Hidden 1888 Treasures--The Key of Knowledge -- Part 1

The 1888 Message

Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

“It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven.” E.G. White, Lift Him Up, p. 168.

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Dear Reader,

God instructs us to search His Word as for hidden treasure.

“Our work is aggressive. We need the heavenly anointing, that our spiritual eyesight may be clear. We are living in the last remnant of time. Truth is now to be sought for as hidden treasure. The commandments of men have taken the place of the commandments of God. The Lord calls upon His workmen to watch and work and pray. Precious truths are to be recovered from the human traditions under which men have buried them. God desires His people to show a constantly increasing interest in the things of eternity. He desires us to value more highly the favor of His friendship. Let us not become Satan's agents to belittle the solemn, important truth which we profess to believe. Let us not show an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” {RH, June 4, 1901 par. 16}

God says that men have devoured souls by taking (robbing the people of) the treasure and precious things. This leaves the professing church as widows without its husband Jesus Christ. We are going to search as for hidden treasure the things that the church has been robbed of since 1888. We are going to plumb the depths of the 1888 message that has eluded God’s people. The Lord has shown me in no uncertain terms that this series of messages should be read and re-read until He comes and that only those who will do so will partake of the Kingdom of God. When you have read the series in full, you will see the reason.

Eze 22:25 [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Isa 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.

Isa 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare [it]? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

1Cr 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

1Pe 3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Exd 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Deu 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Psa 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Pro 15:6 In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Pro 21:20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Isa 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Mat 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Mat 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Slain bird that did not die -- "The wonderful symbol of the living bird dipped in the blood of the bird slain and then set free to its joyous life (Lev. 14:4-8), is to us the symbol of the atonement. There were death and life blended, presenting to the searcher for truth and hidden treasure, the union of the pardoning blood with the resurrection and life of our Redeemer. The bird slain was over living water that flowing stream was a symbol of the ever flowing, ever cleansing efficacy of the blood of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world..." E.G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 226.

“The work of sanctification is the work of a lifetime; it must go on continually; but this work cannot go on in the heart while the light on any part of the truth is rejected or neglected. The sanctified soul will not be content to remain in ignorance, but will desire to walk in the light and to seek for greater light. As a miner digs for gold and silver, so the follower of Christ will seek for truth as for hidden treasures, and will press from light to a greater light, ever increasing in knowledge. He will continually grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Self must be overcome. Every defect of character must be discerned in God's great mirror. We may discover whether or not we are condemned by God's standard of character. {1SM 317.2}

If you are condemned, there is but one course for you to pursue: you must repent toward God because of the transgression of His law, and have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ as the one who only can cleanse from sin. If we would obtain heaven, we must be obedient to God's holy requirements. Those who strive lawfully will not strive in vain. Only believe the truth as it is in Jesus, and you will be strengthened for the battle with the powers of

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darkness. The wrestlers of old strove to obtain a perishable crown, and should we not strive to win the crown that fadeth not away? {1SM 317.3}

Every art and device of Satan will be used to accomplish our ruin. If you sit down with the ease-loving ones, with the words on your lips, "I am saved," and disregard the commandments of God, you will be eternally lost. There is truth in Jesus that is terrible to the ease-loving, do-nothing ones. There is truth in Jesus that is full of soothing joy to the obedient. It is the joy of the Holy Ghost. Be persuaded, then, to open the mind and heart, that you may see every ray of light shining from the throne of God. {1SM 318.1}

This is no time to be indifferent and careless and pleasure loving. Christ is coming with power and great glory. Are you ready? Are you putting away your sins? Are you becoming sanctified through the truth in answer to the prayer of Christ? He prayed concerning His disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). {1SM 318.2}”

We will answer the question: what does it mean to strive lawfully and unlawfully. We will discover the only means of putting away sins and becoming sanctified. We will discover the true meaning of righteousness by faith and the 1888 message which is the Three Angel’s Message in verity. We will discover exactly what one must do to be saved.

I urge you to read and re-read the pages of this series of searching’s for the treasure trove of saving truth. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph should be plumbed to its depth that you may have a full understanding of the message of the faithful and true witness of Revelation 3: 14-18.

Christ’s words to the people on the mount connoted blessing upon the poor in spirit; those who recognized their spiritual poverty and felt a deep need within for redemption from their sinful waywardness. These were the ones who hungered and thirsted for righteousness, verse 6. Those are they who will be satisfied (filled) and saved.

