repentance

Corporate Repentance

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Whatever the sins of your fathers have been, no matter what your past has been, remember this: God can save you if you commit your life to Him. Do not let the devil deceive you by getting you to think that your past is so bad that there is no hope for you. That is a delusion of the devil to get you discouraged. There is hope.

Ellen White wrote, “Our divine Lord is equal to any emergency. With Him nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37). In Heavenly Places, 17. God has promised to save everyone who comes to Christ Jesus. Jesus said, “He that comes to Me, I will in no case cast out” (John 6:37, literal translation). So if you come to Him and are cast out, that would prove Him a liar. Jesus Christ is able to save. The problem is that it takes a full commitment. It is wrong to think you can give half of your heart to the Lord and expect the plan of salvation to work. It will not work.

Every sin you commit, both before and after your child is born, has an effect on the children. This effect ripples down to the third and fourth generations. If you are a father, there comes a time when, as a father, you begin to see your own sins reproduced in your children. It is not a pleasant realization when you see your own sins reproduced in your children. We are told in Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 236: “Parents have a more serious charge than they imagine. The inheritance of children is that of sin. Sin has separated them from God. Jesus gave His life that He might unite the broken links to God. As related to the first Adam, men receive from him nothing but guilt and the sentence of death. But Christ steps in and passes over the ground where Adam fell, enduring every test in man’s behalf. He redeems Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall by coming forth from the trial untarnished. This places man on vantage ground with God. It places him where through accepting Christ as His Saviour, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Thus he becomes connected with God and Christ. Christ’s perfect example and the grace of God are given him to enable him to train his sons and daughters to be sons and daughters of God.”

The next paragraph, a very valuable paragraph for anyone who is a parent or going to be, is having to do with raising children. Where do the children get this sinful nature and in spite of that, how can they become overcomers and be saved? Notice carefully. Ellen White tells us how this is done.

She says, “It is by teaching them, line upon line, precept upon precept, how to give the heart and will up to Christ, that Satan’s power is broken.” Ibid. Satan’s power is broken by teaching the children line upon line, how to give the heart to Christ, how to yield their will to Christ. That is how Satan’s power is broken. Unless the children learn to yield their will to Christ, Satan’s power is not broken.

The heart is the seat of emotions, affections, feelings, passions, and appetite. These must be given over to Christ, both heart and will. The will is the kingly power in a man that is the power to make decisions.

When you yield your will to Christ so that He has control of your mind, and you have given your heart to Him so He has control of your feelings, affections, passions, and emotions, “… Satan’s power is broken.” This yielding of the will is what we need to teach children how to do.

“ ‘As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name’ (John 1:12). This is the work, the grand and holy work of parents. They are to keep before their children the great and vital work of receiving Christ, of believing on Christ as their Redeemer, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is the instruction they are to give to their children.” Ibid. Do not wait until they are grown up or think that they will get instruction in preparation for baptism. Teach them when they are just learning to talk, how to yield to Christ. “All who will accept Christ by living faith will take His life as their pattern.” Ibid.

“After the Fall Christ became Adam’s instructor. He acted in God’s stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon Him the office of mediator. Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance, and in this plan all their posterity were embraced. In the fullness of time Christ was to be revealed in human form. He was to assume the position of head of humanity by taking the nature, but not the sinfulness of man.

“Satan is the originator of evil. He swerved from his allegiance to God. Those who persisted in sympathizing with him in his disaffection were, with him, shut out of heaven.

“Implacable hatred against God fills Satan’s mind. Persistently he has used his influence to efface from the human family God’s image, and in its place to stamp his own satanic image. His effort to deceive our first parents was successful. Made in the image of God, the human family lost their innocence, became transgressors, and as disloyal subjects began their downward career. Satan gained control of man’s power of action. Through the senses he influenced the mind.

“Thus it has been from the beginning of the world. Instead of remaining under God’s influence in order that he might reflect the moral image of his Creator, man placed himself under the control of Satan’s influence, and was made selfish. Thus sin became a universal evil. And what a dreadful evil is sin!” Ibid., 237.

The secret to breaking Satan’s power is to teach our children line upon line, precept upon precept. That means to go over it, and over, and over, and over again on how to yield both heart and will to Christ. That is the only hope and the only way of escape your children have.

When you begin to see your own sins reproduced in your children you will not want to see your children repeat all of your own mistakes.

When my son was just a small child, I used to ride a motorcycle. Working in the emergency room at Loma Linda, I saw many motorcycle accidents come in and I decided that motorcycle riding was not a wise thing to do so I quit. I did not want my son seeing me ride and develop the same desire.

The time comes when you are a parent that you do not want your children to make every mistake you have made, and you want their mistakes to be corrected. In other words, what you would like to see is corporate repentance in your family. And this was Jacob’s experience. Remember, Jacob lied to his father. As a result of lying to his father, his brother Esau became so angry that he decided when his father died that he was going to kill Jacob.

Isaac, Rebecca and Jacob were afraid that Esau would not even wait till Isaac was dead to kill his brother. They decided that it would be better if Jacob would flee for his protection. So, Jacob made preparations and fled on foot. He was all alone with his guilty conscience. He knew the reason he was in this trouble was because he had sinned. He was separated from his family never to see his mother again, for by the time he came back 20 years later his mother had already passed away.

At his mother’s suggestion, Jacob went to Laban, his mother’s brother. God did not work a miracle to keep him from reaping the consequences of what he himself had done. While there he was deceived by Laban into marriage with the sister of the one he loved. It was a very cruel deception. Laban suggested the problem could be solved by Jacob taking Rachel, whom he really wanted, as a second wife. Jacob decided to agree to this arrangement but his domestic happiness was destroyed for just about his whole life.

I do not know how to impress on the minds of young people the consequences of unwise decisions. Often young people with the least experience and judgment make decisions that will destroy the rest of their life, or at the least make it much less happy than it could have been if they had not made those unwise decisions.

Ellen White says: “Laban understood the wrong of polygamy, although it was alone through his artifice that Jacob had taken two wives.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 116. Laban was covetous of money and saw that Jacob was such a good manager. By his devious plan he kept Jacob working for him to reap some benefits himself from Jacob’s industrious skill as a shepherd.

Now Jacob found himself married to two wives. The jealousy of the sister-wives and their handmaids resulted in terrible defects in the children. The children of Rachel, Leah and their two handmaids spent more time with each other than with their father. The jealousy they bore toward each other in regard to their positions and relationship with Jacob were the cause of the brother’s problems with jealousy, revenge, and hatred.

Most people know the story of Joseph. One reason his brothers had so much trouble with him was that they all knew Rachel had been Jacob’s favorite wife. Joseph was Rachel’s first-born son, and the other brothers who were older knew that the birthright would be given to him as the first-born son of his favorite wife. This knowledge caused contention and when Joseph related to them his dreams that appeared to indicate that he would have a high position over them, they really got angry.

What happened to Dinah was wrong. What happened with Shechem was wrong. (See Genesis 34.) Shechem should have been punished, but was it righteous to kill a whole city full of people because of the rash sin of a young man? It was a grievous sin.

In Genesis 34:30 it says, “Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, ‘You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I.’ ”

Just before his death, Jacob said, “Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; let not my honor be united to their assembly; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:5–7).

He prayed and interceded with the Lord asking what to do so that his family would be protected. God told Jacob to go back to Bethel, the place he had first slept as he fled from Esau. It was there that he had the dream of the ladder that went up to heaven. The Hebrew word Beth means house, and el is God. So Bethel is house of God.

Jacob decided before they went to Bethel that his family needed to have a corporate repentance. Where there is corporate sin, there needs to be corporate repentance. He gathered his family together and he related to them about what had happened when he had to flee from his brother Esau.

He told his family that because of his sin and what he had done, he was so discouraged and had such a guilty conscience that he laid down to sleep. While he slept, God gave him a dream, and he saw a ladder that went all the way from the earth where he was clear up to heaven. Angels ascended and descended the ladder. God spoke to him in his dream and said, “I will be with you. And I will bring you back to this place.” As Jacob told his whole family the dream he was touched with emotion and it had a softening effect on their hearts. Right there they experienced corporate repentance.

