going back], of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee [one of the conservative branch]; concerning zeal, persecuting the church [attacking the independents]; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless [or so he thought]. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:1-8 NKJV

Paul is saying that in comparison, to possessing Christ, to having Him as his Saviour, his Lord and King, all else fades into oblivion. And the things that he once put confidence in, that he thought were gain, these he now counts but loss.

“Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8. [All emphasis supplied.] He says not only that he counts all things which he once considered gain to him as loss for Christ, but moving on now to a greater arena, Paul points us to the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Because of the impact of rationalism, modernism, relativism and all of the other philosophies upon our society, we live in a world where people are starving in their hearts. They are turning to the occult and to spiritualism. They are turning inwardly to self to try to find something beyond, but the genius of Christianity is that all things are promised to the believer. There is a greater life, a holier existence, a higher, more elevated plain upon which life can be lived, and an invincible, overwhelming power made available to men through Jesus Christ.

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things.” Philippians 3:8. It will be those who have experienced this by faith who will successfully negotiate the perils of the last days, standing for the law of God at the cost of liberty, property and even of life.

Because of the conviction that struck him as Stephen was being stoned, Paul took up the cross where Stephen had laid it down. The wonder and the beauty of Christ transfixed and transformed his heart. This vision never left Paul. When he was shipwrecked, when he was set upon by robbers, when the Jews worked to undermine his work, one look at the cross of Calvary reconsecrated and reinvigorated him, empowe

ring him to continue carrying on the message of Jesus Christ, even to Rome.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as Paul pondered the cross, he saw that Christ was the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. As Paul saw Him to be the foundation of the Jewish economy and that all the promises of God are found in Him, suddenly all of his supposedly bright future vanished in the face of the glory of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. The Sanhedrin no longer held the interest for him that it once did. The driving force within him to take this knowledge of Christ to every person in the known world drove him on and on. Hated, reviled and persecuted, he pressed on. Finally, standing alone before Nero, when all men forsook him, he had something which was beyond anything that this world could offer; and in the wonder, the glory and the beauty of that, all else faded into insignificance.

Therefore Paul says, “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:8

What a statement! In the Greek, the word used for dung means human excrement. Paul did not want anything to interfere; and anything that came close to interfering with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord he counted as but refuse, that he might win Christ.

What does it mean to “win Christ”? It means everything. It means eternity. It means fellowship with the saved, fellowship with those who have never fallen, fellowship with God Himself. It means to be able to sit on His throne and to commune with Him, to understand the deep things of God. Jesus Christ is the pearl of great price. Everything else has to go, for in finding Him, we find everything else. He must be supreme, and nothing must jeopardize that relationship. All of the life is then negotiated and mediated through Him.

“And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” Philippians 3:9 NKJV

The thing that transfixed Paul was the realization that the very righteousness of God Himself could be his by faith.

He then goes on to say, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed unto His death.” Philippians 3:10 NKJV

Christianity is a religion not only of love but of power. Paul wanted to know the power of Christ’s resurrection. Inspiration tells us that when Jesus came forth from the grave, it was by his own power. This power of the resurrection may be ours, for we are told that we will come forth from the grave, should we die before Christ returns, by virtue of the indwelling Christ.

Paul could never forget the part that he played in the stoning of Stephen and in the persecution of the church of Christ. Paul had persecuted the church of Christ, the body of his Lord, and he felt that he was the chief of sinners. Now he could not covet enough to know what the fellowship of His sufferings was. He wanted to be made conformable to the death of Christ, which is why he said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:11, 12

A very interesting construction. Christ Jesus had apprehended him for something and he wanted to apprehend that himself. So he and Christ were working together to apprehend the same thing.

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

This work, forming a union with Christ, is a very, very interesting one. As Jesus left the upper room with His disciples, knowing that He was facing the hour of supreme crisis in His life on this earth, with eternity at stake, He sought to explain His mission to the world and the spiritual relationship His disciples were to sustain with Him. The moon was shining, revealing a flourishing grape vine beside them. Jesus drew the attention of the disciples to this grape vine and said to them, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” John 15:1-4

One of the most precious concepts in all of the Scripture is that of abiding in Christ. Ellen White commented on this with these words, “A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a union of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment as well as a work of attachment.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 231

Salvation is a gift which we must receive, but it costs us everything. It is the pearl of great price, and so it is with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord; it is a gift that can only come to us by the agency of the Holy Spirit, but it costs us everything. We must count all things but loss in order to receive this gift.

Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, a good man from all outward appearances and one of the wealthiest men in Palestine, came to Jesus by night. He came by night because he did not want to have people see him identified with this lowly Teacher who, as yet, did not have recognition from the Sanhedrin. Approaching Jesus, he said, “Rabbi, we know that art a Teacher come from God.” John 3:2. He did not recognize Him as his Lord and Saviour and Master but only as a teacher.

Ellen White tells us that Jesus knew that what this man needed was not the discussion of a theory but a new birth. He needed this work of detachment and attachment to Him as the Saviour of the world and an attachment to Him as the Saviour of the world. Jesus said to him, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” John 3:3, 4

Nicodemus took it literally, but Jesus was talking about a spiritual birth. A struggle is involved in birth, which is why it is referred to a labor. In ancient times, giving birth would often take the mother’s life. It is a struggle for the baby to be born. Even so in spiritual things, the spiritual new birth is a painful work.

Ellen White says of detachment and a work of attachment, “There must be a painful work of detachment as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness—sin in all its forms—must be overcome if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is that they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 231

This is why people whom we thought would be faithful to the very end, suddenly flip and are no longer walking in the narrow way. They have not been born again; the painful work of detachment has not taken place in their heart as the Word of God is applied. That is why Jesus said to His disciples, “Ye are clean through My word; ye have been purged.” The grape vine’s tendrils, as it grows, can have a tendency to go down toward this earth; but those tendrils have to be pruned off so that it can reach up toward heaven, toward the light. The pruning is a painful process, but it must take place because no man can serve two masters. There cannot be a divided heart. Christ will not co-exist with sin and with this world. There must be a detaching from the cherished idols and the formation of this attachment with the union with which Christ’s believers become one in Christ. But one branch cannot be sustained by another, the nourishment must be obtained through vital connection with the Vine. We must feel our utter dependence upon Christ. We must live by faith in the Son of God. That is the meaning of the injunction ‘‘abide in Me.”

A mere assent to this union while the affections are not detached from the world, the pleasures and dissipation, only emboldens the heart in disobedience. “God makes no compromise. Until the heart is surrendered unconditionally to God, the human agent is not abiding in the True Vine and cannot flourish in the Vine, and bear rich clusters of fruit. God will not make the slightest compromise with sin. If He could have done this, Christ need not have come to our world to suffer and die. No conversion is genuine which does not change both the character and the conduct of those who accept the truth. The truth works by love and purifieth the soul.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1144

Ellen White draws on this concept of Paul in Philippians, chapter 3, in the book The Great Controversy. In describing the day of the Lord, she speaks of a mighty earthquake that shakes the entire earth. God’s people, hidden in the forest and solitary retreats in the mountains, are being threatened with utter destruction by a universal death decree. Throngs of evil men are about to rush upon them when suddenly, from the throne of God, a rainbow spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The murderous throngs are arrested. Though it is midnight, the sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow. Everything in nature is turned out of its course; streams cease to flow. Hail stones the weight of a talent are pulverizing the cities of the earth. Graves are opened and a special resurrection takes place. All who have died in the faith of the three angel’s messages come forth from the tomb glorified. Lightnings envelope the earth. Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. The day of the Lord has come, and through a rift in the clouds there beams a star whose brilliance is increased fourfold in contrast with the darkness. The star speaks hope and joy to the faithful but severity and wrath to the transgressors of God’s law. And now this statement, where it all comes together, “Those who have sacrificed all for Christ are now secure.” The Great Controversy, 638

They knew what it was to count all things but loss. They knew the voice of their Redeemer when conviction came and the Holy Spirit said the time has come to speak and no longer be silent. The time has come to move with the message. They sacrificed all for Christ and now they are secure, hidden, as in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. Yes, the message of Paul comes down to us, a message glorious and wondrous in its beauty. Only those who understand what it means to behold Christ and to be transformed into the image of His glory, having been detached from everything in this world, will be secure when the day of the Lord comes. Their voices are raised in triumphant song, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3

Holiness is what binds the faithful as one together with their Lord and with one another—wholeness for God, complete surrender to Him. In the greatest hour of earth’s history, as Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven, those who have made that supreme surrender, who know what it has meant to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus their Lord, can now look up at the Lord and say, “Lo, this is our God. We have waited for Him and He will save us.” Isaiah 25:9

The End

Are You Being Sealed?

by

We are judgment bound Seventh-day Adventists. What is taking place at this moment has never taken place before in the history of the world.