Matthew Chapter 5

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

“Beholding Christ whom we have pierced, we should be ever mournful for the sins that have brought and still bring anguish upon Him. Those who truly purchase the gold tried in the fire will be lead to renounce sin in all its destructive forms.

Such sentiments are regarded by worldlings as weakness and foolishness, but in reality, sincere sorrow for sin is the strength that binds the penitent to the Infinite One by links that can not be broken. Such true sorrow for the sin that has caused so much anguish to God and so much sorrow in the earth, shows that the Holy Spirit and the angel’s of God are recovering to the soul the graces that were lost through selfishness and sin.

“The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness.” True sorrow for sin heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul:

“Unto them that mourn in Zion, He has appointed to give beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.

“The disciples' place was always next to Jesus. The people constantly pressed upon Him, yet the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat close beside Him, that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages.

With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected, they now pressed about their Master. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established, and from the events of the morning they gathered assurance that some announcement concerning it was about to be made. A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also, and eager faces gave evidence of the deep interest. As the people sat upon the green hillside, awaiting the words of the divine Teacher, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of the world's great empire. The poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear the assurance that their wretched hovels, the scanty food, the life of toil, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions of plenty and days of ease. In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering by day, and their blanket at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the rich and costly robes of their conquerors. All hearts thrilled with the proud hope that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.

Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.

Christ's first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and

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feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit.

The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15.

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." By these words Christ does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guilt of sin. He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are to rejoice in the precious privilege of being children of God.

We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.

The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;" "and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord." Jer. 3:13, 12. "Unto them that mourn in Zion," He has appointed to give

"beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isa. 61:3.

And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high.

God's word for the sorrowing is, "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners." "I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." Isa. 57:18; Jer. 31:13. Desire of Ages, 299-301.

The Only True Faith

The Scriptures teach that there is “one faith” only, ‘the faith that was once delivered unto the saints,’ and that without this faith, ‘it is impossible to please God.’” Ephesians 4:5; Jude 3; Hebrews 11:6.

This faith, says the apostle Paul, is “the faith that works by love,” as it lays hold upon the merits of the blood of the Savior. This is the only true faith. Galatians 5:6; Romans 3:25. This alone can bring us into harmony with God, for ‘love is the fulfillment of the law,’ the law of God being a transcript of the character of God, ‘holy, just, and good.” Romans 13:10; 7:12.

The only true faith, then, is that which lays hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior to bring His love into the heart. This is the “yoke” that is placed upon the believer.

“God will accept everyone that [who] comes to Him trusting wholly in the merits of a crucified and risen Savior. LOVE SPRINGS UP IN THE HEART. There may be no ecstasy of feeling but there is an abiding, peaceful trust. Every burden is light; for the YOKE which Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness becomes bright with the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. This is walking in the light as He is in the light.” Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 354.

“The moment His yoke is adjusted to your neck, that moment it is found easy; then the heaviest spiritual labor can be performed, the heaviest burdens born, because the Lord gives the strength and the power, and He gives gladness in doing the work. Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 110, 111.

This is how the requirements of the law are fulfilled in the life. This is “legal striving,” for the mastery.

1Cr 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

To the Nicolaitans, such “striving” is not necessary.

“All are to be united in carrying out God’s requirements, revealing at every advance step that faith which works by love to purify the soul.” Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 115.

“Every soul saved will be saved through love, which begins with God.” Ibid. 115.

Love accomplishes everything! 1 Corinthians 13.

Thus, when the apostle Paul speaks of “the righteousness which is of God by faith,” (Philippians 3:9) he is speaking of the love of God which is shed abroad into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith. “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 5:5; 13:10; See Desire of Ages, Chapter 57, On Thing Thou Lackest:

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Chapter 57

"One Thing Thou Lackest"

[This chapter is based on Matt. 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23.]

And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in His arms, and his heart kindled with love for the Saviour. He felt a desire to be His disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after Him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul and to the soul of every human being, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

"Why callest thou Me good?" said Christ, "there is none good but One, that is, God." Jesus desired to test the ruler's sincerity, and to draw from him the way in which he regarded Him as good. Did he realize that the One to whom he was speaking was the Son of God? What was the true sentiment of his heart?

