Conversion & Righteousness by Faith

8/8/2019 Conversion & Righteousness by Faith

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CONVERSION &

RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The justshall live by faith. Romans 1:17


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Table of ContentsCONVERSION &RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH............................................................................................................................... i

Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................................. iiPurpose of God in the Creation of Man....................................................................................................................... 1

Supplement ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6The Hope of Glory (What happened to man) ........................................................................................................... 9

Supplement ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

What Is Righteousness? .................................................................................................................................................. 19Defining Righteousness .............................................................................................................................................. 19Truth and the Word ..................................................................................................................................................... 20Light and Love ................................................................................................................................................................ 21Glory and Righteousness ........................................................................................................................................... 21Life and Righteousness ............................................................................................................................................... 22Jesus our Righteousness ............................................................................................................................................ 23Righteousness obtained by faith ............................................................................................................................ 24

The Fall of Man ................................................................................................................................................................... 25Before Fall ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26After Fall ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Higher Power and Lower Power ............................................................................................................................ 27Conversion supplement ............................................................................................................................................. 28

The Mind of Man ................................................................................................................................................................ 30The Transformation of the Mind ............................................................................................................................ 30Habits ................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

The Plan of Salvation ....................................................................................................................................................... 33The Science of Faith.......................................................................................................................................................... 38

Characteristics of Faith ............................................................................................................................................... 38Faith and Love ................................................................................................................................................................ 39Faith and Trust............................................................................................................................................................... 39Faith is a Gift ................................................................................................................................................................... 41Faith and Salvation ....................................................................................................................................................... 41Faith and Self-Surrender ........................................................................................................................................... 41Faith and Feelings ......................................................................................................................................................... 43

Invitation and Repentance ............................................................................................................................................ 45Faith and Repentance ................................................................................................................................................. 45Repentance as a Gift..................................................................................................................................................... 45Repentance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46Repentance and Salvation ......................................................................................................................................... 47Repentance and Sin ...................................................................................................................................................... 48

Romans 6 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 50Conversion ....................................................................................................................................................................... 50Qualifications to enter into the kingdom of God .............................................................................................. 51

Justification by Faith ........................................................................................................................................................ 58Definition of Justification ........................................................................................................................................... 58Other words connected to Justify ....................................................................................................................... 58Conditions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 59Remission of Sins supplement................................................................................................................................. 63

Sanctification by Faith ..................................................................................................................................................... 65Definition of Sanctification ....................................................................................................................................... 65True Sanctification ....................................................................................................................................................... 69


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Sanctification Not Based on Feelings .................................................................................................................... 69Sanctification as a Life-Time .................................................................................................................................... 70

Justification & the Blotting Out of Sin ....................................................................................................................... 71Romans 7 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 76Romans 8 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 81Victory Over Sin ................................................................................................................................................................. 85

Promises ........................................................................................................................................................................... 87What If I Sin? ....................................................................................................................................................................... 89

Mistakes ............................................................................................................................................................................ 89Human Nature of Christ .................................................................................................................................................. 93

Fallen Human Nature .................................................................................................................................................. 94The Only and the First Begotten .............................................................................................................................. 100Original Sin and the Faith of Jesus ........................................................................................................................... 104

Original Sin ................................................................................................................................................................... 104What is the faith of Jesus?....................................................................................................................................... 104


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Purpose of God in the Creation of Man

God's purpose for the earth:

AH 540 God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal abodeof the redeemed. "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever." The time has cometo which holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first pair from Eden--the time for "the redemption of the purchased possession." The earth originally given to man ashis kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has beenbrought back by the great plan of redemption.All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored bythe second. The prophet says, "O Tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, untoThee shall it come, even the first dominion." And Paul points forward to the "redemption of thepurchased possession. God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. That purpose willbe fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become theeternal home of the redeemed.

ED 173 In the creation it was His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings whose existenceshould be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will

may identify themselves with this purpose.

This quote sums up why God created the earth:

1. It was to be the kingdom of man.2. It was to be the eternal home of holy, happy beings.

It also shows in order for that purpose to be fulfilled man must be renewed through the power ofGod, and freed from sin. From here you can cross reference to what is the power of God in the Bible.

Before we can talk about righteousness by faith we need to talk about the reason why man exist.Why did God create man, what is the purpose of creation. First of all, how did God crate all things?

He spoke

Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath ofhis mouth.

So from this text what is clear about creation? All things were made by His Word. Thats prettyincredible. If we say let there be light, or birds, or anything else, what happens? Nothing, our wordis nothing. We have to prove our words when we speak, but God doesnt have to, He speaks and theWords prove themselves, so here you need to understand, that is the big difference. So God createsall thing, mountain stars, trees and flowers. Everything was created by the Word of God.

As we study this topic we will learn that Righteousness by Faith has a lot to do with creation and re-

creation. Whenever you give a Bible study try to always, mention the principle of things, the verybeginning, when you tell a story some people say well I dont know where to start peoplenormally tell you to start from the beginning. From the beginning of the story go step by step, step1, step 2, step 3. So the very beginning is the creation of man.

Matt 12:34out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh

In other words whatever you have in your heart, what happens? The mouth speaketh. This is a veryimportant principle and you cant forget this. Your words are the expression of your heart, and your


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heart is your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, never forget this. So when you speak you expressyour thoughts and feelings. Your character is made up of your thoughts and your feelings says EllenG White. Your words express character or your thoughts and feelings. So words express character.So God created all things by His word, now do you think Gods words express His character? Yes,Gods words also express His character. Because all things were created by God's Word, then all ofcreation should express God's Character, isnt that right? Now when you look at a flower how do

you feel? You feel peaceful, something beautiful, that tells you that God is peaceful and that God isbeautiful, when you look at a flower do you feel angry? No Gods creation reveals His character.What about when you look at a mountain, or a blue ocean, stars, green trees, animals. We mustremember that the creation today is imperfect because of sin. However what you see is stillbeautiful and it reveals Gods character. Do you think that even non-Christians can understand this?When Non-Christians look at flowers, what do they think, and how do you think they feel? So we seethoughts and feelings also. Do these creations have a message from God? Yes, they reveal God'spower, glory, majesty, character, Name, love. When is the last time you have looked at a butterfly,how unique and beautiful, they are, you can even see incredible things in cockroaches. We may notknow why they exist, but there has to be a purpose, there is another aspect seen in the cockroaches.God's character is an infinite character, you have to spend eternity to know everything about Godscharacter, so every creation shows something unique about Gods character. Flowers may emphasisGods peace and beauty, mountains show Gods strength and power, and oceans show the vastnessthe greatness of God, and stars may show the wisdom of God. Everything testifies of God.

