Vol. 1. No.1

A TestAnd A Sign

Out Of TheCities

<.Higher ,.

Education

The Spirit AndPower Of Elijah

To Kill A Lamb,Part 2

November, 1985

,

The Cleansing Of The Sanctuary, sec page: 17.

Editor's NoteOne day IllSt summer my three·

ycar-old SOD ambled up to me withhis head hanging down, dragging bis.bund new plastic bat. Crouchingdo.....n. I tenderly coaxed bim to tellme what was wrong.. He leaned upagainst my chest and confided intones of dcfc:at, "Dad, this bat is tOOllUtOw." I wu somewh:u surprised athis use of the relatiVely sophisticatedtum "Durow." Thillkina that it mayhave been an uninformed Iasked, "Cody. what narrowmC:l.111" He paused for a moment andgla.Dccd around the: room as if searcb·ing for lhc answer. Then cocking hisbead to the side, be answered. "Well-it meuu you can't bit the ball"

Dear Ron:

I am glad, Ch3-t in your plans forseeking to bring revival and re(Otm3-tion among God's people IhlU you arelaking a positive approach and deal-ing with doctrines and issues rluher(h3n with people and churches.1 have just had a glance u your

new paper, Our Firm Foundation . ... Iwas well impressed with your formatand your approach.... You mixcd ina good number of anicks from thepen of Ellen White, which is good. Ididn't see anything thai was negative.This will appeal to a lot of good, solidSeventh-day Adventists, and if youre!::tin this philosophy and this ap-proach ( think that the Lord coulduse you for good.When you get started you will run

into opposition and there will "be thctemptuion to retaliate. I am prayingthat the Lord will give you specialgrace and wisdom to know how toavoid that stance....Let's pray for each other that the

Lord will guide and direct us....May the lord guide and direct you.

[Elder] Robert H. Pierson,Hendersonville, NC

Thank you so much for the Intro-ductory Issue of 014' Ftrm Foundation_How refreshing to find a magazinesponsored by Seventh·day Adventistlaymen Ihat rings true as a bell to themessage. Please send me 10 copies togive to our cburch members.

Pastor,Nevada

You may know more about some-thing than you or otheo may credit.Don't be afraid of spealc.in& aboutwhat you know or think. YOIl bow.We appreciate your comments andsuuestions and will be printingselected letters in each issue. THename. city, and state wiU appear withe:lch. selection unless otherwiserequested_Help to keep w from

"unable to hit the ball" or as someput it, "narrow:' Send os your'thoughts. This is your ma&u.itte., soplease feel free to help os meet your-tteeds attd represettt Ihe truth as it isin Jesus.

Vittce Chrislensett, Mattagittl Editor

I appreciated receiving your initialcopy of the magazitte, Our FirmFoundation. Certainly il is wellpresented attd I thittk will have avery positive influence upon theneeds of the church in these days.Some of the m:lterial you havechosen. including that from the Spiritof Prophecy, is most timely for ourd3y and age. I am certainly glad youh:l.ve it out {the m::agazinej.

I am also gl::ad to know th:n youplan to emphasize the area of medicalmissionary work. This is critic:l.l tothe finishing of God's work.However, I do hope that you will notneglect to have an article in Cllchissue dealing with the area ofeduca.tion.

Sincerely youn,Colin St:l.QdishPresident .Hartland Institute

Please enter my subscription forOu, Firm Foundation. I pray God'sblessing on your ettdeavor. I receiveda spiritual blessittg from your initialissue. May each hean and iife bestirred with repetttance, renewal, andrevival. Surely He is comittg soon.

Jon ThompsonOregon

Please take our name off yourm:l.iling Iist as .....e do not W:lnt any ofyour m:l.teri:ll.

Sparks, NV

This is certainly a magazine that Ineeded at this time. During the lasttwo years we have gone thrnugh somevery trying situations which havecaused my husband and me. to slipslowly aW:ly. This maguine has cer-t:l.inly jolled me back. and deeply con-victed me that I need a determinedchange in my life_

Name WitheldRockford, lIlittnis

This is not a request for a sub·scriptiott 10 your magazitte. The pur-pose of this letter is to inquire whyyou feel impelled to print anothermag3Zitte in addilion to theSigns. Listtn. MiniSlry as wellas othen which. are basically aimed atAdvetttist readers?It seems to me thai the messages

introduced itt the introductry issue,which came to my home yesterday,have been and will continue to bewell covered itt the Rr'irw as well asthe Ministry magazittes.

Don lemonsCanott City, Colorado

I just finished reading the bestcomment:lry I have ever encounteredon r:lnaticism (itt the first issue ofOllr Firm Foundation]. Vince Christen-sen hu re:l.\Iy captured the essence off:l.nll.ticism in his article, whereinfan3ticism is described as being theSlate where a truth becomes the truth.In regard to the so-called

delivetance ministry (the ministry ofcasling out demons) fanaticism is avery relevant subject. Ellen Whiteherself encountered persons who weref:lnuics on the subjeet, who wereconvincing spiritually healthy peopleth:lt they were possessed, and thenperforming a "deliverance" on them.That was surely fattaticism, for nonne, balattced penon would activelyseek a confrontation with a being(Satan) who W3S the highest of allcreated beings. The moral here is,don't go looking for trouble. (But a.Christian. doestt't have to rutt from itif it comes knocking either.)Unfortunately, a.nother form of

fanaticism is rearing its ugly head.This is the reverse of the first type,where a person or persons take theopposite view, th.u sittce ran3ticism ispossible in Ihe Deliverance Ministry,the ministry is totally wrong aDdmust be stamped out.

Bob VUtt KattttottChino Valley. AZ

Table of Contents

ARTICLES

Hieher EduutloD ElleD C. WhiteAn inspired commentary on heavenly accreditatioD

II is the mission of Hope Intern3'tio031 3nd the editors of Ollr FirmFoundation to give the straight tes·timony :l.nd to present Christ 3nd Himcrucified. The d:l.Ys th3t yet rem:l.inof this world are few, and what wedo we must do quickly. We mustboldly proclaim the truths that placeus on so firm a foundation in themidst of this troubled world. [TheEditors]

Trust In Divine PowerGod is able to will and

Mihon Cr:tne, M.D.to do in our lives.

,,

A Sabbath Rdorm Needed Ellen G. WhiteSpecific guidelines for practical Sabb:l.th observllnce

Ellen G. Whitetake when coming to the Word

Edilor Ron SpearEditor Vince Christensen

Assoc:it.u Editors Vern Jennings,Marilyn Remer, Charles Lawson

Assistt.ot Editor Joseph Leatherm3nCopy Editor Lila Rae FrederickArt Director Chules LawsonAssistl.llt Au Director Bob Bresnah:lnProductloll Dave FiedlerEditorl:al Secretary Clarissa FiedlerCirculation Mao3aerRobbie Christensen

A Tnt and A SienThe SabbathnJs it reasonable'?

To Kill II Lamb (put two)The SOil of a Hebrew shepherd

about the Messi3h.

How to Study The BibleThe appr03.ch one should

of Gcd

R::alph Larson

Vioce Christensensearches for the truth

8

,to

12

Rolf LindforsII o'clock service

Chuck Lawsonher Lord and her

The Spirit alld Power of ElijahDoes the Spirit of Prophecy h3ve the

ch:ltllcteristics of Elijah'?

The Clunsille of the SanctuaryThe soul temple of man is insepar3bly

heavenly s3.nctuary.

"

"

17

'0

Ron Spurtied to the

Duid Linmission and

Ellen C. Whitemutu3.1 forbear'

FlIotsteps in the R:l.lnJoanne is forced to decide between

husb3.nd. A true Story

Love One AnotherTimely counsel c3.lIinl for unity and

ance llmong church members

To Pruch or To TeachA candid evalu3.tion of the

TO SUBSCRIBEIf you wish to subscribe, send your

order and donation to Our FirmFoultdation, P.O. Box 940, EatonvilleWA 98323.Suggested donations for the annual

subscription are listed below. We havekept our prices as low as possible. butif your finances· eannot meet therequested don:l.tion, just sendwh:ltever you ean. We want no one tobe unable to receive this material be·cause of lack of funds. If YOu areimpressed to give a donation to assistin providing subscriptions for thosewhose funds may be limited. sendyour gift marked Subseription Assis·tance to the address above. Yourdonation is tax deduetible.

Inquire for overse3S 3ir rates.

Vloet ChrlstensellEllen White on the subject of city

United StatesCanadaOverse:u (surface m3il)

514.50US $19.15US $24.50

Out or the CitiesAn i.llterview with

life 3.nd miniStry

DEPARTMENTS

Luters to the Editor , Books and Tapes

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23

Our Firm Foundc.riolt is now aVllilllble as a. monthly m31:l%inebeginning November 1995.The US subscription rate applies to thc United States and its terri·

torics. As for the subscription rlltes outside the United Sttues, weapologize to our Can3.di311 and overseas friends. We arc unable to ob-t:lin 3 bulk m3.iling permit in Canada, and US post3.1 rcgulations donot permit bulk m3.iling outside the United States. Qvene3S airmail.31though 3.vailllble, is expensive, and v3ries from Country to country.The cost differenti3.1 rerlects the extra mailing expense.

Our Firm FoundationEditorial Office:P.O. Box 940EatoDville WA 98323telephoDe: (206) 332·6602(Call 332·6442 after work hours.)