“This mightiest of angels has in his hand the seal of the living God, or of Him who alone can give life, who can inscribe upon the foreheads the mark or inscription, to whom shall be granted immortality, eternal life….

“Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God.” Testimonies to Ministers, 444, 445

It is so plain. First Ellen White gives it in the positive, and then, just to make sure that it is absolutely clear, she gives it in the negative. “Those who are planning sin and acting it will be passed by. Only those who, in their attitude before God, are filling the position of those who are repenting and confessing their sins in the great anti-typical day of atonement, will be recognized and marked as worthy of God’s protection.” Ibid., 445

There are only two seals, or marks received in the last days—the mark of the beast and the seal of God. Only those who overcome the world, the flesh and the devil will be the favored ones who will receive the seal of God. If you do not receive the seal of God, you are lost. How can the new theology teach in one breath, that we can go on sinning and repenting right up until the time that Jesus comes, and in the next breath, still profess to believe the Spirit of Prophecy?

“The only hope of any man lies through Jesus Christ….The pure and holy garments are not prepared to be put on by any one after he has entered the gate of the city. All who enter will have on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, and the name of God will be seen in their foreheads. This name is the symbol which the apostle saw in vision, and signifies the yielding of the mind to intelligent and loyal obedience to all of God’s commandments.” Sons and Daughters of God, 370

It is an amazing thing that, even though Seventh-day Adventists are known as people who keep the commandments, we are hearing less and less about the Ten Commandments in church. We are hearing less and less about the vindication and immutability of God’s law in our periodicals and more about love and social issues. I am all for helping the homeless and hungry, but these are social issues. They may be good issues, but they are not the message God gave to us for this time. If we are not going to preach the three angels’ messages, who will?

“Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and pure hearts will stand in that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds, foreheads, and written in our hearts.” Early Writings, 58

“The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares….In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the Most Holy Place was nearly finished and that time can last but a very little longer. What leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day.

“My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually….When you lie down and when you rise up let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over.” Ibid.

Do you have a devotional program? I am talking about a serious devotional program where you set your alarm clock to get up early and spend some time with God.

A favorite tool of the devil is to rob God’s people of devotional time with the Lord by getting them to stay up late so that they do not have that time to spend with the Lord in the morning. Do what ever is necessary to get to bed on time. Set that alarm clock early, and the Lord will make it up to you with strength for the day. This is how you establish a relationship with the Lord and prepare for the sealing time.

“Many are called, but few are chosen. Many hear the invitation of mercy, are tested and proved; but few are sealed with the seal of the living God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 50

What does this statement tell us? It makes it clear that the vast majority of Seventh-day Adventists are not going to receive the seal of the living God but will receive the other seal—the mark of the beast—and they are going to be lost.

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our character, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 214

Are you tempted to say, “Oh, there is no hope; I cannot make it!”? Let me tell you, folks, there is hope. Don’t ever let the devil tell you otherwise, because the Lord that I serve is able to give you victory over every sin. If there is a sin He cannot give you victory over, I want to know what it is. It does not come by accident; but if you are getting up early and spending that time with the Lord, and if you are staying in an attitude of prayer all day, you will have the victory. If you are not doing these things, you are not getting victory. It is just that simple.

“Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty. Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth.” Early Writings, 43,44

Today, we are seeing the minds of God’s people wavering and being waffled around in indecision by every wind of doctrine. Even among people who claim to be Historic Adventists, people whom we thought were firmly grounded, we are seeing this take place. Errors, over which we thought the truth had been vindicated and had all died, we see coming back again. We find that we can talk with people for hours and hours and when we are finished, they will go to another preacher and ask him the very same question. That preacher will work and study with them for hours, and then they will go to somebody else.

God is drawing a covering over His people. This covering is His protection form the buffetings of Satan, but He can only draw it over those who are settled firmly into the truth. Those who are not covered are being knocked around by Satan. The more unsure they are, the more Satan knocks them around and the more unsure they become. It is a vicious circle. If they do not change, they are lost. You must be settled into the truth, and you must do so now!

“Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.” Ibid., 44

I do not care how busy you are or what you are doing; if you are not reading, studying and becoming firmly planted in the truth, then you have your priorities upside down. If you are not firmly planted in the truth, you are going to be lost, and that is all there is to it.

“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 216

Could we say that this applies to people who say one thing and do another? Who say one thing back stage and say something else out on the stage? Could we say it applies to people who make a statement like, “you must do thus and so or you are going to force me to lie”?

