The Early and Latter Rain, by Elder Gordon W. Collier, - cont. Part 27
E.L.R. cont. - Part 27
The Early and Latter Rain of The Holy Spirit...27
TRUE SANCTIFICATION (continued)
"TRUE SANCTIFICATION means PERFECT LOVE, perfect OBEDIENCE, perfect
CONFORMITY to the WILL OF GOD. We are to be SANCTIFIED to GOD THROUGH OBEDIENCE
to THE TRUTH. Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living
God. We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to CUT AWAY from the
ENTANGLEMENTS of SELF and SIN, and ADVANCE to PERFECTION. Great possibilities,
high and holy attainments, are PLACED WITHIN THE REACH OF ALL." – {AA
565.1}
"OBEDIENCE to the COMMANDMENTS of GOD is ONLY TRUE SIGN OFSANCTIFICATION.
Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy “He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me
shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to
him.” Again, Christ repeated the condition of union with him. This promise is
made to every sincere Christian. Our Saviour speaks so plainly that no one need
fail to understand that true love will always produce obedience. OBEDIENCE is
the SIGN of TRUE LOVE. Christ and the Father are one, and those who in truth
receive Christ will love God as the great center of their adoration, and will
also love one another; and in so doing they will keep the law." – {RH
October 26, 1897 Par. 7}
"Sanctification is an experience that begins at conversion and continues
throughout the believers life. It is the GRADUAL BUILDING OF A CHRISTLIKE
CHARACTER produced by the believers' submission to the grace of God. It covers
every moment of life, and it is progressively important. IT MEANS PERFECT LOVE,
OBEDIENCE AND CONFORMITY to God's will." (SS Worker Aug. 1959, p. 12.)
"True sanctification is an ENTIRE CONFORMITY TO THE WILL OF GOD. Rebellious
thoughts and feelings are overcome, and the voice of Jesus awakens a new life,
which pervades the entire being. Those who are truly sanctified will not set up
their own opinion as a standard of right and wrong." – {SL 9.1}
"The IDEAL of CHRISTIAN CHARACTER is CHRISTLIKENESS. There is opened
before us a path of continual advancement. We have an OBJECT to REACH, a
STANDARD to GAIN, which includes everything good and pure and noble and
elevated. There should be CONTINUAL STRIVING and constant PROGRESS onward and
upward TOWARD PERFECTION of CHARACTER...." – {CT 365.3}
"Bible sanctification does not consist in strong emotion. Here is where
many are led into error. They make feelings their criterion. When they feel
elated or happy, they claim that they are sanctified. Happy feelings or the
absence of joy is no evidence that a person is or is not sanctified. There is
NO SUCH THING AS INSTANTANEOUS SANCTIFICATION. True sanctification is A DAILY
WORK, CONTINUING as LONG as LIFE SHALL LAST. Those who are battling with daily
temptations, over-coming their own sinful tendencies, and seeking for holiness
of heart and life make no boastful claims of holiness. They are hungering and
thirsting for righteousness. SIN APPEARS to them EXCEEDINGLY SINFUL." –
{ML 248.4}. 4T 299.2
* * * * *
GENUINE SANCTIFICATION ... is nothing less than a DAILY DYING to SELF and DAILY
CONFORMITY to the WILL of GOD." – {ML 248.5}
"Paul’s SANCTIFICATION was the RESULT of a CONSTANT CONFLICT with SELF. He
said: “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31. His will and his desires every day
conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he
did God’s will, however crucifying to his own nature." – {8T 313.3}
SCRIPTURAL ENCOURAGEMENT.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, Jesus Christ the
righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for
the sins of the whole world." 1John 2: 1, 2.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be
as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1: 18.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins,
and to CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1: 9.
"Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR AND FINISHER of our FAITH; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down
at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12: 2.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath BEGUN a good work
in you will PERFORM it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1: 6.
"Though he FALL, HE SHALL NOT be UTTERLY CAST DOWN: for the LORD upholdeth
him with his hand." Psalm 37: 24.
"For a JUST MAN FALLETH SEVEN TIMES, and RISETH UP AGAIN: but the wicked
shall fall into mischief." Prov. 24: 16.
"I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not
that I healed them." Hosea 11: 3.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God
is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear
it." 1 Cor. 10: 13.
"We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of
our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are
overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God.
