wedding

Weddings, Baptisms and Tithe

by

Weddings are momentous occasions. They are fraught with serious and far-reaching consequences. There is, of course, much happiness and joyful celebration, but along with this there is some serious business going on. Some very solemn vows are being exchanged. A man is solemnly promising to love, honor, cherish, and be faithful to a woman, and the woman, in return, is solemnly promising to love, honor, cherish and be faithful to the man.

Please notice that the wedding vows are mutual, two-way, reciprocal vows. They are not individual, isolated, personal vows. They are fulfilled in a life of mutual, faithful continuance by both parties. As long as both parties remember their mutual vows and honor them and remain faithful to them, all will go well.

The Bride Forgets Her Promise

But what if the bride forgets her promise and violates her wedding vow by entering into illicit relationships with other men? Does she still have the right to require her husband to be true to his wedding vow? Does he have to support her in her adulteries? “That would be ridiculous,” you say. “In that tragic circumstance, the husband would be free to do whatever he thought best, within the law.” You are right. The woman, by her violation of her wedding vow, has ended her husband’s obligations to her. They no longer exist.

Exchanging Vows

Baptisms are also momentous occasions. They are, like weddings, fraught with serious and far-reaching, even eternal, results and consequences. They are occasions of great joy and happiness, but along with these things there is some serious business going on. Solemn vows are being exchanged. A baptismal candidate and a church are exchanging vows. The church is promising to keep on telling the truth about God. The candidate is promising to keep on giving financial support to that truth-telling by his tithes and offerings.

These baptismal vows, like the wedding vows, are mutual, two-way, reciprocal vows. They are not isolated, individual, personal vows. They are fulfilled in a life of mutual, faithful continuance by both parties. As long as both the church and the church member remember their respective vows and honor them, all will be well.

But what if the church forgets her promise and violates her baptismal vow by entering into illicit relationships with other churches, accepting some of their false doctrines, and so inter-mingling those false doctrines with her message that it can no longer be said that she is telling the truth about God? Does she still have a right to require the member to support her with his tithes and offerings? Does he have to pay for her adulteries? This would be ridiculous. By her spiritual adultery she has canceled out all such obligations. They no longer exist. The member is free to do what he thinks best with his tithe, within the limits of Scriptural instructions about the proper use of tithe.

The Heart of the Matter

This is the heart of the tithe question. This is the central issue upon which all other tithe issues depend. It can be expressed in the simple question, “Does God require us to pay for the preaching of false doctrines?” The only right answer would have to be “No. That would be utterly ridiculous.” Apostasy has no rights and no authority, either to tell us what to do or to collect tithes and offerings from us.

False Doctrines That
Have Crept In

We pause to mention some of the false doctrines that are being taught in many Seventh-day Adventist churches and educational institutions today. The list would include, but not be limited to:

  • Rejection of our Sanctuary message
  • Rejection of the Spirit of Prophecy
  • Rejection of the authority of Scripture
  • A false doctrine of Justification. That we are saved by justification (forgiveness) only.
  • A false doctrine of Sanctification. That Christians cannot stop sinning, even by the power of God. Ellen White testified against this false doctrine more than 2,000 times.
  • A false doctrine of the nature of Christ. That Christ came to earth in the human nature of unfallen Adam. Ellen White bore testimony against this false doctrine 400 times.
  • Celebration (Satanic) worship services

And so we ask again, does the church yet have a right to require our financial support for the teaching of these false doctrines? The very idea is preposterous! Some may wish to argue that the church is not teaching all false doctrines but only a few. This is like arguing that the unfaithful bride is not having illicit relationships with all other men but only a few. Does this make sense? Surely not!

The Bottom Line

This is the bottom line, the bedrock principle upon which all other tithe matters must rest, and according to which all tithe questions must be answered. We must keep it in mind as we look at some of the peripheral questions.

Did not Ellen White write that the church is the only treasury of the Lord? No, she did not! In the year 1905, she wrote a letter to an Elder Watson, who was then president of the Colorado conference. In this letter she made three significant statements.

  1. She stated that for years she had been sending her tithe to places of her own choosing.
  2. She spoke of other persons, whom she knew, who were doing the same thing, and recommended that they be left alone. Here are her words: “If there have been cases where our sisters have appropriated their tithe to the support of the ministers working for the colored people in the South, let every man, if he is wise, hold his peace.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 99.
  3. She stated clearly, “the money is not withheld from the Lord’s treasury.” Ibid. How could she make that statement if the church is the only treasury of the Lord? Obviously she could not.

A Position Apart from God

Another insight into Ellen White’s thinking regarding financial matters is provided by P. T. Magan, who with E. A. Sutherland, was a co-founder of Madison College in Tennessee. From Magan’s copious diaries we excerpt a few lines:

“May 7, 1907: Talked with Sister White regarding attitude of General Conference toward us . . . Told Sister White about the administration view that we had no right to go and get money unless we were owned by the conference. She replied: ‘You are doing double what they are. Take all the donations you can get. The money belongs to the Lord, and not to these men. The position they take is not of God. The Southern Union Conference is not to own or control you. You cannot turn things over to them.’

“May 14, 1907: Talked to (Ellen White) about the General Conference position that concerns non-conference owned should have no money. She answered: ‘Daniells and those with him are taking a position on this matter that is not of God.’”

A Statement of Understanding

Other careful investigators have gone before us in examining Ellen White’s teachings on the subject of tithe. Document WDF 213, in the White Estate Office in Loma Linda, is a record of an investigation made by W. C. White, A. G. Daniells, and W. W. Prescott in answer to an accusation that Ellen White sometimes violated her own counsel by sending her tithe to places of her own choosing. Paragraph six on page two of the document is a clear statement of how these leading brethren understood the totality of Ellen White’s teachings and example regarding the payment of tithe.

“As to the proper use of the tithe: The outline of a statement on this subject which was agreed upon was briefly this:

“To give extracts from Sister White’s writings as to the tithe and its use;

“To show that her testimonies and her own usual practise [sic] was in favor of paying the tithe into the regularly designated treasury, to be used under the counsel of the committees appointed for that purpose,

“To show further from her writings that when those who have charge of the expenditure of the tithe so far fail in the discharge of their duty that the regularly organized channels for the distribution of tithe become hindrances to its proper use,

“Then in order to carry out the divine plan that the tithe should be expended in the wisest manner for the furtherance of the work, individuals have a right to pay their tithe direct to the needy fields;

“But that this involves a considerable degree of personal responsibility, which must be assumed by those who decide to follow this plan.

“It was thought that this matter could be handled in a way to show that the departure from the regular plans was authorized only when the regular plans failed to be carried out by those in positions of responsibility.” [Sentence division and emphasis supplied.]

We must recognize that these men would have been appalled by the false doctrines being taught in so many of our churches today. They would have been horrified by the spectacle of huge amounts of tithe being paid to non-Adventist lawyers to sue, fine, and imprison persons, who thought of themselves as Seventh-day Adventists, for using that name. The principle that they set forth would certainly apply to our time. We need not wonder where they would send their tithe.

Using Your Own Judgment

Another question: Did not Ellen White say that persons should not use their own judgment in regard to tithe? Here are her words:

“The portion that God has reserved for Himself is not to be diverted to any other purpose than that which He has specified. Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe, to use according to their own judgment. They are not to use it for themselves in an emergency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even in what they may regard as the Lord’s work.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 247. [Emphasis supplied.]

