Though we may differ in our understanding of the scriptures there is something much more important....
In order to receive help from Christ, we must realize our need. We must have a true knowledge of ourselves. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. Only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power. . . . All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves; therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Perils surround us; and we are safe only as we feel our weakness, and cling with the grasp of faith to our mighty Deliverer.Testimonies., vol. 8., p. 316.
Thorough conversion is necessary among those who profess to believe the truth, in order for them to follow Jesus and obey the will of God,not a submission born of circumstances, as was that of the terrified Israelites when the power of the Infinite was revealed to them, but a deep and heart-felt repentance and renunciation of sin.
One of the areas that I've looked at quite a bit over a period of years is the subject of divine-human cooperation, that is integral to how righteousness by faith operates day by day.
Both the divine and the human have essential roles to play, and each has responsibilities that the other cannot perform.
One of the key Bible verses is Colossians 1:29 -- "... striving according to His working, which works in me mightily".
The SOP passage below is a very central one, that mentions both cooperation and copartnership.
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"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." The work of salvation is a work of co-partnership, a joint operation. No man can work out his own salvation without the aid of the Holy Spirit. The co-operation of divine and human forces is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make the most strenuous efforts to overcome the tempter, to subdue natural passions; but he is wholly dependent upon God for success in the work of overcoming the propensities that are not in harmony with correct principles. Success depends wholly upon willing obedience to the will and way of God. Character develops in accordance with conformity to the divine plan. But man must work in Christ's lines. He must be a laborer together with God. He must submit to God's training, that he may be complete in Christ. {RH, May 28, 1908 par. 1}
Here's another quote that I like a lot, that ties in with the theme of this thread.
The quote makes clear that the quest for righteousness by faith is an active, ongoing, day by day process, that will last as long as we live.
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Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. This conversion brings man into a new relation with God. Old things, his natural passions and hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong, pass away, and he is renewed and sanctified. But this work must be continual; for as long as Satan exists, he will make an effort to carry on his work. He who strives to serve God will encounter a strong undercurrent of wrong. His heart needs to be barricaded by constant watchfulness and prayer, or else the embankment will give way; and like a mill-stream, the undercurrent of wrong will sweep away the safeguard. No renewed heart can be kept in a condition of sweetness without the daily application of the salt of the word. Divine grace must be received daily, or no man will stay converted. {RH, September 14, 1897 par. 9}
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. {DA 668.3}
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ--the "all things" to supply the need of fallen men--was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And "whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22. {DA 668.4}
When through repentance and faith we accept Christ as our Saviour, the Lord pardons our sins, and remits the penalty prescribed for the transgression of the law. The sinner then stands before God as a just person; he is taken into favor with Heaven, and through the Spirit has fellowship with the Father and the Son. Then there is yet another work to be accomplished, and this is for a progressive nature. The soul is to be sanctified through the truth. And this also is accomplished through faith. For it is only by the grace of Christ, which we receive through faith, that the character can be transformed. {ST, November 3, 1890 par. 1}
It is important that we understand clearly the nature of faith. There are many who believe that Christ is the Saviour of the world, that the gospel is true and reveals the plan of salvation, yet they do not possess saving faith. They are intellectually convinced of the truth, but this is not enough; in order to be justified, the sinner must have that faith that appropriates the merits of Christ to his own soul. We read that the devils "believe, and tremble;" but their belief does not bring them justification, neither will the belief of those who give a merely intellectual assent to the truths of the Bible bring them the benefits of salvation. This belief fails of reaching the vital point, for the truth does not engage the heart or transform the character. {ST, November 3, 1890 par. 2}
In genuine, saving faith, there is trust in God, through the belief in the great atoning sacrifice made by the Son of God on Calvary. In Christ, the justified believer beholds his only hope and deliverer. Belief may exist without trust, but confidence born of trust cannot exist without faith. Every sinner brought to a knowledge of the saving power of Christ, will make manifest this trust in greater degree as he advances in experience. {ST, November 3, 1890 par. 3}
The words of the apostle shed light upon what constitutes genuine faith. He says, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." To believe with the heart is more than conviction, more than assent to the truth. This faith is sincere, earnest, and engages the affections of the soul; it is the faith that works by love, and purifies the heart. {ST, November 3, 1890 par. 4}
Now, my question: Why did all the leaders of our church back in 1888 reject this? It's so obvious and true and good. Why did they reject the 3rd angel's message of righteousness by faith and also the prophet as well?????
