HOW THE WILL OF MAN CAN OVERCOME ALL SINby Elder Lawrence Nelson
In my personal devotions with God one early morning I discovered a most profound truth that I must share with you. I was reading the book Christ Object Lessons and found this mind-boggling inspired quotation: "As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it become omnipotent." (p. 333).
At first I found this difficult to comprehend for only God is omnipotent. Could it be possible that God loves us so much that He is willing to share this unbelievable power of omnipotence with you and me? Since I am a firm believer that both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, I was overwhelmed with this revealed truth that God would share His omnipotent power with sinners like you and me, so that we may overcome every temptation of Satan and live victoriously as Jesus did.
I dare not proceed further without heavenly guidance to contemplate such astounding truth. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before Thy mighty power pleading that Thy Holy Spirit will energize our sin-weakened minds, enabling us to catch a glimpse of salvation's plan that makes it possible for us to live victoriously over every sin before Jesus comes. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.
As we begin this study let us keep in mind that there is no question concerning the eternal truth that is found in Romans 8:3 - "God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." It was thus that Christ, as our example, demonstrated for us how He, in the likeness of our sinful flesh joined His will with God's omnipotent power making it possible for Him to live on earth without committing one sin. This is why He could say, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" John 8:46. Only Christ could make such a statement, for in His daily life He fully surrendered His will to God's will.
We read of this dedication in John 6:38, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." This was demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane in choosing death rather than life when He stated, "Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt." Mark 14:36.
Christ has revealed how He cooperated with God in joining His human will with God's divine will. This is why the Bible pleads, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5. If we will follow the example of Christ, and place our will in the hand of God, we too can have absolute victory over sin.
Now, this brings us to a most important question: "What is the will?" I believe this can best be described by what it is not. Please let me illustrate. Most of you have no doubt experienced something similar to what I am about to tell you. You have been in someone's home when it was bedtime for their children. I was making a pastoral call with my wife one evening in one of the homes of our church members. Their little boy, Johnny, was excited to see the pastor. As we visited, the boy's bedtimes became past due so Mother said, "Johnny, it's time for you to go to bed."
Instantly he shook his head – No! and began to pout. But mother insisted. "Johnny, come now, let's go to bed." At these words he began to reveal his real nature. He stamped his feet, fell on the floor kicking and screaming. His mother picked the little fellow up as he struggled to resist. Mother blushed as she said, "My boy has such a strong will power." Now that was a misnomer. Johnny was not displaying his God-given will power, but instead a disobedient "won't power." What's more, "won't power" is not to be confused with "want power."
Let me explain further. An old man in the jungle was in such pain that he walked ten miles to one of our dispensaries in a small town. The doctor took one look at his swollen jaw and told the man his tooth must be taken out. The man got in the dental chair and watched the doctor make preparations. First, he put on a white jacket and then placed a hypo with a long needle on it on a nearby table. The jungle man's eyes grew bigger and bigger. Next, the doctor placed a small lance and forceps next to the hypo. After rolling up his sleeves, the doctor told the man, "Open your mouth." Suddenly he yelled, "No, no." You see this jungle man had never seen a dentist before in his entire life and he was scared to death.
The doctor pleaded, "You will only feel a tiny prick. When the tooth is gone you will not have any more pain."
"No, no." The man got up, got out of the chair and rushed to the door and ran back into the jungle with his terrible pain. Why? – Because he was not willing.
Now, what have we learned thus far? – The will of man is not "won't power," it is not "want power," the will is the "deciding power" of man. Let me give you the best definition of the will that I have ever found. "Pure religion has to do with the will. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto disobedience." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 513.
We have arrived at the proper definition. The will is not "won't power," the will is not "want power," the will is the deciding power. These words, "deciding power," imply there is a council of judges, so let us consider your mind. Your brain is the chamber in which three judges sit. The first judge is called "the voice of reason." This is why God pleads, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord." Isaiah 1:18. Only man has this power of reasoning. This ability leads to choice; it is not found in the animal kingdom. The greatest gift of God that He gave to mankind is His Son, Jesus Christ. The next greatest gift is the power of choice. If man is to be saved to everlasting life, he must accept this precious gift of Jesus and then properly use the gift of choice. We read in Deuteronomy 30: 19, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may life."
Now, let's consider this judge called "Reason." He's cold and factual. He will argue the pro and the con, pointing out the good and the bad. He pays no attention as to whether you like it or not. Without question, he points out the advantages or disadvantages. What makes our reasoning power tick?
Reasoning power is developed by your home life – the teachings and example of your parents, Bible study and prayer and how you use the television and the radio.
Your reasoning power is determined by the school you attended. Were Christian standards taught and upheld? Are modern scientific theories accepted without question, or is the final answer found in God's Word?
The church you attend affects your power of choice. Are it's teachings based on God's Word or on tradition? Do you attend for the excitement of its weekly drama, and the beat of the Christian rock music, or to be quietly, spiritually fed by the Holy Spirit?
Don't forget the effect of your associations upon your reasoning ability. Are your close friends worldly, with evil habits, or are they the kind you love to discuss spiritual truths with? Each of these four factors effect the reasoning ability of this judge.
The second judge is your "heart's ideal." Some may call it your "feelings." We are not talking about your mind of knowledge but of your heart's seat of affections. God says in His Word in 1 Kings 3:9, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart." Our "heart's ideal" judge is developed by the same four standards of our personal environment – the home life, the school, the church and your associates. The important question is, "Are these four factors Christ-centered?" The poet has stated, "Be like Jesus, this my song, In the home and in the throng; Be like Jesus all day long! I would be like Jesus."
The third judge is "the voice of conscience." As with the other two judges, the counsel of this judge is also developed by the home, school, church and our associates. We are not born with a conscience, and we must not consider our conscience infallible. Take the example of Saul of Tarsus. It was his home life, schooling, church and associates which all played a part in the development of his ungodly conscience. Keep in mind, he was taught that tradition was above the Word of God, that he could work his way to heaven, that higher education should be trusted above the counsel of God, that priestly teachings and commands were to be obeyed with a cadaver-like conscience. Is it any wonder that he acted as he did? He persecuted the people of God believing that he was doing God a favor.
But on the road to Damascus he met Jesus and he was never the same again. As he looked in His face, Christ became his ideal. His conscience was renewed by the Holy Spirit enabling him to see the folly in fighting God's truth. He immediately forsook his former associates, his reasoning power no longer was based on tradition but on God's eternal Word. No longer do we talk of Saul the persecutor, but of Paul the apostle. Why? – Because the three judges in his mind chamber now acted differently. His reasoning power was now based on scripture. His heart's ideal was no longer to be like the Jewish priests, but to be like Jesus. His conscience followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. His new associates encouraged him to stand faithful to God. The Bible explains this is two words – "Born Again." We praise God for Paul's New Birth experience, but we must ever keep in mind that if this change of mind does not reveal a death of the old nature and a resurrection of a new, Christ-like nature, this apparent change of character will not last, but end in complete failure.
Consider the following. An individual may accept God's Word as the basis of his reasoning, but if he continues to make his ideal that of some TV movie star the power of this worldly ideal will become so strong as to eventually overrule the Word of God. If one permits the Holy Spirit to develop within him a holy conscience, but he reasons to question God's Word because of the teachings of "higher education" he will discover that doubt will become the master, actually destroying his faith in God.
What's more, you may have good reasoning, heavenly ideals and a holy conscience, yet if you allow your closest friends to be those which are unconverted, with evil habits, all of your godly counsel, high ideals, and saintly conscience will avail you nothing. The power of evil associates is so great that it will overpower these Christian qualities, thus you will never be able to join your human will power with that of omnipotence. Victory over sin will be unattainable.
Consider once more this "will chamber" in man's mind. Sometimes it often takes a few moments to make the right decision and this requires a porter called self-control to take control and give time to the three judges to take action. For an instance, when a problem arises demanding a decision, this self-control porter opens the door to the will chamber, stating, "Just a minute. Don't be too hasty for we expect the right decision."
Paul explains this action with these words, "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25. Ellen White uses these words found in Messages to Young People p. 134, "The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who can stand unmoved amid a storm of abuse is one of God's heroes. … It is God's purpose that the kingly power of sanctified reason, controlled by divine grace, shall bear sway in the lives of human beings. He who rules his spirit is in possession of this power."
So, at the doorway to the council chamber of the will sits this porter of self-control. Whatever the source of impulse - be it habits, hereditary tendencies or some emotion - your mind chamber becomes alerted for action. Self-control gives your three judges (your will) time to come to the right decision. It may take only a split second for reason, desire and conscience to act. Then again, it may take more time. But to act impulsively, without the decision of these three judges, can be a disaster; the difference between life or death, heaven or hell.
Let me make this practical. Take the example of hunger. This is a God-given desire implanted at birth. As it follows the nerve pathway to the brain, if it is unhampered by reason, ideal, or conscience, the result is obvious. We will eat anything, at any time, in any quantity to satisfy the impulse. This could lead us to become a glutton or a drunkard. But if we channel this desire to our will chamber immediately the porter of self-control says, "Wait a minute. Your three judges need to act." Instantly reason takes over.
"So, you want to eat? Well, that's perfectly alright, but remember, the work you are doing determines the quantity that you eat. Don't forget, you should wait at least four to five hours between meals. You will need some protein, carbohydrates and minerals. What? You don't like greens? – That doesn't matter, eat it. It's good for you."
And then the heart's ideal continues, "Remember, you are what you eat. Have you forgotten that over-weight person you saw yesterday? Wasn't it a sight? You want to be alert, clear-eyed, quickly able to distinguish between truth and error, don't you? It's a known fact the man who follows God's prescribed diet of fresh fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables is found to be in the best of health."
