overcome

Are You Serious about Being Saved? Part II

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We have seen how important a perfect character is—we cannot go to heaven without it. We have also reviewed some aspects of the perfect character. Most important of all, though, is what we need to do so that we can become perfect.

Obviously, we cannot become perfect unless God works a miracle in our lives, and the miracle God wants to work in your life and in my life is available to every single person in the world. However, not every single person in the world is serious about being saved.

In most cities of the United States, there are some very large Christian churches. Thousands of people attend these churches every week, but many of these Christians want an easy religion. They want a religion where the Lord will do it all, so they do not have to do anything. These people may reason that we are all going to the same place. I am sorry; we are not all going to the same place. People who believe this lie must not read very much of the Bible. Revelation 19:20, 21 states very plainly: “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” We are not all going to the same place; we are going to two different places.

If we want to go to heaven, we have to become serious about being saved. We do not have any time to lose. I know that I do not have any time to lose, because I have so much that needs to be changed. I am praying to the Lord about it day and night. I want you to pray for me, because I need a lot of help, and I will be glad to pray for you too. I have decided that no matter how impossible it might seem from a human standpoint, what God says to do, He will give the power to do.

What Must We Do?

It is through Christ and through Him alone that anyone can remedy the defects in his or her character and become perfect. We cannot do it unless we have divine help. You see, every person actually lives alone. We may live with lots of other people, but each of us lives alone, because nobody knows what is going on in our minds except God and us. Other people cannot read our minds. It is what is in our minds—our thoughts and our feelings—more than anything else that determines the condition of our characters.

Many people think that an individual’s character involves his or her words and actions, and that is true. But your words and your actions are just the result of what is already in your mind—your thoughts and your feelings. If you study the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus spoke about this subject, you will notice that He put the emphasis on what was going on in the mind, not on what was being done or said.

Although it is only through Jesus that we can have perfection of character, there are some things that we must do. God would not give us instruction if it was not important, and God’s prophet gives each of these points to us.

Number 1: We are not going to come to perfection of character except through certain spiritual gifts that God has put in the church, especially the gifts of the prophets and apostles. In Ephesians 4:1–16, Paul makes it very clear that it is through these spiritual gifts that the church is going to come into harmony and unity and to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ. That is perfection. There are some things that you and I have to do.

Number 2: We have to receive Jesus into our hearts as the Lord of our lives; then we have to believe. We have to believe that Jesus can take a person like me and, by His grace, make me into a perfect character. If we do not believe this, it will not happen.

Number 3: This one is very comforting to me, because I used to get discouraged about this subject, until I started reading statements in the Spirit of Prophecy concerning it. Mrs. White says that we are not going to come to perfection of character suddenly; it is going to happen step by step. (See Selected Messages, Book 1, 240.) God knows how long you are going to live, and He knows how many steps you need to take. Just ask Him to help you take the next step.

Number 4: If we want to reach perfection of character, we need to be learning daily about Jesus. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 11 Corin-thians 3:18. Incidentally, that means being changed from one stage of perfection to the next. Both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy clearly teach that there are stages of perfection.

Number 5: Having a connection with God’s work is one of the means by which God purposes to bring you and me to perfection. God has a work that He is doing in the world today. Are you a part of it, or are you a spectator? If you want to reach perfection of character, you must get involved in what God is doing in the world. There are many different ways to be involved, and it is between you and the Lord as to exactly how you get involved. But you cannot just be a spectator, watching other people be involved in God’s work, and expect that in some way you are going to come to character perfection.

Number 6: Perfection of character comes only by conflict and battle. “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22. If you are not willing to fight the battle against whatever defects of character you are experiencing, God will not give you the victory. Only God can give you the victory, but He gives the victory only to those who are willing to be in the battle.

Number 7: In God’s plan, Ellen White wrote, every disappointment becomes a means to help a person come to perfection of character. (See Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 149.) None of us like disappointments, but we all have them. We have to be willing to go through these disappointments, because this is part of God’s plan to bring us to perfection of character.

Number 8: No one will arrive at perfection of character without striving for it. There are many texts in the Bible about this, but read Philippians 3:8–14 or 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. The expressions the apostle uses in these passages are so strong that some of the most popular Bible translations have watered them down a little bit. But whatever version of the Bible you have, read the texts where Paul talks about struggling and striving and fighting for perfection of character.

Number 9: If we are going to reach perfection of character, it must happen in both our thoughts and our actions. (See Testimonies, vol. 4, 568.) We must be studying the Word of God and praying. We must be meditating, and we must be facing our defects of character and praying, “Lord, help me to overcome these.” But in addition to our thoughts, there must also be action. Mrs. White says, “Being good and doing good are indispensable to the perfection of character.” The Youth’s Instructor, October 25, 1900. Do not think that you can reach perfection of character just by having a good devotional life. That is not enough.

Number 10: “Those who expect one day to stand before the throne of the God of gods and Lord of kings, should live each day in such a way that the approval of God can rest upon them. They should seek daily to remove the blemishes in character that lead to sin, and bring into their lives the perfection of character that all must reveal who have a part in the kingdom of heaven.” Ibid., October 29, 1907. God does not work unless you and I cooperate. What are blemishes of character? You probably got a good idea when we looked at a few descriptions of the aspects of character perfection. Impatience, for instance, would be a blemish of character. If you have a problem with your tongue or your mind, or if you are not keeping perfectly one of the Ten Commandments, those are blemishes in your character. If in your thoughts, words, actions, or feelings you are unchristlike, there is a blemish in your character.

Number 11: One of the most effective means for obtaining perfection of character is the exercise of mercy toward our fellow men. “What a change would be wrought in our world if men would keep the way of the Lord, giving supreme love and loyalty to God, and manifesting love and respect for their neighbors. Those who would do this would manifest the character of Christ, and would continually exercise justice and mercy toward their fellow-men.” Review and Herald, October 1, 1895. The only people that you need to exercise mercy toward are people who are not perfect.

Number 12: “It is your own efforts, through the grace of Christ, that will bring you perfection of character.” The Signs of the Times, May 5, 1887. Only through Christ can this happen. Only Christ can do it, but He only does it for people who are putting forth effort in that direction.

Number 13: We are to depend completely on God to bring about perfection of our characters. We are to strive for it, but we are to depend on God to bring it about. Once you begin to depend completely on Him to make it happen, then you are not going to be nervous or scared or frightened or anxious.

Number 14: Ellen White wrote, “Perfection of character cannot be attained when the laws of nature are disregarded; for this is transgression of the law of God.” Review and Herald, November 12, 1901. This is something to think through. When the laws of nature are disregarded, we cannot reach perfection of character.

Number 15: Perfection of character is attainable by everyone who will strive for it. God has promised that if you will do your part, He will make it happen.

Number 16: Perfection of character is the result of willing obedience to the truth.

Number 17: There are eight steps, sometimes called Peter’s ladder, that will lead you to perfection. (See 11 Peter 1:5-11.) Writing of this, Ellen White said, “This [knowledge] is the third step in the path toward perfection of character.” Review and Herald, February 21, 1888.

The rungs on this ladder are faith, moral excellence, knowledge, temperance or self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. If you work your way up this ladder, when you get to the top, you will be perfect. This is something for you to study out—the ladder that will lead you to perfection of character.

Number 18: If you want to reach perfection of character, you must repent and forsake sin.

Number 19: If you want to reach perfection of character, you must practice self-denial and self-sacrifice. This is not talking about torturing the body. Self-denial or self-sacrifice is to deny yourself anything that you know would be displeasing to the Lord.

Number 20: Ellen White wrote, “Perfection of character is a lifelong work, unattainable by those who are not willing to strive for it in God’s appointed way, by slow and toilsome steps.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 500. In other words, it is something on which you daily have to be willing to work. This is the means that God has ordained, and this is the only way it can happen.

Number 21: Character perfection can only happen to a person who has become familiar with God’s Word. I hope you are on a Bible study program. If you are not on one, decide right now that you are going to spend some time every day studying your Bible. Each day, study the life of Christ, so you will know what perfection is, and you will know what to imitate.

Number 22: Character perfection can only happen when every thought is in subjection to Christ. “For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 11 Corinthi-ans 10:4, 5.

Number 23: This point is something about which we really need to pray, because it is not very evident today. Unity in the church would result in perfection of character. “Jesus says . . ., ‘I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one [this unity brings perfection of character]; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.’ The Lord has made every provision whereby man may have full and free salvation, and be complete in him.” Review and Herald, November 1, 1892. Unity in the church will result in perfection of character.

Number 24: Perfection of character is the result of a life of constant resistance to evil and cooperation with divinity. You have to be willing to fight. The apostle Paul once wrote to the Hebrews, “You have not yet resisted unto bloodshed, fighting against sin.” Hebrews 12:4.

Number 25: “Perfection of character is attained through exercise of the faculties of the mind, in times of supreme test, by obedience to every requirement of God’s law.” Medical Ministry, 168. This is a statement which you need to read a few times and study carefully. It is a very powerful statement.

Number 26: If we want to obtain perfection of character, we must cease—that is, stop—criticism. This is a huge problem in Adventism, but we must stop it, if we wish to go to heaven.

Number 27: Part of being perfect is beholding Jesus and talking of His love.

Number 28: Character perfection comes as the result of stern battles with self.

Summary

“None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory.

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help.” The Acts of the Apostles, 531, 532.

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

Bible Study Guides – Triumph for Those who Covenant by Sacrifice

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March 26, 2006 – April 1, 2006

Key Text

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 722–733.

Introduction

“Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities; but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter as pictured by the hand of God. He who died for the sins of the world is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle will have been fought, the victory won. Soon we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence the trials and sufferings of this life will seem as nothingness. The former things ‘shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.’ ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.’ ‘Israel shall be saved . . . with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.’ Isaiah 65:17; Hebrews 10:35–37; Isaiah 45:17.” Prophets and Kings, 731, 732.

1 To what may all the world look forward in the very near future? Psalm 50:3, 4.

note: “The time is not far distant when God will arise to vindicate His insulted authority. ‘The Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.’ Isaiah 26:21. ‘But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth?’ Malachi 3:2. The people of Israel, because of their sinfulness, were forbidden to approach the mount when God was about to descend upon it to proclaim His law, lest they should be consumed by the burning glory of His presence. If such manifestations of His power marked the place chosen for the proclamation of God’s law, how terrible must be His tribunal when He comes for the execution of these sacred statutes. How will those who have trampled upon His authority endure His glory in the great day of final retribution? The terrors of Sinai were to represent to the people the scenes of the judgment. The sound of a trumpet summoned Israel to meet with God. The voice of the Archangel and the trump of God shall summon, from the whole earth, both the living and the dead to the presence of their Judge. The Father and the Son, attended by a multitude of angels, were present upon the mount. At the great judgment day Christ will come ‘in the glory of His Father with His angels.’ Matthew 16:27. He shall then sit upon the throne of His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 339.