Some people say that we are seeking for God, as though He is hiding from us, but did you know thatreality God is seeking after us. God is always trying to reveal Himself to you. How far can you escapefrom nature, nature is always speaking to us, unless you live in the center of a city. So God is alwaystrying to tell you about Himself, even in a tiny blade of grass, like how they come out of the cracks ofcement, and then a flower is formed. Another example is when you want to plant something, liketomatoes but you dont have any. A compose pile, where remnants of spoiled food are kept, caneven produce plants, so even out of death there is life. God is always trying to tell us that He cancreate beautiful things out of garbage. Pagan religions teach that you have to seek after God because

He is running away from you, for example in a Buddhist temple. Those who come to temple whengiving offerings, have to throw the money into the collection plate to wake Buddhi up. We dontserve God like this, and the reason I am explaining it like this, is because we have to know how toexplain this concept of God to non-Adventists, non-Christians. They need to understand that God istrying to reveal Himself, and that His main message is His character.

Now lets ask a question. Gods character is infinite right? If God were to reveal Himself throughcreation, how much more or how long does he have to create? If God were to reveal Himself onlythrough creation, how long would He take? For eternity, God would have to continually create toreveal His infinite character. However, instead, God created man. Instead of God just choosing toreveal Himself through nature, in a better way God created man. Why did He do this? Because Godcan reveal Himself through man, now lets study this topic of man. This is the kind of textto use

when talking to non-Adventist, because it asks the question for you.

Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

what is man Thats many peoples question. The answer is given in the very nexttext.

Ps 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory andhonour.


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God made man a little lower than the angels, but notice the marginal reference. In Hebrew 2it gives the same text that we just read.

Heb 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour,and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

That word "lower" means "while inferior to." What does that mean. If I say I will be here forawhile. Am I going to be there forever? No. So when the Bible says God made man a little lowerthan angels, it means that we will be lower than the angels only for awhile. God made man lowerthan the angels for a while. So after a short time is over, man will go up higher than the angels.

You think Lucifer knew about this. Do you think that Lucifer was perhaps jealous of man? Nowconcepts like these are pretty deep for non-Adventist, you may share these to Adventist people,who are familiar with Ellen White who supports this idea. However with non-Adventist, be carefulto explain this concept Biblically. You may go into this depth, but Adventist people especially needto understand this. We were made for a special reason. We can go up higher than the angels. SoSatan things that through sin and temptation that He could destroy the purpose of God in thecreation of man, but through redemption, through the death of Jesus, Jesus new plan is even greater

then His original purpose and we still study about that later. So Satan is thinking that through sinhe can bring down man a little lower, but yet through Christ we can become even higher thanbefore, even better then Adam and Eve before they sinned, its an incredible idea. This is thefoundation, so you must understand this concept.

Is 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formedhim; yea, I have made him.

So tell me from the Bible. Many times I ask this question. BSM: Always try to have the audienceanswer back to you from their Bible. So say tell me from your Bible, why did God create man? Godcreated man for His Glory. Now what is the meaning of Gods glory? His character, we know thisfrom the following verse. Can you see that all these verses are kind of linked together it tells a story

as we go, this is one of styles you can use when you give a Bible study, every text explains theprevious text before, they are all linked. Sometimes when we give Bible study the texts may seemsscattered, but one of the ways to give Bible studies is to link the text together, so that the studyflows, and the person can follow you.

Ex 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

Many people think that glory just refers to light. Moses ask for Gods glory to be shown, but thedeeper meaning is His character.

Ex 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name ofthe LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom

I will shew mercy.

So the very first thing that is mentioned is Gods goodness, then the name, grace and mercy. So whatis God's glory? Goodness, Name, grace, mercy or in two wordsGod's character, and moreexplanation is given about the character of God in the following verses.

Ex 34:6, 7 [6] And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God,merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] Keeping mercy forthousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;


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visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the thirdand to the fourthgeneration.

"visiting the iniquity" - judgment of God.

This is Gods character. Now dont get confused by the phrase visiting the iniquity. That means,

God created you to reflect His character goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment,justice, all put together this is Gods character. The Bible says that God created us for His glory, andwhat is His glory, its His character. That means that these are the things that we should possess asmen and women, Gods goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment. This was Godsoriginal plan, God made man to reflect His character. Now you may ask, whats the difference, thenbetween man, and plants, since they both can reflect Gods character. A flower can reflect God'scharacter, but it is limited. Stars cannot show what flower can show. Mountain cannot show what alittle butterfly can show. There all different, God is fun in terms of variety and diversity, but whatabout man? All these other things reflect Gods character but are limited. But man can reflect God'scharacter, and man can reflect God's character MORE. Man has this capability of development. Wecan grow, we can receive and reflect more. We are the CONTINUAL creation of God, and wecontinue to grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ Eph 4:13.It was Gods plan that man

should not die. Do you think that we would some day become equal to God? Perhaps after 300million years, but its not possible, because in order to reflect Gods character fully, you have infinity,to be equal with Him. So all other ` can see Gods character unfolding in the life of man. This is howwe become the continual creation of God so to speak, the continual reflection of Gods character,this was the reason God created man. This development, this ability to develop, is God making us inthe image of Himself.

1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, afterthat ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settleyou.

"eternal glory" What kind of glory? Eternal glory. That is the reason why God made us. Do yousometimes feel like your potential is so little? You try to keep up with the world but you cant make

it? Have you felt that way before? When God sees you He you with an infinite potential that you canbecome so much better. This is our great hope, how powerful, this is why we are very special in theeyes of God. All that I am sharing with you, you can read it in the book of Education chapter 1. Nowlets go a little deeper.

God made man physically, mentally and spiritually in the image of God. For six days God created allthings by His what? By His word. God said let there be light, birds, fruit trees, animals, and theywere all so. Did God say let there be man and there was man? No, God spoke and all was created.Why didnt God just speak Adam and Eve into existence, this is a point that you need to explain. Itdoesnt matter if they are atheist,deist, it doesnt matter who they are. But when you share thisaspect, this special aspect of the creation of man, they are all interested. Its interesting to them, Godcreated all things by His Word, and then when it comes to man, God formed man, but why? Do I

make you wonder why as I explain? A couple of things are being done right now, convincing you,convicting you, and teaching you and teaching you how to teach others. You have to present in sucha way that makes them think. Why did God create man like that, so how did create man? He formedman out of dust; now let them say Gen. 2:7, let them read it, then ask a simple and logical question.Is it easy to form something out of the dust? No, so what do you have to do? You have to have a lotof form, thats the word the Bible used, so you have the idea that God made man by touching a lot,you have to touch dust to make it form. Then ask the person what does it mean in this world, whenwe touch someone? Of course there are many wrong ways, but in the pure sense, it means we care


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about them and we love them. So God made man with love, now like in distance with a commandfrom God like when he created day 1 through 5, but personally, even evolutionist will understandthis. God came down on earth and touched man, we are not like other creations, you must get thepeople to think, so hands are involved. Next God breathed into man, where? In the nostrils, why didGod breath into man? We know that animals have the breath of God, but we have no picture or textthat tells us this. However the Bible says that God breathed into Adams nostrils, now imagine this.