What Ellen White meant by the words “what they may regard as the Lord’s work” is made clear in the following pages by these lines:

“One reasons that the tithe may be applied to school purposes. Still others reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from the tithe. But a great mistake is made when tithe is drawn from the object for which it is to be used,—the support of the ministers.” Ibid., 248, 249. [Emphasis supplied.]

In Counsels on Stewardship, page 103, she also rejects the idea of using tithe for the poor fund or for church expense.

Persistently Preaching the Devil’s Lies

Ellen White did not contradict herself, either in what she wrote or what she did. Her words here are in full harmony with her letter to Watson (quoted previously) and her own practice. Her own power of choice, like every other person’s power of choice, was limited by the Scriptural guidelines. Well may we rejoice in the steadfast integrity of the counsels brought to us by the chosen messenger of the Lord. And though our hearts are grieved by the rising tide of apostasy in our beloved church today, we may take comfort in the knowledge that our Lord is not surprised by it. He knew all about it, and He gave us ample forewarning. Let us carefully and prayerfully consider our duty in the light of these realities.

It cannot be denied that there are pastors in Seventh-day Adventist churches, teachers in Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, and persons at all levels of church administration who are persistently presenting as truth the devil’s great lie, that Christians cannot stop sinning, even by the power of God. Ellen White has identified this assertion no less than 35 times as a lie that originated in the heart of Satan. The strongest of her statements is this:

“Satan declared that it was impossible for the sons and daughters of Adam to keep the Law of God, and thus charged upon God a lack of wisdom and love. If they could not keep the Law, then there was fault with the Lawgiver. Men who are under the control of Satan repeat these accusations against God, in asserting that men cannot keep the Law of God. Jesus humbled Himself, clothing His divinity with humanity, in order that He might stand as the head and representative of the human family, and by both precept and example condemn sin in the flesh, and give the lie to Satan’s charges. He was subjected to the fiercest temptations that human nature can know, yet He sinned not; for sin is the transgression of the Law. By faith He laid hold upon divinity, even as humanity may lay hold upon infinite power through Him.” Signs of the Times, January 16, 1896. [Emphasis supplied.]

Apostasy Has No Authority

Apostasy has no authority! In these dreadful times we must be faithful to our Lord, and follow our leaders only as far as they follow the Lord. We must not support apostasy with our tithes and offerings. There are some who are trying to be faithful in word and deed. Let us give our support to them, carefully complying with every instruction that we find in the Bible and in the Spirit of Prophecy. Then we may claim the blessing of the Lord. Settle it in your mind forever, dear friend. The storehouse of tithe must be the storehouse of truth. There is absolutely no way that a storehouse of falsehoods could be the treasury of the Lord, the storehouse of tithe. May God bless you.

Ask the Pastor – Funerals and Weddings

by

Question:

I would like to know how funerals and weddings were started in the church.

Answer:

The origin for both of these services is found in the days of Adam and Eve. The book of Genesis is the seedbed for every doctrine found in the rest of the Bible. It is the place of beginnings. There are many matters that will find a more developed maturity, which is related in the Bible at later times, but the beginnings of all things as pertaining to us are found in Genesis.

The first wedding is found in Genesis 2:21–25. The ceremony is short but complete in putting man and woman together as mates for life. This is the model that is still used today in modern ceremonies. I have quoted many times from this passage to provide the setting for the wedding service. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” The fact that God intended that this service should serve as a model for all marriages is found in these words. Adam and Eve did not have father or mother. They were created fully mature human beings right from the hand of God, yet the text helps us to understand the process of husband and wife coming together in a bond of matrimony unto themselves till the end of time. There are several other marriages spoken of in the Bible, but the one that captures our attention is found in the New Testament story of John 2.

Culturally, wedding ceremonies differ. But there is one thing that is acknowledged by all cultures and that is a recognition that two people are united in marriage to signify that they are not just living together in an adulterous lifestyle. Whether or not a piece of paper [marriage license] is present is not the issue. The issue is that the community has recognized that these two have left their homes of father and mother and are setting up their own home. So a wedding is a means of keeping law and order in the community. Otherwise chaos would result such as we see in society today where marriage laws are allowed to go unenforced.

A funeral takes place as a means of allowing grief to be processed. Grief is an emotion which, if not allowed to be expressed, can and does cause great mental distress. The process of dealing with the death of a friend or of a family member is important to the whole plan of salvation. Death is a reminder to what sin causes. (Romans 6:23.) But like the plan of salvation, God has a healing process in dealing with grief. Everyone who loves is vulnerable to the pain of grief, for love means attachment, and all human attachments are subject to loss. But grief need not, should not, be a destructive emotion of loss without hope.

Knowing this, we find that Jesus attended several funerals in the New Testament. The shortest text in the New Testament is John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” Funerals are for the purpose of getting the grief process started so that life for the living can go on.

Because marriages and funerals are an integral part of human life, they must also be a part of the life of church members. This is why these two issues are found in Scripture. For both weddings and funerals, the focus must be upon how God enters into the process. God as the center of the marriage and a funeral with God as the center provides hope for a sinful world. Never miss the fact that human emotions need to be expressed—joy in the wedding and sorrow in the loss of a loved one. Jesus has given us examples in both of these.

Pastor Mike Baugher is Associate Speaker for Steps to Life Ministry. If you have a question you would like Pastor Mike to answer, e-mail it to: landmarks@stepstolife.org, or mail it to: LandMarks, P. O. Box 782828, Wichita, KS 67278.

The Pen of Inspiration – Called to the Wedding Feast

by

The words which I have selected as a foundation for a few remarks you will find in the 22nd chapter of Matthew, beginning at the first verse. [Verses 1–10, quoted.]

The portion of Scripture presented before us, which I have referred to and have presented before your minds, is of intense meaning—much more than I am able to explain. It is of great interest to us, and we should consider it, and let it have due weight upon our minds. We find by perusing God’s sacred Word of inspiration that when the promised Messiah, the Son of God, came into the world His own people, even His own nation—the Jews—would not and did not receive Him. As we are told in the first chapter of St. John, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11).

The provision was made, but they would not receive it. The Father Himself provided a ransom, even a sacrifice. His own dear Son submitted Himself to His Father’s requirements, came into this sinful world, became a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He went about doing good, speaking in tones of tenderness, saying in the deepest and most fervent and sweetest accents ever uttered, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” [Matthew 11:28, 29]; and He assures us we shall find rest to our souls.

[Matthew 22:4, 5 quoted.] The great King Himself hath made a marriage for His Son. He hath sent forth His servants for many hundreds of years, saying, “Come, for all things are ready.” But how little do the [people of the] world heed the invitation! They make light of it and go their ways to their worldly pursuits and worldly pleasures, the same as they have done for centuries. But the King sendeth forth His armies and destroys those murders and burns up their city, and we are told in the ninth chapter of Daniel, the 26th verse, that “the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the city . . .; and the end thereof shall be with a flood.” [Matthew 22:8, 9 quoted.]

In the 14th chapter of Luke, verse 16, we find that there was made a great supper and many were bidden. Servants were sent forth to say to those that were bidden, “Come; for all things are now ready” [verse 17]. But they made excuses.