This ruler had a high estimate of his own righteousness. He did not really suppose that he was defective in anything, yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt the want of something that he did not possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He blessed the little children, and satisfy his soul want?

In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life; and He quoted several of the commandments which show man's duty to his

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fellow men. The ruler's answer was positive: "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?"

Christ looked into the face of the young man, as if reading his life and searching his character. He loved him, and He hungered to give him that peace and grace and joy which would materially change his character. "One thing thou lackest," He said; "go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

Christ was drawn to this young man. He knew him to be sincere in his assertion, "All these things have I kept from my youth." The Redeemer longed to create in him that discernment which would enable him to see the necessity of heart devotion and Christian goodness. He longed to see in him a humble and contrite heart, conscious of the supreme love to be given to God, and hiding its lack in the perfection of Christ.

Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man would become a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation. If he would place himself under Christ's guidance, he would be a power for good. In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men. Christ, seeing into his character, loved him. Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler's heart; for love begets love. Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him. He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use. If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future!

"One thing thou lackest," Jesus said. "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me." Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.

Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ's control. The very holiness of God was

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offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the cross, and follow the Saviour in the path of self-denial.

Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God!

Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, though they appeared severe and exacting. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler's only hope of salvation. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections. To keep back little or much from God was to retain that which would lessen his moral strength and efficiency; for if the things of this world are cherished, however uncertain and unworthy they may be, they will become all-absorbing.

The ruler was quick to discern all that Christ's words involved, and he became sad. If he had realized the value of the offered gift, quickly would he have enrolled himself as one of Christ's followers. He was a member of the honored council of the Jews, and Satan was tempting him with flattering prospects of the future. He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him. He was sorry that such conditions existed; he desired eternal life, but he was not willing to make the sacrifice. The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful; "for he had great possessions."

His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than he loved the Giver. Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself. "Follow Me," He said. But the Saviour was not so much to him as his own name among men or his possessions. To give up his earthly treasure, that was seen, for the heavenly treasure, that was unseen, was too great a risk. He refused the offer of eternal life, and went away, and ever after the world was to receive his worship.

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Thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world; and many choose the world. Like the young ruler, they turn from the Saviour, saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man as my leader.

Christ's dealing with the young man is presented as an object lesson. God has given us the rule of conduct which every one of His servants must follow. It is obedience to His law, not merely a legal obedience, but an obedience which enters into the life, and is exemplified in the character. God has set His own standard of character for all who would become subjects of His kingdom. Only those who will become co-workers with Christ, only those who will say, Lord, all I have and all I am is Thine, will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God. All should consider what it means to desire heaven, and yet to turn away because of the conditions laid down. Think of what it means to say "No" to Christ. The ruler said, No, I cannot give You all. Do we say the same? The Saviour offers to share with us the work God has given us to do. He offers to use the means God has given us, to carry forward His work in the world. Only in this way can He save us.

The ruler's possessions were entrusted to him that he might prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representative of His character.

To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ. But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples. Nothing short of obedience can be accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being.

When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Matt. 25:23; Heb. 12:2. The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, "Follow Me."

Christ’s Second Coming Delayed

The purpose of this study is to examine more closely what is the measure of that love that is to dwell in the hearts of God’s people so that the law of God may be “magnified and made honorable,” that the earth may be lightened with the glory-character-of God! Isaiah 42:21; Revelation 18:1. This is the light that has been kept away from the church and the world in a large degree and that is the reason why the second coming of Christ has been so long delayed.

Especially the Moral Law

“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:4). In this scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking especially of the moral law. The law reveals sin to us, and causes us to feel our need of Christ and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord’s message through Brethren [E.J.] Waggoner and [A.T.] Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world.

“The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience. As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection. We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression.

We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.

The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps. 119:165)—cause them to stumble.

There is no peace in unrighteousness; the wicked are at war with God. But he who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ is in harmony with heaven. ‘Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other (Ps. 85:10.—Letter 96, 1896, Selected Messages, Bk. 1, 234, 235.

“There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 419; Isaiah 60:1-3.

That should explain why the following testimonies were sent to the professed people of God over a hundred years ago:

“We may be active, we may do much work, but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family in Heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158.

“The fervor of the love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God’s people the light of the world.” Faith and Works, p. 83.

