|
Hidden 1888 Treasures –The Key of Knowledge – Part 2
–“What Must I do to be Saved” Click to go to our Home PageDear Reader, We will begin this study with more Ellen White
statements defining the key of knowledge. Then we will pursue an all
important study on what we must do to be saved. MR No. 895 - Minneapolis General
Conference and its Aftermath
The Sinfulness of an Unloving Spirit--I never can express with pen or
voice the work that I discerned was laid out before me on that occasion when
I was beside my dying husband. I have not lost the deep views of my work, as
I sat by the bed of my husband with his dying hand in mine. . . . {11MR 227.1}
I have pledged myself by a solemn vow to God that wherever this spirit
of contempt and unkindness and want of love should exist, I would lay it out
in clear lines before my brethren, show them the sinfulness of their course,
and with decided testimony turn the current if possible.--Ms. 21, 1888, pp.
3, 6. ("Distressing Experiences of 1888," probably written at
The Spiritual Blindness of Many at
The Lord was testing and proving His people who had had great light
whether they would walk in it or turn from it under temptation, for but few know what manner of spirit they
are of until circumstances shall be of a character to test the spirit which
prompts to action. In many the natural heart is a controlling power, and
yet they do not suppose that pride and prejudice are entertained as cherished
guests, and work in words and actions against light and truth. {11MR 228.1}
Our brethren who have occupied
leading positions in the work and the cause of God should have been so
closely connected with the Source of all light that they would not call light
darkness and darkness light. They had the example of those before them
who had claimed to believe the truth, but who, when mercifully reproved for
sin and errors, gave loose rein to their own natural temperament and opposed
the work of the Spirit of the Lord. They
had seen these go farther and farther in darkness until they became apostates
to the truth. And they do not discern that they are in the greatest
peril, if, notwithstanding the course and marked example of others, they
blindly stumble into the same path of doubt, unbelief, and rejection of light
sent of God, because it does not coincide with their ideas.--Ms. 24, 1888.
("Looking Back at A Reformation Needed After the 1888
General Conference--The
Lord was working [at Minneapolis] and I must be faithful to speak the words
given me of God, although I was passing through the most grievous trial of my
life, for, from this hour, that confidence which I had hitherto had that God was leading and
controlling the minds and hearts of my brethren was not as heretofore. I had felt that when a call came to me, "We want you at our
meeting, Sister White; your influence is needed," I should not consult
my choice
I then felt my spirit stirred within me, and I bore a very plain
testimony to these brethren. I told them a little of how matters had been
carried at Minneapolis and stated the position I had taken, that pharisaism
had been at work leavening the camp here at Battle Creek, and the Seventh-day
Adventist churches were affected, but the Lord had given me a message and
with pen and voice I would work until this leaven was expelled and a new
leaven was introduced, which was the grace of Christ. {11MR 229.1} Ron’s Commentary: The above statement is
commented on by SDA leaders as being the ONLY statement Ellen White made that
expressed a loss of confidence in the church leaders. However, within this
same document (paragraph 6) we find the following statement: A Reformation Needed After the 1888
General Conference--The
Lord was working [at Minneapolis] and I must be faithful to speak the words
given me of God, although I was passing through the most grievous trial of my
life, for, from this hour, that confidence which I had hitherto had that God was leading and
controlling the minds and hearts of my brethren was not as heretofore.
End comment.
I stated that the course that
had been pursued at Minneapolis was cruelty to the Spirit of God; and
those who went all through that meeting and left with the same spirit with
which they came to the meeting, and were carrying on the same line of work
they did at that meeting and since they had come from it, would--unless they were
changed in spirit and confessed their mistakes--go into greater deceptions.
They would stumble and know not at what they were stumbling. I begged them to
stop just where they were. But the position of Elder A and Elder B influenced
them to make no change, but stand where they did. No confession was made. The
blessed meeting closed. Many were strengthened, but doubt and darkness
enveloped some closer than before. . . . {11MR 229.3}
If my brethren had sensed their own weakness, their own inability, and
had never lost sight of this, they would have humbled their hearts before
God, confessed their errors, and come into light and freedom. . . . {11MR
230.1}
Many are ignorant of the
deception which palms off falsehood for truth. They entertain ideas that men
may be saved by their own merit. A
false religion has come in among us, a legal religion. We will not keep
silent. The church must be roused. We will secure halls in the cities and put
out handbills and the people shall be enlightened. . . . {11MR 230.2} We are years behind, and yet men in
responsible positions will in their blindness keep the key of knowledge, refusing to enter
themselves and hindering those who would enter. . . . {11MR 230.3}
A difference in the application of some few scriptural passages makes
men forget their religious principles. Elements become banded together,
exciting one another through the human passions to withstand in a harsh,
denunciatory manner everything that does not meet their ideas. This is not
Christian, but is of another spirit. And Satan is doing his utmost to have
those who believe present truth deceived on this point, for he has laid his
snare to overcome them, that those who
have accepted unpopular truth, who have had great light and great privileges,
shall have the spirit that will
Need for Heavenly Wisdom in
Combating Error--We see more and greater need of close communion with God
and greater need of unity. Let us devote much time to seeking for heavenly
wisdom. Let us be much with God in prayer. We want Bible evidence for every
point we advance. We do not want to
tide over points as Elder Canright has done with assertions. {11MR 231.1}
What we want in every
conflict is not words to condemn, but the sword of the Spirit. We
want the truth as it is in Jesus. We want to be filled with all the fullness
of God and have the meekness and lowliness of Christ. {11MR 231.2}
We have a wily foe who will seize your sword and turn it against you,
unless you know how to use it skillfully. But let none feel that we know all the truth the Bible proclaims.--Letter
13, 1887, p. 4. (To G. I. Butler and Uriah Smith, April 5, 1887.) {11MR 231.3}
Righteousness by Faith Needed
at the 1889 Camp Meetings--I think that Elder A. T. Jones should attend
our large camp meetings and give to our people, and to outsiders as well, the
precious subject of faith and the righteousness of Christ. There is a flood
of light in this subject, and if he goes to the canvassers' meetings only,
how can the light come before the largest number? You cannot expect that any
of the canvassers can present this matter in the light in which he presents
it. I think that it is
Wednesday I attended the early morning meeting and bore a decided
testimony and entreated all present not to act over
In the night season, one of God's messengers stood by my side and
asked: {11MR 232.3}
"Did not I raise you up when you were sick nigh unto death in
Healdsburg? Did not I put My Spirit upon you and sustain you to bear your
testimony in
I was conducted to the house where our brethren made their homes, and
there was much conversation and excitement of feelings and some smart, and as
they supposed sharp, witty remarks. The
servants whom the Lord sent were caricatured, ridiculed, and placed in a
ridiculous light. The comment of words passed upon me and the work that
God had given me to do was anything but flattering. Willie White's name was handled freely and he was ridiculed and
denounced, also the names of Elders Jones and Waggoner. {11MR 233.1}
Voices that I was surprised to hear were joining this rebellion and
those with whom I had labored in past years without any evidence, or any sure
knowledge of any change in Sister White, were hard, bold and decided in
denouncing her. And of all those so free and forward with their cruel words, not one had come to me and inquired if
these reports and their suppositions were true. I was represented as telling things untrue, when I made the
statement that not a word of conversation had passed between me and Brethren
Jones and Waggoner nor my son Willie upon the law in Galatians. If they
had been as frank with me as they were in talking with one another against
me, I could have made everything plain to them in this matter. I repeated
this several times, because I saw they were determined not to take my
testimony. They thought we all came to the conference with a perfect
understanding and an agreement to make a stand on the law in Galatians. {11MR
233.2}
After hearing what I did my heart sank within me. I had never pictured
before my mind what dependence we might place in those who claim to be
friends, when the spirit of Satan finds entrance to their hearts. I thought
of the future crisis, and feelings that I can never put into words for a
little time overcame me. [Mark 13:9, 12, 13 quoted.]
All this passed through my mind like a flash of lightning and I was
sensible how little trust or dependence could be put in the friendship of
men, when human thoughts and human passions bear sway. Just as sure as the
enemy is permitted to bear sway, then we may expect anything. Human
friendship, bonds, and ties of relationship are severed, and why? Because
there is a difference of opinion in interpretation of the Scriptures. It is
the same spirit which condemned the Lord of life and glory. . . . {11MR 234.1}
And what created all this stirring up of human passions which was
bitterness of spirit, because some of their brethren had ventured to
entertain some ideas contrary to the ideas that some others of their brethren
had entertained, which were thought from their understanding to be inroads
upon ancient doctrines? {11MR 234.2}
The guide who accompanied me gave me the information of the spiritual
standing before God of these men who were passing judgment upon their
brethren. They were not keeping their own souls in the love of God. Had they
been growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
they would have distinguished light from darkness, and truth from error.
{11MR 234.3}
I had declared my intention of leaving the meeting as soon as the
Sabbath should close, but when I was assured I had a work to do to stand at
my post, that God had given me a message to bear in His name, and if even I
had foreseen the consequences, I could not be clear before God and have my
peace. My work must not cease here, for my testimony of this character must
continue as God should direct until these wrongs were expelled from the
churches. Unless the faithful testimonies are continued to be repeated in
There have been, I was
informed, misunderstanding not only of the testimonies, but of the Bible
itself. Men have exalted
themselves and esteemed themselves too highly, which leads to the denouncing
of others and passing judgment upon their brethren. Envy, jealousy, evil
speaking, evil surmising, judging one another, has been considered a special
gift given of God in discernment when it savors more of the spirit of the
great accuser, who accused the brethren before God day and night. There has
been a spirit of pharisaism, a hard, unsympathetic spirit toward the erring,
a withdrawing from some and leaving them in discouragement, which is leaving
the lost sheep to perish in the wilderness. There has been a placing of men
where God alone should be.--Letter 14, 1889. pp. 4-6. (To Dear Children
of the Household, May 12, 1889.) {11MR 235.1}
Ellen White's Concerns While at Ottawa, Kansas--If I can possibly get
off from the appointment to the Scandinavians I will do it and return home
and see what you are all about. I shall be glad to have No. 33 [NOW
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. V. PP. 477-754.] out, for the people need
it. I am up writing at three o'clock in the morning. There are many questions
to be considered and settled. It is understood that you are going to the
I have had some thoughts like this about
I never saw the condition of things as since coming here. The people
seemed to be in a maze. They could not seem to get hold of the subjects
presented until last Thursday; then there was a break, and since that time
the meetings have increased steadily in interest and the people have been
greatly benefited. Brother [R. M.] Kilgore is a free man. He no longer sees
men as trees walking. His trumpet will give a certain sound. He is a
converted man. {11MR 236.1}
Brother Tait is another who has been greatly blessed and will give the
trumpet a certain sound. Brother [J. F.] Ballenger has been in great distress
of mind, but he is now free and has a new conversion. It does my soul good to
see these old men and young men drinking in of the Spirit of God and planting
their feet on solid Rock. {11MR 236.2}
I have so desired that Frank [Belden] and yourself would share in the
benefits of this meeting, for if you both act a part in the work of God, then
you both need to be supplied with divine grace, that your works shall be
wrought in God. I see the great need of less of self and more--a great deal
more--of Jesus, and young and old have been getting hold from above and
becoming acquainted with faith and the righteousness of Christ. {11MR 236.3}
Well, I must write no more now. {11MR 236.4}
[Later:] We want the Testimony out as soon as possible. I think I
shall not wait here any longer, although they want me to do so. As far as
anyone to consult with is concerned, I am alone. I scarcely see Fannie [ to her very much. I shall not have her
travel with me. This
I have been really worried over this matter of
The Spirit of Picking Flaws--Now, brethren, I want to tell you, when the
Spirit of God comes into our midst, it will strike the minds that are ready
to receive it. But if their minds are not open to receive it, they are all
ready to pass judgment upon the messenger and the words spoken. In the place
of coming to God and asking Him to give them a new heart and a new mind, that
the transforming influence of the grace of God shall be upon them, they
commence to find fault and pick flaws. It does not strike them, and it must
harmonize with their ideas and they will stand right there until these things
are culled out of the way, and they place themselves right there to judge.
