My Vision Rather Die Than Sin

This vision was prompted by an Ellen G. White statement I heard quoted many years ago, that said we need to come to the point that we would rather die than sin. Although I could not find that exact statement, I found one that is very close.

“The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful.” Testimonies for the Church 5:53.

Those who would rather die than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful. Testimonies for the Church 5:53. {MYP 74.1}

The warfare between good and evil has not grown less fierce than it was in the days of the Saviour. The path to heaven is no smoother now than it was then. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our spiritual progress must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed, if it causes us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom, and to receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child? Are we willing to part with our self-righteousness? Are we willing to sacrifice the approbation of men? The prize of eternal life is of infinite value. Are we willing to welcome the Holy Spirit’s aid, and co-operate with it, putting forth efforts and making sacrifices proportionate to the value of the object to be obtained? — The Review and Herald, February 10, 1903. {MYP 56.1}

God’s Philosophy of Life for mankind. Stated about as simply as possible, God’s best plan for man is that man should be righteous by faith in and love for Christ. Christ doeth the works while man must cooperate by living so that Christ can dwell within and so we can abide in Him. Look to Him for special grace Holy Spirit power to overcome your peculiar faults.

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. When assailed by temptation, steadfastly resist the evil promptings; say to your soul, “How can I dishonor my Redeemer? I have given myself to Christ; I cannot do the works of Satan.” Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol, and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standing before the Father’s throne, presenting His wounded hands as He pleads for you. Believe that strength comes to you through your precious Saviour. {MYP 112.2}

And all the way up the steep road leading to eternal life are well-springs of joy to refresh the weary. Those who walk in wisdom’s ways are, even in tribulation, exceeding joyful; for He whom their soul loveth walks, invisible, beside them. At each upward step they discern more distinctly the touch of His hand; at every step brighter gleamings of glory from the Unseen fall upon their path; and their songs of praise, reaching ever a higher note, ascend to join the songs of angels before the throne. — Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 140. {MYP 150.2}

Free of all terminable diseases, this is part of the peace that passes all understanding. What is this worth to you friend? That's what this vision describes, what it should be worth to you. We have to pray about these issues. Hypothetically, what would the issues discussed in this vision mean to you? Imagine getting a doctor’s notice that you or a loved one have a form of terminal cancer. What is it worth to have perfect peace that passeth understanding that this will never happen to you? Did you know that God made that promise in His Word? Notice:

Exod 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

The very reason Christ was raised was to take way our iniquities.

Act 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

When you consider all the gruesome alternatives, the CONDITIONS are cheap enough! Especially when we should Love our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ enough to do anything to avoid crucifying Him afresh. And much more, Jesus was crucified that you and I might be given His Divine Nature Holy Spirit as RAW POWER for overcoming every known sin by righteousness by faith in, and love for Him. All our motives must be based on FAITH IN, AND LOVE FOR HIM. The price is cheap enough when the CONDITIONS and the options are weighed as seriously as they should be by us because they are for our very best interest. And it would serve us well to remind ourselves of that more often.

God deigns that we prosper and be in good health. Man was created with his very best interest in mind and it would serve him well to partake of the many promises of God.

3 Jo 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Cleansed From Every thought and emotion of sin

Preferring death to sin

Considering all that Christ, as God, sacrificed for us, the least we can do in expression of our gratitude, is to cease from sin by the aid of His Holy Spirit and determine that we cannot crucify Him afresh, by some stupid wilful sin. Or selfish indulgence.

Ellen White speaking: IN 1844

“Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds, and in a few hours to close our eyes forever upon earthly scenes. There was no making of “ascension robes” for the great event; we felt the need of internal evidence that we were prepared to meet Christ, and our white robes were purity of soul, character cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of our Saviour.”{CET 47.3}

Important Conclusions

· Jesus would have no one to be discouraged.

· Ellen White said that there will be many martyrs, and it well could be that many of us will have to testify to our faith with our life in choosing to obey God rather than man.

· These are all quests to which we all may aspire with the divine aid of the Righteousness by faith of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are to cooperate by permitting Jesus to do these works in and through us.

· “In 1844 Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds, and in a few hours to close our eyes forever upon earthly scenes. There was no making of “ascension robes” for the great event; we felt the need of internal evidence that we were prepared to meet Christ, and our white robes were purity of soul, character cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of our Saviour.” {CET 47.3 with Jesus All Things are possible}.

Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mar 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Mar 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

In the Name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

R William Beaulieu