Genesis 35:1–4 says, “Then God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.’ And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.’ So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.”

Look at the steps that were involved in Jacob’s family obtaining corporate repentance.

  1. There was an acknowledgment of what was wrong by the father, the leader. It is not impossible but very difficult for corporate repentance to occur if the leader, the father of the family, is not involved.

An example of that would be the ten tribes. God sent them message after message by the prophet, but they never corporately repented. Finally, they committed the unpardonable sin and they were scattered among the nations. Their tribal identity has subsequently been lost.

Contrary to that, the nation of Judah and Benjamin corporately repented several times. Several good kings listened to the appeals of God’s messengers, the prophets.

The position of the father in the family carries with it awesome responsibility. Jacob, the father, led out in this desire to repent and he appealed to his family to repent also. Telling them his own story softened their hearts and led them in repentance.

  1. An appeal was made to forsake the evil. Jacob told them that the idols they had were foreign gods and not the God of heaven. He said, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you.” Quit worshiping them and purify yourselves.

Concerning those who are expecting, as Christians, to go home with the Lord, the apostle John says that “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NIV). O, you cannot just go on living, doing whatever comes naturally, letting your appetites and passions control your actions. You need to put away the foreign gods and purify yourself. You need to be in control of your life.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). The prophet Isaiah expressed it this way: “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16, 17).

Walk in God’s way. Many say, We do not have any false gods. “It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. … With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah. … Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah.” The Great Controversy, 583.

False doctrines, false teachings, become false gods and therefore idols. Idolatry has the effect to make people feel secure, but they are not secure. Have you met somebody who believes “once saved they are always saved”? If you try to show them what the Bible says about the Sabbath, they say, “I am saved. I do not have to worry about that.” That person worships a philosophical idol more than the word of God.

In Genesis 35, not only did they put away their false gods, purify themselves, and change their garments, but notice what it says in verse 4: “So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.”

Their repentance involved quitting to wear their jewelry. Jewelry itself is not wrong. God gave Lucifer lots of jewelry. It was beautiful, but was part of the reason for his fall. Lucifer was so beautiful that his heart was lifted up because of his beauty (see Ezekiel 28).

God made the jewels, and in heaven when the sin problem is solved, God is going to give His children more jewels than anybody has in this world. The jewels are not the problem but the pride of the wearer is where the error lies. The New Jerusalem, the holy city, is full of gold and precious stones and jewels. The problem is, because of his beauty, Lucifer’s heart became lifted up with pride. And what does the Bible say about the end of pride? It says in Malachi 4 that the days are going to come when it is going to burn like an oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly, are going to burn up.

Pride is a huge problem among beautiful women. Thus God has given counsel to all of His children since sin began not to wear jewelry and artificial beauty applications. By the way, how did Jacob know, how did his children know, that they should take this jewelry off and give it to Jacob and not wear it anymore?

The wearing of jewelry ever since the beginning of time has been associated with idolatry and immorality. Prostitutes in general wear lots of jewelry and make-up and color to give them beauty. This is very clear in the Bible. Let’s look at Jezebel, a very evil woman, in 2 Kings 9:30, to see how she was adorned. It says, “Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes … .” Using color around eyes is nothing new. Jezebel did that thousands of years ago.

The use of jewelry and all kinds of ornaments to look beautiful is going to be a special problem among God’s remnant people in the very last days. Isaiah 2:2 says, “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days … .” And then he begins to give a prophecy about what is going to happen. This prophecy continues clear through for several chapters. Then in chapter 3 starting in verse 13: “The Lord stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people. The Lord will enter into judgment … . Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes …” (verses 13, 14, 16). Then Isaiah talks about all their different ornaments they wear to make themselves beautiful. This prophecy continues clear through chapter 4, and it says in verses 3 and 4, “And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.”

The filth that the Lord washes away is the pride that He described in chapter 3:16–25. Notice: The wearing of jewelry and artificial adornment is going to be a special problem among God’s remnant people, God’s chosen people, in the very last days of earth’s history. Isaiah predicts this in this prophecy.

Jeremiah talks about it in Jeremiah 4:30: “When you are plundered, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life.”

Ezekiel talks about it also in Ezekiel 23:40: “Furthermore you sent for men to come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and there they came. And you washed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments.”

And in the book of Revelation, you have a description of two women, a pure righteous woman who is clothed with the sun (Revelation 12), and a description of a harlot woman, a prostitute who is wearing all manner of gold and precious stones and jewels. In Revelation 17:4 it says, “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.”

In Genesis when Jacob’s family had a corporate repentance, they took off their jewelry. At the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation, we see the very same thing again. Two women, one pure, clothed with the sun, not wearing any jewels at all, the other, a prostitute covered with jewelry and expensive clothing.

Here is what the apostle Paul said about it in 1 Timothy 2:9: “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls, or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”

In 1 Peter 3:1–5, Peter said, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.”

My dear friends in Adventism, we talk about having revival and reformation so that the Lord can come, but in the last 30 years, the wearing of jewelry has escalated. It has come in among Adventist people like an overwhelming tide, so much so that we now even have ministers and their wives wearing rings. By the way, when I was a young minister in the North Dakota conference, no minister was ever allowed to baptize a woman who had a wedding ring on. That is the way it used to be and now the ministers themselves and their wives are wearing wedding rings.

Ellen White says the outward appearance is an index to the heart. We cannot read the heart, but we can see what is hanging and dangling on the outside and that is evidence that we are not having revival and reformation but the opposite. We are going deeper into apostasy.

Another example of corporate repentance was after the golden calf apostasy of the children of Israel just six weeks or so after the giving of the Ten Commandments. After Moses came down there was corporate repentance. You can read about that in Exodus 32 and 33.

Exodus 33:4–6 says, “And when the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the children of Israel, “You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.” ’ So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.”

They corporately repented. Did you notice? They had to put away the golden calf and their false gods, just like Jacob’s children did. In addition to that, they took off all the jewelry that was hanging from their ears and wrists and ankles, and every other kind of adornment.

Friends, if there was ever a time when it would not matter too much for God’s children to wear a little bit of jewelry it would not be on the Day of Atonement when your name comes up and your eternal destiny is going to be decided. We cannot afford to do anything that is contrary to God’s word that might cause us to have pride in our heart and ultimately lose our soul.

We need to pray between the porch and the altar for God’s professed people. Like I say, the jewelry itself is not the problem. When you get to heaven, you are going to have more jewelry than anybody has in this world. That is not the problem. Jewelry itself is not sinful. The problem is the pride it invokes.

The Bible says the heart is deceitful above all things and incurably wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Pride is like cancer. Some of you have worked in medical situations and are aware of the fact that cancer itself does not hurt. What hurts is the nerve that the tumor is pressing against. There have been many people who were just a few weeks away from death before they even knew they had cancer. Pride is like that. You can be full of it and you do not even know it. Can you afford to take a chance when God tells you in His word not to do something because it could cause pride to develop in your heart?

When I was a child, my father used to kneel down in our family worship and pray that our family would be saved without the loss of one. In other words, my father wanted to have corporate salvation for our family. And by the way, if you are a father, I believe that is a prayer that is appropriate for you to pray, “Lord, I want for my family to be saved as a corporate unit, without the loss of one.”

The Lord wants everyone in your family to be saved. And there are going to be corporate family units that will all be saved. Would it not be nice if your family was one of them?

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

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

Keys to the Storehouse – A Genuine Apology

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Today, genuine, heartfelt apologies are a rare commodity. Many people go to great lengths to convince the other person that they were responsible for the impatient or angry reaction that they received. In making an apology for not responding in a Christlike manner, are you a person who has to justify your actions and make excuses for yourself putting the blame right back on the other person to whom you are apologizing?

James says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. This does not say to blame your faults on the other person while you are confessing and you will be healed.

The devil made me do it was a popular saying used when people did something they knew was unacceptable. Many people used this saying to as an excuse for whatever they did in their life, but can we use that excuse and blame another person for our own anger? Is it their fault and are we justified blaming others for our own impatience? It comes right down to the fact that each person is responsible for his/her own sins. Whatever the circumstances, a reaction of anger and impatience is sin and we are not at liberty to blame others for our lack of control.