God standing far away from Adam and blowing air, and somehow it ends up in Adams nostrils?What do you see, intimacy, you see God putting His lips right next to Adams mouth and breathinginto Him. So you see that God is very close God made man to be very close to Him. Do you know whymany people are sad and depressed? Because they lost the character of God, there not close to God,and they are not being touched by God. Thats why many people are unhappy, and they dont knowthis, that why they think they need more money, more clothes, entertainment, have a boyfriend orgirlfriend to be more happy. Whenever to you think that you need something else to be happy, thathappiness is counterfeit. When you have to have things to be happy or another person, thathappiness isnt true its not real happiness. True happiness is what God put in you. God's presencewithin you, but the concept is even deeper than this.

God breathed into man the breath of life or the breath of God. We can also says God breathed intoman the life of God. That He actually gave part of Himself to us. Not that we are God, but we areconnected to Him by His breath. But why His breath? Because we cant live without His breath. Godwants you to feel that as much as you cannot live without air, you can't live without God. Try to holdyour breath for five minutes, how do you feel. How do you feel when your out of breath, for examplewhen your swimming. That's how much God wants you to depend on Him, if we are without breathwe have no life.

But today many people walk, live, work, then dead. They are so used to not breathing and they thinkthey are surviving but actually they are dead. Im sure you heard the creation story before but whatabout breathing, what am I bringing out. God made man in the image of God, in the character of God,but much more than that, God made man with intimacy, relationship and love people need to

understand that.

In this world, there are so many topics that people like to talk about. But there is one topic thatalways out wins all others, and that is LOVE! You can see it in entertainment in movies, in stories,everywhere because everyone is looking for love, even if you are new ageagan, Christian, wiccan.Even if you say you aren't looking for love, you really are, because you are made that way. So do youhave something to offer anyone? Yes, you can love them. So does it all make sense? So what isrighteousness by faith? Breaking it down in a practical way, righteousness means love.Righteousness means love. Love by faith.

Now lets go a little deeper. How did God create woman? Think about this, this is very interesting.You know what God did to Adam? God asked Adam to name all the animals. When Adam opened his

eyes he saw the flowers, fruit trees, all the different mammals roaming the earth, no mosquitoes tocatch, and then God tells Adam to name the names. Then Adam proceeds, giraffe, elephant, etc....,buthe noticed that they all were in pairs, the lions female and male, or the cows, Adam noticed thepairs, two. Do you think that God purposely made Adam to feel a need for companionship for what?The reason that God made Eve is to make the love experience complete in man, because love is twoways, not one way. Some people say they can live without the opposite sex, so do you understand?The Baptist, Methodist, or anyone else can understand this. To make the love to be complete. It is atwo way love. But what causes the world to be like it is? Its in the home, when families dont haveGod in their homes. So this is the purpose of God in the creation of man, but more than that. God


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created Eve out of Adam's rib. Whats interesting is that when God created from day 1 through 5everything was declared as good, but on day 6 God says that its not good for man to be alone. Tomake that good God created woman, why? Whats very good? Love and character, and after thecreation in six does God says that it is very good. So its good the first through the sixth, but it wasntvery good until God created man, so you can tell someone, it wasnt very good until God createdyou, you are very good because God created you.

The first man Adam was very taller perhaps 15 feet high, you can imagine his stature, and his faceperfect, mind perhaps like a computer, reading a book and then re writing it. There pure mind andjoy to do Gods will and happiness to do His bidding. But what happened, how come we are so short,so week, are faces arent symmetrical, why are we unhappy when we have to do Gods will, why dowe feel no joy in the presence of God why? We are going to answer this in the next chapter, but doyou understand the very first step? This is the principle of things. Do try to reorganize this. This iswhy I am sharing this with you so you can digest it and share with others. This is something thatyou can share with others at anytime.

Supplement

God created all things by His Word.

Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath ofhis mouth.

God creates all things by His word. God created man with His hands

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils thebreath of life; and man became a living soul.

God formed man with His own hands.

Gen 1:26-27 [26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them havedominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all theearth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in hisown image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Man created in the image of God. Let us Eloheeym plural. All 3 members have an image. A physicalbody. Man created in the physical, mental, and moral (spiritual) image of God.

MENTAL REFLECTION

Gen 2:19to see what he would call them

MORAL

Eccl 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out manyinventions.

Man made upright (Ps 25:8 upright is the Lord).

Ps 104:2 God covered with light. Must follow that man was covered with light.


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Prov 6:23.thelaw [is] light.

Light Shows that they were completely in harmony with the law of God.

PP 45 The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and

glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continuedto enshroud them.

Ps 8:4-5 [4] What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?[5] For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory andhonour.

Crowing act

Is 43:7for I have created him for my character

Other creatures are limited in their progression, but man can grow more and more without ceasing.

EGW

SC 10Nature imperfectly represents Gods love Through the things of nature, and the deepest andtenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet thesebutimperfectly represent His love.

SC 17 Powers of the mindMan was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind.He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy . Butthrough disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love .

ED 15 The Longer Adam lived the more he would reflectWhen Adam came from the Creator's hand,he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to his Maker. "God created man in His

own image" (Genesis 1:27), and it was His purpose that the longer man lived the more fully heshould reveal this image--the more fully reflect the glory of the Creator. All his faculties werecapable of development; their capacity and vigor were continually to increase Had he remainedloyal to God, all this would have been his forever. Throughout eternal ages he would have continuedto gain new treasures of knowledge, to discover fresh springs of happiness, and to obtain clearer andyet clearer conceptions of the wisdom, the power, and the love of God. More and more fully would hehave fulfilled the object of his creation, more and more fully have reflected the Creator's glory.