This is the way it was at Ron’s Commentary: Never, ever, confuse
sighing and crying for all the abominations, Ezekiel 9:4, be confused with faultfinding
and picking at flaws. Gross apostasy is never to be categorized as mere minor
faults and flaws. End comment. -238- {11MR 237.2}
It is because I know that the very same spirit is here, and that we
should not give place to it for a moment that I say these things. I know that
while the Spirit of God will make impressions upon human minds, the enemy
will come in and make the most of any little thing that it is possible to
make and the leaven will begin to work because the devil wants it so. Now
brethren and sisters I want to place you on your guard. I want to ask you if
you are satisfied with your coldness, your unbelief, your backslidings. Have
you not had enough of it? If not, the devil will give you all you desire. We
don't want any more. {11MR 238.1}
We see that we are in no better condition than the Jewish
people. God gave them
clear light that they might stand as His holy, peculiar people. He had given
them the prophets, and then Christ Himself came in order that He might
present the truth to them. But when
His own nation rejected Him, He turned away. He told them, "Ye have
ears, but ye hear not, eyes have ye but ye see not." (cf. Jer. 5:21.) Then
they inquired, "Are we blind also?" Christ said, "If ye were blind no sin would be attached, but it
is because light has come and ye choose darkness rather than light."
(See John 9:41.) Was it a real darkness? No, it was not. The light of
truth had shone upon them, but Satan was throwing his blinder before their
eyes, and they received it not. {11MR 238.2}
Now, Brethren, there is a blessing here for you. You may think it
strange that I speak to you about these things, but it is my duty. We never
want this thing acted over again on God's earth; and if God gives me strength
I will lift up a standard against the enemy. I have a work to do, and if God
gives me strength I will do it. I want you to inquire, How is it with my
soul? Will you take the light, or will you stand complaining?
It is time we should know where we are. We should have a chance to
pray and talk and seek God. What we want is the Lord, and we don't want
anything else. But we have it here in these words of Zechariah. Joshua stood
before the Lord, and Satan stood there at his right hand to resist him.
"The Lord rebuke thee," He said, "is not this a brand plucked
out of the fire?" (Zechariah 3:2). {11MR 239.1}
Now here are the people of God and God wants you to be getting ready for
the great day of salvation, that you may be getting others ready. He wants
you to have a fitting-up, that you may have a message for the people that
will cut its way through the fleshy heart, and that you may go crying through
the porch and the altar, "Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine
heritage to reproach" (Joel 2:17). Now open your ears to the truth you
have had and put away your doubts, unbelief, and Christless surmisings. {11MR
239.2}
God wants you to come and drink of the clear waters of the streams of
I went to a meeting where I could stay only three days, and in that
time I spoke to them seven times. They begged me to stay longer; they seemed
starved, and they would get up and talk of how they wanted this truth and
this light, but the devil was ready to bring in something to shut out the
light, and many are ready to have it so. They don't know what the pure
atmosphere is, but may the Lord help us that the clear light of His glory may
surround us. May God help us to stand on vantage ground before the enemy that we shall have our minds broken
off from things below and get hold from above. {11MR 239.4}
Christ, when talking to the people of His time, told them that they
had blinded their eyes and closed their ears lest they should see with their
eyes and hear with their ears and be converted and He should save them.
(Matthew 13:15.) Light had been given
them, but they would not receive it. Darkness
was upon them, and they would come and pick the little flaws, and draw the
minds of the people away from the solemn truth that was for them. Now,
how will it be with us? We don't want to kill ourselves here laboring for
you, but will you labor for yourselves? We want to know whether we will have
the rich blessing of the Lord resting upon us, and we realize that He sheds
His rich light and glory upon us. This is my prayer.--Ms. 2, 1889, pp. 2-4.
("Picking Flaws," May 12, 1889.) {11MR 240.1}
The Need for Humility--Brethren and sisters, just as surely as we
begin to look earnestly to Jesus and uncover our souls to Him, we shall go
down deep into the valley of humiliation; and just so surely as we go down,
we shall rise up again. The more
humbly we live before God, the nearer we will come to Him, and the more
distinct will be our view of Jesus Christ and His matchless light. {11MR
240.2}
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of
the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory" (1 Cor.
3:18). Now you see how important it is that we are beholding this. The enemy
has come in and his dark shadow has been thrown athwart our pathway, so that
we dwell on the dark side and talk of gloom until our way seems almost
hopeless, and we stumble along without courage, hope or love. But we do not
-241- want this to be so. We want this shadow
to be swept away, and it will be if we look beyond the darkened shadow to the
brightness beyond in Christ Jesus. . . . {11MR 240.3}
Have we received a bright thought? If so, we are not to think that it
is because of any wonderful smartness or intelligence in ourselves. It is
because God is the author of it. If
anyone tells you you have preached a good sermon, tell him the devil told you
that before he did, and for him not to be an agent for the devil. There
is pride in our hearts that must be emptied out, and then Jesus Christ will
come in and take possession of our whole heart. I love my Saviour this
morning because He first loved me. If there is anything in my life, my words,
my teachings that is good, it is because Christ has put it there. It is not because of any goodness in me,
and there is no glory to be directed to myself. {11MR 241.1}
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith; against these there is no law. We should
experience this, and then we will not be under the bondage of the law of God
by any means. You are free in Christ
Jesus. We shall walk in liberty, because our will is in harmony with the will
of God and we love all His commandments. . . . It is our privilege to go
on from strength to strength and from glory to glory. Do not think that, because we have a glimmer of the light of God,
that we have it all.--Ms. 3, 1889, pp. 1-3. (Morning Talk at Ottawa,
Kansas, May 14, 1889.) {11MR 241.2}
Preparation of Christ's Coming--We take the words of Brother [O.A.]
Olsen in regard to the coming of the Lord, and we think how it has been presented to us in a striking manner that
the end of all things is at hand, the Lord is at the door. What influence has
it had to solemnize our minds, and arouse in us an earnestness to separate
from us everything that is offensive to God? Then to think that after all He
is nearer now than when we first believed. The day of the Lord is right at
hand, and it is not safe for us to delay His coming. . . . {11MR 241.3}
Let us thank God today that we are not yet before the judgment seat of
God, but we have an Intercessor, One who has loved us so that He gave His own
precious life for us individually. Just as though there were not another soul
in the universe. He died for us and we are of infinite value of Jesus Christ.
How can we measure the sacrifice He has made for us? . . . {11MR 242.1}
It is not that you come out in words and deny Him, but in your actions
you deny Christ so that He is ashamed to call you brethren. We want every one
of us to be consecrated to God. Let the plowshare go deep and uproot all this
pharisaism and let this self-righteousness be torn all to pieces. The very
best way to have this done is to fall on the Rock and be broken. Just as soon as you see that there is
nothing in you that is righteous; just as soon as you have a dread of sin,
you will fall on the Rock, and then it is that Christ can take you and mold
you and fashion you into a vessel of honor. But just as soon as you allow
your thoughts and feelings to be turned against one another, this is unlike
Christ, and just so sure it is that you are not vessels unto honor, but
dishonor. You don't give God a chance. You are trying to fashion yourself
after a mold of your own imagination, but you need to take that out of your
mind and keep Christ before you every day.
When you rise up, and when you
sit down, when you go out, and when you come in, you need to exercise
Christian politeness and respect, because you are the purchase of the blood
of Christ, and He has died upon Calvary's cross that we might live.
Christ Himself has bridged the gulf for us. It is our duty to help those who
are downcast. Recollect what their privileges are, and don't talk of the
difficulties, but go right to them and try to bind up the brokenhearted.
These are right in the church all around us. Never have an idea that you know
more than your brethren, but just keep humble. It was this spirit of evil
surmising that brought all the weakness into the Jewish nation.--Ms. 4, 1889,
pp. 1, 2. ("Preparation for Christ's Coming," May 14, 1889.) {11MR
243.1}
Evil-surmising Leads to an Unbalanced Intellect--In Minneapolis God gave precious gems of
truth to His people in new settings, This light from heaven by some was
rejected with all the stubbornness the Jews manifested in rejecting Christ,
and there was much talk about standing by the old landmarks. But there was
evidence they knew not what the old landmarks were. There was evidence and
there was reasoning from the Word that commended itself to the conscience;
but the minds of men were fixed, sealed against the entrance of light,
because they had decided it was a dangerous error removing the "old
landmarks"--when it was not moving a peg of the old landmarks. {11MR
243.2} The men in responsible positions have
disappointed Jesus. They have refused precious blessings, and
refused to be channels of light, as He wanted them to be. The knowledge they
should receive of God that they might be a light and blessing to others, they
refuse to accept, and thus become channels of
darkness. The spirit of God
is grieved. Never can the heart be stirred up with envy, with evil-surmising,
with evil reports, but the intellect becomes unbalanced, and cannot decide
correctly any controverted point. The attributes of Satan which have found
entrance to the soul, cannot harmonize with truth.--Ms. 13, 1889, pp. 3, 4.
("Standing by the Landmarks.") {11MR 243.3}
Need for Divine Enlightenment--I
tell you now that you must have divine enlightenment. If you do not seek
this, Satan will set up his hellish banner right in your homes, and you will
be so blinded to the real nature of his deceptions that you will reverence it
as the banner of Christ.--Ms. 18, 1888, p. 4. ("Religious
Liberty.") {11MR 244.1}
Accepting the Robe of Christ's Righteousness--The Lord blessed the
words spoken, and he [Edwin Jones] said he could now better understand that
his business was "to look and live," to take the robe woven by
Christ Himself in the heavenly loom, and rejoice in the worthiness and
righteousness of Christ.--Letter 114, 1890, p. 3. (To O. A. Olsen, June 9,
1890.) {11MR 244.2}
Ellen White's Arduous Labors
From 1887 to 1890--I have not spared myself, but I have labored, I may
say, day and night without periods of rest. I have been so burdened that I could
not sleep. The Lord was setting things before me and He strengthened me to
meet the different issues that were arising. . . . I had labored early and
late, writing out important matters to meet and correct the prejudice, the
misconstruing of things, the misinterpretation of matters. . . . -245- {11MR
244.3} I have had to vindicate myself and my
brethren, press with all my powers against the prejudice, unbelief, false
statements and misrepresentations until it almost gives me a nervous chill to
think of the blindness and unreasonable pharisaism that has been adjusted as
a garment about men in prominent positions. . . . {11MR 245.1}
If my brethren allow me to carry this burden longer in this way I will
certainly know that God does not lead them and me. One of us is not moving in
God's order. I think it time to call a halt and see what powers are moving
us. . . . {11MR 245.2}
Satan will work with masterly power not only among unbelievers, but
believers, to close the door that the very special light shall not do its
work. What am I to do, Elder Olsen? I have no rest day nor night in
spirit.--Letter 115, 1890, pp. 1, 2, 7, 8. (To O. A. Olsen, June 21, 1890.)