“The love that was in the heart of Christ is to be in our hearts that we may reveal to those around us the light of life.” Sons and Daughters of God, p. 84.

As we can see, the message contained in these solemn declarations is of the highest consequence. To help us grasp its significance we need to follow this instruction:

“The Testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given as Scripture is explained by Scripture.” Selected Messages, Bk, 1, p. 42; 1 Corinthians 2:13.

The Straight Testimony

“Without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of Heaven.” Truly, this message is the “straight testimony” sent to those who, in these last days, profess to believe the truth. For that reason, the Faithful and True Witness counsels us to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire.” Revelation 3:17, 18.

The Nicolaitans will deny this conditional element of love. Their focus is on justification only without sanctification, as the condition for salvation, and which involves a type of faith that does not embrace this love element. They always avoid the love element because God says that the test of our love is:

1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Jesus had the love in His heart that kept the commandments. If we have that love in our hearts, we will keep His commandments. This is the straight testimony that angers the world. They call it legalism rather than love. The truth is that we cannot keep the commandments rightfully without love; from a motive of love. Any attempt to keep them on our own power is legalism and void of proper love for Christ and His character.

“The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work, but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of Heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158.

Therefore, this testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.” See Early Writings, p. 270; Daniel 12:10.

It is impossible to be the light of the world unless the Love that dwelt in the heart of Christ dwells in our hearts. In other words, “His experience is to be ours.” Desire of Ages, p. 363; Revelation 3:21.

“You cannot equal the pattern; but you can resemble it and, according to your ability, do likewise.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 170.

This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness:

“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 which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312.

“Oh, how greatly we need a moral renovation. Without the faith that works by love, you can do nothing. May God give you hearts to receive this testimony.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 188.

This is the testimony of the Faithful and True Witness addressed to the church at Laodicea. We need to meditate upon this message day and night. This is what Scripture means when it says:

Psa 1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Psa 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Psa 119:97 O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.

Psa 119:113 I hate [vain] thoughts: but thy law do I love.

Psa 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: [but] thy law do I love.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jam 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. Without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of Heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158.

“To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tedious, but your you it is safe.” Philippians 3:1.

It is important for us to know what was the measure of that love that dwelt in the heart of the Savior for this is what we need more than anything else.

Begin quoting exactly:

The Hoarded Love of Eternity

“When God gave His Son to our world, He endowed human beings with imperishable riches, riches compared with which all the treasured wealth of men since the world began is nothingness. Christ came to the earth and stood before the children of men WITH THE HOARDED LOVE OF ETERNITY, and this is the treasure that, through our connection with Him, we are to receive, to reveal, and to impart.” Ministry of Healing, p. 37.

This was the measure of the Love that dwelt in the heart of Christ: The heralded love of eternity! And this is the treasure that awaits our demand. But it is imparted only tho those who have a sense of their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption.

“Happy are they, Jesus said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, it is revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit.” The Desire of Ages, p. 300.

To the poor in spirit is promised “the hoarded love of eternity,” and this gift is nothing less or nothing more than the divine fullness:

“The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The divine fullness is to flow through the consecrated human agent, to be given forth to others.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 419.

That should help us better appreciate the value of the blood that was shed for us upon Calvary’s cross. It is the merits of that precious blood that Jesus pleads before the Father in our behalf, claiming for us the blessing that brings all other blessings in its train. Jesus is claiming the blessing that is to flood the soul with the glory of divinity. See John 17:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; The Desire of Ages, p. 23-26; 123; 507; 509.

“’The prince of this world cometh,’ said Jesus, ‘and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30.

There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold of the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the Word of God. Only by the Word could He resist temptation. ‘It is written,’ He said: And unto us are given ‘exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.’” Desire of Ages, 123.

“We can receive of heaven’s light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure.” Desire of Ages, p. 181.

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be; Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere where the rich currents of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159.

“The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican was nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek God. By faith,--faith that renounces all self-trust--the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon infinite power.” Ibid, p. 159.

The Golden Candlestick

The representation of the golden candlestick in Zachariah 4 shows that “faith which works by love” is the “foundation stone” upon which God builds the temple of the soul, to be “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Zachariah 4:6, 7; Ephesians 2:22.

“And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.” Zachariah 4:1.

This is speaking of a spiritual awakening. The servants of God are asleep. This representation was given to Zechariah for our instruction upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11.