ED 16 (After the fall) Disobedience caused forfeit (of above) But by disobedience this was forfeited.Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-nigh obliterated. Man's physical powers wereweakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject todeath. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation hadbeen devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring

him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, andsoul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized--this was to be the work of redemption.

Con 11Adams mind was capable of continual expansionAdam could take in the grand idea that hewas created in the image of God, to be like Him in righteousness and holiness. His mind was capableof continual cultivation, expansion, refinement, and noble elevation; for God was his teacher,and angels were his companions.

Con 12Mental powers little lower than the angels He had endowed Adam with powers of mindsuperior to any other creature that He had made. His mental powers were but little lower than


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those of the angels.

SC 21 Mental powers to extend through eternityLet us try to appreciate the labor and energy thatHeaven is expending to reclaim the lostMotives strongercould never be brought into operation;the exceeding rewards for right-doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the society of the angels, thecommunion and love of God and His Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers

throughout eternal ages--are these not mighty incentives and encouragements to urge us to givethe heart's loving service to our Creator and Redeemer? Note: What are those powers? See SC 17 (b)

CT 55Man to advance through ages -- To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body,and spirit, not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect likeness of our Creator, andthrough ceaseless ages to advance in wisdom, in knowledge, and in holiness, ever exploring newfields of thought, ever finding new wonders and new glories, ever increasing in capacity to know andto enjoy and to love, and knowing that there is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite--suchis the object to which the Christian's hope is pointing, for which Christian education is preparing.

CT 51Advancement to continue -- Those who give heed to the instructions of the divine Teacherconstantly advance in wisdom, refinement, and nobility of soul, and thus they are prepared to enterthat higher school where advancement will continue throughout eternity.


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The Hope of Glory (What happened to man)

Lets continue with the topic we were studying. Lets begin with a question, what happened to man?

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

We all know that glory means character of God and because of sin; the result is that we come shortof the glory of God. We lost the character of God because of sin. So there connection between thepurpose of God in the creation of man and the hope of glory, the gospel. The connection betweenthe character of God and the gospel is sin. Because of sin, men are not able to reflect Gods characteris because of sin. This conclusion has to very very clear. Sin is the main problem. Why? Becausepeople will give many reasons why they are not happy. People will tell you because they dont havea certain thing, they give you all kinds of excuses. But the reason man does not reflect Godscharacter, is because of sin. Its not because of their genetic traits from there parents. Sin is the mainproblem, that why we dont reflect Gods character. Now lets go through some Bible text. This willtake us to the question, what is sin? People may give you a lot of definitions, but there is one simpledefinition.

1 John 3:4 sin is transgression of Gods law.

Breaking Gods law is sin, and sin causes us to come short. Notice the Bible says short but theshort is actually very long. So do you see the connection with being made in the image of God, butbecause of sin or breaking Gods law, that we lost Gods glory? So that means to restore to the imageof God, there has to be some involvement ofobedience to Gods law. If God is going to restore youback to the image of God then is there obedience to Gods law? Yes. This is how you can bring in thelaw of God and obedience concept. Many Christ are skeptical and look at you as a legalist, or afanatic if you only talk about the law or obedience. This may lead people to think religion is such aheavy yoke, burdensome, that its just about obeying and not doing the wrong things. This is whyyou have to give the reasons why Gods wants obedience. So what is the law of God?

Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

So what are the characteristics of Gods law? Its holy, just, and good, which are the similarcharacteristics that God has. The law of God also reveals Gods character holy, just and good. So itmakes sense the attributes of Gods character are in His law. So when we go against the law of God,we are actually going against the character of God. People need to understand this, somehow peopletry to separate obedience and love. That doesnt make sense though, we cant just love God, becauselove is obedience (Gal 5:6-7). In the last days, Satan will emphasize love that denies obedience, thisis Satans new way of using spiritualism. We may go into detail a little later. So remember theconnection clearly, you have to see this. We are made in the image of the glory of God, but becauseof sin we have fallen short of the glory of God. What is sin? Breaking Gods law what does the law

do? It reveals Gods character, which is His glory (Ex 33:18-21; 34:6-7). So then what is Gods plan?Gods plan is very simple.

2 Thes 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord JesusChrist.

gospel means good news, or the plan of salvation. So God is calling or inviting you. The Biblesays Jesus was lifted up, to draw all men to Him. Jesus is calling us, we especially see this inRevelation.


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Matt 11:28 Come unto me, allye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Rev 3:20 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.

Jesus is inviting you and me. What is the purpose of Gods invitation? To obtain the glory of ourLord Jesus Christ. So what is the purpose of the gospel? So that we may obtain the glory of our LordJesus Christ, is in essence His character. So from the Bible what is the purpose of the gospel, that wemay obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we know to mean the character of Jesus Christ.Now Hindus have many gods, so if you introduce Christ to them they may consider Him to beanother God. How do you reach someone with that mentality? We must realize that human beingshave that problem, the character. Everyone in their daily lives face this one problem, of what theircharacter is like. Almost everyone can relate to the issue of character. This verse is saying thepurpose of the gospel is to help us attain the character of Jesus. Now lets study the name of Jesus.

Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save hispeople from their sins.

This verse tells us the meaning of the name Jesus, Saviour from our sin. So if Christ is going to saveus from our sin, the name of Jesus refers to being restored back to the image of God, the glory ofGod. Now lets notice a description of Jesus in John 1:14.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory asof the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

This concept: what Jesus did there this experience represents the name Immanuel, God with us.Remember this: These 2 names have a direct connection to restoring us back to the image of God.Jesus separates us from our sin so that He can dwell with us. So when you give a Bible study you

can begin with the name Jesus, not many people will go against the name Jesus, and many peopleuse the name Jesus so often.

If you go to a Sunday church and you say the name of Jesus people will say Amen. If you emphasizethat it is only by His name that we have power, salvation, grace and can be saved, everyone will getexcited, then ask what the name of Jesus mean? Some people will say Savior!!! You say thats right,but a Savior from what? What does the Bible say Jesus will save us from? The Bible says Jesus willsave us from sin, but what is sin? Its breaking Gods law, and the law reflects Gods character, butwhat kind of character traitGods love, then ask the people do you want to go against love? Ask Doyou want to have true love? They will say no, they cannot say no. So ask Do you want to have truelove? Everyone will raise their hand. Then say Do you know that sin goes against true love?They will nod their head, and then ask if they are burdened with sin, and their heads will go down.Then ask but do you believe in the name of Jesus? Then show them whatthe name of Jesus reallymeans in Matt. 1:21. Jesus is the Savior from sin, and the light will turn out, they may have heard theverse before but you much bring this point home. They are shaken by the thought and light beginsto penetrate their mind, dontjust learn as you read, but be prepared to present this, all these textare linked together. Jesus doesnt save you alone but the Bible says that Jesus will be with us.