{11MR 245.3}
Satan's Attempt to Undercut
Ellen White's Message--The spirit of resistance that has been exhibited
in presenting the righteousness of Christ as our only hope has grieved the
Spirit of God, and the result of this opposition has required the delivery of
this matter the more earnestly and decidedly. . . . {11MR 245.4}
Satan sees it is his time to make a strike. Fanaticism and errors will
prevail, and the men who ought to have stood in the light, their voices heard
on the right side of the question, were exercised on the wrong side to oppose
that which was of God and resist that message which the Lord sends. Their
position is seen to be wrong by very many, and they cry, "Danger,
fanaticism," when there is no heresy and fanaticism. When these evils really appear and they see the peril and
try to avoid it, they cannot do it. . . . {11MR 245.5}
Satan fixed up the matter according to his own devices. Because the
message of Sister White in testimonies given did not harmonize with their
ideas, the testimonies were made of no
account, except when they endorsed their ideas. So persistently have they
followed their own ways in this matter, that should reproof be given to the
evils that shall arise, the ones reproved will say, "Sister White's
testimonies are no longer reliable. Brethren A, B, and other leaders no
longer have confidence in them." These men have sown the seed and the
harvest will surely follow.--Letter 116, 1890, pp. 1, 2. (To O. A. Olsen,
August, 27, 1890.) White Estate Washington, D. C. November
12, 1981 {11MR 246.1} Let your influence be persuasive, binding
people to your hearts, because you love Jesus, and these souls are His
purchased possession. This is a great work. If, by your Christ-like words and
actions, you make impressions that will create in their hearts a hungering
and thirsting after righteousness and truth, you are a co-laborer with
Christ. Those who have a leading influence in the institutions should be men
and women who possess devotion and piety, who are not narrow and selfish in
any matter; but conscientious, self-denying, and self-sacrificing, ever
dealing with the workers as they would wish to be dealt with, having an eye
single to the glory of God. Men of such a character will keep the way of the
Lord. The workers should seek to make it as easy as possible for those who
bear the burden of responsibility, and have many cares and perplexities to
engage their attention. {PH088 6.1} All need to have right principles placed
before them in a judicious manner. Men
of investigating minds will thus receive the key of knowledge,
and will bring out treasures of thought for the enriching of other minds--
thought that will result in the saving of souls. Circumstances
will call forth words and decisions in favor of the right, and many will thus be swayed in the right direction.
Words and works flowing from the heart imbued with the love and fear of God
become a widespread blessing--a blessing that is carried into the highways
and byways of life.
{PH088 6.2} Chap. 6 - Morning Talk *** A Living Connection With God Morning talk by Ellen G.
White
I am thankful, brethren and sisters, that God has spared me to come to
this meeting. I have been sick nigh unto death; but prayer was offered by
those assembled at the
Now as we have assembled here we want to make the most of our time. I
have thought again and again that if we would only make the most of the
precious opportunities God had given us, they would do us so much more good;
but we too often let them slip away, and we do not realize that benefit from
them which we should. {1888 69.2}
My mind has been directed to the words of the apostle Paul. He says,
in the twentieth of Acts, beginning with verse 17: "And from
I have thought again and again, brethren and sisters, if we were Bible
believers as well as Bible readers, and would carry out just what God has
given us, we would be far better than we are at the present time. But we do not realize that it is the
loving voice of God speaking to us from His Word. We are to think everything
of it and take it home to our hearts. Then Paul goes on to say, in verse 24,
"Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my
course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God." "Wherefore I take you
to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not
shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (verses 26, 27).
What a testimony is that-- "free from the blood of all men." {1888
69.4}
Now here is the exhortation: "Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the
Brethren, if we would be [in earnest] the power of the Holy Ghost
would attend our efforts, and we would see a different state of things among
us. We are placed in trust with the most solemn truths ever committed to
mortals, but the course of some is of such a character that God cannot answer
their prayers. Their prayers are offensive to His holiness, and should He
hear and answer their prayers they would be confirmed in a wrong course, and
others would be led away from the straight paths. Why cannot we take the
truth God has revealed and weave it into our very life and character? If we have the spirit of Christ in our
hearts we will have a burden for the perishing souls around us as Paul had,
and we will leave such an impression upon the young men and women who claim
to believe the truth that they will feel that there are important
responsibilities resting upon them. They
will feel that their faith must be increased and that they must take up the
work lying directly in their pathway, and be a blessing to others--humble,
diligent, obedient; and when they meet their associates it will be to talk of
Jesus. They will carry Jesus into their homes and testify to all of His
mercy. {1888 70.2}
If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, you will put away all
vanity and foolish speaking. You will
be sanctified through the truth. You will so labor for God that you can
have an approving conscience in your ministerial work, and you can say with
the devoted should follow Him in the world. His
humiliation, His reproach, His crucifixion, and His cross He gave to His
disciples. He also gave to them the glory that was given Him. He said,
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and
greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." {1888
70.3} Brethren, it is a positive necessity that
we come up to a higher and holier standard. We must meet the difficulties in
our Christian warfare as Paul met them when the Jews were lying in wait for
him. We shall have to come through trying places, for there will be spies
watching on our track and lying in wait for us. We shall not only be brought
before councils, but we shall be thrust into prison, and we must be in that
advanced position of faith that we shall know God and the power of His grace,
where we can lift up holy hands to Him without wrath and doubting; and we
must learn how to believe that God hears us. {1888 71.1}
I know that God hears the prayers of His people. I know that He
answers them. But He cannot bless us while we are cherishing selfishness; and
what saith the Scriptures? "If I
regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." But if we put
away all self-exaltation, all self- righteousness, and come into living
connection with God, the righteousness of God will be imputed to us. "As
far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions
from us." {1888 71.2}
The wisdom from above is abiding with us just so surely as we ask Him for
it. The Lord has not forsaken us, but it is our sins and our iniquities that
have separated us from God. We want in the name of Jesus to break down the
barriers between our souls and God and then the peace of Christ will abide in
our hearts by faith. We want to
present ourselves in all humility before God, and get rid of everything like
pride, selfishness, evil surmising, evil speaking, and all iniquity. Jesus
will not take His abode in the heart where sin is enthroned. We want less of self and more of Jesus.
We want to learn how to believe--that it is simply taking God at His
word--but it is impossible to learn this unless we place ourselves in that
position where we will be submissive to God. Our will must be on God's side,
not on the side of Satan. The result of proving the forgiving love of God is
to be perfectly reconciled to God's will. Then the human will and the divine
become united. Every faculty must be kept in its place, all consecrated to
God; every faculty working in God's order, performing His will and purpose. {1888
71.3}
We need not feel anxious and troubled, as though the work was in our
hands alone to manage. The Lord is standing at the helm. The Infinite has His
hand on the machinery. If we humbly do our work with fidelity, the Lord will
take care of the results. Have faith in God. This faith will enable us to
have perfect trust and to look upon every movement in God's own light.
Nothing that is taking place or that can take place need to excite in us
fearful apprehensions, for God the great Master Worker has charge
of His own work; and if man will
not interfere, but leave the work to God's own control, He will do this work
well. Now, Christ would have
you who minister in sacred things to be holy as He is holy. Do not forget
that your power is in God. Be sure
that if God has called you to open His Word to the people, He has called you
to purity and goodness. {1888 71.4}
You should have a clear apprehension of the gospel. The
religious life is not one of gloom and of sadness, but of peace and joy
coupled with Christlike dignity and holy solemnity. We are not encouraged
by our Saviour to cherish doubts and fears and distressing forebodings; these
bring no relief to the soul and should be rebuked rather than praised. We may
have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let us put away our indolence and
study God's Word more constantly. If we ever needed the Holy Ghost to be with
us, if we ever needed to preach in the demonstration of the Spirit, it is at
this very time. If we will not work without it now, we shall have it in every
emergency in the future, and be prepared for what is coming upon the earth. We need to dwell more upon present truth
and the preparation essential in order that sinners may be saved. If the Spirit of God works with our
efforts, we shall be called out not only to present repentance in its true
light but pardon also, and to point to the cleansing fountain where all
pollution may be washed away. {1888 72.1}
We have a far more solemn work resting upon us in preaching the gospel
of Christ than we have imagined. If we have the truth abiding in the heart,
we shall be growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.
Let us think of these things more earnestly. Let there be no more cramping of
the intellect. There are greater wonders to be opened to our senses,
consistent with the progress of the work. The mystery of revelation
challenges investigation, for there are mines of truth to be opened to God's
people. We must put off self-righteousness, we must reach loftier heights.
God will direct the soul action if we seek the righteousness of Christ so
that God can be pleased with our efforts. We want none of self and all of
Jesus. The baptism of the Holy Ghost will come upon us at this very meeting
if we will have it so. Search for truth as for hidden treasures. The key of knowledge
needs to be held in every hand that it may open the storehouse of God's
treasury, which contains stores of precious gems of truth. When a man is
craving for truth from God's Word, angels of God are by his side to lead his
mind into green pastures.
{1888 72.2}
If the truth rested with
greater weight upon ministers of God, they would not handle the Word of God
deceitfully. They seem to have a
burden for souls while speaking to the people, but when out of the desk they
are destitute of spirituality. Be afraid of such. They preach but do not
practice. They show by their manner that the truth has not sanctified
their souls and what they have said has had no weight upon them. God's laborers will carry the burden of
souls with them. God will not work with the man who preaches the claims of
God in the desk and gives a lie to the truth out of the desk. We want to
be clean from the blood of all men, that the blood of souls will not be found
upon us, that we can say with Paul, "I am pure from the blood of all
men." {1888 72.3}
Let us commence right here in this meeting and not wait till the
meeting is half through. We want the Spirit of God here now; we need it, and
we want it to be revealed in our characters. We want the power of God here,
and we want it to shine in our hearts. Brethren, let us take hold of the work
as never before. Let us inquire, How is it with my soul? Is it in that
condition that it will be well with me? Shall Christ come and find me as I
now am? May God help us to be clean in spirit, pure and holy in all manner of
conversation and godliness.--Manuscript 6, 1888. {1888 73.1} Chap.
171 - Every Member a Missionary And he said, It is a light thing that
thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore
the preserved of
Tuesday morning, June 19. I have just looked at my watch; it is two
o'clock. I dress, seek the Lord, and try to write a few words to go in the
mail to
See Isaiah 49. I cannot write out this whole chapter. Read it
carefully and solemnly. What words are these! "And [He] said unto me,
Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified" (Isa. 49:3).
How many, after they have done their best, under most trying circumstances,
suffering for the want of facilities and from dearth of means, are ready to
say, in the words of the Scripture, "I have laboured in vain, I have
spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the
Lord, and my work with my God" (verse 4). {TDG 179.2}
All the warnings must be given. The truth, Bible truth, is to be
proclaimed in our large camp meetings, and the churches can hear the truth.
They have the opportunity. All may not desire to hear. Many oppose everything
that calls for self-denial. They are not willing to accept the Sabbath. In
Exodus 31:12-18 it is clearly marked out in definite lines what God expects
from His people, and the decided consequence of rejecting [it] is death. Notwithstanding
this, many will refuse obedience because the truth involves self-denial and
self-sacrifice. {TDG 179.3}
Many of the ministers will not hear and be convinced. They will not enter
the sanctuary of truth to receive the knowledge of truth from the Word, but
will take away the key of knowledge from the people by perversion of the
Scriptures, wresting the Word of God from its true meaning. Thus every step
gained in reaching the people to save them from being lost in error and
disobedience requires a hard, constant battle. But shall it stop? No. Lift up
the standard. Plant memorials of God's truth in every place possible, work in
new territories, and conversions will be made. Some who do not take their
stand at once will help advance the work with their means and their sympathy,
and will themselves take their position on the Lord's side. . . . God will
have representatives in every place in all parts of the world.-- Letter 86,
June 19, 1900, to A. G. Daniels. {TDG 179.4} January 28, 1886 "Preach the Word." By Mrs. E. G. White "Sanctify them through thy truth;
thy word is truth,"
was the prayer of Christ for his
disciples. In every age God has
committed to his people some special truth which is directly opposed to the
desires and purposes of the human heart, and which tends to separate his
church from the world; and it has been the duty of his ministers to proclaim
this truth, whether men would hear or forbear. {ST, January 28, 1886 par.
1}
When Christ came as the teacher and guide of mankind, he brought to
them truths glowing with the light of Heaven, showing in contrast the
darkness of error, and revealing the superstition, self-righteousness, and bigotry
of that age. His heart overflowed with love for the poor, the ignorant, the
afflicted, and the fallen. He healed the sick, comforted the desponding, cast
out devils, raised the dead, and preached to all the words of eternal life.
