An All-Important Theme

[skyblue888]

The study of God's character is not merely one of great importance. It is of the highest consequence involving issues of eternal life and death.

Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3.

"By sin the image of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost; and we are to co-operate with the divine agency in this work. And how can we come into harmony with God, how shall we receive His likeness, unless we obtain a knowledge of Him? It is this knowledge that Christ came into the world to reveal unto us." Testimonies for the Church, 5:743.

Let careful note be taken of the question raised in this statement. "How can we come into harmony with God, how shall we receive His likeness, unless we obtain a knowledge of Him?"

No direct answer is provided for none is needed. The question admits only one answer. Search for an alternative as he might, the reader will find none, the conviction being thus strengthened that it is impossible to come into harmony with God and receive His likeness without obtaining a knowledge of Him. He must be known as He is. The more fully, intimately, and accurately He is known, the richer and more glorious will be the transformation into His likeness.

to be continued

[skyblue888]

"The meager views which so many have had of the exalted character and office of Christ have narrowed their religious experience and have greatly hindered their progress in the divine life. Personal religion among us as a people is at a low ebb. There is much form, much machinery, much tongue religion; but something deeper and more solid must be brought into our religious experience. With all our facilities, our publishing houses, our schools, our sanitariums, and many, many other advantages, we ought to be far in advance of our present position." Testimonies for the Church, 5:743.

The narrowed religious experience and seriously retarded progress in the divine life which was the sad lot of the Advent believers in the nineteenth century was directly attributable to "the meager views which so many" had "of the exalted character and office of Christ."

Problems are only solved by firstly determining the cause and then correcting that. Therefore, the adherents to the Advent faith of the last century could not possibly come into a rich and fulfilling religious experience without greatly enlarged and corrected views of the character and office of Christ.

Such a relating of cause and effect should instantly command the interested attention of all today who are aware that their experience is far from what it should be and who long for spiritual enrichment. At present, apart from those who are miserable, poor, blind, naked, self-satisfied Laodiceans, happy to believe that their experience is rich when it is poor, are there any true Christians who are truly satisfied with their character attainment and fellowship with God?

While on the one hand there is a deep thankfulness for what God has done, there is a consciousness that much is yet to be achieved so that the Christian's continual quest is for that character excellence which will bring him into communion with God and present his life as a telling witness for the divine.

How can this be?

It can only be by coming into a much clearer and deeper understanding of the character of God and Christ. It is a matter both of learning and unlearning.Not only have the concepts of God's character been meager, dim, and uncertain, but in many respects, quite inaccurate.

The inaccuracies have been so serious as to be exactly opposite from what God really is. More than we realize, the devil has clouded our minds with his false representations. Never was he more successful than just before the first coming of Christ, and again during the Dark Ages. We have not yet fully escaped the effect of that midnight period. We have not yet come all the way out of Babylon.

So serious were the misrepresentations of God's character which dominated the minds of men, that Jesus had to give a revelation of God exactly opposite from that which they had. "He presented to men that which was exactly contrary to the representations of the enemy in regard to the character of God ." Fundamentals of Christian Education, 177.

As we again approach the midnight darkness of the last days, the same misrepresentations of God are held by mankind throughout the world. Tragically, they are shared to some extent even by God's people. What is needed, and must be given again for the final time, is a presentation to men which will be "exactly contrary to the representations of the enemy in regard to the character of God."

Therefore, there is much unlearning to be done as well as learning. This study is designed to assist in both directions. Old concepts are being challenged. Many things are presented about God which are exactly opposite from what has been believed in the past. For some there will be severe struggles. Old concepts will strive for the mastery. In too many cases they will win, and darkness will settle upon the defeated.

For those who patiently and prayerfully examine the evidences, there will come such a revelation of God's character as will clear away the fog of the past, re-create the soul in the image of God, transform the believer into the likeness of God, and provide the fitness for a place in eternity.

All such will know that to know God is life eternal and life eternal is to know God.