The King of the kingdom hath made a marriage supper for His Son. He hath sent forth His servants to say to those which are bidden, “Come to the marriage.” The Lord is sending His servants, saying unto all who will hear, “Come, make ready for the great marriage supper of the Lamb; He is soon coming to receive all the faithful to the mansions prepared by Him, to partake of the feast which He hath prepared.” He is sending, and hath been sending His servants . . . .

All must be clothed with the wedding garment in order to be accepted, lest we be found speechless.

Is it not of the greatest importance that we be found having on the robe of righteousness, that we be ready when the Bridegroom cometh to enter in to the marriage supper? May we heed the invitation given and make ourselves ready that we may have admittance into the Master’s house, that He say not unto us that none which were bidden shall taste of His supper. In the parable, those who were bidden heeded not its invitation, but continued excusing themselves, feasting upon the pleasures of this world as the masses do at the present time.

The servants of God are inviting and entreating them to come away from the alluring scenes of this vain and fleeting world, to make ready for the marriage supper, but they will not come. We hear them saying, There’s no danger; tomorrow shall be as this day and much more abundant; no need of being disturbed. We must needs attend to farms and merchandise and the things of this life, lest we lose worldly interests, and become poor and suffer want. They forget that He who careth for the little sparrows and clotheth the lilies of the field, careth for the humble, trusting soul, and will guide and direct all those who are ready to do His will, and bestow upon His dear children such things as they need. To all who through patience and perseverance overcome, He hath promised to give a crown of never fading glory, a robe of righteousness, and an entrance into the beautiful city of our God.

This same King is sending forth His servants today. He is inviting His guests, saying, “Come, for all things are now ready.” The Lord of the marriage is soon coming: behold, He is at the door. Delay not to open the door, lest He turn away from receiving you and you enter not into the marriage feast. Open the door and receive the Master, that you may enter into the mansions of everlasting rest and never fading glory prepared for all those that love Him. Who will make ready for the coming of Him who hath said, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.” [Revelation 22:12.]

If we neglect our spiritual interests, neglect to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable duty, we become entangled with the trifling cares of this life. If we even once omit our daily duty of calling upon God for His divine aid, His care and protection, we lose one day’s enjoyment. We have not the sweet, melting influence of God’s Holy Spirit attending us through the day, but we feel cast down and easily discouraged. The enemy of souls is ready to take advantage [of us] and often does, bringing us into captivity and sin. . . .

How many times the things of this vain, deceitful world come between us and our eternal interests! Temporal things spring up within our hearts and choke those things which are spiritual. We permit the enemy of righteousness to persuade us that we should attend to the things of this life. We now and then neglect greater duties lest we suffer want. If we faithfully entreat God to give us strength and to perform temporal duties, and at the same time to give us grace and wisdom to overcome evil; if we have our hopes centered above and our conversation in heaven, whence we look for the Son of man who has bidden to the marriage all who will come: who has gone up on high to prepare mansions for all those who love and keep His sayings, and has told us He is coming to receive us, we may enter in to the wedding feast with Him, that where He is there we may be also. If we turn away from those calls and invitations, what will be the consequence?

In the 13th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, 46th verse, we find that if we put God’s work from us, and judge ourselves unworthy of everlasting life, we have no reason to expect an entrance into the kingdom. The 24th verse of the 14th chapter of Luke informs us that “none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

The great eternal Father has prepared a marriage feast for His Son. Will we give heed to His servants who have been and are being sent forth to proclaim unto us the solemn invitation? Or shall we make light of it? Oh, why refuse to make ready for the marriage of the Son of God? There is room for all who will accept the invitation. None can say [that] those things were not duly represented. Remember, when the good man returns, those who are ready will go in to the feast and the door will be shut, and there will be no further entrance, for we read that when “the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door” (Luke 13:25), then those who would find admittance will hear the answer, “I know you not . . . ; depart from Me.”

May we heed well the solemn warning and make ready to enter into the wedding, that His house may be filled. God’s Word informs us, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). May we be found faithful, and give diligence to our calling, and possess the promised reward of the faithful, is my prayer.—Ms 8, 1874. Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 4–8.

Ellen G. White (1827–1915) wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books during her lifetime. Today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world’s attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ’s second advent.

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble, Part 111 – The Restoration of the Kingdom of Glory

by

July 24, 2005 – July 30, 2005

Memory Verse

“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” Daniel 7:27.

Suggested Reading: Revelation 19:1–9; The Great Controversy, 423–428; 613, 614.

Introduction

In the previous lesson, we learned that the kingdom of glory was in existence from the beginning of time. Its continuance was interrupted by Lucifer’s rebellion and subsequent war in heaven. Then Lucifer (now Satan) led Adam and Eve to sin. Immediately, the kingdom of grace was instituted and later ratified when Jesus died on the cross. We also learned that the kingdom of grace would end with the closing of the sanctuary in heaven (the close of probation) and that the kingdom of glory would be reinstated at the second advent of Christ.

In this lesson, we will study the steps involved with the reestablishing of the kingdom of glory. We will find that the restoration of the kingdom of glory has already begun. We will begin this study with the same sentence that we used last week. It reads: “The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” The Great Controversy, 614.

1 Portions of what two Bible verses are quoted in the above quotation? Hint: One is found in Daniel 7, the other in Revelation 19.

2 What kingdom is referred to in Daniel 7:27? Matthew 25:31, 32, 34.

note: “The kingdom of God’s grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. ‘The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is to be given to ‘the people of the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:27. They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them ‘from the foundation of the world.’ Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 108.

3 What is the capital of the kingdom referred to in Daniel 7:14? Revelation 21:2.

note: “Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, ‘dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;’ He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2.” The Great Controversy, 427.

4 Who gives Christ this kingdom? Daniel 7:9, 13, 14. See Note on Question 3.

5 What is the Holy City—the New Jerusalem, the capital and representative of the kingdom—called? Revelation 21:9, 10.

note: “The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ Said the angel to John: ‘Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ ‘He carried me away in the spirit,’ says the prophet, ‘and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.’ Revelation 21:9, 10.” The Great Controversy, 426, 427.

6 What does the marriage represent? Revelation 19:6, 7.

note: “The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 426.

7 When did the bridegroom come to the wedding? Matthew 25:6; Daniel 8:14; 7:13; Malachi 3:1–3.

note: “The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25. . . .

“The proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 426, 427.

8 When does the wedding, described in Revelation 19:1–7, take place?

note: (1) “The coming of the bridegroom [Matthew 25:6], here brought to view, takes place before the marriage.” The Great Controversy, 426.

(2) “Not now ‘upon the throne of His glory;’ the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God ‘give unto Him the throne of His father David,’ a kingdom of which ‘there shall be no end.’ Luke 1:32, 33.” Ibid., 416.

(3) “So the throne of glory represents the kingdom of glory; and this kingdom is referred to in the Saviour’s words: ‘When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations.’ Matthew 25:31, 32. This kingdom is yet future. It is not to be set up until the second advent of Christ.” Ibid., 347. “Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, ‘dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;’ He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people . . . .” Ibid., 427.

9 Where does the wedding of the Lamb take place and where are God’s people (the church) during this time?

note: “At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.’ They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth.” The Great Controversy, 427.

10 What will be the experience of God’s people (the church) while the marriage is taking place in heaven? Jeremiah 30:5–7.

note: “The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble. ‘Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.’ Jeremiah 30:5–7.” The Great Controversy, 616.

11 How are the people of God represented in the Revelation? Revelation 19:9; Matthew 22:10, 11.

note: “Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride.” The Great Controversy, 427. [Emphasis in original.]