The conscience speaks up, "Everything that can be eaten shouldn't be eaten. Some things are poison and God has declared that some things are unclean." So, in the will-chamber of your mind you will have made a right decision - I will eat the right food, in the right quantity, at the right time. The result – you are a happy, contented, healthy, clear-minded thinker on the road to the best of health all because of the correct action of your will.
Now, what about sex? There are two paths that can be taken. One is controlled sex, the other is uncontrolled sex. God gave us sex, and there is nothing wrong with His wonderful gift, but if uncontrolled by the will it can lead to indiscretion, petting, lasciviousness, adultery, perversion and even incest. What was true love can become lust, breaking the marriage vow and ruining the life. Uncontrolled sex is a curse and it's always promoted by the devil.
You might not like the comparison that I am about to give, but it is absolutely true. A young women, with the proper will power can become an unselfish mother, rearing her beautiful children for Christ in her Christ-like home, or she can become a harlot, roaming the streets like a dog in heat. Both are inspired by the same instinctive urge of sex. What makes the difference? – It's the will power. No wonder the wisest man that ever lived said in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." The apostle Paul added in Romans 8:13, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." This fact remains as long as there is life on earth.
Your will is the determining factor between eternal life or death. Inspiration makes this very clear in Messages to Young People p. 31, "O that every one might realize that he is the arbiter of his own destiny. Your happiness for this life, and for the future, immortal life lies with yourself." Does this mean that God doesn't have anything to do with your salvation? – Of course not. What it means is that you must do the "willing" and then God can to the "saving."
Let me read further from this inspired book on p. 212. "Remember … that each day, each hour, each moment, you are weaving the web of your destiny. Each time the shuttle is thrown, there is woven into the web a tread which either mars or beautifies the pattern. If you are careless or indolent, you spoil the life which God designed should be bright and beautiful. If you choose to follow your own inclinations, unchristlike habits will bind you will bands of steel."
Now let me conclude with the profound truth I read to you in our introduction of this important message. It is found in Christ Object Lessons p. 333, "As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent." What a tremendous thought! Omnipotence – why that's a power belonging only to God! What does this mean? – Your will can become omnipotent when it is completely dominated by God's will because your reasoning, your ideal, your conscience, and your choice of associates are all in tune with God.
This is how Jesus, as a man, made in the likeness of our flesh, was able to overcome every temptation of Satan and never sin. God pleads with you and me to do likewise. As we read before in Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." As Christ gave His will completely to God, His will power became omnipotent over every temptation. And praise the Lord, we too can live victoriously over sin when we can say as Christ said, "Not my will but Thy will be done."
God never forces the will. The power of choice was God's original gift to man and it will always be as long as eternity lasts. When we willingly give our reasoning, ideal, and conscience to God He shares His divine power with us. Praise His name! What love! What a Savior! You can hear His voice calling now. I'm reading Isaiah 1:19, 20, "If ye be willing (there it is again – the power of the will) and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Praise God.
It is so simple. Messages to Young People p. 120 says, "Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.' He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin." Don't you like this kind of a God; doesn't this appeal to your heart? With the help of His omnipotent power you can say with Paul, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
So beloved, with God's help I have laid before you life or death. Your will determines what your choice will be. A missionary told me of an old man who walked into the mission hospital asking for some medicine to heal his broken finger. As the doctor unwrapped the dirty rag covering his hand he discovered the finger was dead. It was black; rotten to the bone.
Alarmed the doctor said, "There's no medicine that I can give you that can cure your finger. It must be amputated immediately or the blood poison of your dead finger will kill you."
But the man would have none of this. He insisted, "Doctor, if you won't give me medicine to cure my finger I'll return to the jungle and find my old witch doctor. He will give me medicine. If it won't work I'll come back in ten days."
Two weeks later the doctor inquired of a patient who knew this man. "Tell me, what happened to the man with the infected finger?"
"Oh," said the friend, "he died five days ago."
Why did he die? Was it because there was no doctor to save him? – No. He was not willing. When we shall soon see Jesus coming in the clouds of angels to bestow eternal life to the faithful, if any of us should find ourselves calling for the mountains to hide us from His glory it will not be because God made no provision to share with us His omnipotent power to gain victory over every sin; it will be because we were not willing for Christ to save us.
I beg of you, let your reasoning be developed by a daily study of God's Word. Let your ideal be to become like Jesus. Keep friends with those who do likewise. Let your conscience be the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and you will be living day by day ready to meet Jesus. Remember, "You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire, but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, your life will be hid with Christ in God, and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers." Messages to Young People p. 152.
Beloved, that is omnipotent power. Praise God. "As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings." Christ Object Lessons p. 333.
Let us pray, Loving Father, how we praise Thy name for sharing with us Thy omnipotent power so that our sin-weakened wills of humanity can overcome sin just as Jesus did. Please help us to submit our wills to God's will. This we ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
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HOW TO OBTAINRIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITHby: Elder Lawrence Nelson
In a book by Margaret Davis, I discovered a very heart-rending experience. The author tells how she and her husband returned home after spending twenty years in the mission field to find that both of her parents were in poor health. Her father had a most serious health condition that could bring death at any time. As he lay on his bed, knowing that he could die at any moment, he was deeply concerned because he had never experienced victory in controlling his temper.
This dear father knew that he must gain victory over this sin in order to be ready to meet Jesus. Since his daughter, Margaret, had been a missionary, leading many to Christ and helping them to gain the victory over their sins, he cried, "Margaret, please help me before I die. I'm seventy-eight years old, and I have this fatal heart condition and could die at any moment. Please help me to obtain righteousness by faith so I can be ready to meet Jesus."
Margaret's father needed to know how to obtain victory, and he had a right to know. During his life he had accepted the teaching that all he had to do was to believe in Jesus, do his best, and Jesus would have to make up the difference. He had tried to overcome his evil temper but was frustrated because he always yielded to his temper rather than yield to Christ for victory. Now that he was about to die, his life of guilt rose up before him in a crushing defeat. He wept upon his bed.
Like the apostle Paul, he too experienced the problem as recorded in Romans 7:19 and 24: "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." "O wretched man that I am!" Dearly beloved, is this story of Margaret's father the story of your life? O, I know it may not be the problem of a temper but of some other evil, but is there some sin in your life that you have not overcome and gained the victory?
Before we search for God's solution let us pray. Loving Father, in Thy holy word we read in 2 Peter 3:9 that "the Lord is not slack concerning his promise…not willing that any should perish." Father, we pray that Thou wilt send us Thy Holy Spirit to teach us how we may obtain the victory over every sin through the righteousness of Christ. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.
In the book of Luke we discover a word-by-word discourse uttered by two young men. One was a rich young ruler, the other an expert lawyer. Both of these men were members of the Jewish religion in the days of Christ. Both were acquainted with the doctrines of their faith. Both considered themselves in full obedience to the Ten Commandments. Therefore, both expected that their salvation was assured, yet down deep in their heart they felt that something was missing. They knew that they were not ready for the coming kingdom so it is not strange that they both asked precisely the same question. In Luke 18:18 and in Luke 10:25 – 28 the ruler and the lawyer asked, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Apparently both of these young men were under deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Outwardly they were living a godly life, but inwardly they knew that something was wrong.
Now, for a moment let's leave these two young men in our thoughts and focus our minds on our Christian experience. We are members of God's church. We know the correct Bible doctrine, and most of us are outwardly living the Christian life, but are we positive that we are ready for Christ's Second Coming? Let me suggest that both you and I permit the Holy Spirit to freely examine our hearts as we consider the following from inspiration. In Christ's Object Lessons p. 315 we read, "Many (now that's a large group, isn't it?) who call themselves Christians are mere human moralists. …The work of the Holy Spirit is to them a strange work." Could it be that we are unwittingly trusting in our own obedience. Could it be that we are classed as those who are trying to work our own way to heaven?
In The Mount of Blessings p. 7 we are told, "He who feels whole, and who thinks that he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ." Now that's an eye-opener, isn't it? What a statement! So I question: "Have we gone through the last couple of months feeling we are right with God?" Have we said to ourselves: "I'm in the right church. I pay my tithe, I give of my offerings, I think I'm doing pretty good." Have such thoughts been in our mind? Let me put it bluntly: Are we satisfied with our spiritual condition? Could it be that we are not a partaker of Christ's righteousness?
Inspiration tells us in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, p. 394, "The people are more ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation and need more instruction upon this all-important subject than upon any other." But instead of pastors feeding the flock in such spiritual preparation they are being forced by the conference to spend precious time in weight control, stress control, marriage seminars and a lot of other agenda items that have nothing to do with the preparation so necessary to meet Jesus.
Both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy have something to say about this alarming need. In Romans 10:2, 3 we read, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, and have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
In Ministry of Healing p. 143 we are told, "Everywhere there are hearts crying out for something which they do not have. They long for a power that will give them mastery over sin, a power that will deliver them from the bondage of evil." So this is why I ask the question, "Could it be that we, too, have been a product of this new theology that is invading God's church, which teaches that we have been born in sin, and that we can never expect to overcome sin until Jesus comes; that it is at that time He makes us so that we cannot sin? All that we need is to do our best and believe that God will save us in our sins?"
But beloved, the Bible has an answer to this false conception. The Word of God positively states in Matthew 1:21, God "shall save his people from their sins." This is a life and death issue facing every individual who expects to see the coming of Christ. This is not a time to rest on supposed hope. In Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, p. 163 I read, "A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin … since you are to stand or fall by the word of God."
Now this counsel brings us back to the rich young ruler. What did he say? – "Good Master, what good things should I do that I might have eternal life?" And Jesus said unto him, If you will enter into life, keep the commandments. He said, Which? Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, honor thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man said unto Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?"