No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Said the beloved John, “These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if
any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
1 John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, “The Father Himself loveth you.”
John 16:27. He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and
holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that
hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ.
Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power,
let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the
health of our countenance." – {SC 64.1}
"Jesus loves His children, even if they err. They belong to Jesus and we
are to treat them as the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ. Any
unreasonable course pursued toward them is written in the books as against
Jesus Christ. He keeps His eye upon them, and when they do their best, calling
upon God for His help, be assured the service will be accepted, although
imperfect. Jesus is perfect. Christ’s righteousness is imputed unto them, and
He will say, Take away the filthy garments from him, and clothe him with change
of raiment. Jesus makes up for our unavoidable deficiencies. Where Christians
are faithful to each other, true and loyal to the Captain of the Lord’s host,
never betraying trusts into the enemy’s hands, they will be transformed into
Christ’s character. Jesus will abide in their hearts by faith.—Letter 17a,
1891, p. 8. (To Brother and Sister Ings, and Elder Fulton, November 18,
1891.)" – {2MR 184.1}
"When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this
end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and He
makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept
those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father’s
commandment." – {1SM 382.2}
"lf one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a
moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins
willfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes
upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred does not make him less dear to the
heart of God. He knows that he has communion with the Saviour; and when
reproved for his mistake in some matter of judgment, he does not walk sullenly,
and complain of God, but turns the mistake into a victory." – {FLB 118.3}
"How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair.
How He fences about the soul from Satan’s fierce attacks. If through manifold
temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not turn from us and
leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour.... He was tempted in all
points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to succor those
who are tempted. 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." – {OHC 49.2}
"When, through faith in Jesus Christ, man does according to the very best
of his ability, and seeks to keep the way of the Lord by obedience to the ten
commandments, the perfection of Christ is imputed to cover the transgression of
the repentant and obedient soul." – {FE 135.2}
"If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you
cannot pray ... but seek the Lord more earnestly." – {OHC 49.3}
"When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no
relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but
we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God.—The Review
and Herald, March 18, 1890." – {1SM 360.2}
"Do all in your power to gain perfection; but do not think that because
you make mistakes you are excluded from God’s service. The Lord knows our
frame; He remembers that we are dust. As you use faithfully the talents God has
given you, you will gain knowledge that will make you dissatisfied with self.
You will see the need of sifting away harmful habits, lest by a wrong example
you injure others. – {MYP 226.3}
"A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of
feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in
yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your
ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to
look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let
the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His
character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His
purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the
soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon
Him, that you are to be TRANSFORMED INTO HIS LIKENESS." – {SC 70.2}
"IF you will seek the Lord and BE CONVERTED EVERY DAY; IF you will of your
own spiritual choice BE FREE AND JOYOUS in GOD; IF with gladsome consent of
heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of
OBEDIENCE AND SERVICE,—ALL YOUR MURMURINGS will be stilled, ALL YOUR
DIFFICULTIES will be removed, ALL THE PERPLEXING PROBLEMS that now confront you
will be solved." – {MB 101.3}
"If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in us, our FEELINGS, our
THOUGHTS, our PURPOSES, our ACTIONS, will BE IN HARMONY with the will of God as
expressed in the precepts of His holy law." – {SC 61.1}
ENCOURAGEMENT.
"Those who IN EVERYTHING make God FIRST and LAST and BEST, are the
HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. Smiles and sunshine are not banished from their
countenance. Religion does not make the receiver coarse and rough, untidy, and
uncourteous; on the contrary, it elevates and ennobles him, refines his taste,
sanctifies his judgment, and fits him for the society of heavenly angels and for
the home that Jesus has gone to prepare." – {MYP 38.1}
"Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity and
subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It is
this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit of his
power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him. THROUGH
DIVINE STRENGTH the WEAKEST saint is MORE THAN A MATCH for HIM and all HIS
ANGELS, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power.
Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries
masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the
Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer." – {5T 293.4}
"It is only THROUGH CHRIST that SATAN'S POWER is LIMITED. This is a
MOMENTOUS TRUTH that ALL SHOULD UNDERSTAND. Satan is busy every moment, going
to and fro, walking up and down in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But
the EARNEST PRAYER of FAITH will BAFFLE his STRONGEST EFFORTS. Then take “the
shield of faith,” brethren, “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked.”" – {5T 294.2}
"Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more INVINCIBLE, than the
soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour.