“The prophets of God spoke less for their own time than for the ages to come, and especially for the generation that would live amid the last scenes of this earth’s history.” Signs of the Times, Vol. 3, p. 445.

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.” Selected Messages, Bkl. 3, p. 338.

Back to the representation:

“The angel said unto me: What do you see? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these my Lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No my Lord.” Zachariah 4:2-5.

Like Nicodemus, Zechariah, a leader in Israel, lacked spiritual discernment. Today’s spiritual leaders are asleep. There is nothing new under the sun. A spiritual awakening is our greatest need:

“Surely one entrusted with the religious interests of the people should not be ignorant of truth so important for them to understand as the condition of entrance into the kingdom of Heaven.” Testimonies to Ministers, 369.

“The lesson to Nicodemus I present as highly applicable to those who are today in responsible positions as rulers in Israel, and whose voices are often heard in council giving evidence of the same spirit that Nicodemus possessed. Will the lesson given to the chief ruler have the same influence upon their heart and life? Nicodemus was converted as the result of this interview. The words of Christ are spoken just as verily to presidents of conferences, elders of churches, and those occupying official positions in our institutions. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” Ibid, p. 369.

There is a direct connection between the representation given to Zechariah, the words spoken to Nicodemus, and the parable of the ten virgins:

“We all need to study as never before the parable of the ten virgins. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. This is the holy oil represented in Zechariah 4. This representation is of the highest consequence to those who claim to know the truth. If we do not practice the truth, we have not received the holy oil, which the two golden pipes empty out of themselves. The oil is received into vessels prepared for the oil. It is the Holy Spirit in the heart which works by love and purifies the soul.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1179.

“No man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of God humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light-bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctuary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith, the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God.” Ibid, p. 419.

So, in this vision, the gold represents the faith without which it is impossible to please God; the oil represents the love of God which is shed abroad into the hearts of those who are united to God by faith; and the continuous bright and shining light represents the good works through which God is glorified, hence the faith which works by love. Galatians 5:6.

Now, let us see, according to this representation, what is the measure of that love which is to be imparted to the human agent in order for him to be an influence for good:

“In this vision the two trees which stand before God are represented as emptying the golden oil out of themselves through golden tubes into the bowl of the candlestick. From this the lamps of the sanctuary are fed, that they may give a bright, continuous light. So from the anointed ones that stand in God’s presence THE FULLNESS OF DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE AND POWER is imparted to His people, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing. Those who are thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God’s love.” Prophets and Kings, p. 594.

The two anointed ones are the angels who stand in God’s presence to impart to God’s people the holy oil:

“And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the Word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 338.

“There are men who stand in the pulpits as shepherds professing to feed the flock, while the sheep are starving for the bread of life. There are long-drawn out discourses, largely made up of the relation of anecdotes; but the hearts of the hearers are not touched. The feelings of some may be moved, they may shed a few tears, but their hearts are not broken. The Lord Jesus has been present when they have been presenting that which was called sermons, but their words were destitute of the dew and rain of Heaven. They evidenced that the anointed ones described by Zechariah (see chapter 4) had not ministered to them that they might minister to others. When the anointed ones empty themselves through the golden pipes, the golden oil flows out of themselves into the golden bowls, to flow forth into the lamps, the churches. This is the work of every true, devoted servant of the living God. The Lord God of Heaven cannot accept much that is brought into the pulpit by those who are professedly speaking the Word of the Lord. They do not inculcate ideas that will be a blessing to those who hear. There is cheap, very cheap fodder placed before the people.” Ibid, p. 336, 337.

The Man of the Situation

“Then the angel answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

Zerubbabel was the man of the situation chose of God to rebuild the sanctuary and the walls of the city. He represents those whom God is using as His instruments in these last days to rebuild His church, the spiritual temple of the soul, which has been ruined by apostasy and sin. 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:22.

“Those who build the temple of the Lord are to build according to the pattern shown in the mount,--the divine similitude.” Desire of Ages, p. 354.

And this is to be done “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Those represented by Zerubbabel are to build this temple upon the foundation stone with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it! Zechariah 4:7.

And we already know what the “foundation stone” of this spiritual temple must be: the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. This faith is the only true faith and the key of knowledge: “Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth ‘knoweth God.’” Desire of Ages, p. 139.

"Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! [Israel’s teachers of the law] for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." Luke 11:49-52.

"In the very courts of the temple, scenes will be enacted that few realize. God's people will be proved and tested, that He may discern 'between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.' Vengeance will be executed against those who sit in the gate, deciding what the people should have and what they should not have. These take away the key of knowledge. They refuse to enter in themselves, and those who would enter in they hinder. These bear not the seal of the living God. All who now occupy responsible positions should be solemnly and terribly afraid lest in this time they shall be found as unfaithful stewards." E.G. White, Manuscript 15, 1886, Paulson Collection, p. 55.

“It is the Holy Spirit in the heart that works by love to purify the soul.” Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1179.

It is by the action of the Holy Spirit that the kingdom of God is established in the earth:

“Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind.” Desire of Ages, p. 509, 510; John 1:12, 13.

Of the disciples of Christ, during the days following Pentecost, it is written that “great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33; 2 Peter 1:10, 11. In order to accomplish their God-given task, the fullness of the Spirit was imparted to them. Up until then the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed but never in its fullness:

“During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, but never in its fullness. Now, in obedience to the word of the Savior, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in Heaven Christ added His intercession. He claimed the gift of the Spirit, that He might pour it upon His people.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 37.

Thus, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, “The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Savior’s grace. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of the matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed “Herein is Love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of Heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.” Ibid, p. 38.

“The Savior knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 31.

“Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work.” Ibid, 30.

Mountains of Difficulty

“Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shall become a plain.” Zechariah 4:7.

This “great mountain” represents the difficulties the people of God will have to encounter since the leader of the forces of darkness is determined to do all in his power to prevent the light from shining:

“Throughout the history of God’s people, great mountains of difficulty, apparently insurmountable, have loomed up before those who were trying to carry out the purposes of heaven. Such obstacles are permitted by the Lord as a test of faith… Before the intrepid spirit and unwavering faith of a Zerubbabel, great mountains of difficulty will become a plain.” Prophets and Kings, p. 595.

Clothed with the full armor of God, the people of God will be surrounded as by an encompassing wall of fire which the powers of hell shall not prevail against:

“I will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” Zechariah 2:5.

“The gift of the Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His people as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18.

“Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of ages, was the church founded, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ The presence of God gives stability to His cause. God’s glorious work, founded on the eternal principles of right, will never come to nought. It will go on from strength to strength, ‘not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’” Prophets and Kings, p. 595, 596.

“The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11.

“The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes God’s 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.” Desire of Ages, p. 324.

“From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people.” E.G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12.

"God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. 'Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.

Where two or three are present who love and obey the commandments of God, Jesus there presides, let it be in the desolate place of the earth, in the wilderness, in the city enclosed in prison walls." E.G. White, The Upward Look, 315.

The True Sign of Discipleship

“For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the had of Zerubbabel.” Zechariah 4:10.

“The way of the world is to begin with pomp and boasting. God’s way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the glorious triumph of truth and righteousness.” Prophets and Kings, p. 595.

“The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, ‘His going forth is prepared as the morning.’ Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, ‘with healing in His wings.’” Malachi 4:2.

“Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God’s law, they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ.” The Great Controversy, p. 468.

The servants of God cannot accomplish their God-given task unless they restore the law to its rightful position:

“It is only when the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people.” Ibid, 478.

In order to restore the law in its rightful position, it must be enthroned in the hearts of all who seek God. “Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.” Isaiah 51:7.

It is only as the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ is implanted in our hearts that we can be the people in whose heart is God’s law written:

“If the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, the new-covenant promise is fulfilled: ‘I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.’ And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship.” Steps to Christ, p. 60.

And this is the “foundation stone” upon which the spiritual temple of the soul must be built: “The faith which works by love to purify the soul,” for “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Galatians 5:6; Romans 13:10. The love that dwelt in the heart of Christ is the treasure that we, through our connection with Christ, are to receive, to reveal, and to impart! “Those who are thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God’s love.” Prophets and Kings, p. 595. Thus the law of God is to be “magnified and made honourable.” Isaiah 42:21.

“The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agents, to be given forth to others.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 419.

In Full and Final Display

“To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18.

“God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.’ This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.” Desire of Ages, p. 311.

“The power of evil has been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty Agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power…to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress Christ’s character upon His church.” Ibid, 671.