Copyright c 1985Hope Intern3tional

C Berell 7

'IFood for Thoueht

Editorial

30

31

HigherEllen G. White

Educationand Herald, February 25, 1886

The term "higher CdUC3tion" is tobe considered in 3. dirrc:renl lightfrom whal it h3$ been viewed by theStudents of the sciences. The pra.yerof Christ to His F:uher is full ofCICfD:l1 truth. "These words sp3kcJesus, and lifted up his eyes tohC:l,vc:n, and nid. F:uher, the: hour iscome: Ilorif)' thy Son, th3.t thy SODm3y also slorify thee; lIS thou hutliven him poWCT over all rIcsh. thathe should live eternal life to :IS m3ny:1.5 thou hut given him. And this islife: etc:rn:;ll, that they miatlt knowthee the: only [rue God, and JesusChrist. whom thou hast sen I:' [John17:1-)1 "The fear of the: Lord is thebeginning of wisdom." {Proverbs 9:10]or Jesus it is written: "And the:

child grew, and waxed Slrong inspirit. filled with wisdom; and thegr3ee of God was upon him. [LUkeI:&OJ And Jesus increased in wisdomand uature, and in f:J.vor with God3nd man... [LUke 2:52J A know led Ieof God will constitute a kind ofknowledge that will be u enduring ueternity. To learn and do the worksof Christ, is to obtain a trueeduc:uion.AhhoUlh the Holy Spirit worked

the mind of Christ, so th:u He couldny to His parenu, "How is it thOlot yeSQUlht me'! wist ye not that 1 must besbout my F:uher's business'!" [Luke2:49] yet He worked at the c:l.fpenter'strade as :In obedient son. He revealedth.u He hId a knowledge of His workas the Son of God, and yet He did noteult His divine character. He did notoffer as a reason why He would nOtbe3r the burden of temporal care,th:ll tie was of divine origin; but Hewas subject to His parents. He was theLord of the commandments, yet Hewas obedient to all their

reQuirements, thus leaving an ex·Imple of obedience to childhood,youth, and manhood.If the mind is set to the task of

studying the Bible for inform:uion,the re3Soning faculties will be:improved. Under study of the SCrip-tures the mind expands, and becomesmore evenly balanced than if oc·cupied in obtaining leneral informa-tion from the books that arc usedwhich have no connection with theBible. No knowledle is so firm, soconsiSlent and far-reachinl, as thatobtained from a study of the word ofGod. It is Ihe foundlltion of all trueknowledge.Thc Bible is like a fountain. The

more you look into it, the dceper thefountllin appe3rs. The grand truths ofsacred history possess amadngstrength lind be:l.uty, and are as far-reaching as eternity. No science iseQual to the science th3t reveals thech1raCter of God. Moses wu educatedin all the wisdom of the Egyptians,yet he saido, "Behold, I have taughtyou statutes and judgments, even asthe Lord my God commanded me,that ye should do so in the landwhither ye 10 10 posseu iL Keeptherefore and do Ihem; for this isyour wisdom and your understandinlin the sight of the nations, whichshall he:lr all Ihese statues, and uY.Surely this great nuion is a wise andundersu.nding people."For what nation is there so great,

who hath God so nigh unto them, asthe Lord our God is in all thiogs thatwe call upon him for'! And what na-tion is there so great, that hathstatutes and judaments so righteous as311 this law, which I set before youthis day'! Only take heed 10 thyself,and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou

forget the things which thine eyeshave see.n, and lest they depart fromthy heatC all the days of thy life; bUIte:l.ch them thy sons, and thy sons'sons." (Deuteronomy 4:5-9]Where shall we find laws more

noble, pure, and just, than :lre ex-hibited on the statute-books whereinis recorded instruction given to Mosesfor the children of Israel? Through311 time these laws 3re to beperpetuated, that the character ofGod's people may be formed afler thedivine similitUde. The law is a wallof protection to those who areobedient .to God's precepts. Fromwhilt other source can we gather suchstrength, or learn such noble science?What olher book will teach men tolove, fear, and obey God as does theBible? Wh:u other book presents tosiudenls more ennoblinl science, morewonderrul history? It cle3.rly portraysrilhteousness, and roretells Ihe con-seQuence of disloyalty to the law ofJehovah. No one is left in darkness asto that which God approves ordisapproves.In studying the SCriptures we be-

come aCQuainted wilh God, and arcled to understand our rel31ion toChrisl, who is the sinbearer, thesurety, the substitute, for our fallenrace. These trUlhs concern our preSentand elernal interesls. The Bible standsthe highest among books, and itsstudy is valu1ble above the study ofother literalure in giving strengthand exp::lnsion 10 the mind.Paul S3yS: "Study to show thyself

approved unlO God, a workmln thatneedeth not to be ashamed, rilhtlydividing the word of truth." (2Timothy 2:151 "But continue Ihou inthe things which thou hast learnedand hut been assured of, knowing ofwhom thou hast learned Ihem; andthat from a child thou hast knownthe holy SCriptures, which are able tomake thee wise unto salvltionthrough faith which is in ChristJesus. All Scripture is liven by in-spiration of God, and is profitablefor doctrine, ror reproof, forcorrection, for instruction inrighteousness; that the mIn of Godmay be perfect, thoroughly furnishedunto all lood works." [2 Timothy3:14-17) "For whatSQCver things werewritten aroretime were written forour learning, that we throulhp3tienee and comfort of the Scrip-

tures might have hope:' (Romo.ns IS:4]The word of God is the most per-

fect educ:l.fion book in our world. Yetin our colleges and schools, booksproduced by human intellect ho.vebeen presented for the sludy of ourstudents, and Ihe Book of books,which God hn given to men to be aninfallible guide, has been mo.de asecondary malter. Hum:!.n productionsh:lve been used as most essential, andIhe word of God hlls been studiedsimply to give flavor to othcr studies.Isaiah describes the scenes ofheaven's glory that were presented tohim, ill. mosl vivid langua&e. AllIhrough this book he pictures gloriousIhings that are 10 be revealed toolhers. Ezekiel writes: "The word ofIhe Lord came expressly unto Ezekielthe priest, the son of Buzi, in the laodof the Chaldeans by Ihe river Chebar;aod the hand of the Lard W3S thereupon him."And I looked. and, behold, a

wbirlwind came out of the north, agre31 cloud, and a fire infoldingiUdf, and a brishlneSS was about ii,and OUI of Ihe midst thereof as Ihecolor of amber, out of Ihe midst ofIhe fire. Also out of Ihe midst thereofcame the likeness of four livingcreatures. And this WI\! theirappearance; Ihey had the likeness of aman. And everyone had four faces,alld every olle had four willgs. AndIheir feet were straisht fecI; and Ihesale of their feet wu like the sale of:t c:tlf's foot; and Ihey sp:Hkled likethe color of burnished brus. AndIhey had the h:lnds of :I man underIheir wings on their four sides andIhey four ho.d their f:lces llnd theirwings. Their wings were joined one too.nothcr; they turned not when theywcnl; they went everyone str:tightforward. As for the likeness of Iheirf:tces, they four had the face of aman, and the face of 11 lion, on theright side; :lnd they four h:td the faceof an ox on Ihe left side; they fouralso had the f:tce of an eagle:'[Ezekid 1:3-IOJ The book of Ezekielis deeply instructive.The Bible is desisned of God to be

the book by which the understand insm:ty be disciplined, the soul suided:tnd directed. To live in the world andyet to be not of the world, is aproblem th:tt many professed Chris-ti:tns h::t.ve never worked 01,11 in thcirpnclic:tl life. Enlargement of mindwill come to a nation only as menreturn to their alleaiance to God. Theworld is flooded with books ongeneral inform:1Iion, and men applytheir minds in searchina uninspiredhistories; but they neglect Ihe mostwonderful book that co.n aive themthe most correct ide::t.s and ampleunderstand ina.

How hard men work to obtainknowledge! They expend time andmoney in seeking to find out thiolSth3t are not essential to :I life ofpurity, that will not aid them inbuilding up a character that will fitthem to become members of the royalfamily, children of the He3venlyKing. Some m:tke long journeys toJerus:llem to see Ihe place whereChrist lived and tauaht. They listen10 traditions and tales th:1I men haveinvented. They spend money for thatwhich is not bre:td.Chrisl nys: "Labour not for Ihe

meat which perisheth, but for th:!.tmeat which endureth unto everiutiDalife, which the Son of man shall aiveunto you; for him hath God IheFather sealed:' {John 6:27] To expendtime and labor in findinl the placeswhere Jesus worked in Jerus:!.lem,cannot bring any real benefil to soulor body. The money would better beexpended in helping Ihose who areperishins out of ChriSt. In doina thiswork. we m:ty be assured thilt we arework ina in Christ's lines.

Enlargement of mindwill come to a nation

only as men return totheir allegiance to God.

Human guides may point to thisSPOt or that one as a place whereJesus made His abode, and travdenmily cultiv3te feelings of awe andreverence in 100kinS upon variousloc31ilies, and yet they hilve no cer-tain knowledge th:1.t Christ evert:lught there, or thilt His feet evertrod the soil. The only advilntilae thatwe c:tn gain is an advantage th:!.tcomes by faith in knowina and un-derstanding the work of Christ forour soul's salvation, in knowina thewill of God in our individual eases.Men and women may study Ihe

will of God with profit. Let younlmen and young women, while the dewof youth is upon them, belin to studythe word of God, which expresses Hiswill. The Sleps of Christ are certainlym3rked out in the word. Go wherethey can be found tOdily. Do not seekto go back. to the land where Christ'Sfeet trod ages ago. Christ says: "HeIh::t.t followeth me shall not walk. ind:trkness, but shall h:t.ve Ihe lilht oflife:' (John 3:12)We can know far more of Christ by

following Him step by step in thework. of redemption, seekina the lost3nd Ihe perishina. than by journeyin I

to old Jerusalem. Christ hu taken Hispeople into His church. He hilS swept3way every ceremony of the ancienttype. He has given no liberty to rc-store Ihese rites, or to substitute any-thing that will recall the old literillsacrifices alone. Everything pertilin-ina to His worship is placed under thesuperintendence of His Holy Spirit.Jesus s:tid that His F3ther would sendIhe Holy Spirit in His name to tcachHis disciples all things, and 10 brinl311 things unto Iheir remembnnceth3t He had uid unto Ihem. Thecurse rcsts upon Jerusalem. The LordhilS obliterated those thinss whichmen would worship in and about Jeru-nlem, yet many hold in reverenceliteral objects in Palestine, while Iheyneglect 10 behold Jesus as their advo-cate in the he3vea of heavens.Where is Christ? We would see

Jesus, not the pl3ces where He used tomake His abode. Christ is Ihe breadof life, and we must feed upon Hisword, and be a doer of His com·m3nds. What is Christ to me? How amI related 10 Christ? He is ia thehe3vens above, and as our high priest,is offering up the incense of His ownmerit. His holiness mingles with ourprayers of repentance and faith.Through conversion we are broughtinto close rel3tionship with God, andthe F3ther loves those for whomChrist hu died as He loves His ownSon. Through the almighty ransom Hehu m3de, we become sons and daulh-ters of God. We should earnestlyinquire, not in regard to oldJerusalem and concerning the fablesthat are repC3ted for truth, but weshould turn our eyes to the lovinsSaviour, who ever liveth to make in-tercession for us.

We should prostrate the soul beforethe inc3rnate God. We 3re not to trustin fables, and worship places thatGod has cursed, and foster idolatry inso doinS. Jesus said to the Samaritanwoman: "Ye worship ye know notwhat; we know what we worship; fors:!.lvation is of the Jews. But the houreometh, and now is, when the trueworshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth; for the Fatherseeketh such to worship him. God is aSpirit; and they that worship Himmust worship Him in spirit and intruth." (John 4:22-24J Many visitJerusalem, and ao away cherishingideas which they suppose representthe truth, while in fact Ihey haveonly come in conlact with fables.They publish Ihese falsehoods astruth.Peter declares: "We have not fol-

lowed cunDingly devised fables, wheDwe made known unto you the powerand comiDI of our Lord Jesus Cbrist,but were eye-witness of His majeslY.

on 2J

Tru t in Divine PO'luerMilton Crane, M.D.