GOD WOULD SEND EVERY ANGEL IN HEAVEN TO THE AID OF SUCH A ONE, RATHER THAN
ALLOW HIM TO BE OVERCOME." – {7T 17.3}
"When, as erring, sinful beings, we come to Christ and become partakers of
His pardoning grace, love springs up in the heart. EVERY BURDEN is LIGHT, for
the YOKE that Christ imposes IS EASY. DUTY BECOMES A DELIGHT, AND SACRIFICE A
PLEASURE. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness, becomes bright with
beams from the Sun of Righteousness." – {SC 59.2}
Matthew 11
"28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
"As the WILL of man CO-OPERATES with the will of God, IT BECOMES
OMNIPOTENT. Whatever is to be done at His command may be ACCOMPLISHED in HIS
STRENGTH. ALL HIS BIDDINGS ARE ENABLINGS." – {COL 333.1}
"The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it
becomes OUR idea. It LIFTS US ABOVE THE POWER OF NATURAL DESIRES and
TENDENCIES, above TEMPTATIONS that lead to sin. “Great peace have they which
love thy law; and nothing shall offend them” (Psa.119:165)—cause them to
stumble. There is no peace in unrighteousness; the wicked are at war with God.
But he who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ is in HARMONY WITH
HEAVEN." – {FLB 83.6}
[ End of E.L.R. 27 ]
The Early and .Latter Rain. - Part 28
The Early and Latter Rain of The Holy Spirit...28
TRUE SANCTIFICATION (continued)
ENCOURAGEMENT (continued)
"“As many as received Him, to them gave He POWER to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12. This power is not in
the human agent. It is the POWER of GOD. When a soul receives Christ, he
receives POWER to live the life of Christ." – {COL 314.5}
"Christ’s own spotless character, is FREELY OFFERED to EVERY HUMAN BEING.
But all who receive it will receive and wear it here." – {Ed 249.2}
"The Holy Spirit EVER ABIDES with him who is SEEKING for PERFECTION of
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. The Holy Spirit furnishes the pure motive, the living,
active principle, that sustains striving, wrestling, believing souls in every
emergency and under every temptation. The Holy Spirit SUSTAINS the believer
amid the world’s hatred, amid the unfriendliness of relatives, amid
disappointment, amid the realization of imperfection, and amid the mistakes of
life. Depending upon the matchless purity and perfection of Christ, the VICTORY
is sure to him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith.... HE has
borne our sins, in order that through Him WE might have moral excellence, and
ATTAIN unto the PERFECTION of CHRISTIAN CHARACTER." – {AG 195.5}
PREPARATION.
"What are you doing, brethren, in THE GREAT WORK OF PREPARATION? Those who
are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the
mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling
themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are
receiving the heavenly mold and PREPARING FOR THE SEAL OF GOD IN THEIR
FOREHEADS. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their
character will remain pure and spotless for eternity." – {5T 216.1}
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE. The seal of God will never be placed upon the
forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead
of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the
forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. ALL WHO RECEIVE
THE SEAL MUST BE WITHOUT SPOT BEFORE GOD—CANDIDATES FOR HEAVEN. Go forward, my
brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time,
merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. SEARCH THE
SCRIPTURES for yourselves, that you may UNDERSTAND the FEARFUL SOLEMNITY of the
PRESENT HOUR." – {5T 216.2}
"Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we
should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our
Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human
hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is
cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ
declared of Himself: “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.”
John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to
gain the victory. He had kept His Father’s commandments, and THERE WAS NO SIN
IN HIM that Satan could use to his advantage. THIS IS THE CONDITION IN WHICH
THOSE MUST BE FOUND WHO SHALL STAND IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE." – {GC 623.1}
" HIS EVERLASTING ARMS ENCIRCLE THE SOUL THAT TURNS TO HIM FOR AID. In His
care we may rest safely, saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.”