But many who listened to the divine Teacher received his words with little
favor. The priests and elders, the professed expositors of divine truth,
were sending forth no rays of light. In their self-righteousness they
held themselves aloof from the benighted people, who needed instruction and
guidance. When Jesus took up the work which they had left undone, they felt
that his life was a constant rebuke to them, and they feared that he would
turn the hearts of the people from them, and destroy their influence. They
were filled with pride, love of ostentation, and desire for praise; and they
despised the humility and self-denial of Jesus. They hated the purity while
they feared the power of his teachings. They refused to accept him
themselves, and bent all their energies to hinder others from believing in
him. No wonder he brought against them the terrible accusation: "Ye have
taken away the key of knowledge. Ye entered not in yourselves, and them
that were entering in ye hindered." {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 2}
It is no argument against
the truth that there are few who are willing to accept it. Few
accepted the world's Redeemer. Though the multitude flocked around him, eager
to receive temporal blessings, yet he sadly declared: "Ye will not come
to me that ye might have life." Men
are now no more favorable to practical godliness; they are just as intently
seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches. And reformers of
the present day will meet with the same discouragements as did their Master.
{ST, January 28, 1886 par. 3}
Of the people in his day Christ said: "For this people's heart is
waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have
closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their
ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I
should heal them." The Jews willfully closed their eyes and their ears,
and barred their hearts with prejudice, lest they should see a better way,
and be aroused from their dream of security. The people of the present generation are pursuing a similar course.
New truths are constantly
unfolding; new and clearer light is shining upon the pathway of God's people.
But the great mass of mankind are
satisfied with their present condition, and are unwilling to exchange error
for truth. But we are to be
sanctified through obedience to the truth. For want of this Bible
sanctification, the soul of many a professed Christian has become a
desecrated shrine, the haunt of hollow formalism, of selfishness and hypocrisy,
pride and passion. {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 4}
It is harder to reach the hearts of men today than it was twenty years
ago. The most convincing arguments may be presented, and yet sinners seem as
far from repentance as ever. The work of the faithful minister is no child's
play. Earnest, untiring effort is required to wrench the prey of Satan from
his grasp. But God will sustain his servants in the work which he himself has
committed to their hands. Said Christ to his disciples, as they toiled upon
the Whatever the trials and difficulties
that the ambassador of Christ may have to meet, he can carry them all to God
in prayer. He can weep between the porch and the altar, pleading, "Spare
thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach." And
by study of the Scriptures and earnest, wrestling prayer, he may become
"a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth." Labor on, then, while the day lasts, you who have been
called to preach the good news of salvation through Christ; for the night
cometh, wherein no man can work. God has called us to labor in his vineyard, and if we neglect our duty, souls will be
lost through our unfaithfulness. {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 6}
Though the servants of Christ may, at times, feel almost disheartened
as they see how many obstacles there are in the way of Christian living, and
how slowly the work of God seems to advance, their duty remains the same.
They are to sow the seed of truth beside all waters. A constant effort to
promote personal piety should be seen in all their public labors. They should
not preach sermon after sermon on doctrinal subjects alone. Practical godliness should find a place
in every discourse, and the discourses should be short and to the point.
{ST, January 28, 1886 par. 7}
The minister should not merely present the truth from the desk, but as
the shepherd of the flock he should care for the sheep and the lambs,
searching out the lost and straying, and bringing them back to the fold. He should visit every family, not merely
as a guest to enjoy their hospitality, but to inquire into the spiritual
condition of every member of the household. His own soul must be imbued with the love of God; then by kindly
courtesy he may win his way to the hearts of all, and labor successfully for
parents and children, entreating, warning, encouraging, as the case demands.
Let him seek to keep the church alive, and laboring with him for the
conversion of sinners. This is good generalship; and the results will be
found far better than if the minister performed all the work alone. {ST,
January 28, 1886 par. 8}
Jesus bids his people, "Go forward." The minister may labor
for the people, but he cannot take the responsibility that God has placed
upon them. There are higher attainments for us, there is a purer love, a
deeper experience, if we will consecrate ourselves to God, and humbly take
him at his word. The reason why we have no greater confidence and joy, is
that we are not sanctified through obedience to the truth. There is in us an
evil heart of unbelief. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy
Spirit to those who ask him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to
their children. Then let us shake off the spiritual sloth that dishonors him
and imperils our own souls. If we draw near to God, he will draw near to us.
We must not wait for better opportunities, for strong persuasions, or for
holier tempers. We can do nothing for ourselves. We must trust to the power
of Jesus to save us. He is holding out to us the crown of life, and shall we
not accept it? Let us come to him just as we are, and we shall find him a
present help in our time of need. {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 9}
The sweet sense of sins forgiven,
the light and love which Christ alone can give, fill the soul with peace and
joy. The assurance that we are
under the protection of Omnipotence imparts courage and confidence, inspires
a hope that is "as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and
which entereth into that within the vail." This assurance is a source of
strength unknown to the worldling or to the half-hearted professor. So long
as we have the presence of our Saviour, difficulties cannot dismay nor
dangers appall us; and we are ready cheerfully to perform whatever duty God
requires of us. If we were only as free to speak of the blessings we receive
from God as we are to talk of our doubts and discouragements, we should enjoy
far more of his presence. Our kind heavenly Father declares: "Whoso
offereth praise glorifieth me." Let us praise him more, and complain
less; let us talk more of the love and wondrous power of our Redeemer, and we
shall be brought nearer and nearer to him, into closer and still closer
relations with him in whom our hope centers. {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 10}
Shall we not consecrate
ourselves to God without reserve? Christ,
the King of glory, gave himself a ransom for us. Can we withhold anything
from him? Shall we think our poor, unworthy selves too precious, our time or
property too valuable, to give to Jesus? No, no; the deepest homage of our
hearts, the most skillful service of our hands, our talents of ability and of
means,--all are but too poor an offering to bring to Him who was slain, and
has redeemed us to God by his blood "out of every kindred, and tongue,
and people, and nation." History repeats itself. “The thing that has been, it is that which
shall be: and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no
new thing under the sun.” (Ecc.
1:9). In other words, “The
important movements of the present have their parallel in those of the past.”
(G.C. 343). That the Advent Movement is an important
movement of the present no one can deny and it has its parallel in the
history of Ancient Israel: “The remnant
church is called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews.” (1 SM, 387). Not one of us can afford to ignore the following warning: “The
trials of the children of Israel, and their attitude just before the first
coming of Christ, have been presented before me, again and again, to
ILLUSTRATE the position of the people of God in their experience before the
second coming of Christ—how the enemy sought every occasion to take control
of the minds of the Jews, and today her is seeking to blind the minds of
God’s servants, that they may not be able to discern the Precious Truth.” (1
SM, 406; 2 Cor 4:4). The
“precious truth” mentioned here is the light sent to the Seventh-day
Adventists in 1888. What was the attitude of the Jewish
people at the time of the first coming of Christ? “In the days of Christ the
religious leaders of the people felt that they were rich in spiritual
treasure. The prayer of the Pharisee, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as
the rest of men,’ expressed the feeling of this class and, to a great degree,
of the whole nation. Jesus had presented the cup of blessing to those who
felt that they were ‘rich and increased with goods, and had need of
nothing.’” (Rev. 3:17; MB, p. 6). Will not this be the attitude of the
Advent people just prior to the second coming of Christ? The next statement
from the pen of inspiration should leave no doubt in the mind of the reader: “Here
is represented a people (Adventists) who pride themselves in their possession
of spiritual knowledge and advantages—who are satisfied in their own
self-sufficiency—who claim to know and possess everything.” 1SM
357, 358. The illustration is, indeed, one must
admit, very striking! (GC, 457). Both, Ancient and Modern Israel “have been satisfied to sink down in
contentment, in lamentable ingratitude, hollow formalism, and hypocritical
insincerity. With Pharisaic pride they have vaunted themselves till it has
been said of them, ‘Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and
have need of nothing’” (1 SM 357). Ron comments: It should be remembered
that in the days of the disciples there was a literal city of To a great degree, then, this will be the
attitude of the majority of the different parties of Advent believers before
the second coming of Christ: “He who
feels whole, who thinks he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition,
does not seek to be a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ.
Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the
infinite blessings He came to give.” (Mount
of Blessing, p. 7). “There
is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those who are rich and
honourable in their own eyes do not ask in faith and receive the blessings of
God. They feel that they are full, therefore they go away empty.” (ibid.,
p. 7). Therefore, “To those who are indifferent at this time, Christ’s warning is: ‘I
will spew thee out of my mouth.’ The figure of spewing out of His mouth means
that Christ cannot offer up your prayers of your expressions of love to God;
that He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in
anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that
grace be given you.” 6 T 408. In other words: “He cannot take up the names of those who are satisfied in their own
self-sufficiency and that He cannot importune in behalf of a people who feel
no need of His help.” 1 SM 358. If there was ever a time when the
professed people of God needed to become aware of their true condition, it is
now, before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a large measure! In the days of Christ, “there were some who had a sense of their
spiritual poverty, who knew that they could not possibly save themselves, or
of themselves do any righteous action. They were the poor in spirit whom the
Lord declared to be blessed.” Mount
of Blessing, pp 6, 7; Matt 5:3; 1 Cor. 1:26-29. So it is today. While the majority feel
satisfied with their spiritual condition, there are some who are thirsting
and hungering for salvation. By day and by night the burden of their heart
is: WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? They listen
eagerly to popular discourses, hoping to learn how they may be justified
before God. But too often they hear only a pleasing speech, an eloquent
declamation. There are sad and disappointed hearts in every religious
gathering.” Review and Herald, March
8, 1881; Faith and Works, p. 32; Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 40. “There are many who want to know what
they must do to be saved.” Evangelism, p. 188.
It is to them that the gospel is to be preached: “The gospels 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.” Desire of Ages, p. 300; Job 22:29. The “poor
in spirit” spoken of in the Scriptures are “those who recognize that their great need is their only claim on
God’s mercy.” Desire of Ages, p.
317. They know that “they have nothing to recommend them to
God,” and therefore “the plea that
they may urge NOW and EVER is their utterly helpless condition that makes
God’s redeeming power a necessity.” (Ibid.
317). In other words, “their
argument is their great need.” (Ibid. 317; Jer. 17:9; Luke 18:13). When, in the 1880’s, “the poor in spirit”
began to seriously inquire and agonize about the matter of salvation, crying
out to God, by day and by night, “WHAT
MUST I DO TO BE SAVED,?” the Lord, in His great mercy, sent them “a most precious message.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 91. To them this message was “MEAT IN DUE SEASON.” (Matt. 24:45; Isa. 50:4). However, as
it was to be expected, “When light
begins to shin forth to make clear the plan of redemption to the people, the
enemy works with all diligence, that the light may be shut away from the hearts
of men.” (Review and Herald, Sep.
3, 1889; 1 SM 360). These words were penned at a time when God had
designed that this precious message of redemption should come to His people
as the latter rain: “We have
been in the time of the latter rain since the The next statement removes any doubt as to whether
or not the enemy succeeded in shutting away THE PRECIOUS TRUTH from the
hearts of God’s people: “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 light that is
to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of
our own brethren has been kept away from the world.” 1 SM 234, 235; TM, 79, 80, 91. When, through the illumination of the Spirit of God,
efforts are made to make plain the answer to the question: WHAT MUST I DO TO
BE SAVED,? “Satan calls to his aid all
the fallen angels of his realm.” GC
398; Rev. 12:12, 17. The fallen
angels cast their shadow athwart our pathway to intercept the Heaven-sent
light (2 Cor. 4:6). Hence the
following warning: “Satan will
work to quench the light God has for every soul, by casting his shadow across
the pathway to intercept every ray of heavenly light. He knows that his time
is short. The people of God must cleave to God, else they will lose their
bearings.” Ellen White’s Comments, 4 Bible Commentary, 1179. Shortly after the proclamation of the message in
1888, the Lord sent this testimony: “There
seems to be a cloudy atmosphere that has gathered about the soul of man and
that has shut in the mind. It is next to impossible to break through this
atmosphere of doubt and unbelief. It is next to impossible to arouse man’s
vital interests so that he may understand WHAT HE MUST DO TO BE SAVED.” Faith and Works, p. 64. Not One in
One Hundred… Why is it that we do not understand the precious
truth? Because “Satan is working with
all his hellish power to quench that light which should burn brightly in the
soul and shine forth in good works. He is working against this ALL THE TIME.”