12 What parable is a description of the investigative judgment, and how are the people of God represented in this parable? Matthew 22:1–14.

note: “In the parable of Matthew 22 the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing of work in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 428.

13 In the sentence from The Great Controversy, 614, that was quoted in the second paragraph of the Introduction, what does the phrase mean that says: “The number of His subjects is made up?” Revelation 11:15–19. See also Revelation 14:6, 7; Daniel 7:9, 10, 13; Matthew 22:1–14.

note: “I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, ‘It is done.’ [Emphasis in original.] And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ [Revelation 22:11.]

“Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” Early Writings, 279, 280.

[All emphasis supplied unless otherwise noted.]

The Celestial Wedding

by

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:7–9.

Let us go back to the Garden of Eden where God officiated at the first marriage. How did Adam get his bride? God caused Adam to sleep, and as he slept, God took a rib from his side which He used to make woman. Charmed with her loveliness, Adam exclaimed with words that meant, “We are two of a kind,” when he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” Genesis 2:23. And God pronounced them man and wife, saying, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24.

There is a very deep spiritual lesson here. For Adam typified the second Adam—Christ. He left His Father to seek a bride in this world. Christ also slept a very deep sleep, even the sleep of death. And through the twin streams of water and blood which flowed from His side, He won His bride.

“In both the Old and the New Testament the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people.” The Mount of Blessing, 64. How beautiful!

Because of the limitations of language, the Bible frequently employs symbols to help us to understand. For instance, the Old Testament writers wrote of the Messiah “as a root out of a dry ground,” and “a Man of Sorrows . . . stricken, smitten of God and afflicted . . . And brought as a Lamb to the slaughter.” Isaiah 53:2–7. What a picture of suffering is revealed to us of the Messiah who was to come.

Isaiah painted the coming Messiah in a vastly different picture in Isaiah 63:1–6. Here Christ is shown as One sitting upon the throne of David, glorious in His apparel and treading down the wicked. Because of this description, the Jews had difficulty in reconciling the Messiah’s humiliation with the glory that He was to attain.

National pride wanted a Prince to deliver them from Rome’s galling yoke. But Jesus offered a different kind of deliverance. A deliverance from sin. In rejecting the Saviour they rejected the Holy Spirit that attested to His ministry. That is why Isaiah said, “Who hath believed our report?” Isaiah 53:1. It is the same today as then.

 

Understanding the Wedding Symbolism

 

Many make a shipwreck of their faith, when they misunderstand a principle of interpretation of the Scriptures. We need to comprehend that “the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things with spiritual . . . which are spiritually discerned,” but “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14.

Let us look at some seeming contradictions. Isaiah speaks of the church as the vine. But “Jesus said, I am the vine.” John 15:5. Christ represented Himself, in Jeremiah 3:14, as married to His people. But in Revelation 21:9, 10, it speaks of Him as married to the New Jerusalem.

We need light about the wedding. There are two parables that provide the clarification that we need. The parable of the wedding garment found in Matthew 22:2–13 shows that a person’s welcome to the wedding depends upon his wearing of the robe of Christ’s righteousness. In Matthew 25:1–13, the parable of the ten virgins teaches that attendance at the wedding depends upon the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life.

Both parables emphasize that the redeemed attend Christ’s wedding and not their own. As we dig deeper, we find in Matthew 22 that the king made a wedding celebration for His Son and the king provided a wedding garment for all the guests. These garments symbolize Christ’s character (See Christ’s Object Lessons, 310.)

This wedding garment never hides unconfessed or unforsaken sin. “No man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ’s righteousness while practicing known sin, or neglecting known duties . . . In order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 366. This absolute truth is in direct opposition to the present false teachings of the new theology.

Before Adam and Eve sinned, God clothed them with the light of innocence. (See Christ’s Object Lessons, 310) This is further defined as “a covering of light and glory such as the angels wear.” The Story of Redemption, 21. This robe of light signified that they still faced a test of obedience, for the Bible never equates innocence with righteousness.

For example: A young lady in her innocence is pure as the new fallen snow. But when she is tempted to break her virginity before marriage, she cries, No, never! Now she has something more than innocence. For innocence tested has become virtue. So in the spiritual sense this can also be said of righteousness.

The King’s examination of the guests, represents a work of judgment. (See Christ’s Object Lessons, 310.) The King sees a man who came to the wedding in his citizen’s garb. He now stands speechless as God asks, “Why did you ignore wearing the special robe that I prepared for you?”

When does the wedding between Christ and His bride take place? “I saw that while Jesus was in the Most Holy Place He would be married to the New Jerusalem.” Early Writings, 251. “While Jesus had been ministering in the Sanctuary . . . The subjects of the kingdom were made up . . . the marriage of the Lamb was consummated.” Ibid., 280.

According to the parable of the ten virgins, there were only five with oil who had made the needed preparation. How is this? “All had lamps, that is, an outward semblance of religion; but only five of them had inward piety. Five of them were wanting in the oil of grace. The spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit, was not abiding in their hearts.” Sons and Daughters of God, 118.

In speaking of Adventist believers, Ellen White stated in Early Writings, 255, “As they by faith entered the Most Holy, they found Jesus . . . It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the Most Holy.”

The five foolish virgins represent all those who refuse this light and “are destitute of the Holy Spirit.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 408. From these parables we learn that attendance at the wedding depended on two points. First, wearing the robe of Christ’s righteousness and second having the Holy Spirit abiding within them, controlling the entire life.

 

Going in to the Wedding

 

What does the symbolism of this message have as a spiritual lesson for us today? “The marriage represents the reception by Christ, of His kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 426. And in the book of Revelation, John in vision heard a voice saying, “Come hither, and I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife . . . And showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem . . . prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband.” Revelation 21:9, 10, 2.

“The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called, ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ ” Ibid., 426. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. If guests, they cannot be represented as the bride. How do we harmonize these statements?

The guests were not to be present in person at the marriage. For, it takes place in heaven while they are upon the earth. (See The Great Controversy, 427.) The followers of Christ are to wait for the Lord when He will return from the wedding. But we are to understand His work and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go into the marriage.

It is clear that we become the bride by first becoming the guests. The phrases, “not present in person,” and “to follow Him by faith,” help us to grasp the significance of the celestial wedding as it relates to each of us. Like Moses, we must follow Jesus by faith, “seeing Him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27. Ever since the disappointment of 1844, the wise virgins with oil in their lamps have entered, by faith, into heaven’s Most Holy Place to attend the marriage of the Lamb. And so today, everyone who is led by the Holy Spirit enters the Most Holy Place by faith. This is how God counts us as being present today. “All who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom—all these are represented as going into the marriage.” The Great Controversy, 427.

Have we entered the Most Holy Place by faith? Does the knowledge of what takes place in heaven’s sanctuary stir a deep devotion within our hearts to be ready for His soon coming? Why do I ask these questions? Because in 1890, many of the professed believers were unprepared. Ellen White said at that time, “The people have not entered into the Holy Place, where Jesus has gone to make an atonement for His children.” The Review and Herald, February 25, 1890.

That was a startling pronouncement for those living then. Have we changed for the better? Do we today live as wise virgins, keeping our lamps trimmed and burning with the oil of the Holy Spirit? “I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time, and like the third angel’s message, has been fulfilled and will continue to be present truth till the close of time.” The Review and Herald, August 19, 1890.