Psalm 56:3. To all who put their trust in Him, GOD WILL FULFIL HIS PROMISE. –
{AA 467.1}
By His own example the Saviour has shown that His followers can be in the world
and yet not of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to
be swayed by its customs, and to follow its practices, but to do His Father’s
will, to seek and save the lost. With this object before him the Christian may
stand UNCONTAMINATED in any surroundings. Whatever his station or
circumstances, exalted or humble, he will manifest the POWER of TRUE RELIGION
in the faithful performance of duty." – {AA 467.2}
"Christ says to man, “YOU ARE MINE. I HAVE BOUGHT YOU. You are now only a
rough stone, but if you will place yourself in my hands, I will polish you, and
the luster with which you shall shine will bring honour to My name. NO MAN
SHALL PLUCK YOU OUT OF MY HAND. I will make you My peculiar treasure. On My
coronation day, you will be a jewel in My crown of rejoicing.” " – {4BC
1177.3}
THE GREAT CENTRAL ISSUE IN THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN IS...
WHETHER OR NOT THE LAW OF GOD CAN BE OBEYED.
"In heaven itself this law was broken. Sin originated in self-seeking.
Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain
control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win
their homage to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God, attributing to Him
the desire for self-exaltation. With his own evil characteristics he sought to
invest the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. THUS HE DECEIVED MEN. He
led them to DOUBT the WORD of GOD, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is
a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as
severe and unforgiving. Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and
the night of woe settled down upon the world." – {DA 21.3}
"In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be DIVIDED into two
great classes—those who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of GOD and the faith of Jesus,
and those who WORSHIP THE BEAST and his IMAGE and receive his mark. Although
church and state will unite their power to compel “all, both small and great,
rich and poor, free and bond” (Revelation 13:16), to receive “the mark of the
beast,” yet the people of God will not receive it. The prophet of Patmos
beholds “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image,
and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass,
having the harps of God” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation
15:2, 3." – {GC 450.1}
"After the fall of man, SATAN DECLARED that human beings were PROVED to be
INCAPABLE of KEEPING the LAW OF GOD, and he sought to carry the universe with
him in this belief. Satan’s words appeared to be true, and CHRIST CAME to
UNMASK the DECEIVER. The Majesty of heaven undertook the cause of man, and with
the SAME FACILITIES that MAN MAY OBTAIN, WITHSTOOD the temptations of Satan AS
MAN MUST WITHSTAND THEM. This was the only way in which FALLEN MAN could become
a PARTAKER of the DIVINE NATURE. In taking human nature, Christ was fitted to
understand man’s trials and sorrows and all the temptations wherewith he is
beset. Angels who were unacquainted with sin could not sympathize with man in
his peculiar trials. Christ condescended to take man’s nature, and was tempted
in all points like as we, that He might know how to succor all who should be
tempted." – {1SM 252.1}
"In the opening of the great controversy, SATAN had DECLARED that the LAW
OF GOD could NOT BE OBEYED, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that,
should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned.
Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the
punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the
law of God, and defied His will, SATAN EXULTED. IT WAS PROVED, HE DECLARED,
THAT THE LAW COULD NOT BE OBEYED; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after
his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race
must be forever shut out from God’s favor. God could not be just, he urged, and
yet show mercy to the sinner." – {DA 761.4}
"Through Jesus, God’s mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set
aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God’s character, and not a jot
or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. GOD DID
NOT CHANGE HIS LAW, but HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF, in CHRIST, for MAN'S REDEMPTION.
“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 2 Corinthians
5:19." – {DA 762.1}
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the
remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony
of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.
Rev.14...
"6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of
his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and the fountains of waters.
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that
great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man
worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in
his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out
without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with
fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of
the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have
no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever
receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the PATIENCE of the SAINTS: HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS
OF GOD, and the faith of Jesus." Rev.14:6-12.
SATAN'S CLAIM [VERSUS CHRIST'S COUNTER-CLAIM] THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO
OBEY THE COMMANDMENTS.
"SATAN REPRESENTS GOD'S LAW OF LOVE AS A LAW OF SELFISHNESS. HE DECLARES
THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO OBEY ITS PRECEPTS.
The fall of our first parents, with all the woe that has resulted, he charges
upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin, and
suffering, and death. JESUS WAS TO UNVEIL THIS DECEPTION. As one of us He was
to give AN EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and
passed through our experiences. “In all things it behooved Him to be made like
unto His brethren.” Hebrews 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did
not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as
insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was “in all points tempted like as we are.”
Hebrews 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised
in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met
temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God. He says, “I
delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8.