Jesus said unto him: "If you will be perfect, go and sell what you have and give to the poor and you shall have treasures in heaven: and come and follow Me." Was this young man sincere? – Of course he was, but Jesus knew his heart. There was one thing lacking. Only one, but this one thing was of major importance. He needed to love God.
Sometimes we think that Christ was asking this young ruler to sell everything that he owned and we have missed the point. If he had done this he would have been a beggar. What the Master implied was that which He has always required of any individual who desires eternal life - "Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:5. The fact remains, this young ruler did not love the Lord with all of his heart. Likewise this points the same question about ourselves.
In the book Sons and Daughters of God p. 49 Ellen White writes, "Many are deceiving themselves for the principle of love does not dwell in their heart." Now could this involve you and me? Do we attempt to keep the law of God just to prove to ourselves that we are obedient and entitled to heaven? Let me illustrate. When we discipline our children do we become impatient and irritable and blame them for our lack of love? As husbands and wives do we resent our spouse and insist that our way is better than their way?
Now I think I hear someone say, "Brother Nelson, don't you know that we are only human?" Are you ready for my answer? – How can we have God's love in our heart and still be human? If we are only human we are not Christians. A true Christian is more than human, for a Christian has become a partaker of the divine nature and is no longer just "human." In Christ Object Lessons p. 158 I read of a Christian, "They have Christ in them. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and God's love is controlling them. We may be active, we may do much work, but without love, such love as dwells in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven." You see, this was the problem with the rich young ruler. The same can be said of the lawyer, as we read in Luke 10:25 – 28: "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."
The righteousness of Christ must abide in our hearts for this is absolutely essential to victorious living. Jesus said in John 3:3, "Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This is the problem with many within our church today for they have never experienced the New Birth. They try to live the "Christ life" in their own natural nature.
Now, do I hear someone say: Elder Nelson, you are using some pretty strong language. Beloved, I am simply stating what God's servant says. Let me read it to you. It is found in Bible Commentary, Volume 6, p. 1075. "The new birth is a rare experience. …[It] is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the church. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ."
"Elder Nelson, are you trying to tell us that if we are not gaining victories over our evil habits through the divine power of God, that we have not partaken of the divine nature?" – Exactly. Let's read further on p. 1101, "The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up and for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten into the new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices they will give evidence of their relationship with Christ." The Bible agrees. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
So you see, this is now God, through Christ, who reconciles us to Himself. True conversion is a radical change. You and I may be living outwardly a godly life, but as with the ruler and the lawyer this will not count. In Matthew 5:20 Jesus said, "I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
God has not left us in doubt as to how His righteousness by faith can be obtained. In Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings p. 54, 55 we read, "While the law is holy, the Jews could not attain righteousness through their own efforts to keep the law. The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from that of the Pharisees, if they would enter the kingdom of heaven. God offered to them, in His Son, the perfect righteousness of the law. If they would open their hearts fully to receive Christ, then the very life of God, His love, would dwell in them, transforming them into His own likeness; and thus through God's free grace they would possess the righteousness which the law requires…- a reproduction in themselves of the character of Christ." Isn't that beautiful! Nothing could be more plainly stated.
We read in Philippians 3:9, "Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." How is this righteousness of faith obtained? – In Messages to Young People p. 55 it says, "The Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is His representative. Through it He infuses spiritual life into the soul, quickening its energies for good, cleansing it from all moral defilement, and giving it a fitness for heaven." Praise the Lord. What more could we ask?
The most earnest prayer that Seventh-day Adventists should be praying these days is, "God, fill me with the Holy Spirit." Such an experience comes to us only through the Holy Spirit. It is likened to the oil in our vessels. Remember those ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom? God says that five were foolish and five were wise. The foolish took no oil in their lamps. In Christ Object Lessons p. 406 - 408 we read, "The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. By lamps is represented the word of God … oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit…. For a time there was seen no apparent difference between them [members within the church]. All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's approach, and confidently expect His appearing. [But] many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit. These virgins without their oil were not hypocrites; they advocated the truth, they supported the truth, but they had not yielded to the Holy Spirit. They had not fallen upon the Rock Christ Jesus and they had never permitted their old nature to be broken up. These five foolish virgins did not have on the wedding garment. They were content with a superficial work and of them it can be honestly said, 'They do not know God.'" These foolish virgins were content with only forgiveness. They were not reaching out for victory.
We are plainly told in Christ Object Lessons p. 419, 420, "The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sins; it means taking away our sins and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit." Righteousness by faith is not a religion of just trying to do our best, it is more than having a relationship with Jesus; it is an overcoming experience. It is victory over sin. Believe me, the Lord is just waiting to give victory to His people today. In Christ Object Lessons p. 419 it says, "All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessings to human hearts." If we are willing all would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The marriage of the Lamb is going to take place. I read in Revelation 19:7, 8, "Rejoice…for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Let me tell you, a perfect character can be ours. In Christ Object Lessons p. 310 it reads, "It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour." Amen.
"But pastor, please explain how this robe is actually put on." Again I read in Christ Object Lessons p. 311, "This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. (Now notice how it becomes a part of us…) 'All our righteousness are as filthy rags,' Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God 'was manifested to take away our sins.' 1 John 3:5…By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God's commandments."
Now the question: "How is this righteousness obtained?" – I continue to read, "When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garments of His righteousness." Oh beloved, this is talking victory.
I read in Desire of Ages p. 555, "The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; It is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct…. It is the entire surrender of the heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven." So friend, I believe in moral perfection and it is obtainable before Jesus comes. In Christ Object Lessons p. 330 are these words, "Moral perfection is required of all. Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies of wrong doing. We need to understand that imperfection of character is a sin. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole, and every one who receives Christ as a personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes."
This is the time when we should do the washing and ironing. In the book In Heavenly Places p. 356 are these beautiful words, "If it were possible for us to be admitted into heaven as we are, how many of us would be able to look into the face of God? How many of us have on the wedding garment? How many of us are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing? This is the washing and the ironing time; the time when we are to cleanse our robes or character in the blood of the Lamb."
Like the rich young ruler, and the lawyer, we need a Savior. Believe me, I am not trying to discourage anyone, I'm trying to awaken all of God's dear people out of their satanic deep sleep. We are facing a life and death issue and there is no question about it. I read in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, p. 453, "God will accept nothing but purity and holiness. What we need is this robe of Christ's righteousness that gives the sinner admittance to heaven." If we would gain the victory we must cooperate with Christ. We must respond. In Messages to Young People p. 147 we read, "To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our efforts."
Our souls are to be aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us that we may work out our own salvation. The secret of righteousness by faith, which Margaret's father obtained a year before he died, can work for you. How did he do it? – It is as simple as it can be. I've tried it myself and discovered it is a divine plan that will give victory over any sin.
Here is how it works: When you awaken in the morning, before you roll out of bed, pause to have a little talk with Jesus. Ask Him, "Lord, please fill my heart so full of Thy Holy Spirit today that when the devil comes to tempt me, the Holy Spirit will at once alert me that I'm being tempted so that I can immediately cry, 'God, help me.'" Suddenly you will feel divine power flooding your soul and the devil will flee from you.
So beloved, it is actually this simple. This is what righteousness by faith is all about. This is how Margaret Davis' father gained the victory over his temper. He found God's power was sufficient, and you too can have such victory in your life.
Let me close with inspiration's promise found in Review and Herald, September 27, 1906. I quote, "To everyone who surrenders fully is given the privilege of living without sin in obedience to the law of heaven." Praise God. All it takes is to permit this godly plan of righteousness by faith to be experienced in our daily life.
Let us pray. Loving Father, how we praise Thy name for giving us this simple, divine plan of righteousness by faith so we may gain the victory over every sin and live without sinning. For we ask this in the name of Thy dear son, Jesus. Amen.
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INCREDIBLE APOSTASY #3(But there is hope!)by Elder Lawrence Nelson
Some years ago the General Conference sent me, as a world-youth leader, to visit the Cameroons in the heart of Africa. I was to spend thirty days visiting our schools and outposts in behalf of youth evangelism. Our first day of travel in a Volkswagen ended quickly, for we experienced six flat tires in the first ten miles. I insisted we return to the capital city and try to find some better used tires, and our driver agreed. After hunting through stacks of old tires we finally found four that we thought would do the job.
While these were being installed I decided to go for a short walk to see some of the shops which lined the streets. Little did I realize what I was about to encounter. Rounding the corner of the block I was suddenly confronted with a very tall man who was about to bump into me. I quickly jumped aside over the open sewer by the sidewalk to avoid hitting him.
Never shall I forget this man. He was stark naked and covered with the filth of the open sewer, for apparently he had tumbled in. His body odor made me sick to my stomach. Amid such filth I noticed that his chest and abdomen were covered with open sores from which the pus was oozing out. Several of his fingers and toes were missing, having been destroyed by leprosy. Through his matted hair, I could see the opening where his nose used to be for it too had been eaten away by leprosy. And behind that matted hair, I noticed that both his eyes were missing. Only the eye sockets remained. He was a walking skeleton. Actually, he was a living corpse and the sight of this nearly-dead person still troubles me. He was wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
Now, in the word of God there is a description of such people who are filled with the leprosy of sin. They, He says, are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." But praise the Lord, with such there is hope. Let me read this to you as found in Revelation 3:14 – 22. "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 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, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Now, before we study this chapter regarding the Laodiceans, let us approach God for guidance in prayer. Loving Father, how Thy heart must be filled with grief as Thou dost behold Thy professed children who are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, following the customs and teachings of Babylon and disregarding Thy offer to help them that they may be filled with hope. For Thou canst recreate them to be sons and daughters of the heavenly King. Please guide us in this study that Thy Holy Spirit may convict such to their deepest need to feel the touch of the great Physician's power to heal and restore. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Let me begin with a question: Who are those that God declares compose His true church? The answer is found in inspiration entitled The Upward Look p. 315. "God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. 'Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.' (Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church." Nothing could be stated more clearly.