“All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” Ibid.

Do you know what this means? It means perfection. And what is perfection? It is walking in victory in Jesus Christ. Many have made the word perfection to mean something terrible, but what does the Bible teach?

Let me ask you a question. This is a loaded question; be careful how you answer it. Can you walk on water? Either answer is right, and both answers are wrong. Through the power and strength of Jesus Christ, you are able to do what it is humanly impossible to do. Peter could not walk on water, but he did. As long as he kept his eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, he did what was impossible. Don’t ask me how he did it; he just did it.

Here is another loaded question. Can you live without sinning? When you keep your eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, you can do what it is otherwise impossible to do. Humanly speaking, living without sin is absolutely impossible, even laughable—just as laughable as to think that a man could walk on the water. But Peter did. That is the kind of Lord that we serve. Do not ask me how it is done; it is just done. You step out by faith and say, “Lord, give me the victory over this.” Turn it over to Him, letting Him have full control, and He will do it.

“Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter!” Early Writings, 71

Have you ever heard an Adventist saying, “Oh, we must have the latter rain. If we could just receive the latter rain, we could finish the work.” They are looking to the latter rain as if it is going to be some transforming power over their lives. No one, however, is going to receive the latter rain unless they have experienced the transforming power of the early rain. It is through the early rain experience that we receive the power of the Holy Spirit that prepares us to receive the power of the latter rain. We have gotten things backwards folks.

“It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 215

Has anyone ever said to you, “Well, this is a real world that we live in; you just have to let your children get out there and fend for themselves. You are just putting them in a cocoon and are living in too sheltered an environment. You just have to let them learn how to stand on their own two feet”? Have you ever heard these things?

Let me tell you, if you do what they suggest, your children are going to be lost. God gave us Christian homes so that we could bring our children up in a protected environment in this world. If you throw your children to the wolves, that is exactly where they are going to end up.

“It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character.” Ibid., 216

We are told that the living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation. See Selected Messages, book 1, 66. Do you believe that we are near to the close of probation? Do you believe that probation closes first for professed Seventh-day Adventists? Reasoning from cause to effect, if the close of probation is near, and if it closes first for professed Seventh-day Adventists, then probation’s close must be very close for Seventh-day Adventists. Are you beginning to see where we are?

“The judgement is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour’s admonition: ‘Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.’ Mark 13:33. ‘If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.’ Revelation 3:3.” The Great Controversy, 490

What serious times in which we live. How could anything on this earth possibly take precedence over this? “The destiny of all will be decided. A few, yes, only a few, of the vast number who people the earth will be saved unto life eternal, while the masses who have not perfected their souls in obeying the truth will be appointed to the second death.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 401, 402

If the seal of the living God is being decided at this moment in your case, are you ready to receive it? The Laodicean condition is the most dangerous condition that people can be in. When people believe that they are rich and increased in goods and in need of nothing, while they are really blind, poor, wretched and naked, they are greatly deceived. This, however, is the condition of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today.

“God has made ample provision that we may stand perfect in His grace, wanting in nothing, waiting for the appearing of our Lord. Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy. The eye of God is upon you. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from our Maker.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 220

What is hypocrisy? It is claiming to be one thing while being something totally different on the inside. God’s robe of righteousness—the wedding garment—will never cover hypocrisy.

“There is great need that our brethren overcome secret faults. The displeasure of God, like a cloud, hangs over many of them. The churches are weak. Selfishness, uncharitableness, covetousness, envy, evil-surmising, falsehood, theft, robbery, sensuality, licentiousness, and adultery, stand registered against some who claim to believe the solemn, sacred truth for this time. How can these accursed things be cleansed out of the camp, when men who claim to be Christians are practicing them constantly? They are somewhat careful of their ways before men, but they are an offense to God. His pure eyes see, a witness records, all their sins, both open and secret; and unless they repent and confess their sins before God, unless they fall on the Rock and are broken, their sins will remain charged against them in the books of record. Oh, fearful histories will be opened to the world at the judgment—histories of sins never confessed, of sins not blotted out!” Testimonies to Ministers, 146

Oh, brothers and sisters, it is time to take care of these things in our lives. The sealing is taking place. No one knows when the judgment of the living begins. It could be going on now. Are you ready to stand in the judgment before God? Are you ready to receive the seal of the living God?

