Category: Christian Life

(based on Psalm 74)

Verse 1

O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

Oh, Heavenly Father, we confess that we have been very wayward. We have followed in the footsteps of Israel of old and walked in sin, and in the heathen practices of ancient times. We have adopted that which is the worship of the sun and called it the worship of the true God. We have called emotionalism worship when it is not. We have used heathen methods such as spiritual formation to contact you just as Saul did after he had severed all his ties with you. Will you, the God of all Creation, honor wickedness? No. You are holy, we are sinners. Forgive your wayward sheep, Father. May purity and holiness again be seen in our lives!

Verse 2

Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod (branch) of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

Father, your remnant people were once connected to you but now they are a dead branch. They have separated themselves from you. They do not long to be near you. They do not desire the flow of Your life through their veins. They lie in dusty beds of death, nothing more than dry bones. Wake them! Give sinew, muscle, and life to their walk with you. Teach us that only by total obedience can we walk continually in your presence. Give us new hearts that love and obey you every day. Help us to desire nothing more than to walk in your presence moment by moment. Help us seek for your righteousness more than our daily bread! Redeem us from this death that has come upon us!

Verse 3

Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.

Father, the church is destitute. The enemy, Satan, has moved in and set up headquarters in your temple. Your church no longer prays like it used to. Your people no longer have any power to counteract evil in their own lives or in the world. Your salt has lost its flavor. It has lost its power. Revive your church, Father. Help her to leave the world behind that she may again rise in great power! Help her to give up her love of the world’s worship, dress, diet, music, entertainment, and materialism. Oh, Father, I cry to you with all I have to purify your church! Do not leave her in perpetual desolation. Make her alive again. Resurrect her from the grave. Purify your sanctuary.

Verse 4

Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.

Father, the enemy, Satan, has moved in to take the battlefield. We no longer see the three angels flying in the heavens as our sign. Now all we see is the sign of the enemy. We no longer see your clean people without the world’s adorning. We no longer see the holy days you spoke of in your word. All we see are those set up by the Catholic church: Christmas and Easter. Even Sabbath, the seventh day, is desecrated by unholy feet. Father, set up your signs again. Help your people to arise and take the field.

Verses 5 & 6

A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.

Father, where are those who established the pillars of faith in the past? We had powerful men and women of the Word in the early days. But where are they now? They are in the grave. They taught the solid food of the vital truths from your word, but now . . . now it is just milk that is served in most places. Sadly, the old pillars are being torn down. Many no longer believe in the sanctuary message, or the 1844 investigative judgment. The three angel’s messages are hardly mentioned! Satan’s axes are chopping away, destroying the knowledge you gave this remnant people. They no longer see You—the way, the truth, and the life. Instead their eyes are focused on a god of their own making, one that does not see, nor hear, nor punish them for their evil ways, a catatonic god who really doesn’t care what they do.

Verses 7 & 8

They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground. They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.

Father, is this a prophecy of what is coming to your remnant people? It seems that it is. For so it has been in the past. Israel is an example to us. Their fate will be ours unless there is thorough repentance and turning back to the old paths. History will repeat. May your people turn back before it is too late!

Verse 9

We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Father, they have spit on your prophet. Many, many churches of this remnant people have chosen to reject the messages and letters sent through your prophet. Oh, God, help us! We are a lost and scattered people who do not read the map or the prophet’s directions to the heavenly Canaan; nor do we see the road signs pointing the way. Please, please give us eye-salve the we might read and see and know the way. Give us eye-salve that we might see how short the time is!

Will the remnant people turn back to you, Father? I pray they do. But there are those who are still faithful. This is my prayer for those faithful few, who have stood in the ancient paths even in the midst of apostasy.

Verses 19-21

O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Thank you Father, for you will be glorified in those who feel poor and needy, who turn to you in humility every day. Strengthen your faithful remnant who keep your covenant in these last days. Bless those who choose to surrender body, soul, and spirit to you. Bless those who choose to remove all spiritualism and pagan idols from their lives! May we be a part of that people! May You be glorified in Your people and may Your glory fill the earth! May your kingdom come soon! Amen.

It was the year AD 66. Jerusalem was a captive of her own people. Simon, the Jewish zealot, and his rebel armies had taken possession of Jerusalem after being chased out of various other cities in Judea by the Roman armies. He and his men tightened their grip on the people, taking possession of all they could grasp, many times taking the last morsel of bread from the poor, aged, and young. Was it because they were hungry? No, they merely wanted to make sure that they had plenty. No one could come or go through the gates. They were locked and guarded at all times. The people had become captives of their own rebel army. Even the sanctity of the Temple did not prevent the zealots from entering its holy precincts. Simon decided that the Temple would make a good headquarters for him and his men. He desecrated the Altar, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place, as well as harassing and molesting the worshippers that came there. No one felt safe. He and his men were extremely wicked.

Suddenly the watchman on the wall shouted, “The Romans are coming.” Cestius and his vast armies were quickly approaching. Since no one had been allowed to leave during Simon’s reign of terror, no one could escape before the Romans arrived either. But God in His mercy gave the Christians a chance to escape. Jesus had warned them.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Luke 21:20

This is phrased somewhat differently in the book of Matthew.

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, . . . then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains, let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  Matthew 24:15-18.

The Christians were ready. They recognized the sign. The Roman armies had come. But suddenly they withdrew for no apparent reason when success appeared imminent. Their departure was unexplainable, but it was an opportunity given by God so that His people could flee unmolested as He had commanded them. Simon and his army of rebels pursued the Romans which left the city unguarded by either army. This was the opportunity the Christians needed. They had only a very short time to get out of Jerusalem before the zealots returned and again took the city hostage. They fled to the wilderness east of the Jordan River. We are told that not one Christian remained in the city.

Is there another abomination of desolation that we need to be watching for?

By the decree of enforcing the institution of the Papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and Republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan, and that the end is near.   Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 451.

The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation, in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath, will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains.   Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 464, 465.

We can see how the prophecy of Christ applies to us in our day. Sunday laws are a part of the abomination of desolation. But is there more to this picture?

The light we have received upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, nor will it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. The Lord’s command to His servants is: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1.   Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 17

Sunday laws are a part of this abomination / mark of the beast issue but we are told there is more to it that we will understand as prophecy is fulfilled. And there is a “solemn work” concerning the transgression of God’s people. What is that referring to?

There is some important typology in the story of the destruction of Jerusalem (which actually happened 3 1/2 years later, in AD 70, when Titus returned with the Roman army).

There was an abomination of desolation on the inside of Jerusalem’s walls before the abomination came from the outside.

Simon and his zealots desecrated the Temple with unholy priests, unholy sacrifices, and their unholy presence before the Romans ever arrived! It was this that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and it’s Temple. Without the resistance of the zealots, the Jewish people would have surrendered without a fight and the city and Temple would have continued to stand.

Friends, this typology of the destruction of Jerusalem is being fulfilled remarkably before our eyes, in our own lives.