Such precious souls are recognized by God as His remnant people. I read, "In holy vision, John saw the remnant church on the earth in an age of lawlessness, and he points them out in unmistakable language: 'Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'" Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888. So from this we understand that God's people are those who believe the Three Angels' Messages. This is the exact language that God uses in the Holy Scripture to describe His remnant as they battle the devil in this end time. Revelation 12:17 states, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
From these inspired statements God's remnant are found to have four characteristics.
They love God
They keep His commandments
They have the faith of Jesus
They believe and obey the Spirit of Prophecy
But sad to say, the vast majority of those found within the Laodicean church do not meet these requirements. Notice how the Bible describes them. It's not a pleasant picture. In fact, it reveals them to be in a most miserable state of affairs, yet thinking that they are ready to meet Jesus. Let me read this again so there will be no mistake, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Why? "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Again I want to reemphasize there is hope. For God says if such will repent and open the door that He will come in to them.
Now I hear a question: "Are you sure, Elder Nelson, that this chapter applies to our church today?" In Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, p. 186 I read, "I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time." Now that's a startling denunciation for it applies to the present time. I have been doing some research concerning God's remnant people, both in ancient Israel and those of today's modern Israel. As I give you these comparisons, keep in mind that in spite of ancient Israel's apostasy a remnant was saved. Likewise, in spite of today's apostasy within God's modern Israel there will be a remnant who will be saved. So praise God, there is hope!
The Bible clearly teaches such a doctrine. I am reading from Romans 9:27, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved." Praise God. As I read these words, my heart leaps for joy and is filled with hope, for amid the apostasy of Old Testament times a remnant was saved. And amid today's apostasy a remnant will be saved.
Inspiration describes what is now taking place. "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. There is the same falling away from your holy calling as God's peculiar people. You are having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." Let me break in here. That's ecumenical in every sense. That's taking place today. "You are having fellowship with the unfruitful words of darkness. Your concord with unbelievers has provoked the Lord's displeasure. You know not the things that belong to your peace, and they are fast being hid from your eyes. Your neglect to follow the light will place you in a more unfavorable position than the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced a woe."
She continues, "I have been shown that unbelief in the testimonies has been steadily increasing as the people backslide from God. It is all through our ranks, all over the field. But few know what our churches are to experience. I saw that at present we are under divine forbearance, but no one can say how long this will continue. No one knows how great the mercy that has been exercised toward us. But few are heartily devoted to God. There are only a few who, like the stars in a tempestuous night, shine here and there among the clouds." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 75, 76. What a picture. Only a few? How shocking, but thank God for a remnant.
Ellen White writes what the Lord has revealed to her. "Since the time of the Minneapolis meeting, I have seen the state of the Laodicean church as never before. … Like the Jews, many have closed their eyes lest they should see." Review and Herald, August 26, 1890. "The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, p. 167.
Let us keep in mind that if ancient Israel had been faithful to God's truth Jerusalem would have remained forever as you read in Jeremiah 17:25. The Old Testament church would have been the last church of God in this world; but the people failed. Only a remnant were saved. And so it is today. This church would have been the last church of God in the nineteen hundreds for I read, "Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, p. 450. That was published in the year 1900.
How amazing. Let's consider the problem. "There is an astonishing backsliding with God's people, to whom has been entrusted sacred, holy truth." Testimonies to Ministers p. 450. The cable between us and God has been severed. "The facts concerning the real condition of the professed people of God, speak more loudly than their profession, and make it evident that some power has cut the cable that anchors them to the Eternal Rock, and that they are drifting away to sea, without chart or compass." Christ Our Righteousness p. 35.
Now that's a most serious situation. In giving the following comparisons I hope and pray that those who are ignorantly following man's leadership instead of obeying God's instructions will awake before the door of hope is forever closed. So please, prayerfully consider the following as I compare between ancient Israel and modern Israel.
Let's look at ancient Israel: "The kingdom of God," I read, "shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." Matthew 21:43. Now compare that with modern Israel: "He will take His Holy Spirit from the church, and will give it to others who will appreciate it." Review and Herald, July 16, 1895.
Let's look again at ancient Israel: "The people gave credence to what the priests and Pharisees taught, in place of seeking to understand the word of God for themselves." Desire of Ages p. 489. And in modern Israel the same is taking place: "But God is greatly dishonored when men are placed in the position where God should be." Testimonies to Ministers p. 326.
Again, ancient Israel: "The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constituted righteousness. … They thought themselves the greatest religionists in the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory." Desire of Ages p. 309. And the same is taking place in modern Israel for I read, "As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. … The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched." Desire of Ages p. 280.
In ancient Israel divine power was lacking. I read in Matthew 23:38, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." And compare that with today's modern Israel: "But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 210.
Now you all know what a harlot is. Consider this of ancient Israel, "How is the faithful city become a harlot!" Isaiah 1:21. And now consider modern Israel, "'How is the faithful city become a harlot!' My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed! For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 8, p. 250.
And one more comparison, please. I almost hesitate to read it. First of ancient Israel: Matthew 11:23, "And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." And now of modern Israel: "And thou, Capernaum, [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." Review and Herald, August 1, 1893.
What a comparison. I can't speak for you but I'm astonished that inspiration declares that things will become so evil. No wonder God will spue the Laodiceans out of His mouth. But beloved, I have not presented these facts to encourage you to leave God's people. Never, never! Remember there is hope, even though our church boasts of growing millions of members. Amid its apostasy God says, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea a remnant will be saved." Romans 9:27. I can't help but say, Praise the Lord.
But then I hear someone say, "But Elder Nelson, how can you insist that we not separate when you have just read how Ellen White described the growing apostasy within our church?" I answer, "My dear brother, my dear sister, believe it or not, we haven't seen anything yet! The worst is yet to come, but this is not the time to separate as God wants you to become one of those whom He calls His remnant to be saved."
Permit me to present a bit more of the comparison between ancient and modern Israel. Old Israel became so wicked that God had to divide the kingdom. Yet the kings of Israel increased in evil year by year while the kings of Judah still retained a few good kings like Josiah. Of this time I read in Prophets and Kings p. 384, "At the time that Josiah began to rule, and for many years before, the truehearted in Judah were questioning whether God's promises to ancient Israel could ever be fulfilled. From a human point of view the divine purpose for the chosen nation seemed almost impossible of accomplishment."
Consider this – Under the reign of Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, apostasy really hit the bottom. This man undid all the good works of King Hezekiah. He brought Baal worship into the city of Jerusalem, placing altars to the pagan sun god at the very entrance to the sanctuary of God. And keep in mind that Baal worship included temple prostitutes for which the king built houses to conduct their evil ways around these altars to Baal. Now tell me, if you had lived at that time, what would you have done? If such evil existed on our church grounds today, where you worship each Sabbath, what would you do?
But that's not all. This wicked king, who was to represent God in leadership, made his sons to pass through the fire in pagan worship. Manasseh gave up every pretence to serve the Lord. The Bible states of him in 2 Kings 21:9, "Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the children of Israel." You know, that's an overwhelming thought. But in such apostasy there was still hope. This young king, Josiah, commanded to remove Baal worship from God's house. As the sanctuary was undergoing a housecleaning to remove the rubbish of idolatry, they discovered the book of God's law. As it was read to the king he discovered that God still extended hope to His people.
I'm reading, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." Deuteronomy 30:19. As the king heard these words of hope he asked to read further and found courage to continue his housecleaning, for he read in Deuteronomy 30:6, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." What a God!
It was thus that a great reformation took place and it all began with a study of God's law. Beloved, the law of God is the only basis for a genuine revival. It is not "love" and "unity" as we find promoted today in our church. For the law reveals what sin really is. After the law is established in the heart then love and unity are to follow based on truth. It was after this manner that Josiah became a great reformer for God
I continue to read, "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him." 2 Kings 23:25. What many have overlooked today is the teaching of Jesus, that in the end time there would be a division within the church as the wheat and tares mature. The wheat represent the people who have the faith of Jesus and keep His commandments and heed the Spirit of Prophecy. Inspiration calls them "a little company," a "very small remnant who sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the midst of the church." The tares are those who have accepted the pagan customs as presented by misguided leadership. Of these individuals God declares, "They are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." And they are convinced that they are "rich and in need of nothing." I read in Review and Herald, July 18, 1904, "Here is plainly represented two distinct parties, formed from a company once united. The members of one of these parties are in resistance to the will of God. … The ruin of this class is certain."
Look with me for a moment through the eyes of God's prophet as we read the following in Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 394, "Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless soul upon Christ." Consider how the pen of inspiration pictures the present conditions. I'm reading from Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 389. "The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith and replacing them with pillars they have devised. (Shall I read the last sentence? …) This will continue as long as time shall last."
Now who would dare to remove the foundation which God has laid? You can see it happening today. In the book Maranatha p. 192 we read, "Before the last developments of the work of apostasy there will be a confusion of faith. There will not be clear and definite ideas concerning the mystery of God. One truth after another will be corrupted." Every month I receive letters telling me of some truth that is now being corrupted.
Those who knew Ellen White tell us that she seldom wept, but in the year 1885 she wept so that her tears actually fell on the manuscript she was writing concerning our day. You can read this in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 77 – 84. Why did she weep? - Because she foresaw how our ministers, trained in the schools of Babylon, would teach false doctrines in God's church, a time "when holy hands bear the ark no longer." She tells us that God would use these false teachers to scourge idolatrous Israel in an effort to arouse His people by permitting heresy to continue in the church, thus separating the chaff from the wheat.