In my medical office I sec: CQunt-less p:l.lic:nts with high blood pressure:,htu! trouble, ::!!ld weight eontrolproblems, who, with a decided changein. their living habits, could avoidthese: crippling ailments. Theirquality and length of lire: would be:signific:lntly incrc::ued to say nothingof the financial saviogs by eliminat-ing much costly hC3lth C:lrc:. Frc:-Quc:ndy. my patients who h3Ve al·rcady changed their dict and cxcrcisepallern :lod arc gelling lood results,wonder why morc people arc not in-terested in c:hoosinS to live 3S they do.What is the: problem? The 3DSWer liesin our application of Ihe key of the"true: rc:mc:dies....zrust in dirine power.

We: have lood intentions; we: m3kegood resolutions; but wh:1t .....e lack ispower workinl with our will to carrythem out. Our promises seem u use-less :u "ropes of sand" as we resolveto do this or that and hil.The Apostle Paul knew all about

this. He describes this condition inRomans 7. ". don't understand mysclf:It all, for I rulty want to do what isrilht, but I can'l. 1 do what I don'twant to..what I hale. t know per-fectly well that what I am doing iswrong, and my bad conscience provesth:u I agree with these laws I ambreakinl. But I can't help myself....Oh, what a terrible predicament I'min! Who will free me' from my slav-ery?" Romans 7:15, 16,25 LBThis is the tr3gic cry of so many

people. It reminds me of my patient,Paslor Wyatt, under my care for highblood pressure and anlinal heartp3in. He W:l.$ a'minisler of an 3ctiveB3plisl church in II city ncar myclinic for hypertensive p3tienls.E3ch time Pas lor Wyatt came to sec

me, I inquired 3bout his diet aod ex.-ercise pallern. r urled him 10 correcthis diet. I reminded him thaI thosechest pains thaI C3.me on when he ex.-erted himself would probably 103.W3Y and th3.t his blood pressurewould likely rem3.in normal withoutmedicines if he would e3.t and exer-cise properly. I tried to picture to himhow much better he would feel.On one such return visil after

about two yeus, he s3.id, "Doc, I cando most every thinl that you say, butI C30't live up me:ll:'My reply wu, "Pastor WY:lll, :1te

you phoninl to 10 to heaven?" Hes:lid, "Why, yes, of course!"

I then asked, "Wh3t do you plan toe3.t in he3.ven? You know th3.t noth-ing will be killed there." After a longp3use, he said, "Doc, you sure knowho..... to hit hard!"I thell rcl3ted to him some of my

personal ex.periences and introducedhim to some interestiol insilhts that Ih3d found in Ihe Bible that helpedme to overcome 3ppetile. There in myoffice Ihe p3slor and I Wellt into thesubject that the Apostlc P3ul wutrying to let across to his fellowHebrews in relard to "coven3nu"3nd "Iestamenu." In his letter tothem in Hebrews I and 9, Paul intro-duces the concept of ihe "last will3nd teSt3ment" of Christ and ourinherit3.nce.I reminded P:lSIor Wy:m Ih3.t at

c((:3.tion God designed our bodies andmade the laws of our beinl. Heprepared the clements in nature andcomm:1nded their synthesis in abun-d3nl vuietics of plant nourishment.Fruits, lt3ins, nuts, and veget3bleswere all designed to be used for food.He pl3nned unpolluted ionited oir tobre3the, pure water to drink, and alime 10 resl.And what hu man done? He has

chosen to cat the flesh of living crea-tures which W:;l5 never intended forfood. God wants us to get back to Hisorigin31 diet. He offers to help us bygiving us both the desire to live thatway and the melltal powu 10 can ItO Iour appetites. He S3YS, I Sh311 notchange the way that your body wasdesilned to work. Those laws lirefilted. (Malachi 3:6) But, if you chooseMy ways, I will "work in you, both towill and to do of my good pleasure."Philippians 2:13

We read in Deuteronomy 33:2·4th3t Jehov3h came down on MI. Sinaiwith 10,000 witneues 3.nd save theten commandments for ourinheritance. He lave us :til of His13ws from a hean of love. And Hesays, If you believe that I am rilht,trust Me, and love Me. Desire to livein harmony with My laws, ror I h:tvegiven them 10 you as your inheritance.In order for a will to be in force,

the one who makes the 13w must havedied. The evidence is unmistak3blyclear that Ihe Testator, Jesus, died onCalvary. Yet He is resurrected, andIhe Father has given Him power toexecute judgment. (John 5:27) In otherwords, Jesus is the Executor of His

own e5l3te.How can we obtain our inheriu.nce

from heaven? We must have the Ex-ecutor of the estate lake il to thecourt of the King. There Jesus, as ourMediator, presenlS our request to HisFather. Ir our request is 3.ccordinl tothe "will of God," we may have it.James 4:3There is an important provision.

We musl be adopted into His family.Only His children may obl3in anyinherit3nce. Romans 8:17; Galalians3:29After this preliminary presen·

lation, I directed P3StOr W)·:ttt's atten-tion to God's giant leachinl "sand·box," the sanctuary and ilS services atMI. Sinai which Paul uses in the bookof Hebrews to teach the concepts of"covenant Iivinl." There in myoffice, using a skelch of the Old Tes·tament sanctuary, I pointed out 10 thepastor Ihal Jesus is our High PrieSI inhe3Ven. We can go to Him in pt3yerwhere He ministers at the altar of in-cense in heaven and say, "HeavenlyFalher, in the name of Jesus, I wouldlike my inheritance." In response Hewill say, "Be specific; what do youwant?" I would reply, "In the nameof Jesus, • would like to h3ve noother gods berore You. t would like 10stop l3.king the n3me or the Lord invain. I would like to remember theSabbath day to keep it holy. I wouldlike to Quit lying, and stealinl,covetinl, and committing adultery inmy mind."Jesus takes our to God on

His throne belween the cherubim. TheFather looks at Ihe mercy se3.t and althe law, and His answer is, "It is inIhe will.--You may have it." Jesusthen relurns to us with the answer.I poinled out 10 Pastor Wyatt, you

can go to the Executor of your in-heritance and say, "Jesus, present myrequest." I would like to know whatis right for me to cat, and I wouldlike to have conlrol of my appetite:'Jesus will take that request to theFather; and, since it is according toGod's will, Jesus will briog you Iheanswer which includes control oryour appelite. He will help you giveup meat bec3use il simply isn't lnodfor you.Pastor Wyatt reSpOnded, "Is thaI

all there is 10 it?"Well, no, before you C3n present

your requesl "boldly at the throne"

of grace, you must have Ihe rightkind of preparation.In the sancluary services God

shows us that berore we can presentour requesl at lhe altar of incense, wemust p:trlake of the services illus-tralcd by the olher furnishings in theholy place and by the services in IheeourtLet us look at the other articles of

furniture in the holy plaee. There weare 10 have "eommunion serviee".... ilh the members of the godhe3d.The Holy Spirit, represented by thegolden candlestick, and the F3therand the Son, represented by Ihe twos13cks of bread, want us to let ac-quainted with Them.What God is uying is this, We, the

three Penons io the godhead, ....ant tobe your Friends. Will you come andhave communion with Us? Read theBible, Ihink and meditate. Study thelife of Christ. You witt know whalWe are like by stUdying the life ofJesus 3S He w3lked the dusty r03dswilh mankind. Study the Scriptures inthe light of the Holy Spirit as thoughyou stood between the rJiekeringcandlesticks and Ihe table of shew-bread in the holy pl3ce. The morethai you study, Ihe more you will seeIhe loving kindness, lentlene",meekness, and mercy of God. Themore you commune wilh Them, thegrealer will be your admiration andlove. This is how They come into yourheart.

God waits with loving arms towelcome home His children. He Wantsto give us the inheritance thai He hasreserved for us. Not the inheritancethaI we are to squander 00 riotousliving, but the inheritance that wittClorify His name in the earth. Hewants to strengthen our will power.We are to live our will to Him thatwe may receive it again, so linked insympathy with Him that He can pourthrough us tides of His love andpower.As we look at Ihe lament in

Romans 7 that we referred to at thebeginning, we can see that Paul'shope can be ours. "Who will free mefrom my slavery to Ihis deadly lowernature? Thank God! It has been doneby Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans7:25, LBLeI us usc a simple ball-point pen,

a carpenter's try squa.re, and a ligbtto illustrate the interrelationship be-tween ourselves, God's law, and Hisenablinl power.I can make the ballpoint pen stand

independently 00 its tip momentarily;hOwever as soon as it is released frommy finger it immediately falls down.No mailer how many times I try, theume results occur. We :tre like Ihalpen--de3d in trespasses and sin. Jesuscan take me, forgive me, lift me up,and stand me on my feet. But I willfall ag3in unless the finger of Godholds me up. My part is to be willingfor Him to infuse me with His sus-taining power.How cao I tell that 1 am uprisht?

If I place II carpenter's square next tothe pen, I C3n tell whether I am up-right or not. The law of God is likethe square. It does not hold me up,but it does tell me what position I amin.

I need one more thing. I need somelight to see myself :tnd the I3.w. I can-not sec whether or not I am righlwith God unless 1 compare myselfwith the law of God in the light ofthe Holy Spirit.Romans and $;1 show me that

forgiveness by guce, Godhfls me up from the degr:!d:lIion ofsin JUSt :IS the pen w:u lifted up.

Rom:tns 5;2 shows me that throushfaith in Christ, I c:tn obtain"en3.bling grace" 3.nd be upheld bythe finger of God just :IS the pen washeld. So long as I am "willing to bem:tde willing," God will hold me upand keep me right.

We are to come to God IhroughJesus and let Him know that we loveHim 3.nd want 10 inherit all His won-derrullaws. We study God's laws withthe guidance of the Holy Spirit be-C3.use we consider them the blueprintfor our lives. We submit ourselvescompletely 10 Him. God responds by.....orking in us to be loving and kind,controlling Our appetites and passions.We reg:lin he:thlt 10 an extent such as..... e have never dreamed possible;health of body, mind and soul. The de-gree of recovery will manifest itself10 the wodding as the miracle it is.As we participate with God in the

uplifting of humanity we will soondiscover that without deliberation onour part others will sec the value ofthe transformed life. We cannot standtall and suaight in the midst of acrooked world without being noticed.And the only way that we can pointis straighl up to the One who sustainsu,.These arc the great principles of

rflut in powtr. No longer do wetrust in ourselves :tnd what we cando. Our truSI is to be in Jesus p.ndwhat He can work out in us. i:"b

© Bereawork of publishing hw in.-

extricably bound up the rrowthalld history of the Sevelllh-day A.dvent-ist Church. Its influent:e. both in thestrengthenillg 0/ chllrch members andas an el'angelistic 1001 to reach those not0/ our faith. can scarcely be o"u.ntimated. As this work and in/l:lenceContill11n. it is the purpose 0/ thisCol!l.mn to direct our readers' attention/0 publications 0/ merit and usefulness.