What is this internal abomination that will cause desolation? Let’s take a look at some possibilities.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary gives this definition for “abomination.”

ABOMINATION “abomination; loathsome, detestable thing.” . . . defines something or someone as essentially unique in the sense of being “dangerous,” “sinister,” and “repulsive” to another individual. . . . When used with reference to God, this nuance of the word describes people, things, acts, relationships, and characteristics that are “detestable” to Him because they are contrary to His nature. Things related to death and idolatry are loathsome to God: “Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing” (Deut. 14:3). People with habits loathsome to God are themselves detestable to Him: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God” (Deut. 22:5). . . . used in some contexts to describe pagan practices and objects: “The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire; thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God. Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house . . . ” (Deut. 7:25-26). . . . “These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: . . . a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, . . . and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19). . . . “to abhor, treat as abhorrent, cause to be an abomination, act abominably. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr.

An abomination can be what we eat or wear, how we worship, how we relate to others, etc. Does God’s perspective on abominations change over time?

“I am the LORD, I change not!” Malachi 3:6

Do we have abominations in our church sanctuaries or in our personal lives that will cause us to fall to the Romans in the future? Are there sins in the house of Jacob, or the church of today? Is there idolatry in your life? What are some possible idols?

Many who profess godliness do not inquire into the reason of Christ’s long period of fasting and suffering in the wilderness. His anguish was not so much from the pangs of hunger as from His sense of the fearful result of the indulgence of appetite and passion upon the race. He knew that appetite would be man’s idol and would lead him to forget God and would stand directly in the way of his salvation.   Review and Herald, September 1, 1874

Appetite can be your idol even though you aren’t overweight. Someone with a weight problem may have more control over his appetite that you because he realizes that he has a slow metabolism and has to fight the eating battle daily while you may not have to be concerned about your weight. But do you eat for strength only what is good for you or do you eat whatever you want when you want it? What about your clothing? Is your clothing in compliance with the laws of heaven or do you wear worldly clothes? Maybe your boat or tractor has more of your affection than the Savior. What is it in your life? We must look deeply at ourselves, asking the Lord for His perspective of our lives.

The Lord is willing to show us our faults as fast as we are willing to put them away and overcome them.   Review and Herald, May 11, 1876

Appetite is more than just what our stomach craves.

Bible teaching will make but a feeble impression upon those whose faculties are benumbed by indulgence of appetite. Thousands will sacrifice not only health and life, but their hope of Heaven, before they will wage war against their own perverted appetites. One lady who for many years claimed to be sanctified, made the statement that if she must give up her pipe or Heaven she would say, “Farewell, Heaven, I cannot overcome my love for my pipe.” This idol had been enshrined in the soul, leaving to Jesus a subordinate place. Yet this woman claimed to be wholly the Lord’s!   Review and Herald, January 25, 1881

Appetite includes anything your body or mind might request or demand. Indulgence is when you give in to those whims regardless of the consequences. You may not have a tobacco addiction, but there are many other addictions such as shopping, workaholism, pornography, control over others, etc. Any of these things can be an abomination that can lead you to accept the final abomination—the Sunday laws! Is there a rebel in your heart’s gate?

But there are some persons who make high professions, whose hearts are so encased in self-love and selfishness that they cannot appreciate these things. They have all their lives thought and lived only for self. To make a worthy sacrifice to do others good, to disadvantage themselves for the purpose of benefiting others, is out of the question with them. They have not the least idea that God requires this of them. Self is their dear idol.   Review and Herald, August 16, 1881

You can choose life and salvation if you will, or you can choose to worship self and devote your precious hours of probation to making your person attractive to please the eye of the worldling and the sensualist, to receive flattery from lying lips, and at last reap that harvest which you have been sowing–corruption. The poor mortal body which has been your idol, your god, will be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb.   Daughters of God, p. 121

Self or personal appearance can be an idol. You may not be decorating your body, but maybe it’s your house or your car. Anything that purposely draws attention to self, anything that is more important than God is an idol. Are you so busy and occupied with “important things” that you have no time for God, for morning and evening devotional time with Him? If that is the case, then you have an idol lurking in your life. Do you love the world and follow what it dictates? If you do, you will fall to the Romans. Are you a captive of your own rebellious heart? Ask for heavenly eye salve to look into your heart and know what is in its depths.

What about our behavior? Here is a list to consider:

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.  Proverbs 6:16-19

What is a proud look? It is actions or attitudes that say, “I am better or more important than you.” Rudeness, lack of consideration for other’s needs or feelings, criticism or humiliating remarks about others are all part of this picture. If anger borders on murder and lust is equal to adultery (Matthew 5:21-30), then an inflated ego, even if it is not expressed openly, is equivalent to pride.

What might be included in “a lying tongue?” In Scripture it is called “false witness”.

If we have in any manner defrauded or injured our brother, we should make restitution. If we have unwittingly borne false witness, if we have misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and take back all our injurious misstatements.

If matters of difficulty between brethren were not laid open before others, but frankly spoken of between themselves in the spirit of Christian love, how much evil might be prevented! How many roots of bitterness whereby many are defiled would be destroyed, and how closely and tenderly might the followers of Christ be united in His love!   Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 59

What might be happening in “a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations?”

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5

What kind of mental activity might be included here? surmising that someone has evil motives when you really don’t know what their motives are? lust? rehearsing other’s faults with an unforgiving attitude? Is an evil imagination encouraged by reading corrupt material like sensual novels or magazines? or by watching TV or surfing the internet? or going to the mall? Your imagination is an incredibly powerful tool and needs to be carefully guarded.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Through Christ you may and should be happy and should acquire habits of self-control. Even your thoughts must be brought into subjection to the will of God and your feelings under the control of reason and religion. Your imagination was not given you to be allowed to run riot and have its own way without any effort at restraint or discipline. If the thoughts are wrong the feelings will be wrong, and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character. When you decide that as Christians you are not required to restrain your thoughts and feelings you are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control.   Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 310

Abominations can show up in many places. Any of us can fall in these areas. How closely we must watch what we think about, what we do, and who or what we worship! Don’t let a rebel Simon (or Jim or Sue) into your heart’s gate. Don’t let self rule your soul.

Jesus is asking, “Will you put me first? I put you first. I left heaven for you.” Won’t you let Him rule your heart so that your soul temple may be purified and holy and you will not fall in the days ahead? Then you will be able to stand when Rome does bear down on you in the very near future. Don’t let an abomination that makes desolate rule your life. Make a choice for Jesus now, today!

Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.  The Acts of the Apostles, p. 51

As I pondered this paragraph, I thought, “I claim to be a Christian. I profess to belong to God. Because of those assertions, we can expect that I am doing what He wants. This paragraph describes what God wants in my life. He wants me to be holy and this describes what holiness looks like. Is this happening in my life? If someone followed me around every moment of my life, public and private, not just for one day but month after month for years, would they see this?” (Incidentally, Someone is watching us constantly. What does He see?)

