sin

Editorial – He sits as God – Part IV

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A quick review is that the church is God’s temple (Ephesians 2), that God has prerogatives that He will not give to any created being, and any man or angel who attempts to assume prerogatives of God in the church has thereby set himself up as God, in the temple of God, as the antichrist is described as doing in II Thessalonians 2.

One of the prerogatives of God that the angels and the apostles have never had (and which therefore the church has never had) is the right to decide what is right and wrong—the right to be the lawgiver. There is only one lawgiver (James 4:12).

Another right that only God has, is the right to be the Saviour—to deliver you and me from the guilt and power of sin.  Both the Old and New Testaments declare this. (See James 4:12; Matthew 9:2-6; Isaiah 45:21.) The church cannot save you from sin; the leaders of the church cannot save you from sin; the services of the church cannot save you from sin. Only God can do that. All that the church or any man can do is point people to where the help is, where the salvation is. But the essence of false religion is to lead men to look to men, to trust in men for salvation, to trust churches or rituals or theological beliefs for salvation.  This is why false religion doesn’t work.

If your religion is not leading you to victory over sin, to a cessation from sinning in your life, then there is something wrong with your religion. True religion points people to the true God and results in a spiritual new birth, which results in victory over sin. (See I John 5:18.)

Through heathenism, Satan had, for ages, turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel. By contemplating and worshiping their own conceptions the heathen had lost a knowledge of God and had become more and more corrupt. So it was with Israel. The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion; it had now become the principle of the Jewish religion. Satan had implanted this principle. Wherever it is held, men have no barrier against sin. (See Desire of Ages, 35, 36.)

One of the most serious consequences of the rule of antichrist is that the people are not delivered from their sins and a theological system has been developed to handle this.  The theological explanation is that we cannot overcome our sins because of our fallen sinful nature (“original sin”). Therefore, we are saved just by being forgiven of our sins and the church claims to do this. So the sinner who goes on in sin, regularly confessing his sins, believes, mistakenly, that he is on the road to salvation. Nowhere in the Bible is salvation promised to the person who is living in sin.  In fact, damnation is promised to the person who goes on living in sin. Salvation is promised only to the one who overcomes or is set free from sin. (See John 8:32-36; Romans 6; I John 3; Revelation 21:5-7; I Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 22:14, 15.)

There was a time when God’s remnant people knew this, and we proclaimed that the doctrine of being saved in sin was from the antichrist and that we could only be saved from sin.  But the doctrines of antichrist have strangely become much more acceptable to the professed people of God, and many have accepted the “saved in sin” theology along with the majority of the professed Christian world. Where will this theology leave you in the Day of Judgment? With antichrist. (See Matthew 7:21-23.)

“The victory that Jesus gained in the wilderness is a pledge to you of the victory that you may gain through His name. Your only hope and salvation is in overcoming as Christ overcame.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 457.

Bible Study Guides – “Have Mercy Upon Me, O God, According to Thy Lovingkindness”

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January 27, 2001 – February 2, 2001

MEMORY VERSE: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

STUDY HELP: Steps to Christ, 23–35.

Introduction

“Our sins caused Jesus to die a shameful death, that through His sufferings and death we might receive pardon. Can we receive the forgiveness of sins before we feel that we are sinners? and before we realize the sinfulness of sin? I think not. When we repent before God of our sins sincerely, we shall feel that without the pardoning blood of Christ we must perish. If we cast ourselves in our wretchedness wholly upon the mercy of Christ, and feel that unless He saves us we perish; when we yield our own will, our own way, and plead for Jesus to control our will and actions, then we come into a position where we can receive and appreciate pardon and the forgiveness of sin.” An Appeal to the Youth, 67.

“I Had Not Known Sin but by the Law”

What has God given to mankind to explain what sin is? Romans 3:20, last part; Romans 7:7.

NOTE: “The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin.… ‘By the law is the knowledge of sin’ (Romans 3:20). In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God’s great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects of his own.” God’s Amazing Grace, 20.

Is a person condemned when he does not know he is breaking God’s law? Romans 5:13, last part. (Compare Romans 2:14, 15.)

NOTE: “In His sufferings and death Jesus has made atonement for all sins of ignorance, but there is no provision made for willful blindness. We shall not be held accountable for the light that has not reached our perception, but for that which we have resisted and refused. A man could not apprehend the truth which had never been presented to him, and therefore could not be condemned for light he had never had.” Last Day Events, 218.

“Thou Art the Man”

What means has God given for people to be convicted of their sins? John 16:7–9.

NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 52.

What means did the Lord use to convict David of sin? 2 Samuel 12:1–13.

NOTE: “The prophet Nathan’s parable of the ewe lamb, given to King David, may be studied by all.… While he was following his course of self-indulgence and commandment breaking, the parable of a rich man who took from a poor man his one ewe lamb, was presented before him. But the king was so completely wrapped in his garments of sin, that he did not see that he was the sinner. He fell into the trap, and… passed his sentence upon another man, as he supposed, condemning him to death.… This experience was most painful to David, but it was most beneficial. But for the mirror which Nathan held up before him, in which he so clearly recognized his own likeness, he would have gone on unconvicted of his heinous sin, and would have been ruined. The conviction of his guilt was the saving of his soul. He saw himself in another light, as the Lord saw him, and as long as he lived he repented of his sin.” Conflict and Courage, 179.

“Mine Iniquity Have I not Hid”

What did David do once he was convicted of his sin? Psalm 32:5, first part. (Compare Jeremiah 3:12, 13.)

NOTE: “David awakens as from a dream. He feels the sense of his sin. He does not seek to excuse his course, or palliate his sin, as did Saul; but with remorse and sincere grief, he bows his head before the prophet of God, and acknowledges his guilt.…” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1023. (See also Patriarchs and Prophets, 361.)

“Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 456.

In what words did David acknowledge his sin? Psalm 51:3, 4.

NOTE: “As soon as we consent to give sin up, to acknowledge our guilt, the barrier is removed between the soul and the Saviour.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 325.

“Whoso Confesseth and Forsaketh His Sins Shall Have Mercy”

While it is not God’s will that we should sin, what precious assurance is the sinner given? 1 John 2:1.

NOTE: “…it is not God’s will that you should be distrustful and torture your soul with the fear that God will not accept you because you are sinful and unworthy.… Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary’s cross. Satan will accuse you of being a great sinner, and you must admit this, but you can say: ‘I know I am a sinner, and that is the reason I need a Saviour. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” 1 John 1:7. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (verse 9).’” Faith and Works, 105.

How specific should be our confession of sin? Leviticus 5:5.

NOTE: “True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. Many, many confessions should never be spoken in the hearing of mortals; for the result is that which the limited judgement of finite beings does not anticipate.… God will be better glorified if we confess the secret, inbred corruption of the heart to Jesus alone than if we open its recesses to finite, erring man, who cannot judge righteously unless his heart is constantly imbued with the Spirit of God.… Do not pour into human ears the story which God alone should hear. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity.” The Faith I Live By, 128.

“Let the Wicked Forsake His Way”

In addition to confessing our sins, what further condition must be met to obtain mercy from God? Proverbs 28:13.

NOTE: See Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.

“Satan does not want anyone to see the necessity of an entire surrender to God. When the soul fails to make this surrender, sin is not forsaken; the appetites and passions are striving for the mastery; temptations confuse the conscience, so that true conversion does not take place.” Evangelism, 317.

What precious promise is given to the one who is willing to forsake his sins? Isaiah 55:7.

NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 552.

“Search Me, O God”

What work was required of the people of Israel in preparation for the Day of Atonement? Leviticus 16:29, 31; Leviticus 23:27, 32.

NOTE: “We are now living in the great day of atonement.… All who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart.” God’s Amazing Grace, 69. (See also Our High Calling, 142.)

What prayer of David’s should be ours as we prepare to meet our God? Psalm 139:23, 24.

NOTE: “The enemy will come in, and try to draw our minds away from the important work to be done for this time. He will seek to keep us engaged on trivial matters, to make us think that it is our province to criticize and condemn others; but our work is to deal faithfully with our own souls. We must search our hearts and see if we are right in the sight of God.” Review and Herald, May 15, 1913. (See also Faith and Works, 75.)

Past Life and Present Service

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As lives are entangled and ripped apart by sin; as men and women fall into the traps of Satan and his hosts; as people struggle through the gauntlets of daily life, what is the standard whereby an individual may come into the service of God?

There are many controversies raging in Adventism today. New ones seem to arise with each passing week. One, that seems to simmer on a back burner until loss of liquid takes place and burning results, is the belief that those who fall into sin must relinquish their public, full-time service for the Lord.

Ambassadors for Christ

It is not likely anyone would deny a man or a woman coming in from the world a place in the service of God. They have been in a frame of mind not in harmony with God. They carried on in life oblivious to the perils of sin, especially on an eternal scale. Once enlightened, they march in another direction, heaven bound with their armor on,

ready and willing to take their place in the army of Jesus. They are soldiers, ambassadors, workmen, fellow laborers, fitted up for service through conversion and training.

Examples of this class abound in Scripture. Moses, of course, was a murderer. Yet God used him in mighty ways for the deliverance of His people from Egyptian bondage. He had much to learn and to unlearn. On the other hand, Moses was held accountable for great light and privilege. In striking the rock, instead of speaking to it as God directed him, he was not allowed to enter the promised land with the children of Israel. (See Numbers 20:7-12.)

Though he exercised swift repentance and pled with the Lord for a reversed sentence, the judgment of God stood, and Moses died after 80 long years of service to his Maker, not entering the promised land. His earthly privileges and responsibilities were great, and the honor of God was to be held in supreme regard. Despite the great burdens placed upon Moses; despite the constant trial and weariness of his tasks, he could not be excused.

An Example for the Flock

“The history of Israel was to be placed on record for the instruction and warning of coming generations. Men of all future time must see the God of heaven as an impartial ruler, in no case justifying sin. But few realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Men flatter themselves that God is too good to punish the transgressor. But in the light of Bible history it is evident that God’s goodness and His love engage Him to deal with sin as an evil fatal to the peace and happiness of the universe.