Therefore, a clear, accurate, and comprehensive knowledge of the character of God is essential to those who would be saved. Never was this more needful than at this time when darkness is covering the earth and gross darkness the people. Isaiah 60:1-3.

Let this great theme of God's character become the chief and all- absorbing subject of our attention, our meditation, our conversation, and our witness, for this is life eternal.

sky

[skyblue888]

I take the Bible very seriously, as it reads, but I always want to make sure I am letting God explain Himself. The Lord has, in the Bible and in the Testimonies, showed us one example after another as to how we are to interpret His words; for example the words of God to Moses were He says "I will harden Pharaoh's heart;" we now know that God did not directly harden Pharaoh's heart but that He sent him light to correct his errors and to lead him in safe paths. It was by the rejection of that light that his eyes were blinded and his heart hardened. And then the Holy Spirit goes on to say that "When one ray of light is disregarded there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions and the second revealing is less clearly discerned." (D.A.322)

And then we read that "[color:#000066]What Pharaoh has done will be done again and again by men until the close of probation. God destroys no man; but when a man stifles conviction, when he turns from evidence, he is sowing unbelief and will reap as he has sown." RH, Vol.6, p.285.

Then we have read that "God slew Saul;" but we know from the Bible itself that Saul killed himself by falling on his sword. 1 Chron.10:14,4. Saul lost God's protection and he was "left with no power to control the evil passions of the soul and with no protection against the malice and enmity of Satan;" (G.C.36)

Then we discussed the case of when God said to David "I will bring evil out of your own house;" following these words is the inspired commentary that God by these words did not mean that He Himself would prompt these acts of wickedness but that because of David's sin He would not exercise His power to prevent them; (P.P.739)

Then we read about the case of those who do not have the love of the truth; to them the Bible says that "God sends them strong delusions that they should believe a lie;" but then the divine commentary is quick to explain what these words mean and that is that "As they reject the teachings of His word, He withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which they love;" (G.C.431)

Then we read that when parents and rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, it is written that "God Himself will take the case in hand;"; and then again these words are followed by the divine commentary explaining that this means that "God's restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise that will punish sin with sin;" (P.P.728)

All of these passages of Scriptures, just to mention these, have been graciously explained to us by the Holy Spirit and yet these ministrations of the Holy Spirit have been ridiculed, spoken against, if not totally ignored or brushed aside as mere figments of man's imaginations; thus these inspired commentaries have absolutely no weight with those who wish to cling to the same old traditional understanding which sees God as directly punishing or destroying those who do not appreciate His work or act contrary to His ideas. (D.A.487)

It is thus that "Our good and gracious Lord has been presented to us clothed in the attributes of Satan." (1 S.M.355)

"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time, a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth." C.O.L.415.

So in the night of spiritual darkness, (Isaiah 60:1-3) God's word goes forth,

"Let there be light."

"Let the light of the knowledge of the glory--character--of God in the face of Jesus Christ shine in the darkened void of your hearts." 2 Cor.4:6.

The light will shine.

sky

[skyblue888]

Even the unfallen worlds did not understand the character of God fully as the following clearly shows:

"The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.

The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold!

Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.

With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it. Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled.

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory." D.A.36,37.

[Woody]

"Let the gifts have their proper place in the church. God has never set them in the very front and commanded us to look to them to lead us in the path of truth, and the way to heaven." RH Feb. 25 1886

"The Bible is the perfect and complete revelation. It is our only rule of faith and practice." " True visions are given to lead us to God and to His written word; but those that are given for a new rule of faith and practice, separate from the Bible, cannot be from God and should be rejected." RH Oct. 16 1855

[skyblue888]

meaning....

[WayneV]

I thought this was the theology forum. Isn't the "what adventists believe" forum down one?

[skyblue888]

why are u asking?

[Woody]

I thought this was the theology forum. Isn't the "what adventists believe" forum down one?

Excellent point. Point well taken.