I can profess anything. I can say I believe any number of spiritual ideas or principles, but what do I actually do? If I say, “I believe that God is able to take care of me in any circumstance.” but I worry and fret when something difficult comes along, what I really believe is “God can’t handle this. I’ll have to take care of it myself.” If I say, “I believe God wants me to have a pure mind and character.” but I watch and listen to anything that comes along in the media, what I really believe is, “God doesn’t really care. I can do anything I want.” What I do expresses and demonstrates what I really believe.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  James 2:18

If my faith is real, it will have an affect on how I think, how I respond to my circumstances, how I live my everyday life. My faith will be revealed in what I do. Like James says here, “Faith is demonstrated by works.” I live out my faith in my actions. If it doesn’t show, it isn’t very real. My body language, my everyday activity, indicates what I really believe.

A person will manifest all the faith he has. . . . He will be seeking the power that God alone can give; and the matter of most importance to him will be to see that he has a living connection with Heaven, that he may do his duty to his fellow-men, and to his God.   Signs of the Times, September 9, 1889

They love God and the truth just as much as their works show, and no more. A man will act out all the faith he has. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” The heart is where the treasure is. Their treasure is upon this earth, and their heart and interests are here.  Review and Herald, February 23, 1886

Do you believe that the end of all things is at hand, that the scenes of this earth’s history are fast closing? If so, show your faith by your works. A man will show all the faith he has. Some think they have a good degree of faith, when if they have any, it is dead, for it is not sustained by works.  Testimonies for the Church, Vol. `1, p. 704

. . . I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Revelation 3:1

How significant is body language? Researchers may give varying percentages comparing the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication but in general, the words I use will convey only about one-fourth of the total message I give. Three-fourths of what I communicate is in my “body language,” in what I look like when I am saying something. When there is inconsistency between my words and my actions, the message of my actions overrides the message of my words.

Holiness is the fruit of faith. It is not just an internal thing. It is not merely thinking about, or talking about, what is good and right; it is living what is good and right.

What does holiness look like? Let’s ponder that opening paragraph point by point:

Holiness is:

1) an entire surrender of the will to God: When God indicates that He wants change in a certain area of my life, either to do something different or to stop doing something that I have been doing (and probably enjoyed) or any number of other things that involve change and growth and character development, do I submit and cooperate? Do I choose His will over mine regardless of how I feel about it?

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.  Matthew 26:39

2) living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God: Moses exhorted the Israelites with this concept (Deuteronomy 8:3) to help them understand that their life should not be guided by their appetite. (Appetite is more than what your stomach says to you. It includes all your wants and wishes, good and otherwise.) Jesus spoke of this later (Matthew 4:4) in the context of Satan’s temptation to relieve His hunger in a way that His Father had not authorized. Do I turn to God to find out what He says and what He wants in my life rather than just making choices based on what my body or mind crave?

3) doing the will of our heavenly Father: This follows #1 above. God has given me the privilege and responsibility to choose how I will order my life. Do I choose to want what God wants and then choose to do what He wants? He provides all the help that is needed in both of those areas.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

4) trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light: When God allows difficult circumstances in my life; when I am going through something that is frustrating or painful and I cannot understand how any good can come from it, do I still trust His wisdom (Proverbs 3:5, 6) and His thoughts (plans) of peace for a future hope (Jeremiah 29:11)? Do I hold on to His promise that all things will work together for my ultimate good (Romans 8:28) even though everything currently looks like a disaster? Will I respond like Job?

What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.  Job 2:10

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:  Job 13:15

5) walking by faith and not by sight: Faith looks at invisible, eternal, heavenly factors in making decisions rather than merely the visible, tangible, current elements of a situation. Do I order my life according to the eyes of faith or according to what my senses tell me?

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18

6) relying on God with unquestioning confidence: Here again I see how faith–that total trust in God’s goodness and wisdom and power–must be the consistent framework around how I order my life and how I respond to my circumstances. One of the principles that governed the life of Moses and made him a great man and an outstanding leader was his reliance on God for the solution to everything that came his way–complaints, dilemmas, guidance, etc. Do I turn to God for direction before I get input from other people? Do I rely on Him more than on myself or others for wisdom and strength? Do I trust that whatever I am going through will be okay for me because it has been allowed by His omnipotence?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.  Daniel 3:16-18

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:11-13

7) resting in His love: If I am ordering my life according to God’s will and ways; if I continue to trust Him and turn to Him no matter what my circumstances are, I can relax and rest and have peace in my soul all through life.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

These are seven characteristics of the body language of a true Christian. They will be seen in my life consistently if I am what I profess to be.

A MAN WILL ACT OUT ALL THE FAITH HE HAS

What does your body language say?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 KJV

Ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father who is in the heavens is perfect. Matthew 5:48 YLT

How holy or righteous are we at birth?

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Job 14:4

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:19

Adam was created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities of disobedience. SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1128

It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God’s law. Steps to Christ, 62

Even Adam was not totally “perfect”; he was “to form a righteous character.”

How many have yielded to their natural propensities to wrong?

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23

How perfect, or holy, must we be if we are to be saved in God’s kingdom?

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

He who enters heaven must have a character that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Naught that defileth can ever enter there. In all the redeemed host not one defect will be seen. Messages to Young People, 144

After Christ forgives our sins and covers us with His robe of righteousness, how perfect or holy are we in God’s sight?

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:5-7

Through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1142

Through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice, we may stand before God pure and spotless, our sins atoned for and pardoned. . . . The redeemed sinner, clothed in the robes of Christ’s righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the merits of the Saviour. Signs of the Times, 3/15/05

Jesus continues: . . . I will be your representative in heaven. The father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My perfection. The Desire of Ages, 357

Even though, in one sense, we may be considered perfect at conversion, what is the next part of God’s plan for us?

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3

To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized–this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. Education, 15

God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin.The Desire of Ages, 311

When souls are converted, their salvation is not yet accomplished. They then have the race to run. An arduous struggle is before them, to do what?–To “fight the good fight of faith,” . . . The battle is lifelong, and must be carried forward with determination and energy proportionate to the value of the object to be attained, which is eternal life. Review and Herald, 8/25/91

The work of sanctification must go on, not by impulse, but by steady, healthful advances, progressing toward perfection. Review and Herald, 3/5/95

The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven. Review and Herald, 6/4/95

During our experience as a Christian, does the Lord regard us as perfect or imperfect – or both?