MlDuscript Rele:ucs, Volume One.By Ellen G. White. ]98 pages. E. G.White Estate. $6.95The Ellen G. White Estate manu-

script release progum, in its presentform dUes from the e:trly 1940s.Since that time, in reSDonse to variousrequests and inquiries, tIlore than1100 compilations of previously un-published letters and m3.nuscriptshave been issued as "manuscriptrele:!ses." As a general rule thesereleases have appe3.red in periodic31articles, books, and doctoral thesesrather than in the familar "Iinle redbooks."That these especially searched-out

gems have been made available forsuch public3tions has been 3. realblessing. But 10 have Ihem assembledin a convenient, permanent formwould be infinitely more useful tothe avet:1ge layman.Thuks to the efforts of the Ellen

G. White Est3.te, the solution is on theway. Manuscript Releases. Volume One.containing those releases up to andincluding number 96, made its ap-pearance more than four ye3.rs ago.No doubt m3.ny of our readers arc3\l,'are of its publication. We do not(e3.ture this volume because it is new,

bec:tuse of its signific3.nce, and toInform our readers of more recentdevelopments..The origin:tl intention of the

Est3.te's Board of Directors was toproceed with the publication of suc-cessive volumes, thus making readilyavailable tbis wealth of male rial.This plan of action, delayed for atime While other options were con-sidered, is now beiD8 carried out. Theworkers at the ESlate are currentlypreparing copy for the second aDdthird volumes. It is e:c.pecled thatVolume Two will be ready for publi-cation within two to three months,and should be available at AdventistBook Centers shortly thereafter.

cOlltinued on 27

A Test and A SignRalph Larson

Tests are part of our everydayexperience. Airplanes are tested, C:lrSarc tested, nuts and bolts arc .tested,evc:n people ate tested. This testing isinlended to relieve us of some of theSHess of nOI knowing 100'11:11 :I productor person will do when placed inservice.Thc purpose of testing is prc-

diclion. What will h3ppcn if this rn3npractiCes medicine? What will happenif this wom3.n IC3ches? What willhappen if this car is put on the road?What will happen if this pb.De is putin the: ait? These are the: kinds ofquestions thaI advance-testing at·tempts to answer in order 10 reduceIhe clement of risk.Testin. persons is much morc dif·

ficult th3n lesting products. AdCmODSIr:1tion of that problem rn:1ybe seen in the United Stales legalsystem. Parole boards that are sup-posed to cerlify that a criminal hasbeen rehabilitaled :lnd is safe 10 berele:ased inlO soeio::ty receive muchcriticism today bee:luse in many casestheir tests apparently hil. There is adismaying :lmount of recidivism, therepelitiOD of erimin:ll acts by freedcriminals. Innoeenl people becomevictims and arc crying out for a bet-ler solution to the problem.I am sure that the people on these

parole boards are not insincere or

irresponsible. They must be as con·cerned as others about the safety oftheir families. I think the problemcomes from an imperfect testingprocedure, which resuhs in manymistakes. It certifies as reh3bilitaledmany criminals who in facl are nOIrehabilit3.!ed. As a result, soeielysuffers, and the parole boards arecriticized. I believe thaI the grealestneed in that situ:llion is for bellerlesting procedures whereby futurehuman behavior can be predictedmore accurately.

Is this 001 wh:1I is involved inJesus' present work? He is plaolliDI toreinS(: many criminals from a hugepenitentiary, the nrth. He plans 10let Ihese criminals enter the socielYof unfallen worlds. RevebuioD. 12:12says, "Rejoice, ye heavens, and Ihaldwtll in Ihtm," .Many worlds in which unfallen

beings live have never known themiseries of sin and do not want 10know them. So the Lord is in the posi-tion of the parole board. He needs 3test whereby He can certify a.:riminal 10 be rehabilit3ted 3nd safe10 release into Ihe society of theuniverse 3t huge. It needs to be 3 testthat the walching universe can ob-serve and understand.Consider what would be required

of such a tesl. Firsl, it would need 10

be a tesl that could be used unifOH:in all parIS of the earth. Secondwould need to be a lest that couleused for people of 211 ages aeharaeleristics. Third, it would t:-10 be hir in content, not based u;.Ihings that people have in differamounts. If it were based UJ:money, fOr example, some pealwould be discriminated against. Ifwere based upon prOperly, lalenl,cducation, the same would be I.and the lest would be discriminateand unfair. Fourth, it would havebe fair in applicalion, not requiTiof people more Ihan Ihey 2re abledo. Firth, the lest would have toullique so thaI motivation wouldclear. If Ihe LOrd requires somethfOr is. lest thai people do forreasons, issues 2re confused and f"tives are unclear.What is there in the world I)

meets all of these criteria? I can thof only one thing thai persons ofages have in equal amouneverywhere, and that is tilDe. Ir.given week, everyone has ex:acll}' .s:artle number of days, hours, minu'and seconds. So it would seemtime could be used far a test with.discrimin:ltion against 3Dyone.But how could the test be set \.

Could there be a requiremenl th3'eertain :lmount of work be done i:

0'1

To Kill A Lamb, Part 2*

Vince Christensen

D3vid walked 310ng the wiodingr03d from the: Jordan towardBc:th3ny. The hOI dry sun sent s[r(::amsof swe:l.t trickling down his back. Thesermon of John the Baptist so oc-cupied his thoughts th:1t he didn'tnotice the produce CHt l::aberingthrough the wheel ruts comingstraight his way. At the last momentDavid looked up and jumped to theside as the loose-jointed wagonwobbled P:lSt.As he nears his humble shepherd's

home, he sees his f:lthcr Hazaio.h bythe watering trough, bending over 11sheep !tying to pull some thornytwigs from its wool. Hauiah hC:ifSDavid's faouteps and looking up nys."Hi there, Son, wondered when youwere loing to get b:lck. Did you have

_ a nice time?"David looks thoughtfully toward

the sky for a moment then back to hisfather's piercing brown eyes :l.nd says,"00 you think that the Messiah isabout to :l.ppe:l.r?"Huai:l.h takes his shnrs and snips

away the chunk of wool tangledabout the twia. He straightens hisback and putS his arm around David'sshoulder, answering, "Come on up tothe house; we'll sit down out of tbishot sun and talk about it.-Arter driokina I eup of cool water

fresh from tbe well, they sat down todiscuss their hopes, fe:l.rs, andspeculation coocerniDg wh.u was thenbegionins to take pl:l.ce in hnel.

'put ..... or 'hla oto.,. .""'......d ill 'M Il..:<>duc•....,edi'>QII o! "'.1....'''•.

After much debate, Haui:lh wistfullys:lid, "David, you don't rememberyour great-grandfather Azor, but Irecall him saying on more th:l.n oneocc:lsion that he thouShl th.:lt hisgrandchildren would sce the Messiahcome sometime in their lifetime.When asked how he knew that theMessiah wouldn't come until then, hementioned somerhins about :l.prophecy in the book of D:lniel. Yourgre:lt-grandf:l.ther was quite:l. schol:l.r,you know, but no one that I know ofever checked out his reference. Wejust thought it sounded re:lsonableand left it at that. You know, he m:l.yhave been on to somethins; there hubeen a 101of stir lately; wh:u with allthe uprisings against Ihe Romans. Wecertainly are ripe for the comios ofthe Messiah."David shifled in his chair and

:l.sked, "So you think th:l.t areat-gr:lndfather miSht h:l.ve been on tosOmething?-H:lz3i:l.h took another swallow

from his waler cup and replied,"Well, I wouldn't rule it out. I re-member b:lck, a few yean before youwere born, some distant cousins ofmine from over ne:lr Bethlehem sotall worked up about some briSht1iSbts and ansels or somelhina. Theykept saying things 3boul the Messi:lhbeins born. And that's been, let's see,:lbout 30 yeaTS aso. Most everyonethought they h::td sntten into a b3djug of wine, but I remember them

telling the story and they all s:lid thesame Ihing. Whatever il was, theywere eonvioced. They m3Y have beencrazy, bUI as I S3Y, I wouldn't rule itout."The next morning long before sun-

rise, David lay wide aW3ke, proppedby one elbow on his m:lt, thinkingabout wh3t his falher and Jobn tbeB::tptist h:ld said.John certainly did sound like the

"Elij3b prophet" spoken of in thebook of Mal3chi.D3vid kneh along side his m3t.

"Almighty Jehov3h,- he pled, "pleaseIud me to the truth. Show me if thisman John is sent by You. And if theMessi3h has come, let me see Indluro of Him:'David lingered on his knees. A

holy glow warmed the marrow of hissoul, Issuring him that he wouldknow whereof he asked.L:l.ter th:l.1 morning at the bruk-

fast table Hazaiah noticed that D:l.vidseemed unusually QuieL He rnchedfor 3nother piece of bre:ld and QUes·tioned "Wh:u's the m:ltter, Son; issomethitlg trOUbling you?David looked up and cle3red his

thr03t. "You know wh3t'S been on mymind-don't you, Father?'·"Yes, I suppose I do. II's been 011

my milld, too, but I C30't let it stopmy world."David p3use:d for 3 moment and

fidgeted wilh his bowl. "Youwouldn', mind if I took :l. few daysoff to go and check this whole Ihingout, would you, F3ther?""Well. under the circumstances you

probably wouldn't be any good to mewilh your mind off somewhere else.Go ahead, but don't be gone tOO loog;we've: gOI lots of work to do beforewinter comes:'David bolted out of his chair,

stuffed some bread and dried fishinto a bag and headed out the doorbefore Hazaiah could change hismind.Upon uriving 31 the Jordan,

David found the cluster of allentivelisteners swelling in number. Themessages coming from John seemedshuper th3n before; rebuking thereligious leaders for their hypocricyand even daring to reprove the im-mor:llity of Herod.As John spoke, David could feel

the Holy Spirit dr3wing him torepentance. He thought back over hislife and recognized many things thathe had said and done that needed tobe confessed and forsaken.John wasn't selectively calling

down rehukes 00 the Pharisees :l.ndthe S::tdducees. He pOinted 01,11 th::ttsin in any form, h3rborcd by :Illym3n, publican, fisherman, or kin.,would bring the same result: exclu-

