Lessons from The Desire of Ages

[joeb]

This one is from Christ cleansing the temple.

Quote:

In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple. God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul. But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin,—from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. “The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.” Malachi 3:1-3.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; ... and they shall be My people.” “He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” 2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21,22. DofA p 162,163

Christ's mission was not to provide just justification. He came to purify our hearts, to make a way for us to truly be in tune with God, to keep His commandments.

[joeb]

Lessons from Christ's conversation with Nicodemus.

Quote:

Jesus continued: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” By nature the heart is evil, and “who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. “The carnal mind is

enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Romans 8:7; Matthew 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can

become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature.

There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. DofA p 172

[joeb]

More lessons from DofA. These quotes are from Christ's conversation with Nicodemus.

Quote:

While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption. Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality. The beginning of redemption we may know here through a personal experience. Its results reach through the eternal ages.

While Jesus was speaking, some gleams of truth penetrated the ruler’s mind. The softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit impressed his heart. Yet he did not fully understand the Saviour’s words. He was not so much impressed by the necessity of the new birth as by the manner of its accomplishment. He said wonderingly, “How can these things be?”

“Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” Jesus asked. Surely one entrusted with the religious instruction of the people should not be ignorant of truths so important. His words conveyed the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, Nicodemus should have had a very humble opinion of himself, because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus was not offended as he realized his humiliating condition.

But as Jesus explained that His mission on earth was to establish a spiritual instead of a temporal kingdom, His hearer was troubled. Seeing this, Jesus added, “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” If Nicodemus could not receive Christ’s teaching, illustrating the work of grace upon the heart, how could he comprehend the nature of His glorious heavenly kingdom? Not discerning the nature of Christ’s work on earth, he could not understand His work in heaven. DofA 173

Quote:

There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah had written, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” David had prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” And through Ezekiel the promise had been given, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you

to walk in My statutes.” Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Nicodemus had read these scriptures with a clouded mind; but he now began to comprehend their meaning. He saw that the most rigid obedience to the mere letter of the law as applied to the outward life could entitle no man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the estimation of men, his life had been just and honorable; but in the presence of Christ he felt that his heart was unclean, and his life unholy. DofA 174

[joeb]

JOEB

thank you for posting these---they were very good

dgrimm60

You're welcome. I've been studying DofA recently and have about 30 pages of similar quotes from the 300 pages I've read this time through. I'll be posting more quotes from there in the future.

[joeb]

Lessons on Righteousness by Faith from the Desire of Ages.

These quotes come from my favority chapter in The Desire of Ages, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled. What an amazing view of Christ, His love for us, His power and resources, and His ability to change us from the inside out, to be found in this chapter. What I'm quoting is only a part of the promises and wonderful thoughts found in this chapter.

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“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” Their faith might safely rest on the evidence given in Christ’s works, works that no man, of himself, ever had done, or ever could do. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.

If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was,—God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them. He

would have them hid with Him in God. p. 664

Think about first sentence of the second paragraph in this quote. Imagine it if you can. After 3 years of being with Christ 24/7, watching Him cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, confound the Pharisees, make nature obey Him, etc... and heal, cast out demons, etc... themselves, the disciples were still unaquainted with Christ's unlimited resources and power. If they were still in that condition after all they had seen and done with Him, just what is our perception of the unlimited power and resources at Christ's disposal?

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The Saviour’s promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results. All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise. “Greater works than these shall ye do,” He declares; “because I go unto My Father.”

As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.

Now, as you imagine just how little we are acquainted with Christ's unlimited power read what He can do for us in transforming our lives and characters. And, as the saying goes, imagine greater.

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The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises. But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest

His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22

Think about the following promise after you get done reading this. It's incredible, and it's ours by faith if we can only believe.

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The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.

In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead,

who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.

[skyblue888]

Thanks joeb for sharing all the above.