E.G. White Comments, 4 Bible
Commentary, 1179; Faith and Works, p. 72; Matt. 5:16. It is certainly not because it is too difficult to
understand. “We do not understand the matter of salvation. IT IS JUST AS SIMPLE AS ABC. But we
don’t understand it.” E.G. White, May
11, Manuscript 1, 1889; Faith and Works, p. 64. Once again, these words
were penned only a few months after the proclamation of the message at It would seem that “We need to be enlightened in regard to the plan of salvation.”
In no uncertain terms we are told that “we
do not understand it.” Not even one in one hundred does: “There is NOT ONE IN ONE HUNDRED who
understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary
to our present and eternal welfare.” 1
SM 360. Not one in one hundred! These words from the apostle Paul to the
Corinthians certainly apply to us today: “If any man think he knoweth anything he knoweth
nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 Cor. 8:2. A Call to
Reform What must I do to be saved? The date is February 6, 1896. Sister White is in “The people
to whom God has entrusted eternal interests, the depositories of truth
pregnant with eternal results, the keepers of light that is to illuminate the
whole world, have LOST THEIR BEARINGS.”
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 397; 1
Selected Messages, pp. 234, 235. The people to whom God has entrusted this precious
truth have lost their bearings! Would that not explain why, some, especially
in the last fifty years or so, have been trying to get their bearings back?! Trying to
Re-Discover the Light In 1950, Elders Wieland and Short, who were then
missionaries to “Many even in
the world today are trying to discover THE LIGHT which God revealed to His
people in 1888. No one has so far been successful. Religious thinkers are
yearning for something no one clearly understands, thought it would seem that
a few are on the verge of discovery.”
Wieland and Short, 1888 Re-Examined,
1950, pp. 242-243. According to
these two scholars, a few seemed to be on the verge of discovering this
precious truth in 1950. As many as forty years had gone by, when, in 1987,
Wieland and Short published their second edition of “The 1888 Message Re-Examined,” and on page 184, we find that
they had this to say: “It would
seem that 1888 presents a problem unique in the long history of God’s
confrontation with His people. There is a Precious Truth involved therein
that seems more elusive than any in the history of past ages.” Wieland and
Short, 1888 Re-Examined, Second Edition, 1987, p. 184. Ron’s Comment: At the present time (2007), the 1888
message is being turned on its head by the liberal leaders of the SDA General
Conference. They are leaving out the sanctification part and making
righteousness by faith a forensic (legal) justification (pardon only) as far
as any condition for salvation is concerned. This is the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans which God especially hates. They never teach that grace is given
for obedience as well as pardon, Roman 1:5. So either the 1888 message is
still not understood by the ruling powers of the SDA church, or they are
purposely confounding it. God says that they ALL CANNOT UNDERSTAND, Isaiah 56:10-12. End comment. How could a message which was said to be “just as
simple as ABC,” become “more elusive than any in the history of past ages”
and that, for more than a century? How could the people of God possibly fail
to understand something that simple? It should not matter that the enemy is
working against this all the time. The blame must be laid at the door of the
church. (1 SM 234, 235). It is difficult to believe, let alone to accept the
fact that not one in one hundred understands for himself what he must do to
be saved! (Faith and Works, 65).
One more reason why it would be wise to seriously “examine ourselves, whether we be in the faith.” (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 8:2). “Let him who thinketh he standeth take
heed lest he fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12). It is indeed mind-boggling that this “Precious
Truth” which was described as being “just as simple as ABC,” (FW 64) “presented in clear and
distinct lines,” (TM 93) and “spoken in demonstration of the
Spirit,” (TM 91), should somehow
have become for more than a century, “more
elusive than any in the history of past ages!” The
Message In her address to the brethren who were assembled at
this most illustrious Conference in 1888, Sister White spoke solemnly as she
reflected upon the message from God: She said to them: “Be careful how you treat it. Take off the shoes from off your feet,
for you are on holy ground.” (TM
90). And then, in one of the most solemn appeals ever given to them, she,
in turn, spelled out in all its beauty and simplicity the very message which
some of us have for so many years been so desperately trying to discover: “How long
will you hate and despise the messengers of God’s righteousness? God has
given them HIS MESSAGE. They bear the word of the Lord: THERE IS SALVATION
FOR YOU BUT ONLY THROUGH THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST.” (TM 96, 97).
This is the precious truth that not one in one hundred understands for
himself! Only by accepting it and by applying it to our own hearts can we get
our spiritual bearings back! This is the “most
precious message” which God designed that should come to His people as
the latter rain! It is said that those who received this message were greatly
blessed, as they applied it to their own hearts: “The merits of the blood of Christ the believers apply to their own
hearts and they are greatly blessed.” (TM 95). As soon as the full meaning of this truth begins to
dawn in our minds and hearts, we cannot but be startled with its beauty and
simplicity and we are filled with nothing but gratitude to God: “Believe it because it is the truth,
because God says it, and LAY HOLD UPON THE MERITORIOUS BLOOD OF A CRUCIFIED
AND RISEN SAVIOR… When you realize that, you can bring to Him only and
offering of praise.” To the question: “What
shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” the
Psalmist’s answer is: “I will offer
unto Him the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.” (Ps. 116:12, 17;
Heb 13:15). That this is the everlasting gospel in a nutshell,
one needs only to read the following words: “Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly
sanctuary, the children of That there should have been any kind of prejudice
towards this message or any type of resistance against it, (TM 467); 1 SM 234, 235) is
attributable to the fact that “THE PROUD HEART STRIVES TO EARN HIS
SALVATION.” (DA, 300). This message was sent to the church “that God’s people might discern with
astonishment the UTTER WORTHLESSNESS OF CREATURE MERITS TO EARN THE WAGES OF
ETERNAL LIFE.” Faith and Works, p.
23. “Eternal life is an infinite gift. This places it
outside the possibility of our earning it, because it is infinite. It must
necessarily be a gift. As a gift it must be received by faith, and gratitude
and praise be offered to God.” (Ibid.,
p. 27). But the proud heart cherishes the idea that he can
do something to make himself worthy of God’s blessings: “We have long desired and tried to obtain the blessings of the
covenant of grace but have not received them because WE HAVE CHERISHED TH
IDEA THAT WE COULD DO SOMETHING TO MAKE OURSELVES WORTHY OF THEM.” (Faith and Works, p. 36). Those who cherish such an idea stand in the way
between the Heaven-sent light and the very ones who would gladly receive it.
And more often than not, “it is the
ministers and leading men who reject the light themselves and are not willing
that others should receive it.” (EW,
241; Luke 11:52). So it is today: “The
prejudices and opinions that prevailed at “Many are
losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that they must climb to
Heaven, that they must do something to MERIT the favour of God. This they can
NEVER accomplish.” (1SM 368). The truth that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare was
“in great measure” “shut away” from
our people “by the action of our own
brethren.” (1 SM 235). Ron’s Comment: Why would the leading brethren reject
relying only on the MERITS of Christ? Because one of those MERITS is grace
given for obedience. Rom. 1:5, and
folk want pardon for sin and reject the offer of power (grace) for obedience.
It is not so much that the leaders cannot understand this fact of the message
of righteousness by faith. Rather, they reject it for the ease of the
Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, the desire to be saved in sin rather than from
sin. End comment. The leaders are thus not the only ones to blame, for the
people love the notion of being saved in their sins because they love their
sins more than they love Christ and salvation—eternal life. That is the
paradox of mankind! It is not my personal opinion that God’s people love
it when their leaders (prophets) prophesy falsely and teach them a cheap
grace false gospel: "The
Lord commanded one of his ancient servants, 'Pray not thou for this people [Jer. 7:16 and 11:14], neither lift
up cry nor prayer for them neither make intercession to me for I will not
hear thee.' The prophet thus describes the sins which had called forth this
fearful denunciation: 'The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear
rule by their means and my people
love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof?' 'From
the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to
covetousness and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth
falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people
slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace.' The apostles declare
that this state of things will find its COUNTERPART in the last days. Many
have a form of godliness, but in their daily life deny the power thereof.
They have ceased to be convicted of their sins or alarmed at their state.
They say in their hearts, 'The church is flourishing. Peace and spiritual
prosperity are within her borders.' The words of the prophet may well apply
to these self-deceivers, 'They have chosen their own ways, and their soul
delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and
will bring their fears upon them." E.
G. White, Second
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald,
11-07-82. COUNTERPART: "In the time of the Saviour, the Jews had so covered
over the precious jewels of truth with the rubbish of tradition and fable,
that it was impossible to distinguish the true from the false. The Saviour
came to clear away the rubbish of superstition and long-cherished errors, and
to set the jewels of God's word in the framework of truth. What would the
Saviour do if he should come to us now as he did to the Jews? He would have
to do a similar work in clearing away the rubbish of tradition and ceremony.
The Jews were greatly disturbed when he did this work [As are SDAs today!].
They had lost sight of the original truth of God, but Christ brought it again
to view. It is our work to free the precious truths of God from superstition
and error." E.G. White,
Review and Herald, vol. 2, 308. So Satan has devised three avenues to deceive the
souls of men. First, he deceives them into thinking that they can earn
salvation by their own empowered works. Secondly, he tempts them into
believing that they can be saved in sin rather than from sin. Third, he causes
some to think that temporal sin is more desirable than eternal life. Any of
these options is the selling of the soul for a mess of pottage. It is the second option that is currently being
taught by the majority and controlling faction of liberal, omega of apostasy
SDA leaders of Adventism. Though it is true that some leaders in the church
teach the true gospel, they are corporately responsible for the false gospel
being taught in the church because they remain members of the church and
support the false gospel with their tithe and offerings. No SDA will be
excused for not knowing or rejecting the following statement which teaches
corporate responsibility based on the Biblical example of Achan: "The
plain straight testimony must live in the church, or the curse of God will
rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient Many SDA’s have
mocked and/or rejected the above statement saying that they are not
responsible for the open sins of others in the church. This is curious when
one considers that a prime reason they are Adventists is because Adventists
came out of the other churches because they would be responsible for their
errors if they did not do so. We would be responsible for The Only
Religion of the Bible But see how marvelous it is in our eyes that in just
“a few words” (Eph 3:3, 4) we have
here, simply stated, the true religion, the only religion of the Bible: “THERE IS SALVATION FOR YOU BUT ONLY
THROUGH THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST.” (TM
468, 97). To the question: What must I do to be saved, there can be only
one answer: “Present your case before
God pleading the MERITS of the blood that was shed for you upon As this study progresses, it will be seen, in an
ever increasing light, that “the merits
of a crucified and risen savior are
the FOUNDATION of the Christian’s faith.” (The Great Controversy, p. 73). This is what the Reformers
discovered and when they did, it is said that “THEY CAST THEMSELVES WHOLLY
UPON THE MERITS OF THE SAVIOR.” (Ibid., p. 74). “Luther
tried through works to obtain the favour of God; but he was not satisfied until
A GLEAM OF LIGHT FROM HEAVEN drove the darkness from his mind, and led him to
trust, not in works, but in THE MERITS OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.” (Spiritual
Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 120). John Calvin’s prayer to God was: “O Father, we had devised for ourselves
many useless follies, but Thou hast placed Your word before me like a torch,
and Thou hast touched my heart, in order THAT I MAY HOLD IN ABOMINATION ALL
OTHER MERITS SAVE THOSE OF JESUS.” (The
Great Controversy, p. 221). No prayer was ever more Spirit-filled! It
clearly defines the true religion, the only religion of the Bible! By comparing statement with statement, as Scripture
explains Scripture, (1 Cor. 2:13; 1SM
42) we will be better able to discern and appreciate the preciousness of
this truth. We will see that it is indeed “a
most precious message” (TM 91)
and that it is no “cunningly devised
fable.” (2 Peter 1:16). It
will be seen that this simple truth is “THE
TRUTH AS IT IS IN JESUS,” even “the
third Angels’ message in verity!” (Eph.