Ask yourself the question, “Has the subject of Christ’s righteousness become my daily object to be obtained in life? Can my neighbors see a living Christ enthroned in all that I do?” Why do I press this point? Because, “Not one in one hundred understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 360.

This is why Satan is determined to keep God’s people from obtaining a clear presentation of Christ’s work for us in the heavenly Sanctuary. “For he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken.” The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889.

 

Righteousness is Right Doing

 

What does this term, “righteousness by faith,” mean? If you will search the Spirit of Prophecy you will find some forty definitions. Here are some sample statements. “Righteousness is right doing.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

“Righteousness is holiness . . . Righteousness is love . . . The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” The Mount of Blessing, 18.

“The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God.” The Desire of Ages, 310.

This doctrine may seem simple to understand, but we will never obtain the righteousness of Christ if we are not daily filled with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. In Selected Messages, vol. 1, 374, we read, “Through faith the Holy Spirit works in the heart to create holiness therein; but this cannot be done unless the human agent will work with Christ. We can be fitted for heaven only through the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart; for we must have Christ’s righteousness as our credentials if we would find access to the Father. In order that we may have the righteousness of Christ, we need daily to be transformed by the influence of the Spirit, to be a partaker of the divine nature. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man.”

“Our only ground of hope is in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us. In that wrought by His Spirit working in and through us.” Steps to Christ, 63. Christ’s righteousness provides both an instant and a continual experience.

God wants us to take Him at His word, and God makes no idle promises. A story has been told of Napoleon and his horse that illustrates this point. During a battle, Napoleon’s white charger got away from him. A Private rushed out and caught the horse by the bridle and led him to the General.

Pleased, the General said, “Thank you, Captain.”

The Private saluted. “What regiment, Sir?” he asked.

The Private had accepted as a fact, what Napoleon had intended as a thank you. Napoleon could not go back on his word, so he made the Private a Captain.

We should take God at His word and press our petitions with a determination that cannot be denied. “If you believe the promise—God supplies the fact . . . It is so, if you believe it.” Steps to Christ, 51. The astounding truth is that at the moment a sinner becomes a believer, he stands before God as though he had never sinned.

What a glorious truth! Praise His name! The true believer always accepts God’s conditions—obedience, made possible by the help of the Holy Spirit. The believer receives even more than forgiveness. God places to His account the perfect righteousness of Christ. What a God of love! It sounds unbelievable, but it is true.

How can God make this possible? It is through the agency of the Holy Spirit that we become new creatures. “Made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. God holds nothing back. The Bible tells us of God’s righteousness. “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness.” Psalm 119:142.

Ellen White observes: “The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 394. The eternal righteousness! God offers nothing less. God could not have offered more.

The term “righteousness by faith” in Christ, includes both imputed and imparted righteousness, for the Holy Spirit provides both. “Ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 2 Corinthians 6:11. We must understand that it is the Holy Spirit who gives us a fitness for heaven.

“It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself . . . Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil.” The Desire of Ages, 671.

“When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

This is what was stated at the beginning of this article. When God united Adam and Eve in marriage (Genesis 3:24), He said, “They shall be one flesh.” So now we can understand the statement that righteousness by faith is the third angel’s message in verity. Evangelism, 190. Because it represents the uplifted Saviour. (See Testimonies to Ministers, 91).

“Only those who are clothed in the garments of His righteousness will be able to endure the glory of His presence when He shall appear with power and great glory.” Sons and Daughters of God, 368.

“The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 97, 98.

Thus, we shall be imbued with the latter rain’s power. The Adventist message is to throb with such divine energy that it will go to the world. “Everyone is to hear the last call to the marriage supper of the Lamb. From town to town, from city to city, from country to country, the message of present truth is to be proclaimed, not with outward display, but in the power of the Spirit.” Gospel Workers, 27.

 

The Fellowship of The Spirit

 

No amount of preparation you make will avail you of a place at the marriage supper unless you personally experience the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. “The fellowship of the Spirit . . . could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 413.

This heaven sent light of the sealing, the shut door, and the wedding call, demands our whole hearted response—for this is our present truth. To look for more or greater light while neglecting these truths will result in spiritual darkness.

The apostle Paul describes such persons. “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7. Jesus pleads, “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35.

Some today imagine that the church needs more research, a new clarification of her doctrines, in other words, more new light. But what is needed now is to act upon the light already given. “The Lord does not propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing.” Testimonies to Ministers, 240. “Unless the human agent inclines his heart to do God’s will, and takes up God’s service, the light will shine in vain. A thousandfold more light and conviction would accomplish nothing. God knows He has sufficient evidence already.” Letter 135, 1898. (See Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 35.)

 

Two Kingdoms

by

From eternity all the intelligent inhabitants of the universe enjoyed perfect peace and happiness in the kingdom of glory. The psalmist declared, “Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” Psalm 93:2.

The foundation principle in this wonderful kingdom of glory was love. “ ‘God is love.’ I John 4:16. His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be. ‘The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,’ whose ‘ways are everlasting,’ changeth not. With Him ‘is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.’ Isaiah 57:15; Habakkuk 3:6; James 1:17.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 33.

“The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.’ John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. ‘His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6. His ‘goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.’ Micah 5:2. And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: ‘The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting. … When He appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.’ Proverbs 8:22–30.” Ibid., 34.

“Angels are God’s ministers, radiant with the light ever flowing from His presence and speeding on rapid wing to execute His will. But the Son, the anointed of God, the ‘express image of His person,’ ‘the brightness of His glory,’ ‘upholding all things by the word of His power,’ holds supremacy over them all. Hebrews 1:3. ‘A glorious high throne from the beginning,’ was the place of His sanctuary (Jeremiah 17:12); ‘a scepter of righteousness,’ the scepter of His kingdom. Hebrews 1:8. ‘Honor and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.’ Psalm 96:6. Mercy and truth go before His face. Psalm 89:14.” Ibid.

Such are the descriptions of the kingdom of glory before the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven and the fall of Adam and Eve on this earth. But immediately upon the fall of Adam and Eve everything changed. Another kingdom was established in the place of the kingdom of glory. In this new kingdom, the kingdom of grace, everything focused on two objectives: (1) the redemption of the fallen race and (2) the restoration of the kingdom of glory. In this article we will focus on the objective of the restoration of the kingdom of glory.

“At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. … When man became Satan’s captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became ‘the god of this world.’ II Corinthians 4:4. He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. Says the prophet, ‘O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion.’ Micah 4:8. And the apostle Paul points forward to the ‘redemption of the purchased possession.’ Ephesians 1:14. God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord ‘formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.’ Isaiah 45:18. That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode of the redeemed. ‘The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.’ ‘And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him.’ Psalm 37:29; Revelation 22:3.” Ibid., 67. [Emphasis supplied.]

At the establishment of the kingdom of grace “Christ assured the angels that by His death He would ransom many, and would destroy him who had the power of death. He would recover the kingdom (of glory) which man had lost by transgression, and the redeemed were to inherit it with Him, and dwell therein forever.” Ibid., 65. [Emphasis supplied.]

“The plan by which alone man’s salvation could be secured, involved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 64. “Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.

“Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing—‘the counsel of peace’ (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. … it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.” Ibid., 63.