Over the years I have read the Desire of Ages many a time. So everything you quoted so far is something I readily recognized as familiar ground for me. Yes sin can be resisted but only through the Third Person of the Godhead who would come with no modified energy but in the fullness of divine light and love and power to subdue all our inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil and to impress Christ's character upon us until the full corn is in the ear. (Mark 4:26-29)

If you turn to page 347 of the same book, you will find a sentence there that clearly tells us what it is we must do in order for the Third Person of the Godhead to come to dwell within us with no modified energy but in the fullness of divine power.

It reads thus: "The ONLY FAITH that will BENEFIT us is that which embraces Him (Christ) as a personal Saviour: WHICH APPROPRIATES HIS MERITS TO OURSELVES."

This is the only faith that will benefit us, that which appropriates the MERITS of a crucified and risen Saviour to ourselves.

Now the question is, How do we appropriate the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour to ourselves? Simply by claiming them and it is our privilege to do so!

Notice these words:

"Unless he makes it his LIFE BUSINESS to BEHOLD the uplifted Saviour and to ACCEPT the MERITS which it is his PRIVILEGE TO CLAIM, the sinner CAN NO MORE BE SAVED than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus." Testimonies to Ministers,93.

We cannot be saved unless we do this on a daily basis: looking to Jesus and accepting His merits which it is our privilege to CLAIM.

This is our life business. This is the only way we can attain to righteousness. With a despairing sense of our own finite weakness we must DAILY APPLY to the MERITS of a crucified and risen Saviour that we may become vessels FIT for the Master's use.

What say you?

sky

[Ted Oplinger]

Quote:

Now the question is, How do we appropriate the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour to ourselves? Simply by claiming them and it is our privilege to do so!

If I may continue that thought a moment...we can claim them, because they are ours to claim. These merits are completed already (Romans 5:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 2:20, 21; and 1 John 1:5-2:2); all we need do is claim them as promised (just as if we were indeed the thief on the cross).

The walk of "works" is even prepared for us (Ephesians 2:8-10), so in doing these works of righteousness, it is but by faith in the Word of God (again, just as if we were the thief on the cross) - as Jesus demonstrated it to be (John 5:19, 20; 6:63; 8:28; 14:10, 11; Hebrews 11:6).

Blessings,

[joeb]

If I may continue that thought a moment...we can claim them, because they are ours to claim. These merits are completed already (Romans 5:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 2:20, 21; and 1 John 1:5-2:2); all we need do is claim them as promised (just as if we were indeed the thief on the cross).

The walk of "works" is even prepared for us (Ephesians 2:8-10), so in doing these works of righteousness, it is but by faith in the Word of God (again, just as if we were the thief on the cross) - as Jesus demonstrated it to be (John 5:19, 20; 6:63; 8:28; 14:10, 11; Hebrews 11:6).

Blessings,

I'm really glad you brought up Ephesians 2: 8-10. I find it to be a remarkable group of verses.

There are those who say we are saved by grace alone, and most point to this scripture as the basis for their statement. However, the text does not support the claim. It says, "by grace, through faith". Remove faith from the text and there is no way for us to access the saving grace for without faith there is no way to please to God.

The other really remarkable, to me, concept here is that the word translated as grace is, according to Strong's, the divine influence upon the human heart: the Holy Spirit. This, to me once again, makes "grace" a verb rather than a noun for it's by this action that we are changed and thus made safe to save.

This may all be old hat to everyone here, but to me it's always fresh and wonderful.

[skyblue888]

Or Rom.3:25--Through faith in the merits of His shed blood Christ is our propitiation and He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.--1 Cor.1:30.

[joeb]

What say you?

sky

I agree with your conclusions, but I much prefer to talk about righteousness by faith(RbyF) outside of all the 1888 terminology. I much prefer to show how it works in everyday words. Ellen White is very good at doing that so her statements on the subject from books such as The Desire of Ages, Christ's Object Lessons, Steps to Christ, etc... are excellent as they make the case for RbyF in personal terms. The same with how scripture teaches the subject.

That's not to say I have any problem with recognizing the importance of what happened in 1888. It's just that to me the 1888 movement verbiage tends to make the discussion of RbyF much more theoretical and much less personal, but that's just me. To me, if I can't tell someone how it works, where the character changes originate, etc... without using all that vebiage then I'm failing the person I'm speaking to and my understanding of RbyF is lacking.