Now, my question: Why did all the leaders of our church back in 1888 reject this? It's so obvious and true and good. Why did they reject the 3rd angel's message of righteousness by faith and also the prophet as well?????
The first quote below is a short answer to the question, and the second quote is a longer answer. The quotes occur within a few pages of each other in the same book.
A basic answer to the question is that many humans want salvation to be a human enterprise, that they control, and thus they spurn the absolutely central divine element, including Christ's absolutely central sacrifice for our sins.
The first quote mentions laying the glory of man in the dust, and the second quote talks about how Baal worship is the choice of many.
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What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. {TM 456.3}
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There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and return to our first love essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart has not yet been done. Infidelity has been making its inroads into our ranks; for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. With many the cry of the heart has been, "We will not have this man to reign over us." Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness only through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed, and rejected. It has been denounced as leading to enthusiasm and fanaticism. But it is the life of Jesus Christ in the soul, it is the active principle of love imparted by the Holy Spirit, that alone will make the soul fruitful unto good works. The love of Christ is the force and power of every message for God that ever fell from human lips. What kind of a future is before us if we shall fail to come into the unity of the faith? {TM 467.2}
This is a study that will focus on Rev. 3, 7, and 14.We begin with Rev. 7.Go there with me please and read to yourself verses 1,2,3 and then I have a question for you.
Q:What was the original purpose of the 4 angels in Rev. 7?
Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
So you can see that things are ON HOLD.The latter rain is on hold.The Loud Cry is on Hold.The close of probation is on hold.The plagues are on hold.Jesus second coming is on hold.Everything is on hold.Q:Why?Because we are not prepared.We are not ready.We are not sealed.
Q:Where would we go in the bible to see what the problem is?
LaodiceaRev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
We are spiritually blind, naked and poor.It is very clear on what our condition isBut we dont know it.Q: Can you imagine that we dont know it!?God has told us.We have not believed in the True Witness and His counsel.
My cyber friend T------ said there is no hope ever for Laodicea.I disagreed because the bible says that there is hope.
Here is the hope.Rev 3:18 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.
Lets go back in history to see what happened.God sent two men in 1888 to try and help us understand this. EGW agreed and said that these two men were like Caleb and Joshua of old Israel.We as a church were not much better than old Israel standing on the borders of Canaan.God said to go forward but the 10 spies came back with a bad report.Two were ready but the people did not listen to them and wanted to stone them to death. God said go forward and possess the land, and the people said there were giants in the land.God said go forward and the people said we are like grasshoppers.In 1888, while EGW agreed with Jones & Waggoner, a majority of the leaders of the church at that time rejected the message and rejected her as well.
In last day events she said, The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders [E.J.] Waggoner and [A. T.] Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God.{LDE 200.1}
God wants us to be like the 144K and reflect Jesus and walk with the full armor of God and were not there yet.He wants us to be covered with the righteousness of Christ and to reflect His character.No guile in our mouths, to be without spot or wrinkle!! We say, we cant be like that.But, God has promised to work in us if we will accept the promise.Hes saying, Go Forward!
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In the book EW the chapter on the shaking. She says this:She sees two groups of people in the futureOne group has an internal struggle and they are agonizing.The other group really doesnt care.Q:What is it that will get us to the place where we will agonize like Jacob did with the Angel?Is it the NSL?No, I dont think that is it. I think it will be too late if we wait for that.Its best not to put off what we can do today.Q:Whom will you choose?Our problem is that we are not as perfect as God wants us to be.I am not reflecting Jesus.All my own righteousness is as filthy rags.Justification is by faith unto righteousness.Most of the church will be foolish and some will be wise.Q:Do you want to be accounted Wise or Foolish?You want to be wise dont you?I do.
Im still in EW. P. 270
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people.{EW 270.2}
I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.{EW 270.3}
Q:If the destiny of the church hangs on this dont we need to pay attention?It calls for deep repentance.
Rev. 3:18 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.
In Rev. 7:2,3God sends the sealing angel.Q:Do you know which angel that is?Ill read it again.The bible says, 2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Early Writings p. 118 I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention."