Ministry of Healing

What is to take place as the treasure of God’s love is imparted to the human agent in all its purity and power:

“The love that Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part, the heart, the brain, the nerves, it touches with healing. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care that crush the life forces. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul a joy that nothing earthly can destroy, joy in the Holy Spirit, health-giving, life-giving joy.” Ministry of Healing, p. 115.

Is this not the only authentic ministry of healing? (Without minimizing the importance of health-reform).

“The religion of Jesus Christ is one which will revolutionize the entire man. The truth of God has power to transform the character. We are to have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. A faith that does not result in this is of no value.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 185.

“The only true faith is that which works by love to purify the soul. It is as leaven to transform the character.” Mount of Blessing, p. 53.

In other words, “We may be active, we may do much work, but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of Heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158.

“Oh, how greatly we need a moral renovation. Without the faith that works by love, you can do nothing. May the Lord give us hearts to receive this testimony.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 188.

Love accomplishes everything! 1 Corinthians 13.

Spoken of Throughout the Whole World

As we read Paul’s letter to the Romans we see that in the days of the Apostles this faith was “spoken of throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:8. It was this faith that moved the arm of God and God’s people were a blessing to others. It is this same faith that will, in these last days, make God’s people the light of the world. It is this faith that will allow the Lord to finally and promptly execute on the earth what He ahs resolved! Romans 9:28.

“It is that faith which works that you want. How does it work? It works by love. What love? Why, the love flashing from the cross of Calvary. It is set up midway between earth and heaven, and salvation is gained by looking at this cross… The devil is working against this all the time. It is the faith that works by love that is witnessed by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. It is the love that He has had for my soul.” Faith and Works, p. 72.

Let us repeat it: “We may be active, we may do much work, but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of Heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge…and have not love, (the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ) I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor…but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.” 1Corinthians 13:1-3.

The Key of Knowledge

“The faith that works by love is the key of knowledge.” Desire of Ages, p. 139. We take good care of the keys to our houses and cars. We always make sure that we have them in our possession. Their loss can cause us many headaches and sorrows. How much more should we take care of THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE!

“The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. HE spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like their Master they were to live ‘by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Desire of Ages, p. 390.

From the smallest gift up[ to the largest blessing all flow to us through the merits of Jesus Christ. It is through the merits of Christ’s sacrifices that the word of God imparts life to us. Psalm 107:20; 119:50, 93. God Himself has given the command:

“Put on love which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:14. This is the word of the Lord. This command is a promise, for “In every command or injunction that God gives, there is a promise, the most positive, underlying the command.” Mount of Blessing, p. 76.

Thus it is written that “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. As the child of God hears the voice of God in His commandments, faith springs up in his heart and says, “Lord, let it be done unto me according to Your Word.”

The same word that spoke the universe into existence, which said to the earth, “Bring forth grass,” speaks to us in the words of God’s law. God’s law in Christ is not a hard, lifeless decree, which weak mortals are to strive in vain to keep, while God watches them with a stern eye ready to taunt and punish them for failure, but we “know that His commandment is life eternal.” John 12:50. That word which says to us: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and they neighbour as thyself,” sheds that love abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. Psalm 104:30; 107:20; Romans 5:5. This is the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ! Hence “the faith that works by love to purify the soul.” Galatians 5:6.

The Lord bids us: “Put on love.” Colossians 3:14. We cannot “put on love” ourselves any more than we can repent of ourselves or walk upon the water. We are to allow God’s word to have “free course” in us that we may “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:14. The command has gone out of God’s mouth in righteousness saying, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2; Isaiah 45:19.

We are all familiar with the story of how the angel of the Lord brought the word of God to Mary saying: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus… Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God…’ Then Mary said: ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.’” Luke 1:31-38.

Mary heard the word of the Lord and said, “Let it be done to me according to the word.” This is what faith is and the Holy Spirit was imparted to her to fulfill the word of God which she heard. Thus we read: “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of these things which were told her of the Lord.” Verse 45.