4:21; TM 92, 93, 97). The
Testimony of God Himself At this point we would like to introduce a third
witness, for: “In the mouths of two or
three witnesses shall every word be established.” (2 Cor. 13:1). Once again we can see how the Pen of Inspiration could
not have stated this truth in a more graphic or more simple way: “We see in
the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of
the suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite,
dwelling in light unapproachable, yet receiving us to Himself through the
merits of His Son.” Acts of the Apostles, 333. In other words, once again, simply stated: “God will accept every one that comes to
Him trusting wholly in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Love springs
up in the heart.” 1 SM 354. “Righteousness is love and love is the
light and the life of God.” Mount
of Blessing, p. 18. May God give us hears to receive this testimony, for
this is the precious truth that is so necessary to our present and eternal
welfare, that not one in one hundred understand for himself! Righteousness is obtained only by trusting wholly in
the all-sufficient merits of the Savior. This is the doctrine of Christ, the
true religion, the only religion of the Bible (TM 468). The Father receives
us to Himself through the merits of His Son! This is the Testimony of God
Himself! (1 Cor 2:1, 2; Gal. 6:14). Our Part
and God’s Part All that the truth expects from us is that we
believe it. (1 John 5:10). Implicit faith in the truth is true humility, true
self-surrender. (DA 535). It is
the work of the Holy Spirit to impress the truth into our souls (FW 56) and to enable us to lay hold
upon it by faith. “Our part,” the prophet wrote, “is to lay hold by faith of the merits of Christ.” (FE 430). It
is that simple. And if we do our part, then God will do His part! As faith
lays right hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen
Saviour, the Holy Spirit brings Christ’s righteousness into the life and “Christ’s righteousness accomplishes
everything.” (FW, 64-66; 27). This
is what it means to “believe on Him
whom God has sent.” (John 6:29). What Must
I Do To Be Saved? The answer is a simple one: “I must ever look toward This was the testimony which God gave to His
servants: “a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is
the Third Angel’s message” in verity. (TM
93). The next witnesses will verify this: “It has
been Satan’s determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus and lead men to
look to man, and trust to man, and be educated to expect help from man. For
years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much from man, but
not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered... Many
had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His
divine person, TO HIS MERITS… This is the message that God commanded to be
given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be
proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit in large measure.” (TM 92, 93). Notice where the emphasis is in the following statements: “The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be
presented to the people with freshness and power that their faith might lay
hold upon ITS MERITS.” (Ibid., 92). “Unless he makes it his lifebusiness to behold the uplifted Saviour
and to accept His MERITS which it is his PRIVILEGE to CLAIM, the sinner can
no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes
fixed steadily upon Jesus.” (TM 93). The Role of Commandment-keeping Could the Gospel have been made
more plain or simple? With the simple faith of a little child we are to rest
in the merits of the Lamb that was slain! All that we need to do is to hold
on to the Testimony of God Himself, that He receives us to Himself through
the merits of His Son! (AA, 333; 1
Cor. 2:1, 2). For: “The merits of
Christ blot out transgressions and clothe us with the robe of righteousness
woven in the loom of Heaven.” (Ev.
186). The people were invited to lay hold by faith of the merits of
Christ in order to receive the righteousness of God which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God
(TM 92; FW 65, 66). Ron’s Comment: When we
“buy” (receive) gold tried in the fire (faith that works by love), we receive
the gift of love and the power (grace for obedience—Rom. 1:5). We then obey
out of love for Christ and by His empowerment of His Holy Spirit. This is His test for us as to whether or
not we love Him, and have indeed “bought” (received—accepted) His gift of
love and faith—gold tried in the fire. The great problem is that obedience
involves a sacrifice and a cross and most do not want the inconvenience of a
sacrifice and a cross. “The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of
truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is the only argument against the truth which its advocates have
never been able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of
Christ. These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of
their duty, they deliberately accept the cross, with the apostle Paul
counting that ‘our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;’ with one of old,
‘esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in “Whatever may be their profession, it
is only those who are world servers at heart that act from policy rather than
principle in religious things. We should choose the right because it is
right, and leave consequences with God. To men of principle, faith, and
daring, the world is indebted for its great reforms. By such men the work of
reform for this time must be carried forward. “Thus saith the Lord: ‘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. For the
moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool:
but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to
generation.’ Isaiah 51:7-8.”—Great
Controversy, 458-460. So you can see that it is not so much
a matter of the leaders not being able to understand the 1888 message of
Righteousness by faith as it is a matter of rejecting it for Satan’s lie of
cheap grace without obedience out of a motive of love for Christ. The leaders
know what the people want and in order to garner numbers rather than quality
(in order to fill the coffers—for they are greedy says God), they teach the
people what they want to hear—salvation in sin rather than from sin. The so-called “elusiveness” of the
message of Righteousness by Faith in 1888, is chargeable to the leadership
who feeds the people what they want—salvation in sin. The truth is as simple
as ABC, but most folk don’t want the truth. Thus, they “play church” and in
the end, miss out on both—the temporal pleasures of the world and eternal
life. End Ron’s comment. Court Week With Us All the witnesses that we have heard,
so far, are of one mind and of one accord, testifying to the saving truth
that “the merits of Christ are SUFFICIENT to present to the Father in our
behalf. (SC, 36). In other words, it is court week with us and we are to “present
our case before God pleading the merits of the blood that was shed for us
upon Calvary’s cross,” saying, “Lord, I have no merit or goodness whereby I
may claim salvation but I present before you the –MERITS of the—all-atoning
blood of the spotless Lamb of God. THIS IS MY ONLY PLEA.” (FW, p. 106). To apply to the merits of the blood of
Christ is our “first work” and “the work of a lifetime,” for, “the
blood of Christ is efficacious, but it needs to be applied continually.” (4T 122). Therefore, it is written
that “we must DAILY APPLY to the merits of the blood of a crucified and
risen Savior that we might become fit vessels for the Master’s use.” FW, p. 86. Habitually Dwelling. . . Now, let us have a look at the sure
results of habitually dwelling upon Christ and His merits: “HABITUALLY DWELLING UPON CHRIST AND HIS ALL-SUFFICIENT MERITS
increases faith, quickens the power of spiritual discernment, strengthens the
desire to be like Him and brings earnestness into prayer that makes it
efficacious.” Gospel
Workers, p. 166. All these things will be realized in the lives of those
who habitually dwell upon the merits of the Savior and acknowledge their
appreciation of them. “As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of
Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions.” (Our Father Cares, p. 120). And we
are specifically told that “Jesus has turned the merits of His sacrifice into
prayer.” (7 Bible Commentary, 9140).
And what is our work? “Our work is to hang our helpless souls upon His
merits.” TM 247. This is the only true faith which
brings God’s blessings to us: “Looking unto Jesus and trusting in His merits we appropriate the
blessings of light and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (5T 744). This is “the faith which works by love” to purify the soul. (Gal. 5:6). Therefore, “The only
faith that will BENEFIT us is that which embraces Jesus as our personal
Savior: WHICH APPROPRIATES HIS MERITS TO OURSELVES.” (Our Father Cares, p. 192). Do we begin to get a glimpse of what
happens when we “appropriate” the merits of Christ to ourselves? As we
realize our great need, we may fall at the feet of Jesus and claim His
merits. In doing so, our heavenly Father treats us, not as we deserve, but as
Jesus deserves to be treated and loved! Behold! What manner of love! “Jesus
was treated as we deserve that we might be treated as He deserves.” DA, p. 25. Is this not a
mind-boggling truth? The merits of Christ’s infinite sacrifice are placed
upon the believer! Implicit faith in this truth is true humility, true
self-surrender and it brings infinite blessings! Ibid., p. 535. Comparing Statement with Statement By comparing statement with statement,
we hold the key that will explain the messages given, just as Scripture
explains Scripture. (See 1 SM, 42).
The prophet Isaiah said: “Here a little, there a little.” (Isa. 28:10). It was the apostle
Paul’s manner of teaching, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual
things.” (1 Cor. 2:13). The
Testimonies, like the Scriptures, are “not subject to any private
interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20). Summary Before we go any further, let us now make
a brief summary of some of the testimonies we have heard so far: 1. “There is salvation for you but
only through the merits of Jesus Christ.” 2. “The Father receives us to Himself
through the merits of His Son.” 3. “The eyes of the people needed to be
directed to Christ, to His merits. 4. The merits of Christ are sufficient
to present to the Father in our behalf.” 5. “Our part is to lay hold, by faith,
of the merits of Christ.” 6. “The only faith that will benefit
us is that which appropriates Christ’s merits to ourselves.” 7. “The merits of Christ are the
foundation of the Christian’s faith.” 8. “We must daily apply to the merits
of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior.” 9. “We are accepted through Christ’s
merits alone.” 10. “Looking unto Jesus and trusting
in His merits, we appropriate the blessings of light and peace and joy in the
Holy Spirit.” All these “witnesses” testify to the
amazing fact that Jesus took upon Himself what we deserve that we might be
treated as He deserves! It is our privilege to appropriate to ourselves the
all-sufficient merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior. More Witnesses Now we would like to introduce other
witnesses in support of this precious truth. It is impossible to overemphasize
it. The apostle Paul said: “To write the same things to you, to me indeed
it is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” (Phil. 3:2). It is safe for us to habitually dwell upon Christ
and His merits. Living Faith Found in the following statement is the
definition of what living faith is: “How has it been with Christ’s
disciples in all ages of the world? Why, they have learned of Jesus; they
have been in His school; they have been His students, and have learned the
lessons of Christ in regard to the living connection that the soul has with
God: That LIVING FAITH is essential to our salvation, THAT WE SHOULD LAY HOLD
UPON THE MERITS OF A CRUCIFIED AND RISEN SAVIOR…” to bring Christ’s
righteousness into the life. FW, p.
64. That, dear reader, is what living
faith is and it is according to God’s idea of it, and not according to any of
man’s ideas. This is the true teaching of righteousness by faith. Thank God! (1 Cor. 2:1-5; Eph. 4:21). And we
cannot explain it: “You cannot explain this faith that lays right hold
upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior to bring
Christ’s righteousness into the life.” FW, pp. 65, 66. This is the true religion, the only religion of
the Bible! This is the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our
present and eternal welfare, that not one in one-hundred understands for
himself. And whether we realize it or not: “This
is the highest position to which man can attain” (AA, p. 21), for then: “Christ places His own merits upon us
and thus elevates us in the scales of moral value with God.” (Our Father Cares, p. 121). Thus, “It is the privilege of every
believer in Christ to possess Christ’s nature, a nature far above that which
Adam and Eve forfeited by transgression.” (The Upward Look, p. 18). Clothed with the robe of His
righteousness, we will not depend upon what we can do or what we will do, for
Christ’s righteousness accomplishes everything. FW, pp. 66, 27. At the foot of the cross, man, in his
utterly helpless condition, is to hang his helpless soul upon the merits of
the blood shed for him. (TM, 247; Heb.