[skyblue888]

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

[Woody]

We could argue about what SDAs believe till the cows come home. But theology is pretty clear cut. And not as controversial. Each person has his own take on theology. But those that think they are SDA ... try to take ownership of it.

Just MY take.

[Guest]

sky's theology is not that clear cut. You have to know which quote with which to interpret scripture.

[skyblue888]

Don't you see that you are arguing the same way the Jews argued with Christ? Jesus had to tell them that His teaching was not His own. The Holy Spirit, through the apostle Peter said, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." 1 Peter 4:11.

This is how the true people of God are to speak. It takes the mind of Christ in order to speak as the oracles of God. But if anyone comes speaking as the oracles of God he will be ridiculed, spoken against, and brushed off as a fanatic and enthousiast.

There is nothing new under the sun.

sky

[wayfinder]

Does that include me.

[Guest]

Anyone who takes the Bible as it reads.

[Guest]

He is seeking to teach them that the Lord's way is always to be closely followed, that His word is to be taken as it reads, and that men are not to devise and plan according to their own judgment, irrespective of His counsel. {CT 353.1}

[Guest]

The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it reads. {DD 7.4}

[wayfinder]

I guess if we were to take it differently than it reads we would be accused of twisting the texts.

[Guest]

When you read Rev. 20:9 do you get that God does not destroy?

[Lutz13]

When you read Rev. 20:9 do you get that God does not destroy?

There are scripture that shows how God destroys. So I can easily read scripture as it is.

[Guest]

So you've got it all figured out huh? There's no way it could possibly be any other way?

[Lutz13]

So you've got it all figured out huh? There's no way it could possibly be any other way?

I do not claim I know all there is to know. Yet scripture makes Gods wrath very clear. Paul said the wrath of God is revealed against ALL unrighteousness. And going back through the OT I understand how he came to the conclusions that he did.

[skyblue888]

In the Testimonies we read that "God destroys no man." That "Satan is the destroyer."

The Bible itself declares that all who were slain upon the earth died at the hand of Babylon, that is, at the hand of Satan who is the destroyer.

"And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth." Revelation 18:24.

[John317]

In the Testimonies we read that "God destroys no man." That "Satan is the destroyer."

Everyone who is lost & destroyed will be lost because of their own choices in life. It will be seen that they destroyed themselves by their deeds. Both the Bible and Ellen White teach that people will be repaid according to the deeds done in the body. But it's wrong to take that teaching to mean that God doesn't do what the Bible and Ellen White plainly say that God does, which is to punish sinners and rid the universe of sin and Satan.

1 Samuel 25: 38 says, "Then it happened, after about ten days, that the Lord struck Nabal, and he died." Verse 39 says David gave thanks to the Lord for the Lord's action.

Ellen White's comment on verse 39:

Quote:

When David heard the tidings of the death of Nabal, he gave thanks that God had taken vengeance into His own hands. He [David] had been restrained from evil, and the Lord had returned the wickedness of the wicked upon his own head. In this dealing of God with Nabal and David, men may be encouraged to put their cases into the hands of God; for in His own good time He will set matters right (ST Oct. 26, 1888). {2BC 1022.2}

Notice that God was not merely passive in this punishment of Nabal. God "set matters right." The Bible portrays the Great White Throne Judgment as God setting matters right. God takes vengeance into His own hands by returning the wickedness of the wicked on their own heads. It's not something that happens "naturally," but rather it happens because of God's willful activity and plan.

[skyblue888]

When we read that "God destroys no man" and that "Satan is the destroyer," does that imply that God is passive? Far from it. Remember His great and strange work? "God's great and strange work is to redeem and save and thus repair the ruin that sin has made." 3 RH 583.

God and Christ are very active in this world. "My Father has been working until now and I have been working" Jesus said. John 5:17. Through the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the holy angels, they are holding back the winds of strife; they are restraining the evil agencies.

So no one is saying that God is passive.

God is sovereign. He is never taken by surprise.

"He interprets every movement of the enemy. He orders events." E.G. White, Bible Commentary, Vol.7a,375.

sky