Later she wrote in Testimonies to Ministers p. 409, 410, "Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan." How utterly shocking. Did you note "many" would stand in our pulpits teaching Satan's doctrines, and believe me that time has arrived. But in spite of these sickening conditions within the Laodicean church these individual members are seen by God to be wretched, poor, blind and naked, yet, in His great love, He comes to each with hope, knocking at their heart's door, trusting they will open the door and let the Great Physician come in with His cleansing and healing power, for He is able to recreate a Laodicean into the image of God.
Beloved, this hope He extends to every member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Praise His name. "Behold," He says, "I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me." What a Savior. "To him that overcometh I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and sat down with my Father in his throne."
As a servant of God I join with Christ and plead with you to open your heart's door and surrender to Jesus now so that the Savior may dwell within you. "For until the heart is surrendered unconditionally to God, the human agent is not abiding in the true Vine, and cannot flourish in the Vine, and bear rich clusters of fruit. God will not make the slightest compromise with sin. If He could have done this, Christ need not have come to our world to suffer and die. No conversion is genuine which does not change both the character and the conduct of those who accept the truth. The truth works by love, and purifies the soul." Sons and Daughters of God p. 288.
This is why Christ pleads, "My son, [my daughter,] give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26. Jesus is asking for an entire, full surrender. But let us not forget that while God supplies the power that is needed in man's surrender it requires effort on the part of man to surrender to Christ. Note the following: "There must be heart-felt surrender of our will to God; we must renounce all our own supposed merits, and look to the cross of Calvary. This surrender to God involves effort on the part of the human agent to co-operate with the divine agencies; the branch must abide in the vine." 1888 Materials p. 1105.
Remember, divine power is essential. "To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. "When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural working, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. … But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one." Manuscript Release, Volume 17, p. 314.
In writing to some of our prominent ministers who thought themselves in need of nothing, but who were in need to be restored to spiritual power by surrender, Ellen White used words which reveal that a divine hand was needed to achieve what God was able to do. She used the words "melted over," "resoldered," and "remodeled." Listen, "Give yourself over to God, and let Him resolder you, that you may not be defective vessels. … It is only when self, falling on the Rock, is broken, that the Lord has opportunity to remodel." Manuscript Release, Volume 17, p. 263, 264. "Hand yourself over to Jesus, to be molded and fashioned by Him, that you may be made vessels unto honor." Manuscript Release, Volume 21, p. 302. "I tell you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, your wills must die; they must become as God's will. He wants to melt you over and to cleanse you from every defilement." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, p. 181. Isn't that a beautiful description of what God wants to do for you?
So, "If you pray in sincerity, surrendering yourself, soul, body and spirit unto God, you put on the whole armour of God, and open the soul to the righteousness of Christ; and this alone, -- Christ's imputed righteousness, -- makes you able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The work of every soul is to resist the enemy in the power and might of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the promise is that the devil shall flee from us. But let all realize that they are in peril, and there is no assurance of safety except as they comply with the conditions of the text. For the Lord says, 'Draw nigh to God.' How? – By secret, earnest examination of your own heart; by childlike, heart-felt, humble dependence upon God, making known your weakness to Jesus, and by confessing your sins. Thus you may draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." Sons and Daughters of God p. 346.
So beloved, there is hope for all who find themselves sick with the leprosy of sin. I could do nothing for that poor man in the Cameroons who was wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, but God, He not only offers you hope, He can heal you and fully restore you so that you may become a part of His remnant church. Praise the Lord. With His divine power, plus your full surrender, you can be separated by holy angels from the tares as probation closes, to be sealed, anointed with the Holy Spirit, to give the Loud Cry, and be ready to see Jesus when He comes. Remember, in spite of modern Israel's apostasy and its claiming growth in the millions, God says only a remnant will be saved. Praise His holy name, today this blessed hope can be a reality in your life and in mine.
Let us pray. Thank you dear God for making it possible that we can become a part of Thy remnant church so soon to dwell with Thee throughout eternity in praising the holy name of Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.
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INCREDIBLE APOSTASY(God says – Man says, #2)by Elder Lawrence Nelson
In the great closing battle between truth and error Satan speaks to us through his subjects contradicting what God has revealed as truth through divine Inspiration. Let me give you a few examples. Creation – God says, "In six days God made heaven and earth." Exodus 20:11 but man says, "It took millions and millions of years." The Sabbath – God says, "The seventh day is the sabbath…keep it holy." Exodus 20:8-11 but man says, "Keep holy the first day, Sunday." Baptism – God says, Immerse, "Buried with him in baptism." Colossians 2:12 but man says, "Sprinkle." Sin – God says, "Go and sin no more." John 8:11 but man says, "Sin till Jesus comes." The atonement – God says, "[Christ] was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification." Romans 4:25. "On the cross Jesus made a sacrificial atonement by paying the ransom for our sins and now He is in heaven making the final atonement as a Redeemer for cleansing and justification." But man says, "Christ made the final atonement on the cross for salvation and nothing more is needed. All you have to do to be saved is to believe."
Let us pause here and invite the Holy Spirit to clearly reveal what God says about the atonement which Christ made on Calvary, and the atonement that He is now making in heaven. Our Father, which art in heaven, We have been instructed in Your holy word that 'when the Spirit of truth is come He will guide you into all truth.' We plead, please send us Thy Holy Spirit that we may fully understand the atonement of Christ which He made on the cross, and the final atonement that He is making in heaven for us. This we ask in His holy name, Amen.
We will now clarify that there are two atonements essential for complete salvation. The atonement made on the cross provided the ransom for our sins and imputes to us a title to heaven. In addition, there is the final atonement which is now being made in heaven's sanctuary which imparts Christ's righteousness, giving us a fitness to live in heaven. Inspiration clearly designates the importance of these two atonements. "The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven." Great Controversy p. 489.
Let us first discuss the atonement upon the cross that was so beautifully prefigured in the Old Testament book of Leviticus. When an individual sinned and found himself faced with the penalty of death, the scripture says, "The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23. God, in His great love, provided a way of escape. The sinner was to bring a lamb to be offered for his sins on the altar of sacrifice located just outside the entrance to the sanctuary. It was here that he must place his hands upon the head of the lamb and confess his sins, thus figuratively transferring the sin to the lamb. When this had been done he must slay the lamb by his own hands as the priest catches the blood in a bowl. Then the priest would place the slain lamb on the altar of sacrifice to be consumed. The sinner could now rejoice for an atonement had been made by which his sins had been placed on the lamb which died in his place.
But, what of the blood that had been caught in the bowl? What was its purpose? We will turn to God's word where it reveals that this blood was needed for a final atonement to be made within the sanctuary for cleansing and justification. We read of this in Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." This blood of the victim was taken within the sanctuary and sprinkled on the horns of the altar before the veil. It contained the life of the flesh in the blood - the record of the individuals sins, which was now transferred to the sanctuary.
The final atonement was made only for individuals who met the requirements making it possible for the High Priest to take such sin records out of the sanctuary and placing them on the head of a male goat called the "scapegoat." This animal was then led out into the wilderness to die. Those individuals who did not comply with the requirements of this final atonement were cut off from the congregation without hope. You can now understand the importance of this atonement for complete salvation.
How could the leadership of God's church dare to alter and destroy the divine doctrine of a final atonement? What caused these men of the General Conference to succumb to the demands of the Evangelicals? I will give you the answer. For twenty-five years our leadership had been fraternizing with the Evangelicals in the schools of Babylon. Naturally, they now wanted to be accepted by them. Up to this point of time we had been considered to be a "cult" because of our belief regarding the nature of Christ, for we had consistently taught that when Jesus came to earth He would take the place of fallen Adam. But when the Evangelicals studied our doctrine of the atonement this also became a major problem.
Dr. Barnhouse and Walter Martin, of the Evangelicals, called our sanctuary doctrine "stale, flat and unprofitable." They declared we positively could not be called a Christian church for we were only a cult. Perhaps this epithet was what stunned the brethren into yielding God's truth by compromising. The following comparison between what man says and what God says will clarify.
Consider this question: Was the atonement that forgives, cleanses, and blots out all sin and justifies finished on the cross? I'm reading the official document concerning the atonement by our Ministerial Department of the General Conference. Note what these liberals are teaching: "The sacrificial act on the cross is a complete and final atonement for man's sins." Seventh-day Adventist Ministry magazine, February, 1957. They have never renounced this position to this day. These men continue to teach, "When, therefore, one hears an Adventist say, or reads in Adventist literature - even in the writings of Ellen G. White - that Christ is making an atonement now, it should be understood that we mean simply that Christ is now making an application of the benefits of the sacrificial atonement He made on the cross." Questions on Doctrines p. 354, 355. (Italics used in original). Now isn't that clever? How dare these liberals try to change even the writings of Ellen White by not believing what she wrote but to insist that she meant something else. Here they openly question the Spirit of Prophecy.
But now God says through inspiration, "Jesus, our great High Priest, officiates for us in the presence of God, offering in our behalf His shed blood." Youth Instructor, April 10, 1903. I quote again, "In the typical system, which was a shadow of the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ, the cleansing of the sanctuary was the last service performed by the high priest in the yearly round of ministrations. It was the closing work of the atonement -- a removal or putting away of sin from Israel. It prefigured the closing work in the ministration of our High Priest in heaven, in the removal, or blotting out of the sins of His people which are registered in the heavenly records. This service involves a work of investigation, a work of judgment; and it immediately precedes the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; for when He comes, every case has been decided. Says Jesus, 'My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his works shall be.' Revelation 22:12. It is this work of judgment, immediately preceding the second advent, that is announced in the first angel's message of Revelation 14:7: 'Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.'" Great Controversy p. 352.