Those very trying circumstances that often come our way are opportunities to exercise that most precious gift—the power of choice! Instead of a negative reaction, why not call on the One who is all powerful and not willing that any would perish but overcome the devil by reflecting the character of Jesus. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict the heart of the one stirring up trouble and not ours to cast blame.

Approaching a person and saying, “I am so sorry I was impatient with you, but you …” or “I am sorry I lost my temper, but you …” is an attempt to transfer blame on someone else for my own lack of control so I will feel better. When apologizing for a wrong word or act and then qualifying it by using the word but, shows that the apology is not genuine. It is devoid of sorrow of heart and merely an attempt to cover the guilt with fig leaves, leaving no healing for either party.

A heartfelt apology is filled with the sad reality that the person has fallen short of the glory of God—fallen short of the character of Jesus in the moment of testing and trial that the Lord has allowed. Whenever I hear somebody apologizing while excusing themselves by blaming somebody else for their actions, I immediately send up a prayer for them.

The expression of regret or sorrow in an apology is like balm on an open wound that brings healing to both parties. The admission of guilt to a wounded person often results in a deeper relationship between the two, for where there had once been contention, now there is a proven trust. The next time you find yourself apologizing, remember to avoid the but word and you may be surprised to see the result of the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit by also receiving an apology in return.

Heavenly Father, put within me that heartfelt sorrow when I have misrepresented Your character. Alert me to the danger of blaming others. Take away that homemade fig leaf covering that I so often use to excuse or cover my actions and words that are not Christlike and cover me with the blood of Jesus and give me a heart of repentance. Help me to take full responsibility of my actions so that all parties will be healed. Amen.

Find peace and healing as you turn this key and enter the Storehouse.

Bible Study Guides – David’s Prayer Life

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November 4, 2012 – November 10, 2012

Key Text

“Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8.

Study Help: Messages to Young People, 247–252; Testimonies, vol. 4, 533–537.

Introduction

“David’s prayer was continually directed to God. His trust was in God, and he walked before Him in a perfect way.” The Signs of the Times, August 17, 1888.

1 EARNEST CONSISTENCY

  • What habit can we learn from David—and why? Psalm 55:16, 17.

Note: “Our only sure defense against besetting sins is prayer, daily and hourly prayer. Not one day zealous and the next careless, but through watchfulness and earnestness becoming vitalized by intercourse with God. Prayer is necessary, and we should not wait for feeling, but pray, earnestly pray, whether we feel like it or not. Heaven is open to our prayers. Prayer is the channel that conducts our gratitude and yearnings of soul for the divine blessing to the throne of God, to be returned to us in refreshing showers of divine grace. With very many, this channel is allowed to freeze up, and then the connection with heaven is interrupted. … Oh, that we would spend more time upon our knees and less time in planning for ourselves and in thinking we may do some great thing.” This Day With God, 277.

  • Describe the depth of spiritual experience we are to learn from David’s example. Psalm 38:9–15; 42:1, 2, 5; 84:2.

Note: “True prayer engages the energies of the soul and affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the emptiness of everything else under heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 535.

2 BEHOLDING GOD’S CHARACTER

  • How did David gain a clearer view of God through prayer? Psalm 77:1–14.

Note: “The psalmist David in his experience had many changes of mind. At times, as he obtained views of God’s will and ways, he was highly exalted. Then as he caught sight of the reverse of God’s mercy and changeless love, everything seemed to be shrouded in a cloud of darkness. But through the darkness he obtained a view of the attributes of God, which gave him confidence and strengthened his faith. But when he meditated upon the difficulties and danger of life, they looked so forbidding that he thought himself abandoned by God because of his sins. He viewed his sin in such a strong light that he exclaimed, ‘Will the Lord cast off for ever? will he be favorable no more?’ (Psalm 77:7.)

“But as he wept and prayed, he obtained a clearer view of the character and attributes of God, being educated by heavenly agencies, and he decided that his ideas of God’s justice and severity were exaggerated. He rejected his impressions as being the result of his weakness, ignorance, and physical infirmities, and as dishonoring to God, and with renewed faith he exclaimed, ‘This is my infirmity; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High’ [Psalm 77:10].” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1149.

  • What tragic hour in David’s life confirms how outward circumstances do not necessarily reflect whether or not God accepts our prayers? Psalm 3:1–8.

Note: “Our heavenly Father is never unmindful of those whom sorrow has touched. When David went up the Mount Olivet, ‘and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot’ (II Samuel 15:30), the Lord was looking pityingly upon him. David was clothed in sackcloth, and his conscience was scourging him. The outward signs of humiliation testified of his contrition. In tearful, heartbroken utterances he presented his case to God, and the Lord did not forsake His servant. Never was David dearer to the heart of Infinite Love than when, conscience-smitten, he fled for his life from his enemies, who had been stirred to rebellion by his own son. The Lord says, ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’ Revelation 3:19. Christ lifts up the contrite heart and refines the mourning soul until it becomes His abode.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 11.

3 DEEP REPENTANCE

  • Despite the greatest sin of David’s life, what attitude had enabled him to be restored as a man after God’s own heart? Psalms 32:1, 2; 51:1–14; 103:13.

Note: “The prayer of David after his fall, illustrates the nature of true sorrow for sin. His repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his guilt; no desire to escape the judgment threatened, inspired his prayer. David saw the enormity of his transgression; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. He longed for the joy of holiness—to be restored to harmony and communion with God.” Steps to Christ, 24, 25.

“Great had been David’s fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent was his love, and strong his faith. He had been forgiven much, and therefore he loved much. Luke 7:48.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 754.

“David often triumphed in God, and yet he dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not asleep or dead. ‘My sin,’ he cries, ‘is ever before me’ [Psalm 51:3]. He did not flatter himself that sin was a matter with which he had nothing to do, and that should not concern him. As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart, he was deeply disgusted with himself, and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults.” The Youth’s Instructor, July 5, 1894.

  • What assurances are given to repentant souls? Jeremiah 3:22; Matthew 5:4.

Note: “In pronouncing a blessing upon those who mourn, Jesus did not design to teach that there is any virtue in living under a perpetual cloud, nor that selfish sorrow and repining has any merit of itself to remove a single stain of sin. The mourning spoken of by Christ is a godly sorrow for sin, that works repentance unto eternal life.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 205.

“Have you fallen into sin? Then without delay seek God for mercy and pardon. When David was convicted of his sin, he poured out his soul in penitence and humiliation before God. He felt that he could endure the loss of his crown, but he could not be deprived of the favor of God. Mercy is still extended to the sinner.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 177.

4 RESTORATION TO PURITY

  • What must we always remember about God? Psalm 145:8, 9; I John 4:16.

Note: “The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that ‘the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7. When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe. ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’ I Timothy 1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 115, 116.

  • On what theme did David often focus his prayers? Psalms 19:12–14; 51:10.

Note: “One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he pleaded, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God.’ Psalm 51:10. God’s response to such a prayer is, A new heart will I give you. This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart, that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord.” Our High Calling, 159.

5 THE REWARD OF FERVOR

  • How can we enjoy a rich spiritual life? Psalm 119:10, 145.

Note: “In sincerity, in soul hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord’s hands, soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit.

“Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a heart of sorrow for your sins, say, ‘Save me, Lord, or I perish.’ There is hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.” Our High Calling, 131.

  • What characterizes all who truly take God at His word? Psalms 50:23; 51:15.

Note: “The joy of Christ is a pure, unalloyed cheerfulness. It is not a cheap gaiety, that leads to vanity of words or lightness of conduct. No, we are to have His joy, and His greatest joy was to see men obeying the truth. … Plead with God, saying, ‘I make an entire surrender. I give myself away to Thee.’ Then be joyful. The Word is in you, purifying and cleansing your character. God does not want His children to go about with anxiety and sorrow expressed in their faces. He wants the lovely expression of His countenance to be revealed in every one of us who are partakers of the divine nature; for we have power to escape the corruptions of the world.” Our High Calling, 148. [Author’s italics.]