(This is the other angel in Rev. 18)EW p. 277 The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry.
(She notices that people were changed.)EW I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel."{271.2}
Q:On how many things can our destiny hang? What is our great lack?What do we all need?
EW p. 259 I was shown three steps-- the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my accompanying angel, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received." p 259
Now you have heard it said that the 3rd AM is RBF in verity.RH, April 1, 1880. says.--Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity."--
Q:So when we hear people talk about the 3rd angels message of the mark of the beast, how do we get RBF from that?Its there but not expressed in the text as some would like it to be.But it is there.It is implied.In the beast of Rev 13:1- and Rev 14:9 you will not find RBF.You will find mans way of righteousness by control, by works, by bribery, by laws, by force, by persecution, and sometimes by torture.But you will not find Gods RBF there at all.In fact the beast really does not care about RBF in Jesus Christ.Furthermore, the beast is against RBF in Jesus Christ.All he cares about is control.You cannot find RBF in the beast.With the beast we are expected to put the human above the divine, and putting our trust in traditions and decrees of the church.This always leads to the Mark of the Beast.
Weve got problems.We all have problems and this includes the church too.Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
First of all, weve never felt our need of RBF because we are looking at each other rather than Jesus.We think were doing really well when we look at others rather than looking to Jesus.We must not compare ourselves to each other.
We must have Jesus take possession of us that we can experience His Righteousness.We must internalize Him.Letting Him into our hearts and direct His will in us fulfilling all righteousness.
This is the message for this timeIt is present truth !
EW P 255 The third angel closes his message thus: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We really cant keep the commandments of God unless we have the faith of Jesus.The commandments are really all about Love.Loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.We need conversion.We need to let go of self and let God come in.Hes knocking, let Him in.
EW again , the quote says, The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. P. 277
Q:Corruptions have entered the church?Yes. Every wind of doctrine has crept into the churches and also our church.The shaking is not far away.We need to study and know truth in order to stand strong in Christ for all truth.WE are to live by every Word in the bible, arent we?Yes, of course.
To review:EW: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. P. 280
This is the 3rd angel doing the sealing..
The angel that seals Gods people is the 3rd angel of Rev. 14.There is a connection to this work in Rev. 7 as well because the people were not sealed yet.And the reason they are not sealed yet is because they are not ready.Rev. 3:18 says they have not yet bought Gold tried in the fire, the eye salve and the white raiment.All three of these are connected and they are present truth for our time.Its present truth because we are Laodicean, the last church.
Q:Do you see that the 3rd Angel is everywhere?You and I are in spiritual trouble. Everything is now at stake.The 3AM is to be of great importance.It applies to me.Im not ready.Q:Am I alone?No, why are we still here?This is the only thing that is delaying his coming.Nothing else should absorb our attention.Satan will bring so many side issues to take our minds off what is REALLY important.Let your minds be not taken up by all the things going on in this world.Satan is stirring up so much strife!
We need RBF in Jesus Christ.We cannot do it ourselves, our righteousness is filthy rags.God has to give us His righteousness.
To conclude and tie up all the loose ends we need to clarify the symbolism in Revelation 3:18.The gold tried in the fire.Q:Do you know what that is?Its faith and love.It only comes from Jesusthe faith of Jesus, the love of Jesus in our hearts.The gold will be tried in the fires of persecution and affliction.We will be tested to see if we can stand worthy.The white raiment is the covering of Christs Robe of righteousness.And the eyesalve makes sure by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we have clear understanding of truth.And this truth comes from the Word of God.
To conclude and tie up all the loose ends we need to clarify the symbolism in Revelation 3:18.The gold tried in the fire.Q:Do you know what that is?Its faith and love.It only comes from Jesusthe faith of Jesus, the love of Jesus in our hearts.The gold will be tried in the fires of persecution and affliction.We will be tested to see if we can stand worthy.The white raiment is the covering of Christs Robe of righteousness.And the eyesalve makes sure by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we have clear understanding of truth.And this truth comes from the Word of God.