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Why does Jesus want to dwell amongst us? What does the Bible say about that, let the Bible answer?Be sure to emphasize the importance of going by the Word of God and not our opinions. The reasonis that we may behold His glory, His character. This joins the name Emmanuel and Jesus.

grace and truth remember when Moses as God to show him His glory? God showed Moses His

goodness, Name, and His mercy, so the name of Emmanuel means to behold Gods glory or Hischaracter. So can you see the name Emmanuel and Jesus, how they are closely locked. The reason Iam emphasizing this is because there are many Christian even in our church, that go to churchweekend after weekend but they dont understand what it means to reflect Gods character.

Sometimes we come to church but at home we have lifestyles similar to devils, and we think we areChristians, but we are really deceived by Satan, so we must let the Bible speak. So Gods purpose todwell with us is that we might behold Him. So what happens when you behold something? (all thesetexts are connected to Jesus Christ). There is a change. People know these texts but when you put ittogether the study becomes so powerful.

2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into

the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

By beholding we are changed,thats the result beholding Gods glory. So if you arent changedthat means you arent beholding, if you arent beholding that means you arent experiencing thename of Emmanuel. Then say can you be saved without Jesus or Emmanuel? They will say no, so webetter live with Emmanuel. The Bible is clear, we are changed into the same image of Jesus Christ,from glory to glory. So notice the process of beholding Gods character, its from glory to glory.

into the same image Notice the progress of reflecting Gods character. Gods character fromone stage to another, from glory to glory. So when you present things like these the Bible is revealedto be a living book. We must read and also have an experience of what we are reading, we cant justgo through the routine but we must understand the word of God. Now lets g o to 2 Cor. 4:6, now we

have made a full circle. When you know the Bible text you can go wherever God leads along they areconnected, you know how to present the message.

2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, togive the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes when you are giving a Bible study, you read the text and stop, and ask this question.When did God shine light out of darkness? In the Creation, notice the first comma, Its describingthe attribute of God.

who it is describing what kind of God He is the Creator.

the light of the knowledge of the glory of GodGods character is revealed in Jesus and wehave to behold that face. Why then did Paul mention shined in our hearts? The God who is theCreator., shines into our heart is dark. This is saying that, the same power that God create the light,with the same power He will shine into your heart. When God said let there be light, there was light.Through Jesus Christ, He is speaking to your heart. When He says that, there will be a light there. Itis Restoration. Redeeming man back to God. Its important to believe that God is the Creatorbecause only the Creator can recreate a new heart. So as you present this think of the other topicsthat are similar. Leads to other messages: Sabbath message (because we are talking about the


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Creator), Obedience, the Gospel, Forgiveness. Continuing.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among theGentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

All these texts are connecting Jesus Christ with glory. When you present the message help the

people recognize that many people will cry Lord, Lord, but they will not enter into the HeavenlyKingdom (Matt 7:21-23), because they do not possess the character of God, the image of God, thatsthe very important point here. Those who you know need to know these concepts. Can you see howunlocking the word glory brings about many texts. So Christ has to be in you in order for you tohave hope for you to reflect His character. To invite Jesus into your heart means to reflect Hischaracter love patience, meekness, forgiving spirit, solemnity, happiness, this is what it means toreflect Gods character.Lets connect this with the first angels message.

Rev14:6, 7 [6] And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel topreach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,[7] Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

So in verse 6, an angel flying with everlasting gospel that means that there is only one gospel.People call Adventist legalist because they keep the Sabbath but later on I will show how Sabbathkeeping will help you to reflect Gods character. And how keeping the Sabbath is actually will helpyou to fulfill the new covenant experience. Most people know about the gospel. So what is thegospel? Reflecting Gods character,We are called to reflect Gods character, and in the judgment, weshall be judged by our character, by what kind of character we are presenting. So we are to live byfaith but we are judged by our character. Is it good enough to live by faith? Can we reflect Godscharacter by living in faith? Yes, so if we live by faith, then we should not be so fearful about thejudgment of God. So really the judgment answer the question of whether you are living by faith ornot. So the faith concept comes into play, we will talk about that later in the chapter entitled theScience of Faith, now I am giving you the overall picture, continuing.

worship him that made pointing to creator again. Only the Creator can create a new heart.

We understand the interpretation of the mark of the beast but lets look at this more spiritually, the3rd angels message, just the sound one thing is interesting it that later we will discover that if wedont reflect the character of God and have the image of God restored in us, we are no better thanbeast ion this world, so you have to bring these things out. You have to talk about more than just theSabbath versus the wrong day of worship, but we should go further than just these two things.

Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.

The very last message before the close of probation.

earth was lightened with his gloryRev 12:1 talks about Gods church, it talks about womanclothed with sun, moon and stars, notice they all these give light. The very last message is that weare able to preach the message because we live according to the character of Jesus. You know howimportant that is. Lets go a little deeper.

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify yourFather which is in heaven.


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A good bible study helps everything make sense.

let your light so shine before menThis is a very popular text, this means to reflect Godscharacter. Why? So that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.So how do you give glory to God? We give glory to God when we let men see our good works. Some

think too much about doing good words, but not our works. We will get discouraged because we arenot capable of that, we cant depend on ourselves, a carnal man cannot produce good works. So howdo we produce good works? Thats where faith comes in and the Grace of God. Please make it apriority to understand this and share it, dont just learn it.

Eph 2:8-9 [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

gift of God so what is the gift of God? Grace is the gift of God received through faith to a personnot deserving. Grace is a gift of pardon to a sinner who deserves death. The character of God ispackaged into the grace we receive from God. It is a gift of character (when Moses asked God so seeHis glory, God said He would show him Grace). This is the conclusion if you study the Bible

carefully, you will see that one of the purposes of the Bible is to restore the image of God in us. Aswe study Gods word we should come to the conclusion that we need the image of God restored inus. Notice what the Bible says, if it is a gift of God, then we have to receive it. Verse 9

not of works So we are saved by grace and not by works

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hathbefore ordained that we should walk in them.

created inChrist Jesus unto good works Remember Matt. 5:16

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your

Father which is in heaven.

Show good works. We show we have good works by Christ, when we are created in Christ Jesus forgood works, recreation, then the good works will come. We have to be in Jesus.

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new.