We have discovered the truth. The atonement made at the cross did not include forgiveness, cleansing and the blotting out of sin and justification. The amazing atonement at the cross of sacrifice was not final so that nothing more was needed. It provided only the required ransom. This is why inspiration teaches that the blood of Christ is now being presented to the Father by our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is making the final atonement for all who successfully meet the requirements of the investigative judgment, enabling them to be clothed with the wedding garments of Christ's righteousness.
Now, one more question: "Is the investigative judgment a part of the atonement made at the cross?" You will be surprised to learn that because our liberal leadership had accepted the Evangelical doctrine of atonement - which teaches the atonement on the cross was final and nothing more is needed for salvation - these leaders now discovered that they had a problem: What to do with the Bible doctrine of the investigative judgment.
God says, "Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts (notice that's plural) of His ministration in behalf of man (why?) to perform the work of investigative judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits." Great Controversy p. 480. Beloved, there is nothing in the investigative judgment of an atonement work so this did not take place at the cross. How sad that prominent leadership of the General Conference would join with Babylon to teach that forgiveness, cleansing, and the blotting out of sins and justification took place at the atonement of the cross. By accepting this false doctrine they have literally destroyed, "God's way within the sanctuary," of finally separating the records of sin from the sinners. They have actually done away with the righteousness of Christ provided by our High Priest's ministry in heaven to cover the repentant sinner with the wedding robes. This is incredible apostasy.
Amazingly this is exactly what Inspiration declared would happen. "The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error." Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 204.
There is one more witness I feel impressed to present to you. Elder M. L. Andreasen wrote the following when he discovered what the liberals had done to God's sanctuary doctrine. Keep in mind that he was a professor in our Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary during the years in which this incredible apostasy took place. I will now read his letter word for word. "The serious student of the atonement is likely to be perplexed, when he consults the Spirit of prophecy to find two sets of apparently contradictory statements. Sister White says that when Christ 'offered himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people.' Signs of the Times, June 28, 1899. (All underlining is in the original letter). Again she says that 'the Father bowed before it (the cross) in recognition of its perfection. "It is enough," He said, "the atonement is complete." Review and Herald, Sept 24, 1901. …
"But in Great Controversy I read, that 'at the termination of the 2300 day, in 1844, Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to perform the closing work of atonement.' p. 422…. I read in Patriarchs and Prophets, p.357, that the sins will, 'stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement' (in 1844). I read further, on page 358, that 'in the final atonement the sins of the truly penitent are to be blotted from the records of heaven' … Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, to make the final atonement.' Early Writings p. 253.
"The first statements assert that the atonement was made on the cross…. The second statements say that the final atonement was not made until 1800 years later…. I have found seven statements that said the atonement was made on the cross. I have found twenty-two statements saying that the atonement was made in the sanctuary in heaven. Both of these figures are incomplete; for I am constantly finding other statements that increase the number. But whatever the correct number may be, it is evident that I may not accept one set of statements and ignore the other if I wish to arrive at the truth in regard to the atonement. The question would naturally arise…how can [these statements] be harmonized? …
"In the February number of the 1957 Ministry, our official ministerial journal, I found a statement saying that 'the sacrificial act of the cross (was) a complete, perfect, and final atonement.' [This was a distinct contradiction to Mrs. White's pronouncement that the final atonement began in 1844. I found that this was not a misprint but an official and approved statement. If we still hold the Spirit of prophesy as having authority we have two contradictory beliefs. The final atonement was made at the cross; the final atonement began in 1844.] … I have listened to several learned discussions of the meaning of the Hebrew word "kaphar," (which is the word used in the original for "atonement"), but have received little information of value….The best definition I have found is a short explanatory phrase in Patriarchs and Prophets p. 358 which simply states that atonement is 'the blotting out of sin.' Here is the complete statement: 'In the type, the great work of Christ, of blotting out of sin , was represented by the services on the day of atonement.'
"This definition is in harmony with Leviticus 16:30 which says that, 'on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.' Atonement is here equated with being "cleaned from all your sins.' It was sin which in Eden caused separation between God and man. [The removing of sin would again unite God and man]. …
"While the word 'atonement,' consisting of three separate words: at one ment may be considered obsolete, and is so designated in some dictionaries, it nevertheless represents a vital truth….Sister White thus uses the word when she says that men are in a hopeless condition 'unless they accept the atonement provided for them in the remedial sacrifice of Jesus Christ who is our atonement, at-one-ment, with God.' In Heavenly Places p. 146….
"God's plan is that in 'the fulness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ." Ephesians 1:10. When this is done, 'the family of heaven and the family of earth are one.' Desire of Ages p. 835. Then 'one pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation.' Great Controversy p. 678. At last the atonement is complete. The final atonement comes at the end of the world.
"Much confusion in regard to the atonement arises from a neglect to recognize the two division of the atonement. Says Sister White of John the Baptist: 'He did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work – as a suffering sacrifice, and a conquering king.' Desire of Ages p. 136, 137. The book Questions on Doctrines makes the same mistake. It does not 'distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work.' …
"The first phase of Christ's atonement was that of a 'suffering sacrifice.' This began before the world was, included the incarnation which is said to be a 'painful process.' Christ's life on earth, the temptation in the wilderness, Gethsemane, the cross, and ended when the Father's voice called Him from the stony prison house of death. In all these various activities He was the 'suffering sacrifice.' The fifty-third chapter of Isaiah is a vivid picture of this….
"Satan had successfully overcome Adam in the garden, and nearly the whole world had come under his sway. At the time of the flood, only eight souls entered the ark. Satan claimed to be the prince of this world, and no one had challenged him.
"God did not recognize Satan's claim to this earth; so when in due time He sent His Son, the second Adam, He 'gave the world into the hands of the Son, that through His mediatorial work He may completely vindicate the holiness and the binding claims of every precept of the divine law.' Bible Echo, January, 1887. Satan claimed to be the ruler of the earth, but now God had given the earth to His Son. This was a challenge to Satan. Thus began, in earnest, the great controversy between Christ and Satan.
"'The great work of redemption could be carried out only by the Redeemer taking the place of fallen Adam. With the sins of the world laid upon him, he would go over the ground where Adam stumbled.' Review and Herald, February 24, 1874. "Jesus volunteered to meet the highest claims of the law.' Review and Herald, September 2, 1890. "Christ made himself responsible for every man and woman on earth.' Review and Herald, February 27, 1900.
"When God gave the earth to Christ, He repudiated Satan's claim to ownership. However, Christ would have to overcome Satan before He could take possession of the kingdom and wrest from Satan his dominion and unlawfully held prisoners. He therefore made an attempt to kill Christ as soon as He was born. But God frustrated this. Such a contest would be manifestly unfair. Satan must wait.
"The first encounter took place in the wilderness. After forty days of fasting, Christ was emaciated and weak, at death's door. It was at this time that Satan made his attack. But Christ resisted even 'unto blood,' and Satan retired defeated.
"Throughout His ministry Satan dogged the footsteps of Christ and made every moment a hard battle….The climax of the great controversy came in the Garden of Gethsemane. Throughout His ministry Christ had been upheld by the knowledge of the approval of the Father. But now He 'was overpowered by the terrible fear that God was removing His presence from Him.' Spirit of Prophesy, Volume 3, p. 95. If God should forsake Him, would He still resist Satan and die rather than succumb? 'Three times His humanity shrank from the last, crowning sacrifice…The fate of humanity trembled in the balance.' Ibid., p. 99. 'As the Father's presence was withdraw, they saw Him sorrowful with a bitterness of sorrow exceeding that of the last struggle with death.' Desire of Ages p. 759. … 'He fell dying to the ground,' but with his last ounce of strength murmured, 'If this cup may not pass from me except I drink it, thy will be done.' 'A heavenly peace rested upon his bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear: He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.' Desire of Ages p. 693, 694. …
"'When Christ said, "It is finished," God responded, "It is finished," the human race shall have another trial. The redemption price is paid, and Satan fell like lightning from heaven.' Manuscript Release, Volume 12, p. 409.
"'As the Father beheld the cross He was satisfied. He said, "It is enough, the offering is complete." Signs of the Times, September 30, 1899. But 'it was necessary that there should be given the world a stern manifestation of the wrath of God.' And so, 'in the grave Christ was the captive of divine justice.' Signs of the Times, November 15, 1899. It must be abundantly attested, that Christ had really died, so He must 'remain in the grave the allotted period of time.' Review and Herald, April 26, 1898. When the time was up, a 'messenger, [was] sent to relieve the Son of God from the debt for which He had become responsible, and for which He had made full atonement.' Youth Instructor, May 2, 1901. …
"'In the intercessory prayer of Jesus with His Father, He claimed that He had fulfilled the conditions which made it obligatory upon the Father to fulfill His part of the contract made in heaven with regard to fallen man. He prayed: "I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do."' Sister White in parenthesis makes this remark, 'That is, He had wrought out a righteous character on earth as an example for men to follow.' Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 3, p. 260.
"[When, before the foundations of the earth were laid, the compact was made between the Father and Son, to save man, the Father agreed to accept the work of the Son on two conditions: 1. That the Son work out 'a righteous character on earth as an example for men to follow' (Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 3, p. 260) and 2. That God would also 'receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son,' but on the condition that Christ would 'complete His work, and fulfil His pledge to] 'make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.' Desire of Ages p. 790….
"'Christ had fulfilled one phase of His priesthood by dying on the cross. He is now fulfilling another phase by pleading before the Father the case of the repenting, believing sinners.' Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 7, p. 929.
"'In His incarnation He had reached the prescribed limit as a sacrifice, but not as a redeemer.' Manuscript Release, Volume 12, p. 409. On Golgatha He died as a sacrifice. That was as far as He could go as sacrifice. But now His work as Redeemer began. 'When Christ cried "It is finished," God's unseen hand rent the strong fabric which composed the veil of the temple from top to bottom. The way into the holiest of all was made manifest.' Ibid. …
"With the cross the first phase of Christ's work as 'the suffering sacrifice' ended…. He had gone 'the prescribed limit as a sacrifice.'…And now, with the Father's approval He was empowered to be the Savior of mankind. At His ensuing coronation [forty days later] He was given all power in heaven and earth and could begin His redeeming work in the sanctuary above….