The gold that Jesus would have us buy of him is gold tried in the fire; it is the gold of faith and love, that has no defiling substance mingled with it. The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, the wedding garment which Christ alone can give. The eye-salve is the true spiritual discernment that is so wanting among us, for spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 10}
To our brethren who are standing in this self-confident, self-satisfied position, who talk and act as if there was no need of more light, we want to say that the Laodicean message is applicable to you. Many professed Christians are without Christ because they refuse to weave his principles of truth into their life. The word of God declares, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." We should pray earnestly and inquire with sincere hearts as to what the will of the Lord is, that we may be ready to receive the blessing we so much need. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 11}
We must have oil in our vessels with our lamps, and not be like the foolish virgins of the parable whose lamps went out as they slumbered and slept, and who had no oil to replenish them, and so failed to be ready to meet the bridegroom. We should seek for a living experience, and obtain the grace of Christ. We need his love and gentleness; we need our faith revived. Let no one disregard the counsel of God, but let us all buy of him gold, and white raiment, and plead for the anointing of his Holy Spirit. Jesus desires us to have a personal knowledge of the truth, and we should search the heart carefully, critically, cease to do evil, and learn to do well. Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." No one should feel like rebelling, like standing in defiance of God, because he rebukes you on account of your lukewarm condition and spiritual pride. God condescends to entreat you that he may talk with you, and invites you to open the door of the heart, that he may come in and sup with you, and you with him. He declares, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 12}
The great Redeemer represents himself as a heavenly merchantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting his priceless goods, and saying, "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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." {RH, July 23, 1889 par. 14}
Let us consider our condition before God; let us heed the counsel of the True Witness. Let none of us be filled with prejudice, as were the Jews, that light may not come into our hearts. Let it not be necessary for Christ to say of us as he did of them, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." {RH, July 23, 1889 par. 15}
Hi Nb, I really like your list of steps, and spent some time this morning collecting quotes on some of the steps, for example the idea of the gift of repentance.
One additional step that I might add is based on what Colossians 1:29 says, the idea of "Striving according to His working, which works in me mightily".
In other words, things like repentance are a gift, but we need to act on that gift in order for it to have any value to us.
I like the quote below, that talks both about the gifts and our response to them.
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The Spirit of God will answer the cry of every penitent heart; for repentance is the gift of God, and an evidence that Christ is drawing the soul to Himself. We can no more repent of sin without Christ, than we can be pardoned without Christ, and yet it is a humiliation to man with his human passion and pride to go to Jesus straightway, believing and trusting Him for everything which he needs. . . . {1SM 381.1}
Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man's efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 21:6) in the salvation of every soul. {1SM 381.2}
Hi Nb, I really like your list of steps, and spent some time this morning collecting quotes on some of the steps, for example the idea of the gift of repentance.
One additional step that I might add is based on what Colossians 1:29 says, the idea of "Striving according to His working, which works in me mightily".
In other words, things like repentance are a gift, but we need to act on that gift in order for it to have any value to us.
I like the quote below, that talks both about the gifts and our response to them.
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The Spirit of God will answer the cry of every penitent heart; for repentance is the gift of God, and an evidence that Christ is drawing the soul to Himself. We can no more repent of sin without Christ, than we can be pardoned without Christ, and yet it is a humiliation to man with his human passion and pride to go to Jesus straightway, believing and trusting Him for everything which he needs. . . . {1SM 381.1}
Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man's efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 21:6) in the salvation of every soul. {1SM 381.2}
thank you, those are great quotes... oh yes we must wrestle like Jacob did with the 'Angel' until He blesses us..... we need to agonize and plead
Many commit the error of trying to define minutely the fine points of distinction between justification and sanctification. Into the definitions of these two terms they often bring their own ideas and speculations. Why try to be more minute than is Inspiration on the vital question of righteousness by faith? Why try to work out every minute point, as if the salvation of the soul depended upon all having exactly your understanding of this matter? All cannot see in the same line of vision. You are in danger of making a world of an atom, and an atom of a world. {9MR 300.4}