Definition of being in Christ. Glory, gospel, grace, all deal with restoring man back to the image ofGod. That is the bottom line. God performs this miracle through the merits of Christ. You notice achange in your actions after God has come into your life. Dont you think this will bring power toour churches? People will be able to see our hearts and contrast theirs. This will bring revival to all

who are diligently searching for the character of God. We may not feel that bad among Laodiceas,but someone who is truly converted presents a power that the common person does not have. Itsnot that your trying to put anyone down, but that God is revealing Himself through you. This is whatit means to give glory to God. We give glory to God by us showing man His character, by ourobedience. When you present this, underneath this must be presented the following: repentance,forgiveness, confession, faith, dependence etc... Because it can only be received by faith, if youpresent this wrong people may over emphasize their own merits instead of the power of God totransform us. So you must teach them to exercise faith.


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Supplement

NATURE OF MAN

ConscienceGreek 4893 The soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad,

prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.

Merriam Web - the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's ownconduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.

Amer HD - conscience(knshns) n. 1.a. The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one'sconduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong:

Note: Conscience prompts the conduct, what Im about to do is it right or wrong?

Reason Heb 3198 to prove, decide, convince; Greek 1260 to bring together different reasons,revolve in ones mind, deliberate.

American Heritage Dict - reason(rzn) n. 1. The basis or motive for an action, a decision, or aconviction.An underlying fact or cause that provides logical sense for a premise or an occurrence:1.To use the faculty of reason; think logically.

Note: Reason brings together different ideas in order to sustain the conduct. Why do I want to do this?It deals with the motive. The process of rationally thinking.

JudgmentHeb 4941 Decision

AHD - judgment(jjmnt) n. 1. The act or process of judging; the formation of an opinion afterconsideration or deliberation. b. The capacity to form an opinion by distinguishing and evaluating

(discernment)

Note: Judgment is used to make the final decision. I will do this, whether right or wrong. You make the

decision.

Mind Change From the Bible. Conscience, reason, and Judgment must be surrendered to God.

Is 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, theyshall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Reason together (Gods reason)

Job 13:3I desire to reason with God

Is 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when yeturn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Conscience (walk ye in it)

1 Tim 1:19 good conscience


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Heb 13:18good consciencewilling to live honestly

Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of usehave their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Discern between good and evil (judgment).

Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Discern perverse things.

Ezek 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and causethem to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Discern between holy and profane.

Miscellaneous: Web 1828

Conscience = the faculty, power or principle within us, which decides on the lawfulness orunlawfulness of our own actions and affections, and instantly approves or condemnsthemConscience is first occupied in ascertaining our duty, before we proceed to action; then injudging of our actions when performed.

Reason = The cause, ground, principle or motive of any thing said or done; that which supports orjustifies a determination, plan or measure.

Judgment = The act of judging; the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find theiragreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth; or the process of examining facts andarguments, to ascertain propriety and justice;

In Scripture, the spirit of wisdom and prudence, enabling a person to discern right and wrong, goodand evil.

Give the king thy judgments, O God. Ps.72

Nature:

1.) The essence, essential qualities or attributes of a thing, which constitute it what it is; as thenature of the soul; the nature of blood; the nature of a fluid; the nature of plants, or of a metal; thenature of a circle or an angle. When we speak of the nature of man, we understand thepeculiar constitution of his body or mind, or the qualities of the species which distinguish

him from other animals. When we speak of the nature of a man, or an individual of the race, we

mean his particular qualities or constitution; either the peculiar temperament of his body, or theaffections of his mind, his natural appetites, passions, disposition or temper. So of irrationalanimals.


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Before Fall

Te 11Adam's will was in harmony with God -- Adam was a noble being, with a powerful mind, a willin harmony with the will of God, and affections that centered upon heaven.

AH 26Adam was in the perfection of manhood- Adam was surrounded with everything his heart

could wish. Every want was suppliedAdam was in the perfection of manhood, the noblest of theCreator's work. Not a shadow interposed between them and their Creator. They knew God as theirbeneficent Father, and in all things their will was conformed to the will of God.

PP 45Adam's appetites and passions were controlled-- His nature was in harmony with the will ofGod. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetitesand passions were under the control of reason.

AG 344Adam had no corrupt propensities - God made Adam after His own character, pure andupright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities ortendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne. (Read whole chapter)

1BC 1083Adam's Fall Inexplainable.--In what consisted the strength of the assault made upon Adam,

which caused his fall? It was not indwelling sin; for God made Adam after His own character, pureand upright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities ortendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne.

Adam could have formed righteous character-- It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form arighteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin ournatures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. SC 62

1 SM 279Adam could have resisted Satan's temptations -- Christ knew that Adam in Eden, with hissuperior advantages, might have withstood the temptations of Satan, and conquered him.

After Fall

Hosea 11:7 And my people are bentto backsliding from me:

Psa 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Psa 141:4 Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practice wicked works with men thatwork iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties

Incline Heb 5186 = turn, pervert, incline, bend (see dict definition for propensity)

1SM 279Adam couldn't resist after fall-- He also knew that it was not possible for man, out of Eden,separated from the light and love of God since the Fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his ownstrength.

5T 294 Man cannot resist evil- Man is Satan's captive and is naturally inclined to follow hissuggestions and do his bidding. He has in himself no power to oppose effectual resistance to

evil. It is only as Christ abides in him by living faith, influencing his desires and strengthening himwith strength from above, that man may venture to face so terrible a foe. Every other means ofdefense is utterly vain. It is only through Christ that Satan's power is limited. This is a momentoustruth that all should understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and downin the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of faith will baffle his strongestefforts. Then take "the shield of faith," brethren, "wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery


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darts of the wicked."

1MCP 29 Transgression Brought No New Order of Energies and Passions.--We are not to suppose thatsince the transgression of Adam, God has given to human beings a new order of energies andpassions, for then it would appear that God had interfered to implant in the human race sinfulpropensities. Christ began His work ofconversion as soon as man transgressed, that through

obedience to the law of God and faith in Christ they might regain the lost image of God.--MS 60, 1905.

RC 56 Fall Broke Golden Chain of Obedience.--Adam yielded to temptation and as we have the matterof sin and its consequence laid so distinctly before us, we can read from cause to effect and see thegreatness of the act is not that which constitutes sin; but the disobedience of God's expressedwillThe fall of our first parents broke the golden chain of implicit obedience of the human will tothe divine.

5BC 1128Adam's descendent's born with propensities of disobedience -- The first Adam was created apure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and hedid fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities ofdisobedience.