Perfect-

At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. Christ’s Object Lessons, 65

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9

And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Isaiah 38:3

But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days. 1 Kings 15:14

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:15

The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. The Sanctified Life, 86

Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. . . . This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. The Great Controversy, 623

Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us, – the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, “It is finished.”   Review and Herald, 06-10-02

Imperfect-

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. The Acts of the Apostles, 565

Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 339

By growing daily in the divine life, he will not attain to the full stature of a perfect man in Christ until his probation ceases. The growing is a continuous work. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 366

We cannot say, “I am sinless,” till this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. But if we constantly seek to follow Jesus, the blessed hope is ours of standing before the throne of God without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; complete in Christ, robed in his righteousness and perfection. Signs of the Times, 03-23-88

So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience. The Acts of the Apostles, 560

The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation. A great work is required of the Christian. We are exhorted to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Here we see where the great labor rests. There is a constant work for the Christian. Every branch in the parent vine must derive life and strength from that vine, in order to yield fruit. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 340

To those who have tried so hard to obtain by faith so-called holy flesh, I would say, You can not obtain it. Not a soul of you has holy flesh now. No human being on the earth has holy flesh. It is an impossibility. . . . And while we can not claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. . . . Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01

We may create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination. Review and Herald, 08-08-93

Everything human is imperfect. Selected Messages, Book 1, 20

For us to cast off the erring, to treat them coldly, would not be doing as Christ has done for us. We are fallible. We need one another’s pity and consideration and forgiveness. We can not find perfection anywhere, and should not expect it. We must patiently bear with the perversity of men, and try to teach them. Letter B-16-1885

When Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect,” what did He mean?

Christ presents before us the highest perfection of Christian character which throughout our lifetime we should aim to reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect,’ He says, ‘even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Concerning this perfection, Paul writes: ‘Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after. . . .’   MS 148, 1902

The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. The Sanctified Life, 86

With our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in his sphere. To the extent of our ability we are to make manifest the truth and love and excellence of the divine character, and for this reason we must draw from the living fountain. As the wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God, and retain the moral image of Christ. We are to become partakers of the divine nature, realizing in our experience the vigor and perfection of spiritual life. Review and Herald, 11-01-92

Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. Medical Ministry, 253

He is our pattern. . . . We cannot equal the pattern; but we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability which God has given, resemble it. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 549

Is this objective – perfection in our sphere of action – an unattainable ideal or a goal which can actually be reached?

Every one who by faith obeys God’s commandments, will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. Signs of the Times, 07-23-02

This example is given us that we may know the heights we may reach in and through Christ. The standard He presents is perfection, and through His merits we may attain to this. We come short because we are content to look at earthly things rather than at heavenly. Signs of the Times, 04-25-00

Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.The Desire of Ages, 664

He has made it possible for them to perfect Christian character through His name and to overcome on their own account as He overcame in their behalf. He has given them an example in His own life, showing them how they may overcome. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, 365

God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. The Acts of the Apostles, 531

Does the Lord intend that, by His grace, we shall live a life here and now which is free from sin?

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Jude 1:24

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 2 Peter 2:9

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 Corinthians 10:13

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 144

Christ died to make it possible for you to cease from sin. Review and Herald, 8-28-94

If you will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation; for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling. Maranatha, 225

There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. The Desire of Ages, 311

His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God. The Desire of Ages, 24

Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. . . . Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them. The Great Controversy, 489

Christ came to make us partakers of the divine nature, and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin. The Ministry of Healing, 180

By living a sinless life He testified that every son and daughter of Adam can resist the temptations of the one who first brought sin into the world. Selected Messages, Book 1, 226

The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness. Signs of the Times, 10-04-83

Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. The Desire of Ages, 123

Does this mean that every sinful propensity within us can be subdued?

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The Desire of Ages, 668

Christ came to this world and lived the law of God, that man might have perfect mastery over the natural inclinations which corrupt the soul. . . . Man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, and of “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” and of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. The Ministry of Healing, 130, 131

We must learn of Christ. We must know what He is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Then we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity. Review and Herald, 04-24-00

To be pardoned in the way that Christ pardons, is not only to be forgiven, but to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. The Lord says, “A new heart will I give unto thee.” The image of Christ is to be stamped upon the very mind, heart, and soul. The apostle says, “And we have the mind of Christ.” Without the transforming process which can come alone through divine power, the original propensities to sin are left in the heart in all their strength, to forge new chains, to impose a slavery that can never be broken by human power. Review and Herald, 08-19-90

The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ, before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven. The Acts of the Apostles, 273

Is the Christian who does “not retain one sinful propensity” delivered from the daily struggle with these propensities?

Paul’s sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, “I die daily.” 1 Cor. 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. Life Sketches, 237

Do not some people have more to overcome than others, due to hereditary and environmental factors?

While some are continually harassed, afflicted, and in trouble because of their unhappy traits of character, having to war with internal foes and the corruption of their nature, others have not half so much to battle against. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 74, 75

Does the Lord allow for these individual differences amongst us? Does He expect all of His children to have an identical Christian experience?

Lead the people to look to Jesus as their only hope and helper; leave the Lord room to work upon the mind, to speak to the soul, and to impress the understanding. It is not essential for you to know and tell others all the whys and wherefores as to what constitutes the new heart, or as to the position they can and must reach so as never to sin. You have no such work to do. All are not constituted alike. Conversions are not all alike. Selected Messages, Book 1, 177

Can those with the strongest temptations also achieve complete victory over sin?

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God. Christ’s Object Lessons, 331

In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. The Desire of Ages, 429

Do those Christians who are living the closest to Christ realize how saintly they are?

The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you.Steps to Christ, 64

The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more we experience of His saving power, the more keenly shall we realize our own weakness and imperfection, and the more earnestly shall we look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer. The Sanctified Life, 83

The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. The Acts of the Apostles, 561

Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One. The Great Controversy, 470

Those who are really seeking to perfect Christian character will never indulge the thought that they are sinless. The Sanctified Life, 7

The greater the distance between them and their Saviour, the more righteous they appear in their own eyes.The Sanctified Life, 8

No one who claims holiness is really holy. Those who are registered as holy in the books of Heaven are not aware of the fact, and are the last ones to boast of their own goodness. None of the prophets and apostles ever professed holiness, not even Daniel, Paul, or John. The righteous never make such a claim. The more nearly they resemble Christ, the more they lament their unlikeness to him; for their consciences are sensitive, and they regard sin more as God regards it. They have exalted views of God and of the great plan of salvation; and their hearts, humbled under a sense of their own unworthiness, are alive to the honor of being accounted members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the King Eternal. Signs of the Times, 02-26-85

What is Christ’s attitude toward those who commit sin while sincerely trying to be Christians?

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23, 24

Do not draw back in despair. 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. Steps to Christ, 64

Jesus loves His children, even if they err. . . . 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. Letter 17a, 1891

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. Signs of the Times, 06-16-90

If 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 wilfully; 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. Review and Herald, 05-12-96

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 like our Saviour. . . . Our faith looks upon 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. Review and Herald, 09-01-91

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. Review and Herald, 08-21-88

What should the Christian’s attitude be when he falls into sin?

If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you cannot pray . . . but seek the Lord more earnestly. Our High Calling, 49

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. Review and Herald, 03-18-90

Do all in your power to gain perfection; but do not think that because you make mistakes you are excluded from God’s service. Messages to Young People, 226

When Satan tells you that the Lord will not regard you with favor, because you have sinned, say, “Jesus gave His life for me. He suffered a cruel death that He might enable me to resist temptation. I know that He loves me, notwithstanding my imperfection. I rest in His love. God has accepted His perfection in my behalf. He is my righteousness, and I trust in His merits. He takes away my sin-stained garments, and clothes me with the robe of His righteousness. Clothed with this garment, I stand before the Father justified.” Signs of the Times, 08-13-02

Does the Bible tell us of other God-fearing men who also at times were overcome by temptations?