“Not even the integrity and faithfulness of Moses could avert the retribution of his fault. God had forgiven the people greater transgressions, but He could not deal with sin in the leaders as in those who were led. He had honored Moses above every other man upon the earth. He had revealed to him His glory, and through him He had communicated His statutes to Israel. The fact that Moses had enjoyed so great light and knowledge made his sin more grievous. Past faithfulness will not atone for one wrong act. The greater the light and privileges granted to man, the greater is his responsibility, the more aggravated his failure, and the heavier his punishment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 420.

This entire account is quite sobering. It requires deep reflection as we see movements afoot to organize and carry on the work of God in our world. Gospel order is no less required now than it was then. Service is a privilege, not a right. Positions of responsibility are just that—positions of responsibility.

Though God, in His tender love and mercy, granted to Moses the experience of resurrection and life in the eternal world, let it be ever remembered his earthly service had boundaries he could not cross with impunity. Still, the fact remains he continued to lead the Jews as they headed to the promised land.

Untrue to Your Trust

Another biblical character who enables us to address the issue of past life and present service would be Samson. Here was a human being with godly parents and tremendous potential. He squandered it all on various paths of riotous living and lack of self-control, even losing his eyesight to God’s enemies. Could God use such an individual if he repented? Indeed. In one heroic act, the most prominent worshipers of Dagon were destroyed, but so was the strongest man on earth. “God’s promise that through Samson He would ‘begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines’ was fulfilled; but how dark and terrible the record of that life which might have been a praise to God and a glory to the nation! Had Samson been true to his divine calling, the purpose of God could have been accomplished in his honor and exaltation. But he yielded to temptation and proved untrue to his trust, and his mission was fulfilled in defeat, bondage, and death.” Ibid., 567.

This bitter-sweet account in the annals of biblical history leaves us with the observation that repentance goes a long way in the eyes of the Lord toward accomplishing His purposes.

Another man of physical stature is in the historical record, the man Saul. Small in his own eyes, he was granted the position of being Israel’s first king. His connection with God was such that he was given the gift of prophecy. “And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him: and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.” 1 Samuel 10:9, 10.

The Principle of God’s Kingdom

Again, the principles whereby God conducts the workings of His kingdom and government were violated, and Saul was rejected and met a gruesome end. Yet he remained the anointed of God in David’s eyes, leaving David with the conviction to leave Saul’s future in God’s hands until that end came. Much is at stake in considering this subject.

With David, with Solomon, and with others, these same principles have applied. Serving God in a position of responsibility is a privilege that must be kept in high esteem. Position does not give license or authority. Position is granted under conditions of being faithful to sacred trust. If sacred trust is violated, although one may repent, in the eyes of God, in the eyes of the people to whom he or she ministers, the sacredness of the work is marred.

Follow the Leader

The tendency for people to go the ways of those who are called to lead out is taken up numerous times in the Testimonies of God’s Spirit; “The spirit of Christ will be revealed in all who are born of God. Strife and contention cannot arise among those who are controlled by His Spirit. ‘Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.’ The church will rarely take a higher stand than is taken by her ministers. We need a converted ministry and a converted people. Shepherds who watch for souls as they that must give account will lead the flock on in paths of peace and holiness. Their success in this work will be in proportion to their own growth in grace and knowledge of the truth. When the teachers are sanctified, soul, body and spirit, they can impress upon the people the importance of such sanctification.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 227.

“The watchmen are responsible for the condition of the people. While you open the door to pride, envy, doubt, and other sins, there will be strife, hatred, and every evil work. Jesus, the meek and lowly One, asks an entrance as your guest; but you are afraid to bid Him enter. He has spoken to us in both the Old and the New Testament; He is speaking to us still by His Spirit and His providences. His instructions are designed to make men true to God and true to themselves.” Ibid., 235.

“The state of things in ____ is a matter of deep regret. That which the Lord has been pleased to present before me has been of a character to give me pain. Whoever shall labor here or in ____ hereafter will have uphill work and must carry a heavy load because the work has not been faithfully bound off, but has been left in an unfinished state. And this is the more grievous because the failure is not wholly chargeable to worldliness and want of love for Jesus and the truth on the part of the people; but much of it lies at the door of the ministers, who, while laboring among them, have signally failed in their duty.” Ibid., 254, 255.

“The sad fact is apparent that the work in these fields ought to be years in advance of what it now is. The negligence on the part of the ministers has discouraged the people, and the lack of interest, self-sacrifice, and appreciation of the work on the part of the people has discouraged the ministers.” Ibid., 257.

Sin in the Ministry

If negligence can so retard the work, ought not sin in the ministry carry greater consequence? It is one thing to come in from the world and need instruction for service. It is quite another to be one of those instructors and prove unworthy of a position of trust. It tends toward weakness and casual approach to this sacred calling we all have as a prophetic movement. This is not about throwing stones. It is about principle. It is about sacred trust, sacred calling, and sacred service. “Historic Adventists must march to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. They should understand what so many others have largely forgotten – we all have an influence on others, every single day of our lives, for yea or nay.

Often the cry is heard, where affection for leaders is challenged, “Nobody is perfect!” Indeed. Not yet, anyway. And if a people expect God to perfect their characters in righteousness and holiness, how much should they honor Him by sustaining from His treasury only those who maintain a fidelity to His standards in all things.

The issue is not private service, but public service in the eyes of the people. Repentance unto salvation certainly cannot exclude the repentant sinner from doing all they can to win souls to so gracious a Savior. But the necessity of leaders who are as true as steel to Principle, as true as the needle to the pole, cannot be overstated.

“If men fail to educate themselves to become workers in the vineyard of the Lord, they might better be spared than not. It would be poor policy to support from the treasury of God those who really mar and injure His work, and who are constantly lowering the standard of Christianity.” Ibid.,vol. 3, 553.

How Grievous the Sin?

This well-known and oft used statement carries sound counsel. It speaks for itself. Certainly if one who lowers standards should not receive support, open sin should mean dismissal from public responsibilities. The question remains as to how grievous the sin and how badly one’s influence mars the work. Despite what we have looked at so far, not one individual was taken from their work at the time of their sin or its discovery. Through their repentance God was able to use them in His work. So, we must move wisely in such matters. God is Judge.

An example of a somewhat different sort is found in the New Testament, the story of John Mark.

John Mark joined Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey to the island of Cyprus. Young and full of exuberance, he had not counted the cost of joining such endeavors, and the time of hardship, privation, toil, and spiritual warfare took its toll on him. How his eyes must have become saucers when Paul went head to head with Elymas the sorcerer.

Some might have thought such confrontation to be fuel for their spiritual engines, but John Mark, apparently overwhelmed, left Paul and Barnabas in Perga and returned to his Jerusalem home. (See Acts 12:24–13:13.) Such was not the end of the matter.

After the success of the general council meeting at Jerusalem, Paul suggested to Barnabas they retrace their journeys and visit the various churches they saw raised up: “And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” Acts 15:36-41.

Sharp contention was a foreign occurrence in the early church with the love of the brethren being so strong. Let it be noticed that Paul’s misgivings were not necessarily well founded, as time had gone by. Barnabas saw changes in John Mark that enabled him to hold his ground on behalf of the young man.

Paul saw the work of God in all its nakedness. It is not clothed with the affirmation and comforts of this world. “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” ” …for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 6:26; 16:15.

“Barnabas was ready to go with Paul, but wished to take with them Mark, who had again decided to devote himself to the ministry. To this Paul objected. He ‘thought not good to take . . . with them’ one who during their first missionary journey had left them in a time of need. He was not inclined to excuse Mark’s weakness in deserting the work for the safety and comforts of home. He urged that one with so little stamina was unfitted for a work requiring patience, self-denial, bravery, devotion, faith, and a willingness to sacrifice, if need be, even life itself.” Acts of the Apostles, 202.

A Judgment Call

In this case there is a judgment call. It should be noticed they did not petition the Holy Spirit for guidance in the matter, something that lends itself to contentions among brethren when not done. Paul made an assessment based on past behavior, while Barnabas made an assessment based on John Mark’s spiritual progress. Open sin was not the issue. Whether or not John Mark was called of God was the issue. In such instances it behooves brethren to spend time in prayer over such matters, especially when this history is laid out before us.

John Mark proved worthy of Barnabas’ confidence, and he afterward proved a blessing to the work of Paul, as well. No one man can have all the answers where service to God is the matter at hand. Not Paul, not anyone. Where character and motives are concerned, where human frailty may be an issue, let brethren counsel together and ask wisdom of God. The work is His, and He alone knows the hearts of all men. If men repent of sin, if they are honest with God, He will convict them to step down if their influence cannot be redeemed. But we cannot read hearts. We cannot judge character or motives.

Because there is so little gospel order amongst those endeavoring to carry on the work of the Lord in spirit and in truth, such situations as sin, heresy, fanaticism, and disregard of counsel of true brethren is rather rampant. Until spiritual order and gospel order are brought in, doing things decently and in order will not happen. Self-sent ministers will continue to enter the field. Violators of God’s law and inspired counsels will continue to find ways to gather means and go forward with their agendas in the name of those endeavoring to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Open, Unrepented of Sin

If ever there was a time to understand past life and present service, it is now. Opinions abound, but what saith the Lord? Though God is in charge of His work, let us not make that license for the weak. Open sin, unrepented of, is grounds for dismissal of service and membership itself. Heresy cannot be allowed public exposure. Fanaticism will generally leave the confines of the church if it is met firmly. Men who disregard sound counsel, if left to themselves, will fall into fanaticism in one way or another. Then more accurate measures may be considered.

In all of these things, consider these words; “It is nearly forty years since organization was introduced among us as a people. I was one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first. I know the difficulties that had to be met, the evils which it was designed to correct, and I have watched its influence in connection with the growth of the cause.” Testimonies to Ministers, 24. [Emphasis added.]