[skyblue888]

joeb, I am sorry but I will have to disagree strongly with you here. What you are calling "verbiage" was the "illumination of the Holy Spirit," "heavenly illumination" as Mrs. White put it.

She also referred to this message as "the movings of the Spirit," "light from Heaven," "the ministration of His Holy Spirit," "the workings of the Spirit of God."

sky

[skyblue888]

She stated it was the third angel's message in clear, distinct lines. (T.M.93)

I do believe Mrs. White made that message even easier to grasp after hearing those whom God had chosen to bring it to the church.

Take a listen:

"Present your case before God pleasing the MERITS of the blood shed for you upon Calvary's cross. This is your only plea." F.W.106.

For "The MERITS of His SACRIFICE are SUFFICIENT to present to the Father in your behalf." S.C.36.

Thus "The MERITS of a crucified and risen Saviour are the FOUNDATION of the Christian's faith." The Great Controversy,73.

And then this: "You cannot explain this faith that lays right hold upon the MERITS of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour to BRING Christ's RIGHTEOUSNESS into your life. Clothed with the righteousness of Christ and not your own righteousness, you will not depend upon what you can do or what you will do," For "Christ's righteousness accomplishes EVERYTHING," as "it is made manifest in OBEDIENCE to all the commandments of God." F.W.65,66,27; T.M.92.

On page 92 of T.M. we are told that this is the third angel's message which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice and attended with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in large measure.

Of course this is to be deducted from passages like Rom.3:25;5:5;13:10; Gal.5:6; etc etc

For "God will accept everyone that comes to Him trusting wholly in the MERITS of the crucified Saviour. LOVE springs up in the heart. There may be no ecstasy of feeling but there is an abiding, peaceful trust." 1 S.M.354.

There is an abiding, peaceful trust because we are resting in the merits of our Redeemer.

sky

[joeb]

joeb, I am sorry but I will have to disagree strongly with you here. What you are calling "verbiage" was the "illumination of the Holy Spirit," "heavenly illumination" as Mrs. White put it.

She also referred to this message as "the movings of the Spirit," "light from Heaven," "the ministration of His Holy Spirit," "the workings of the Spirit of God."

sky

[skyblue888]

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the

free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. 'Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.' 1 John 3:5, 6. Here is the true test. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts, our purposes, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God as expressed in the precepts of His holy law. 'Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.' 1 John 3:7. Righteousness is defined by the standard of God’s holy law, as expressed in the ten precepts given on Sinai.

______________

The above you have just posted is from Steps to Christ, p.61. Why did you not give the reference? is there a reason?

In 1 S.M.42 we read, "The Testimonies themselves will be the KEY that will explain the messages given, as Scripture is explained by Scripture."

Just as one passage of Scripture explains another, one statement from the SoP explains another. So we need to compare statement with statement.

So this statement you posted from S.C.61 without giving the reference we are to compare with other statements like the ones I have quoted and then we have a more complete picture of what the Gospel is especially in the context of 1888.

sky

[joeb]

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the

free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. 'Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.' 1 John 3:5, 6. Here is the true test. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts, our purposes, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God as expressed in the precepts of His holy law. 'Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.' 1 John 3:7. Righteousness is defined by the standard of God’s holy law, as expressed in the ten precepts given on Sinai.

______________

The above you have just posted is from Steps to Christ, p.61. Why did you not give the reference? is there a reason?

In 1 S.M.42 we read, "The Testimonies themselves will be the KEY that will explain the messages given, as Scripture is explained by Scripture."

Just as one passage of Scripture explains another, one statement from the SoP explains another. So we need to compare statement with statement.

So this statement you posted from S.C.61 without giving the reference we are to compare with other statements like the ones I have quoted and then we have a more complete picture of what the Gospel is especially in the context of 1888.

sky

No deep dark hidden reason at all. Just plain old forgot to include it.