The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah’s strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah’s disobedience and Israel’s idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter’s denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 12

What is the difference between the Christian who sometimes is led into sin and worldling who commits the same sin?

While the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control of evil. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 474

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Here is a special direction to deal tenderly with those overtaken in a fault. This “overtaken” must have its full significance. It is something different from deliberate sin, to be led into sin unawares, not meaning to sin, but sinning through want of watchfulness and prayer, and not discerning the temptation of Satan, and so falling into his snare. There is a difference to be made in the case of one who plans and deliberately enters into temptation, and marks out an evil course, covering his sin skillfully, that he shall not be detected.   Review and Herald, 06-28-87

The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts. Steps to Christ, 57, 58

Is there any difference between the professed Christian who is a slave to just one bad habit, and the worldling?

One sinful desire cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 53

One secret sin indulged, will prove to the character what the wormeaten plank does to the ship–utter disaster and ruin. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 90

One defect, cultivated instead of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him the gate of the Holy City. Messages to Young People, 144

Under the power of the perfecting latter rain, to what spiritual state will God’s people – the 144,000 – be brought by the close of probation?

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.   And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:   And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.   These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.   And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:1-5

Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. . . . This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. The Great Controversy, 623

Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,–the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, “It is finished.”   Review and Herald, 06-10-02

Is a long period of years necessarily required for the perfection of Christian character?

As we near the close of this earth’s history, we either rapidly advance in Christian growth, or we rapidly retrograde toward the world. Review and Herald, 12-13-92

What we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. Early Writings, 67

Will the righteous still feel the promptings of sin and be tempted after probation has closed?

So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience. The Acts of the Apostles, 560

To those who have tried so hard to obtain by faith so-called holy flesh, I would say, You can not obtain it. Not a soul of you has holy flesh now. No human being on the earth has holy flesh. It is an impossibility. . . . And while we can not claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. . . . Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01

We may create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination. The world is a fallen world, and the church is a place represented by a field in which grow tares and wheat. They are to grow together until the harvest. It is not our place to uproot the tares, according to human wisdom, lest under the suggestions of Satan the wheat may be rooted up under the supposition that it is tares. The wisdom that is from above will come to him who is meek and lowly in heart, and that wisdom will not lead him to destroy, but to build up the people of God. Review and Herald, 08-08-93

When will all temptation cease?

When human beings receive holy flesh, they will not remain on the earth, but will be taken to heaven. While sin is forgiven in this life, its results are not now wholly removed. It is at his coming that Christ is to “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” Phil. 3:21. General Conference Bulletin 04-23-01

We cannot say I am sinless until this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. Signs of the Times, 3-23-88

I heard shouts of triumph from the angels and from the redeemed saints, which sounded like ten thousand musical instruments, because they were to be no more annoyed and tempted by Satan and because the inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and his temptations. Early Writings, 290

There are hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil that must be overcome. Appetite and passion must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. There is no end to the warfare this side of eternity. But while there are constant battles to fight, there are also precious victories to gain; and the triumph over self and sin is of more value than the mind can estimate. Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 20

The Olympic games get the attention of the world.  Even far back in history they were popular.  Paul used the games that were very familiar to all the people in his time to illustrate some significant aspects of Christianity.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The public games and contests started far back in history. There are old legends and myths that refer to them. But there are also archeological records that show they were happening as early as 776 B.C. That was in Jonah’s time, shortly before Israel was captured by Assyria.

They became significant religious events. The Greeks and Romans carried them on in honor of their god Zeus. By the time of Paul, there were 4 different places in Greece where they had these big public sporting events. They were scheduled at regular times so there was at least one event each year. Most of them were within 100 miles of Corinth and one was right next to the city, so they were well-known to the people Paul was writing to.

Contestants came from all over Greece and even some foreign countries to participate in the contests. They were sort of political along with being religious. The events included horse and chariot racing, boxing, wrestling, leaping, running, throwing the javelin, etc. All of these were considered very important skills, valuable for the type of war that was carried on in those times, which was mostly hand-to-hand combat. There were times when armies would declare a truce during a battle so that athletes and pilgrims could travel safely to the Games.    Sometimes, instead of engaging in an all-out battle between the armies of two city-states, they would decide the victory by having a few men go through these small contests.

There is a story in 2 Samuel 2:12+ where something like this happened. Saul’s army under General Abner and David’s army under General Joab came together for battle. They decided to have a small contest between some of their young men, 12 from each side. Since all 24 soldiers died, it showed that the two armies were of quite equal ability and they would have to have a regular battle to decide the outcome of the war. David’s army won that day.

1 Corinthians 9:24   Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

The most common race was a sprint of 607 feet, a stadia or furlong. Only one person got the prize and became the hero. He would receive gifts and praise and public honor. There would be celebrations in his hometown. Sometimes they would break a hole in the wall of his home town so he would have a new entrance to come in at. There was no second prize – the rest of the runners went home with nothing. Imagine the effort that went into that race.

Paul encourages us to put the same effort into our Christian life that a runner would put into this race – if you win you get everything; if you lose you get nothing – except that we all can be winners.

Paul was never satisfied with just the minimum. He never said, “You have been saved. Thank the Lord and sit down to enjoy it.” No, he encouraged his spiritual children to strive for the maximum, to do their absolute best, in becoming all that God wanted them to be.

Even Jesus taught His followers to go beyond the minimum.

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.   Luke 17:10

Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness – godlikeness – is the goal to be reached.   Education, p. 18

1 Corinthians 9:25   And every man that striveth for the mastery (who wrestles and struggles) is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

A Greek writer speaks of the preparations a wrestler had to endure. “Do you wish to gain the prize at the Olympic games? consider the requisite preparations and the consequence. You must observe a strict regimen; must live on food which is unpleasant; must abstain from all delicacies; must exercise yourself at the prescribed times in heat and in cold; you must drink nothing cool; must take no wine as usual; you must put yourself under a “pugilist,”(an experienced trainer) as you would under a physician, and afterward enter the lists. Here you may get your arm broken, your foot put out of joint, be obliged to swallow mouthfuls of dust, to receive many stripes, and after all be conquered.”

There were three different types of fighting matches – wrestling, boxing, and all-out fighting where any technique was acceptable. There were no rules in those matches. Just struggle and fight until someone gives in or gets killed. It was brutal. The skills they used in these “games” were also used in war against their enemies.

There is a well-known bronze statue known as the Boxer of Quirinal or the Terme Boxer in the National Museum of Rome. It depicts a well-muscled and well-scarred boxer sitting down and resting. He has fur-lined boxing-gloves secured by thongs wound round the forearm half-way to the elbow. The gloves cover the thumb and the hand to the first finger-joints. A writer describes the statue. “The nose is swollen from the effects of the last blow received; the ears resemble a flat and shapeless piece of leather; the neck, the shoulders, the breast, are seamed with scars…. The details of the fur-lined boxing-gloves are also interesting, and one wonders how any human being, no matter how strong and powerful, could stand the blows from such weapons as these gloves, made of four or five thicknesses of leather, and fortified with brass knuckles.”