“To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.” Ibid. 26. [Emphasis added.]

Order and Discipline in the Church

“We sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light was given by His Spirit that there must be order and thorough discipline in the church—that organization was essential.” Ibid. [Emphasis added.]

I can only plead with people to read the Review and Herald article for October 12, 1905, to see how often organization is linked with order and discipline, something that has been lacking for many years in Historic Adventism. Dealing with the issue of past life and present service is almost moot without a correct understanding of God’s order.

We would throw no stones, but we must seek to keep the work of God free from careless endeavor and dishonor of God’s high calling in Christ Jesus. Let the people of the Lord come into line with the principles of God’s character, government and purposes, and act in accordance with them. (See The Great Controversy, 593.) We must never lose sight of mercy and compassion, nor lose sight of order and discipline.

Storm and tempest is soon to sweep away an old structure being battered by the seas of the Omega apostasy. But the God of heaven has a work to finish. If people grow weary of self-sent ministers and confusion, let the principles of the “grand success” once again be woven into the fabric of of God’s tabernacle of truth in these final days. (See Testimonies to Ministers, 27.)

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalm 127:1.

Bible Study Guides – “We Have Sinned and Committed Iniquity”

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May 5, 2001 – May 11, 2001

MEMORY VERSE

“I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” Isaiah 42:6.

STUDY HELP: Prophets and Kings, 367–372.

Introduction

“They (Israelites) rendered outward service to God as the means of attaining to national greatness. They did not become the light of the world, but shut themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation to idolatry. In the instruction given through Moses, God had placed restrictions upon their association with idolaters; but this teaching had been misinterpreted. It was intended to prevent them from conforming to the practices of the heathen. But it was used to build up a wall of separation between Israel and all other nations. The Jews looked upon Jerusalem as their heaven, and they were actually jealous lest the Lord should show mercy to the Gentiles.” The Desire of Ages, 28, 29.

“A Light to the Gentiles”

  1. What was God’s purpose in selecting Israel as His people? Isaiah 60:1–6; Isaiah 49:6.

NOTE: “It was in order that the Israelites might be a blessing to the nations, and that God’s name might be made known ‘throughout all the earth’ (Exodus 9:16), that they were delivered from Egyptian bondage. If obedient to His requirements, they were to be placed far in advance of other peoples in wisdom and understanding; but this supremacy was to be reached and maintained only in order that through them the purpose of God for ‘all nations of the earth’ might be fulfilled.” Prophets and Kings, 368, 369.

  1. What made it impossible for Israel to fulfill God’s purpose? Jeremiah 3:6–8. Compare Revelation 18:1–4.

NOTE: “When I study the Scriptures, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that they are asleep and so conformed to the world that it would be difficult to discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. The distance is widening between Christ and His people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ’s professed people and the world have almost disappeared. Like ancient Israel, they follow after the abominations of the nations around them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 277.

“Rising Up Early”

  1. By what means did God seek to bring His people back to Himself? Jeremiah 7:23–26.

NOTE: “Jerusalem had been honored of God above all the earth. The Lord had ‘chosen Zion,’ He had ‘desired it for His habitation.’ Psalm 132:13. There, for ages, holy prophets had uttered their messages of warning. There priests had waved their censers, and the cloud of incense, with the prayers of the worshipers, had ascended before God. There daily the blood of slain lambs had been offered, pointing forward to the Lamb of God. There Jehovah had revealed His presence in the cloud of glory above the mercy seat. There rested the base of that mystic ladder connecting earth with heaven (Genesis 28:12; John 1:51)—that ladder upon which angels of God descended and ascended, and which opened to the world the way into the holiest of all. Had Israel as a nation preserved her allegiance to Heaven, Jerusalem would have stood forever, the elect of God. Jeremiah 17:21–25. But the history of that favored people was a record of backsliding and rebellion. They had resisted Heaven’s grace, abused their privileges, and slighted their opportunities.” The Great Controversy, 19.

  1. What was Israel’s response to the prophets God sent to her? Matthew 21:33–36; Matthew 23:29–35.

NOTE: “Grievously had the children of Israel ‘sinned against the Lord their God, . . . and wrought wicked things.’ ‘They would not hear, but . . . rejected His statutes, and His covenant that He made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He testified against them.’ It was because they had ‘left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal,’ and refused steadfastly to repent, that the Lord ‘afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until He had cast them out of His sight,’ in harmony with the plain warnings He had sent them ‘by all His servants the prophets.’” Prophets and Kings, 291.

“Because Ye Have Not Heard My words”

  1. Because of their failure to fulfil His purpose, what did God allow to happen to His people? Amos 7:16, 17; Jeremiah 25:8–11.

NOTE: “The Lord graciously revealed Himself. He spread before Israel the things that were for the welfare of the nation. ‘I have written to him the great things of My law,’ He declared through Hosea, ‘but they were counted as a strange thing.’ ‘I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.’ Hosea 8:12; 11:3. Tenderly had the Lord dwelt with them, instructing them by His prophets line upon line, precept upon precept. Had Israel heeded the messages of the prophets, they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. It was because they had persisted in turning aside from His law that God was compelled to let them go into captivity. ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,’ was His message to them through Hosea. ‘Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee: . . . seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God.’ Hosea 4:6.” Prophets and Kings, 296, 297.

  1. How did Daniel acknowledge the reason for the captivity? Daniel 9:5, 6.

NOTE: “The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man ‘greatly beloved’ (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: ‘We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great mercies.’ ‘We have sinned, we have done wickedly.’ He declares: ‘I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.’” The Great Controversy, 470.

  1. Whom especially did the Lord hold accountable for His people’s apostasy? Ezekiel 34:7–10.

NOTE: “The shepherds who lead the sheep in false paths will hear the charge made against them, ‘It was you who made light of truth. It was you who told us that God’s law was abrogated, that it was a yoke of bondage. . . . The blood of our souls is upon your priestly garments. . . . Now will you pay the ransom for my soul? . . . What shall we do who listened to your garbling of the Scriptures and your turning into a lie the truth which if obeyed would have saved us?’ When Christ comes to take vengeance on those who have educated and trained the people to trample on God’s Sabbath, to tear down His memorial, and tread down with their feet the feed of His pastures, lamentations will be in vain. Those who trusted in the false shepherds had the word of God to search for themselves, and they find that God will judge every man who has had the truth and turned from the light because it involved self-denial and the cross. Rocks and mountains cannot screen them from the indignation of Him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Maranatha, 290.

“As a Shepherd Seeketh Out His Flock”

  1. What was God’s purpose in permitting the captivity of His people? Jeremiah 24:1–10.

NOTE: “Among the children of Israel who were carried captive to Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years’ captivity were Christian patriots, men who were as true as steel to principle, who would not be corrupted by selfishness, but who would honor God at the loss of all things. In the land of their captivity these men were to carry out God’s purpose by giving to heathen nations the blessings that come through a knowledge of Jehovah. They were to be His representatives. Never were they to compromise with idolaters; their faith and their name as worshipers of the living God they were to bear as a high honor. And this they did. In prosperity and adversity they honored God, and God honored them.” Prophets and Kings, 479.

  1. What promise did the Lord make concerning those who would return from the captivity? Jeremiah 31:10, 31–33.

NOTE: “Humbled in the sight of the nations, those who once had been recognized as favored of Heaven above all other peoples of the earth were to learn in exile the lesson of obedience so necessary for their future happiness. Until they had learned this lesson, God could not do for them all that He desired to do. ‘I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished,’ He declared in explanation of His purpose to chastise them for their spiritual good. Jeremiah 30:11. Yet those who had been the object of His tender love were not forever set aside; before all the nations of earth He would demonstrate His plan to bring victory out of apparent defeat, to save rather than to destroy. To the prophet was given the message: [Jeremiah 31:10–14, 23–25, 31–34 quoted].” Prophets and Kings, 475.

“Seventy Weeks are Determined upon Thy People”

  1. What period of probationary time did the Lord allocate to Israel? Daniel 9:24.

NOTE: “God gives nations a certain time of probation. He sends light and evidence, that, if received, will save them, but if refused as the Jews refused light, indignation and punishment will fall upon them. If men refuse to be benefited, and choose darkness rather than light, they will reap the results of their choice. ‘Behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.’ The professed Christian world is advancing, as did the Jewish nation, from one degree of sinfulness to a greater degree, refusing warning after warning, and rejecting a Thus saith the Lord, while crediting the fables of men. The Lord God will soon arise in His wrath, and pour out His judgments upon those who are repeating the sins of the inhabitants of the Noachic world. Those whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil, as were the hearts of the inhabitants of Sodom, will like them be destroyed. The fact that God had long forbearance, patience and mercy, the fact that His judgments have been long delayed, will not make the punishment any less severe when it does come.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1143, 1144.

  1. How did Jesus prophesy the end of Israel’s probation? Matthew 21:43. Compare Matthew 23:37, 38.

NOTE: “Christ came to save Jerusalem with her children; but Pharisaical pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had prevented Him from accomplishing His purpose. Jesus knew the terrible retribution which would be visited upon the doomed city. He saw Jerusalem encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding upon the dead bodies of their own children, and both parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another, natural affection being destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews, as evinced in their rejection of His salvation, would also lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary, on which He was to be lifted up, set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the wretched inhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion, the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left upon another, while the city was ploughed like a field. Well might the Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful scene.” The Desire of Ages, 577.

“Lo, We Turn unto the Gentiles”

  1. What events signalled the end of the probation of the Jewish people? Acts 7:57–59; Acts 9:1–6, 15; Acts 11:5–9, 15–17.