As He went about doing good, and healing all who were afflicted by Satan, He
made plain to men the character of God’s law and the nature of His service. HIS
LIFE TESTIFIES THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO OBEY THE LAW OF GOD." – {DA
24.2}
"Christ left His position in the heavenly courts, and came to this earth
to live the life of human beings. This sacrifice He made in order to show that
Satan’s charge against God is false—THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR MAN TO OBEY THE
LAWS of GOD'S KINGDOM. Equal with the Father, honoured and adored by the
angels, in our behalf Christ humbled Himself, and came to this earth to live a
life of lowliness and poverty—to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
Yet the stamp of divinity was upon His humanity. He came as a divine Teacher,
to uplift human beings, to increase their physical, mental, and spiritual
efficiency." – {5BC 1129.6}
"Christ came to the world to counteract Satan’s falsehood that God had
made a law which men could not keep. Taking humanity upon Himself, He came to
this earth, and by a life of obedience showed that God has not made a law that
man cannot keep. HE SHOWED THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR MAN PERFECTLY TO OBEY THE
LAW. Those who accept Christ as their Saviour, becoming partakers of His divine
nature, are ENABLED TO FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE, living in OBEDIENCE to EVERY PRECEPT
OF THE LAW. Through the merits of Christ, man is to show by his obedience that
he could be trusted in heaven, that he would not rebel." – {FLB 114.2}
"By His life and His death, CHRIST PROVED THAT....THE LAW IS RIGHTEOUS,
AND CAN BE PERFECTLY OBEYED. Satan’s charges were refuted. God had given man
unmistakable evidence of His love." – {DA 762.4}
"SATAN DECLARED THAT HUMAN BEINGS COULD NOT KEEP THE LAW. CHRIST HAS
PROVED THIS STATEMENT FALSE. He came to this earth, and lived among men the law
of God. He died on the cross to bear witness to the unchanging character of the
law. This law had been broken, and only by the offering of Christ’s blood could
the penalty be paid." – {RH September 24, 1901 Par. 10}
"SATAN HAD CLAIMED that it was IMPOSSIBLE for man TO OBEY GOD'S
COMMANDMENTS; and in OUR OWN STRENGTH it is true that we cannot obey them. But
Christ came in the form of humanity, and by His perfect obedience HE PROVED
that HUMANITY AND DIVINITY COMBINED CAN OBEY EVERY ONE OF GOD'S PRECEPTS."
– {COL 314.4}
"The Saviour’s life of obedience MAINTAINED THE CLAIMS OF THE LAW; IT
PROVED THAT THE LAW COULD BE KEPT IN HUMANITY, and showed the excellence of
character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise
declaring that the law is “holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12." – {DA
308.4}
"In Jesus mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have
kissed each other. In His life and character He not only reveals the character
of God, but THE POSSIBILITY OF MAN. He was the representative of God and the
exemplar of humanity. HE PRESENTED TO THE WORLD WHAT HUMANITY MIGHT BECOME WHEN
UNITED BY FAITH WITH DIVINITY....
The Redeemer raises the sinner from the dust, and places him under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit. As the sinner looks upon the Redeemer, he finds hope,
assurance, and joy. Faith takes hold of Christ in love. Faith works by love,
and purifies the soul." – {1SM 349.2}
"He (Christ) exhibited a perfect humanity, combined with deity; and by
preserving each nature distinct, he has given to the world a representation of
the CHARACTER of GOD and the CHARACTER OF A PERFECT MAN. He shows us what God
is, and WHAT MAN MAY BECOME—GODLIKE IN CHARACTER." – {GCB October 1, 1899
Par. 20}
"Christ’s life represents A PERFECT MANHOOD. JUST THAT WHICH YOU MAY BE,
He was in human nature. He took our infirmities. He was not only made flesh,
but He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. His divine attributes were
withheld from relieving His soul anguish or His bodily pains (Letter 106,
1896)." – {5BC 1124.2}
"In his humanity, he laid hold of the divinity of God; and this every
member of the human family has the privilege of doing. Christ did nothing that
human nature may not do if it partakes of the divine nature." – {ST June
17, 1897 Par. 8}
"Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds
and of the fallen world that AMPLE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE to ENABLE HUMAN
BEINGS to LIVE in LOYALTY to THEIR CREATOR." – {1SM 227.1}
GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE.
"By contemplation of God’s matchless love, we take upon us His nature.