Review and Herald, March 18, 1884

A Sabbath Reform Needed

sion from the kingdom of God.A deep grief burdened David's

soul as the keen eye of God scorchedits way to every cherished sin. Thenwith the conviction came a pe3.cefulhe3.ling balm that silenced the cry ofguilt with 3. sweet hush of forgiveness3.nd 3.ccept3.nce.As Dayid stood entranced with the

trnnsforming grace of the grent I AM,John's booming voice echoed fromshore to shore in plending tones withanother invitation for baptism.Almost before re3.1iling what had

happened David bent down, un-buckled his sandals, and removed hisheavy outer garment. A moment laterhe found himself, along with sever3.1others, wading in the muddy waterloward John as he m3.de yet anotherplea for repentance.Dayid Slood waiting his turn as

one by one the radbnt faces C3.meforth from their watery grave. Thenin low and reverent tones Da yid toldJohn his n3me and a brief history ofhis conviction. Every pore on Dayid'sbody responded to the electricity ofthe Holy Spirit as his repentnnce,publicly acknowledged and accepted,was entered in the book of life by therecording angel.Dayid's old world was engulfed as

the waters came together above hisface. For one fleeting moment he

Ellen G. White

In the days of Nehemi3.h, when thechildren of Israel h3.d brought uponthemselyes humiliation and distressby their departure from God in dis-regarding His law, they sometines feltthal God had forgotten them. TheLord showed His rebellious peoplethat they were dependent upon Himfor prosperity and safety, yet His eyewas upon them. They were feeble, ex-posed to the ravages of their enemies;yet they were the gU3.rdians of theworship of the true God, and were topreserve a knowledge of His law untilthe Prince of peace should come.Nehemi3.h was God's chosen instru-ment to effect a reform3.lion amongHis people, and to deliver them fromthe Oppression of their enemies. Thecircumstances were discouraging, butNehemiah was a man of courage tlnd

vanished. All was silent.A transformation had begun years

earlier while watching the sacrificialsheep shed their blood and fall limpto the ground. (He wanted to stopseeing sheep after sheep slaughteredand burned.) The sacrificial objectlesson fulfilled its purpose in Dayid'slife. He wanted to stop sinning. Hewanted to make all things right withhis fellow·men and to be prepared forthe kingdom soon to come. Now Ihewhole world knew. And he wasprepared 10 take his stand with thisoew teacher of righteousness.As David waded back toward the

shore, he glanced about at the facesof those looking 00. He now saw some-thing that he hadn't noticed before.There were faces ignited by the flameof the Holy Spirit, but there wereotherSudark, gloomy, anxious, hard-ened with sin. He wondered why theylooked so different now.As he reached the last step up onto

the bank his foot slipped in the tem-porary foothold gouged out in themud. Reeling to the side, he at·tempted to check his fall. Just then astrong arm re3.ched out and grabbedthe sleeve of his garment, pulling himup onto the bank.D3.yid chuckled to himself at his

close C3.11 and turned to thank the onewho h3.d snved him from plunging

fidelity. He caused the people to beinstructed in the law they hadbroken. PreCept by precept it wascarefully explained, that all mightfully understand the win of God.One of 'the principal ways in

which the people had departed fromGod was in the desecration of theSabbath. Heathen merchants, whocame to Jerusalem to sell their wares,lodged outside the gates, and whenthey were opened in the morning, of-fered their goods for sale. Many ofthe Jews traded with them on IheSabbath; these not only broke theSabbath themselves, but tried toremove the scruples of their moreconscientious countrymen. Thus to agreat extent the sacredness of theSabbath was destroyed.The Jews acknowledged that their

deplorable condition was the result oftheir transgressions; and in a generalassembly, the Levites, as the repre-sentatives of the people, confessedGod's goodness in His dealings with

baek into the river.As he looked up he saw the smiling

face of a rugged m3.n who immedi-3tcly thrust out his h3.nd. GrippingDavid's wet hand in a vigoroushandshake, he said, "Hello there,friend, my name is Simon." ,David liked him at once. Some-

thing warm and genuine diffusedthrough the cracks in his rough outershell. As they talked (Simon did mostof the talking) they soon found th:ltthey had come to the river seekingthe same thing--the kingdom of God.Finally David broke into the con-

versation long enough to ask, "Do youthink the Messiah is coming soon?""Soon! why no--He's already here.""Here, what do you mean here? Is

John the Baptist the Messiah?""No, but I know where you can

find Him.""You do? Can you take me to sec

Him?"Peter's face broadened into one of

his infectious smiles as he said, "Ifyou promise to believe what you sec.""What do you me3.n by tha!'?"

David asked."You'll seenyou'll see." i:':nb(to be continued)

them, and their ingratitude and sinsas a nation, and pleaded before God:"Now therefore, our God, the great,the mighty, and the terrible God, whokeepest covennnt and mercy, let no!all the trouble seem lillie before theethat hath come upon us, on our kings,on our princes, and on our priests,and on our prophets, and on ourfathers, and on all thy people, sincethe time of the kings of Assyria untothis day. Howbeit thou art just in al1that i$ brought upon us; for thou hastdone right, but we have donewickedly. Neither have our kings, ourprinces, our priests, nor our fathers,kept thy I3.w, nor he3.rkened unlO thycommandments and thy testimonies,wherewith thou didst testify againstthem. For they h3.ve not served theein their kingdom, and in thy greatgoodness that thou gaYest them, andin the large and fat land which thoug3.yest before them, neither turnedthey from their wicked works.Behold, we are servants this day, andfor the land that thou g3.Vest unto ourfathers to eat the fruit thereof andthe good there"f, behold, we arc ser-vants in it: and it yieldeth much in-crease unto the kings whom thou hastset over us because of our sins; 3.1sothey have dominion oyer our bodies

He who institutedthe Sabbath hasnever changed itto a common day.

::Ind ovcr our callie 3.1 their plc35ure,:lnd we lue in areal distress,"[Nehemi3h 9:32.J7JH1ving suffered punishment for

their sins, and acknowledged the: jus-tice: of God in His dC:1liog$ wilhthem, they cDvc:n30led to obey Hislaw, And Ih:u it might be: a surecoyc:n:ant, and preserved in a per-m:1oent [orm, it was wriucn out, andIhc priests, Levitts. and princes"sc3led unto il." They h:1d a clC::lrknowledge: of thc: claims of God andof thc: chancter of sin; and withthose who had rC31 principle, to scc:lnd understand W:lS to :act.

We need N'ehcmi:lhs in 1884, whoSh311 3rousc the: people to see how flUthey :arc from God through theirIt:1nsgressioos. II is time for thcwhole Chri.S1i3o world 10 sc::ttch thcScriptures for themselves; for in thepulpiu all through our land the !:I.wof God is made void by precept andell ample. The papll.1 power hasthought to change the l:tw of God byinstituting :t Sabbath for the worldand the Christian church; and thisspurious Sabbath is exalted andrevered, while the Sabbath ofJehovllh is trampled beneath unholyfeet. But will the Lord degrade Hislaw to meet the standard of men? WillHe ac:c:ept a m:tn-made institution inplace of the Sabbath which He hass:tnctified and blessed? No; the coo-venience or profit of men is not tosupersede the elaims of God; for He isa je:tlous God. He does not alter Hisprecepts to gratify the desires of theambitious or the covetous. "Thussaith the Lord" should be sufficientto seule all controversy.He who instituted the Sabbath has

never changed it to a common day.He rested on :t 'definite day, andblessed and sanctified a definite day,and He requires the human family toobserve that definite day. Every pariof God's plan will be perfectlyellecuted. Satan has interfered, andattemptcd to thwart it; but there is nochange in the law of God. The posi-tion that God blessed llnd sanctified aseventh part of time. and no day ioPlrliculu. is one of Satan's devices_By this muns he has so confused the

minds of many thlll they regard God'sholy rest-day as possessing no specialsacredness; and because the world doso, they feel at liberty to set it :lside,:tnd select :I S:tbb:lth that suits theirown convenience. And professed min-isters of the goslj)el assure their con-gregations thllt this course is right.Those who are conscientiously observ-ing the originlll Sabbath are styledheretics, deluded fanatics. But whoare thus regarded in God's sight?Whom will He rebuke and punish"those who have kept the day that Heblessed and sanctified; or those Who,trampling upon the holycommandment. havc accepted the in-stitution of the papacy?There is need of :I Sabbath reform

among us, who profess to observeGod's holy rest-day. Some discuutheir business matters and lay planson the Sabbath, and God looks uponthis in the same light as though theyengaged in the actual transaction ofbusiness. Others who are well ac·qu:linted with the Bible evidencesthat the seventh d:ty is the Sabbath,enter inlo p:atntrship with men whohave no respect for God's holy day. ASabbath-keeper cannot allow men inhis employ, paid by his money, to.....ork on the Sabbath. If, for the sakeof gain he allows the business inwhich he has an interest to be carriedon on the Sabbath by his unbelievingputner. he is equally guilty with theunbeliever; and it is his duty to dis·solve the reilltion, however much hemay lose b)' so doing. Men may thinkthey cannot afford to obey God, butthey cannot afford to disobey Him.Those who :1re c::lreless in their obser-vance of the Sabbath will suffergreat loss.The Lord has a controversy wilh

His professed people in these lastd:lys. In this controversy men in reosponsible positions will t:lke a coursedirectly opposite to that pursued byNehemiah. They will not only ignoreand despise the S:lbbath themselves,but they will try to keep it fromothers by buryinl it beneath the rub-bish of custom and tradition. Inehurches and in lar!e latherings inthe open air, ministers will urge uponthe people the necessity of keepingthe first day of the week. There arec:llamities on sea and land: and thesec:llamities will increase, one disasterfollowing close upon another; and thelittle band of conscientious S:lbbath-keepers will be pointed out as theones who are bringing the wrath ofGod upon the world by their dis-reg:lrd of Sunday.Satan urges this falsehood that he

may take the world captive. It is hisplan to compel men to accept errors.He takes an active pari in the

promulg:nion of all false relilions,:lnd will StOP at nothing in his effortsto enforce erroneous doctrines. Under:2 Cloak of religious %c31, men, in-fluenced by his spirit, have inventedthe most cruel tortures for theirfellow-men, and h:tve inflicted themost awful sufferings upon them.Satan and his 3gents have the samespirit still; lind the history of the pastwill be repe:tled in our d3Y.There are men who have set their

minds and will to 3ccomplish evil; inthe dark recesses of their hearts theyh:lve resolved what crimes they willcommit. These men are self-deceived.They have rejected God's Ireat ruleof right, and in its stead have erecteda standard of their own, and compar-ing themselves wilh this standardthey pronounce themselves holy. TheLord will permit them to reveal whatis in their hearts. to act out the spiritof the maslCr that controls them. Hewill let them show their hll.tred of Hislaw in their treatment of those whoare loyal to its requirements. Theywill be IIctu:lted by the same spirit ofreligious frenzy that goaded on themob that crucified ChriSt; church 3ndState will be united in the same cor-rupt harmony.The church of to-day has followed

in the steps of the Jews of old, whoset aside the commandments of Godfor their own tr:tditions. She haschanged the ordinanee. broken theeverlasting covenant. and now, asthen. pride, unbelief, and infidelityare the result. Her true condition isset forth in these words from the sonlof Moses: "They have corruptedthemselves, their spot is not the spotof his children; they are a perverseand crooked generation. Do ye thusrequite the Lord. 0 foolish peopleand unwise? is not he thy father thathath bought thee? hath he not madethee, and established thee?"[Deuteronomy 32:5. 6]