7 BC 943 We need not retain one sinful propensity-- We must learn of Christ. We must know what Heis to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to bepartakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Thenwe are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity. . . .[Eph. 2:1-6 quoted.] . . . As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendenciesto wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good.

Note: propensity is connected with tendencies. (See Definitions)

inherent(n-hrnt, -hr-) adj. Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic.

Thesaurus

2. (adj.) Possessed at birth:InnateGeneticInborn inherited

innateadj. 1. Possessed at birth; inborn.

inbornadj. 1. Possessed by an organism at birth. See Synonyms at innate. 2. Inherited orhereditary.

intrinsicadj. 1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

Web 1828

INHE'RENT, a. Existing in something else, so as to be inseparable from it.Inherent baseness.

1. Innate; naturally pertaining to; as the inherent qualities of the magnet; the inherent right ofmen to life, liberty and protection.


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PROPENS'ITY, n. [L. propensio.]1. Bent of mind, natural or acquired; inclination; in a moral sense; disposition to any thing good orevil, particularly to evil; as a propensity to sin; the corrupt propensity of the will.It requires critical nicety to find out the genius or propensions of a child.2. Natural tendency; as the propension of bodies to a particular place.[In a moral sense, propensity is now chiefly used.]

propensityn., pl. propensities. An innate inclination; a tendency..2. (n.) A leaning in a certain direction:

inclination bent

tendency(tndn-s) n., pl. tendencies. 1. Movement or prevailing movement in a givendirection:3. A predisposition to think, act, behave, or proceed in a particular way.

predisposition(prds-p-zshn) n. The state of being predisposed; tendency, inclination,or susceptibility.

IN'NATE, a. [L. innatus,from innascor; in and nascor, to be born.]Inborn; native; natural. Innate ideas are such as are supposed to be stamped on the mind, at themoment when existence begins. Mr. Locke has taken great pains to prove that no such ideas exist.


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What Is Righteousness?Result of Righteousness is Conversion. After this chapter try to make a Bible study on Conversion,explaining what it is. Explaining Conversion is the primary goal, always remember to tell thedefinition when you are teaching or preaching. You can start by looking up the word conversion,after that look up similar words like changed and turned taking note of the context, also use the

English definition of the word, and go from there.

Defining Righteousness

Ps 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

What does this verse mean? All thy commandments are righteousness. Commandments are the lawof God. How does it apply to us? If we are experiencing righteousness by faith (not by works), thereshould be an experience ofobedience to Gods law.

Rom 3:10-12 [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none thatunderstandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are

together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

When you see verses like this you have to remember that sometimes Bible writers use repetition ofthey use different words to explain the same thing. Its very simple atleast the concept, but alwaysremember to let the Bible explain itself.

There is none righteous, no, not one = there is none that doeth good, no, not one

Righteousness means doing good. Righteousness by faith = doing good by faith, NOT by works(thats where there is many, many problems and confusion). So you cant experience faith withouthaving fruits of obedience to Gods law.What is unrighteousness?

1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Unrighteousness sinning. It the word sin a noun or a verb? Is it a thing or an action? You canuse it as a noun but the word is more of an action. So what is unrighteousness? It is sinning. So whatis sin?

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of thelaw.

Unrighteousness is sin and sin is breaking Gods law. So Righteousness is not breaking Gods lawbut keeping Gods law. The concept is simple but you have to explain the concept to people step bystep. Its a good idea to use Ellen White after showing something from the Bible to proof the

accuracy of Ellen White. Teachers of the Bible use that method.FW 101 Righteousness is obedience to the law.

Some people say we dont need to obey God, but that all we need is faith.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even ashe is righteous.


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Righteousness is obedience to Gods law, and is accomplished by faith not works.

COL Righteousness is right doing.

When studying Ellen Whites writings look for phraseslike conversion is because that word is gives thedefinition. So make sure to notice the harmony between the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.

Greek word for Righteousness, Strongs Concordance 1343. Means: Integrity, Virtue, purity oflife, Correctness of thinking, feeling and acting. Remember, thoughts and feelings put together ismoral character. Therefore, righteousness is really character, and people can comprehend easierwhen they know that righteousness is character.

Conclusion: Righteousness is right doing, obedience to the law of God, having a pure character.

1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speakthis to your shame.

Obedience to Gods law. So righteousness by faith = It is God that will help you to obey Him.

Truth and the Word

Ps 119:151 Thou artnear, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

A = B and B = C, then A = C. This is always true in a mathematical format but not always true in Biblicalinterpretation, but true when contextual interpretation is applied. Lets explain, this formula is useful whenstudying the Bible but be careful. Just because certain words are the same doesnt mean it has the samemeaning so always study the word within the context, the contextual interpretation. When you find a word ina chapter you must always understand the context that it is in. When the words have the same meaning thenyou can put them together, you will understand the formula better as we put it to practice. Now lets give aexample of the same word but different context.

Rom 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk notafter the flesh, but after the Spirit.

after the flesh means carnal.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the lifewhich I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself forme.

in the flesh is referring to new life in Christ. If you say that this is living carnal, that means we live carnalby the faith of Jesus, but we dont need the faith of Jesus to live carnal.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,

uncleanness, lasciviousness,

works of the flesh this verse matches with Rom 8:1 because of the context and what is being discussed.So this is what is mean, when I say you have to know contextually the definition of these words.

Righteousness commandments = truth. Therefore, righteousness = truth. Thus, when it istalking about truth, it is talking about righteousness and the commandments of God. The conceptsare the same but are just being spoken from looking at different angels.


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John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Righteousness = commandments = truth = Word. Therefore righteousness = Word.

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Thy truth have you hid in your heart, because the Word is truth. Jesus says what will make you free?The truth will make you free, so notice the linkage in the Bible.

3T 69 The truthrighteousness.

1895.faith in the word of Godcommand.

2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, forcorrection, for instruction in righteousness:

All scriptures can be replaced by Word, it is all connected. So why do we study the Bible? Toexperience righteousness, obedience to the law of God, to know the truth and to have Gods

character. Then the Bible becomes easy for us to understand, whether it comes to the word truth,righteousness, its all discussing the character of God, its all connected.

Eph 5:9 For the fruit of the Spiritis in all goodness and righteousness and truth;

Light and Love

Ps 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Righteousness = Commandments = Truth = Word = Light. Therefore Righteousness = Light. So wecan be the light of the world because you are experiencing righteousness, obedience to Gods law,have the word of God in your life, and your obeying the truth. So it makes sense, all the verses give a

brighter clearer understanding as you study.

Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Ps 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Prov 6:23 For the commandmentis a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are theway of life:

Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Therefore, Righteousness = Commandments = Love. Therefore Righteousness = Love.