Christ was A REPRESENTATIVE before men and before angels, of the character of
the God of heaven. He DEMONSTRATED the fact that when humanity depends wholly
upon God, MEN MAY KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS and live, and His law be as the apple
of the eye." – {TM 226.2}
CHRIST'S SPECIAL, THREE-FOLD MISSION.
"In becoming man’s substitute, in bearing the curse which should fall upon
man, Christ has pledged Himself in behalf of the race TO MAINTAIN THE SACRED
AND EXALTED HONOUR OF HIS FATHER’S LAW. He came to convince men of sin, which
is the transgression of the law, and through divine mediation BRING THEM BACK
TO OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMANDMENTS. God has given the world into the hands of
Christ, that He may COMPLETELY VINDICATE THE BINDING CLAIMS OF THE LAW, and
MAKE MANIFEST THE HOLINESS OF EVERY PRINCIPLE." – {ST December 22, 1914
Par. 11}
WHAT HIS SINLESS LIFE PROVES.
"He made plain to men the character of God’s law and the nature of His
service. HIS LIFE TESTIFIES THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO OBEY THE LAW OF
GOD." – {DA 24.2}
"Christ came to the world to counteract Satan’s falsehood that God had
made a law which men could not keep. Taking humanity upon Himself, He came to
this earth, and BY A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE SHOWED THAT GOD HAS NOT MADE A LAW THAT
MAN CANNOT KEEP. He showed that it is POSSIBLE FOR MAN PERFECTLY TO OBEY THE
LAW. Those who accept Christ as their Saviour, becoming partakers of His divine
nature, are ENABLED to FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE, LIVING in OBEDIENCE to every precept
of the law. Through the merits of Christ, man is to show by his obedience that
he could be trusted in heaven, that he would not rebel." – {FLB 114.2}
"Christ unites in His person the fullness and perfection of the Godhead
and the fullness and perfection of sinless humanity. He met all the temptations
by which Adam was assailed, and overcame these temptations because in His
humanity He relied upon divine power. This subject demands far more
contemplation than it receives. Christians strike too low. They are content
with a superficial spiritual experience, and therefore they have only the
glimmerings of light, when they might discern more clearly the wonderful
perfection of Christ's humanity, which rises far above all human greatness, all
human power. Christ's life is a revelation of what fallen human beings may
become through union and fellowship with the divine nature.... {FLB 219.3}.
Men and women frame many excuses for their proneness to sin. Sin is represented
as a necessity, an evil that cannot be overcome. But SIN IS NOT A NECESSITY.
Christ lived in this world from infancy to manhood, and during that time He met
and RESISTED ALL the TEMPTATIONS by which man is beset. He is a perfect pattern
of childhood, of youth, of manhood. {FLB 219.4}
The life of Christ has SHOWN what HUMANITY CAN DO by being PARTAKER of the
DIVINE NATURE. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ASK and
RECEIVE.... Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus."
{FLB 219.5}
"His life declares that HUMANITY, COMBINED WITH DIVINITY, DOES NOT COMMIT
SIN." {MH 180.5}
"God loved the world so dearly that he gave his only begotten Son that
whosoever would accept him might HAVE POWER TO LIVE HIS RIGHTEOUS (SINLESS)
LIFE. Christ proved that it is possible for man to lay hold by faith on the
power of God. He showed that the sinner, by repentance and the exercise of
faith in the righteousness of Christ, can be reconciled to God, and BECOME A
PARTAKER OF THE DIVINE NATURE, OVERCOMING THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD
through lust. – {RH January 28, 1909 Par. 11}
Today Satan presents the same temptations that he presented to Christ, offering
us the kingdoms of the world in return for our allegiance. But upon him who
LOOKS TO JESUS as the author and finisher of his faith, Satan’s TEMPTATIONS
HAVE NO POWER. HE CAN NOT CAUSE TO SIN the one who will accept by faith the
virtues of him who was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin."
– {RH January 28, 1909 Par. 12}
"In his humanity, he laid hold of the divinity of God; AND THIS EVERY
MEMBER OF THE HUMAN FAMILY HAS THE PRIVILEGE OF DOING. CHRIST did NOTHING that
HUMAN NATURE MAY NOT DO IF IT PARTAKES of THE DIVINE NATURE." – {ST June
17, 1897 Par. 8}
[ End of E.L.R.28 ]