We don't even need to have ever heard of 1888 for us to make righteousness by faith the basis of our religious experience. Just following plainly worded scripture or the SOP is more than enough to educate us and enable us to live a life pleasing to God.

I'm not against the 1888 movement. I just find that the plainly worded SOP statements and scripture are sufficient to feed my soul. Saying I must use a specific language or I'm wrong about RbyF is just foolish to me, as I can understand RbyF fully from the Bible alone and it includes not a single syllable of that terminology but for one verse where Paul says "righteousness by faith". He, however, clearly teaches the concept and says it is necessary for us to reach heaven. What more do I really need? Isn't it Ellen White who says the only reason she was necessary was because we weren't studying our Bibles enough?

[skyblue888]

I just find that the plainly worded SOP statements and scripture are sufficient to feed my soul.

joeb

_________

I have quoted both the Bible and the SoP but you stated that you did not need the verbiage of the SoP. Yet you posted something from Steps to Christ. You said you forgot to give the reference but you also forgot the quotation marks! You said that what you posted was no verbiage like that of the SoP and yet it was from SoP!!!

This can be a bit confusing.

sky

[joeb]

I just find that the plainly worded SOP statements and scripture are sufficient to feed my soul.

joeb

_________

I have quoted both the Bible and the SoP but you stated that you did not need the verbiage of the SoP. Yet you posted something from Steps to Christ. You said you forgot to give the reference but you also forgot the quotation marks! You said that what you posted was no verbiage like that of the SoP and yet it was from SoP!!!

You are confusing me.

sky

No. I said I don't need the verbiage of the 1888 movement. By that I mean the movement as it is today. It has its own vocabulary, or to use the word I've been using, verbiage.

I have a pretty good grasp of RbyF, both Biblically and through the SOP, but the verbiage of the current 1888 movement confuses even me sometimes. I can't imagine what insisting on using certain verbiage does to those outside the church when speaking_to/discussing_with_them_online.

To say that "heavenly illumination" is only contained in a certain vocabulary is missing the point of RbyF entirely, imo. We need to be able to express these ideas in words familiar to all of mankind.

[Live4Him]

Quote:

I have a pretty good grasp of RbyF, both Biblically and through the SOP, but the verbiage of the current 1888 movement confuses even me sometimes

I couldn't agree more. It seems to me that truth is usually pretty straightforward and easy to understand when conversing. When things start getting confusing and weird it seems something fishy is being presented.

[skyblue888]

What can be more straightforward than these words:

"The merits of Christ's sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf."

In the book The Great Controversy, p.74, we are told that this is the "true light" the Reformers discovered from the Scriptures. They received this truth, believed it and acted upon it. "They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus." Idem,74.

What happens when one casts himself wholly upon the merits of Jesus? The Father receives him unto Himself and He loves him as He loves Jesus and he may go on from grace to grace and from light to a greater light.

This is the only true faith.

"We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling in light unapproachable, yet receiving us unto Himself through the merits of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, believing souls, live! I have paid a ransom." A.A.333.

What can be more straightforward than to teach that the Father receives us unto Himself through the merits of His Son, through the merits of the sufferings He endured?

To the believing sinner the word is spoken: Live!

"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting." John 12:50.

sky

[joeb]

What can be more straightforward than these words:

sky

[Woody]

Quote:

but you also forgot the quotation marks!

I'm sorry. I have to give a big Hmmmmmm to this one. I'm just curious as to what you feel quotations mean to you?

[joeb]

Quote:

but you also forgot the quotation marks!

I'm sorry. I have to give a big Hmmmmmm to this one. I'm just curious as to what you feel quotations mean to you?

Well, you know I'm pretty thick-headed so I was trying to pass off a well-known quotation from Ellen White as my own words by forgetting to give attribution and using the quote mechanism here at the site rather than using quotation marks.... You know how obscure the characters Quote: at the top of a quotation box are.

[Woody]

Joeb - my comments were not directed to you. They were referring to a long forgotten issue that you would not be privy to.

[ClubV12]

...it was a Tuesday, possibly Wednesday, but I think it was Tuesday!