NOTE: “Then, said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].’ For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself; and afterward by the apostles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease. The one week—seven years—ended in A. D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel; the disciples who were scattered abroad by persecution ‘went everywhere preaching the word’ (Acts 8:4); and shortly after, Saul the persecutor was converted, and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

  1. What lesson may we learn from God’s rejection of the Jews as His chosen people? Romans 11:18–22.

NOTE: “The branches represent the believers in Jesus Christ. Those who truly believe, will do the same works that He did. They are united to Christ by the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. As the branch is nourished by the sap which flows from the parent stock, so the believer in Christ is sustained by the life of Christ. The branches represent the very youngest of the followers of Christ, as the branch includes all the tiny tendrils that belong to it. Jesus is our center. He is the parent stock that bears the branches. In Him our eternal life is centered. The words that He has spoken unto us are spirit and life, and those who feed upon His word, and are doers of His word, represent Him in character. His patience, meekness, humility, and love pervade their hearts.” Review and Herald, January 14, 1896.

Bible Study Guides – The Scriptures a Safeguard

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May 12-18, 2002

MEMORY VERSE: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15–17.

INTRODUCTION: None of us can have a secure hope of being ready for Jesus to come, of being ready for that final redemption unless we become earnest students of the Bible. “Those who endeavor to obey all of the commandments of God . . . can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His Word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God’s immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?” The Great Controversy, 593, 594.

1 How many people in this world will the devil and his angels deceive in the last days? Revelation 12:9. (See also Revelation 13:3, 14; 16:13, 14; 17:2, 15; 18:3, 23; 19:20.)

NOTE: “Heresies are now arising among the people of God, and they will continue to arise. As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error. We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man. The Lord’s angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith, and to look to Him for wisdom. The ministers who teach the truth for this time are to strengthen their hearts by studying the word of God. ‘It is the spirit that quickeneth,’ Christ said, ‘the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.’ (John 6:63).” Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 359.

2 How may the devil’s deceptions be unmasked? Matthew 4:3, 4; Psalm 119:104.

NOTE: “The efficiency of the cross guards the redeemed race from the danger of a second fall. The life and death of Christ effectually unveils the deceptions of Satan, and refutes his claims. The sacrifice of Christ for a fallen world draws not only men, but angels, unto Him in bonds of indissoluble union.” Bible Echo, July 15, 1893.

“In the warfare ensuing, Satan for a time seemed to hold the advantage. He could lie; God could not lie. He could move in a thousand crooked and deceiving ways to gain a desired object; God must pursue the straightforward course of truth and righteousness. For a time Satan triumphed in an apparent victory. But God would unmask the enemy and reveal him in his true character. Christ, in taking the nature of man, was divinity clothed in humanity. He came as the light of the world, to shine upon and scatter the thick darkness of Satan’s deceptions and reveal his workings to the children of men. Christ practiced the most rigid self-denial in resisting the manifold temptations of the adversary. He conquered Satan in the long fast of the wilderness, and when he came to Him as an angel of light, offering the dominion of the world in exchange for His worship; He made sacrifices that will never be required of man, as man can never attain to His exalted character. His whole earthly life was a demonstration of perfect submission to His Father’s will. The course of Christ and that of Satan present the complete contrast of the life of an obedient with that of a disloyal son.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 77, 78.

3 Why is it that Christians are so often surprised into sin? Psalm 119:11, 105, 130.

NOTE: “Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus ‘when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.’ Isaiah 59:19.” The Great Controversy, 600.

4 What has Jesus promised us for the hour of temptation? John 14:26; Matthew 10:19.

5 Which believers are promised deliverance from all sin and the power over sinful habit? John 8:30–36.

6 How does this promise of freedom from sin distinguish the children of God (the true church) from the children of the devil (the synagogue of Satan)? 1 John 3:4–10.

7 Does the Word of God contain sufficient instruction to bring the Christian to spiritual perfection? 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; 3:14.

8 Why is it not a good habit to be in a hurry when studying the Word of God? 1 Timothy 4:13–16.

NOTE: “As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s Word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the Word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another’s mind. We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know ‘what saith the Lord.’” The Desire of Ages, 390.

9 Which Christians will find themselves unable to understand the Word? John 8:43, 44. Compare Hosea 14:9.

NOTE: “They profess to be followers of Christ, but they do not know Him by an experimental knowledge. They do not practice religion. They do not seek to be Christians in the same way in which they would learn a trade. They profess to believe advanced truth; but it is evident that they keep it in the outer court; for it has no sanctifying power on life and character. They do not realize how much is at stake; for the salvation of their own souls and that of others is imperiled. They do not realize that in order to be a savor of life unto life they must be under spiritual discipline and training, learning in the school of Christ. Without this spiritual discipline, they become inefficient, ignorant, and undeveloped, and see no necessity for the spiritual training and knowledge which would qualify them to hold positions of influence and usefulness. If they do not consecrate themselves wholly to God, becoming learners in His school, they will do haphazard work that will result in injury to the church.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 255.

“The great educating book is the Bible, and yet it is little read or practiced. O that every individual would seek to make of himself all that he could, improving his opportunities to the very best of his ability, purposing to use every power which God has given him, not simply to advance his temporal affairs, but to advance his spiritual interests. O that all might search diligently to know what is truth, to study earnestly that they might have correct language and cultivated voices, that they might present the truth in all its elevated and ennobling beauty. . . . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom; and when God is not depended upon, the result of education is only to elevate ungodliness.” Ibid., 256, 258.

10 Who does God promise to enable to understand His Word? James 1:5; John 16:13; Matthew 7:7, 8.

NOTE: “The more we look at the promises of the Word of God, the brighter they grow. The more we practice them, the deeper will be our understanding of them. Our position and faith is in the Bible. And never do we want any soul to bring in the Testimonies ahead of the Bible.—Manuscript 7, 1894.” Evangelism, 256.

“The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it.” Ibid., . 256, 257.

“It is through the exercise of the faculty of faith that we are enabled to receive and practice the Word of God. No excuse can be accepted, no plea of justification received for the failure to know and understand the will of the Lord.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 341.

“The Holy Spirit has been given to us as an aid in the study of the Word.” Ibid., 433.

“We should search the Scriptures diligently in order that we may have an understanding of the claims that Christ has upon us, and that we may have right views of the truth. Our wills must be subdued, and brought into harmony with the will of God.” Lift Him Up, 238.

11 What symbol did Jesus use to show the indispensable nature of Bible Study? John 6:53, 58, 63.

NOTE: “In every command and in every promise of the Word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 38.

“The great work to be done . . . is to win souls to Christ. Men must see Jesus on the cross, they must look and live. It is not your ideas they must feed upon, but it is the flesh and blood of the Son of God. He says, ‘My flesh is meat indeed’ (John 6:55).” Selected Messages, Book 1, 178.

12 What great treasure, that Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden, is restored to those who study the Bible? Revelation 22:14.

NOTE: “The relation of the Word to the believer is a vital matter. Appropriating the Word to our spiritual necessities is the eating of the leaves of the tree of life that are for the healing of the nations. Study the Word, and practice the Word, for it is your life.”—Ellen G. White Letter 4, 1902.” Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 44.

“In His life on earth, Christ could have made disclosures which would have eclipsed and assigned to oblivion all human discoveries. He could have opened door after door to mysterious things, and many revelations of eternal realities would have been the sure result. He could have uttered words which would have been as a key to unlock mysteries that would have captivated the minds of generations to the close of time. But Christ does not open the numerous doors at which human curiosity has been striving to obtain entrance. He does not spread for men a feast that would prove deleterious to their highest interests. He came to plant for men, not the tree of knowledge, but the tree of life.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 33.

Bible Study Guides – Salvation

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“He Shall Save His People from Their Sins”

Memory Verse “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Ephesians 2:4, 5.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 481–483.

Thought to Remember: “Your only hope and salvation is in overcoming as Christ overcame.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 457.

Introduction “Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will win for you salvation. God calls for your willing obedience. He asks you to give up your sins. ‘To him that overcometh,’ Christ declares, ‘will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.’ Revelation 3:21.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 117. “

Sin Bringeth Forth Death”

1 From what do we all need to be saved? Matthew 1:21.

note: “Through every device possible Satan has sought to make of none effect the sacrifice of the Son of God, to render His expiation useless and His mission a failure. He has claimed that the death of Christ made obedience to the law unnecessary and permitted the sinner to come into favor with a holy God without forsaking his sin. He has declared that the Old Testament standard was lowered in the gospel and that men can come to Christ, not to be saved from their sins but in their sins. But when John beheld Jesus he told His mission. He said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ ( John 1:29). To every repentant soul the message is, ‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool’ (Isaiah 1:18).” Faith and Works, 90.

2 Is the Lord’s desire to save sinners limited to a chosen few? 1 Timothy 2:4, 5.

note: See The Great Controversy, 261, 262.

“None Other Name”

3 From whom alone may salvation be gained? Acts 4:10–12.

note: “‘Sin is the transgression of the law.’ The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor. Christ dying upon the cross of Calvary is drawing his attention. Why did Christ die? Because it was the only means for man to be saved.…He took upon Himself our sins that He might impute His righteousness to all who believe in Him.…The goodness and the love of God lead the sinner to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The awakened sinner…is pointed to the law he has transgressed. It calls to him to repent, yet there is no saving quality in law to pardon the transgression of law, and his case seems hopeless. But the law draws him to Christ. However deep are his sins of transgression, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse him from all sin.…” Our High Calling, 141.

4 What was the motive that led Christ to save us? Romans 8:34–39.

note: “The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more we experience of His saving power, the more keenly shall we realize our own weakness and imperfection, and the more earnestly shall we look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer. We have no power in ourselves to cleanse the soul temple from its defilement; but as we repent of our sins against God, and seek pardon through the merits of Christ, He will impart that faith which works by love and purifies the heart. By faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God we may be sanctified, and thus obtain a fitness for the society of holy angels and the white-robed redeemed ones in the kingdom of glory.” The Sanctified Life, 83.