Here is a description of one of those fights from Thomas Guthrie in his book, The Gospel in Ezekiel –

“Look at these two men, stripped to the skin, who stand face to face, confronting each other in the public arena. They have been in training for weeks and months. Strangers to the pleasures of ease and sweets of luxury, they have been on foot every day by the dawn. Abstaining from all indulgences which might enervate their frame, in hard bed, hard food, hard work, they have endured every trial which could develop their muscular powers, and add to their strength. And now these athletes are met to contend for the prize; foot touches foot, eyes watch eyes, and their spare but sinewy and iron forms are disrobed, that nothing may impede the lightning rapidity of the movements, or lessen the power of the stroke. The signal is given. Blows fall thick as hail; and now the candidates are rolling on the ground; now they emerge from a cloud of dust to continue the fight, till one – planting a tremendous stroke on the head of his antagonist – stands alone in the arena, and amid applauses that rend the sky and waken up the distant echoes, holds the field. At this moment Paul steps forward, and addressing Christians, says, “So fight; so win. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.”

“Woe to the man, in these old games, who allowed his competitor to catch him off his guard. Woe to the man who turned to look on father, mother, wife, or mistress. Woe to the man who lifted his eyes but for a moment from the glaring eyeball of his antagonist; that moment a ringing blow fells him to the earth – he bites the dust.”

What did the winner get for all his effort? A little wreath of branches, the kotinos (refer to the photo at the top), that would soon wither and fade. The “crown” won by the victor in the Olympian games was made of the wild olive; in the Pythian games of laurel; in the Nemean games of parsley; and in the Isthmian games of the pine.

What is the crown a Christian receives? righteousness, eternal life, glory

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.   2 Timothy 4:8

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.   James 1:12

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.   1 Peter 5:4

1 Corinthians 9:26   I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Here, Paul is exhorting his readers to have a goal, keep it in sight, and head straight for it. Don’t just jog around with no destination; know where you need to go and press on with all you’ve got.

When I was young and learning various farming skills, my dad put great emphasis on a particular point when starting to plow a field: make the first pass as straight as possible by picking out a landmark at the far end of the field and heading for it, no looking around or back at the plow, just keep going straight toward the mark. He told about one time he picked out his “mark” and part-way down the field realized it was a calf walking along a fence.

Paul also encourages his readers by using the metaphor of a boxer who is in a serious match, not just beating the air, shadow boxing just for practice. We, as Christians, are never just practicing; we are always in real combat with our enemy.

Here is another description from Thomas Guthrie:

“Not less does our safety depend on constant prayer and watchfulness. “Be instant in prayer.” “Pray without ceasing.” “Watch and pray.” Ah! you will never have to offer Satan an advantage twice. Should he catch you asleep, as David caught Saul – when he put aside the spear of Abishai that gleamed in the moonlight above the unconscious sleeper, and whispered, “Destroy him not” – Satan will not be satisfied with carrying off spear and water-cruse, or skirt of robe; he will not be content to prove how he had generously left you your peace and piety. Constant prayer, unceasing watchfulness, are what your interests imperatively demand. These the Christian life requires, and these the crown of redemption rewards.”

I remember quite a number of years ago watching a boxing match when Mohammed Ali was defending his title. He used an interesting strategy – he tired out his opponent by just staying out of reach and moving around a lot, not actually punching much. When the other boxer was tired, Ali struck one knock-out punch that ended the match. We can’t afford to become lax and negligent in our Christian warfare.

1 Corinthians 9:27   But I keep under my body (strike under the eye), and bring it into subjection (be a slave-driver): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (be disqualified).

The athletes in those early games were under very strict discipline during their training. They had to follow a strict daily schedule, getting up before dawn, submitting to strenuous training all day under a tough coach, enduring heat and cold, a strict and spare diet, and no luxuries such as drinking wine. They had to be fully committed to their goal.

There were strict rules for participating in the games. Slaves were not allowed to compete, only freemen who spoke Greek. Every participant had to take an oath in front of the statue of Zeus, saying that he had been in training for at least ten months. In the race, he had to stay on the track, on the white line. Judges would decide if the winner actually deserved the prize. If he had broken any rule, he was disqualified and humiliated and sometimes punished.

Paul was very careful lest he should be disqualified after being a “trainer” himself. Do not be intimidated by anyone who might think you are a “legalist” just because you want to be conscientiously obedient to what God wants. Paul and Jesus were outstanding legalists. They were both very careful to do all that God expected.

The best definition I have found in the Bible of legalism is 2 Timothy 3:5: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: . . .   trying to look good without God’s help.

There is a verse that is often quoted to encourage Christians in their spiritual walk.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   2 Timothy 2:15

The word “study” in that verse is not referring to being studious in the sense of reading and studying. It comes from the Greek word spoude where we get our word “speed.” It means “be diligent, put forth great effort.” Here are some other passages that have the same Greek word and give us a broader understanding of its meaning.

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.   Hebrews 4:11

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:   2 Peter 1:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:10-14

So run the Christian race, fight the fight of faith, that you may win the crown. So live, deny yourselves, make constant exertion, that you will not fail or be disqualified and miss that prize, the crown of glory, that Jesus has waiting for you.

Here are some things to do in pressing toward that goal:

Give yourself totally to God; make this the most important business of life;

Olympic athletes commit their whole life and energy to training for the big event.

But seek ye first (primarily) the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.   Matthew 6:33

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Let go of sins, addictions, habits, things, anything that gets in the way of your spiritual life, comes between you and the Goal.

Runners, bicyclists, skaters, swimmers, skiers get rid of all extra weight, loose clothes, obstacles of any kind, anything that might slow them down.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.   Matthew 5:29, 30

In these verses, the word “offend” has a colorful meaning that we miss because of our modern understanding. It is translated from the Greek word skandalizei which is referring to getting caught by tripping the bait stick in an animal trap that snaps the trap shut when an animal touches it.

Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction, God has a purpose for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon the things of earth, and fixes our affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be painful for a time, but afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. There are branches that are cut off for the fire; let us thank God if we may, through painful pruning, retain a connection with the living Vine; for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him.   Review and Herald 9/11/83

Don’t get tired and quit along the way.

In one marathon, as the runners came to the end of the course, they would make a final lap around an oval track to the finish line. One woman came in totally worn out and very dehydrated, stumbling, barely able to keep going. People ran out to help her but she waved them away. She was determined to keep going on that final lap to the finish line.

As weak humans, we need to ask for strength and courage from God. We cannot run the Christian marathon by our own strength and determination. We need the help that He freely offers.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;   Colossians 1:11
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (endurance); And patience, experience (trustworthiness); and experience, hope (confidence):   Romans 5:3, 4

Don’t let anything distract you; keep your goal in view. In this life Satan will make sure that there are plenty of distractions.