"'After His ascension, our Savior began His work as high priest…In harmony with the typical service He began His ministration in the holy place, and at the termination of the prophetic days in 1844…He entered the most holy to perform the last division of His solemn work – to cleanse the sanctuary.' Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, p. 265, 266. [On the same page, Sister White repeats, apparently for emphasis] 'He entered into the presence of God, to perform the closing work of atonement, preparatory to His coming.' …
"'John the Baptist failed to 'distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work—as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering King.' Desire of Ages p. 137. [Our theologians are making the same mistake today and are inexcusable. They have light which John did not have]. In studying this part of the atonement we enter a field that is distinctly Adventist doctrine and in which we differ from all other denominations. We consider this our unique contribution to religion and theology, that which "has made us a separate people, and has given character and power to our work.' Counsels to Editors and Writers p. 54. Sister White in this connection warns us against 'fantastic theories invented to make void the truths of the atonement, and destroying our confidence in the doctrines which we have held sacred since the third angel's message was first given.' Ibid. p. 54."
Beloved, this is vital counsel and written for this very time when efforts are being made by some among us to have others believe that we are like the churches about us – an Evangelical body and not a sect. Paul in his day had the same heresy to meet. He was accused of being a pestilent fellow, a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:5. In his answer before Felix, Paul confessed "that after the way which they called heresy, (or sect) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets." Acts 24:14.
In those days men spoke sneeringly of the true church as a sect, as men do now. Paul was not disturbed by this. We have no record that he attempted to have the church of the Living God recognized as an Evangelical body by men who trampled the law of God in the dust. On the contrary, whatever they might call him and his "sect" he confessed that he believed all things which are written in the law and the prophets. (verse 14).
Beloved, because of what our leaders have done in changing our sanctuary doctrine, they have opened the door to other satanic doctrines. I'll mention a few. We now teach the false doctrine that the atonement was final at the cross; Jesus having done what was needed, we no longer need to worry about sin – He took care of it on Calvary so you can sin till Jesus comes.
Since we now teach the false doctrine that salvation was totally completed at the cross why do we need a sanctuary in heaven? No need to believe that Jesus is our High Priest while making an atonement as our Redeemer. And consider the false teaching that the gift of prophecy is no longer to be taught as essential to our knowledge for doctrine. Oh yes, it's good motherly advice, but let's abandon it all together in worship in our churches as they do in the churches of Babylon with their Celebration, drums, Christian rock music, clapping, drama entertainment, the raising of hands which invites Satan's spiritualism to bestow upon them the ability to speak with unknown tongues.
Friend, now you know how and why apostasy is daily growing within our church today. Beloved, will you join me, with God's help, to determine to hold fast to the pillars of faith that God has bestowed upon His church that we may be counted as God's remnant.
Let us pray, Thank you, Father, for sending Your Holy Spirit that we might know the truth. For we ask in Thy Son's name, Amen.
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INCREDIBLE APOSTASY
(Will It Ever Stop?)
by: Elder Lawrence Nelson

In recent weeks I find myself with a heart-rending perplexity. For my soul sighs and cries daily as I see abominations developing within God's church. No one of high authority seems to have the spiritual courage to stem the rising tide. I ask, "Is everyone at our world headquarters asleep, or are they so afraid because of Jesuit pressure they dare not say a word? Is there not at least one godly leader who knows what is taking place? In the light of inspiration can't someone visualize what the end results will be in promoting that which God condemns?"
Throughout the world a number of ministries are arising and exposing these apostasies. Surely there must be at least one of high authority who sees and knows what is taking place – one who will arise with power from on high and call for a return to the counsel of God as found in the Spirit of Prophecy, and start a reformation. But we hear nary a word of such. Why? In searching for an answer I was led to the following quotation that describes to a "t" what is taking place in our church today, and it also answers the question: Will there soon be a change for the better? Will this incredible apostasy stop?
Listen, the answer is found in Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 204, 205. "The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure."
Did you catch the answer? – Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of this new movement. How revealing! In other words, nothing will stop this apostasy until the vast majority of Seventh-day Adventists become so involved in apostasy that they finally depart from God's remnant church and return to Babylon. Now I realize you are startled, and you ask, How and when did all this begin? We had better know the facts or else we may also be captured by this satanic movement.
But before we proceed, let us pray for guidance. Dear Loving Father, we plead that Thou wilt commission Thy Holy Spirit to be in charge of this presentation, giving divine guidance that we may discern truth from error. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
From the beginning of God's end-time remnant church Satan has constantly attempted to destroy it by introducing false doctrines, knowing that if they were accepted, such would lead to apostasy. Permit me to give you a brief summary of such activity from past years starting with the very beginning in 1844. God's small group of remnant were immediately faced with the fanatical teaching of magnetism which taught that once you were sanctified you would never sin again. Praise God, knowing that such false doctrines would enter His church He gave His people a prophet to guide and expose such error.
Listen to her words, "Let not God be dishonored by the declaration from human lips, 'I am sinless; I am holy.' Sanctified lips will never give utterance to such presumptuous words." Acts of the Apostles p. 561, 562. And she further warned, "The experience of the past (speaking of fanaticism after 1844) will be repeated. … Most seducing influences will be exerted; minds will be hypnotized." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 8, p. 293.
So long as the growing church followed the counsel of its prophet every false movement that arose quickly came to an end. For example, in 1851 Joseph Bates (of all people you would suspect) predicted that the second Advent would occur that year. This was but the beginning of many false predictions based on supposed prophetic prophesies. But the servant of the Lord instructed the following, found in Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, p. 138 – 148; 158, that prophetic periods reached to 1844. "Prophetic time closed in 1844. I was shown prophetic periods ended in 1844."
Then in 1887 D. M. Canright began to preach "new theology" which the Lord's servant immediately exposed. And sorry to say, some of his same false doctrines can be found in Desmond Ford's preaching today. Such was the devil's continuous attempt to cause disbelief in the Testimonies.
This was followed in 1908 by W. W. Prescott who boldly attempted to change the words found in the Great Controversy book. But Ellen White would not permit this. She wrote, "Such was rejected." That was taken from her letter "Elmshaven" p. 307.
Now this brings us to the year 1915 when L. R. Conrad tried to change Ellen White's writings as published in the German language. But the church leadership, now without a prophet, began to fumble by not following her written counsel which caused the beginning of the Advent Reform Movement.
By 1929, without a living prophet, the Shepherd's Rod Movement found little trouble, under the leadership of Victor Houteff, to secure a following with his false doctrines that the 144,000 were not found in heaven but would be located in Palestine.
Then came 1931, the year in which accreditation of our educational institutions took place. Again, leadership failed to exercise faith in the Spirit of Prophecy. This action opened the door to educating our college and university professors to obtain doctorate degrees in the schools of Babylon, where for the next twenty-five years many of our teachers succumbed to the false doctrines they were forced to study. Thus they gradually brought a change into our denomination as to our teachings.
Now with this short background the evangelical conference took place next in the mid-fifties. It was the decisions made during these meetings that started our church on the road to apostasy. A history of how such conferences developed are as follows:
On November 28, 1949 Pastor E. E. Unruh, president of the East Pennsylvania Conference, heard a sermon on the radio on Righteousness by Faith based on the book of Romans by a Dr. Barnhouse, radio preacher and minister of the Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; founder and editor of Eternity magazine. He wrote a letter to Dr. Barnhouse and commended him on his sermon. Dr. Barnhouse was astonished that an Adventist clergyman would commend him for preaching Righteousness by Faith since, in his opinion, it was a well-known fact that Seventh-day Adventists believed in Righteousness by Works.
This precipitated meetings beginning in 1954 between Dr. Barnhouse and Dr. Walter Martin, a consulting editor of the Eternity staff. Dr. Walter Martin was to search out thoroughly the human and historical resources of the Seventh-day Adventists. This developed into a fourteen-member committee and resulted in the book Questions on Doctrines being published in 1957 and it contained serious aberrations of Adventist truth. During these discussions the seeds were sown which are now producing the harvest of apostasy.
The General Conference leaders discovered that the Evangelicals were planning to publish a book containing the names of religious bodies which they declared to be non-Christian or a cult and this list contained the name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Evangelical reasoning was as follows:
Since our church taught that Christ was now in heaven's sanctuary making a final atonement, therefore we didn't believe in the atonement made by Christ at the cross. So they considered Seventh-day Adventists to be nothing more than a cult.
These Babylonian Evangelicals held that Jesus made the final atonement on the cross and nothing more was needed, and if we did not agree with their belief and change our beliefs then they would print the book proclaiming that we were not Christians. And would you believe it, instead of holding to the divine inspiration that states, "Christ is now making an atonement," these General Conference men compromised and determined to change our sanctuary doctrine so we could be considered by Babylon as "Christians."
Soon new books were printed stating that we believe salvation was completed at the cross, denying that there was an atonement now taking place in heaven's sanctuary. This is why you seldom, if ever, hear anything about a heavenly sanctuary from our pulpits today. Some even now preach there is no heavenly sanctuary, but God foreknew that this would take place and what would be the results. Inspiration proclaimed, "The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. … The Sabbath of course would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of this new movement." Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 204.