The kingdom of grace is a kingdom of bloodshed and war. It required the separation of the Father and the Son. Jesus must lay aside his crown, step down from His throne and become a sacrifice—the Lamb of God, a High Priest and Mediator for the fallen race. For millennia this battle would continue. Martyrs for the truth’s sake would number in the millions.

So it was that immediately upon the fall of Adam and Eve the kingdom of glory was replaced by the kingdom of grace. It was ratified when Jesus yielded up His life on the cross. “When the Saviour yielded up his life, and with his expiring breath cried out, ‘It is finished’ [John 19:30], then the fulfillment of the plan of redemption was assured. The promise of salvation made to the sinful pair in Eden was ratified. The kingdom of grace, which had before existed by the promise of God, was then established.” The Great Controversy, 348.

The Savior had now provided His blood with which to remove the confessed sins of His people so they could be redeemed. Forty days following His death and resurrection He ascended to heaven to be inaugurated as our High Priest and Mediator in the sanctuary in heaven. A record of this grand celebration is recorded in Revelation, chapters 4, 5; 1:12–16, and The Desire of Ages, 830–835.

Because no sin can exist in the kingdom of glory the atonement ministry of Christ’s blood must be completed in the heavenly sanctuary before this kingdom of glory can be restored. “The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. … The apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.’ Acts 3:19, 20. When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be.” The Great Controversy, 485.

Here we are clearly informed that the restoration of the kingdom of glory cannot be completed until the investigative judgment is completed. The 7th trumpet, in Revelation 11:15–19 is an explanation of the investigative judgment. The Spirit of Prophecy informs us that the 7th trumpet began to sound on October 22, 1844. “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament. Revelation 11:19. … The announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement.” Ibid., 433.

The 7th trumpet also says that Christ, in addition to His work as a High Priest to complete the closing work of atonement, begins to reign. “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet; and there were loud voices in heaven, which said, The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he will reign for ever and ever.” … “You have taken your great power, and have begun to reign.” Revelation 11:15, 17.

There are three reasons that we can know that the role of the High Priest and that of the king are two different functions.

The role of a king is to reign, while the work of a High Priest is to mediate.

The work of the High Priest ends when the atonement is completed; the Most Holy Place is closed and probation ends.

Revelation 11:15 says that the king “will reign for ever and ever.”

Let us look further into the role of the king that is brought to light in the 7th trumpet. In the parable of the 10 virgins, the Bridegroom also represents the role of a king who in this parable is preparing for a wedding. The coming of the Bridegroom in this parable occurs at the same time that the 7th trumpet began to sound. “In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ was given. … In the parable, when the bridegroom came, ‘they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.’ Matthew 25:6, 10. The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom.” Ibid., 426.

These statements connect the coming of the Bridegroom with the same event described in Daniel 7:9, 10 and 13 where Jesus is seen coming before the Ancient of Days to begin the investigative judgment. “The proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom.” Ibid., 427.

There is another representation of these events given in Matthew. “In the parable of Matthew 22 the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. … This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing of work in the sanctuary above.” Ibid., 428.

In this parable of the king selecting guests for the wedding banquet we see the relationship of the work of the High Priest and that of the king. The repentant sinner first goes before the High Priest and confesses all of his sins. The High Priest then atones for those confessed sins with His blood and washes them away. The High Priest then clothes him with the precious wedding garment and the saint then goes in before the king in the banquet hall. The King then selects those wearing the wedding garment to “ ‘sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,’ at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Ibid., 427.

The marriage of the Lamb cannot take place until His work as Mediator is finished, the sanctuary closed and the kingdom of grace has come to an end. “He shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.’ Not now upon the throne of His glory;’ the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God give unto Him the throne of His father David,’ a kingdom of which there shall be no end.’ Luke 1:32, 33.” Ibid., 416.

Right after the close of probation, the close of the sanctuary in heaven, the wedding of the Lamb takes place in heaven. “The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom [of glory]. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ … Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, ‘dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;’ He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to ‘sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,’ at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Ibid., 426, 427.

Thus far we have studied following events in the restoration of the kingdom of glory.

Christ comes before the Ancient of Days to begin the investigative judgment.

Christ as High Priest purifies His people.

The king selects the guests who attend the wedding banquet.

Probation closes; the kingdom of grace ends.

The wedding of the Lamb takes place in heaven.

The king comes to take the saints to the wedding banquet.

There are two more events that must take place before the kingdom of glory can be fully restored to its original condition before the rebellion of Lucifer. The next event is the executive phase of the judgment. This phase is clearly defined in The Great Controversy.

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent. ‘Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.’ I Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the Ancient of Days came, ‘judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: ‘I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.’ ‘They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’ Revelation 20:4, 6. It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ I Corinthians 6:2. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.” The Great Controversy, 660, 661.

The last event before the full restoration of the kingdom of glory is the execution phase of the judgment which follows the millennium and the second resurrection. John gives the following description of this judgment:

“They [Satan, the fallen angels, and all of the wicked] marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves.” Revelation 20:9, first part.

“Then I saw a great white throne, and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence; and there was no place for them.

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: another book was opened, which is the book of life: the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

“The sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and each person was judged according to what he had done.” Revelation 20:11–13.

“But fire came down from heaven, and devoured them.” Revelation 20:9, last part.

“And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10.

“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.” Revelation 20:15, 14.

When the execution of the judgment is completed the kingdom of glory is fully restored. “God’s original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. ‘The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.’ Psalm 37:29.” The Great Controversy, 674.

“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” The Great Controversy, 678.

In summary, the kingdom of grace is a temporary kingdom that is established for two purposes: (1) to provide a way for the fallen race to be restored to the kingdom of glory, and (2) to dispose of sin in the universe so the kingdom of glory can be restored to its original state.

Maurice Hoppe is retired and volunteers at Steps to Life. His primary responsibility is working with the Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders and the Training Program for Lay Workers. He also conducts a Bible Correspondence School from his home with emphasis on Bible prophecy. He can be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – Whose Garment are you Wearing?

by

February 28, 2010 – March 6, 2010

Key Text

“And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 23.

Study Help: Sons and Daughters of God, 100; “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

Introduction

“With garments of sin and shame the enemy clothes those who have been overpowered by his temptations, and then he declares that it is unfair for Christ to be their Light, their Defender.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

1 Is it possible to “clothe” ourselves with our own anger, cursing or foul language? Is that the garment you would like to wear? Psalm 109:18, 19.

Note. “If our lips have need of cleansing, if we realize our destitution, and come to God in contrition of heart, the Lord will remove the uncleanness. He will say to his angel, ‘Take away the filthy garments,’ and clothe him with ‘change of raiment’ [Zechariah 3:4].” The Review and Herald, December 22, 1896.

“If in word and spirit you represent the character of Christ, then you are Christians; for to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. The tongue will testify of the principles that characterize the life; it is the sure test of what power controls the heart. We may judge our own spirit and principles by the words that proceed from our lips. The tongue is always to be under the control of the Holy Spirit.” The Review and Herald, May 26, 1896.

2 Where does this anger and foul language begin? Matthew 12:34–36.

Note. “Then let them not be used in bringing from the treasure of the heart words that will dishonor God and discourage those around you, but use them for the praise and glory of God, who has formed them for this purpose. When the cleansing coal is applied from the glowing altar, the conscience will be purged from dead works to serve the living God; and when the love of Jesus is the theme of contemplation, the words coming from human lips will be full of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb.” The Review and Herald, December 22, 1896.