2 Who will be called in that day? What has been one of their outstanding characteristics? Psalm 50:5.

note: “We have but a little space of time left in which to work for God. Nothing should be too dear to sacrifice for the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice now, will soon be gathered home to share a rich reward, and possess the new kingdom forever and ever.” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 104.

“Those who . . . are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.” Counsels on Health, 127.

“There are needed in the cause of God workers who will make a covenant with Him by sacrifice, who will labor for the love of souls, not for the wages they receive.” Ibid., 302.

“As a people we must practise [sic] self-denial and economy. Every soul should make a covenant with God by sacrifice. We should not expend money in extra expensive clothing, and rich furniture. We are pilgrims and strangers seeking a better country, even an heavenly. Time is short, and every dollar not necessary to be used in supplying positive wants, should be brought in as a thank offering to God.” Pastoral Ministry, 244, 245.

3 How fully will those who have made a covenant by sacrifice have consecrated their all to the service of the Master? What promise has been made to them? Mark 10:28–30.

note: “Here is the reward for those who sacrifice for God. They receive an hundred-fold in this life, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many, I [Ellen White] saw, that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first. I was shown those who receive the truth, but do not live it. They cling to their possessions, and are not willing to distribute of their substance to advance the cause of God. They have no faith to venture and trust God. Their love of this world swallows up their faith. God has called for a portion of their substance, but they heed it not. They reason thus, that they have labored hard to obtain what they have, and they cannot lend it to the Lord, for they may come to want. ‘O, ye of little faith!’ [Matthew 6:30.] That God who cared for Elijah in the time of famine, will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 243, 244.

4 In forsaking all, what do God’s children confess concerning this present world? Hebrews 11:13. To what are they looking forward? Verse 14. Compare Hebrews 13:14.

note: “It is recorded of the holy men of old that God was not ashamed to be called their God. The reason assigned is that instead of coveting earthly possessions or seeking happiness in worldly plans or aspirations they placed their all upon the altar of God and made disposition of it to build up His kingdom. They lived only for God’s glory and declared plainly that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth, seeking a better country, that is, an heavenly. Their conduct proclaimed their faith. God could entrust to them His truth and could leave the world to receive from them a knowledge of His will.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 188.

5 Because of their faith and trust, what is God preparing for His people? Hebrews 11:16.

note: “Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home—that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe.” The Adventist Home, 545.

6 Where will this city prepared for the saints be established? From where does the city come? 11 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1, 2.

note: “We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 287.

“After the judgment of the wicked dead had been finished, at the end of the one thousand years, Jesus left the city, and the saints and a train of the angelic host followed Him. Jesus descended upon a great mountain, which as soon as His feet touched it, parted asunder and became a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great and beautiful city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We cried out, ‘The city! the great city! it is coming down from God out of heaven!’ And it came down in all its splendor and dazzling glory and settled in the mighty plain which Jesus had prepared for it.” Early Writings, 291.

7 What pictures does the prophet Isaiah draw of the saints’ inheritance? Isaiah 65:17, 21–25; 11:6–9.

note: “In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord.

“The grass will be a living green, and will never wither. There will be roses and lilies and all kinds of flowers there. They will never blight or fade or lose their beauty and fragrance.

“The lion, we should much dread and fear here, will then lie down with the lamb, and everything in the New Earth will be peace and harmony. The trees of the New Earth will be straight and lofty, without deformity.” My Life Today, 354.

8 Who only will be permitted to partake of the joys of the new earth? Revelation 22:14; 21:7, 27.

note: “None who have had the light of truth will enter the city of God as commandment-breakers. His law lies at the foundation of His government in earth and in heaven. If they have knowingly trampled upon and despised His law on the earth, they will not be taken to heaven to do the same work there; there is no change of character when Christ comes. The character building is to go on during the hours of probation. Day by day their actions are registered in the books of heaven, and they will, in the great day of God, be rewarded as their works have been.” Review and Herald, August 25, 1885.

9 What general statement indicates the nature of the influences over which complete victory must be gained by the overcomer? 1 John 2:16.

note: “It is worldly lust that is destroying true godliness. Love of the world and the things that are in the world is separating from the Father. The passion for earthly gain is increasing among those who profess to be looking for the soon appearing of our Saviour. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life control even professed Christians. They are seeking for the things of the world with avaricious lust, and many will sell eternal life for unholy gain.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 531.

10 By what means is overcoming made possible? 1 John 5:4.

note: “The Spirit of God will answer the cry of every penitent heart; for repentance is the gift of God, and an evidence that Christ is drawing the soul to Himself. We can no more repent of sin without Christ, than we can be pardoned without Christ, and yet it is a humiliation to man with his human passion and pride to go to Jesus straightway, believing and trusting Him for everything which he needs.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 381.

11 Through whom does this victory come to us? 1 Corinthians 15:57; Romans 8:37.

note: “Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, ‘Without me ye can do nothing’ (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man’s efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 381.

12 What fullness of consecration is demanded of the overcomer? Revelation 12:11.

note: “All should have something to say for the Lord, for by so doing they will be blest. A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but speak often one to another. The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any special effort of their own. I saw that God has been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood of the Lamb.” Early Writings, 114.

Editorial – Conflict

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In the Scriptures, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and of the increase of His government and peace there is to be no end. (Isaiah 9:7.) In the Sermon on the Mount, the peacemakers are called the sons of God, and, as far as possible, we are to be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18.)

Nevertheless, for 6,000 years or so, Jesus and those angels loyal to Him have been in a most fierce, bitter conflict. (See Revelation 12:7.) Anyone who wishes to acknowledge Jesus as their Supreme Sovereign, as well as their Saviour from sin, must also enter this conflict. What is this conflict about?

“As the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. . . . All the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God’s people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord’s second advent; and a people are to be prepared to stand before Him at His coming, ‘without spot, and blameless.’ 11 Peter 3:14.” The Great Controversy, ix, x.

“The apostles were sometimes cast down in the conflict with evil men and evil angels, yet by the grace of God they were enabled to rise and press once more to the front. Their preservation under manifold dangers testified that Jesus lived. Deliverance, support, consolation, and fortitude came to them as they endured suffering for the Redeemer’s sake.” Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.

“The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings.” Education, 308.

“The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.

“He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. . . . We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. . . .

“The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted. Were it possible to force upon you with a hundredfold greater intensity the influence of the Spirit of God, it would not make you a Christian, a fit subject for heaven. The stronghold of Satan would not be broken. The will must be placed on the side of God’s will. You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are ‘willing to be made willing,’ God will accomplish the work for you . . . .” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 141, 142.

Strive to be Among Them, Part II

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A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26.

“The youth especially stumble over this phrase, ‘a new heart.’ They do not know what it means. They look for a special change to take place in their feelings. This they term conversion. Over this error thousands have stumbled to ruin, not understanding the expression, ‘Ye must be born again.’ [John 3:7.]

“Satan leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling, they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long, and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse winds come, their house is swept away. . . .

“When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—a changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride (The Youth’s Instructor, September 26, 1901).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1164.

The 144,000

The hundred and forty-four thousand have overcome as Jesus overcame. They have learned to handle life’s problems just like Jesus handled life’s problems. They have walked as carefully as Jesus walked through this world.

“Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible.” The Ministry of Healing, 514.

The hundred and forty-four thousand have submitted their wills so completely that they have overcome every sin and every evil temper, and they now are preparing their characters to go through Jacob’s trouble.

“ ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.’ [Revelation 3:21.] We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 144.

The Character of Christ

“ ‘When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.’ [Mark 4:29.] Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. 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.

“A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. . . . To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.

“As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent.” Ibid., 332, 333.

“By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.” Ibid., 312.

Martyrs in the Last Days

“It is not always safe to ask for unconditional healing. . . . He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world.—Counsels on Health, 375 (1897).” Last Day Events, 255.

“ ‘They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.’ John 16:2.

“Every individual in our world will be arrayed under one of two banners.

“The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of truth will come on the side of God’s commandment-keeping people. When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ’s sake in standing in defense of the truth.

“By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation [the United States] will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. . . .

“As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have described as the time of Jacob’s trouble. The cries of the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven. And as the blood of Abel cried from the ground, there are voices also crying to God from martyrs’ graves, from the sepulchers of the sea, from mountain caverns, from convent vaults: ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?’ [Revelation 6:10.]

“When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon.

“Christ will restore the life taken; for He is the Life-giver: He will beautify the righteous with immortal life.” Maranatha, 199.

Beasts of Revelation 13

At Satan’s personation, referred to in The Great Controversy, 624, the whole world wonders after the beast of Revelation 13. As we study carefully the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 976, 977, we see that the image to the first beast will be made when the Sunday laws are passed, and every Seventh-day Adventist will be tested by either rejecting or accepting the message.

With the acceptance by the second beast of Revelation 13, the United States of America, comes enforcement of that image which brings national ruin. At this point, the books have been opened and the judgment has been set.

“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9, 10.

The warning of the third angel’s message of Revelation 14:9–12 has been rejected by the world. The weak, the old, and the young who have been faithful, loyal, and obedient to the Commandments of God, without a single compromise with sin, have been laid to rest, waiting for the resurrection. They have kept the Sabbath fully according to Isaiah 58:13, 14: “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken [it].”

Representatives in All Churches

Possibly thousands of martyrs will have paid the supreme sacrifice for defending present truth. Many people from other churches will be part of this group.

“The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons have not had the special testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to heart and mind; therefore they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God. Many there are who have faithfully walked in the light that has shone upon their pathway. They hunger to know more of the ways and works of God. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the very verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 70, 71.

Final Generation

The hundred and forty-four thousand are the Enochs of the final generation. They have prepared their characters, their minds, and their bodies for this hour so they can pass through Jacob’s trouble without failing. They can walk through the fire that is described in 11 Peter 3:10: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

This verse has a dual application for the end of time and the end of the millennium. They walk through the fire as did the three worthies in Daniel’s time. And let us remember that Jesus was in that fire with them.

They are now ready to be God’s witnesses of what God does in fallen human beings.

All rebellion has been removed and Jesus can now take them through the universe throughout the ages. Man can overcome as Jesus overcame.

“God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. . . . There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life.” The Desire of Ages, 311.

Nahum 1:9 tells us that sin will never rise again. The hundred and forty-four thousand are traveling through the universe as perfect examples of what God can do when man merges his will with God’s will.

“When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use His gifts to bless others, we shall find life’s burden light. He who walks in the way of God’s commandments is walking in company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest.” The Desire of Ages, 331.

Willing to be Made Willing

For 6,000 years, according to the population of each generation, there have been only a few in every generation that have been willing to be made willing to obey all of God’s requirements in the commandments. There may have been billions of people living in the time of the flood, but only eight made it into the ark. Also, in Sodom, we find that only three were willing to be rescued from the fire with which God consumed that city. Jesus said, “For many are called, but few [are] chosen.” Matthew 22:14.