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What does true prayer involve?

2 How can you gain a clearer view of God?

3 What should you do if you fall into sin?

4 How can you receive a new heart?

5 How can my prayer life be more like David’s?

© 2003 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Apart from God

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February 23, 2014 – March 1, 2014

Key Text

“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.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 200–202.

Introduction

“He saw the world in its wretchedness and sin, apart from God. All this misery was the result of man’s turning away from God to worship Satan.” The Story of Jesus, 47.

1 SEPARATION FROM GOD

  • What is it that the sinner does not want to retain in his mind and why? Romans 1:28. How does this compare with Luke 15:11–13?

Note: “Although surrounded with the blessings of His love, there is nothing that the sinner, bent on self-indulgence and sinful pleasure, desires so much as separation from God. Like the ungrateful son, he claims the good things of God as his by right. He takes them as a matter of course, and makes no return of gratitude, renders no service of love. As Cain went out from the presence of the Lord to seek his home; as the prodigal wandered into the ‘far country’ (Luke 15:13), so do sinners seek happiness in forgetfulness of God (Romans 1:28).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 200.

  • How do the professors of wisdom become fools? Romans 1:21, 22. What is the end result? Proverbs 5:22.

Note: “The Bible tells of men who ‘professing themselves to be wise’ ‘became fools’ (Romans 1:22); and this is the history of the young man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his father he squanders upon harlots. The treasure of his young manhood is wasted. The precious years of life, the strength of intellect, the bright visions of youth, the spiritual aspirations—all are consumed in the fires of lust.

“A great famine arises, he begins to be in want, and he joins himself to a citizen of the country, who sends him into the field to feed swine. To a Jew this was the most menial and degrading of employments. The youth who has boasted of his liberty, now finds himself a slave. He is in the worst of bondage. … The glitter and tinsel that enticed him have disappeared, and he feels the burden of his chain. Sitting upon the ground in that desolate and famine-stricken land, with no companions but the swine, he is fain to fill himself with the husks on which the beasts are fed. Of the gay companions who flocked about him in his prosperous days and ate and drank at his expense, there is not one left to befriend him. Where now is his riotous joy? Stilling his conscience, benumbing his sensibilities, he thought himself happy; but now, with money spent, with hunger unsatisfied, with pride humbled, with his moral nature dwarfed, with his will weak and untrustworthy, with his finer feelings seemingly dead, he is the most wretched of mortals.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 199, 200.

2 SQUANDERED YEARS

  • What will eventually be the response of one who has lived without God and is alone in a far country? Romans 7:24. What happened to the son who wasted his substance? Luke 15:13–16.

Note: “Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is squandered. Whoever attempts to live apart from God is wasting his substance. He is squandering the precious years, squandering the powers of mind and heart and soul, and working to make himself bankrupt for eternity. The man who separates from God that he may serve himself, is the slave of mammon. The mind that God created for the companionship of angels has become degraded to the service of that which is earthly and bestial. This is the end to which self-serving tends.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 200, 201.

  • What advice is given in Isaiah 55:2?

Note: “If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death’ (Romans 7:24)?” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

“Multitudes are vainly seeking happiness in worldly amusements. They crave something which they do not have. They are spending their money for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which satisfieth not. The hungering, thirsting soul will continue to hunger and thirst as long as it partakes of these unsatisfying pleasures. O that every such one would listen to the voice of Jesus, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink’ (John 7:37). Those who drink of the living water will thirst no more for frivolous, exciting amusements. Christ, the wellspring of life, is the fountain of peace and happiness.” Evangelism, 266.

  • In what do sinners trust when not in God and what is the ultimate result? Jeremiah 17:5, 6.

Note: “It is the statement of a universal truth which is contained in the prophet’s words, ‘Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited’ (Jeremiah 17:5, 6).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

3 GOD SHINES

  • Upon whom does the sun and rain fall? Matthew 5:45.

Note: “God ‘maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45); but men have the power to shut themselves away from sunshine and shower. So while the Sun of Righteousness shines, and the showers of grace fall freely for all, we may by separating ourselves from God still ‘inhabit the parched places in the wilderness’ (Jeremiah 17:6).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201, 202.

  • When realizing danger what is the cry of the soul? Romans 7:24.

Note: “If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death’ (Romans 7:24)?” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

3 THE PRODIGAL SON

  • What is it that draws the sinner toward repentance? Romans 2:4; Jeremiah 31:3.

Note: “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness ‘came to himself.’ The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken. He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father’ (Luke 15:17, 18). Miserable as he was, the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home. So it is the assurance of God’s love that constrains the sinner to return to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 202.

  • In John 5:6–8, what question did Jesus ask? What was his response and how should that affect all who live by faith in God’s word? Compare Romans 7:24?

Note: “By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain. In despair they cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death’ (Romans 7:24, margin)? Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, ‘Wilt thou be made whole’ (John 5:6)? He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour’s word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is ‘dead in trespasses’ (Ephesians 2:1). He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.” The Ministry of Healing, 84.

4 THE CHRISTIAN’S PRIVILEGE

  • Paul prays for the believers. How do you understand the depth of meaning in his prayer requesting that they might be filled with the fullness of God? Ephesians 3:14–19.

Note: “Again he writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might come to understand the height of the Christian’s privilege. He opens before them, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs ‘to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man,’ to be ‘rooted and grounded in love,’ to ‘comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.’ But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that ‘ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.’ Ephesians 3:16–19.

“Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill His requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power.” The Great Controversy, 476, 477.

  • Why is there no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus? Romans 8:1, 2, 34.

5 CITIES OF REFUGE

  • Explain how Numbers 35:10–12 would parallel with Romans 8:1, 34.

Note: “The cities of refuge appointed for God’s ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful Saviour who appointed those temporal cities of refuge has by the shedding of His own blood provided for the transgressors of God’s law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. No power can take out of His hands the souls that go to Him for pardon.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 516.

  • Who is it that we should seek and why? Acts 17:27, 28, first part.

Note: “The sinner is exposed to eternal death, until he finds a hiding place in Christ; and as loitering and carelessness might rob the fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may prove the ruin of the soul. Satan, the great adversary, is on the track of every transgressor of God’s holy law, and he who is not sensible of his danger, and does not earnestly seek shelter in the eternal refuge, will fall a prey to the destroyer.

“The prisoner who at any time went outside the city of refuge was abandoned to the avenger of blood. Thus the people were taught to adhere to the methods which infinite wisdom appointed for their security. Even so, it is not enough that the sinner believe in Christ for the pardon of sin; he must, by faith and obedience, abide in Him.” [Author’s italics.] Patriarchs and Prophets, 517.

Studies compiled by Judy Hallingstad. Judy is part of the LandMarks team and can be contacted by email at: judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org.

Jesus’ Last Companion

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The devil constantly endeavors to distract the inhabitants of this earth away from eternal realities, and as Christians we need to be keenly aware of his machinations to get us off track. The Bible says we are not to be ignorant of the devil’s devices. We are nearing a period in this world’s history where it will be only those who endure to the end that will be saved. We have a better world to look forward to and it is coming more quickly than we know. The coming of Jesus is going to come as surprise. In fact, the Bible says, that even the righteous are going to gather paleness (Jeremiah 30:6) when He comes. The Bible says that we are to endeavor to keep the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

When the going gets tough, do not give up. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25). Christ is not going to do any half-work in our lives; it will be complete and will prepare us for heaven.

Before He died Christ spoke seven phrases. The sixth one is found in John 19:30. The Bible says, “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” There are many different commentaries on this verse, and many people believe that Christ here finished His work on earth. I believe that, but there is something else much greater that is still being finished in heaven.

“Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do, and with His parting breath He exclaimed, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30). The battle had been won. His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Saviour’s victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.” The Desire of Ages, 758.

Jesus’ death upon the cross of Calvary was to put down rebellion. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Jesus’ death gave Him the right to put to death Satan and all his wicked angels and all who sided with him in his rebellion. It may have looked as if Satan had won and Jesus was the one who had been conquered, but the words, “It is finished,” put fear into the heart of Satan, who well knew the meaning that his kingdom would come to an end.