3 When there is an evil treasure in our hearts that brings forth evil, what do we need and where do we find it? Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Note. “When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart—a changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.

“Then a spirit of kindness will be manifested, not by fits and starts, but continually. There will be a decided change in attitude, in deportment, in words and actions toward all with whom you are in any way connected. You will not magnify their infirmities, you will not place them in an unfavorable light. You will work in Christ’s lines.” Sons and Daughters of God, 100.

4 The enemy wants to clothe us with his garments of character. What other garment descriptions are we warned about? Psalm 73:6–9.

Note. “With garments of sin and shame the enemy clothes those who have been overpowered by his temptations, and then he declares that it is unfair for Christ to be their Light, their Defender.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

5 Knowing that the enemy’s garments are garments of death, full of leprosy, which garment would you like to be clothed with? Isaiah 61:10.

Note. “Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the life. When a sinner yields to the influence of the Holy Spirit, he sees his own guilt and defilement in contrast with the holiness of the great Searcher of hearts. He sees himself condemned as a transgressor. But he is not, because of this, to give way to despair; for his pardon has already been secured. He may rejoice in the sense of sins forgiven, in the love of a pardoning heavenly Father. It is God’s glory to encircle sinful, repentant human beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments of salvation.” Prophets and Kings, 668.

6 With what will the Lord replace the spirit of heaviness? Isaiah 61:3.

Note. “There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 965.

7 Since our filthy garments will not be taken from us, what are we told to do? Philippians 2:12, last part.

Note. “The work of overcoming is a great work. Shall we take hold of it with energy and perseverance? Unless we do, our ‘filthy garments’ will not be taken from us. We need never expect that these will be torn from us violently; we must first show a desire to rid ourselves of them. We must seek to separate sin from us, relying upon the merits of the blood of Christ; and then in the day of affliction, when the enemy presses us, we shall walk among the angels. They will be like a wall of fire about us; and we shall one day walk with them in the city of God.” The Review and Herald, November 19, 1908.

8 If we do not want to be found naked, what are we to do? Revelation 16:15.

Note. “Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.

“God’s care for His heritage is unceasing. He suffers no affliction to come upon His children but such as is essential for their present and eternal good. He will purify His church, even as Christ purified the temple during His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon His people in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross.” The Acts of the Apostles, 524, 525.

9 To all that overcome and have not defiled their garments, what is promised? Revelation 3:4.

Note. “It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that ‘meek and quiet spirit’ [I Peter 3:4], the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.’ Revelation 3:4.” The Acts of the Apostles, 523, 524.

10 Read Zechariah 3:2–7. Tell in your own words what these verses mean to you and which garment you prefer.

Note. “Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our characters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim us as his own. In the symbolic prophecy of Zechariah, Satan is seen standing at the right hand of the Angel of the Lord, accusing Joshua, the high priest, who is clothed in filthy garments, and resisting the work that the Angel desires to do for him. This represents the attitude of Satan toward every soul whom Christ is seeking to draw unto Himself. The enemy leads us into sin, and then he accuses us before the heavenly universe as unworthy of the love of God. But ‘the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?’ And unto Joshua He said, ‘Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.’ Zechariah 3:1–4.

“God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace of Christ.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 116, 117.

Additional Reading

“Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the Lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard: ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.’ Matthew 25:6. They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief in, the theory of the third angel’s message. We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness.

“If we would escape having a sickly experience, we must begin in earnest without delay to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. There are many who give no decided evidence that they are true to their baptismal vows. Their zeal is chilled by formality, worldly ambition, pride, and love of self. Occasionally their feelings are stirred, but they do not fall on the Rock, Christ Jesus. They do not come to God with hearts that are broken in repentance and confession. Those who experience the work of true conversion in their hearts will reveal the fruits of the Spirit in their lives. Oh, that those who have so little spiritual life would realize that eternal life can be granted only to those who become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust!

“The power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind that all must experience who would partake with Him of the new life in the kingdom of heaven. ‘Except a man be born again,’ the Saviour has said, ‘he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ John 3:3. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 155, 156.

Lesson Studies were prepared by Judy Hallingstad of the LandMarks staff. She can be contacted at judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org .

Customs of Bible Times – Wedding Feast

by

Banquet Invitations

In some parts of the East a custom of double invitations to an entertainment has been observed. Some time before the feast is to be served, an invitation is sent forth; and then, when the appointed time draws near, a servant is sent again, this time to announce that everything is ready. There are several examples of this custom in the Bible. Ahasuerus and Haman were invited by Esther to a feast, and then, when it was ready, the king’s chamberlains went to get Haman (Esther 5:8; 6:14). Another example is in the parable of the wedding of the king’s son. “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding” (Matthew 22:2, 3). Again, the parable of the great supper has this double invitation in it: “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:16, 17).

“Compelling” Guests to Attend

The following words of Christ’s parable need to be understood from an Oriental point of view: “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:23). The usual brief invitation in America and the ready acceptance of it would be considered in the East entirely undignified. In the East the one invited must not at first accept but is expected rather to reject the invitation. He must be urged to accept. Although all the time he expects to accept, he must allow the one inviting him the privilege of “compelling him” to accept. It was thus that Lydia must have extended, and Paul and his companions must have finally accepted, hospitality. “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us” (Acts 16:15). When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal, the Saviour did not at first accept the invitation, although He did go finally: “Now one of the Pharisees insisted that he take a meal with him” (Luke 7:36; A.T. Robertson, A Translation of Luke’s Gospel, George H. Doran Company, New York, 1923). All of this was in keeping with Oriental customs.

Posture While Eating at Feasts

The prophet Amos is the first sacred writer to refer to the custom of “stretching themselves upon their couches” when eating (Amos 6:4). By the time of Jesus, the Roman custom of reclining on couches at supper had been adopted in some Jewish circles. The Roman table and couches combined was called a triclinium. There were three couches which were located on the three sides of a square, the fourth side being left open, so that a servant could get on the inside to assist in serving the meal. The guest’s position was to recline with the body’s upper part resting on the left arm, the head raised, a cushion at the back, and the lower part of the body stretched out. The head of the second guest was opposite the breast of the first guest, so that if he wanted to speak to him in secret he would lean upon his chest.

This custom at a banquet table throws light on several passages from the four gospels. The apostle John asked Jesus a question while in this position at supper (John 13:23–25). In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, when Jesus said that “the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22), He doubtless meant to imply that he was reclining at a heavenly table next to Abraham where he could lean upon his breast. This is clear in the light of Christ’s description of that heavenly feast: “Many shall come from the east and the west; and shall recline with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11, A.R.V. margin). Also, this position of reclining at table explains how the woman could come during a dinner and take her position behind at the feet of Jesus and wash them (Luke 7:38).

Why Exclusion from a Feast was Considered to be so Terrible

Ancient banquets were usually held at night in rooms, which were brilliantly lighted, and anybody who was excluded from the feast was said to be cast out of the lighted room into “the outer darkness” of the night. In the teachings of Jesus, such exclusion is likened unto the Day of Judgment. “The children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12). “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness” (Matthew 22:13). “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). This expression “outer darkness” takes on a new meaning, when it is realized what a dread the middle-Easterner has for the darkness of the night. In the East a lamp is usually kept burning all night. To sleep in the dark as the Westerner usually does would be a terrible experience to the Easterner. Because of this fear of the darkness, the Saviour could have chosen no more appropriate words than “outer darkness” to represent the future punishment of the unrighteous.

Places of Honor at the Table

When the Pharisees were invited to a banquet, they were very covetous of having the highest places of distinction at the table. Jesus condemned them for this proud spirit. He said concerning them: “They … love the chief place at feasts” (Matthew 23:6, ARV). When Jesus was guest at a meal in a Pharisee’s house, He told a parable, when He noticed how they sought the chief places at the table. Here is the parable as given by A. T. Robertson (Luke 14:8–10).

“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not recline in the post of honor, lest one more honored than you be invited by him, and lest the man who invited you both come and say to you, ‘Make room for this man;’ and then you will begin with shame to take and keep the last place. But, when you are invited, go and recline in the last place, so that, when the man who has invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, come up much higher.’ Then you will have honor in the presence of all your fellow guests.”

In many native homes, one room has a higher floor, and in this room the guests of honor are assigned places, and those of less honor on the lower floor or level. A place of special honor would be on the right of the host, and the next highest place on his left. James and John asked for such positions in Christ’s kingdom (Mark 10:35–37). But Jesus advised guests to take the last place. Where was this place located? It was on the lower level and nearest the door. The guest who would take this humble place might be invited by the master of the house to take a place on a higher plane and farther from the door.

Excerpts from Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, 61–65, by Fred H. Wight (The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1953).

Bible Study Guides – Faith in Practice

by

December 25, 2011 – December 31, 2011

Key Text

“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 307–313.

Introduction

“When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

1 God’s Plan for Man

  • What evidence is there that God’s plan for man has never changed? Matthew 5:48.

Note: “The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He expects from us the perfection which Christ revealed in His humanity. Fathers and mothers especially need to understand the best methods of training children that they may co-operate with God.” Child Guidance, 477.

  • How can perfection be possible in an imperfect world? The battleground for the most deadly conflict ever fought on this planet is the human mind. What is the only one effective weapon? Philippians 2:5.

Note: “We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God.” The Desire of Ages, 330.

2 A Most Precious Gift

  • God made man a free moral agent with the ability to choose. How was this demonstrated in the Garden of Eden? Genesis 2:16, 17.

Note: “The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. All the strength of their affections was given to their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light, the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. This robe of light was a symbol of their spiritual garments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God it would ever have continued to enshroud them. But when sin entered, they severed their connection with God, and the light that had encircled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a covering.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310, 311.

“This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will.” Steps to Christ, 47.

“You need to drink daily at the fountain of truth, that you may understand the secret of pleasure and joy in the Lord. But you must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions.” Messages to Young People, 153.

3 Obstacles to Enjoying Freedom

  • What obstacle do we face in achieving that perfection of character? I Peter 5:8.

Note: “While Satan is constantly seeking to blind their minds to the fact, let Christians never forget that they ‘wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places.’ Ephesians 6:12.” The Great Controversy, 510.

  • What two powers are seeking complete control of the mind to the exclusion of the other? Zechariah 3:1.

Note: “The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church. He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity and power. They have to a great extent forgotten his past record; and when he makes another advance move, they will not recognize him as their enemy, that old serpent, but they will consider him a friend, one who is doing a good work. Boasting of their independence they will, under his specious, bewitching influence, obey the worst impulses of the human heart and yet believe that God is leading them. Could their eyes be opened to distinguish their captain, they would see that they are not serving God, but the enemy of all righteousness. They would see that their boasted independence is one of the heaviest fetters Satan can rivet on unbalanced minds.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 294.

4 Death Brings Life

  • How did Paul describe his battle with sin and the remedy for a sanctified life? Galatians 2:20.

Note: “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. … The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome.” The Desire of Ages, 324.

  • Those who are finally rejected refuse to surrender their whole hearts and affections. Why will not all who claim to be Christians be saved? Matthew 7:22, 23.

Note: “Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, ‘I know you not’ [Matthew 25:12]. The fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 413.

5 The Wedding Garment

  • Will all who call on the Lord be saved? Matthew 7:21–23.

Note: “This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. ‘All our righteousness are as filthy rags.’ Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

  • When the king entered the feast, why was one man evicted? Matthew 22:11–14.

Note: “The guests at the marriage feast were inspected by the king. Only those were accepted who had obeyed his requirements and put on the wedding garment. So it is with the guests at the gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny of the great King, and only those are received who have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness.

“Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What process will bring man back to the same condition as he was in the beginning?

2 Above all other gifts offered to man, what was given with the most risk, yet the most valuable?

3 What is the source of the power behind all contentions and daily obstacles?

4 What does all nature reveal must happen for us to have life?

5 Why will not all who call themselves Christian be saved?

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Inspiration – The Gospel Invitation

by

Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” Luke 14:16–24.

In this parable there are thoughts of the greatest importance. Christ’s words were simple; His language was plain; but truths were uttered which involved eternal interests.

There is a deep earnestness in the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” How could those bidden make excuses of so trivial a character, and risk losing eternal life? And yet in every age of the world men are fulfilling this parable in refusing the invitation to the gospel feast. One urges as an excuse his temporal concerns; his property demands his attention. Another is hindered by the claims of society. But none of these excuses count with God. The refusal decides the eternal destiny of the soul; for the words of Christ are, “None of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

Can anyone consider the condescension of God in preparing the gospel feast, and its great cost, and treat the invitation slightingly? No man, nor even the highest angel, can estimate the great cost; it is known only to the Father and the Son. The love of God for sinful man is beyond computation. It is the wonder of all heaven, but none can comprehend it. How could their loved Commander in the heavenly courts be permitted to endure such self-denial, such great sacrifice, to bring to man the gospel privileges? And yet with many these privileges are not considered of as much value as the approbation of their neighbours.

Had not God manifested His great love by providing the gospel feast at an expense that cannot be computed, and then bidden His guests, the sin of refusal would not involve eternal consequences. But those who frame these excuses will never realize the greatness and terribleness of the consequences until they shall personally see the saints of God welcomed into the heaven of bliss, and they themselves left outside. What would they not then give to be received into the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for His guests?

The preparations are as abundant as if everyone bidden would certainly accept the invitation. God Himself, through the atonement of Christ, has made unlimited provision for all who will come. The Jewish nation, to whom the invitation was first given, were highly favoured and exalted. And when they rejected the call, the Lord declared that none of those who were bidden, and refused the invitation, should taste His supper. Can the human mind really take in this great thought, that to refuse the heavenly solicitation is to be refused of Christ, cast off forever?

When the invitation was rejected, the messengers were sent to call in people whom the Jews despised and regarded as a curse in the earth—the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. The call was to go to the high-ways and by-ways, and to reach the poor and outcast. These are not so filled with self-righteousness that they cannot appreciate the divine favour.

Christ is the light of the world, an ever-present and all-sufficient Saviour. Those who receive His grace are not to look upon themselves as a favoured few, as the only ones who shall be the recipients of His salvation. At the first the light was permitted to shine in clear, distinct rays upon the Jewish nation, giving them the privilege of co-operating with God in lighting the world with His glory. But they did not understand that divine goodness embraces the world; that it was the design of God that every human being should be included in those bidden. Now in Christ every wall of exclusiveness has been broken down, with every caste, every grade, high or low, rich or poor. “Whoso heareth” may partake of the divine blessings designed for the world in the gospel feast, and is commissioned to repeat the invitation, “Come.”

The Bible Echo, October 28, 1895.