When the athletes are competing, they don’t look at the crowd or pay attention to anything that is going on around them. Their whole concentration is on doing their absolute best and reaching their goal. The crowd keeps quiet until the end.

In our collection of music, we have a recording of a group singing a song that includes these words: “Going home. I’m going home. There is nothing to hold me here.” It’s a beautiful song and the message sounds good; but it’s not very accurate for most people. There is plenty to keep us here if we allow it. Satan makes sure we have all kinds of distractions – people, stuff, business. We have to make some definite choices and commitments so that there truly is nothing to hold us here. Here is a statement that each of us should ponder carefully:

Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.   The Ministry of Healing, p. 487 (emphasis added)

Notice that “Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him.”

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13, 14

For ye have need of patience (endurance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:36, 37

Paul could look back on his life and feel satisfied that he had done his best. He could look forward with confidence to the prize, the great reward that Jesus would give him – the crown of righteousness.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

The prize is well worth the effort.

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.   Exodus 25:8

Whenever I read that verse, I am reminded of what, to me, is one of the most impressive and comforting attributes of God – the fact that He WANTS to be with His people, that He WANTS a close and enduring relationship with them that is not disrupted by any outside forces or distractions. He is always faithful and will not let anything get in the way of His commitment to them. When they wander, He does all He can to bring them back. As part of His persistent effort toward reconciliation, we are told that He gives repentance.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.   Acts 5:30, 31

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.   Acts 11:17, 18

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.   2 Timothy 2:24-26

When I read these verses, I ponder what it means that God gives repentance. Does He have a table with a stack of certificates that say something like, “The person named in this document has been granted repentance.” and a sign beside them that says, “FREE, TAKE ONE.” From my perspective, that sounds a bit too much like an indulgence. Does He hand out repentance the way candy is tossed out for the children during a parade? Is it there for anyone to grab randomly? These verses tell us that Israel and the Gentiles were given repentance and it is even available to “those that oppose themselves.”

What does this mean?

How does God give repentance? Why does He do it?

What happens after that?

Here are some passages that describe God’s mode of operation.

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.   Micah 7:18-20

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?   Romans 2:4

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.   Acts 26:14-18

One of the most awesome and amazing things about our God is the fact that He WANTS to save us from our self-imposed, inevitable destruction. (Luke 12:32) He does not just consent to it if we can persuade Him by our pleadings or impress Him with our worthiness. He is not looking only for “good” people to invite to His kingdom. (Luke 5:32) He longs to save each and every one of us with a love-driven passion that is beyond our comprehension. He has pleaded with us, His wayward children, all through history to return to Him. That is what repentance is – a change of thinking, a turning around.

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, . . . Exodus 34:6, 7

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?   Ezekiel 33:11

As I have thought about what it means for God to “give repentance,” it seems that, because He is merciful and gracious, etc., He grants everyone, no matter how rebellious or evil they may have been, the opportunity to repent rather than immediately bringing retribution on them. He is long-suffering; He bears long with our perversity; He has a forgiving attitude toward us. He tries to persuade us to change and gives us time to come to our senses.

Sin always has consequences.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.   Galatians 6:7, 8

Some of those consequences happen immediately; others are delayed. Some can be averted if a person changes their course of life; others are unavoidable because we exist in a sinful system. The ultimate consequence is eternal destruction. But God does not want that to happen; He wants to save us from as much suffering as He can. He gives us repentance in the sense that, when we wander from Him, He gives us time to re-consider our ways and change. He gives us the opportunity to turn back to Him and avoid much suffering and the final destruction.

In our modern legal system, when someone is convicted of a crime, they are sentenced to whatever penalty is determined by the court and that sentence is carried out regardless of what may occur in their life and character. They may change and become a good, upstanding, law-abiding citizen but they will still serve their time and their criminal record will follow them through the rest of their life.

In God’s system, the criminal (each of us sinners) is urged by God’s Spirit to turn away from their life of crime (sin), to repent and change. Motivation and the power to change are provided by the Spirit and, when there is a will, a sincere choice, to change, all the resources of heaven are put into action to facilitate that change. (Philippians 2:13) The sinner is pardoned, the penalty is canceled, and the record of sin is erased. The person is no longer considered a sinner and is treated by God as though they had never done anything wrong.

If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, 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 just as if you had not sinned.   Steps to Christ, p. 62

This is how God gives that incredible gift of repentance – He grants the opportunity, the privilege, to change and thus avoid the ultimate consequence of the life of sin – eternal death. And, because of His passionate longing for us, He goes far beyond just waiting for us; He puts great effort into encouraging and facilitating our repentance.

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?   Genesis 3:8, 9

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.   Ezekiel 33:12-16

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.   John 3:17

Repentance – what a great gift from a wonderfully gracious and merciful God! Don’t waste the opportunity. Don’t throw the gift away.

I was almost a devout atheist. I didn’t believe that God was any more than a conglomeration of everyone’s mind put together, and the good that was there – that was God as far as I was concerned. As for the real, all-powerful God existing and loving us all, with power over everything, I didn’t believe that!

Then one day I had an experience that really set me thinking. I was in a large pathological laboratory and we were attempting to find the wave-length of the brain. We found more than just a wave-length of the brain. We found a channel of wave-lengths, and that channel has so much room in it that the different wave-lengths of each individual brain are farther separated in identity than the fingerprints on each individual’s hand This is a point we should remember: God can actually keep in heaven a record of our thoughts as individuals just as the F.B.I. can keep a record of our fingerprints in Washington, D.C.

We wanted to make an experiment to discover what took place in the brain at the moment of transition from life to death. We chose a lady whose family had sent her to a mental institution, but who had been discharged. The doctors could find nothing wrong with her other than the fact that she had cancer of the brain. This affected the balance of her body only. As far as her alertness of mind was concerned, and in every other way, she was exceptionally brilliant. But we knew that she was on the verge of death, and she was informed in this research hospital that she was going to die.

We arranged a tiny pickup in her room to ascertain what would take place in the transition of her brain from life to death. We also put a very small microphone, about the size of a shilling in the room, so that we could hear what she said if she had anything to say.

Five of us hardened scientists – perhaps I was the hardest and most atheistic of the group – were in an adjoining room with our instruments prepared to register and record what transpired. Our device had a needle pointing to 0 in the center of a scale. To the right the scale was calibrated to 500 points positive. To the left the scale was calibrated to 500 points negative. We previously had registered on this identical instrument the power used by a 50 kilowatt broadcasting station in sending a message around the world. The needle registered 9 points on the positive side.

As the last moments of this woman’s life arrived, she began to pray and to praise the Lord. She asked the Lord God to be merciful unto those who had despitefully used her. Then she reaffirmed her faith in God, telling Him she knew He was the only power and that He was the living power.   She told God He always had been, and always would be. She praised God and thanked Him for His power and for her knowledge of His reality. She told Him how much she loved Him!