“With the Mouth Confession is Made unto Salvation”

5 What acts are necessary on our part for the work of salvation to begin? Romans 10:10; 11 Corinthians 7:10.

note: “The great heart of infinite Love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion. ‘We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.’ Yes, only believe that God is your helper. He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw nigh to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw nigh to you with mercy and forgiveness. We owe the Lord everything. He is the author of our salvation. As you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ‘it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’” Testimonies, vol. 5, 635.

6 Where does the impulse to repent come from? Romans 2:4. Compare Acts 5:31; 11:18.

note: “While it is true that repentance must precede forgiveness, for it is only the broken and contrite heart that is acceptable to God, yet the sinner cannot bring himself to repentance, or prepare himself to come to Christ. Except the sinner repent, he cannot be forgiven; but the question to be decided is as to whether repentance is the work of the sinner or the gift of Christ. Must the sinner wait until he is filled with remorse for his sin before he can come to Christ? The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing of the Spirit of God; as man responds to this drawing, he advances toward Christ in order that he may repent.” A New Life, 20.

7 When a sinner has repented, what promise may he claim? 1 John 1:9.

note: “We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” Steps to Christ, 62.

“He was Manifested to Take Away Our Sins”

8 What assurance may the one have who abides in Christ? 1 John 3:5, 6.

note: “More than this [see previous note], Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. So you may say, ‘The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20. So Jesus said to His disciples, ‘It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ Matthew 10:20. Then with Christ working in you, you will manifest the same spirit and do the same good works,—works of righteousness, obedience.” Ibid., 62. See also The Desire of Ages, 123.

9 What symbol are we given to show the contrast between this new life and the old one? Romans 6:1–6.

note: “As you openly renounced sin and Satan, the three great powers of heaven pledged themselves to help you to overcome. You were raised in newness of life by the power that raised Christ from the dead. You came forth from the watery grave pledged to devote your life to the Master’s service. You are henceforth to live a new life, as if reason, knowledge, affection, speech, property, and all else you have, had been anew entrusted to you, with a distinct intimation from heaven that they are to be used for God. You are to live a life of cross-bearing and self-denial, a life bound up with the life of Christ.” Signs of the Times, February 12, 1902.

“Now is Our Salvation Nearer Than When We Believed”

10 What verses look forward to the time when our salvation is complete? Romans 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 9:28.

note: “We are never to rest in a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying, ‘I am saved.’ When this idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayer, for earnest endeavor to press onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. Then, with the utmost propriety, we may give glory to God and to the Lamb for eternal deliverance.” Maranatha, 236.

11 What assurance do we have of salvation in the judgment? Psalm 76:7–9.

note: “We are now living in the great Day of Atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” The Great Controversy, 489, 490.

“He Will Come and Save You”

12 To what precious promise may God’s people look forward? Isaiah 35:4.

note: “You must experience a death to self, and must live unto God. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ Self is not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfishness, avarice, covetousness, love of the world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmisings, must all be subdued and sacrificed forever. When Christ shall appear, it will not be to correct these evils and then give a moral fitness for His coming. This preparation must all be made before He comes. It should be a subject of thought, of study, and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to be saved? What shall be our conduct that we may show ourselves approved unto God?” Testimonies, vol. 1, 705.

13 Who are the ones who will be saved when Christ returns? Psalm 50:1–6.

note: “We must be partakers of Christ’s sufferings here, if we would share in His glory hereafter. If we seek our own interest, how we can best please ourselves, instead of seeking to please God and advance His precious, suffering cause, we shall dishonor God and the holy cause we profess to love. We have but a little space of time left in which to work for God. Nothing should be too dear to sacrifice for the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice now, will soon be gathered home to share a rich reward, and possess the new kingdom forever and ever. Oh, let us live wholly for the Lord, and show by a well-ordered life and godly conversation that we have been with Jesus, and are His meek and lowly followers. We must work while the day lasts, for when the dark night of trouble and anguish comes, it will be too late to work for God.” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 104, 105. “I saw that the reason why God did not hear the prayers of His servants for the sick among us more fully was that He could not be glorified in so doing while they were violating the laws of health. And I also saw that He designed the health reform…to prepare the way for the prayer of faith to be fully answered. Faith and good work should go hand in hand in relieving the afflicted among us, and in fitting them to glorify God here and to be saved at the coming of Christ.” Counsels on Health, 247.

Sin in the Church

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Let Christ’s methods be followed in dealing with those who make mistakes.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 266.

Ellen White explains: “A sister for whom I had a testimony that she lacked discretion and caution, and did not fully control her words and actions, came in with her husband and manifested feelings of great unreconciliation and agitation.… Her pride was touched as I brought out her faults in so public a manner. Here was evidently the main difficulty. But why should she feel thus? The brethren and sisters knew these things were so, therefore I was not informing them of anything new.…Her husband seemed to feel unreconciled to my bringing out her faults before the church and stated that if Sister White had followed the directions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 he should not have felt hurt: ‘Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.…’ My husband then stated that he should understand that these words of our Lord had reference to cases of personal trespass, and could not be applied in the case of this sister. She had not trespassed against Sister White. But that which had been reproved publicly was public wrongs which threatened the prosperity of the church and the cause. Here, said my husband, is a text applicable to the case: 1 Timothy 5:20: ‘Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.’” Testimonies, vol. 2, 14, 15.

Are We to Openly Rebuke Sin?

“We must cry aloud and spare not, lest our silence be interpreted to mean consent. The time has come when each one must stand in his lot and place, prepared to call sin, sin, and righteousness, righteousness.” Loma Linda Messages, 48.

One, Glorying in Sin, Leavens the Whole Body of Believers

“Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” 1 Corinthians 5:6. “The history of Achan teaches.…Sin is corrupting in its nature.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 996. “Disobedience…tends to corrupt the faith of others. That which looked very wrong to them at first, gradually loses this appearance by being constantly before them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 146.

Purpose of Open Rebuke — Teaches Others to Fear and Stops the Leaven

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:20. “Open rebuke is necessary, to prevent others from being ensnared.” Series B, 26. “Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may fear God.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 105.

“Put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.” Deuteronomy 19:19, 20 NKJV.

Open Rebuke is to be as Broad as the Injury Done

“If the wrongdoer only were concerned, and the work reached no farther than him, he alone should have the words of warning; but when his course of action is doing positive harm to the cause of truth, and souls are imperiled, God requires that the warning be as broad as the injury done.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 152.

Are Only Prophets and Leaders Called to Rebuke Sin?

“It is the duty of every faithful servant of God, to firmly and decidedly withstand these perverters of the faith, and to fearlessly expose their errors by the word of truth.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 192.

“It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound.” Home Missionary, February 1, 1890. “It is not enough to merely profess to believe the truth. All the soldiers of the cross of Christ virtually obligate themselves to enter the crusade against the adversary of souls, to condemn wrong and sustain righteousness.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 254. “The church members that are awake will rise to the emergency, manifesting greater diligence as iniquity abounds. The very manifestations of satanic power are to be presented in their true light before the people.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 310. “No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries.…” Selected Messages, Book 1, 196.

Are Leaders to be Openly Rebuked?

“When he [a servant of God] begins to work against the truth, and make his disaffection public, declaring things untrue which are true, these things must be met. The people must not be left to believe a lie. They must be undeceived.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 332. “When men stand out in defiance against the counsel of God, they are warring against God. Is it right for those connected with such ones to treat them as if they were in perfect harmony with them…? Though they be ministers or medical missionaries…Open rebuke is necessary, to prevent others from being ensnared.” Series B, 26.

God is No Respecter of Persons

“Men of courage and energy are needed to expose fashionable sins. Iniquity must not be palliated and excused. Those who lead the church to follow the customs and practices of the world, are not to be lauded and exalted. No regard for family or position will hinder the faithful servants of Christ from guarding the interests of His people. God is no respecter of persons.” Southern Watchman, July 12, 1904. “It is no time now to tolerate sleepy watchmen, and they never should have been tolerated.” Review and Herald, March 24, 1896. “In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God.…[Those who] will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons.…” Conflict and Courage, 269.

Like John, Expose Plainly and Pointedly the Sins of Individual Leaders

“The message we bear must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity.…And our work in this age must be as faithfully done. Selected Messages, Book 2, 151. “The work of John was to expose the character of the works of the Pharisees, to set their traditions and heresies in their true light before the people.” Review and Herald, April 3, 1894. “Kings and rulers came to the wilderness to hear the prophet, and were interested, and deeply convicted as he fearlessly pointed out their particular sins.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 48. “God requires His people in this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.” The Acts of the Apostles, 555.

Should We Just Pray—For the Sins of the Church?

“Zimri, a prince of the chief housein the tribe of Simeon.…publicly appeared before the people leading a Midianitish harlot, one of high standing, a daughter of a chief house in Midian, in the sight of Moses and the congregation. He thus showed open contempt of God. He gloried in his shame; for wine had perverted his senses.…Moses and the people who had taken no part in this great departure from God’s law, were weeping and lamenting at the door of the tabernacle for the sins of the people, and the plague that had begun.…The priests were weeping between the porch and the altar, crying, ‘Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.’ Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, and rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin, and went after the man of Israel into the tent, and killed them both. This staid the plague.…The point to be marked is, that Moses’ prayers were not heard, neither his weeping nor the sorrow and prayers of those who had maintained their integrity, until justice was executed upon that demoralized, God-defying prince. God says of Phinehas, He ‘hath turned away My wrath from the children of Israel.’ It was the greatest mercy that Phinehas could do to Israel, to deal promptly and decidedly with the guilty, and thus be instrumental in turning the wrath of God from the congregation of Israel. Something besides prayers and tears are needed in a time when reproach and peril are hanging over God’s people. The wicked works must be brought to an end.” Review and Herald, May 17, 1887.

“The sin of one man caused Israel to be beaten before the enemy. Something more than prayer was required. They were to get up and cleanse the camp of Israel.” Conflict and Courage, 120. “There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 143. “Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow. Of what value is it to pray when there is need of work?” Youth’s Instructor, February 3, 1898. “We entreat those who have a connection with God to pray earnestly and in faith, and not to stop here, but to work as well as pray, for the purification of the church.” Review and Herald, June 3, 1880.