The End

Editorial – Not A Moment To Lose

by

In Ephesians 5:26, 27, Paul describes the condition in which God’s church is to be found when Jesus returns—without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, holy and without blemish. See also The Great Controversy, 425. Now let us consider a very practical matter. As we are living in the last days of probation on the very borders of the eternal world, if we are not in this condition now, how are we going to attain this condition in time before it is too late?

Inspiration gives us some insights as to what must take place if we are to be a part of the church triumphant. We will begin looking at the answer to this question in this editorial.

It takes time to get ready and be ready in character for the coming of Christ. Readiness for translation cannot be attained in a moment of time: “The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in God’s power to save, are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God are to seal their destiny.” Ministry of Healing, 454

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

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

As getting ready for heaven is a process that takes time, we must not delay making earnest preparation:

“This work of individual purification of character can not be safely delayed. Let our brethren and sisters take hold diligently of this work, cooperation with Him who ‘loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle are any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.’” Review and Herald, November 8, 1906

Delay can be fatal:

“God requires you to make more thorough efforts to subdue and control self. I was shown that God and angels are ready and waiting to help you in this important work. If you delay, if you are even dilatory, it may be too late. Your probation is lengthened, your character is now forming, and soon, my dear brother and sister, it will be stereotyped for ever. Halfway work with you will not advance you one step toward heaven. Indecision soon becomes decision in the wrong direction. Many decide to serve themselves and Satan by not making determined efforts to overcome their defects of character. While many are petting sinful propensities, expecting to be overcomers sometime, they are deciding for perdition….You cannot be wholly the Lord’s while encouraging any degree of selfishness. Such great love as the Redeemer has shown you should be received with great humility and continual rejoicing. In order to be happy, you must control your thoughts and words. It will require a masterly effort on your part; nevertheless it must be done if you are to be the acknowledged children of God. Be not weary in your efforts. Satan is battling for your souls, and he must be disappointed.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 343, 344 [Emphasis Supplied]

Friend, do you understand that you have none too much time and that if you delay in overcoming your defects of character, this delay could cost you eternal life? You might delay until there is not sufficient time for the plan of salvation to be worked out in your life. Do not delay, you have “no time—not a moment—to lose.” Maranatha, 106

(to be continued)

Keys to the Storehouse – Provoked to Destruction

by

Through the action of the masses, Satan attempted to provoke Jesus, through the mob, to lose the image of God. He continues using the same methods today hoping to destroy the image of God in Christ’s followers, thus causing them to be lost as he is.

“Satan instigated [provoked] the cruel abuse of the debased mob led on by the priests and rulers,

  • to provoke, if possible, retaliation from the world’s Redeemer, or
  • to drive Him to deliver Himself by a miracle from the hands of His persecutors, and
  • thus break up the plan of salvation.
  • one stain upon His human life,
  • one failure of His humanity to bear the terrible test imposed upon it,
  • would make the Lamb of God an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man would be a failure.” The Present Truth, January 7, 1886.

Is Satan provoking you? Be strong dear Christian! Do not join under the black banner! “I saw Satan planting his banner in the households of those who profess to be God’s chosen ones, but those who are walking in the light should be able to discern the difference between the black banner of the adversary and the bloodstained standard of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 200.

Are your eyes open to any provocations of Satan? Ask for spiritual discernment! Look or lose!

“Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan’s black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ. They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1107.

“The Holy Spirit is an effective helper in restoring the image of God in the human soul.” The Faith I Live By, 52.

On the other hand, Satan’s spirit is a destructive force and will do anything to place us under his black banner. “Satan had declared to his synagogue that not a single human soul would maintain his loyalty to God’s commandments. One soul saved would prove this statement to be false. One soul saved would demonstrate the righteousness of God’s government. Created in the image of God, man must not be left for Satan to rule and ruin.” The Upward Look, 223.

Here are just a few of Satan’s tricks of provocation. He provokes jealousy, opposition, a hasty reply, anger, children and adults to wrath, tempers, opposition, the divine displeasure, controversies, debate, the wrath of God, and much more. Is there anything in your character that responds to Satan’s provocation causing you to reflect his character and to enlist you under his banner?

Watch and pray! Learn to identify which spirit is working with you and around you by watching carefully. Learn to identify and distinguish the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life from the fruits of Satan.

Father: Thank you for sending Thine only begotten Son to fight the battle with Satan. Thank you Jesus for remaining faithful through all of the provocations and attacks of Satan. Give me peace of mind and heart that I may remain focused on heavenly things and not be drawn away from Your presence by any attempt by Satan to enlist me under his black banner. Amen!