I too was once again reading DA recently and was studying in particular Jesus' return to cleanse the temple a second time. His last week on this earth as a man. He returned after "Palm Sunday". He kicked out the merchants, reasoned with the learned men, healed all manner of people, was praised by the children and met the Greeks "who would see Jesus", among other things. As I considered the "time line" of these various events at the temple, it dawned on me, it was likely Tuesday when the widow made her offering of two mites!

This was near the Passover time. Lots of people were around the temple. An excellent time for someone to make a large offering in order to be noticed by the throng, as some were doing.

I have always been especially fond of that widow. Jesus blessing her offering to those who were about to kill Him. Her offering would not go to fund "lawyers" or fund projects to promote those in power, oh no, not HER offering! God would especially watch over it, He would bless it. I know he does the same today for MY offerings when I give with a glad heart. I don't know what happens to YOUR tithes and offerings, but I am confident MY tithe and offerings really do support the good work of His Church! His blessing of the widow shows His love for the Children of the Covenant, the organized Church of His time. The chosen people, His people. In spite of their dreadful apostasy, in the last few days of His earthly life these are the people He wanted to be around, to associate with, to bless and support, to love and to offer one more chance to know Him.

He is STILL blessing that widows offering TODAY!

[Gibs]

Just will add this about the merits of Jesus Christ imputed to us. It is a necessary must for all our past sin in the past as there is no remedy for sin. We are covered then by His Grace with His Merits, His White robe and our old rotteness is not seen. We are forgiven and our sin covered. Then He say go sin no more.

Here is a quote from DA on "display", the ruling spirit of the world and Jesus did not do things for display,

"As the sons of Joseph made preparation to attend the Feast of Tabernacles, they saw that Christ made no movement signifying His intention of attending. They watched Him with anxiety. Since the healing at Bethesda He had not attended the national gatherings. To avoid useless conflict with the leaders at Jerusalem, He had restricted His labors to Galilee. His apparent neglect of the great religious assemblies, and the enmity manifested toward Him by the priests and rabbis, were a cause of perplexity to the people about Him, and even to His own disciples and His kindred. In His teachings He had dwelt upon the blessings of obedience to the law of God, and yet He Himself seemed to be indifferent to the service which had been divinely established. His mingling with publicans and others of ill repute, His disregard of the rabbinical observances, and the freedom with which He set aside the traditional requirements concerning the Sabbath, all seeming to place Him in antagonism to the religious authorities, excited much questioning. His brothers thought it a mistake for Him to alienate the great and learned men of the nation. They felt that these men must be in the right, and that Jesus was at fault in placing Himself in antagonism to them. But they had witnessed His blameless life, and though they did not rank themselves with His disciples, they had been deeply impressed by His works. His popularity in Galilee was gratifying to their ambition; they still hoped that He would give an evidence of His power which would lead the Pharisees to see that He was what He claimed to be. What if He were the Messiah, the Prince of Israel! They cherished this thought with proud satisfaction. {DA 450.1}

So anxious were they about this that they urged Christ to go to Jerusalem. "Depart hence," they said, "and go into Judea, that Thy disciples also may see the works that Thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world." The "if" expressed doubt and unbelief. They attributed cowardice and weakness to Him. If He knew that He was the Messiah, why this strange reserve and inaction? If He really possessed such power, why not go boldly to Jerusalem, and assert His claims? Why not perform in Jerusalem the wonderful works reported of Him in Galilee? Do not hide in secluded provinces, they said, and perform your mighty works for the benefit of ignorant peasants and fishermen. Present yourself at the capital, win the support of the priests and rulers, and unite the nation in establishing the new kingdom. {DA 450.2}

These brothers of Jesus reasoned from the selfish motive so often found in the hearts of those ambitious for display. This spirit was the ruling spirit of the world. They were offended because, instead of seeking a temporal throne, Christ had declared Himself to be the bread of life. They were greatly disappointed when so many of His disciples forsook Him. They themselves turned from Him to escape the cross of acknowledging what His works revealed--that He was the Sent of God. {DA 451.1}

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.