“To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, ‘It is finished,’ had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory.

“Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion.” Ibid.

Satan’s kingdom was at an end. At Golgotha, not only do we see three crosses, but we see the end of this world’s history, for Satan has been defeated and it is only a matter of time for him to be finally destroyed in the lake of fire. (See Revelation 20:10.)

We are going to see the cross of Calvary reenacted in our day. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. Jesus’ life on this earth proved to the entire universe, including us sinful human beings, that man, through the power of God, can be obedient to the Ten Commandments, even under the most dire circumstances. As we go to the cross of Calvary, we know that Jesus was placed in the middle of two thieves, indicating that He was considered the worst of all these criminals. I believe there was another reason that Jesus was placed in the middle, and it was because these two criminals, one on each side, still had access to the One Who could still offer them hope.

“The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now?” Christian Education, 57.

“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ ” Luke 23:39–43.

Christ’s last companion before His death was a criminal hanging on a cross. As macabre as it sounds, right then that was a bright beam in Jesus’ life. The thief that day recognized His divinity and died in the hope of salvation, while the other criminal was not convinced. These two thieves represent the two classes of people that will be on earth at the close of earth’s history. With Jesus in heaven, who will it be that represents Christ, in the middle of these two classes of people, for all to see? By God’s grace it will be you and me.

Jesus’ silent suffering on the cross at Golgotha was a powerful sermon that preached to the dying thief, resulting in his conversion. He died in faith of the resurrection and a home in paradise.

In 1888, Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, after waking one morning and opening his newspaper, found himself reading his own obituary. The editor had mistakenly written about Alfred’s life and his achievements instead of that of his brother who was the one who had actually died. Alfred was called the “Dynamite King” a great industrialist who had made an immense fortune from explosives and recounted all of the resultant damage that they had caused. What hit him was how he wanted to be remembered should he die that day, so he resolved to make clear to the world the true meaning and purpose of his life. He figured that this could be done with the final disposition of his fortune. His last will and testament was to give an endowment of five annual prizes for outstanding contributions in physics-chemistry, psychology, medicine, literature, and peace, and a sixth category, economics was added. These would be the expression of his life’s ideals and ultimately how he would be remembered. The result was the most valuable prize given to those who had done the most for the cause of world peace, called today The Nobel Peace Prize.

Jesus left a greater legacy. His last will and testament before He died was that He was the One who could save others. It does not matter how bad or how far we fall, “He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.” Hebrews 7:25. He proved this point in giving salvation to the repentant thief.

From the foot of the cross, words from the religious leaders wafted up into the ears of Jesus, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matthew 27:42. They mocked Him saying, If You are the One, let’s see You build up the temple of God in three days! “Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.” Verse 44.

Anyone who has suffered mockery knows that it is hard to remain calm. I remember once going door to door in the town of Winfield, Kansas, giving away literature. Knocking on one door I was confronted by a lady who greeted me saying, “Didn’t you read my sign on the door? It says, do not solicit.” I told her that I was not actually soliciting but giving, which made her mad. When I left her home she followed me down the sidewalk pointing her finger and yelling at me. It was five minutes later that I had children throwing water balloons at me after blocking my car so I could not get away. Knowing my own carnal nature and the revenge that was rising in my mind, I began to pray. Immediately the cross came to my mind—Jesus was as a sheep going to slaughter, and He opened not His mouth.

Jesus was a sermon to those who reviled Him. Jesus, in His humanity, hung on the cross. His divinity could have, with just a thought, made people disappear. With a thought, Christ could have pulled the nails from His hands and feet and ended His suffering, and if He had, we all would be lost. Had His divinity flashed, everyone around Him would have been dead, but He was silent. The Bible says that even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise (Proverbs 17:28).

The Bible calls the two who were crucified with Christ, thieves. They were robbers. A thief enriches himself at the expense of other people. This marks quite the contrast to Jesus, Who enriched others at the expense of Himself.

As one thief witnessed Christ’s response to those who were mocking, he turned from blaspheming to rebuking. Luke 23:39 says: “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ ” Luke 23:39. How easy that would have been for Christ to do. “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?’ ” Verse 40.

Both of these men were on the brink of eternity, and the Holy Spirit was working on both of their minds. One man responded. He knew something of Jesus and recalled His teachings. He was there in Pilate’s judgment hall and watched while Christ was beaten, spat upon, and had the hair pulled out of His beard, yet not a word of retaliation was heard. He peers off to the side and reads the sign above Jesus’ head, “KING OF THE JEWS,” written there in three different languages. He hears the religious leaders recalling Christ’s words. All of the puzzle pieces started to come together, and as he looks at the inscription above the head of Jesus, a King, he believes. The dying thieves no longer had any fear of man.

“To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief. Both the men who were crucified with Jesus had at first railed upon Him; and one under his suffering only became more desperate and defiant. But not so with his companion. This man was not a hardened criminal; he had been led astray by evil associations, but he was less guilty than many of those who stood beside the cross reviling the Saviour. He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross. In the judgment hall and on the way to Calvary he had been in company with Jesus. He had heard Pilate declare, ‘I find no fault in Him’ (John 19:4). He had marked His godlike bearing, and His pitying forgiveness of His tormentors. On the cross he sees the many great religionists shoot out the tongue with scorn, and ridicule the Lord Jesus. He sees the wagging heads. He hears the upbraiding speeches taken up by his companion in guilt: ‘If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us’ (Luke 23:39). Among the passers-by he hears many defending Jesus. He hears them repeat His words, and tell of His works. The conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal he says, ‘Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation’ (verse 40)? The dying thieves have no longer anything to fear from man. But upon one of them presses the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. And now, all sin-polluted as it is, his life history is about to close. ‘And we indeed justly,’ he moans; ‘for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss’ (verse 41).”

“There is no question now. There are no doubts, no reproaches. When condemned for his crime, the thief had become hopeless and despairing; but strange, tender thoughts now spring up. He calls to mind all he has heard of Jesus, how He has healed the sick and pardoned sin. He has heard the words of those who believed in Jesus and followed Him weeping. He has seen and read the title above the Saviour’s head. He has heard the passers-by repeat it, some with grieved, quivering lips, others with jesting and mockery. The Holy Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by little the chain of evidence is joined together. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Hope is mingled with anguish in his voice as the helpless, dying soul casts himself upon a dying Saviour. ‘Lord, remember me,’ he cries, ‘when Thou comest into Thy kingdom’ (verse 42).

“Quickly the answer came. Soft and melodious the tone, full of love, compassion, and power the words: Verily I say unto thee, today, shalt thou be with Me in paradise (verse 43).” The Desire of Ages, 749, 750.

Before the end of time, all of us are to have the experience of one of these two thieves. We are all going to be in a very desperate situation, and how we respond to the Holy Spirit will determine where we spend eternity.

Human sinful nature, since the first sin in the Garden of Eden, has ever tried to justify and excuse sins and rationalize them away, but there is no excuse. No one will ever go to heaven excusing himself for his sin. All will fall into the category of one of these two thieves. While one says, I don’t deserve this, just save me in my sins, the other one says, I deserve to die. I deserve what I get.

The repentant thief on the cross made no attempt to justify his actions taking full responsibility for his sins, simply claiming salvation by the merits of Jesus’ righteousness, while the other thief, unrepentant and with no desire to be rid of his character defects, wanted to be saved in his sins.

The entire Jewish nation including Jesus’ own disciples were mixed up on the Kingdom of God. They believed in an earthly kingdom, yet the dying thief understood that Jesus’ kingdom was a kingdom of grace; it was not an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom to save us from sin. He may have heard what Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36.

There was activity at the foot of the cross. John and Mary and others were weeping. The centurion was there and others were playing dice. The devil and his evil angels and the Pharisees were there to witness the scene. Soldiers argued over Jesus’ garments, but then decided to toss dice for them. But when they heard the dying thief say, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom,” everybody stopped what they were doing. “The bystanders caught the words as the thief called Jesus Lord. The tone of the repentant man arrested their attention. Those who at the foot of the cross had been quarreling over Christ’s garments, and casting lots upon His vesture, stopped to listen. Their angry tones were hushed. With bated breath they looked upon Christ, and waited for the response from those dying lips.” Ibid., 751. Then Christ spoke. He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (verse 43).