When Nehemiah moved out as areformer and deliverer in brael. hewas actuated by love to God andanxiety for the prosperity of Hispeople. His he3rt was in the work hehad underlaken; his hope, his enerayhis enthusiasm, his determination ofehancter, were contagious and in·spired others with the eour2geand lofty purpose. Each man becamea Nehemiah in his own sphere, andhelped to make stronger the hand andhe 3rt of his neighbor; and soonfeebleness was succeeded by strengthand courage.Here is a lesson for ministers and

others who are laborin! for the salva-tion of souls. Those who believe that.....e have the truth, that God has madeus the depositaries of his 13W, shouldmanifest the ume earnestness and

continued on 2J0.... F,,,,, F....wll'_ II

to§tuby

lliltJp t@iblJrand Ht!rald, August 13, 1959

Let the seeker fot truth who ac-cepts the Bible as the inspired wordof God, lay aside every previous idea,Ind lake that word in its simplicity.He should renounce every sinfulpractice, :lnd enter the: Holy of Holieswith hean softened :lad subdued,ready to listen 10 what God says.Do not carry your creed 10 the:

Bible, and rC3d the: Scriptures in the:li&ht of that creed. If you rind th:ltyour opinions arc: opposed 10 a plain"Thus s:lilh the Lord," or 10 anycommand or prohibition He: h31liven, live: heed to the Word of Godrather than to the sayillis of men.LeI every controversy or dispute: beseltled by "It is written,"The: mistake made: by the: Romln

Catholic is that he: reads the: Bible inthe: light of the priests and rulers ofthe church, the early fathers. or otherCalholic expositors. Laying aside allcreeds or articles prescribed by anychurch, we 3re to read the Bible asthe word of God to us. Thc Light ofthe world will enable us to distin-luish between truth and antagonisticerrors.Let the heut be softened and

subdued by the spirit of prayerbefore the Bible is read. Trulh willltiumph when the spirit of truth co-operates with the humble Biblestudent. How precious the thoulhtIhat the Author of truth still livesand reigns. Ask Him to impress yourminds with the truth. Your seuchinaof the Scriptures will Ihen beprofinble. Chrisc is the areatTeacher of His followers. and He wiltnOI leave you to walk in darkoess.The Bible is its owo interpreter.

With beautiful simplicity, one portioncoonects iUelf with the truth ofanother portion. until the whole Bibleis blended in one harmonious whole.Light flashes forth from one text toilluminate some portion of the Word

that has seemed more obscure.Those who with humility of heart

search Ihe Scriptures, with a sinceredesire to know and obey the truthwill not be left to walk in darkness.Jesus says, I 3m the Way. the Truth,and the Life. The whole Bible is :r.revel:uion of ChriSt. But you mayread the Scriptures from morning tillnight. and unless you humbly submityour will to the will of God. you c:an-not receive a s3vinl knowledge of thegospel. As you see the Iruth plainlyst:ated, lay :uide every hlse position.however deu it m:ay be to the selfishheart. Some will t:ake a text, wrest itfrom its Irue be:arina. and force itinto service to sust:r.in some precon·ceived opinion. By linking togetherisolated passales of Scripture. theymay deceive others. But what ap-pe3fS to be Bible proof for their posi-tion is no proof whatever; for theScriptures are not used in their trueselting. In this way error is oftenm:agnified, and truth diminished.Those who thus wrest the Scripturesto sustain error, Ire:r.tly dishonorGod, and in the day of judgment,they will be held responsible for thedisobedience of those who throulhtheir sophistries h:ave been led to dis-regard the divine law.Those who desire to koow the

trulh coneerninl the Sabbath of theLord :are not left to the guidance ofuncertain suppositions. But let themnot depend upon the teachings of thefathers, or any olher human agency,but upon the words spoken by theCreator of the heavens and the e3rlh.The Bible is the inspired word ofGod. In it are to be found the lawsof heaven. And from the Bible alonec:an we learn the truth reg:arding theSabbath. God's word is plain. Thefounh comm3ndment is definite andexplicit, and reveals the divine originof the Sabbath. And further, the

lord said to Moses:"Speak thou unto the children

of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbathsye shall keep: for it is a sign betweenme and you throuahout yourlenerations; that ye may know that Iam the Lord that doth s3nctify you.Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore;for it is holy unto you: everyonethat defileth it shall surely be put todC::llh. for whosoever doeth any worktherein. that soul shall be cut offfrom among his people. Six days m3Ywork be done; but in the seventh isIhe sabb:uh of rest, holy to the lord:whosoever doeth any work in thesabbath day. he shall surely be PUI 10death. Wherefore the children of Is·rael shall keep the sabbath, to observethe sabbath Ihroughout theirgenerations, for a perpetual covenant.It is a sign between me and Ihechildren of Israel forever: for in sixdays the lord made heaven :lndcarth, and on the seventh day heresled, and was refreshed." Exodus31:13-11May the lord help us to seck Him

with the whole heart, that we mayfind Him. He will not be trifledwith. Those who, though having op-portunity to find Ihe true path,presumptuously depart from il willsome day when too late, realize theirterrible mislake. Eternal life is forIhose only who conlinue to obey God.For them Christ has purch:uedsalvation. "As many as received him,to them g3ve he power to become thesons of God, even to them thubelieve on his name:' John 1:12"Search Ihe scriptures; for in them

)C think ye h3ve eternal life: andthey are they which lestify of me:'John 5:)9When Jesus told His followers 10

se::uch the Scriptures, He referred tothe Old Testament Scriptures; for theNew Testament was still unwritlen.

The Bible is m3de up of many parts-history, biography, song and pr:lise,pr:lyer, and prophecy. BUI 311 is in-spired of God, and "is prorit3ble fordoctrine, for reproof, for correctioo,for instruction io Inthe term "scriplure" is included the:whole treuure house of revel3tion:lnd knowledge, in whalcvcr form itis given.Let no one seek to limit the cir-

cul:ltion of Ihe Scriptures. Godspnks through various channels, andthc ucred truths arc to be sought uthc miner seeks for gold. God h:lspromised that He will guidc all whodesire to be taught into all truth.The Bible is lhe greatcst educa-

tional book in the world, and shouldbe used in every school. Whatevertheir previous educ:ltion or concep-tions 10 many minds the simple re:ld-ina of God's Word will bringconviction, and even though in manyuses the Word m:lY be misappliedaDd misinterpreted, yet in after yurs,m:lny bec:luse of what they C30remember of its te:lchings m:lY beable to distinguish between truth anderror. Let us Dot be numbered withthose _ho seek 10 limit the circula-tion of the Scriptures. Undatedmanuscript 142If you re:ld Ihe Bible c3refully,

you will see what rdormation isneeded in yourself in order for you tobe a faithful shepherd of the flock ofChrist. Compare scripture withscripture, and then open your ownhe:ln. Gain light yourself and thenfrom an ellperiment:ll knowledge, youC:ln set before thc pcople of God whatconstitutcs Christian chancter. Thepower of the Holy Spirit will accom-p3ny your words if your own life is 3representation of the truth whichS3nctifies the ch:tracter; for you willIhen be :1 living epistle known andre3d of all men....The natural m3n always remains

the ume. He is what hereditarytendencies, n:uionality, educuion,and circumstances h:lve made him.But when the n:llural man is changedby the Irace of Christ, then Ihe trans-formation is seen in the new man, thenew heart, new purposes, newimpulses. The word of Christ isreceived which is spirit and life; thenwe e3t the flesh, and drink Ihe bloodof Ihe Son of God. Then there isfruit in Ihe hnrt, fruit in the lips,fruit in the char:lcter. Some bnrinsthirlY, some sixty, and some one-hundred fold. Letter 13, 1888All whO eng:1se in this work as co-

laborers with Christ must not only bewillins 10 preach the truth, but topractice it. Of the professedly

We are in great need oflarge-hearted, level-headed men, who aretrue Christians, and whowill show that they arefeeding upon the Wordof God.

lcarncd :lnd pious peoplc of His dayChrist s:lid, "Ve are both isnorant ofthe scriptures and of the power ofGod. Ve te3ch for doctrine. the. com-mandments of mcn." He lonsed tofill the. whole nation with the spiritof His mission of love, Ihat theymiSht unile with Him in the work ofuving the world. The Holy Spiril""ould now come to our workers ifthey would earnestly seck for il.There will be no ch:lnse made in thedivine economy in order to bringaround m3.rked ch3nges in thereligious world. Mcn and womenmUSI :uisc to the emersency; theymust receive the solden oil, thedivine communication in richblessings. This will ell3ble them toarise 3nd shine, bec:luse. their lighth::lS comc, and the slory of Ihe Lordhas risen upon them.Those who claim 10 believe the

Word of God, and yet cherish theirown heredit3ry and cultivated traitsof Ch:lr3ClCr, arc the. srutest sturn·bling blocks we sh311 mcet as wepresent the grand, holy !ruths for thistimc. Those who believe present!ruth :1re to pnctice the Iruth, livethe Iruth. They are to study Ihe Word:lnd e:lt the Word, which means e3tinsthe flesh and drink ina the blood ofthe Son of God. They are to brinsth:lt Word, which is spirit and life,intO their daily, praclical life. h isthe bre:ld from heaven, and il willsive life 10 thc _orld. Power will besiven to every man and wom:ln whowill e3t of the bread Ih3t came downfrom he:lven. Oh, c3nnot we take Ihisin? Cannot we comprehend it? Whyis our im:lginalion so dull? "This isthe ""iIl of him Ihat sent me," s3idChrist, "that everyone (howcomprehensive, how far-reaching)th3t seeth the. Son, and believeth onhim may have. everlasting life; and Iwill raise him up It Ihe 13St day," Ifthis, the life of Christ, be in us, wh3tm3Y we nOt 3e.complish in His n3me?"As m3ny as received him, to themg:lVe he power to bee.ome the sons ofGod, even to thcm thai believe on his

name:'Christi3n culture will follow Ihe

labors of every soul who will pr3cticethe truth conscientiously under allcircumSt3nces. BUI there is 31togethertoo much skimming over Ihe surface.There is a mine of precious ore,hithertO only in the possession of avery few. A careful and thoroushdissins will put us in possession ofuntold resourees, represented as thesolden oil, emptied from the twOolive trees, into the golden pipes, andfrom them into the golden bowls, topour forth and enrich Olhers.

We are in great need of large·hearted, level-headed men, who arctrue Christi3ns, anci who will showth3t Ihey 3re feeding upon lhe Wordof God, at home and abr03d. Thoseof our faith and not of our faith willtake knowledge of these men thacthey have been with Jesus andle3rned of Him. They will see thatIhey :lre yoked up with Christ, Illdare drawing with Him, Ihat they arc3pt scholars learning of Him Hismeekness and lowliness of heart.These will not complain of the yokeof Christ or murmur when liftina Hisburdens. They will march cheerfullyfor_ard, singing, yes, makins melodyto God in their hearts. The yoke ofChrist is e3SY, and His burden is light.