As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Christ's atonement in his behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. Every believing soul is to conform his will entirely to God's will, and keep in a state of repentance and contrition, exercising faith in the atoning merits of the Redeemer, and advancing from strength to strength, from glory to glory. {9MR 301.1}
Pardon and justification are one and the same thing. Through faith, the believer passes from the position of a rebel, a child of sin and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject of Christ Jesus, not because of an inherent goodness, but because Christ receives him as His child by adoption. The sinner receives the forgiveness of his sins, because these sins are borne by his Substitute and Surety. The Lord speaks to His heavenly Father, saying: "This is My child. I reprieve him from the condemnation of death, giving him My life-insurance policy--eternal life--because I have taken his place and have suffered for his sins. He is even My beloved son." Thus man, pardoned, and clothed with the beautiful garments of Christ's righteousness, stands faultless before God. {9MR 301.2}
The sinner may err, but he is not cast off without mercy. His only hope, however, is repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Father's prerogative to forgive our transgressions and sins, because Christ has taken upon Himself our guilt and reprieved us, imputing to us His own righteousness. His sacrifice satisfies fully the demands of justice. {9MR 301.3}
Justification is the opposite of condemnation. God's boundless mercy is exercised toward those who are wholly undeserving. He forgives transgressions and sins for the sake of Jesus, who has become the propitiation for our sins. Through faith in Christ, the guilty transgressor is brought into favor with God and into the strong hope of life eternal. {9MR 302.1}
David was pardoned of his transgression because he humbled his heart before God in repentance and contrition of soul, and believed that God's promise to forgive would be fulfilled. He confessed his sin, repented, and was reconverted. In the rapture of the assurance of forgiveness, he exclaimed, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." The blessing comes because of pardon; pardon comes through faith that the sin, confessed and repented of, is borne by the great Sin-bearer. Thus from Christ cometh all our blessings. His death is an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He is the great medium through whom we receive the mercy and favor of God. He, then, is indeed the Originator, the Author, as well as the Finisher, of our faith.--Manuscript 21, 1891, pp. 1-11. ("Christ our Righteousness," February 27, 1891.) White Estate Washington, D. C. November 29, 1979 {9MR 302.2}
In order to meet the requirements of the law, our faith must grasp the righteousness of Christ, accepting it as our righteousness. Through union with Christ, through acceptance of his righteousness by faith, we may be qualified to work the works of God, to be co-laborers with Christ. If you are willing to drift along with the current of evil, and do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies in restraining transgression in your family, and in the church, in order that everlasting righteousness may be brought in, you do not have faith. Faith works by love and purifies the soul. 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. {RH, November 1, 1892 par. 2}
Last time I gave to you 5 questions of which we will attempt to answer today.
Q: 1Where am I today?Are you like me in that, youve been baptized in this church and given your life to Christ and yet you dont feel like you are yet ready for Christ to come?
Q: How would you feel if you are coming up not in the first resurrection but the 2nd resurrection?Not good!All would be lost and all efforts in vain.
Last time I shared with you the evidence that we are not yet sealed because the 4 winds are being held back for our sakes.We are Laodicea and we are sleeping.
Q: 2Where would I like to be?Id like to be sealed wouldnt you?Id like the gold and the white raiment and the eye salve applied to my life as Jesus said in Revelation 3:18.
Q: 3Can I get there?Yes, the bible says that Jesus in His life has done everything for us already that we CAN receive these gifts.He says Buy of me.The currency of heaven is FAITH.This is how you Buy of me. FAITH.After healing people in the bible Jesus always said, your faith has made you whole. This is physical and spiritual wholeness by their FAITH.
Q: 4How do I get there?Or as some put it, What must I do to be saved? This is Righteousness by Faith (RBF).This is what it is all about---faith.An active faith is trust in God for all things.
In the past, many fell short of RBF.Instead, they wanted to believe that works would get them into heaven.Thats where old Israel missed out.Thats where in 1888 our leaders missed out.They had the law but missed the Spirit of the Law.Let me give you one illustration from the old Jewish writings.Jesus had said that it was almost impossible for a Rich man to enter into heaven.Matt 19:24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
The illustration here is a camel going through the eye of a needle.In the old Jewish writings it is said that the eye of a needle was a very small gate in the temple.If the other gates were closed they could get their camel through this gate but it was smaller than the rest so you had to take off the saddle and bundles in order to get the camel through.The problem with this illustration is that it was Not what Jesus was referring to.Because if He did mean that, it would be salvation by works.In other words, that you could still get into heaven by doing this or that.This is works.What Jesus meant is exactly what the bible says the eye of a sewing needle.In other words, to the Rich man that walked away sorrowful could not get into heaven by any other way.His riches have become an idol to him that separates him from God.