So much for the details. Let us now examine what the General Conference leadership actually changed. But first of all, we must secure a foundation in God's Holy Word so let us read Romans 4:25. "[Christ] was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." This amazing scripture of one text reveals that the atonement provided by Christ was of a dual nature which made possible how God could destroy our sins and yet save the sinner. This verse reveals that the atonement at the cross provided the ransom price for sins, for scripture also states, "Christ was delivered (that is He died) for our offenses (that's our sins) and was raised again for our justification." This is exactly what the Old Testament sanctuary taught –
1. That the lamb was sacrificed on the alter for an atonement and
2. Its blood provided for the atonement which took place within the sanctuary for cleansing and justification of the sinner.
Thus the Bible doctrine of a dual atonement became a pillar of our faith established by God's Holy Word and verified by the Spirit of Prophecy. This Bible doctrine is never to be altered and it stands today untouched by all the intellectualism of Babylon. Yet, our church leadership dared to disregard God's truth. Consider once more Romans 4:25, "[Christ] was delivered for our offences (that is, He died for our sins) and was raised again for our justification." Nothing could be stated more clearly. This is why God's end-time prophet declares that Jesus must perform a work of atonement for the repentant sinner in addition to the atonement made at the cross in order to obtain full salvation. We read in Great Controversy p. 489, "The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death, He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven."
Never forget, both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy were co-authored by the Holy Spirit. They are always in complete agreement. When we talk of Christ's death on the cross, and what He is now doing for us as our High Priest in heaven's sanctuary, we acknowledge that both of these events have to do with Christ's atoning work for us. In the Spirit of Prophecy the word "atonement" is used in five different expressions as follows:
1. "He made an atonement"
2. "A full atonement"
3. "A perfect atonement"
4. "A complete atonement"
5. "He is making an atonement"
Now let us examine these expressions so you will have a clear understanding of these two atonements. The first, "He made an atonement." We find this in Signs of the Times, December 17, 1902. "On the cross of Christ the Savior made an atonement for the fallen race." Now this statement is given in the past tense meaning that the sacrifice was completed. The price agreed upon was honored. The debt was paid in full for the sins of the whole world and it never needed to be repeated. For we read in Hebrews 9:28, "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many." This expression, "made an atonement" has to do strictly with that which was done on the cross.
Now let's consider #2 – "a full atonement." This statement is found in the book Lift Him Up p. 345, "Christ made a full atonement. He gave His life a ransom." In a similar quotation she writes of Christ when He arose from the grave. "Christ made a full atonement." Youth Instructor May 2, 1901. You can see from these two quotations that Christ paid the debt we owed. It was a full atonement – a full payment. He died in our place, making a full atonement on the cross.
Now the third statement – "a perfect atonement" – is found in the book Lift Him Up p. 319. "When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people." Now compare this with the following in Manuscript Releases, Volume 5, p. 114 in 1899. "In the council of heaven the cross was ordained as the means of atonement." So when Ellen White uses the term "a perfect atonement" we may include a perfect sacrifice. Now we should praise God for Christ's sacrifice on the cross and with Paul glory in the cross! What an atonement, what a price for our ransom!
The fourth statement – "a complete atonement" – is found in the book The Faith I Live By p. 91. "God has accepted the offering of His Son as a complete atonement for the sins of the world." The same expression is used in Review and Herald September 24, 1901, "[Christ] planted the cross between heaven and earth, and when the Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He bowed before it in recognition of its perfection. 'It is enough,' He said. 'The atonement is completed.'" These words refer specifically to Christ's atonement on the cross for she wrote in Signs of the Times July 31, 1901, "As [Christ] hung on the cross, He could say, 'It is finished.' The demands of justice were satisfied. The way to the throne of grace was opened to every sinner."
All these quotes refer to Christ's atonement on the cross. But those words, "open the way to the throne of God for every sinner," reveals that the atonement of the cross was the beginning of His atoning work for sinners and that He went to heaven to complete the work He had begun at the cross. In heaven's sanctuary He now pleads His blood before the Father providing forgiveness and cleansing and a blotting out of sin from the sinner's records.
Now this brings us to the fifth expression – "making an atonement." Immediately you notice that this is written in the present tense. It could not mean the sacrifice of the cross which took place nearly two thousand years ago. Making an atonement means that an atonement is now in the process – at the present time. This quotation is found in Great Controversy p. 623, "Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ."
Now, from these five quotations you can clearly see that the Spirit of Prophecy teaches a dual atonement. The one taking place at the cross, a payment for the sins of the world, and the other, an atonement now taking place in the heavenly sanctuary for the repentant in cleansing and blotting out of sin. This is emphasized in another quotation found in Review and Herald May 6, 1884. "Christ has been manifest in the flesh; his blood has been poured out, the perfect sacrifice that is our atonement for the sins of the world; and now as our Mediator stands before the mercy-seat making an atonement for his people."
All these quotations are in agreement with one another and summarized in the Great Controversy p. 489. "The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven." The atonement now taking place in heaven has to do with the results of the investigative judgment which began in 1844 for all those who professed to believe in the atonement made at the cross. If found worthy of the atonement of the cross they were provided with forgiveness and cleansing that is involved with the blotting out of their sins from the books of heaven. Thus justified, they are clothed with Christ's righteousness.
How important that God's remnant understand the sanctuary message. "The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith." Evangelism p. 221. We should daily keep in mind that "we are in the great day of atonement and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time in the heavenly sanctuary should be our constant study." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 520. It is now, in this investigative judgment, that our characters are involved.
In Testimonies to Ministers p. 439 it reveals, "God's claim is placed in one scale and man's character in the other and by the balance of the heavenly sanctuary every man's doom is fixed for eternity." What a solemn thought. We are involved with the scales of heaven – not man's good deeds vs. bad deeds but it is the ten commandments vs. our character.
Consider this: "Each one in the day of investigative judgment will stand in character as he really is; he will render an individual account to God. Every word uttered, every departure from integrity, every action that sullies the soul, will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. Memory will be true and vivid in condemnation of the guilty one, who in that day is found wanting. The mind will recall all the thoughts and acts of the past; the whole life will come in review like the scenes in a panorama. Thus every one will be condemned or acquitted out of his own mouth, and the righteousness of God will be vindicated." Review and Herald November 4, 1884.
In Bible Commentary, Volume 7A, p. 464 we are further enlightened. "The atonement of Christ (that's in heaven) is not a mere skillful way of having our sins pardoned; it is the divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us, but in our hearts and characters." Surely we are living in the time spoken of in Revelation 19:7, "The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." This is no time for celebration; this is a time for a call to prepare for the final atonement in which Christ our High Priest will impute His righteousness to us and impart sanctification, in placing His robe of righteousness upon us.
I beg you, ponder the following found in Messages to Young People, p. 35: "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." But today, instead of our desperate need for a call from leadership for a revival of holy living in preparation for heaven's final atonement, we are daily faced with an ever-increasing incredible apostasy - the result of General Conference leaders who dared to tamper with the sanctuary truth, removing the pillar of God's truth in order to please the Philistine's of Babylon; that we might become buddies and teach their half-truth doctrines. It is accepting the cross but negating the sanctuary doctrine.
The results are tragic. Today we hear mostly of love as revealed in Christ's atonement at the cross, that salvation was completed on Calvary, that nothing more is needed to be saved. Thus the sanctuary message is well-nigh forgotten. The liberals among us continue to teach a complete, unconditional salvation at the cross, which reveals their unbelief in the Testimonies and does away with the sanctuary doctrine. Such apostasy is clearly revealed in their writings. "When, therefore, one hears an Adventist say or read in Adventist literature – even in the writings of Ellen G. White – that Christ is making an atonement now, it should be understood that we mean simply that Christ is now making application of the benefits of the sacrificial atonement He made on the cross." Questions on Doctrine p. 354, 355.How clever these explanations of those trained in the theology of Babylon's institutions.
I continue to quote the New Theology, "Jesus appeared in the presence of God for us but it was not with the hope of obtaining something for us at that time or some future time. No, He had already obtained it for us on the cross." Question on Doctrines p. 381.
And our Ministerial Department of the General Conference teaches this false doctrine. "The sacrificial act on the cross is a complete and final atonement for man's sin." Ministry Magazine February, 1957. In the light of what the Spirit of Prophecy stated, these three quotations sound unbelievable but they are the present-day teachings of a church in apostasy, contrary to divine inspiration.
"There is to be no change in the general features of our work. It is to stand as clear and distinct as prophecy has made it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world supposing by so doing we could accomplish more. … No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the world." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, p. 17.
Again, "Spurious scientific theories are coming in as a thief in the night stealing away the landmarks and undermining the pillars of our faith. … You know that Satan will come in to deceive if possible the very elect." Medical Ministry p. 87. And boldly she declares, "The professed people of God have compromised with the power of darkness." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 222.
I continue, "I am charged to tell our people that some do not realize that the devil has device after device that he carries out in ways that make sinners out of saints. I tell you now, that when I am laid to rest great changes will take place." Elmshaven February 24, 1915.
And then she wrote just before she died, "One thing it is certain is soon to be realized, -- the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout." Series 7B, p. 56, 57. And then listen to this, "Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come." Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 122. What a sad picture of the results of a church in rebellion.
May I suggest that you read the first chapter of Isaiah to see how God reacts to such incredible apostasy. This chapter gives a comparison between Israel of old and God's Israel of today. Time will not permit me to read this whole chapter but I shall close by reading verses nine, ten, and twenty-one to twenty-seven. "Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Here the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
"How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy sin: And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness." Praise the Lord.
God will soon arise, when the Sunday law is made mandatory world-wide, and separate the tares from the wheat, presenting to His universe a church without blemish; a very small remnant who have held fast to the pillars of faith, obedient to His commandments and the faith of Jesus. And by His grace, I intend to be one of them. What about you?
Let us pray, Thank Thee, dear Father, for making it possible through the two atonements of Thy son, Jesus, that we may soon live with Thee in the earth made new. In His name we pray, Amen.
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