There IS altogether toomuch skimming over the

surface.Oh, it makes every difference with

Ihose who study the Scriptures as towhat and how they sh:'\l1 understandthe Word, whether they eat it or not.The Word of God, if eaten, will sivespiritual sinew and muscle. Thosewho eat and digest this Word willpractice it. Their eyes, 3nointed withthe he3venly eye salve will see olherlessons in the Holy Word than thoseseen by ruders whose hurU are. notclnnsed, refined, and elevated. Un-der the work.ing of the Holy Spiritthe conscience will recognize a pure,hiSh slandard of rightcousness th3tputs 10 shame the low, che3p ideas ofIhe surf:u;;e re:lder, whose mind iscorrupted wilh sin. They see th3t thedoers or Ihe. Word :llone are justifiedbefore God. Those who hear and failto do are in no wise better, monlly orspiritually, for hearing. Those whowill deny self, and make any andevery sacrifice for Christ's sake willbe able to leach because their preceptand ell3.mple harmonize. Letter )4,1896. £nb

Rolf Lindfors

To Preach or To Teach

We in the Remnant Church shouldconsu.ntly tailor our Sabbalh servicesand other meetinss to enrich thespiritu:a) well-beins and strenSlh ofthose in attendance. In this, we haveabundant Spirit of Prophecy counselthat Sabbath services 3re to be timesof teaching. Unfortunately, we haveallowed the main-streilm Protestantchurches to squeeze us into theirmold, both in conductins church serv-ices and in educational practices andapproaches. Thus, we have robbed theRemnilnt Church of spiritual enrich-ment and power.The Spirit of Prophecy has much

to uy ilbout "prcilching" and"sermons." As I understilnd the writ-ings of Mrs. White. most of her Slate-menlS about preachiog senerally referto evanselistic mcetings. She also hassomethins to say about "Sabb:uhsermons." This counsel refers to whatwe today call the "11:00 o'clocksermon" or preachios hour.One misht ask if the ApoS!le Paul

spent his time preaching or teaching.Doubtless he spent a great deal oftime preaching. but remember that hewas an apostle to the Genliles. Hespent much of his time convertingunbelievers 10 the Iruth.

SbUMJ. 422, 423, states, "Wemust guard agaiost tyins up at thesecenters of iDnueoce meo who coulddo a more importanl work on the pub-lic platform, in presenting befOre be-licvers the truths of God's word... :'Why'? Because they are supposed tobe out on the riring line bringing innew converts, not preaching tobelievers. In Coun.ub 01192, some are counseled not to becomepreachers, but to become ministersfor God. vol. 3, SS7,reads, "God's cause does not needpreachers so much as earnest, perse-vering workers:'Spirit-filled preaching rcsults in

converts; spirit-filled teaching resultsin disciples.

Spiritual Eotlehnuot of thedhldu.1

Thcre 3rc simple laws,not rcl3tedto nor dependent upon intellectualC3p3bilities, whereby greater spiritualenrichment is achieved. If it were notso, God would be unfair, for only theintelligent would h3Ve the capacity tog:lin th31 enrichment. We sh:llllook attwo such law!.The first is found in 2 Corinthians

3:13: "But wc all, with open face be-holding as in a glau the glory of theLord, are chansed into Ihe sameimase from glory to slory, even as byth: Spirit of the Lord." By beholdingwe become chang:d. "Look unto me,and be ye saved, ..." Isaiah 45:22If the minister in the pulpit h:u

immersed himself in life-givingmaterial (subjects), the people in thepew will gain lifc-giving conccptsth3t will move them toward heavenwilh their feel solidly on the C3uh.The second principle is found in

Proverbs 23:1, "For as he thinkelh inhis heart, so is he," This is an are3where a m3.n can do something abouthis being enriched spiritu3.lIy.Mental discipline seems difficult,

but it is cntirely within We canestablish the right that willbring spiritu3.1 results."Habits, often repeated, make

chancter:' (S01l1 tUrd DaughufJ 01God. IlJ) Titus by deliberately forc-ing our minds into certain channels,we do establish It "confirmed habit,"and it is no longer a difficulty. It hasnow become part of our character.Here the of thepower of the Holy Spirit is seen.

Spiritual Eoriehmtnt of thei: r t&2tloR

The Bible contains all that isneeded for salvation, but when itcomes to thc operlllion and guidanceof the loe31 congregation, it is 3 dif-fcrent situation. Very little is said inthe New Testament as 10 the contentof 3 church service. Therefore, Godin His wisdom and love has liven theRemn3.nt Church a special Messengerwith some very specilll counsel and

instructions. If obeyed, they will con-tributc to the enrichment of the eoo-Ireg31ions and 10 the finishing of thework.There is an old s3ying "If you fail

to PUI it togelher, read the instruc-tions. If you still hil, lollow theinstructions,"The following p3ge5 of quotations

are the authority in the Seventh-dayAdventist Church."Preaching has not dcveloped a

largc class of self-denying mission3ryworkers." vol. 6, 431"The prnching of the Word is or-

dained of God to arouse and convictsinners. And when the living preacherexemplifies in his own life the self-denial and s3crifice of Christ, ...then his influence will be a powerfulone upon those who listen (0 hisvoice:' vol. 4, 118Why are OOt OUr people enriched

spiritu:tlly'?"It weakens those who know the

truth for our ministers to expend onthem Ihe time and tilleot that shouldbe given to the unconverted. In manyof our 13rge city churches the minis-ter preaches Sabbath after Sabbathand Sabbath after Sabbath the churchmembers come to the house of Godwith no words to tell of blessingsreceived because of blessingsimparted. They have not workedduring the week to carry out the in-struction given them on the Sabbath.So long 3S our church members makeno effort to give to others the helpgiven them, gre3t spiritu31 feeblenessmust result...."There are times when it is fitting

for our mininers to give on IheSabbath, in our churches, shortdiscourses, full of the life and love ofChrist. But the church members arenot 10 expect 3 sermon everySabbalh." vol. 7, 18, 19Some years ago 1 tr3nslated for

two Finnish eV3ngelists as theyvisited most of the churches in theOregon Conference. One Sabbalh,after it h3d dawned upon them just....·h:at the norm:!l prolr:am was in the

American churches, they asked inconstern:uion, "Do the AmericaD pas-tors preach every Sabbath?" After Ireplied thaI they did, they asked,"Don't the Americans believe in theSpirit of Prophecy? She was anAmerican, too!"The longer we move away from

divine counsel, following in the stepsof the main-stream Protestants, theless responsive our people become toinvitations that involve soul-saving."Teach as Christ taught. Study His

example. He preached few sermons.But wherever He went crowds g:uh-ered to listen to His instruction."Evangtiism.441

How did Christ teach?

"It has been shown to me that .as we approach ne:l!er the end .there will be less preaching and moreBible study. There will be littlegroups ... with Bibles in their hands,and different ones leading out in afree conversational study of theScriptures. This was the method thatChrist taught His disciples."Testimonits. vol. 6, g7, gg"Some of the new converts will be

so filled with the power of God thatthey will at once enter the work.Their one desire wit! be to carry thetruth to regioDs beyond." (Testimonies.vol. 7, 20) The words "at once" do notmean a seminary training for allworkers.

Who is responsible for the spiritualenrichment of the congregation? "Letthe ministers teach church membersthat in order to grow in spiritualitythey must carry the burden that theLord has laid upon them. Thus work-ing . th.ey will increase thcir faithand give them a strong hold on God."Gospel Workers. 200

Share Your Falth.

What happens to a membershiptrained to rely on preaching? "Themembers of the church, trained torely upon preaching, do little forChrist. They bear no fruit, but ratherincrease in selfishness and unfruit-fulness ... and expect to be tendedlike sick children." Testimonies. vol. 6,434In commenting on the work of

sharing one's faith, she states, "Toneglect this work is to invite spiritualfeebleness and decay." Tht Dtsire 01Agn 325Surely it is evident as to where

chan3es are needed in the RemnantCh.urch if there is to be a real attemptat finishiog the work and to havespiritual enrichment. The inspired in-struction is a balanced instruction.

Following this God-given counsel willnot lead anyone into extremism orfanaticism. It is because the church,as a whole, has adopted main-streamProtestant practices that those whoadvocate Spirit of Prophecy prin-ciples seem to be far out and extreme.An experience of a layworker in

the Washington Conference graph i-cally illustrates what happens whendivinely inspired instruction isfollowed.

If you fail to putit together, readthe instructions.If you still fail,

followthe instructions.

It was my privilege to encourage ayoung man to begin witnessing inpublic. I invited him to share in a laytraining seminar. His team becamevery popular a5 it grew larger, andthey had invitations 10 appear almostevery Sabbath, both in theWashington CODference and elsewhere.Although they continued studying

and praying, and telling what theLord had done for and through them,something began to go wrong. Theybegan to Quarrel among themselvesand they were having fewer andfewer experiences to share. I had, byreQueSl, acted at times as theirspiritual adviser. After researchingwhat was taking place, I suggested onthe basis of Spirit of Prophecy coun-sel that they should spend more timeworking for souls than telling aboutit.The lay worker accepted the in·

spired counsel and acted accordingly.The resuJ[s were also evident. Thelast time I had an occasion to fellow-ship with. him, t asked him how manysouls he had the privilege to have apart in winning. "Thirty-four," camethe reply.The lay worker accepted the pas-

sage in Testimonies. vol. 9, 82: "If setto work, the despondent will soonforget their despondency; the weakwill become strong; the ignorant,intelligent, and all will be prepared topresent the truth as it is in Jesus.""It is in doing Christ's work that

the church has the promise of His

presence. 'Go teach all nations,' Hesaid, 'and, 10, I am with you alwayunto the end of Ihe world.' ..Testimonies. vol. 6, 43 I

Where Christ is, there is spiritualenrichment. When we "go," He is withus. To neglect this work is surely toinvite spiritual feebleness and decay.

Whal Is a Remnant Churcb setvlce tocootain?

"Let church members, during theweek act their part faithfully, and onthe Sabbath relate their experiences.The meeting then will be as meat indue season, bringing to all presentnew life and fresh vigor.. the Sab·bath services will be filled withpower." (Teslimonies, vol. 7, 19) Thatis the essence of spiritual enrich.ment.Light not acted upon often turns

to darkness. b that why so muchdarkness abounds? Is it our refusal toact upon the ligh.1 that has come to usas a people that is the cause ofspiritual feeblcnen? How can thechange take place that must takeplace before we "go home"? "If youfail 10 put it together, read Iheinstructions. If you still fail, lollowthe instructions."Tnere are safe, sure methods for

God's people to follow. When will wemove into the stream wh.ere heaven'sblessings are destined to surroundthose who arc obedient to the

What happens toa membership

trained to relyon preaching?

"heavenly vision"? The work will befinished. Someday the church willmove "into working order." Why notnow? We do not need to wait for someother generation. We can, if we willbut do it. God is waiting.How and when will God do His

final mighty work?"As fast as the soul resolves to act

in accordance ..... ith light given, theHoly Spirit gives more light andstrength." Testimonies to Ministers. $13If God is waiting for us to

"resolve to act in accordance withlight given," what are we waiting for?...