Another illustration came from a friend of mine probably 35 years ago.She had me read this prayer and said that after reading that prayer I was saved and would make it to heaven no matter what happened after that.That was works.I didnt know it then, but I do now.Just reading a prayer is works.
Anything that man does to try and get to heaven is works and it is futile.
Now let me make this clear, Im not saying works are bad its just that you have the cart before the horse.You have to have the righteousness from above in your heart and then the good works will follow.All goodness comes from God.All righteousness comes from God.Without Jesus we can do nothing.
To define righteousness weve all learned it is right doing let me go just a bit deeper with this definition.Let us say that righteousness is right being and then the right doing will follow.
We know that the saints will keep the commandments of God but this is the fruit of righteousness and not the root!!The fruit, not the root!!
Your heart and soul must be right with God and filled with the righteousness of Jesus.The power comes from outside of ourselves.It is the power of Love.God runs his whole universe on LOVE.And we must understand His great love for us in sending His only Son to die for us.God himself had to come down here to fix this problem of sin and Satan.Q: Do you appreciate what He did for us?Think about it, meditate on it.The love of Christ is the force and power of every message!!This is the 3rd angels message to be proclaimed with a loud voice!RBF.There is no RBF in the beast.
Now lets go even deeper.We can equate righteousness with LOVE. (MB p. 34-5) And the Law of God is the Law of Love.Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Then in the beatitudes Jesus says LOVE your enemies and do good to them that hate you.Q: How can we do that?Only if the LOVE of Christ dwells in our hearts.
The bible says King David was a man after the heart of God.Here is what PP say p. 642.The love that moved him,[David] the sorrows that beset him, the triumphs that attended him, were all themes for his active thought; and as he beheld the love of God in all the providences of his life, his heart throbbed with more fervent adoration and gratitude,
Q: So then, what is our job?You know that the Leopard cannot change his spots.The Ethiopian cannot change his skin. Jeremiah 13:23.Neither can we.
Jesus made reference to the Old Testament to Nicodemos when he said, John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Num 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Jesus is telling us to LOOK and LIVE.
Lets go to Zechariah 3:3-5 for another illustration. 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. 5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.
Joshua is the high priest.he had unrighteous clothes.Notice that Joshua does nothing except stand there.He yields himself to be changed.God says, Ill take care of those filthy rags.You just stand there and yield.It will cost you something, your faith and complete trust in God.Its called surrender.Surrender your will to God.
Take that leap of faith and give God all your choices each day.This is surrender.
God does not adopt us as His children because we are good, but in order that He may make us good. (Christ our Righteousness by Waggoner p. 68.2)
Q:5How can I stay on track?RBF is a deeper experience every day with God.And we need something more than what Adam and Eve had before the fall because human nature failed!The angels in heaven failed in heaven.Something happened that was not right.They made the wrong choices and it cost them deeply.They all failed to trust in God 100%.So now we have the chance to experience something more and something even better.And it is because of the cross.Satan has been defeated.When this whole thing is over, the universe will be clean and sin will not ever rise up again. (Naham 1:9) The earth created new will be even better than before because of the cross.
Great promise:John 6:37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. The promises of God are ours IF we abide in Him.Joh_15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
You eat every day; several times a day you feed your body.Also feed your mind, you must eat the Word of God just as much.It has transforming power.
Step 1 -Repentance.John the Baptist preached it, Jesus preached it, Paul preached it. Deep repentance is a gift. We cannot even repent right, we must have help. Realize your great need of a saviour.Turn away from sin.Pray for repentance sincerely every day in the Name of Jesus.
Step 2 -Deep hatred for sin.Go to the cross daily and see what sin did to our Saviour. Love Him and dont hurt Him anymore.
Step 3 -Crucify the old man, Kill the Egyptian inside of you, and resurrect to a new life in Christ by FAITH and LOVE.Take that leap of FAITH.
Step 4 -Put on the full armour of God to withstand the fiery darts of Satan.
Step 5 -Pray the promises when Satan attacks.I have a list of promises that I know that I need on a daily basis.I have them on my phone.When temptations come and they will, I pray the promises of God until Im at peace and the temptation subsides.We must resist the temptation to sin, but the power NOT to sin comes from above.
Pray much much power Pray little little power No prayer no power