Those who, like this thief, respond to the Holy Spirit will draw the attention of the entire world. When Christ ceases His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary before He returns as King of Kings, His people will represent Him fully in character, and it will draw the attention of the entire world. The Spirit of Prophecy says that the true Seventh-day Adventist will be brought to the forefront of the world. Maybe it will be alone in court standing for Jesus. But this story of the two thieves is a personification of the two classes of people that will exist near the end of this world’s history.

“Many were ready to call Him Lord when He wrought miracles, and after He had risen from the grave; but none acknowledged Him as He hung dying upon the cross save the penitent thief who was saved at the eleventh hour.” Ibid., 750. The repentant thief stood alone. He represented the eleventh hour workers, the thieves and criminals who respond to Christ right at the end of time. They have heard the message of salvation. They may have been at a prophecy seminar or read the Bible. It may be those who have received books or tracts that have been passed out at Walmart. It may be that person you prayed with on the phone whom it did not seem likely they had any hope. But it will be these eleventh-hour workers who finish the work that Laodicean Adventists fail to do.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth [that is 12 o’clock noon, 3 o’clock in the afternoon], and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him ‘Because no one hired us.’ ” Matthew 20:1–7. Why has no one hired the eleventh hour workers? They would receive the same wages as those who had labored all day.

“When the crisis comes, many will be prepared to make right decisions, even in the face of the formidable difficulties that will be brought about through the deceptive miracles of Satan. Although these will confess the truth and become workers with Christ at the eleventh hour, they will receive equal wages with those who have wrought through the whole day. There will be an army of steadfast believers who will stand as firm as a rock through the last test.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 390.

God still has an army out there that needs to be brought in. The dying thief died in the eleventh hour but before he did He called Jesus Lord and rebuked his fellow companion in crime, telling him to stop justifying his own course of action.

There are only two classes of mankind, the repentant and the unrepentant. Into which one of these categories will you fall? The mocking religious leaders at the foot of the cross were in no better shape spiritually than the unrepentant thief. The thief who responded to the pleading of the Holy Spirit gives a dying testament to Christ’s amazing saving power.

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. That text is for all of us. “Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

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

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

Repent and Be Baptized

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Many people who are convicted of their sins and long to be restored to harmony with God are burdened because they have absolutely no idea how to do this and have no one to show them. The little book Steps to Christ, explains how to have an experience with Jesus Christ. Beginning with God’s love for man, it teaches to behold Him daily by reading about His life from birth to the cross and then to the resurrection. As we behold Him, we will see our need of a Saviour and will be brought to repentance. Without Christ we are nothing; it is impossible to surrender our sins without Him.

Preaching Christ brings conviction to those who hear. “Now when they heard this [Peter’s preaching], they were pricked (convicted) in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:37, 38).

Peter gave the answer to those who had a desire to be right with God, “Repent, and be baptized.”

True repentance is a sorrow for sin and a turning away from it in the heart, which is only possible when sin is seen in its true sinfulness. Repentance is a gift from God and it is He Who places this gift within us as we daily commune with Him.

Repentance is not merely a feeling as some may believe. Some may think that repentance is crying or mourning over sin; however, often times this mourning is because of a fear of punishment. Some may come before God crying and pleading for forgiveness because they have been caught in sin and now fear the punishment, i.e., they have committed adultery and their spouse has found out and they feel bad and ask for forgiveness from their spouse and from God. But had they not been caught, would they be asking for forgiveness? Sin is a matter of the heart.

Esau is an example of this. He gave up his birthright for a morsel of food and when he realized what he had done, he cried and lamented, but it was not a true sorrow for what he had done. He was sorrowful because he had lost the blessing (Genesis 25:29–34).

We also see the example of Judas who, when he had betrayed the Son of God, confessed to Christ that he had sinned and betrayed Him (Matthew 27:3, 4). That was not a true confession and Judas was not converted. He had beheld Christ and he was convicted many times, but he did not surrender that of which he was convicted. He saw the love of God and loved Jesus, but he held on to his sin, his pride, and his love of money. When he got up to leave after eating the last supper with the other disciples, he turned his back on Christ and headed right out into the darkness. At that point it was too late for him; he had completely surrendered himself to Satan. After he had led the soldiers to arrest Jesus and Jesus made no attempt to escape, he became frightened. He then realized what he had done and sensed that he would be severely punished. His experience was not true heart sorrow; his confession was forced from a sense of guilt.

True repentance recognizes and acknowledges that it was our sins that put Christ on that cruel cross. Personally feeling responsible for causing the death of Christ will cause hearts to be changed.

King David had a relationship with Jesus but he fell because he failed to watch and pray. Unknowingly, he had slowly let go of the hand of God and found he had no strength to resist the temptation before him. This happened gradually. We do not come to Christ and are holy all of a sudden, and in the same way we do not fall all of a sudden. It is a gradual process. When David let go of the hand of God, he committed a sin, which led him to take another man’s wife. In an attempt to conceal his sin, he gave orders for her husband to be placed in the thick of battle so that he would be killed. Nathan the prophet was sent to him and on hearing a parable relating to himself, David was truly convicted of his sin and brought to repentance (II Samuel 11).

Psalm 51 gives us the expression of David’s heart, for he truly had an experience with God. Verse 1 says, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” David had experienced and knew the love of God. Verse 3 says, “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” This was true repentance—an acknowledgment of sin without making excuse.

When God went into the garden looking for Adam and Eve after they sinned, he asked Adam what he had done. God wanted him to confess his sin but instead he blamed his wife. “This woman that you made for me caused me to sin” (Genesis 3:12). When God asked Eve, “What have you done” (verse 13)? She blamed the serpent. Ultimately, the blame went back to God for making the serpent; neither acknowledged their sin but instead blamed others.

Many spend their lives blaming others for their sin but true repentance acknowledges that we have sinned against none other than the spotless Son of God, Jesus Christ.

We have been playing the blame game since the Garden of Eden. We cannot make excuses for sin. We will be held accountable for the opportunities that we had to learn truth but rejected it. God gives us many opportunities to repent.

The Bible goes on to say in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” When the word create is used in Genesis, we see God creating the world through His word. He spoke and it was. He could have created the world in one day but He took six. So when we ask God to create in us a clean heart, we must realize that this creation comes through His word. As we read and behold Him in His word, the change will become manifest in us. This is a daily experience, drawing closer to God by yielding, surrendering, beholding and praying.

Over our lives we have developed habits. There are also hereditary things that need overcoming. In coming to Christ we surrender these heart sins. It is not just the way we eat or speak or who we hang out with but also includes the deep things of the heart, the bitterness, the lingering resentment, the lying and jealousy, these so-called small sins that are not always obvious. Nothing is small in the sight of God—sin is sin. We must desire God to create in us a new heart that we may be born again. We need a new mind because when we come to God, we come as we are with our old habits. The difference is that now we have power through Christ Jesus to overcome. Do not be discouraged if you slip. As we surrender our life to Jesus day by day with the plea to “create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” He will answer that heart cry.

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (verse 12). When we experience true repentance we will say, “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee” (verse 13). Before we can lead others to Christ, we need this conversion experience. There are people today who are lost because they cannot find someone to lead them in the right direction. We need to be that witness. Instead of going to church to find somebody who we think is holy, or trying to find somebody to call a hypocrite, we can be that witness, beholding Jesus instead of the defects of others.

Looking upon Christ is like looking upon the sun in its meridian glory. When we look away, all that we see is the image of the sun in everything that we look upon. But if we remove our eyes from the sun long enough, the old images will be restored. While looking upon Christ, the Son of God, His image will be in our mind. Thus when we look at others, we will see the image of Jesus Christ in them.

By beholding we become changed (II Corinthians 3:18). By constantly beholding sin in others and constantly speaking error, those things will become manifest in us. Talk faith and cultivate those things that are true, honest, just, pure and lovely and continue to meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Stay constantly in touch with God by offering prayers to Him; when you are alone or when you are working, stay in communication. You may not at all times be able to get on your knees to pray, but speak to God in your mind and in that way you will not focus on the sins of the world or on your own sins. We must have this experience so that we can be a witness for Christ. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13).

Hearts must yield to the Holy Spirit. To yield means to make a decision. The same power we use to sin is used to surrender hearts to Christ. When we are in a situation where we are tempted, it is decision time. We can yield to that temptation or yield to the voice of the Holy Spirit. When we yield to God, He then has permission to take control and to bring us into harmony with His thoughts.

The plan of salvation is to restore us back to harmony with God, the condition of Adam and Eve before their fall, covered with the glory of God. That glory is His character. When Moses asked God to show him His glory, He revealed His character. He made His goodness pass before him. God wants us to have His image restored in us. It can only be manifested and restored by cooperation with His plan of salvation. Our salvation is not dependent upon our works but secured by our humanity and Divinity working together.

When Jesus was on this earth, He was constantly in communion with the Father, fully depending upon the power He drew from Him. This must be our experience—dependence on that same power. Every day we must ask God for a fresh supply of His grace and as we yield to His Spirit, our conscience will be quickened, made alive, and will discern the depth and sacredness of His holy law. Those things that were once dark will become light—our understanding now being quickened.

As we yield to God, He draws us to Him and we begin to see sin as it is in the Light (James 4:8). We will see sin through the eyes of Christ and begin to loathe it. Beholding the love of God, we will desire to be cleansed from our sins. Our prayer will be, “Lord, what must I do to be saved?” It is a false belief that you must first repent before coming to Christ. Some know they have things in their life that must be put away and think they need to get right with God first before giving God their heart. That is not correct. We need to come to God just as we are, because we have no power in ourselves to overcome sin.

Prior to the fall, Adam and Eve had dominion over the earth but after they sinned, Satan then had dominion and power over them. They had absolutely no power to overcome sin. Christ, in His mercy, had pity upon the fallen race and knew that unless He paid for our sins, our situation would be hopeless. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and God’s law demands the life of the sinner but by Jesus taking our place, all of the power of heaven is available to us if we would simply ask.

In Matthew 11:28–30 we are given an invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Heavy laden refers to the yoke of bondage, the yoke of sin that is upon us. The invitation continues, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” This yoke of Jesus is the yoke of rest. Jesus wants to have this exchange with us. He wants us to behold Him by studying His word, His life, and His character. We simply do not have time to read things that are not going to help us spiritually. We must begin by studying the love of God, sitting like Mary at the feet of Jesus. There is a work to do, as Martha did, but we must first learn of Christ, become converted, and give Him our hearts. We must ask to be purified through the blood of Jesus. This He has promised to do. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). All He asks of us is our sin-polluted hearts.

“… and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29, last part, 30). Here is an invitation from Christ for us to give Him our burdens and He will give us His rest. Many lives are so busy with even the Lord’s work that they neglect time with Christ. Soon Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). Do you know Christ? Jesus said to His disciples, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

John 12:32 says, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” The sad thing is that Jesus was lifted up on that cross and only a few will respond. If we do not resist we will be led to the experience of true repentance and Jesus will be revealed to us as that Lamb of God Who died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). It is only at the cross and only as we see what sin has done to Christ that we have a little understanding of the plan of redemption. We must respond as God draws our hearts to Him. God does the work in the heart. As we respond to that drawing our outward actions will reveal the results. As we spend a thoughtful hour and behold the life of Christ, specifically the closing scenes, a ray of light will shine into our hearts and a transformation will truly begin (see The Desire of Ages, 84). The thief on the cross was converted because he beheld the Saviour and His love. The thief had no choice but to witness how Jesus was treated in the judgment hall, being spat upon and mocked. At the first he joined in with the crowd, but as He saw the response of Jesus he marveled at His love. Christ came to this earth to reveal His Father’s character of love to the world and to give us power to overcome sin as He did (Luke 23:39–43).

Many inquire, why, if He is a God of love, is there so much sin in the world; why didn’t He just get rid of Satan; why did He even create him? Since sin came into existence God allows things to take place so that the true nature of sin is revealed. Had Satan been eliminated, the angels would then have worshiped God out of fear. Satan’s character had to be fully developed for other created beings to see the result of sin. It was only at the cross that the heavenly host of angels saw the true character of Satan and the hatred exhibited toward their loving Master. God wants us to see the difference in character. When the thief heard Christ say, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), he was convicted that this truly was the Son of God. The thief asked the Lord to remember him and prepare a place for him (verse 42). By beholding the scenes on Calvary and witnessing the love of God the thief was converted. He repented and was assured of salvation.

We may have this same experience by beholding and recognizing Jesus as our personal Saviour. He died for a world that did not love Him. Do not be one of those who resist His love.

Revelation 22:17 says, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Christ is addressing us personally so that He can fill the void in our hearts. Ask God for the power to stay focused and as you continue to study and behold the word of God, it will become living bread and living water to your soul. Before his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul thought he kept God’s law. With an impeccable outward appearance, he went about killing and persecuting those who were following Christ. Through his blindness, the glory of God shined into his heart and he was convicted of his sin, bringing him to repentance. He was converted. God constantly draws our hearts. His Holy Spirit changes the hearts of those who respond.

Stephen stood before the leaders of the church and preached Christ. Though they were deeply convicted, they did not want to hear the word of God. Aware that he was about to die, Stephen looked up to heaven and saw the Son of man standing beside the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:55, 56). Saul, later Paul, saw the glory in Stephen’s face and could not get this out of his mind. After Stephen was dead, Saul’s conviction kept him from peaceful sleep. Enquiring of the church leaders of the validity of Stephen’s speech, he was told that Stephen was wrong in his interpretation of Scripture. A Pharisee, Saul wanted to believe the teaching of the church, but God would not allow his conviction to go. On the road as he was about to enter Damascus, he was blinded by a brilliant light. Jesus spoke to him and Saul responded, “Lord, what will you have me to do” (Acts 9:6)? For three days he was blind. Because the Scriptures were in his mind, he was able to analyze them to determine that it truly was the Son of God Who had paid him a visit. He knew that it truly was the Messiah that the Jews had been waiting for Whom he had encountered, the Promised One Who came to deliver us from our sins. He was changed from that experience and given a new name. Saul became Paul. He had experienced true repentance. He blamed nobody for his sins but acknowledged that he had sinned against the spotless Son of God. Once converted, he went about preaching and many were converted. When you behold God’s glory, you will see yourself in a different way and understand that you cannot do anything without Christ and will long to have this new experience that God wants to give you.

As Daniel described his vision in Daniel 10:8, he wrote, “Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” When Daniel saw the Lord’s glory, he had no strength left in him. Daniel’s experience with God continued to deepen. This can also be our experience.

The closer we come to God the more we will see our sinfulness. Like looking in a mirror, the closer you get to it the more clearly you see the flaws in your face. As we behold Him and come closer to Him the light shows us our deformities and that we are nothing without God. There is no good in us and it is only as we behold Christ that we can have this experience.

Many excuse their sins saying, “God knows my heart,” or “We can’t keep God’s law.” Christ did not come from heaven to pay the penalty for our sins so that we could continue in sin. He came because there was no other way for us to be saved. We cannot make ourselves better. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil” (Jeremiah 13:23)? No matter how hard we try, we cannot change ourselves.

There is a difference between “being tempted” and “entering into temptation.” Satan is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10) wanting you to believe you are a hopeless sinner. But raise your eyes to heaven and recognize that Christ came and died for sinners and became righteousness for you.

Make it personal; hold tight the hand of God. Do not procrastinate putting off things you should be doing today. A time is coming when God will no longer strive with man and all will be left to the desires of their hearts. Life is uncertain; today is the day of salvation (11 Corinthians 6:2) and it is very dangerous to put off a commitment to the Lord.