11:6; TM 468). A Wonderful Work “Jesus looked forward to the time when
the Holy Spirit should come to do a wonderful work in and through His
merits.” TM 402. In this time of the latter rain, “One interest will
prevail, one subject will swallow up every other, Christ and His
all-sufficient merits,” for “it is only the fragrance of the merits of
the blood of Christ that will avail ANYTHING in our behalf.” (5 BC 1122). If there is anything in our
world that should inspire enthusiasm, it is the fact that “JESUS WAS TREATED
AS WE DESERVE THAT WE MIGHT BE TREATED AS HE DESERVES.” Desire of Ages, p. 25. God forbid that we should glory save
in the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior. (Gal. 6:14; Col. 1:20). This is “the
hope that is set before us,” in the Scriptures. (Heb. 6:18). And what a lively hope! Our Only Hope “Our only hope is in the merits of the blood of a crucified and
risen Savior.” (GC
471). We have nothing in ourselves of which to boast. Our only ground of
hope is in trusting wholly in the all-sufficient merits of the blood that is
of value beyond estimate. FW, p. 22. Blessed Assurance Mark these words: “NOT ONE WHO
TRUSTS IN HIS [Christ’s] MERITS WILL BE LEFT TO PERISH.” PP 432. Blessed assurance! “When
we rely upon the merits of Jesus… we shall receive all the help that we can
desire.” PP 431. Could
salvation have been made more simple? I love to repeat it: “The merits of
His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf.” SC, p. 36. Who would dare to suggest, or even
think, at this point, that it is not enough to rely solely upon the merits of
the blood of Christ? This truth is pregnant with eternal results. This is the
light that is to burn brightly into the soul and shine forth in good works,
works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10). A truth Whose Time Has Come There is nothing so powerful as a
truth whose time has come. “Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of the
Father at the throne of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our
pardon, our justification and our sanctification. The Lamb slain is our only
hope. Our faith looks up to Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the
uttermost, and the fragrance of the all-sufficient offering is accepted of
the Father.” (Our
Father Cares, p. 203). “God Himself has bowed in acceptance of the
sacrifice.” FW, p. 72. “Does Satan plead loudly against our souls, accusing of sin, and
claiming us as his prey? The blood of Christ pleads with greater power!” (MB, p. 9; Rev. 12:11). “You
cannot save yourself from the tempter’s power, but he trembles and flees when
the merits of that precious blood are urged.” 5T 317. Speaking With Great Authority Now let us make room for
other witnesses who definitely have an extremely important contribution to
make in support of this precious truth, the truth as it is in Jesus. (Eph. 4:21). Our first witness in
this connection speaks with great authority. We need to listen very
carefully. May the Lord cover us with a canopy of His holy angels that not
one word may be lost: “It is the GRAGRANCE OF THE
MERITS OF CHRIST that makes our good works acceptable to God, and it is grace
that ENABLES us to do the works for which He rewards us. OUR WORKS IN AND OF
THEMSELVES HAVE NO MERIT. When we have done all that is possible for us to
do, we are to count ourselves as UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS. (Luke 17:10). WE
DESERVE NO THANKS FROM GOD. We have only done what it was our duty to do, and
our works could not have been performed in the strength of our own sinful
natures. WORKS WITHOUT FAITH ARE DEAD, AND FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. Works
will never save us; IT IS ONLY THE MERITS OF CHRIST THAT WILL AVAIL IN OUR
BEHALF.” E.G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1122; Faith and Works, p. 48. This last statement
contains the testimony of God. (1 Cor.
2:1, 2). It must be read again and over again until its vital truths are assimilated.
It may bring confusion to those whose minds have been blinded by the price of
darkness, (2 Cor. 4:6), but if the eyes of our understanding have been
opened, to us it is a statement which is very illuminating in its influence
and saving in its power. We must not forget to pray that God will surround us
with a canopy of angels for this is the precious light the enemy is working
against ALL THE TIME! (FW, p. 72). Put Up the Bars Behind You! We need not be confused. “We can be established on every point; and
when the Holy Spirit shall come into our hearts, to impress the truth into
our souls, WE WILL NOT LET IT GO EASILY.” (FW, p. 56). “If you have
seen the truth of God, press right to the light and put up the bars behind
you. We need to have an individual, personal experience. We need to be
converted as did the Jews. If you see a little light, you are not to stand
back and say, ‘I will wait until my brethren have seen it.’ IF YOU DO, YOU
WILL GO ON IN DARKNESS.” FW, pp.
77, 78. “Fear God!”
That is, “You are to think for
yourself. You are no longer to let other men do your thinking.” (E.G. White, This Day With God, p. 31).
This is what it means to “fear” God.
And “Give glory to Him.” Rev. 14:7. We are to give credit to
whom credit is due. “What have you that
you did not receive?” 1 Cor. 4:7.
“A man can receive nothing unless it be
given him from God.” John 3:27.
“From the smallest benefits up to the
largest blessing, all flow through the one Channel—a superhuman mediation
sprinkled with the blood that is of value beyond estimate because it was the
life of God in His Son.” FW, p.
22. “The creation belongs to God. The Lord could, by
neglecting man, stop his breath at once. All that he is and all that he has
pertains to God. The entire world is God’s own endowment. It is all His gift
to be returned back to God in helping to cultivate the heart of man. The most
splendid offerings may be laid upon the altar of God, and men will praise,
exalt, and laud the giver because of his liberality. In what? ‘All things come
of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.’” (1
Chronicles 29:14; FW pp. 22, 23). “We stand
in favour before God, not because of any merit in ourselves, but because of
our faith in—the merits of the—blood of a crucified and risen Savior.” FW 107; Rom.
5:9; 3:25; Col. 1:14, 20. There is
not a Point… Our next witnesses speak with even greater
authority. We need to pay close attention: “There is
not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently,
or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of
fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works.” FW, p. 19. This is as strong a testimony as one witness can
bear, right? However, this testimony does not even come close to what we are
about to hear. Brace yourself! To my knowledge, the next testimony is likely
to be the strongest, clearest, and most solemn one mortal ears will ever hear
regarding the utter worthlessness of creature merit: “If you
would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely
in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in
the salvation of the human soul, or in merit, the proposition would be
rejected as TREASON.” FW, p. 24. To those who cherish the idea that good works have
any merit in themselves, Jesus will say, “Depart
from me ye workers of iniquity.” Matt.
7:23. Solemn words! Could we possibly hear stronger language? Hardly!
But there is more: “Standing in the
presence of their Creator and looking upon the unsurpassed glory which
enshrouds His person, they—the angels—are looking upon the lamb of God given
from the foundation of the world to a life of humiliation, to be rejected of
sinful men, to be despised, to be crucified. Who can measure the infinity of
the sacrifice? And any works that man can render to God will be FAR LESS THAN
NOTHINGNESS. The idea of doing anything to MERIT the grace of pardon is
FALLACY from beginning to end.” FW,
p. 24. So then, “Justification
by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as
soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works
can never procure eternal life for him.” (Ibid., pp. 20, 27). The Lord will reward us for the works which He
Himself has wrought in and through us but the merits of Christ’s blood alone
will avail anything in our behalf. Only the merits and righteousness of
Christ will be recognized. None Will
Ever Perish… “In all our
helpless unworthiness, we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen
Savior. NONE WILL EVER PERISH WHILE THEY DO THIS.” PP 203. None
will ever perish while they do what? Trust in the merits of the crucified and
risen Savior! Blessed assurance! And “Through
the virtue of the merits of the blood of Christ we may stand unscathed amid
the fire of temptation and trial.” FW,
pp. 86, 87. For, “Looking unto
Jesus and trusting in His merits, we appropriate the infinite blessings of
light and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 5T, 744. And “the gift of the Holy Spirit, rich, full,
and abundant,” “brings all other blessings in its train,” AA 50; DA 672, and “is to be to God’s people as an
encompassing wall of fire that the powers of hell shall not prevail against.”
TM, p. 18. Thus, “Living
faith enables its possessor to lay hold upon the merits of Christ, enables
him to derive great comfort and satisfaction from the plan of salvation.”
1SM, 364. “He who
spilled His own blood lives to plead its merits in our behalf!” (7 BC, 948). “The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting His
divine merits in the offering of Himself to the Father as our Substitute and
Surety; for He ascended up on high to make atonement for our transgressions.”
FW 105. And now in this time of investigative
judgment, through the virtue of the merits of His blood, we may be “more than conquerors” in the battle
against our inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil. DA 671. “We are living in
the great Day of Atonement, and it is now time that everyone should repent
before God, confess his sins, and by living faith rest upon the merits of a
crucified and living Savior.” TM
pp. 224, 225. When Christ died a sacrifice, “The condition for the atonement was fulfilled.” AA, p. 29. Ever since His ascension
He has been pleading the merits of His blood before the Father in our behalf.
“The intercession of Christ is as a
golden chain fastened to the throne of God. HE has turned the merit of His
sacrifice into prayer.” 7 BC 914;
AA 37; PP 357-359. In 1844 Jesus entered the From
Another Angle Let us now look at this precious truth from another
angle: “Some seem
to feel that they must be on probation and must prove to the Lord that they
are reformed before they can claim His blessing. But these dear souls may
claim the blessing even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ,
to help their infirmities, or they cannot form a Christian character. Jesus
loves to have us come to him as we are—sinful, helpless, dependent.” FW 38. A preacher was once heard saying that the Holy
Spirit was promised to us on certain conditions such as “humility,
confession, repentance, and earnest prayer.” “And,” he added, “we need to
pray that the Lord will show us any other conditions so that we can be
revived and receive the Holy Spirit!” This teaching is not in harmony with
the teachings of the Word of God. The Good News is that “The Lord specifies no conditions except that you hunger and thirst
for His mercy and His love.” MB,
p. 130, Matt. 5:6. This is the only condition! And even this is the
gift of God: “You cannot have an inclination to come to Him unless He sets in
motion influences and impresses His Spirit upon the human mind. And if there
is a man on the face of the earth who has any inclination toward God, it is
because of the many influences that are set to work to bear upon his mind and
heart. Those influences call for the allegiance to God and an appreciation of
the great work done for him.” FW 73. Ron’s Commentary: Willful, knowing disobedience to
God’s commands is not evidence that one is hungering and thirsting for His
mercy and love. "No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and
obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things
which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty....As God
works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and co-operates with
God, he works out in the life what God WORKS IN by the Holy Spirit, and there
is harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life.
Every sin must be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of
life and glory....It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual
obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained." E.G. White, Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 396-397. End
Ron’s comment. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His
wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps. 107:21). And “Let them
sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with
rejoicing.” Verse 22. This makes it very clear, then, that
if there is anything good in us—humility, confession, repentance, etc., etc.,
it is wholly attributable to the mercy of a compassionate Savior! The next
witness is just as emphatic: “He who will lay hold of Christ’s righteousness
NEED NOT WAIT ONE MOMENT that he himself may blot out his own sins. HE NEED
NOT WAIT UNTIL HE HAS MADE A SUITABLE REPENTANCE before he may take hold of
Christ’s righteousness. WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MATTER OF SALVATION. IT IS
JUST AS SIMPLE AS ABC. BUT WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT.” FW, pp. 76, 64. Ron’s Commentary: The conditions for
coming to Christ, and for being justified, must not be confused.
Commensurately, it must be recognized that obedience must ACCOMPANY
justification and is proof of it; the very test of it. If we love Him we will
keep His commandments. Obedience is not a requisite for coming to Christ, but
it will ACCOMPANY a true hungering and thirsting coming to Jesus, but we need
not obey before coming to Christ. That would be impossible for it is
only by His empowerment that we can obey. "Obedience is the fruit of
faith." Faith, of course, is what results in our receiving Justification.
Therefore, obedience in the life, and sanctification, could never precede
justification. We come to Jesus, in a
surrendered, obedient HEART, in a willingness to obey. Steps to Christ, p.
62. "If you give yourself to Him, and
accept Him as your Savior, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His
sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your
character, and you are accepted before God as if you had not sinned." Steps to Christ, p. 62. "No one can believe with the
heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing
the practice of those things which the Word of God forbids, or while
neglecting any known duty....As God works in the heart, and man surrenders
his will to God, and co-operates with God, he works out in the life what God
WORKS IN by the Holy Spirit, and there is harmony between the purpose of the
heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must be renounced as the
hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory....It is by continual
surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of
justification is retained." E.G.
White, Selected
Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 396-397.