We scientists had been so engrossed with this woman’s prayer that we had forgotten our experiment. We looked at each other and saw tears streaming down scientific faces.   I had not shed tears since I was a child.

Suddenly we heard a clicking sound on our forgotten instrument. We looked and the needle was registering a positive 500, desperately trying to go higher, only to bounce against the 500 positive post in its attempt!

By actual instrumentation we had recorded that the brain of a woman, alone and dying, in communication with God had registered more than fifty-five times the power used by a fifty kilowatt broadcasting station sending a message around the world.

After this, we decided to try a case very unlike the first one. We chose a man lying in the research hospital, stricken with a deadly social disease. He was practically a maniac.

After we had set up our instruments, we arranged for one of the nurses to antagonize the man. Through her wiles she attracted his interest in her, and then suddenly told him she didn’t want to have anything more to do with him. He began to verbally abuse her and the needle began to register on the negative side. Then he cursed her and took the name of God in vain. The needle suddenly clicked back and forth against the 500 negative post!

By actual instrumentation we had registered what happened in the brain when that brain broke one of God’s Ten Commandments, ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.’

We had established by instrumentation the positive power of God and negative power of the adversary. We had found that a beneficial truth is positive and that non-beneficial things, covered by the ‘thou shalt nots’ of the Ten Commandments, are negative in varying degrees.

If we scientists can record these things, I believe with all my heart that the Lord God can keep a record of our thoughts! He has more power than we have, and is a better record keeper than any of us on this earth. . . .
excerpted from Buried Evidence by George Burnside

published by Signs Publishing Company. Warburton, Victoria, Australia

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.   Revelation 19:11-13

I have read this description of Jesus many times and my mental picture has always been of a great military leader at the head of his army, going into another battle anticipating another victory. That is correct. Jesus is all of that and we know that He is always successful. But just recently I had one of those moments when I suddenly realized something that I had known to some extent before but it never really impacted my mind. I studied deeper into the meaning of that phrase he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.

When I think of something being dipped in liquid, I picture just a small part of it getting wet. Dipping your finger in the water to test the temperature. Dipping a rag in paint thinner to clean up a paint smudge. Dipping your feet in a lake on a hot summer day. So when I have read that phrase about Jesus’ garment being dipped in blood, I imagined some blood on some of it. Since He is riding a white horse, my mind pictures Him dressed in something that is predominantly white also. Many artists must have had the same thought.

But that word “dipped” means more than being slightly wet. It comes from the Greek root word bapto which means to totally immerse something in a fluid. Our word “baptism” comes from this word and we know that to be baptized means to be fully buried under the water. Jesus’ vesture, His outer garment, is baptized in blood, fully immersed, totally and completely stained by blood. It is not just partly red; it is all red. That thought startled me. I searched through the whole book of Revelation to find out who wears white. The saints and twenty-four elders are clothed in white; the angels are clothed in white; the Bride is wearing white. Jesus rides on a white horse and has white hair, but He is not described as wearing a white garment. The only verse that mentions what He wears is Revelation 19:13 – he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.

Some commentators think that His garment is merely spattered with the blood of His enemies because this is a description of a battle scene. That may be part of the meaning but my thoughts were turned to sacrificial blood, His own blood, a symbol of His death for our sin. He was totally plunged into the experience of dying for sin. It was not a superficial, limited thing.

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:   Revelation 14:10

This warning from the third angel speaks of God’s wrath being poured out on sinners without mixture. That expression means “undiluted.” Jesus experienced that undiluted wrath, not just for one individual the way each sinner will experience for himself, but for all sinners in one huge load.

Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of the Father’s mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme. But now with the terrible weight of guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father’s reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt.   The Desire of Ages, p. 753

This was the baptism that He was referring to in the following scene:

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.   Matthew 20:20

Most of the disciples suffered martyrdom, some in cruel circumstances. Many Christians through all of history have suffered incredible, unimaginable torture. Here is a heart-wrenching description related by Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who suffered much under Communism for his faith:

“I have testified before the Internal Security Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate. There I described awful things, such as Christians tied to crosses for four days and nights. The crosses were placed on the floor and hundreds of prisoners had to fulfill their bodily necessities over the faces and bodies of the crucified ones. Then the crosses were erected again and the Communists jeered and mocked: “Look at your Christ! How beautiful he is! What fragrance he brings from heaven!” I described how, after being driven nearly insane with tortures, a priest was forced to consecrate human excrement and urine and give Holy Communion to Christians in this form. This happened in the Romanian prison of Pitesti. I asked the priest afterward why he did not prefer to die rather than participate in this mockery. He answered, “Don’t judge me, please! I have suffered more than Christ!” All the biblical descriptions of hell and the pains of Dante’s Inferno are nothing in comparison with the tortures in Communist prisons.”   (Richard Wurmbrand. Tortured for Christ, p. 18)

When I first read that, I thought it was blasphemous for that priest to think he had suffered more than Christ. But when I thought about what is described in the paragraph from The Desire of Ages above, I realized that this poor man may have been correct in a certain sense. Jesus suffered physical torture at the hands of His tormenters for no more than twenty-four hours. Most crucifixion victims suffered for several days before they died. Many martyrs suffered for weeks, months, years. Some survived, most didn’t. But no other human has suffered the other kind of anguish that Jesus suffered from, and what actually killed him – the anguish of the guilt of sin crushing out His life. It was not His own guilt, nor the guilt of one other person, but the guilt of multiplied billions of sinners, all that have ever lived on this earth. We humans have physically survived the sin condition in this world for about 6000 years. We have deteriorated significantly and are failing rapidly, but by God’s grace we are still alive. But when the whole load of iniquity and guilt was poured on Jesus at one time, it killed Him within a few hours. Here is another excerpt from The Desire of Ages describing some of what He went through.

The awful moment had come – that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.
Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world’s Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: “If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.
Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour’s agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.   The Desire of Ages, pp. 690-694

In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man’s stead, and the human nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:” but if there is no other way by which the salvation of fallen man may be accomplished, then “not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Human nature would then and there have died under the horror of the sense of sin, had not an angel from heaven strengthened Him to bear the agony.   Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 5, p. 1103

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.   Hebrews 12:3, 4

Jesus suffered contradiction of sinners, the physical persecution and pain perpetrated on Him by humans. But He suffered much more. He was striving against sin itself. He was baptized totally into that experience. None of us have gone through that.

Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: . . . Isaiah 63:2, 3

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.   Luke 22:44

This verse gives us another very small glimpse into the agony Jesus was going through in Gethsemane. It is more vivid when you realize that the expression great drops of blood is thromboi haimatos. That is Greek for “clots of blood.”

In one of her early visions, Ellen White was shown some of the experiences of God’s people on their way to Heaven and soon after their arrival there.

As we were traveling along, we met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him.    Early Writings, p. 18, 19

Notice that the martyrs had a border of red on their garments, a symbol of their suffering, but only a small taste of it. Jesus’ garment did not have just a border of red; it was baptized in blood. He was plunged completely into the entire experience – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual agony – the Second Death.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.   Revelation 5:9-14

HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE!