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But the issue, Paulsen said, that has
the potential of dividing the church most is theology. He said he does not
support another restudy of theological issues originally presented 50 years
ago in the book "Questions on Doctrines," particularly regarding
the nature of Christ.
"I think
there is a reason why we have chosen generous language in describing our
position as a church on the nature of Christ," Paulsen said.
"The uniqueness
of Jesus Christ ... leads us to that," he stated. "I just cannot
imagine a post-modern person in Europe, a businessman in Asia or Latin
America, any more than a farmer in Africa will care one iota whether Christ
had the nature of man before the fall or after," Paulsen said.
"The realities of the world in which we live have other concerns and
other priorities which occupy us."
Paulsen pointed to
the church's statement of 28 Fundamental Beliefs and urged leaders "to
resist any tendency to pluck out strains from any of these [doctrines] and
make them into a separate and new doctrine."
Such
actions would be divisive for the global church, he said. (Emphasis
added.)
October 13, 2007 Silver
Spring, Maryland,
United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN
Revelation 18:
1And
after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great
power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2And he cried mightily
with a strong voice, saying, Babylon
the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the
hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3For all nations have
drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth
have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed
rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of
her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not
of her plagues. 5For
her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath
remembered her iniquities.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins R&H,
October 31, 1899:
The first, second,
and third angels' messages are to be repeated. The call is to be given to the
church: "Babylon
the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the
hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For
all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of
the earth have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. . . . Come out
of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive
not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath
remembered her iniquities."
Many who went
forth to meet the Bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels,
refused the third, the last testing message to be given to the world, and a
similar position will be taken when the last call is made. (Emphasis added.)
Ellen G. White
"Emmanuel,
God with us." This means everything to us.
What a broad foundation does it lay for our faith! What a hope big with
immortality does it place before the believing soul! God with us in Christ
Jesus to accompany us every step of the journey to heaven! The Holy Spirit with
us as a Comforter, a Guide in our perplexities, to soothe our sorrows, and
shield us in temptation! {AG 201.5}
Christ . . . is the ladder. The base is planted firmly on the earth in His humanity;
the topmost round reaches to the throne of God in His divinity. The humanity of
Christ embraces fallen humanity, while His divinity lays hold upon the throne
of God. {Mar 84.2}
In the humanity of Christ there
are golden threads that bind the believing, trusting poor man to His own soul
of infinite love. {TMK 43.6}
The
humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that
binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God. {OHC 48.6}
The Holy Bible
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus:
2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be
equal with God:
2:7 But
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was
made in the likeness of men:
2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
In believing this…
"I
just cannot imagine a post-modern person in Europe, a businessman in Asia or
Latin America, any more than a farmer in Africa will care one iota whether
Christ had the nature of man before the fall or after,"
We have no hope!
It is NOW time to come out from
among them and be separate, for the Seventh-day Adventist church General
Conference President has committed the unpardonable sin against the Holy
Spirit.
Matt 12:31 Wherefore I say
unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the
blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word
against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven
him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.
1 John 4:1 Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of
God:
4:3 And every spirit that confesseth
not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that
[spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now
already is it in the world.
“ God holds His
people, as a body, responsible for the sins existing in individuals among
them.” 3T 270
1 Peter 4:17 For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house
of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them
that obey not the gospel of God?
Philippians 2:13 For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise
took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the
power of death, that is, the devil;
2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage.
2:16 For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he
took on [him] the seed of Abraham.
2:17 Wherefore
in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might
be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people.
2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is
able to succour them that are tempted.
4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet]
without sin.
4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed
on in the world, received up into glory.
John 1:14 And the Word
was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
What Paulsen has said before
the world and Heaven is the highest order of blasphemy before God.
The Bible says that the working
of Satan will be with… “all power and signs and lying
wonders,
2:10 And
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness (How can unrighteousness deceive?.....only
when it is perceived as righteousness) in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved.
2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie:
2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Zechariah
2:7 Deliver thyself, O Zion, (Gods people) that dwellest [with] the
daughter of Babylon. (The Seventh-day Adventist church) Or else
chapter 3 will never be a reality for us….
3:1 And he showed me Joshua the high priest
standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to
resist him.
3:2 And
the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O
Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem
rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood
before the angel.
3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him,
saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I
have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with
change of raiment.
3:5 And
I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So
they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the
angel of the LORD stood by.
3:6 And the angel of
the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
3:7 Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my
charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and
I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
3:8 Hear
now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth
my servant the BRANCH.
3:9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon
one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof,
saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one
day.
3:10 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every
man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig
tree.
 The Seal of
God
A Study From
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH
Vol.
5
With Notes
Published by Adventist Laymen's Foundation of
Mississippi, Inc.
P. 0. Box 237, Florence, Mississippi, 39073
INTRODUCTION -- This is one of the most
important chapters to be found anywhere in the Inspired Testimonies. Not only
is the subject itself - The Seal of God - important, but also the setting of
the action as described in this chapter is of vital concern to every member of
the Seventh-day Adventist church. The time elements are clearly defined. The
last remnant of time has been reached. The judgment of the living is in
progress, for the sealing of the servants of God constitutes the judgment of
God upon them.
As one reads this chapter carefully, two sets of
three words need to be closely noted. These sets of words are inter-related.
One set is "'few," "some," and "many." The other
set is - "the little company" "the church" and "the
remnant." These sets when related and understood give a full and complete
picture of our duty in this present hour. We will find ourselves in one of the
categories, either with the few, or among the many, or we will respond as
"some" did. Because of this we will either be numbered in"'the little company" and finally designated as
"the remnant" or we will be found outside of this designation.
THE SEAL
OF GOD
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p 207 -- "
He
cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge
over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his
hand."
" And he called to the man
clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; and the Lord
said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of
Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that
cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the
others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite;
let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly old and young,
both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon
whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient
men which were before the house."
Jesus is about to leave the mercy-seat of
the
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The verses quoted in these first two paragraphs
are from Eze. 9: 1, 3-6. Take your Bible and read all six verses. In verse
three, God is pictured as having risen from the "cherub, whereupon He
was." The Judgment had been in session. A recess is called. God arises
and commands that a work on earth be completed. It is the sealing time. A
judgment of wrath follows immediately commencing "at my sanctuary."
See verse 6.
The time element is clearly defined: - "Jesus
is about to leave the mercy-seat of the heavenly sanctuary." It is the
final hour of human decision.
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p 208 --heavenly sanctuary, to put on garments
of vengeance, and pour out his wrath. in judgments
upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. "Because
sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart
of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being
softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised
toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth, strengthen their
hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of
God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of
grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate his own honor.
Of the Amorites, the Lord said: "In the
fourth generation they shall come hither again, for the iniquity of the
Amorites is not yet full." Although this nation was conspicuous because
of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its
iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The
people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner,
that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was
willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no
change was seen for the better, his judgments were to fall upon them.
With unerring accuracy, the Infinite One still
keeps an
account with all nations. While his mercy
is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account
will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of his wrath
commences.
The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of
mercy in their behalf.
The prophet, looking down the
ages, had
this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the
recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of Heaven's blessings have
been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry,
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The nations of earth have reached their limits of
grace. God is again to "interfere" in a direct way in the affairs
of nations. His first act is to order the sealing work to be accomplished.
An account is kept with all nations, and when a fixed
pre-determined amount is reached, God's "ministry of... wrath
commences." The "times of the Gentiles" is fulfilled... See
Luke 21:24. There is a direct relationship between the "times of the
Gentiles" being fulfilled and the sealing work for those that sigh and
cry concerning the abominations done in the land. "The prophet... had
this time presented before his vision."
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p 209 -- contempt of God, and
base ingratitude, are written against them. They are fast closing up their
account with God.
But that which causes me to tremble, is the
fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have beconie contaminated by the prevailing iniquity.
Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess
the truth, have grown cold, and are borne down by the strong current of evil.
The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness, leads those who do
not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for his law. If they
were following the light, and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law
would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As
the disrespect for God's law becomes more manifest, the line of demarkation between its observers and the world becomes
more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class,
according as contempt for them increases with another class.
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly
swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about come.
Although loth to punish, nevertheless he will
punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the
approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy
of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter his people in the day of visitation.Far from it. They should realize
that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong
faith to God for help. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much."
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its
power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in
the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in
the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of
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The "line of demarkation"
will become painfully distinct between us and the world.
"His people" - in context refers to all
who are professedly the remnant people of God. In other words, to merely have
one's name on the church books will prove no shelter in "the day of
visitation." "Far from it."
"The little company" - This is the first
reference to this group in relationship to the "church." They are
praying "in behalf of the church, because its members are doing after
the manner of the world."
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"The
danger and depression of the church" - The cause is given elsewhere: -
"I have been shown that the spirit of the world is fast leavening the
church. You are following the same path as did ancient Israel."
5T:75-76. "The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the
expressed will of God and following their own way
according to the leadings of unsanctifted hearts.
Modern Israel
are fast following in their footsteps, and the
displeasure of the Lord is as surely resting upon them." 5T:94.
"Faithful few" - this is another
designation for "the little company." The Lord will protect these
because they "have preserved the faith in its purity, and kept themselves
unspotted from the world." This indicates clearly that there is to be a
departure from the truth originally committed to the church, and that error
will be mingled with the teachings of the professedly true church. Standards
will not be maintained; worldliness will receive the tacit approval of the
church.
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p 210 -- the church, because
its members are doing after the manner of the world.
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain.
When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, he will also come as a protector of
all those who
have preserved the faith in its purity, and kept themselves unspotted from
the world. It
is at this time that God has promised to avenge his own elect which cry day
and night unto him, though he bear long with them.
The command is, "Go through the midst of
the city, through the midst of Jerusalem,
and set a
mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the
abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying
ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled,
and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God, repented
and humbled their hearts
before him. But the glory of the Lord had departed
from Israel;
although many still continued the forms
of religion, his power and presence were lacking.
In the time when his wrath shall go forth in
judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished
from the rest of the world by their soul-anguish, which is expressed in
lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a
cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere
prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls, will
not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed
day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They
are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are. filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to
see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light.
They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and
deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God,
which prompts to reproof, is trampled under
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"Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men
that sigh and cry." "Mark this point with care: Those who receive
the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost,
represented by a mark by a man in linen, are those 'that sigh and cry for all
the abominations that be done' in the church." 3T:267.
"Some" - here is the first use of this
word designating a special group. These hear the reproof, counsel, and
entreaties of, the "faithful few" and repent. But the
"many" still continue the forms of religious service, even though
the power and presence of God has ceased to be among them. "'How is the faithful city become an harlot?' My Father's house
is made a house of merchandise, and place whence the divine presence and
glory have departed!" 8T:250.
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"They mourn" - Compare with 3T:266 -
"The true people of God... will feel most deeply the wrongs of God's
professed people." It is the time of the closing work FOR the
church, the sealing time of the 144,000.
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p 211 -- foot, while the servants
of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect.
The class who do not feel grieved over
their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be
left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions his messengers, the men
with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the
city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly
old and
young, both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man
upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the
ancient men which were before the house."
Here we see that the church - the Lord's
sanctuary - was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had
given great light, and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual
interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the
position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of
God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen
their unbelief, and they say, The Lord will not do good,
neither will he do evil. He is too merciful to visit his people in judgment.
Thus peace and safety is the cry from men who will never again lift up their
voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house
of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark,
are
the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little
children, all perish together.
The abominations for which the faithful ones
were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but
by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy
God, were unrevealed. The great searcher of hearts knoweth
every sin committed in secret, by the workers of iniquity. These persons come
to feel secure in their deceptions, and because of his long-suffering, say
that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though
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"The class... left without the seal of
God." To receive the seal, there must be inward heart searching,
and outward mourning over the sins of others.
"The church - the Lord's sanctuary" -
Why is the church to receive the wrath of God first? "In the balances of
the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed." 8T:247.
If the church is to feel the stroke of God's wrath first, she evidently was
"found wanting" in the balances of the heavenly sanctuary.
"The ancient men" - These are defined as
"guardians" who betrayed their trsut, and
are spoken of as "dumb dogs, that would not bark." They are made to
"feel the just vengeance of an offended God." If these were all
that would be involved, then we could conclude, fine, they are to receive
their just dues. BUT, others suffer because of their betrayal -
"Men, maidens, and little children (of the Sabbath School),
all perish together." How tragic! How terrible! All because of blind
confidence in human leadership.
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p 212 -- he had forsaken the
earth. But he will detect their hypocrisy, and will open before others those
sins which they were so careful to hide.
No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly
wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing
principle, when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded
as worthy and righteous, prove to be ringleaders in apostasy, and examples in
indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course he will
tolerate no longer, And in his wrath he deals with them without mercy.
It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws his
presence from
those who have been blessed with great light, and who have felt the power of
the word in ministering to others. They were once his faithful servants,
favored with his presence and guidance; but they departed from him, and led
others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure.
The day of God's vengeance is just upon us.
The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and
cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with
the world are eating and drinking with the drunken, and will surely be
destroyed with the workers of iniquity. "The eyes of the Lord are over
the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the
Lord is against them that do evil."
Our own course of action will determine
whether we shall receive the seal of the living God, or be cut down by the
destroying weapons.
Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the
seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of his
indignation, then it will be forever too late to
repent, and find shelter. No atoning blood, will
then wash away the stains of sin.