Compare with the statement below: "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. In Christ 'dwelleth all the
fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full.' Col. 2:9, 10, R.V." Desire of Ages, 181. "Many think that repentance is a
work which wholly devolves upon man as a preparation to come to Christ., his
mediator but this is an error and deception. Repentance must precede
FORGIVENESS, but the sinner does not repent until he has faith in Christ as
his mediator. The Bible does not teach that the sinner must repent before
he comes to Christ. [But he/she must repent before receiving
justification and if this is not true, we would be saved in sin rather than
from sin]. Our Saviour has been lifted up upon the cross of If repentance must precede
forgiveness, then forgiveness must precede justification, because justification
is grace and mercy forgiveness for sins past. Sure, come as you are, but one
is not saved until he/she believes with the heart unto righteousness, and
ceases things which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known
duty, such as fearing and shunning those who link themselves in ecumenical
union, for example. I have stated that man may come to
Christ just as he/she is, but does not obtain justification by faith until
ceasing to continue the willful, knowing practice of those things which the Word
of God forbids, which includes neglect of known duty, such as the duty to
fear and shun those who come into union with those who have ever been the
opposers of truth, the fallen churches of Babylon. Divine Power Combined With Human Effort "All who ever enter heaven's
gates will enter as conquerors. When the redeemed throng surround the throne
of God, with palm branches in their hands and crowns on their heads, it will
be known what victories have been won. It will be seen how Satan's power has
been exercised over minds, how he has linked with himself souls who flattered
themselves that they were doing God's will. It will then be seen that his power and subtlety could not have been
successfully resisted had not divine
power been combined with human effort. Man must also be victor over
himself his temper, inclinations, and spirit must be brought into subjection
to the will of God. But the righteousness and strength of Christ avail for
all who will claim His merits. {5T 384.1} What I am attempting to avoid is the
Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which says: Nicolaitans -- "The earliest
extra-Biblical Christian writer to mention this party is Irenaeus (c. A.D.
185), who identifies the Nicolaitans as a Gnostic sect...There is evidence
also of a Gnostic sect in the 3d cent. A.D. bearing the name 'Nicolaitans.'
"...The doctrine of the Nicolaitans appears to have been a form of
antinomianism (see SDA Bible Com
7:957). Nicolaitans of the 2d cent. seem to have continued and extended
the views of the 1st-cent. adherents, holding to the freedom of the flesh,
and teaching that the deeds of the flesh had no effect upon the health of the
soul and consequently no relation to salvation." SDA Bible Dictionary, vol. 8 of the Commentaries, p. 770, 771. Nicolaitans -- "But the doctrine
is now largely taught that the gospel of Christ has made the law of God of
none effect that by 'believing' we are released from the necessity of being
doers of the word. But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ
so unsparingly condemned. To the church of Ephesus He says, 'I know thy
works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My
name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat
against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember then from
whence thou are fallen, and repent, and do the first works or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the
Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Those who are teaching this doctrine
today have much to say in regard to faith and the righteousness of Christ but
they pervert the truth, and make it serve the cause of error. They declare
that we have only to believe on Jesus Christ, and that faith is
all-sufficient that the righteousness of Christ is to be the sinner's credentials
that this imputed righteousness fulfils the law for us, and that we are under
no obligation to obey the law of God. This class claim that Christ came to
save sinners, and that He has saved them. 'I am saved,' they will repeat over
and over again. But are they saved while transgressing the law of
Jehovah?--No for the garments of Christ's righteousness are not a cloak for
iniquity. Such teaching is a gross deception, and Christ becomes to these
persons a stumbling block as He did to the Jews,--to the Jews, because they
would not receive Him as their personal Saviour, to these professed believers
in Christ, because they separate Christ and the law, and regard faith as a
substitute for obedience. They separate the Father and the Son, the Saviour
of the world. Virtually they teach, both by precept and example, that Christ,
by His death, saves men in their transgressions. It is necessary that every intelligent
being shall understand the principles of the Law of God. Christ through the
apostle James declares, 'Whoso shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in
one point, he is guilty of all.' These words were spoken this side of the
death of Christ therefore the Law was binding upon all at that time. The Saviour raised His voice in
protest against those who regard the divine commandments with indifference
and carelessness. He said, 'Whosoever shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the
kingdom of heaven but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.' And He also declared, 'Till heaven
and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till
all be fulfilled. Many talk of freedom, of gospel liberty.
They may assert that they are not in bondage to the Law. But the influence of
a gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon the salvation of Christ
as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in transgression of the
Law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind, and he fully
understands the requirements [conditions] of God, and realizes the extent of
his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the
strength obtained from his Saviour, and lead a new and purer life. 'Whosoever
abideth in Him,' says John, 'sinneth not whosoever sinneth, hath not seen
Him, neither know Him." E.G.
White, Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, 02-08-97. End Ron’s commentary. We are to come to God as we
are—sinful, helpless, dependent. “The plea that we may urge NOW and EVER
is our utterly helpless condition.” DA 317. And then, by living faith, we
are to daily apply to the merits of a crucified and risen Savior! “The blood
of Christ is efficacious, but it needs to be applied continually.” 4T 122. A Vitalizing Power As we appropriate the merits of the
Savior to ourselves, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit which is given unto us (1SM
354); Rom. 5:5, 9). And this love which is diffused 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! (MH,
115). A Sublime Truth We cannot afford to forget this sublime
truth: It is only the merits of Christ that will avail anything in our
behalf: “Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your
virtues, your piety, your philanthropy, or anything else in you or connected
with you, your connection with the church, the manner in which your brethren
regard you, will be of no avail unless by living faith you lay hold upon the
merits of a crucified and risen Savior.” E.G. White, RH, Mar. 28, 1899. “Faith is the gift of God.”
(Rom. 12:3). “But the power to exercise it is ours.” (PP 431; John
1:7). Thus, faith is the hand by which the soul lays right hold upon the
merits of the blood that is of value beyond estimate to bring Christ and His
love into the heart! “If we are conscious of our need, we
should not devote all our powers to mourning over them. While we realize our
helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but
RELY upon the MERITS of a crucified and risen Savior. Look and live. NOT ONE
WHO TRUSTS IN THE MERITS OF CHRIST WILL BE LEFT TO PERISH.” PP.432. May the Lord
cover His people with a canopy of His holy angels and surround them with a
spiritual atmosphere of light and peace that they may get their bearings back
by laying right hold upon the merits of the blood of the Lamb that was slain! We have no
merits except as we appropriate to ourselves those of Jesus! AND WHAT MERITS
ARE THESE! Unless we do appropriate them, we cannot have the approval of God.
But if we do, His merits are placed upon us and God loves us as He loves His
only begotten Son! In Conclusion The Lord’s
promise is that as we daily plead our case before Him, relying solely upon
the merits of the blood that was shed for us upon “John, while in vision, saw a company
clothed with white robes…They were seen in the “If we
teach the truth according to our own ways, we shall see that there will not
always be perfect harmony as there should be. But if we teach the truth as it
is in Jesus (SALVATION ONLY THROUGH THE MERITS OF JESUS), we shall teach it
in the spirit of the true Educator and we will not have various opinions, and
cling to our own ideas with tenacity, but we will see eye to eye. And while
we thus teach, believing that Jesus will help us to present the truth as it
is in Him, then we may expect His help, and we will have it.” E.G. White
Comments, SDA BC, Vol. 7, p. 914. Extra “Are you in
Christ? Not if you do not acknowledge yourselves erring, helpless, condemned
sinners.” E.G.W. 1893 GCB, p. 178. “Some have said
they cannot see how a man can acknowledge himself to be wretched and
miserable and poor and blind and naked; and don’t know it, and at the same
time be rejoicing in the Lord. Well, I would like to know how anyone else
can. I would like to know how a man is going to rejoice I the Lord, when he
thinks he is all right himself. Can you tell? I can’t imagine.” (A.T. Jones,
ibid., 178). So “The plea that we
may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition.” DA 317. “Nothing is
apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that
feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Savior. God
would send every angel in Heaven to the aid of such one, rather than allow
him to be overcome.” SD p. 35. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching unto God through
Christ and His all-sufficient merits. (1SM
354). Therefore, “Our part is to
lay hold by faith of the merits of Christ.” FE 430. “The work of the
minister is to hang his helpless soul upon His merit.” TM 247. “Centuries,
ages, can never diminish the efficacy of this atoning sacrifice.” TM 92. Bank
Account Each one of us has a personal bank account with God.
“Only the merits and righteousness of
Christ will be recognized. But this is placed in our account in rich fullness.
We may draw upon God every moment. God has pledged Himself to open before us
all the riches of His grace.” E.G.
White, Our Father Cares, p. 149. Righteousness
is Obedience “Righteousness
is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner
owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which
he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God
the merits of Christ,” which clothe
him with the robe of His righteousness to fulfill every jot and tittle of the
law! (FW 101, 27; Ev. 186). “The
redeemer, with a heart of unalterable love, still pleads His sacred blood in
the sinner’s behalf. The wounded hand, the pierced side, the marred feet,
plead eloquently for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such an
infinite cost. Oh, matchless condescension! Neither time nor events can
lessen the efficacy of the atoning sacrifice. THE MERITS OF THE SLAIN LAMB
ARE ACCEPTED BY GOD TODAY AS A PURIFIER FROM THE DEFILEMENT OF SIN.” (4T 124). “Faith can
lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin.” FW 101. The
Sacrifice of Gratitude “And in as much as man enjoys the blessings of God
in the gift of the sunshine and the gift of good, there must be on the part
of man a bowing down in thankful acknowledgment that all things come of God.” (FW 21; 1Ch. 29:9-16; 16:29, 34, 35;
Ed. 197, 198, 107, 108; DA 660). “Every gift
is stamped with the cross and bears the superscription of Jesus Christ. All
things come of God. From the smallest benefits up to the largest blessing,
all flow through the one Channel; a superhuman mediation sprinkled with the
blood that is of value beyond estimate because it was the life of God in His
Son.” (FW 22; 2 Cor. 5:18; 3:5; 1 Cor. 4:7; John 3:27). “Justice demanded
the sufferings of man; but Christ rendered the sufferings of a God. He needed
no atonement of suffering for Himself; all His sufferings were for us; ALL
HIS MERITS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS WERE OPEN TO FALLEN MAN, PRESENTED AS A GIFT.” (Bible
Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 913. “If human
beings would open the windows of the soul heavenward in appreciation of the
divine gifts, a flood of healing virtue would pour in.” MH, p. 116. “By virtue of His merits He gives us power to become
members of the Royal family, children of the Heavenly King.” (OFC 120). “The
blood of Christ in an ever-abiding efficacy is our only hope, for through its
merits alone we have pardon and peace.” (OFC 143). And “We are to be
transformed through the merits of Christ.” (OFC 204). Thus, “THROUGH THE
MERITS OF CHRIST WE MAY FIND THE APPROVAL OF GOD.” (OFC 122). “There is no
truth so powerful as a truth who time has come.” E.G. White. “When we seek to gain heaven through the merits of
Christ, the soul makes progress, from strength to strength and from victory
to victory… Living faith enables its possessor to lay hold on
the merits of Christ, enables him to derive great comfort and satisfaction
from the plan of redemption.” E.G. White. The
Sprinkled Blood The sprinkled blood is speaking Before the Father’s throne, The Spirit’s power is seeking To make its virtues known; The Sprinkled blood is telling Jehovah’s love to man, While heavenly harps are swelling Sweet notes to mercy’s plan The Sprinkled Blood is speaking Forgiveness full and free, Its wondrous power is breaking Each bond of guilt for me; The sprinkled blood’s revealing A father’s smiling face, The Saviour’s love is sealing Each monument of grace. The Sprinkled Blood is pleading Its virtue as my own, And there my souls is reading Her title to Thy throne. The sprinkled blood is owing The weak one’s feeblest plea; Mid sighs, and tears, and groaning, It pleads, O Lord, with Thee Anonymous
|