Is it “Christlike”— to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“Jesus…never purchased peace by covering iniquity, or by anything like compromise.…He was never indulgent to their sins. He was too much their friend to remain silent while they were pursuing a course which would ruin their souls.…” The Upward Look, 220.

“Christ, at the very beginning of His ministry, openly rebuked the super-ficial morality and ostentatious piety of the Jews.” Redemption, vol. 4, 33.

“Then spake Jesus to the multi-tude,…saying,…Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers…” Matthew 23:1, 2, 13, 33. “Christ, who knew their hearts, held up their religious pretensions as God viewed them. He stripped from them their robe of apparent righteousness, laying bare their hypocrisy.” Signs of the Times, February 10, 1898. “The Lord did not permit the sins of His people to pass without rebuke.” Ibid., June 2, 1881. “Jesus did not let the matter drop without administering a rebuke to His enemies.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 197.

Is it Love—to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“‘You must have charity,’ is the cry heard everywhere…But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin.…The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity.” The Acts of the Apostles, 555, 556.

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor.…” Leviticus 19:17.

“To practice the principle of love will not prevent us from dealing plainly with our brethren, in kindness pointing out wrongs and shortcomings when it is necessary to do so. Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 156.

“The hearts of God’s servants will overflow with love and sympathy for the erring…but they will have no soft words for sin. They show the truest friendship who reprove error and sin without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Evangelism, 368. “True love is a love which seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking.” Review and Herald, October 22, 1901.

“Those who have the true love of God in their hearts will not teach that sin should be handled with
gloved hands.” Signs of the Times, April 21, 1881.

Is it Critical or Negative—to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“The office of a messenger whom God has chosen to send with reproofs and warnings, is strangely misunderstood at the present time.” Review and Herald, July 25, 1893.

“Should a case like Achan’s be among us, there are many who would accuse those who might act the part of Joshua in searching out the wrong, of having a fault-finding, wicked spirit.” Ibid., June 8, 1886.

“Opposition has risen in the church to the plain testimony.…If the wrongs of individuals are touched, they complain of severity, and…are ready to…overlook the wrong which made it necessary for reproof and rebuke. When the church depart from God they despise the plain testimony, and complain of severity and harshness. It is a sad evidence of the lukewarm state of the church.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 283, 284.

“Let none…charge the servants of God with being too zealous in endeavoring to cleanse the camp…” Prophets and Kings, 416.

“The salvation of sinners demands that every Christian shall act his part, and put forth a certain measure of positive power. ‘Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.’ The word must be spoken in season and out of season to those who are beguiled by Satan, and led to do evil things. Satan is working through his agents, and shall the soldiers of Christ exert no positive influence to save souls that are walking in the broad road to death?” Review and Herald, December 12, 1893.

Are We to Focus on the Sins of the Church?

“God requires His servants to walk in the light and not cover their eyes that they may not discern the working of Satan. They should be prepared to warn and reprove those who are in danger through his subtlety.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 196.

“If defiling sins are cherished…the displeasure of God rests upon the church,…until the members do all in their power to show their hatred for sin, and their determination to cast it out of the church.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Messages, 144 . “When the people realize that darkness is settling upon them, and they do not know the cause, they should seek God earnestly,…until the wrongs which grieve His Spirit are searched out and put away.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 265.

“It is a sin in any church not to search for the cause of their darkness…in the midst of them.” Ibid., vol. 3, 520.

Warn Sinners of Their Sins Continually

“Keep the warning message of truth before the people.…We are to cry aloud and spare not.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 174. “Ministers should be faithful watchmen, seeing the evil and warning the people. Their dangers must be set before them continually and pressed home upon them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 515. “There is constant need of earnest, decided messages of warning.” Reflecting Christ, 32.

“The natural heart does not enjoy this constant reproving of sin and continual exalting of righteousness.” Signs of the Times, November 5, 1894. “Some…think the trouble is with the ones who…point out the sins of the people and correct their errors.…They think that the labors…would be acceptable if they were not continually condemning wrong and reproving sin.…These poor souls, I saw, were deceived by Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 258, 259.

“Listen to hear them [Israelites] respond, ‘We do not wish to be continually reminded of our sins. Speak to us words of peace, encouragement, and hope, but do not keep ever before us . . . our backslidings.’” Signs of the Times, June 23, 1881.

“They were then decided…He [Moses] was not the right kind of man. He was too unyielding and kept their sins continually before them, warning, reproving, and threatening them with God’s displeasure.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 300.

Are We to Remain Neutral and Say Nothing?

“If God abhors one sin above another, of which His people are guilty, it is of doing nothing in a case of emergency. Indifference or neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime; and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God.” Review and Herald, September 30, 1873.

“Arduous and unpleasant duties have to be performed. None are to place themselves where they will sanction wrong by silence. They aid and abet the schemes of the enemy by keeping their lips closed when they should speak decidedly.…” The Upward Look, 206.

“Those who, in an effort to be neutral,…may think that they are rendering a service to God, but such a thought is delusive.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 10.

“Many have tried neutrality in a crisis, but they have failed in their purpose. No one can maintain a neutral ground. Those who endeavor to do this will fulfill Christ’s words, ‘No man can serve two masters’…[they] will at last be found enlisted on the enemy’s side.” This Day With God, 240.

Those Who Are Indifferent—Neutral Are Spewed Out

“‘If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty.’” Testimonies, vol. 5, 676.

“Those who by their carelessness or indifference permit God’s name to be dishonored by His professed people, are numbered with the transgressor,—registered in the record of Heaven as partakers in their evil deeds.” Signs of the Times, April 21, 1881. “Because thou art lukewarm,…I will spue thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16.

Bible Study Guides – Justification

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October 13, 2001 – October 19, 2001

“How Then Can Man be Justified with God?”

Memory Verse: “‘And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.’” Luke 18:13.

Study Help: The Faith I Live By, 107.

Thought to Remember: “Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin.”

Introduction

“Herein is the mystery of redemption, that the innocent, pure, and holy Son of the infinite God was permitted to bear the punishment of a thankless race of rebels against the divine government; that through the manifestation of His matchless love, these rebels might be inspired with faith in, and love for God, and might stand before Him repentant, forgiven, guiltless, as if they had never sinned.” Bible Echo, November 25, 1895.

“Sin Bringeth Forth Death”

1 Why do we all need justification? Romans 3:10–12.

note: “The perishing sinner may say: ‘I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.’ The great work that is wrought for the sinner who is spotted and stained by evil is the work of justification. By Him who speaketh truth he is declared righteous. The Lord imputes unto the believer the righteousness of Christ and pronounces him righteous before the universe. He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner’s representative, substitute, and surety. Upon Christ He lays the iniquity of every soul that believeth. ‘He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.’ 11 Corinthians 5:21.” The Faith I Live By, 112.

2 What prospect do we all face as sinners? Romans 14:10–12.

note: “Neglect this great salvation, kept before you for years, despise this glorious offer of justification through the blood of Christ and sanctification through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, and there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. I entreat you now to humble yourselves and cease your stubborn resistance of light and evidence. Say unto the Lord, Mine iniquities have separated between me and my God. O Lord, pardon my transgressions. Blot out my sins from the book of Thy remembrance. Praise His holy name, there is forgiveness with Him, and you can be converted, transformed.” Testimonies to Ministers,97.

“By the Works of the Law Shall No Flesh be Justified”

3 Can we be justified (pardoned) for our sins by trying to obey God’s law? Galatians 2:16.

note: “When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ’s righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God’s dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust.” A New Life, 20.

4 Can we hope to be justified if we are not willing to keep God’s law? Romans 2:13.

note: “Those who love God with all the heart will love all His commandments also. The sanctified heart is in harmony with the precepts of God’s law; for they are holy, just, and good. [Romans 7:12.] No one who truly loves and fears God will continue to transgress the law in any particular. When man transgresses he is under the condemnation of the law, and it becomes to him a yoke of bondage. Whatever his profession may be he is not justified, which means pardoned. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.’ Through obedience comes sanctification of body, soul, and spirit. This sanctification is a progressive work, and an advance from one stage of perfection to another.” My Life Today, 250.

“I Had Not Known Sin, But by the Law”

5 If we cannot be justified by keeping God’s law, what purpose does that law serve? Romans 3:20, last part; Romans 7:7.

note: “It is the sinner who regards the law as a grievous yoke; it is the transgressor that can see no beauty in its precepts. For the carnal mind ‘is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be’ (Romans 8:7). ‘By the law is the knowledge of sin’ (Romans 3:20); for ‘sin is the transgression of the law’ (1 John 3:4). It is through the law that men are convicted of sin; and they must feel themselves sinners, exposed to the wrath of God, before they will realize their need of a Saviour.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 219.

“The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin. ‘Sin is the transgression of the law.’ ‘By the law is the knowledge of sin.’ I John 3:4; Romans 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God’s great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own. The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor.” The Great Controversy, 467.

6 What is the result of living without God’s law? Romans 1:21–32. Compare Judges 17:4, 5.

note: “Those who are teaching this doctrine today have much to say in regard to faith and the righteousness of Christ; but they pervert the truth, and make it serve the cause of error. They declare that we have only to believe on Jesus Christ, and that faith is all-sufficient; that the righteousness of Christ is to be the sinner’s credentials; that this imputed righteousness fulfills the law for us, and that we are under no obligation to obey the law of God. This class claim that Christ came to save sinners, and that He has saved them. ‘I am saved,’ they will repeat over and over again. But are they saved while transgressing the law of Jehovah? No; for the garments of Christ’s righteousness are not a cloak for iniquity. Such teaching is a gross deception, and Christ becomes to these persons a stumbling-block as He did to the Jews, to the Jews because they would not receive Him as their personal Saviour; to these professed believers in Christ, because they separate Christ and the Law, and regard faith as a substitute for obedience. They separate the Father and the Son, the Saviour of the world. Virtually they teach, both by precept and example, that Christ, by His death, saves men in their transgressions.” Signs of the Times, February 25, 1897.