Every wrong character trait or sinful desire cherished will eventually neutralize the power of the gospel. We need to come before God asking Him to search our hearts. Psalm 139:23, 24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The word of God searches hearts. It is a light and convicts. It is not to be read as a rebuke for others but to provoke you to examine your own life. Ask God to search your heart. The Word says, “lead me in the way” (Psalm 139:24). This is a prayer asking for complete surrender and dependence upon God. Day by day go before God in the morning and commune with Him. Do not let the thoughts and cares of this world distract you from communing with Him.

We do not have much time. We need to behold Christ. Repentance is a gift which God will give to us if we come to Him in prayer and sincerely ask. It is the will of God for us to repent. Claim His will. He loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. Let’s take the time to behold that love and to share it with our families.

Today is the day. If you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts (Hebrews 4:7). Today is the appointed day for you to make a decision.

Maria Cofer works with her husband, John, who is currently engaged in establishing training schools under the name, The Schools of the Prophets for the youth. They have established a digital media company to create and promote video media teaching the unique message of Adventism using social media such as Facebook and Youtube. 

Bible Study Guides – Reformation in Elijah’s Time

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October 11, 2015 – October 17, 2015

Key Text

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” James 5:17, 18.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 119–154.

Introduction

“God was seeking to free the people [of Israel] from their delusion, and lead them to understand their accountability to the One to Whom they owed their life and all things.” The Review and Herald, August 21, 1913.

1 A CALL FOR REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION

  • What mission did God entrust to Elijah when Israel was controlled by the priests of Baal and Ashtoreth? What did he say to Ahab, the king? I Kings 17:1.

Note: “God’s message to Ahab gave Jezebel and her priests and all the followers of Baal and Ashtoreth opportunity to test the power of their gods, and, if possible, to prove the word of Elijah false.” Prophets and Kings, 124.

  • As God sought to speak to the king, the leaders, and the people through judgments—calling for repentance and reformation, how did the heathen priests seek to keep the nation deceived?

Note: “The people were urged by their leaders to have confidence in the power of Baal and to set aside as idle words the prophecy of Elijah. The priests still insisted that it was through the power of Baal that the showers of rain fell.” Prophets and Kings, 123.

2 A SAVOR OF LIFE OR OF DEATH

  • When they met face to face, with what question did the king try to rebuke Elijah? I Kings 18:17. What must God’s messenger expect from those who refuse to receive the truth?

Note: “The prophets of God were hated by apostate Israel because through them their hidden sins were brought to light. Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy because the prophet was faithful to rebuke the king’s secret iniquities. So today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs.” The Desire of Ages, 587.

“As men see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has been pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or schismatic.” The Great Controversy, 458, 459.

  • What can we expect from the vast majority, even when the truth is presented to them? Isaiah 59:14, 15; II Timothy 3:10–12. How is this to affect us?

Note: “Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more. …

“In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more reason for withholding the testimony of God’s word, because it excites opposition, than had earlier Reformers. …

“The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. … But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their duty, they deliberately accept the cross.” The Great Controversy, 459, 460.

3 THE DANGER OF SMOOTH SERMONS

  • When King Ahab accused Elijah of being a troubler of Israel, how did the prophet respond? I Kings 18:18.

Note: “Standing in conscious innocence before Ahab, Elijah makes no attempt to excuse himself or to flatter the king. Nor does he seek to evade the king’s wrath by the good news that the drought is almost over. He has no apology to offer. Indignant, and jealous for the honor of God, he casts back the imputation of Ahab.” Prophets and Kings, 140.

  • What kinds of sermons are needed in calling for repentance and reformation? Isaiah 58:1. What is wrong with smooth sermons?

Note: “The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s word.” Prophets and Kings, 140.

“Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace, peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving. …

“God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist—men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.” Ibid., 141, 142.

  • When will the accusations of Ahab be repeated against the servants of God? Revelation 13:15–17.

Note: “As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah.” The Great Controversy, 590.

4 A CONTEST BETWEEN TWO POWERS

  • After rebuking Ahab, what did Elijah demand? I Kings 18:19, 20.

Note: “[I Kings 18:19 quoted.]

“The command was issued by one who seemed to stand in the very presence of Jehovah; and Ahab obeyed at once, as if the prophet were monarch, and the king a subject. Swift messengers were sent throughout the kingdom with the summons to meet Elijah and the prophets of Baal and Ashtoreth.” Prophets and Kings, 143.

  • What challenge did Elijah put before the people? I Kings 18:21, first part.

Note: “Facing King Ahab and the false prophets, and surrounded by the assembled hosts of Israel, Elijah stands, the only one who has appeared to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He whom the whole kingdom has charged with its weight of woe is now before them, apparently defenseless in the presence of the monarch of Israel, the prophets of Baal, the men of war, and the surrounding thousands. But Elijah is not alone. Above and around him are the protecting hosts of heaven, angels that excel in strength.” Prophets and Kings, 147.

  • What answer did Elijah get from the assembled multitude? I Kings 18:21, second part.

Note: “The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in His work. The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest the closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil. The people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what can be of more importance to them than that they be loyal to the God of heaven? All through the ages, God has had moral heroes, and He has them now—those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people.” Prophets and Kings, 148.

5 THE TEMPORARY PROTECTION OF ISRAEL

  • When Elijah proposed that, in the impending contest, “the God that answereth by fire, let him be God,” what did the people say? I Kings 18:22–24.
  • After the people had seen that the heathen priests were deceivers, what did Elijah do? I Kings 18:30–34. And then, what happened when he prayed to the Lord to manifest Himself? Verses 36–38.
  • At the end of the contest, when the people saw the fire from heaven consuming the sacrifice and the water, what did they do and say of the true and only God? 1 Kings 18:39. What order did Elijah give concerning the false teachers? Verse 40.

Note: “The priests of Baal … would still remain the prophets of Baal. Thus they showed themselves ripe for destruction. That repentant Israel may be protected from the allurements of those who have taught them to worship Baal, Elijah is directed by the Lord to destroy these false teachers.” Prophets and Kings, 153, 154.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Describe the operation of the great controversy as it related to Ahab against Elijah.

2 Explain our duty when facing the unbelieving multitudes.

3 Why are smooth messages especially perilous today?

4 When, in the near future, will the accusation of Ahab be repeated against the servants of God?

5 How are we warned against false religious teachers?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Question & Answer – Is Repentance required before we come to Jesus?

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Many people are under the mistaken idea that we need to repent first before we can come to Jesus. The following quotations reveal to us that repentance is a gift. Without this gift the heart has no desire to and, in fact, cannot repent.

“The sinner is represented as a lost sheep, and a lost sheep never returns to the fold unless he is sought after and brought back to the fold by the shepherd. No man of himself can repent, and make himself worthy of the blessing of justification. The Lord Jesus is constantly seeking to impress the sinner’s mind and attract him to behold Himself, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. We cannot take a step toward spiritual life save as Jesus draws and strengthens the soul, and leads us to experience that repentance which needeth not to be repented of.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 390.

“You cannot have a thought without Christ. You cannot have an inclination to come to Him unless He sets in motion influences and impresses His Spirit upon the human mind. And if there is a man on the face of the earth who has any inclination toward God, it is because of the many influences that are set to work to bear upon his mind and heart. Those influences call for the allegiance to God and an appreciation of the great work that God has done for him.

“Then don’t let us ever say that we can repent of ourselves, and then Christ will pardon. No, indeed. It is the favor of God that pardons. It is the favor of God that leads us by His power to repentance. Therefore, it is all of Jesus Christ, everything of Him, and you want to just give back glory to God. Why don’t you respond more when you meet together in your meetings? Why don’t you have the quickening influence of the Spirit of God when the love of Jesus and His salvation are presented to you? It is because you do not see that Christ is first and last and best, and the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the very Author and Finisher of our faith. You don’t realize this, and therefore you remain in your sins. Why is this? It is because Satan is here wrestling and battling for the souls of men. He casts his hellish shadow right athwart our pathway, and all that you can see is the enemy and his power.

“Look away from his power to the One that is mighty to save to the utmost. Why doesn’t your faith plow through the shadow to where Christ is? He has led captivity captive and given gifts unto men. He will teach you that Satan claims every soul that does not join with Him as his property.” Faith and Works, 73.