It is the same with us. The word of God has lost none of its power. And now the Lord commands all men everywhere to “repent and be converted” and to “be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 5:18. Since we cannot repent of ourselves, convert ourselves, anymore than we can fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, it therefore follows that our answer must be the same as Mary, and that is the answer of faith: “Lord, let it be done unto me according to your word.” And the Lord says: “As you have believed, so be it done unto you.” Matt. 8:13; 9:29. Thus we have the blessing: “Blessed is he who believes, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told him of the Lord.” Thus by the operation of the Holy Spirit, the true believer is kept in a state of repentance and contrition, of conversion and he is Spirit filled as long as by the same word he continues in the faith, for the Lord ahs given the command: “Continue in My love.” John 15:9.

And this is how the disciples of Christ are to be sealed for their God-given task: “By every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. To the Ephesians, the apostle Paul wrote these words: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13.

To the child of God, every command is a promise. “The creative power that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power, it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God. The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained, ‘By every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’ shall man live.’” Education, p. 126.

The Lord Himself has given the command: “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16. This is “the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5. Every command that proceeds out of the mouth of God is a promise of the impartation of the Spirit. “The reception of the word, the bread that comes down from Heaven, is declared to be the reception of Christ Himself.” Review and Herald, Vol. 5, p. 227.

“For all the promises of God in Christ are Yea and in Him Amen, to the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.

“The seed is the Word of God.” Luke 8:11.

Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s Word. Received as the voice of God, every command and promise of His Word is the impartation of the Spirit, the impartation of the life of Christ.

“In every command and in every promise of the Word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the Word is receiving the very life and character of God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38, 40; John 6:63.

In the Bible there are most precious promises for the people of God:

“Let the peace of God rule in your heart.” Colossians 3:15. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10. “Be ye therefore perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48.

Each one of these commandments is an exceeding great and precious promise by which we may become partakers of Christ’s nature. 2 Peter 1:4. See Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1104; Ministry of Healing, p. 122; Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 393.

When the commandments of God are received as the voice of God speaking to the soul in promise, the language of the soul is:

“Lord, Your commandments are wonderful. They are my delights. I love Your commandments above gold; yea above fine gold.” Psalm 119:127, 129, 143. Lord, let it be done to me according to Your will as it is expressed in Your gracious words. And the Lord says: “Go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” Matthew 8:13. Thus the word of God has “free course” in the believer (2 Thessalonians 3:1) and every jot and tittle of the Word of God is fulfilled in his life. It can then be said that “the very keynote of the Word of God is rejoicing.” Psalm 119:162; Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 162.

“Our Lord Himself has given the command: ‘Be filled with the Spirit’ (Ephesians 5:18), and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment.” Mount of Blessing, p. 21.

That is how we are to receive the Word of God, not a the word of man, but as it is in truth “the Word of God which also worketh in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:13; John 6:63; 12:50.

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” Psalm 89:15.

The Burning Bush

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” Exodus 3:2.

The symbol chosen for the representation of Deity was a lowly shrub, that seemingly had no attraction. This enshrined the Infinite. God’s glory was enshrouded in a most humble type. The invisible glory in the visible human form! See Desire of Ages, p. 23. So it is with the true child of God. He is a “burning bush.” In Christ his humanity is united to Christ’s divinity, a consuming fire which purifies the soul without consuming humanity. To the Christian, the love of Christ is a consuming fire. It consumes the sin in him without him being consumed!

“Divine power and the human agency combined will be a complete success.” Faith and Works, p. 27. “When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread like fire in the stubble.” Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 118.

By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Savior has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son.”

He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. God gave His only-begotten Son to become on of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Isaiah 9:5, 6.

God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. Christ glorified in our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of infinite love! See Desire of Ages, p. 25, 26.

Of His people, God says: “They shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land. For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!” Zechariah 9:16, 17; Daniel 12:3.

The exaltation of the redeemed will be an eternal testimony to God’s mercy. And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable gift, Immanuel, “God with us.”

Conclusion

To the “poor in spirit,” that is, to those who have a sense of their spiritual poverty and feel their need of redemption, but one thing is needful: “The faith that works by love.” Galatians 5:6.

The Lord Himself has given the command: “Put on Love.” Colossians 3:14. To the poor in spirit, this command is a promise, a most positive promise of its own fulfillment. As they receive the word in faith, the love of God is “put on” them, imparted to them by the Holy Spirit which is given unto them and they are brought into fellowship with the Deity! The soul is flooded with the glory of Divinity and exclaims:

“I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8. “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 5:5; Acts 10:44; 11:15.

They study their Bible like never before and, like their Master, the “live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4; Desire of Ages, p. 390.

Amen