“The Blood of Jesus Christ Cleanseth Us From all Sin”

7 What is the only means by which we may be cleansed from our sins? 1 John 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

See: Christ’s Object Lessons, 205.

8 By what means does Christ continually remind us of this truth? Matthew 26:27, 28. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; Hebrews 9:19–28.

note: “In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them the new covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of God, and joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that heaven could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This covenant deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity.” Desire of Ages, 656.

“If We Confess Our Sins…”

9 What work is needed on our part for us to receive justification? 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5.

note: “I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favor of God by confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing to human beings.…The Lord would have us come to Him daily with all our troubles and confessions of sin, and He can give us rest.…Confess your secret sins alone before your God. Acknowledge your heart wanderings to Him who knows perfectly how to treat your case. If you have wronged your neighbor, acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the same by making restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you are, and let Him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of grace; let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give you the victory.…He will not misapprehend or misjudge you.” God’s Amazing Grace, 87.

“Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but they do not crucify self. They do not give themselves entirely into the hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining strength.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 48.

10 Where does the desire to repent originate? Romans 2:4. Compare Acts 5:31.

note: “Repentance, as well as forgiveness, is the gift of God through Christ. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convicted of sin and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the grace of God that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us.” Faith and Works, 38.

“Many are confused as to what constitutes the first steps in the work of salvation. Repentance is thought to be a work the sinner must do for himself in order that he may come to Christ. They think that the sinner must procure for himself a fitness in order to obtain the blessing of God’s grace. But while it is true that repentance must precede forgiveness, for it is only the broken and contrite heart that is acceptable to God, yet the sinner cannot bring himself to repentance, or prepare himself to come to Christ. Except the sinner repent, he cannot be forgiven; but the question to be decided is as to whether repentance is the work of the sinner or the gift of Christ. Must the sinner wait until he is filled with remorse for his sin before he can come to Christ? The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing of the Spirit of God; as man responds to this drawing, he advances toward Christ in order that he may repent.” A New Life, 20.

“Peace With God”

11 What is the result of justification? Romans 5:1. Compare Isaiah 32:17.

note: “Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace. There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.” God’s Amazing Grace, 320.

12 How does Paul contrast this peace with the life of the sinner? Romans 8:3–8.

note: “When the Saviour imparts His peace to the soul, the heart will be in perfect harmony with the word of God; for the Spirit and the word agree. The Lord honors His word in all His dealings with men. It is His own will, His own voice, that is revealed to men, and He has no new will, no new truth, aside from His word to unfold to His children. If you have a wonderful experience that is not in harmony with the expressed directions of God’s word, you may well doubt it; for its origin is not from above. The peace of Christ comes through the knowledge of Jesus whom the Bible reveals. If happiness is drawn from outside sources, and not from the Divine Fount, it will be as changeable as varying circumstances can make it; but the peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace. It does not depend on any circumstance in life, on the amount of worldly goods, or the number of earthly friends. Christ is the fountain of living waters, and happiness and peace drawn from Him will never fail, for He is a well-spring of life.” Signs of the Times, May 19, 1890.

Bible Study Guides – Sin

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September 29, 2001 – October 5, 2001

“Human minds vary. The minds of different education and thought receive different impressions of the same words, and it is difficult for one mind to give to one of a different temperament, education, and habits of thought, by language exactly the same idea as that which is clear and distinct in his own mind. Yet to honest men, right-minded men, he can be so simple and plain as to convey his meaning for all practical purposes. If the man he communicates with is not honest and will not want to see and understand the truth, he will turn his words and language in everything to suit his own purposes. He will misconstrue his words, play upon his imagination, wrest them from their true meaning, and then entrench himself in unbelief, claiming that the sentiments are all wrong.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 19.

“Ministers need to have a more clear, simple manner in presenting the truth as it is in Jesus. Their own minds need to comprehend the great plan of salvation more fully. Then they can carry the minds of the hearers away from earthly things to the spiritual and eternal. There are many who want to know what they must do to be saved. They want a plain and clear explanation of the steps requisite in conversion, and there should not a sermon be given unless a portion of that discourse is to especially make plain the way that sinners may come to Christ and be saved. They should point them to Christ, as did John, and with touching simplicity, their hearts aglow with the love of Christ, say, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ Strong and earnest appeals should be made to the sinner to repent and be converted.” Ibid., 157.

“Our publications have a most sacred work to do in making clear, simple, and plain the spiritual basis of our faith. Everywhere the people are taking sides; all are ranging themselves either under the banner of truth and righteousness or under the banner of the apostate powers that are contending for the supremacy. At this time God’s message to the world is to be given with such prominence and power that the people will be brought face to face, mind to mind, heart to heart, with truth. They must be brought to see its superiority over the multitudinous errors that are pushing their way into notice, to supplant, if possible, the word of God for this solemn time.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 150.

“The Transgression of the Law”

Memory Verse: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.

Study Help: Confrontation, 75.

Thought to Remember: “Sin is the Transgression of the Law.”

Introduction

“If ministers who preach the gospel would do their duty, and would also be ensamples to the flock of God, their voices would be lifted up like a trumpet to show the people their transgressions and the house of Israel their sins. Ministers who exhort sinners to be converted should distinctly define what sin is and what conversion from sin is. Sin is the transgression of the law. The convicted sinner must exercise repentance toward God for the transgression of His law, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ibid, 75.

“Sin Bringeth Forth Death”

1 What is the only definition of sin found in the Bible? 1 John 3:4.

NOTE: “The apostle gives us the true definition of sin. ‘Sin is the transgression of the law.’ The largest class of Christ’s professed ambassadors are blind guides. They lead the people away from the path of safety by representing the requirements and prohibitions of the ancient law of Jehovah as arbitrary and severe. They give the sinner license to overstep the limits of God’s law. In this they are like the great adversary of souls, opening before them a life of freedom in violation of God’s commandments. With this lawless freedom the basis of moral responsibility is gone.” Confrontation, 75.

2 What has God given man to help him recognize what is sin? Romans 7:7; 3:20, last part.

note: “The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin… ‘By the law is the knowledge of sin’ (Romans 3:20). In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God’s great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects of his own. The law reveals to man his sin… It declares that death is the portion of the transgressor.” God’s Amazing Grace, 20.

“To those who urged that ‘the preaching of the gospel answers all the ends of the law,’ Wesley replied: ‘This we utterly deny. It does not answer the very first end of the law, namely, the convincing men of sin, the awakening those who are still asleep on the brink of hell.’ The apostle Paul declares that ‘by the law is the knowledge of sin;’ “and not until man is convicted of sin, will he truly feel his need of the atoning blood of Christ.… “They that be whole,” as our Lord Himself observes, “need not a physician, but they that are sick.” It is absurd, therefore, to offer a physician to them that are whole, or that at least imagine themselves so to be. You are first to convince them that they are sick; otherwise they will not thank you for your labor. It is equally absurd to offer Christ to them whose heart is whole, having never yet been broken.’” The Great Controversy, 264.

“Thou Shalt Surely Die”

3 What law was given to Adam and Eve and what was the penalty for transgression? Genesis 2:16–17.

(See: Patriarchs and Prophets, 52, 53)

4 How did the tempter attempt to undermine God’s law? Genesis 3:1–5.

note: “Satan represented to the holy pair that they would be gainers by breaking the law of God. Do we not today hear similar reasoning? Many talk of the narrowness of those who obey God’s commandments, while they themselves claim to have broader ideas and to enjoy greater liberty. What is this but an echo of the voice from Eden, ‘In the day ye eat thereof’—transgress the divine requirement—‘ye shall be as gods’? Satan claimed to have received great good by eating of the forbidden fruit, but he did not let it appear that by transgression he had become an outcast from heaven. Though he had found sin to result in infinite loss, he concealed his own misery in order to draw others into the same position. So now the transgressor seeks to disguise his true character; he may claim to be holy; but his exalted profession only makes him the more dangerous as a deceiver. He is on the side of Satan, trampling upon the law of God, and leading others to do the same, to their eternal ruin.” Ibid., 55.

(See also: The Great Controversy, 533)

“All have sinned”

5 How many of the human race have transgressed God’s law? Romans 3:23. Compare Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:9, 10.

note: “The human family have all transgressed the law of God, and as transgressors of the law, man is hopelessly ruined; for he is the enemy of God, without strength to do any good thing. ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be’ (Romans 8:7). Looking into the moral mirror—God’s holy law—man sees himself a sinner, and is convicted of his state of evil, his hopeless doom under the just penalty of the law.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 321.

6 How does Paul describe the effect of sinning upon the human mind? Romans 8:7.

note: “Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is. ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be’ (Romans 8:7). When the mind is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can mold it as he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will carnalize. He is directly opposed to God in his tastes, views, preferences, likes and dislikes, choice of things and pursuits; there is no relish for what God loves or approves, but a delight in those things which He despises; therefore a course is maintained which is offensive to Him. This leads to controversy with those who are trying to walk in the way of the Lord. They [those who oppose truth] will call light darkness, and darkness light; good evil, and evil good. Satan has been working at the wheel, turning it until he has the control of all the human minds who have received the lies with which he deceived Eve and then used her as his agent to entice Adam into sin. Satan has kept up his specious working upon human minds from that day to this.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, 22.

“As in Adam All Die”

7 What was the effect of Adam’s sin upon mankind? Romans 5:12.

note: “Exhibit A [for the doctrine of original sin] has been Romans 5:12 ‘Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men…’ Let us observe that at this point we have a statement of fact with no explanation offered. The explanation comes in the next clause: ‘…for that all have sinned.’ ‘For that’ means because. The verse does not say because all have inherited guilt from Adam. It says because all have sinned. They therefore have guilt of their own and have no need to borrow any from Adam.” Dr. Ralph Larson: The Word Was Made Flesh, Cherrystone Press, Cherry Valley, CA, 1986, 336.

“Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought immortality within their reach.” The Great Controversy, 533.

“The wickedness that fills our world is the result of Adam’s refusal to take God’s word as supreme. He disobeyed, and fell under the temptation of the enemy. ‘Sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.’ God declared, ‘The soul that sinneth, it shall die.’ And, apart from the plan of redemption, human beings are doomed to death. ‘All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’” Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, March 15, 1906.

8 Did David teach the doctrine of original sin? Psalm 51:5. Compare Psalm 71:5, 6. Hebrews 13:4.

note: “There are two possible readings of this verse, the one based on facts, the other based on assumptions. The first says that this verse, written by David, refers to his mother and himself. The second assumes that it applies to all men. The first notes that David is speaking about his own conception. The second applies this verse to the conception of all men. The first notes that David speaks of his conception as taking place in sin. The second assumes that all conceptions are done in sin. The first notes that David speaks of the sin of his mother. The second assumes that all mothers sin in conception. The first notes that we are not told the precise nature of David’s mother’s sin. The second assumes that this is referring to original sin. The first notes that we know nothing of David’s mother, nor the circumstances of his conception. The second assumes that she was the lawful wife of Jesse and that the sin referred to was original sin. Whatever the nature of the sin referred to in this verse, it should be clear that David is speaking of his mother’s sin and not his own. But a careful reading of this psalm will show that David does not use his mother’s sin as an excuse for his own adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah.” Larson, 337-339.

9 Does this mean that God holds each of us guilty of Adam’s sin? Ezekiel 18:20.

note:“There are many who in their hearts murmur against God. They say, ‘We inherit the fallen nature of Adam, and are not responsible for our natural imperfections.’ They find fault with God’s requirements, and complain that He demands what they have no power to give. Satan made the same complaint in heaven, but such thoughts dishonor God.” Signs of the Times, August 29, 1892.

“Do you mean to cast reproach upon God? Well, you say, It was Adam’s sin. You say, I am not guilty of that, and I am not responsible for his guilt and fall. Here all these natural tendencies are in me, and I am not to blame if I act out these natural tendencies. Who is to blame? Is God? Why did God let Satan have this power over human nature? These are accusations against the God of heaven, and He will give you an opportunity, if you want it, of finally bringing your accusations against Him. Then He will bring His accusations against you when you are brought into His court of judgement.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 179.

“Let Not Sin Reign”

10 Is it inevitable that we will sin? 1 John 2:1, first part. Compare Romans 6:1, 2; 12–16.

note: “‘The prince of this world cometh,’ said Jesus, ‘and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.” The Desire of Ages, 123. {Emphasis Supplied].

11 What remedy is provided for those who do sin? 1 John 2:1, 2 last part.

note: “From these scriptures it is evident that it is not God’s will that you should be distrustful and torture your soul with the fear that God will not accept you because you are sinful and unworthy. ‘Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you’ (James 4:8). Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary’s cross. Satan will accuse you of being a great sinner, and you must admit this, but you can say: ‘I know I am a sinner, and that is the reason I need a Saviour. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” 1 John 1:7. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’” (verse 9). I have no merit or goodness whereby I may claim salvation, but I present before God the all-atoning blood of the spotless Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is my only plea. The name of Jesus gives me access to the Father. His ear, His heart, is open to my faintest pleading, and He supplies my deepest necessities.’” Faith and Works, 105.

12 How are the children of God distinguishable from the children of the devil? 1 John 3:7–10.

note: “Christ’s righteousness will not cover the unrighteousness of anyone. ‘All unrighteousness is sin,’ and ‘sin is the transgression of the law,’ therefore, those who are breaking the law of God and teaching others to break it, will not be covered with the garments of Christ’s righteousness. He came not to save men in their sins; but from their sins.” Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 24, 1888.

“Every character must be brought to the test of this measurement; but it has been the determined purpose of Satan to tear down the standard of the law of God, and erect in its stead a lower standard, a finite measure by which men may measure themselves among themselves; and thus their ideas as to what constitutes righteousness have become lowered and confused. This is the reason that so large a number who profess to be followers of Christ, claim to be perfect and sanctified when they are sinners in the sight of God.” Signs of the Times, January 9, 1896.

Bible Study Guides – Repentance

by

November 25- December 1, 2001 

“Except Ye Repent, Ye Shall All Likewise Perish”

MEMORY VERSE

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7.

STUDY HELP: Steps to Christ, 23–35.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it.”

Introduction

“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. This was the language of his soul.” Steps to Christ, 24, 25.

“The Goodness of God Leadeth Thee to Repentance”

1 From where does the impulse to repent come? Romans 2:4. Compare Acts 5:31.

NOTE: “When before the high priests and Sadducees, Peter clearly presented the fact that repentance is the gift of God. Speaking of Christ, he said, ‘Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins’ (Acts 5:31). Repentance is no less the gift of God than are pardon and justification, and it cannot be experienced except as it is given to the soul by Christ. If we are drawn to Christ, it is through His power and virtue. The grace of contrition comes through Him, and from Him comes justification.” A New Life, 21.

2 How concerned is God that people should repent? 2 Peter 3:9.

Note: “The members of the church of God need converting. Unless they are converted, they will lead away from Christ, making crooked paths for their own feet, and turning the lame out of the way. There is just as much need of repentance in and among believers who err from the principles of Christ as among those who have not a knowledge of the way of the Lord” Review and Herald, February 5, 1901.

“The great day of the Lord is near at hand. When Christ appears in the clouds of heaven, those who have not sought Him with all the heart, those who have allowed themselves to be deceived, will surely perish. Our only safety is to be found through repentance and conversion, and the blotting out of sins. Those who will now seek the Lord earnestly, humbling their hearts before Him, and forsaking their sins, will, through the sanctification of the truth, be fitted to unite with the members of the royal family, and will see the King in His beauty.” This Day With God, 248.

“Godly Sorrow”

3 What two types of sorrow does Paul contrast? 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10.

NOTE: “The mourning spoken of by Christ is a godly sorrow for sin, that works repentance unto eternal life. Many grieve when their guilt is discovered, because the result of their evil course has brought them into disagreeable circumstances. It was thus that Esau mourned the sin of despising and selling his birthright; but it was the unexpected consequences of that sin which caused his grief. So Pharaoh regretted his stubborn defiance of God, when he cried for the plagues to be removed from him; but his heart was unchanged, and he was ready to repeat his crime when tempted. Such mourning is not unto repentance. He who is truly convicted of sin feels his whole life to have been one continued scene of ingratitude. He feels that he has robbed his best Friend of the time and strength which was bought for him at an infinite price. His whole soul is filled with unutterable sorrow that he has slighted and grieved his compassionate Saviour. Such mourning is precious, for it will yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The worldling, from his stand-point, may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 205.

4 What examples of godly sorrow are recorded for us? Psalm 25:16–18; Luke 22:61, 62.

NOTE: “David sinned grievously against God; but he ‘sorrowed after a godly sort.’ He prayed that the Lord would remove the cause of His displeasure: ‘For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.’ And Peter’s sorrow for his apostasy was sincere. He brought to God a broken and contrite heart; and this God has promised that He will not despise. His repentance was accepted of heaven, and Jesus entrusted to him not only the care of the sheep of his flock, but also of the tender lambs, the young converts to the faith.” Signs of the Times, February 4, 1897.

“If We Confess Our Sins”

5 What is required of us before we can receive forgiveness? 1 John 1:9.

NOTE: See Steps to Christ, 37.

6 What is meant by confession? Leviticus 5:5.

NOTE: “True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.” Steps to Christ, 38.

“I Acknowledged My Sin unto Thee”

7 In what spirit did David repent for his sins? Psalm 32:5, first part.

NOTE: “The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.” Conflict and Courage, 110.

See also Ibid., 69.

8 What promise does the Lord make to those who acknowledge their sins? Jeremiah 3:12, 13.

NOTE: “We must have a knowledge of ourselves, a knowledge that results in contrition, before we can find pardon and peace. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. We must know our true condition, or we shall not feel our need of Christ’s help. We must understand our danger, or we shall not flee to the refuge. We must feel the pain of our wounds, or we shall not desire healing.” Signs of the Times, April 9, 1902. See also Desire of Ages, 300, 301.

“Restore Again”

9 What is also required of the repentant sinner? Ezekiel 33:15.

NOTE: “If we have in any manner defrauded or injured our brother, we should make restitution. If we have unwittingly borne false witness, if we have misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and take back all our injurious misstatements. It will not be long before probation will close. If you do not now serve the Lord with fidelity, how will you meet the record of your unfaithful dealing?…If you have refused to deal honestly with God, I beseech you to think of your deficiency, and if possible to make restitution. If this cannot be done, in humble penitence pray that God for Christ’s sake will pardon your great debt. Begin now to act like Christians. Make no excuse for failing to give the Lord His own. Now,…while it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted, while it is called today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” The Faith I Live By, 132.

10 What example of true repentance is recorded for us? Luke 19:1–9.

NOTE: “No sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity. No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin. Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution.…If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction,…we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession.” Conflict and Courage, 302.

“Let the Wicked Forsake His Way”

11 What counsel is given to sinners who seek pardon from the Lord? Isaiah 55:7.

NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 298, 299.

12 What promise is made to those who resolve to forsake their sins? Proverbs 28:13.

NOTE: “Repentance includes sorrow for sin, and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” The Faith I Live By, 127.

“The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that ‘confesseth and forsaketh’ his sin ‘shall have mercy.’ Proverbs 28:13.” Acts of the Apostles, 552.

“Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father. He hates sin, but He loves the sinner.…As you read the promises, remember they are the expression of unutterable love and pity. The great heart of Infinite Love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion.… He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw near to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw near to you with mercy and forgiveness.” God’s Amazing Grace, 82.

By Gordon Anderson