Consider this

[skyblue888]

The added light of the Advent message is that through the merits of Christ we may be transformed until we reflect Christ's character fully, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. Then God will have a people who in spirit and in thought and in deed shall be keeping all the commandments of God and then the end will come and Christ will return to take His people home.

Right Gibs?

sky

[JoeMo]

Hey Sky,

Long time no see, my brother! When I read this thread through my worldview of being "saved by the grace of Jesus through faith; and not works", I am truly uplifted and blessed. You can talk about the merits of Christ all day long; and I'd never tire of hearing it.

I think of "Amazing Grace"

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now I'm found; was blind but now I see!

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear; and grace my fear relieved;

How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me; His Word my hope secures;

He will my hope and shield be as long as life endures!

Blessings,

JoeMo

[Gibs]

Right, Sky. It certainly can seen it will be the few as He stated.

Mt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Really though, is it that hard to find?

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Gibs]

Addendum to above, by EGW,

"The warfare against God's law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every character will be fully developed; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty or that of rebellion. {DA 763.3}

Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and deliver His people. Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off. Sin and sinners will perish, root and branch, (Malachi 4:1),--Satan the root, and his followers the branches. The word will be fulfilled to the prince of evil, "Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; . . . I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. . . . Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Then "the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be;" "they shall be as though they had not been." Ezekiel 28:6-19; Psalm 37:10; Obadiah 16. {DA 763.4}

This is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God. The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. He is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All they that hate Me love death." Ephesians 4:18; Proverbs 8:36. God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them." {DA 764.1}

Let us Obey the One and Only we should Love the Most, Our God and Saviour, our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ whom He sent.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.