TMB 18 Righteousness is love.. by receiving Him.

Glory and Righteousness

Ps 97:6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

Righteousness = Glory and glory = Character. Therefore Righteousness = Character. Hebrewwriters use Hebrew way of writing poetry, thats why they normally have two lines, writing thesame thought in different ways.


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ST Sep 5 1885 Christ found Himselfrepresented in the standardthe ten moral precepts.

Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Commandment is holy, just and good

Life and Righteousness

Prov 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Life = death. Therefore it is referring to eternal life. Therefore Righteousness = Eternal life.Righteousness = Commandments = Truth = Word = Light = Love = Glory = Eternal Life. The text canbe found by looking up righteousness is or righteousness are.

eternal life is not justlove/life

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be

added unto you.

Many people love to seek the kingdom of God, but not His righteousness. What does it mean to seekHis righteousness? Commandments, etc

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believethin him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Whoever believe in Him

John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up atthe last day.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ourLord.

So what is the gift? Eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is usually equated to living along time (duration). However eternal life reflects a quality of life. You can have eternal life now have that quality of life. Suppose you told someone who smoked that they had eternal life, thats notheaven but hell. Eternal life is the quality of life also, not just duration. Thats why Jesus said you canhave eternal life now, you can have the quality of life now.

1 John 1:1, 2 [1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen withour eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (For thelife was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which

was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Who is the Word of Life? John just said that he has seen eternal life. We have seen eternal life.. Johnjust said that he saw eternal life, now if eternal life is duration how can you see it? For you to seeeternal life in duration you would need eternity. If it is only a duration, how do you see it? We haveheard Jesus, seen Him, looked upon His character, etc. So if you want to have eternal life, look atJesus and live like Him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth


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in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Many people quote this verse, but most dont understand what this means. Now lets show that allthese characteristics are found in Jesus Christ. Whats easier to by the parts of a computerseparately are to purchase it all in one package? So if we try to get righteousness, truth, obey thecommandments etc.. on our own it will be impossible, but its all in Jesus. He is the source of truth

for all of us and He gives us the power to yield an obedient fruit filled life.

Jesus our Righteousness

COMMANDMENTS

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father'scommandments, and abide in his love.

TRUTH

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

WORD

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word wasGod.

LIGHT

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth meshall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

LOVE

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

GLORY


ETERNAL LIFE

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Jesus is the fullness of God. That is why we can call Him the following

Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name wherebyhe shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

He will help us experience all these things. So when we say we want Jesus to come in our hearts, wetruly get all the blessings from above. This is righteousness by faith, and I hope you have a biggerpicture of this concept. By faith we can obtain these characteristics.


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Righteousness obtained by faith

GLORY

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known whatis the riches of the glory of this mystery among the

Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

TRUTH

2 Cor 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions ofAchaia.

COMMANDMENTS

1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby weknow that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

So if we abide in Christ, and He abides in us, we will keep His commandments. Christ in us is the hope of glory.

WORD

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing oneanother in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

LOVE

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

LIGHT

2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, togive the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

ETERNAL LIFE

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

The concepts are repeated over and over, so you cant miss this point. So if you are in Jesus, you canhave all these characteristics. Now you can explain what righteousness is. Now open up to anyplace in the Bible and you will probably notice similar words. They arent in every text, but you willnotice them.

Psa 3:3 But thou, O LORD, arta shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

So it all points to one thing the image of God restored in man. The study isnt finished however,there are more words connected to righteousness, like the sanctuary, or confession, baptism,second coming, but Christ is in the center. Jesus is truly the LORD our righteousness.


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The Fall of Man

To understand the plan of salvation, we need to understand the fall of man.

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

The serpent was more subtle than any other beast. The serpent was a very beautiful animal (SPIRITOF PROPHECY). It had wings.

Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? This was when thedeception started. It puts feelings of doubt into your mind. Doubting upon Gods Word.So Satansfirst attack is to doubt on Gods Word because the power of life and righteousness is on Gods Word.Satan was not able to force Eve to eat the fruit, but needed her consent, her choice. Satan was tryingto change her mind by first putting doubt. Cause her to consent and follow the biddings of Satan.Animals can speak Eve became curious. Her mind was caught up. That is why many bad things inthe world are very attractive. It is hypnotic. She must have asked what made this snake able to

speak

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Its like she was saying, I know what God said. Her first mistake was here communicating andtalking with Satan. Your attitude then means that you are open for response. Communication isalways two ways. And by doing that, that means you are opening your mind to Satan. Before andafter sin, what changed? Youll begin to see the mind of man changed.

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eatof it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

I know what God said, that you shall not eat of the fruit or touch it. She added neither shall yetouch it misquoted the Word of God. Gen 2:16, 17. God never said it. So the serpent plucks thefruit and shows her that hes not dead yet.So since she said neither shall ye touch it, then she isthinking that God said it. Spirit of Prophecy says the serpent drops the fruit into her hands. Hervisual, audible and touch evidences are giving her clear proof that Satans Words are true.

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Satan always starts with a doubt and begins with a blatant lie. Totally opposite to Gods Word.

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and yeshall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Basically saying that God doesnt want you to become like God. So he begins with a doubt, then a lieand then cause you to go against God by doubting His love. Attacking Gods character, saying thatGod is not just and is selfish. Satan is attacking 3 things, the physical, what we eat. Spiritual, thedesire be like Gods and mental knowing good and evil.

knowing good and evil mixing up good and evil. This is the basis of Paganism. When you mixgood and evil, it becomes confusion. It is the foundation of Babylon. It becomes deception.


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Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that itwas pleasant to theeyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gavealso unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

saw that the tree was good for food lust of the flesh appetite.

pleasant to the eyes lust of the eyes sight.

make one wise mental and when she did take to eat, she lost her spiritual power.So the veryfirst reason was that it was good for food. SPIRIT OF PROPHECY says that Eve felt different (thebook Confrontation). Sin feels good, but only for a short time. Adams fall was because of passion,two reasons why they ate the fruit appetite and passion. Nature of Man

American Heritage Dictionary Definition:

Nature:1.) The essential characteristics and qualities of a person or thing:She was only strong and sweet

and in her nature when she was really deep in trouble(Gertrude Stein).

2.) The fundamental character or disposition of a person; temperament:Disposition1.) One's usual mood; temperament: a sweet disposition.2.) A habitual inclination; a tendency: a disposition to disagree.

Websters 1828 Dictionary

Nature:

1.) The essence,

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Conversion & Righteousness by Faith

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