"And at that time shall Michael stand up,
the
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"The Lord withdraws His presence" - Once
faithful men, who have known the power of God, depart from Him, and lead
"others into error." The apostasy in the church has been introduced
by men who have been, and in many instances still are, looked upon as
"faithful" ministers. God sees differently.
An individual matter - "Our own course of
action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God, or
be cut down by the destroying weapons."
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p 213 -- great prince that standeth for the children of thy
people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as
never was since there was a nation even to that same
time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be
found written in the book." When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is longer probation, no longer mercy for
the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon his people. This small remnant, unable to defend
themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled
by the dragon host, make God their defense. The
decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall
worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death.
May God help his people now, for what can they then
do in such a fearful conflict without his assistance!
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust
in God's power to save, do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of
years.
By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of
God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they
knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great
work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and
should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an
eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from Heaven, as did the first
disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to
mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and
torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they
rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was
crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement
to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as
never was.
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will
be
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"When this time... comes" - The
inter-related action
involving the "little company" or "the few;" and
"the church" or "the many" ends with the close of
probation. Daniel 12:1 is here quoted. It is clearly stated: - " there is no longer probation."
"This small remnant" - The
"few" and the "some" who repented make up this group.
"The experience of years" - We dare not
wait, and hope that by some miraculous way, we will receive the
"heavenly graces" - "courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit
trust in God's power to save" - at the final moment before probation
closes.
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p 214 --sealed. There are many
even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal
of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their
Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not
corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the
treasures of divine wisdom, should have acted their faith. They should have
commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they
might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart.
By their lack of devotion and piety, and their
failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented
with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning
after these men, who have so often opened to them the treasures of God's
word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Every one
must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble,
teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him.
However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects
to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a
little child, he will go into darkness and Satanic delusions, and will lead
others in the same path.
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of
God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us
to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon
us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
We are too easily satisfied with our
attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are
"wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Now is
the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: " I counsel thee to
buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment
that thou mayest be clothed,
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We dare not trust human leadership, or human
example. "Jesus is the only true pattern. Every one must now search the
Bible for himself upon his knees before God."
"Defects in our characters" - These we
must remedy.
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p 215 -- and that the shame of
thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see."
In this life we must meet fiery trials and
make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been
so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross
is almost entirely forgotten.
We must be partakers with Christ of his
sufferings, if we would sit down in triumph with him on his throne. So long
as we choose the easy path of self -indulgence, and are frightened at
self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace
of Jesus, nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted
of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad
in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through
great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage
in this conflict, will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be
upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel, were in the land, they
could save neither son nor daughter, for every one must deliver his soul by
his own righteousness.
No one need say that his case is hopeless,
that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death
of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need.
Only call upon him in faith, and he has promised to hear and answer your
petitions.
Oh, for living, active faith! We need it; we must
have it, or we shall faint and fall in the day of trial. The darkness that
will then rest upon our path must not discourage us, or drive us to despair.
It is the vail with which God covers his glory when he comes to impart rich
blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God
has a
controversy with his people, this experience will be a source of comfort and
hope.
It is now that we must keep ourselves and our
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"0h, for living, active faith." Read
this paragraph, and re-read it!
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p 216 -- children unspotted
from the world. It is now
that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of
the Lamb. It is now
that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake,
and make determined effort for symmetry of character. "Today, if ye will
hear his voice, harden not your hearts." We are in a most trying
position, waiting, watching for our Lord's appearing. The world is in
darkness. "But ye, brethren," says Paul, "are not in darkness
that that day should overtake you as a thief." It is ever God's'purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of
sorrow, and rest out of weariness, for the waiting, longing soul.
What are you doing, brethren, in the great
work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world, are receiving the
worldly mold, and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are
distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying
their souls by obeying the truth, - these are receiving the heavenly mold,
and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes
forth, and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and
spotless for eternity.
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will
never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. lt will never be placed upon the
forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed
upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the
seal must be without spot before God - candidates for Heaven. Go forward, my
brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this
time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search
the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity
of the present hour. END
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"Now" - note the series of "nows".
The Three-fold Preparation Cleansed from impurity
in an immoral age; contentment in God's plan for one's life in the midst of an
ambitious age; honesty in word and deed before a lying generation.
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"A train of
cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look
carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train.
It seemed that the whole train was on board;
that there could not be one left.
Said the angel, 'They are binding in bundles ready to burn.'...
"I asked the
angel if there were none left.
He bade me look in an opposite direction,
and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway.
All seemed to be firmly united, bound together by the truth,
in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, 'The third angel is
binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly garner.'"
Early Writings pp. 88-89.
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