Also, from Isaiah 1:9, we know that there will be only a very small remnant that God can trust. There will be two classes that are savable at the end. First are those who have been redeemed from all rebellion. Many will be like the thief on the cross. Rebellion has been extinguished so completely that Jesus has justified them; the Holy Spirit has sanctified them, and they are safe to save. The second group is the hundred and forty-four thousand. A third group is the rebellious of all the divisions of people in the world that will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” 11 Thessalonians 2:8.

The identification of the hundred and forty-four thousand is that they have no guile and they are considered by God as virgins. This means that they have no deceptions, and their understanding of present truth is absolutely pure. God considers them absolutely perfect—not what they have done, but what God has done in them. Their wills have been swallowed up in the will of God. Their characters have been so perfectly formed after the great pattern of Jesus that they handle every situation as Jesus would.

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4–7.

50 Statements—Living Saints

Christian Experience and Teachings, 58, 96, 178; The Desire of Ages, 632; Early Writings, 15, 35, 240, 273, 287; The Faith I Live By, 351; Last Day Events, 272; Life Sketches, 65, 103; Lift Him Up, 379; Maranatha, 287, 288, 305, 308; My Life Today, 352; Patriarchs and Prophets, 477; A Sketch Of The Christian Experience And Views Of Ellen G. White (1851), 11, 18; Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, 143, 188, 208; Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 31; Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 83; The Story of Jesus, 177; The Story of Redemption, 411; Testimonies, vol. 1, 59, 184; The Upward Look, 311; A Word To The Little Flock (1847), 14, 20; The Day-Star, January 24, 1846, Letter from Sister Harmon, Portland, Maine, December 20, 1845; Review and Herald, July 21, 1851, December 31, 1857; The Signs of the Times, April 8, 1889; The Watchman, October 3, 1905; The Little Remnant Scattered Abroad, vol. 1, April 6, 1846; The Little Remnant Scattered Abroad, vol. 3, April 7, 1847; The Youth’s Instructor, August 1, 1852, April 1, 1854, August 1, 1856; Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 106; Ellen G. White: The Early Years, vol. 1, 1827–1862, by Arthur L. White (1985), 57, 207, 261, 270.

Elder Ron Spear served as field secretary for the Review and Herald, working at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In the early 1980s, Ron Spear felt impressed that God was calling him to begin publishing a magazine that would feature the fundamental truths of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The first issue of Our Firm Foundation came out in the fall of 1985. Many readers have said that the magazine reflects the spiritual values and content of the “old” Review and Herald. Hope International publishes many books, tracts, and study helps on doctrine, health, and current issues facing the church. Elder Spear may be contacted through Hope International by telephone at: 309-343-1844, or by e-mail at: office@hopeint.org.

How to Get Your Name in the Book, Part I

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The parable of the ten virgins, as read in Matthew 25:1–13, is one of the stories Jesus told that shows us very clearly that not everybody who thinks they are going to be saved will actually be saved. That should cause solemn contemplation for all of us. You see, all of the virgins, at the beginning of the evening, thought they were going to the wedding supper, but they did not all get there.

It is a common belief among many churches that we are all going to the same place, but the Bible teaches differently. We need to face up to the fact that there really is a heaven to win and there is also a hell to shun. Read Revelation 20:15: “And if anyone was not found having been written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” Not everybody is going to the same place. This verse identifies one place. The other place is identified in Revelation 21:27: “There shall in no case enter into it [that is, the holy city] any thing that is defiled or the one doing an abomination or the person who lies, rather, those who have been written in the book of life of the Lamb.” An abomination is something that is abhorrent and, in this case, especially something that is abhorrent to God. God abhors everything that is impure, unclean, polluted, or unrighteous; three things are mentioned in this text.

So, Revelation 20:15 says that if you are not written in the book of life, you are going to be cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 says that nobody who has not been cleansed from his pollution or defilement will enter into the city; only those whose names are written in the book will enter.

Two Options

In this article, we will first study how to get your name in the book, and, second, what to do so that it does not get blotted out of the book. There will be many people who come up to the end, thinking that they are going to be saved.

“To the marriage supper of the Lamb will come many who have not on the wedding garment—the robe [Christ] purchased for them with His lifeblood. From lips that never make a mistake come the words, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ (Matthew 22:12). Those [thus] addressed are speechless. They know that words would be useless. The truth, with its sanctifying power, has not been brought into the soul, and the tongue that once spoke so readily of the truth is now silent. The words are then spoken, ‘Take them out of My presence. They are not worthy to taste of My supper’ (cf. Luke 14:24).” The Upward Look, 301.

Jesus described this for us in the Sermon on the Mount. This is a verse of Scripture read in almost every meeting of a Prophecy Seminar, because this is a verse that was written especially for those living in the last days. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heavens, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? In Your name we have cast out demons, and in Your name we have performed many miracles.’ And then I will confess to them, ‘Never at any time have I known you.’ ” Matthew 7:21–23.

Can you imagine what a shock that would be? These are Christians! They have called Jesus “Lord.” They come up to the Day of Judgment and say, “Lord, we know that we are saved, because we have the Holy Spirit. We were prophesying in Your name. We were working miracles in Your name. We were casting out demons in Your name. We know that we are saved.” But He says, “No. I have never known you.”

Have you ever considered that many people will receive much light and power in the last days from the devil? You see, these people have the light and the power. They could work miracles. They could prophesy. They could cast out demons. But Jesus says to them, “Then I will confess to them, ‘Never at any time have I known you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.’ ” In other words, you who break My law, you are not a subject of My kingdom because you break My law.

Oh, if we could just grasp the full force of that, we could, in the Christian world, quit arguing about which day to go to church and a lot of other things. Some Protestant churches today are so mixed up that they cannot figure out whether or not they should hire homosexual pastors. We could quit arguing about all kinds of things that are going on in the Christian world today if we would just realize that Jesus said, “When I come again, if you have been breaking My law, you are going to be rejected.”

In Luke 13, we read about Jesus going through the various cities and villages teaching, making His way towards Jerusalem (verse 22), and then it says, in verses 23–28, “And a certain one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who will be saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Struggle to enter through the narrow gate, because I say to you, many will seek to enter in and will not be strong enough. From what time the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you began to stand outside and to knock on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us,” and, answering, He will say to you, “I do not know you, where you are from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate before You, and we drank, and You taught in our streets.” And He will say to you, “I do not know you, where you are. Depart from Me, all those working iniquity.” There will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God.’ ”

All those outside the wedding banquet will be wondering at those that have on the wedding garment without spot and wrinkle. But they, all the people that said, “You cannot keep God’s Law,” are going to be outside. They are going to see the people that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, did keep His Law.

First Shall Be Last

“They shall come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. But, behold, they are last who shall be first, and the first shall be last.” Verses 29, 30.

This has always been a very scary passage of Scripture to me, because I had the great privilege of growing up in a Seventh-day Adventist home. But the Bible says, “The first shall be last.”

So, how do you know that you will not meet with disappointment? Oh, you have to have your name in the book. How do you get your name written in the book?

Missionary Spirit

Luke 10:17 is one of the few verses in the New Testament that has a textual variation, and the best scholars cannot figure out for sure which reading is right, but we will find out when the Lord comes. There are some manuscripts that say that Jesus sent out 70, and there are some manuscripts that say He sent out 72, but I have decided I do not need to be in that controversy. So, we read:

“They came back with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us through Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I beheld Satan as lightning falling from heaven. Behold I have given you authority to trample upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means injure you: [one of the most wonderful promises in the Bible] however, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names have been written in the heaven.’ ” Luke 10:17–20.

Jesus said, “Do not be glad because you can work miracles. What you really need to be glad about is that your name is written in heaven.” You see, what your eternal destiny is makes all the difference.

As I have gone through the Bible, this is just one of the passages that talks about those whose names are written in the book of life. Another such text is Philippians 4:3 where Paul wrote: “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.”

One of the important things that I have noticed is that the people written about in the Bible, whose names are written in heaven, are missionary workers. Do not ever forget that!

The Spirit of Christ is a missionary spirit. He left the throne of glory, laid aside His kingly robe, and laid down the scepter of absolute power. He laid aside His crown, and He came down to this world. Ellen White said, “Christ, at an infinite cost, by a painful process, mysterious to angels as well as to men, assumed humanity. Hiding His divinity, laying aside His glory, He was born a babe in Bethlehem.” The Upward Look, 90. It is a mystery that we will never fully comprehend, even in heaven!

In Luke 19:10, it says, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The Spirit of Christ is the missionary spirit, and if we do not have the Spirit of Christ, we are none of His. (Romans 8:9.) We must never forget that.

If you have no burden on your soul for those that are lost, you had better start praying, because you do not have the Spirit of Christ. If you do not have the Spirit of Christ, you are not His; your name is not in the book. No one is written down in the books of heaven as a Christian who does not have a missionary spirit. (See Review and Herald, April 13, 1886.)

Confess Christ

How do we get our names written in the book? “Therefore whoever shall confess Me before men, I also will confess him before My Father who is in the heavens. But whoever will deny Me before men, I also will deny him before My Father who is in the heavens.” Matthew 10:32, 33.

If you want your name to be written down, Jesus said, “You need to confess Me before men.” If you are living in the United States, and have lived in the United States all of your life, perhaps the full significance of that statement does not reach your mind, because you are living in a land where there is religious liberty, to the present time.

Peter denied Christ when Jesus was at His trial. Have you ever tried to figure out what in the world drove him to do that? It was fear; he was afraid. Millions of people, even today, are not confessing Christ because of fear. Sometimes these fears are quite justified. We have church members who, because they have confessed Christ and chosen to be His disciples, have been divorced by their spouses. Sometimes confessing Christ costs something. There are people who have been driven away from home because they have confessed Christ.

Cost of Confession

In thousands of cities in the Roman Empire, for 300 years after the days of Christ, when those in charge decided they wanted to get rid of the Christians, they would set up a heathen altar in the center of the city, put a fire on it, and place some incense off at the side. They would then require everybody in town to march past the altar, pick up some incense, and throw it onto the fire. As the people did this, they were to exclaim, “The Caesar is the Lord.”

This was done deliberately because the leaders knew that a Christian could not and would not say that. When a Christian would come by the altar, he or she would say, “Christ is Lord.” Then the Christian would be separated from the others and martyred. We will learn one day how many people were martyred because they would not deny the name of Christ.

Several years ago while I was in England, I was taken to Cardiff, Wales, where the remains of a Roman garrison have been made into a museum. An amphitheater was even there. The amphitheater was where the Romans played. That was where they had their sports, and the Romans had some very cruel sports. The Romans enjoyed watching leopards, lions, and other ferocious animals kill and eat human beings. That was part of their entertainment. One of the signs at the amphitheater recorded that, in 309 a.d., two Roman soldiers who had become Christians were killed.

When Jesus said, “If you confess Me before men, I will confess you in heaven,” that cost something. It has cost millions of people their temporal lives.

Obedience Required

When you and I are willing to confess Jesus as our Lord and Saviour—that is what we do when we are baptized—then we are allowing Him to be the boss in our lives, and we are declaring that we will obey Him.

Jesus asked, in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and you do not do what I say?”

We must confess Jesus as our Lord and as our Saviour from sin. Unless we are willing to maintain that confession, even if it costs us our lives, we are not yet converted. The Lord might allow us, just as He has allowed a number of other people, to come to a situation where we have to choose between whether we are going to confess Jesus and die or deny Jesus and live.

This was the experience of Peter. He denied Jesus so that he could live, but later on, as recorded in Acts 3, 4, and 5, he confessed Jesus boldly. He was beaten, but he declared, “We are still going to preach; as long as we have breath, we are going to preach.” (See Acts 5:42.)

A Spiritual Religion

Read Romans 10:8–13: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word which we preach) [quoting there from Deuteronomy]: Because if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and you believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart is belief unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Every one who believes on Him shall not be ashamed.’ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is rich unto all who call upon Him. For ‘every one who calls upon His name shall be saved.’ ”

I love the Christian religion because it is the most spiritual of all religions. You do not become a Christian simply by going through a ritual or a ceremony. You become a Christian when, with your heart, your spirit, and your mind, you confess and say, “I choose for Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life. He has promised to be my Saviour from sin.”

“If you make that choice,” the Lord says, “if you choose Me as your Lord and as your Saviour from sin, I am going to save you someday at the end of the millennium.”

Wonderful Promise

One of the most wonderful promises in all of the Spirit of Prophecy is given at the end of The Great Controversy. Ellen White there tells what the devil is going to see. The devil is still fighting, but at the end, “He sees that his hellish plots have been powerless to destroy those who have put their trust in Jesus. As Satan looks upon his kingdom, the fruit of his toil, he sees only failure and ruin.” The Great Controversy, 669. He is going to see that all of his plots, all of his machinations, all of his temptations, all of his cruelties, all of his seductions, everything that he has put on the line to win the great controversy has been powerless to destroy one person who put his or her trust in Jesus.

If you have not already made the decision to surrender all to Him, I hope you make that decision today so that your name can be written in the book. If you have chosen Him as the Lord of your life and you trust Him to save you from the guilt and power of your sins, then your name is written in the book. Your name can be written in the book today, just like the thief on the cross. When confession is made, salvation is assured.

It is wonderful! I love to dwell upon this point; it is so wonderful because every single person could be saved. No one has to be one of the foolish virgins. Every single one of us could be saved.

Name Retained

After you make the decision to choose Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, there is something else you need to do.

Revelation 3:5 says, “Blessed is he who overcomes. He shall be clothed in white raiment and I will not blot his name out of the book of life.” This text implies that you could have your name blotted out of the book, but if you overcome, your name will not be blotted out. You will be given white raiment.

In Exodus 32:33, we read that the Lord told Moses, “The one who has sinned against Me is going to be blotted out of My book.” So, in addition to having your name written in the book of life, during the time of the judgment, your name must be retained in the book of life and not erased or blotted out. What can you do so that your name will be retained in the book of life and not blotted out?

Overcome

Revelation 3:5 gives the answer to that question. If your name is going to be retained in the book of life, you must be an overcomer, a conqueror. There are three things you must overcome: (1) You have to overcome what the Bible calls the world. (See 1 John 5.) (2) You have to overcome the devil. (See James 4.) (3) You have to overcome the flesh, the sinful nature. (See Romans 6, 8; Galatians 5.) You have to overcome those three things.

After hearing Adventist preachers preach about those things, and then seeing their congregations become discouraged, saying, “What am I going to do?” I decided that I would not tell people to overcome, unless we had done a study on how to do it. I believe we all see from the Bible that we have to overcome if we are going to have our names retained in the book of life, but the question is, How?

The Power

The power to overcome, of course, comes from the Lord. You and I do not have power to overcome on our own. Only the Lord has power to overcome, and we must receive this power from the Lord if we are going to overcome. The Lord has plenty of power, and this is a great comfort to me.

Ellen White wrote that Jesus has made ample provision: “For all the natural weaknesses Jesus has made ample provision, that they may be overcome through His grace.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 91. [Emphasis added.]

“Christ was crucified to save the world. For his enemies, for a race in rebellion against God, our Saviour suffered the most excruciating agonies that human flesh could endure. He has made ample provision for sinners, that they need not perish. In the light of his death-agony on the cross, we may know that whosoever will truly repent and receive him as a personal Saviour will receive everlasting life.” Review and Herald, September 24, 1908. [Emphasis added .]

Do you know what the English word ample means? It means, “plenty.” It is not a situation where there is not quite enough; there is plenty. Jesus has ample power to save the person that is the most degraded, to save the person that is the most defiled, to save the person that is in the bottom of the pit of sin. Jesus has plenty of power.

Why, since He has plenty of power, is not everyone an overcomer? If there is plenty of power, why were there foolish virgins? Because the entire plan of salvation is a cooperative process. God is the only One that can make it happen, but God will not make it happen unless you and I cooperate.

To be continued . . .

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

How to Get Your Name in the Book, Part II

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What must we do so that the power of God will be revealed in our lives, enabling us to be overcomers? There are a number of points I wish to give you. I will give you the texts, and you can study them on your own.

Walk in the Spirit

We must learn how to walk in the Spirit, not after the flesh. Study Romans 6, 7, and 8. We should study these three chapters together. We will never understand this subject unless we study all three of them together. Study also Galatians 5.

Ellen White wrote that, “The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.” The Desire of Ages, 671.

Since Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the power of sin has been developing and working in the human race for centuries. Sin can be overcome only in the power of the Third Person of the Godhead. Who is the Third Person of the Godhead? It is the Holy Spirit. So we must learn how to walk in the Spirit.

Learn to Fight

We must fight! Now, this is unpopular today. A lot of people want an easy religion, where they just call on the name of the Lord then relax, and He does everything. This is not Bible religion. Study the first several verses of Hebrews 12. Study 1 Corinthians 9:24–27.

Unfortunately, the Bible translators use what is known as euphemisms to soften the message sometimes, because the biblical language is so strong. Most Bible translations have softened 1 Corinthians 9:24–27.

In this passage, Paul is talking about fighting with his own sinful nature. He says, “I fight, not like somebody that is beating the air,” and then he uses a very strong word. It is a word that is used when you beat somebody up and make him all black and blue with bruises. That is, literally, how this word is used in the Greek; somebody is taken and, in street language, is beaten to a pulp. Paul uses this word, and says, “This is what I do to my body, to my flesh, to my sinful nature; I am strict with it.”

Hebrews 12:4 says, “You have not yet resisted unto blood, fighting, striving, struggling against sin.”

Do not think that you will overcome and be saved if you are not making any effort. You have to be like Jacob and say, “Lord, only You can save me, but I am never going to quit trying.” (See Genesis 32:25, 26.)

Lay Aside Sin

In the first verses also of Hebrews 12, Paul says that we are to “lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets or entangles us.” Every person has one or more easily besetting or entangling sins.

We are not all the same. Everybody does not have exactly the same besetting sin, but everybody has at least one besetting sin with which to struggle and overcome. “If you cling to any besetting sin, you will find the gateway too narrow for you to enter. Your own ways, your own will, your wrong habits and unchristlike practises [sic], must be given up if you would keep the way of the Lord.” The Signs of the Times, June 22, 1904.

Paul says, “Lay aside every weight.” He is using a figure of speech from the runners’ world. The idea is that a runner straps the weights onto his legs and runs with them every day. But when it is actually time for a race, the weights are left off, and the runner feels like he is running on air.

Paul says, “Lay aside the weight. It is not practice time; you are in the race now; lay aside every easily entangling sin.” Oh, friend, for the sake of your own soul and salvation, please spend some time studying that phrase and praying about it. What is the easily entangling sin that you need to lay aside? If you are going to lay aside an easily entangling sin, allow me to give you a crude illustration so you will have something to start thinking through.

I have dealt with a number of people whose easily entangling sin is alcoholic beverages. Now, if that is a person’s easily entangling sin and if he wants to lay that aside, it would be very unwise for him to decide to go to witness to people in the bars and taverns. In fact, that person should try to stay away from any place where alcoholic beverages are being used.

My wife and I have attended many parties where alcoholic beverages were used. It did not bother me, because I have never drunk, and I am not tempted by alcohol. I can witness to people in a situation like that, and it is not troublesome for me. But if using alcohol is your besetting sin, you better not go to a party like that. You better do your witnessing somewhere else.

You see, whatever is your besetting sin, you need to do everything humanly possible to not put yourself in the way of temptation. If you put yourself in the way of temptation, that is presumption. Should you deliberately place yourself in such a position, the Lord will have to work a miracle to get you out of there undefiled.

Pray Without Ceasing

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.” Do you remember the time when the disciples were trying to cast a demon out of a boy, but they could not do it? Jesus said to them, “Oh, faithless generation. How long am I going to endure you? Bring him to me.” Mark 9:19. Then Jesus cast out the devil, and, afterwards, the disciples came to Him, asking: “Lord, why could we not cast him out?” Verse 28. Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief. Truly, truly I say to you, this kind does not go out except by prayer.” Verse 29.

If you have a besetting sin that you cannot overcome, you need to go to your closet, fast, and pray, “Lord, I am not going to quit struggling. I am not going to quit praying, until You give to me the victory over this.”

Memorize Promises

Memorize your Bible, especially the promises. Read Psalm 119:9, 11: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!”

Music as a Weapon

Use Christian song—not “Christian” rock and roll or rap or hip hop—as a weapon when you are tempted. Paul says we should do this: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16. Use the words from Christian songs as a weapon against temptation.

Did you know that Jesus did this? Ellen White wrote:

“With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation. Often when sharp, stinging words were spoken, often when the atmosphere about Him was heavy with gloom, with dissatisfaction, distrust, or oppressive fear, was heard His song of faith and holy cheer.” Education, 166.

Then, “Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God. . . . Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement.” The Ministry of Healing, 254.

“If you sit in heavenly places with Christ, you cannot refrain from praising God. Begin to educate your tongues to praise him, and train your hearts to make melody to God; and when the evil one begins to settle his gloom about you, sing praise to God. When things go crossways at your homes, strike up a song about the matchless charms of the Son of God, and I tell you, when you touch this strain, Satan will leave you.” Review and Herald, August 5, 1890.

Follow Health Message

If you want to overcome, you must follow the health message that God has revealed in inspired writings. This is so important that I could write a whole article just on this point to show why, if you do not follow health reform, you will not be an overcomer. But, for now, consider the following:

“Let the young men and young women determine to love God supremely and to do His commandments. Under circumstances the most trying, let them remain faithful to duty—especially in their attitude toward the principles of health reform. Instead of being half-hearted reformers, let them make a whole hearted reformation, in all things practicing chastity and temperance. Let none begin to reform, and then stop. Resolve to overcome the wicked one.” Messages to Young People, 9, 10.

I wish I could find an English translation that translates 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 correctly. The reason these translations do not translate it correctly is because of one word that can mean two things. This word can mean either “to defile something” or it can mean “to destroy something.” This passage gives a parallel statement, and since it is a parallel statement, whichever way it is translated should be the same both times. Translators almost never do this.

One translation can be: “. . . that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and whoever defiles it, God will defile him.” Most people do not like the idea of God defiling somebody, so they do not translate it that way. The only other way to translate it yet keep it parallel, as it is written, is this: “Anyone who destroys his body, God will destroy him.” This, I believe, is the correct translation.

If you are not following the health message and you are deliberately doing something that is destroying your body, what does the text say that God is going to do to you? He is going to destroy you! If you want to be an overcomer, you must follow the health message.

Mrs. White also counsels that James 1:16–27 provides for us “God’s great remedy for the diseases of the body and soul. It is God’s health reform prescription. The whole chapter is a practical one. I advise all to follow the instruction; for if they take heed to it day by day, they will triumph at last with the overcomers.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 1.

Weep Not

In Nehemiah 8:9, Ezra told the people of Israel not to weep. In the book carrying his name, it is recorded that, “Many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes.” Ezra 3:12. They were weeping because of their problems and because the second temple was not nearly as beautiful as the first. They were told, “Do not weep. Do not allow yourself to be sad, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

This is something it would be good to individually study further. If you want to be an overcomer, you need to study about being thankful and having the joy of the Lord.

Ellen White says, “A praise meeting should be held, a simple service of thanksgiving to God. There would be much more power in our camp meetings if we had a true sense of the goodness, mercy, and long-suffering of God, and if more praise flowed forth from our lips to the honor and glory of His name. We need to cultivate more fervor of soul. The Lord says: ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.’ Psalm 50:23.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 62.

“Well now, commence to praise God. And praise Him with heart and soul and voice. The devil does not want you [to], because you would be a living witness to them that you had drunk of the living waters, and he does not want you to praise God.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 213. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Avoid Temptation

Do not deliberately walk into temptation, or, if I could state it in even more simple language, do not look at or listen to sin.

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: ‘Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?’ He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.” Isaiah 33:14–16. This passage is talking about the time when the sinners in Zion will be terrified because Jesus is coming. Verse 17 continues, “You are going to see the King in His beauty, and you are going to see the land that is very far off.”

Do you know what “the land that is very far off” is? It is that land that is over 600 light years away. Who are the people who will see this? Some of their characteristics are mentioned, and one of the characteristics given is that these people stop their ears; they do not allow their ears to hear evil. Neither do they allow their eyes to watch bloodshed. They will not look at it; they will not listen to it.

Our people are being destroyed spiritually because of what they are looking at on television and on videos, reading in magazines, and listening to musically. They are listening to sin. They are looking at sin. And then they wonder why they cannot overcome sin!

All Powerful

The Lord has plenty of power so that the weakest and the most sinful can overcome. The question is, are you and I going to cooperate? Pray and ask the Lord to help you to cooperate, for if you are going to be inside the city, your name must be written in that book. For that to happen, you must confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If your name is not going to be blotted out of that book in the Day of Judgment, you must overcome, so you may be clothed with the change of garment.

You must realize your absolute dependence upon God, that you have no power of your own. You have no ability or strength to overcome the world, the devil, or the flesh except you look to Him and choose to cooperate with Him.

Pray that the power of the Third Person of the Godhead may be exercised in your life, that you might not only be born of the Spirit, but that you might walk in the Spirit, not fulfilling the lust of the flesh, not loving the world, and not falling for the temptations of the evil one that seem so enticing to the sinful human nature.

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

Bible Study Guides – The Mission of Jesus

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April 15, 2007 – April 21, 2007

Key Text

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Study Help: God’s Amazing Grace, 257.

Introduction

“Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid the infinite redemption price for a lost world. His self-denial and self-sacrifice, His unselfish labor, His humiliation, above all, the offering up of His life, testifies to the depth of His love for fallen man. It was to seek and to save the lost that He came to earth. His mission was to sinners, sinners of every grade, of every tongue and nation. He paid the price for all, to ransom them and bring them into union and sympathy with Himself. The most erring, the most sinful, were not passed by; His labors were especially for those who most needed the salvation He came to bring. The greater their need of reform, the deeper was His interest, the greater His sympathy, and the more earnest His labors. His great heart of love was stirred to its depths for the ones whose condition was most hopeless and who most needed His transforming grace.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 603.

1 What was the mission of Jesus to this world? Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10.

note: “From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency.” The Desire of Ages, 22.

“While Christ opens heaven to man, the life which He imparts opens the heart of man to heaven. Sin not only shuts us away from God, but destroys in the human soul both the desire and the capacity for knowing Him. All this work of evil it is Christ’s mission to undo. The faculties of the soul, paralyzed by sin, the darkened mind, the perverted will, He has power to invigorate and to restore.” Education, 28, 29.

2 By what name did a prophet say the infant Saviour should be called? Matthew 1:23.

note: “ ‘Emmanuel, God with us.’ This means everything to us. What a broad foundation does it lay for our faith. What a hope big with immortality does it place before the believing soul. God with us in Christ Jesus to accompany us every step of the journey to heaven. The Holy Spirit with us as a comforter, a guide in our perplexities, to soothe our sorrows, and shield us in temptation.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 18.

3 Whose nature did Jesus take upon Himself? Why did He do this? Hebrews 2:14–18.

note: “It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. . . . God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. . . . God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the ‘Son of man’ who shares the throne of the universe. It is the ‘Son of man’ whose name shall be called, ‘Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6. . . . In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.” The Desire of Ages, 25, 26.

“Christ, who knew not the least taint of sin or defilement, took our nature in its deteriorated condition. This was humiliation greater than finite man can comprehend. God was manifest in the flesh. He humbled Himself. What a subject for thought, for deep, earnest contemplation! So infinitely great that He was the Majesty of heaven, and yet He stooped so low, without losing one atom of His dignity and glory! He stooped to poverty and to the deepest abasement among men. For our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 253.

4 What testimony is borne concerning Jesus’ life? 1 Peter 2:22; John 19:4.

note: “Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s Word declares he must have before he can be saved, is the result of the working of divine grace, as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sinsick soul. He has not the wisdom nor the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and he bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek him for help.” Review and Herald, September 19, 1912.

5 For whom did Jesus die? Romans 5:6–8.

note: “Jesus did not seek you and me because we were his friends; for we were estranged from him, and unreconciled to God. It was while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. But he has promised to give us his Holy Spirit, that we might become assimilated to his nature, changed into his image. Therefore we must put away everything like passion, impatience, murmuring, and unrest, and find a place for Jesus in the heart. We must have the buyers and the sellers cleared out of the soul-temple, that Jesus may take up his abode within us.” Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, January 15, 1892.

6 To whom are we to look for salvation? Isaiah 45:22–25; Hebrews 12:1, 2. Compare 11 Corinthians 3:18. How did Jesus illustrate this in His night talk with Nicodemus? John 3:14, 15. Compare Numbers 21:5–9.

note: “Many make a serious mistake in their religious life by keeping the attention fixed upon their feelings and thus judging of their advancement or decline. Feelings are not a safe criterion. We are not to look within for evidence of our acceptance with God. We shall find there nothing but that which will discourage us. Our only hope is in ‘looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ [Hebrews 12:2.] There is everything in Him to inspire with hope, with faith, and with courage. He is our righteousness, our consolation and rejoicing. . . .

“As we rely upon His merits we shall find rest and peace and joy. He saves to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 199, 200.

7 Upon whom has help for salvation been laid? Psalm 89:18, 19. Compare Isaiah 63:1–3. How many are within the reach of this great salvation? John 3:16; Isaiah 1:18.

note: “Your salvation depends on your acting from principle—serving God from principle, not from feeling, not from impulse. God will help you when you feel your need of help and set about the work with resolution, trusting in Him with all your heart. You are often discouraged without sufficient reason. You indulge feelings akin to hatred. Your likes and dislikes are strong. These you must restrain. Control the tongue. . . . Help has been laid upon One that is mighty. He will be your strength and support, your front guard and rearward.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 698.

“Whatever molding and fashioning needs to be wrought in the soul, Christ can best do. The conviction may not be deep, but if the sinner comes to Christ, viewing Him upon the cross, the just dying for the unjust, the sight will break every barrier down. Christ has undertaken the work of saving all who trust in Him for salvation. He sees the wrongs that need to be righted, the evils that need to be repressed. He came to seek and save that which was lost.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 178.

8 Through whom are we washed from our sins? Revelation 1:5. To what extent is Jesus able to save? Hebrews 7:25.

note: “God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sinner’s only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith, he is sure of pardon and that full and free. There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 912, 913.

9 What assurance have we that the Lord remembers His people? Psalm 40:17; Exodus 28:29.

note: “[Exodus 28:29 quoted.] What a beautiful and expressive figure this is of the unchanging love of Christ for His church! Our great High Priest, of whom Aaron was a type, bears His people upon His heart.” Gospel Workers, 34.

“Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 351.

10 What is Christ made to every believer? 1 Corinthians 1:30; 11 Corinthians 5:21.

note: “If there is anything upon the earth that should inspire men with sanctified zeal, it is the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the grand, great work of redemption. It is Christ, made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

“The Lord has often made manifest in His providence that nothing less than revealed truth, the word of God, can reclaim man from sin or keep him from transgression. That word which reveals the guilt of sin has a power upon the human heart to make man right and keep him so. The Lord has said that His word is to be studied and obeyed; it is to be brought into the practical life; that word is as inflexible as the character of God—the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 80, 81.

11 How is man’s helplessness to save himself expressed? John 15:5; Jeremiah 13:23. By what illustration does the Saviour show wherein the strength of the believer lies? John 15:2–4, 7.

note: “The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to Me. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved. . . .

“The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant.” The Desire of Ages, 675, 676.

12 To whom will the redeemed through all eternity ascribe praise? Revelation 5:9, 10; 19:1, 5–7.

note: “Before entering the City of God, the Saviour bestows upon His followers the emblems of victory and invests them with the insignia of their royal state. The glittering ranks are drawn up in the form of a hollow square about their King, whose form rises in majesty high above saint and angel, whose countenance beams upon them full of benignant love. Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose ‘visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.’ [Isaiah 52:14.] Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own ‘new name’ (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, ‘Holiness to the Lord.’ In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: ‘Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.’ Revelation 1:5, 6.” The Great Controversy, 645, 646.

Adapted from “The Victorious Life,” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1924.

Victory in Jesus, Part I

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The topic of overcoming sin has been one of interest to me for a long time. When I was younger, I did not totally understand how to meet the temptations that came to me. I only knew that there was no way I could, of myself, keep from evil; it was like being in literal bondage. No matter how much I wanted to be free, there was no way that I could overcome this evil. You know, it does not matter in what kind of home you are raised, you still inherit sinful tendencies. Children have battles to fight as well as adults.

I want to share some things with you about overcoming that I have learned from my experience. I know they work, because I know what God has done for me, and I know it is nothing of myself; I can take no credit.

“We have no sympathy with that discipline which would discourage children by hard censure, or irritate them by passionate correction, and then, as the impulse changes, smother them with kisses, or harm them by injurious gratification. Excessive indulgence and undue severity are alike to be avoided. While vigilance and firmness are indispensable, so also are sympathy and tenderness. Parents, remember that you deal with children who are struggling with temptation, and that to them these evil promptings are as hard to resist as are those that assail persons of mature years. Children who really desire to do right may fail again and again, and as often need encouragement to energy and perseverance. Watch the working of these young minds with prayerful solicitude. Strengthen every good impulse; encourage every noble action.” Child Guidance, 263, 264. [Emphasis added.]

Importance of Overcoming

To be among those who go through to the end, we must be overcomers. Revelation 21:7 says, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

Revelation 12:11 tells us how this happens: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

Overcoming is important. When the Lord has given us the victory over something, we have a testimony to tell others of what the Lord has done for us. We can tell others how the Lord has given us the victory.

Overcoming the Devil

We must overcome the devil. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8, 9. “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12.

Sometimes we may have the tendency to think that, as Christians, we have a hard lot and that the people in the world do not have as many trials. I read a story once that illustrates the point. A man and his slave went hunting one day, and as they hunted, they talked. The man said to the slave, “Why is it that you Christians have so many trials, problems, and struggles? I do not seem to have too many.”

As they continued hunting, the man shot two ducks. One died, but the other was just wounded, so the man sent his hunting dog after the wounded duck. It was then that the slave could respond to the man’s question. “Those ducks,” he said, “are just like you and me. I have been wounded by sin, so the devil is after me.”

It is so true! Each of us has been wounded by sin, and we are striving to overcome it, but the devil is after us to make us give up totally.

Overcome the World

We must overcome the world. “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, [and] to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27.

We cannot deny that there are pleasures in the world, but remember that they are temporary. Sometimes it is hard when you have to work with worldly people and everything that they do is something that you would and could not do with a clear conscience. The whole life of a worldly person has a different focus than that of the Christian; their focus is self-serving. It is difficult to be in a worldly environment. One feels rather alone, because there is no one there who can relate to the Christian’s lifestyle. Generally the only thing you have in common is work. There is a temptation in this world sometimes to think that when we deny the world we will miss out; we will be all alone when those with whom we work are out there having a “good time,” and you choose to not do what they are doing. It looks as if those people have everything, and we are denying ourselves of it all. The world is definitely a temptation.

Overcome Sinful Nature

We are born with inherited traits to evil tendencies and certain sins because of our makeup. “. . . keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:7. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5.

We are in a hopeless state; we cannot overcome on our own. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? [Then] may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. “The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. “If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:16-24.

The flesh is something that we must fight every day while we are in this sinful world. It is an ongoing battle, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31: “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”

A Daily Fight

Ellen White penned: “Success in the Christian warfare means watchfulness and a daily crucifixion of self.” In Heavenly Places, 260.

“I find that I have to fight the good fight of faith every day. I have to exercise all my faith and not rely upon feeling; I have to act as though I knew the Lord heard me and would answer me and bless me. Faith is not a happy flight of feeling; it is simply taking God at His word¾believing that He will fulfill His promises because He said He would.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 539, 540.

“Day by day we are to fight the good fight of faith. Day by day God will give us our work; and though we can not see the end from the beginning, we are to examine ourselves daily to see if we are in the path of righteousness. We must strive to overcome, looking unto Jesus; for in every temptation he will be at our side to give us the victory. Every day should come to us as the last day in which we may be privileged to work for God, and much of it must be given to prayer that we may work in the strength of Christ. This is the way in which Enoch walked with God, warning and condemning the world by manifesting before them a righteous character.” Review and Herald, May 8, 1913.

“For every class of temptations there is a remedy. We are not left to ourselves to fight the battle against self and our sinful natures in our own finite strength. Jesus is a mighty helper, a never-failing support. His followers should develop symmetrical characters by strengthening weak traits. They must become Christ-like in disposition and pure and holy in life. None can do this in their own strength, but Jesus can give the daily grace needed to do this work. None need fail or become discouraged, when such ample provision has been made for us.” Gospel Workers (1892), 418.

“The evil that led to Peter’s fall [in denying Christ at His trial] . . . is proving the ruin of thousands today. There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.” A New Life, 41. [Emphasis added.]

Our Sinful Nature

“The apostle Paul clearly presents the relation between faith and the law under the new covenant. He says: ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ‘Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.’ ‘For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh’¾it could not justify man, because in his sinful nature he could not keep the law¾‘God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit’ (Romans 5:1; 3:31; 8:3, 4).” God’s Amazing Grace, 140. [Emphasis in original.]

“God declares, ‘There is none righteous, no, not one’ (Romans 3:10). All have the same sinful nature. All are liable to make mistakes. No one is perfect. The Lord Jesus died for the erring that they might be forgiven. It is not our work to condemn. Christ did not come to condemn, but to save.” In Heavenly Places. 292.

“The sinful nature of man was weak, and he was prone to the transgression of God’s commandments. Man had not the power to do the words of God; that is why Christ came to our world, that He might give him moral power. There was no power in heaven or in earth but the power of Christ that could deliver from the [sentence illegible in original]. He came to meet the difficulty and to remove it. His own arm brought salvation. God sent forth His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh that He might condemn sin in the flesh and reveal the fact to heaven, to the worlds unfallen and also the fallen world, that through the power of divine grace, through partaking of the divine nature, man need no longer stand under the curse of the law or remain in transgression.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 82, 83.

Battles

“You must individually battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The word of God is called ‘the sword of the Spirit,’ and you should become skillful in its use, if you would cut your way through the hosts of opposition and darkness.” Christian Education, 116.

“To follow Christ is not freedom from conflict. It is not child’s play. It is not spiritual idleness. All the enjoyment in Christ’s service means sacred obligations in meeting oft stern conflicts. To follow Christ means stern battles, active labor, warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our enjoyment is the victories gained for Christ in earnest, hard, warfare. . . . We are enlisted for labor, ‘not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life’ (John 6:27). . . .

“Every soul must count the cost. Not one will succeed but by strenuous effort. We must spiritually exercise all our powers and crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. Crucifixion means much more than many suppose. . . .

“It is a constant watchfulness to be faithful unto death, to fight the good fight of faith until the warfare is ended and as overcomers we shall receive the crown of life.

“I can see my Redeemer, in whom I have fresh encouragement to trust as a never-failing Source of strength.” In Heavenly Places, 117.

“Those who are dead to self will not feel so readily, and will not be prepared to resist everything which may irritate. Dead men cannot feel. You are not dead. If you were, and your life were hid in Christ, a thousand things which you now notice, and which afflict you, would be passed by as unworthy of notice; you would then be grasping the eternal and would be above the petty trials of this life.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 425.

Our Condition

In January 2006, some articles about how the brain rewires itself were put together by Time magazine and CNN. We certainly do not know all there is to know about the brain, but what we do know is fascinating.

Our brain is not static, either physically or chemically; it is always changing. When a person learns something new, that experience alters the structure of the brain. So neurotransmission not only contains current information, but is learning and can alter the subsequent neurotransmission. If an experience is notable enough, it will actually produce new synaptic connections and prune away old ones, or strengthen or weaken existing ones, meaning that our brain circuitry can actually be changed. Changes can be long lasting, even permanent. A good portion of our genes are involved in building the brain, but genes are not the whole story. Our brains are changed by the experiences and environment in which we exist. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Ephesians 4:23. (See Dr. Neil Nedley, Depression the Way Out, Nedley Publishing, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 2001.)

When we say a word, think, or make decisions, certain synapses in the brain are activated. Some synapses in the brain are stronger than others, which makes us more likely to perform certain actions and thoughts than others. Because of what we have done in the past, the brain tends to use the strong connections, which is easier than forming new paths. For example, if you were in the habit of having dessert after every meal for the past 15 years, it would be really hard to not have it; your brain is wired to have that dessert. By making good choices today, we are shaping our brain to make better decisions in the future. <www.askdoctorjoshua.com> (May 2007).

Behaviors become strengthened through repeated exercise. This strengthening alters the brain. It is modified with great effort of will and repetition of a new behavior. With more time, the deeper a habit becomes embedded in the brain, and it becomes easier to fall back into old habits. This explains why it is harder to teach an old dog new tricks.

The Bible describes it this way: “The sin of Judah [is] written with a pen of iron, [and] with the point of a diamond: [it is] graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars.” Jeremiah 17:1. It says that the sin is engraved with a pen of iron on the heart!

Literal Slavery

Being in bondage to sin is as literal as slavery. “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” Proverbs 5:22, 23. “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:23. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 11 Peter 2:19.

Each time we sin, we tell ourselves that we are free to choose and that we can change. This is the devil’s bargain, and it is true. However, each time we sin, it becomes easier to sin the next time and harder to not do so¾until we realize that we are in bondage. We do not just choose one day to be in bondage to a habit or sin; it happens over time.

Sin is self-reinforcing, leading to deeper and deeper entanglement from which it becomes humanly impossible to free ourselves. Most sins are pleasurable, self-reinforcing, and natural. In fact, they can become as addictions. Sin is natural.

Everyone has sinned. In Romans 3:9, 10 we read: “What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” “Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. “The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.” Psalm 14:1.

To be continued . . .

Jana Grosboll serves Steps to Life as its Network Administrator. She may be contacted by e-mail at: janagrosboll@stepstolife.org

Victory in Jesus, Part II

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Some of the hardest temptations to deal with are those that go with a natural drive or passion that God created but that has been perverted. They are hard because, for example, when gaining the victory over appetite you cannot just stop eating; you still have to eat some nourishment, unlike smoking where you must quit altogether.

“Of all the lessons to be learned from our Lord’s first great temptation none is more important than that bearing upon the control of the appetites and passions. In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. Through intemperance, Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers that God gave to man as a priceless endowment. Thus it becomes impossible for men to appreciate things of eternal worth. Through sensual indulgence, Satan seeks to blot from the soul every trace of likeness to God.

“The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation that existed at Christ’s first advent will again exist, with intensity of evil, before His Second Coming. Christ declares that the condition of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in Sodom and Gomorrah. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart will be evil continually. Upon the very verge of that fearful time we are now living, and to us should come home the lesson of the Saviour’s fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish which Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence. His example declares that our only hope of eternal life is through bringing the appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God.

“In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us. Christ knew that the enemy would come to every human being, to take advantage of hereditary weakness, and by his false insinuations to ensnare all whose trust is not in God. And by passing over the ground which man must travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. It is not His will that we should be placed at a disadvantage in the conflict with Satan. He would not have us intimidated and discouraged by the assaults of the serpent. ‘Be of good cheer,’ He says, ‘I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33.

“Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, ‘I thirst.’ [John 19:28.] He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. His victory is ours.” The Desire of Ages, 122, 123.

“Temptations to the indulgence of appetite possess a power which can be overcome only by the help that God can impart. But with every temptation, we have the promise of God that there shall be a way of escape. Why, then, are so many overcome? ¾It is because they do not put their trust in God. They do not avail themselves of the means provided for their safety. The excuses offered for the gratification of perverted appetite are therefore of no weight with God.” The Signs of the Times, August 10, 1915.

“Satan comes to man, as he came to Christ, with his overpowering temptations to indulge appetite. He well knows his power to overcome man upon this point. He overcame Adam and Eve in Eden upon appetite, and they lost their blissful home. What accumulated misery and crime have filled our world in consequence of the fall of Adam. Entire cities have been blotted from the face of the earth because of the debasing crimes and revolting iniquity that made them a blot upon the universe. Indulgence of appetite was the foundation of all their sins.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 153.

“The strength of the temptation to indulge appetite can be measured only by the inexpressible anguish of our Redeemer in that long fast in the wilderness. He knew that the indulgence of perverted appetite would so deaden man’s perceptions that sacred things could not be discerned. Adam fell by the indulgence of appetite; Christ overcame by the denial of appetite. And our only hope of regaining Eden is through firm self-control. If the power of indulged appetite was so strong upon the race, that, in order to break its hold the divine Son of God, in man’s behalf, had to endure a fast of nearly six weeks, what a work is before the Christian! Yet, however great the struggle, he may overcome. By the help of that divine power which withstood the fiercest temptations that Satan could invent, he, too, may be entirely successful in his warfare with evil, and at last may wear the victor’s crown in the kingdom of God.

“Through appetite, Satan controls the mind and the whole being. Thousands who might have lived, have passed into the grave, physical, mental, and moral wrecks, because they sacrificed all their powers to the indulgence of appetite. The necessity for the men of this generation to call to their aid the power of the will, strengthened by the grace of God, in order to withstand the temptations of Satan, and resist the least indulgence of perverted appetite, is far greater than it was several generations ago. But the present generation have less power of self-control than had those who lived then.” Ibid., 167, 168.

“One of the strongest temptations that man has to meet is upon the point of appetite. Between the mind and the body there is a mysterious and wonderful relation. They react upon each other. To keep the body in a healthy condition to develop its strength, that every part of the living machinery may act harmoniously, should be the first study of our life. To neglect the body is to neglect the mind. It cannot be to the glory of God for His children to have sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. To indulge the taste at the expense of health is a wicked abuse of the senses. Those who engage in any species of intemperance, either in eating or drinking, waste their physical energies and weaken moral power. They will feel the retribution which follows the transgression of physical law.” Counsels on Health, 122.

“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.” Letters to Young Lovers, 69.

Solution to our Condition

In the Scriptures, victory through Jesus is promised to us: “But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24, 25.

“While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. ‘Him that cometh to Me,’ says Christ, ‘I will in no wise cast out.’ John 6:37. But we must come to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.

“Nothing but the righteousness of Christ can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. There are many who have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not received them, because they have cherished the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy of them. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. We must not think that our own merits will save us; Christ is our only hope of salvation. ‘For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ Acts 4:12.

“When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help that we can desire. Let none look to self, as though they had power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. When we see our sinfulness we should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved. . . .

“If we are conscious of our needs, we should not devote all our powers to mourning over them. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Look and live. Jesus has pledged His word; He will save all who come unto Him. Though millions who need to be healed will reject His offered mercy, not one who trusts in His merits will be left to perish.

“Many are unwilling to accept of Christ until the whole mystery of the plan of salvation shall be made plain to them. They refuse the look of faith, although they see that thousands have looked, and have felt the efficacy of looking, to the cross of Christ. Many wander in the mazes of philosophy, in search of reasons and evidence which they will never find, while they reject the evidence which God has been pleased to give. They refuse to walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, until the reason of its shining shall be explained. All who persist in this course will fail to come to a knowledge of the truth. God will never remove every occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith, and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and question before they would consent to look, they would have perished. It is our duty, first, to look; and the look of faith will give us life.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 431, 432.

“We may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.’ James 4:7, 8. We cannot save ourselves from the tempter’s power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but ‘the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.’ Proverbs 18:10. Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name.” The Desire of Ages, 130.

Our Part

“Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, ‘Without me ye can do nothing’ (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man’s efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end’ (Revelation 21:6) in the salvation of every soul.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 381.

“Let my brethren be very careful how they present the subject of faith and works before the people, lest minds become confused. . . .

“Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he may be successful in overcoming.” A New Life, 38, 39.

Our Will

We must place our will on the side of God’s will. We must be willing to fight.

“Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and perseverance resist Satan, as Christ has given him example in His conflict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan’s artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part; he must be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that Christ gives him. Man must be a co-worker with Christ in the labor of overcoming.

“The victims of evil habit must be aroused to the necessity of making an effort for themselves. Others may put forth the most earnest endeavor to uplift them, the grace of God may be freely offered, Christ may entreat, His angels may minister; but all will be in vain unless they themselves are roused to fight the battle in their own behalf. . . .

“Those who put their trust in Christ are not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency. Instead of being held in bondage to the lower nature, they are to rule every appetite and passion. God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart.

“The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.” God’s Amazing Grace, 254.

Faith in Jesus’ Merits

“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. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.

“True faith is that which receives Christ as a personal Saviour. God gave His only-begotten Son, that I, by believing in Him, ‘should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). When I come to Christ, according to His word, I am to believe that I receive His saving grace. The life that I now live, I am to ‘live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20).” Ibid., 140.

Keys for Help in Overcoming

1) We must not place ourselves in the way of temptation. The Bible tells us: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14. “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1.

For example, we should not jump off a cliff and expect the law of gravity not to work. So it is with temptation. We do not go where there is temptation and expect not to fall.

“We must keep close to the word of God. We need its warnings and encouragement, its threatenings and promises. We need the perfect example given only in the life and character of our Saviour. Angels of God will preserve his people while they walk in the path of duty; but there is no assurance of such protection for those who deliberately venture upon Satan’s ground. An agent of the great deceiver will say and do anything to gain his object. . . . Pretending great interest in their welfare, he casts a spell over his unsuspecting victims, charming them as the serpent charms the trembling bird. Soon they are completely in his power, and sin, disgrace, and ruin are the terrible sequel.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 115, 116.

2) If we are placed in the way of temptation because of circumstances, God will be with us as He was with Daniel and Joseph. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

“He who understands well his own character, who is acquainted with the sin that most easily besets him and the temptations that will be most likely to overcome him, should not expose himself needlessly, and invite temptation by placing himself upon the enemy’s ground. If duty calls him where circumstances are not favorable, he will have special help from God, and can thus go fully girded for a conflict with the enemy. Self-knowledge will save many from falling into grievous temptations, and prevent many an inglorious defeat. In order to become acquainted with ourselves, it is essential that we faithfully investigate the motives and principles of our conduct, comparing our actions with the standard of duty revealed in God’s word.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 517, 518.

3) We should notice situations that bring temptation and try to stay away from such situations as much as possible. If we are placed in temptation, we must immediately ask God for help. This involves self-knowledge; we must know about ourselves. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].” Romans 13:14. “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Galatians 6:4. “The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.” “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.” “A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 13:8, 15; 22:3.

If your temptation is to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages, do not go into or by a pub or saloon. Do not place yourself in the way of temptation. Consider another example: Mom says to little Johnny, “Come home right after school today; do not stop to swim.” Johnny may agree and commit that he will be home right after school, but when he returns home late with wet hair and admits that he has been swimming, Mom wants to know why he did not keep his word. Johnny replies that he was tempted. Persisting, Mom asks, “Why did you take your swimming clothes with you?” To which Johnny says, “Because I thought I might be tempted!” Johnny made provision to fall into temptation.

[All emphasis added.]

To be continued . . .

Jana Grosboll serves Steps to Life as its Network Administrator. She may be contacted by e-mail at: janagrosboll@stepstolife.org.

Victory in Jesus, Part III

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Last month (September 2007), we began a review of keys that will help us to overcome temptation and sin. The first three are:

1) We must not place ourselves in the way of temptation. The Bible tell us: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14. “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1.

2) If we are placed in the way of temptation because of circumstances, God will be with us as He was with Daniel and Joseph. (1 Corinthians 10:13.)

3) We should notice situations that bring temptation and try to stay away from such situations as much as possible. For instance, If you are impatient, perhaps it is because you are intemperate. “It is impossible for intemperate persons to be patient. They must first reform bad habits, learn to live healthfully, and then it will not be difficult for them to be patient.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 393.

God allows us to struggle or to suffer sometimes so we may gain the victory. You may have noticed that this was often the case in the examples given in the Bible. For instance, God saved Daniel in the lions’ den, not from it.

Self-Knowledge

“He who understands well his own character, who is acquainted with the sin which most easily besets him, and the temptations that will be most likely to overcome him, should not expose himself needlessly and invite temptation by placing himself upon the enemy’s ground. . . . Self-knowledge will save many from falling into grievous temptations, and prevent many an inglorious defeat. In order to become acquainted with ourselves, it is essential that we faithfully investigate the motives and principles of our conduct, comparing our actions with the standard of duty revealed in God’s word.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 517.

“To know one’s self is great knowledge. . . . Self-knowledge leads to humility and trust in God; but it does not take the place of efforts for self-improvement. He who realizes his own deficiencies should spare no pains to reach the highest possible standard of physical, mental, and moral excellence.” Special Testimonies on Education, 50.

“True self-knowledge will lead to a humility that will allow the Lord to train the mind, and mold and discipline the character. The grace of humility is greatly needed by the workers for Christ in this period of the world’s history.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 525.

“You need to cultivate watchfulness and humility, and to be diligent in prayer. The more closely you live to God, the more clearly will you discern your weaknesses and your dangers. A practical view of the law of God, a clear discernment of the atonement of Christ, will give you a knowledge of yourselves and will show you wherein you fail to perfect Christian character. In short, you . . . need a daily experience in God’s will concerning you. When you see your great spiritual lack you will realize the fact that human depravity, specified in the word of God, is true in your experience. . . .

“Self-knowledge you need so much. The ignorance of your own hearts leads you to overlook the necessity of a daily, living experience in the divine life. In a degree you overlook the necessity of having a divine influence constantly with you. . . . If you neglect this, and pass on in self-confidence and self-sufficiency, you will be left to make very great blunders. You need constantly to cherish lowliness of mind and a spirit of dependence. He who feels his own weakness will look higher than himself and will feel the need of constant strength from above. The grace of God will lead him to exercise and cherish a spirit of constant gratitude. He who is best acquainted with his own weakness will know that it is the matchless grace of God alone that will triumph over the rebellion of the heart.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 321, 322.

Self-Examination

“Many are in danger, after having preached to others, of themselves becoming castaways; for they do not see the importance of self-knowledge; they do not watch and pray lest they enter into temptation. By watchfulness and prayer they might become acquainted with those points in their character where they are most easily overcome by the enemy; by resistance of every attack, their weak points might become their strong points. Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, and by constant prayer arm himself for conflict.

“There are many who neglect self-examination. This neglect is positively dangerous.” Review and Herald, July 30, 1901.

“The self-abasement manifested by the publican [Luke 18:10-13] is wholly acceptable to God. To know ourselves is to be humble. Self-knowledge will take away all disposition to entertain the Most High with a recital of our own excellent qualities. Realizing our sins and imperfections, we shall come to the feet of Jesus with earnest supplication, and our petitions will not be passed by unheard.” The Signs of the Times, February 19, 1885.

Practical Example

I remember as a child that when my family would be preparing to travel I was always ready to go before everyone else. I would have my bags packed, and I would be sitting in the car waiting on the others. I love to travel, and it does not take too much time for me to be ready. When I am ready, I have a hard time waiting for others.

I used to wonder why it took so long for everyone to get ready to go; it seemed like forever when I was young. As I grew older, I began to realize why it took so long to get our family on the road. First we had to mow the lawn, water the trees, change the oil in the car, clean the kitchen, pack a lunch and other food items, pick up in the house, and whatever else needed to be done. I soon realized that if I helped to get these things done around the house, we would get on the road sooner, and I would forget my frustration, because I would be busy. I also realized that other people in our house really liked the help. Instead of being impatient, waiting for people to be ready to go, I was making them happy by being helpful. Instead of being frustrated with everyone and the situation, I was happy.

Now, consider these additional keys to overcoming.

Where Temptation Starts

4) Temptation to sin starts in the mind. We must be ready to fight when the thought enters. Temptation is not a sin. Just because we are tempted with bad thoughts and sin does not mean that we are not Christians. Temptation is a problem when we yield to it. (11 Corinthians 10:5, 6.)

“All are free moral agents. And as such they must bring their thoughts to run in the right channel. Their meditations should be of that nature which will elevate their minds, and make Jesus and heaven the subjects of their thoughts. Here is a wide field in which the mind can safely range. If Satan seeks to divert the mind from this to low and sensual things, bring it back again, and place it on eternal things; and when the Lord sees the determined effort made to retain only pure thoughts, he will attract the mind, like the magnet, and purify the thoughts, and enable them to cleanse themselves from every secret sin. . . . The first work for those who would reform, is to purify the imagination. If the mind is led out in a vicious direction, it must be restrained to dwell only upon pure and elevated subjects. When tempted to yield to a corrupt imagination, then flee to the throne of grace and pray for strength from Heaven. In the strength of God the imagination can be restricted to dwell upon things which are pure and heavenly.” An Appeal to Mothers, 29.

Avoid Idleness

5) A key to overcoming is to stay busy, so you do not have time to be looking for temptation. Idleness is not sanctioned in the Bible. (See 11 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 6:6-11; 24:30-34; Matthew 25:26; Hebrews 6:12; Genesis 3:19.) We are given the blessing of work to keep us from idleness.

“God could not have inflicted a greater curse upon men and women than to doom them to live a life of inaction. Idleness will destroy soul and body. The heart, the moral character, and physical energies are enfeebled. The intellect suffers, and the heart is open to temptation as an open avenue to sink into every vice. The indolent man tempts the devil to tempt him.” Our High Calling, 222.

“Law and service are a part of every true life. Idleness is sin. Money is supposed to carry its possessor above service, and because a man has money he is allowed to spend his time in idleness. But the devil engages all such in the meanest kind of work. It is the Lord who has a right to our service. The more an individual lives for himself, and the less for the good of others the less noble and pure will he be in his own life. His moral power degenerates while living for himself. Compare that idle life with the one who looks his responsibilities in the face, and takes up his life work for God and for his fellowmen.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 237.

“Idleness and riches make the heart hard that has never been oppressed by want or burdened by sorrow. The love of pleasure was fostered by wealth and leisure, and the people [of Sodom] gave themselves up to sensual indulgence. ‘Behold,’ says the prophet, ‘this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.’ Ezekiel 16:49, 50. There is nothing more desired among men than riches and leisure, and yet these gave birth to the sins that brought destruction upon the cities of the plain. Their useless, idle life made them a prey to Satan’s temptations, and they defaced the image of God, and became satanic rather than divine. Idleness is the greatest curse that can fall upon man, for vice and crime follow in its train. It enfeebles the mind, perverts the understanding, and debases the soul. Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those who are unguarded, whose leisure gives him opportunity to insinuate himself under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 156.

6) Do not become discouraged if it takes a long time to overcome. (See Mark 16:9; Luke 18:1-8.)

“Mary [Magdalene] had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she had overcome.

“When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. . . .

“Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. . . . He is today standing at the altar of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.

“The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God.” Conflict and Courage, 309.

“When temptations assail you, as they surely will, when care and perplexity surround you, when, distressed and discouraged, you are almost ready to yield to despair, look, O look, to where with the eye of faith you last saw the light; and the darkness that encompasseth you will be dispelled by the bright shining of His glory. When sin struggles for the mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, go to the Saviour. His grace is sufficient to subdue sin. He will pardon us, making us joyful in God.” God’s Amazing Grace, 259.

Invasion of Normandy

During World War II and the invasion of Normandy, some rangers were sent to the beach head ahead of the ground troops to disable the German guns. Unfortunately, they got a little off course and were late to their target, giving the Germans time to spot them and to be prepared for them. Consequently, instead of a surprise attack, the Germans were ready for them. As they came up the embankment, the Germans started shooting at them. One of the men who was in that group of rangers said that even though they were late and the Germans were shooting at them, they had to keep going and get their mission accomplished or more soldiers would die. So they kept at their assigned duty. We must have the same determination. If we give up, we will lose the battle.

Sir Winston Churchill once declared, “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” <www.winstonchurchhill.org> July 22, 2007.

Stay Focused

7) We must keep our focus in the right direction instead of looking at the hopelessness of a situation. (See Matthew 19:29.) Look at the big picture! Is there anything to which we want to cling and for which we would give up heaven? Is there any experience too hard to pass through to make it to heaven?

“Oh! we must be terribly in earnest to impress upon every soul that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Every energy of the soul must be aroused to force their passage, and seize the kingdom by force. Satan is active, and we must be active too. Satan is untiring and persevering, and we must be the same. There is no time to make excuses and blame others for our backslidings; no time now to flatter the soul [that] if circumstances had only been more favorable, how much better, how much easier [it would be] for us to work the works of God. We must tell even those who profess to believe in Christ, that they must cease to offend God by sinful excuses.

“Jesus has provided for every emergency. If they will walk where He leads the way, He will make rough places plain. He, with His experience, will create an atmosphere for the soul. He closes the door and brings the soul into seclusion with God, and the needy soul is to forget everyone and everything, but God. Satan will talk with him, but speak aloud to God and He will drive back the hellish shadow of Satan. With humble, subdued, thankful hearts they will come forth saying, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great.’ [Psalm 18:35.] The sincere seeker comes forth from the alliance with God, rich in the assurance of His love, to go forth to distill a heavenly prayer wherever he goes. He can talk of the righteousness of Christ; he can talk [of] the love of God with sincerity. He has trusted and he knows the Lord is good.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 336, 337.

“What is our aim? . . . Victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of terror; victory, however long the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.” Sir Winston Churchill. <ezinearticles.com> July 22, 2007.

Memorize Promises

8) Memorize the promises in God’s Word and start to repeat them when tempted. “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed [art] thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:11-16.

“Jesus met Satan with the words of Scripture. ‘It is written,’ He said. 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.” The Desire of Ages, 120.

“Compared with the Word, everything else is weakness itself. The Word of God is the weapon of our warfare. Educate, train the people to be doers of the Word, and they will then abide in Christ, and Christ will abide in them. Then they will discern the delusions of Satan; they will not be ignorant of his devices.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 188.

If It Offends

9) A Bible principle states: “If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:29, 30. In the Bible, it states that if your hand offends you to cut it off. For example, the right kind of music can be helpful and the wrong kind a hindrance. If the music to which you are listening is not helping in your spiritual experience, then perhaps it should be cut off and cast away.

In a personal testimony, Ellen White counseled: “The character of your music was not such as to encourage elevated thoughts or feelings, but rather to degenerate.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 321.

“Probably the most conspicuous ancient thought about music is the doctrine of ethos, which describes the effects of sound on human behaviour [sic] and therefore its moral influence. Aristotle, in his Politics, explains how the different kinds of music, imitating specific feelings (anger, kindness, love), can affect a human being with the same kind of feelings. Therefore, says Aristotle, someone who listens to the wrong kind of music will grow up to be a bad person, and vice-versa. Consequently, Aristotle (and also Plato) recommended the right kind of music in the education of young citizens.” <http://www.guitarpress.com> July 22, 2007.

“One reason that there is not more sincere piety and religious fervor, is because the mind is occupied with unimportant things and there is no time to meditate, search the Scriptures, or pray. If the consciences can be aroused to see the errors in the preparation of the food, and the influence upon the moral tendencies of our nature, there would be in every family decided reforms. Intemperance in desire resulted to our first parents in the loss of Eden. We generally find, even among Seventh-day Adventists, that inclination; habit; delicate, unhealthful preparations in cooking; and unhealthful habits of dress are weakening physical, mental, and moral efficiency, and making it impossible to overcome temptation. Now what shall we do? This subject is a sadly neglected matter. . . .” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 125.

“Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness¾these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.

“ ‘If thy hand cause thee to stumble,’ the Saviour said, ‘Cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell.’ Mark 9:43-45, R.V. If to save the body from death, the foot or the hand should be cut off, or even the eye plucked out, how much more earnest should the Christian be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul!” The Acts of the Apostles, 312, 313.

“Any habit or practice that would lead into sin, and bring dishonor upon Christ, would better be put away, whatever the sacrifice. That which dishonors God cannot benefit the soul. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. And one sin cherished is sufficient to work the degradation of the character, and to mislead others.” The Desire of Ages, 439.

[All emphasis added.]

To be continued . . .

Jana Grosboll serves Steps to Life as its Network Administrator. She may be contacted by e-mail at: janagrosboll@stepstolife.org.