The Spirit and Power of Elijah

come :alrndy." But our interesl inthis prophecy lies in its second andf llial fulfillment. whicb we havegood reason to expect. Because the"areal and dreadful day of the Lord"is still future, bUI not far away; sothis second and complete fulfillmentshould logically occur in Ihe "time ofthe end:' which we traditionally taketo be the period after 179g.An analysis of the first fulfillment

of the prophecy will help us beller tounderstand its second one. To beginWilh, the first fulfillmenl was notspectaeular. John drew the utentionof the people, but his work was anapp3rent failure. Nothing tangibleresulted from it, as judged by humanstandards, for his work was not en-dorsed by the reliaious authorities ofnis day. Secondly, John was notrecognized as Elijah either by thepeople or by his own followers. IfJesus had nOI ffi:ade His explicitstalemenl, perhaps we would evennow be divided in our interpretationof Malachi 4:5, 6. Thirdly, John him-sdf did DOt cl:lim to be Eli::as.

Rea::arding Ihis Ihird point wec::ake: the: following observ::atioo: Johnwas no doubt fully aware of hisdivine: appointment since childhood,for he was "Cillcd wilh the Holy

UBchold, I will send you Elij:J.h theprophet before the coming of thegrcu and drc3d£ul d:ty of rhe Lord:and he Sh311 turn the htu! of thefathers to the children and [he hc::trlof the children to their CUhers, lest Jcome and smite the C::1rlh with. :1curse." Mal::achi 4:5,6These closing words of the Old

Testament were understood by theIews to be a prophecy 3w3iting literalfulfillment. So when John the Baptistappeared, they :lsked him, "Are thouElias'?" and he $3id, ..) am not:' AfterJohn W:iS m3.rtyred. the disciplesasked Jesus, "Why then say thescribes th:u Eliu must nrst come?". Jesus answered, "Elias truly sh:lllfirst come. and restore all things. ButI say unlO you, that ElilS is comealrudy, and they knew him nOl, buth3ve done unto him whatsoever theylisted. Likewise shall also the Son ofman surfer of them:' "Then the dis-ciples understood that He spake untothem of John the Baptist." See Mal-thcw 17:10-13Here we have :a literal fulfillment

of a specific prophecy plainly con·firmed by our Lord. There is no sym-bolism here. JUSt a siraightforwudstatement: "I will .send you Elij:ah."And another one saying. "Elias is

David Lin

Ghost from his mother'sthe words of Gabriel to Zechf:uher must have beenimpressed on his memory: ..go before Him in the spirit arof Elias, 10 turn the hnr:fathers to the children. andobedient to the wisdom of thmake rndy a people preparc.lord:' These words mustpowerful f::actor in guidin,thinking and behavior thrayears of prepar::ation in his Yo"

retre:ll. Only a man possessthe strona conviction Ih:al hefilling the prophecy of Macould go about his tuk with ;.:lnd devotion. Yet the wGabrid were a sacred trust, r:carelessly disclosedunbelieving. He would nOI &which is holy unto the dogs,his pearls before swine. So \I-

"gener:uion of vipers" ask"Art thou Elk1S?" he said, "IJesus likewise did not

John's true identity 10 the mbut only in private to hisdisciples. Delicate truths IreQ.uire careful handling, and10 be. thrown into the poollions for sener:al debale. Jest:!burden to prove His point. 1'1s:aid, "If ye will receive ii,Eli:as, which w::as for to com_Ihew 11:14. A confidential s:like this is ellough for theenQ.uirer, but 110 further disclm::ade to satisfy the euri(ldoubting.Now we arc rudy to

(inal modera fulfillment of4:5. 6. We should not be: surpfact we should ellpcCt-IO rin..:too, like the ....ork or John, W:!I. ,pcctl.cular nature. The discthe mount of trallsfiSIlr:ationseen Elijah appear in person'sensatiOllal manifestation, toSo they thought. this must befillment of th3.t prophecy.Jesus corrected themthem that M:alaclli 4:5, 6 w:asfilled on the mount of tur.tion, but in the martyr whocrud death in Herod's prison.And now ....e are ready to

eQ.ually unellciting propoMalachi 4:5, 6 finds its fin::alment in the work of Ellen GWhat? This fr:lil,

COlllinl:

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

Ronor all the doctrines laugh! by

the Seventh-day Adventist Church,which one is the most distinctive?Some other groups keep theSabbath. There 3rc some outside orAdventism who believe that man ismortal, and that the soul sleeps atdC:llh until the resurrection. Olhersbelieve in the second coming_ Butour teaching on the sanctuary isuniQue and distinctive.

The sanctuary and the alOne-ment are our mOH diHinctivedoctrines. Unfortunately, many orour laymen and ministers knowliule about the 5:1nclu:lry and thefinal atonement as historic:l1lytaught by fundamental Adventism.A misunderstanding of this vitalsubject causes a misunderstandingof the righteousness of Christ, thenature of Christ, and the perfec-tion of character,The final-atonemcnt !ruth is the

master key which opens the doorand brings into focus all othertruths in the evcrlasting Gospcl.

Spear"The correct understanding of

the ministration in the heavenlysanctuary is the foundation of ourfaith:' EYQngtlism, 221

It is true Ihat the sacrifice ofChrist on the cron was perfect andcomplete, but the work of atone-ment was not completed then, Thesecond phase of the atonementadministered by Christ after 184-4was:lS essential as the first. This isclearly taught in che ancientS:lnCluary service.The practical aspect of the

judgment is that the atonement in-volves II. rul test aDd demonstra-tion of ch3Tacler on the part ofthose who receive its benefits.

"The atonement of Christ is not:I mere skillful way to have oursins pardoned; it is a divine rem-edy for the cure of transgressionand thc restoution of spiritu::l.Ihealth. It is the heaven-ordainedmeans by which the righteousness

of Christ may be not only upon us,but in our hearts and characters,"Ltlltt 406, 1906 onDocuint, 668)

The Sanctu:lry is the plan ofsalvation in miniature. "Thy way,o God, is in the sanctuary: who isso great a God as our God?" (Psalm77:13) If we are to reach thePromised Land, the HeavenlyCanaan, we must find and followGod's way, His way is to bc foundin the sanctuary. The devil will doeverythiog possible to keep God'spcople from understanding thesanctuary and from finding God'sway in the plan of salvationthrough the sanctuary.

"And the dugan was wrothwith the woman, and went 10 makewar with the remnant of her seed,which keep the comm3ndments ofGod, and the testimony of JesusChrist," (Revelation 12:17) Thedevil is angry with the church, be-cause we keep the commandmentsof God and have Ihe Spirit ofProphecy to direct us in organiza-tion and doctrine.The Spirit of Propheey..God

speaking through His messengerEllen Whitenspotlighted thesanctuary doctrine, illuminated it,to focus our thinking on thisbeautiful doctrine. ,This most distinct waymark the

devil will try to remove to make itof none effect.

"After the truth has beenproclaimed as a witness to alln3tions, every conceivable powerof evil will be set in opention, andminds will be confused by manyvoices crying, 'Lo, here is Christ;10, He is there, This is the truth, Ihave the message from God, Hehas sent me with great light.' Thenthere will be a of thelandmarks, and an allempt to te3rdowllo the pillars of our faith:'Biblt COmmtlllQry, vol. 7, 985

But because Ellen White haswritten so much on this subjectwith great clarity, the devil mustfirst destroy the credibility of herwrilings,

"There will be a hatred kindledagainst the testimonies which issat30ic, The workings of 53tan willbe 10 unsettle the faith of the

Does the cleansingof the heavenly sanctuary involveand affect the people of God?

churches in them, for this reason:S:l.t:l.n C:l.nnot have so cleu a trackto bring in his deceptions :l.nd bindup souls in his delusions if thewarnings and reproofs and coun-sels of the Spiril of God areheeded," Ltttu 40, 1890, St!tcttdMtuagts, Book I, 4S

One of the gre:l.teSI signs thatIhe end is very neu and Ih3.t wewill soon see Jesus is that tbeSpiril of Prophecy and thesanCtuary are now under direct at·tack by the enemy of souls. At-tacks have been made in times pastagainst these two pillars of ourfailh.

Let us for a moment review ourhistory. Elder A,F. Ballenger, aSeventh-day Adventist minister atthe turn of the century, besan toteach that Christ went into themost holy place in A.D. 31. EllenWhilc kindly rebuked Elder Bal-lenaer for his teaching as notcd inthe following quotation,

"In clnr, plain languaae I am10 say to those in attendance atthis conference that Brother Bal·lenger has been allowing his mindto receive and believe speciouserror. He h3s been misinterpreting3nd misapplying the scripturesupon which he has hstened hismind. He is building up theoriesthlU arc not founded in truth. Awarning is now to come to him andto the peoplc; for God has not in·dited the message that he isbearing. This message, if accepted,would undermine the pillars of ourhith. , .. 1 am bidden to say inthe name of the Lord that ElderBallenger is following a false light.The Lord hu not aiven him themessage thllt he is beadns resard-ina the sanctuary service, ... Ih3ve a warnins for those who sup-pose that they have been given thework of revnling Scripture in anew light. This work means sub·stiUltin8 human interpretation forthe interpreu,tion that God hasgiven. Thus did the heavenly mes-sengers pronounce upon the ecrortinto which Brother Ballenger hasentered." A Warning Against FafS617rtQrirs, ms. 62, 1905, Ad,tntiSIRt'irw. Much 6, 1980, S, 6

Those who believe that theSpirit of Prophecy is God's voiceto His people must accept 1844 asthe time when Chlist entered uponHis worle io the most holy place.The perfect sacrifice was com-

plete at the cross, but the atone-

ment was not complete until thehigh priest came out of Ihe mostholy place through Ihe holy 10 Iheouter court. When the accumulatedsins of God's people for the yearwere laid upon the scapesoat Ihe:uonement was complete.

What docs this cleansing of thesanctuary really mean to God'speople in this great crisis hour? Dowe rully undersland Daniel 8:14?

THE SANCTUARY AND THESAINTS OF CHRIST

Another thouaht on the sanc-tuary that is many times over-looked is that when the sainu weredefiled, the sanctuary was defiled.

"Unto two thousand and threehundred days; then shall thesanctuary be cleansed." Daniel 8:14

All agree: the heavenlysanctuary is referred to in Ibisprophecy of Daniel. But does thecleansing of Ihe heavenlysanetuary involve and aCfeet thepeople of God? Some believe thiscleansina is only a juridical act ofGod in heaven which docs nothingfor the human soul. Is it anywonder that Daniel 8:14 has nosreal impact on the heart of theChureh?The identity between the:

sanctuary and the worshipersneeds to be clearly established.This relationship is close linddecided.

"And there wu givcn me a reedlike unto a rod: and the an8elstood, saying, Rise, and measurethe temple of God, and the altar,and them that worship therein."Revelation 11:1

Aecording to this verse thesaints "worship" in the heaveolysanctuary; they "dwell in heaven:'

"And he opened bis mouth inblasphemy against God, to blas-pheme his name, and bistabernacle, and them [hat dwell inheaven." Revelation 13:6

Their bodies are on earth, buttheir thoughts, minds, affections,sympathies and prayers are byfaitb in the huvenly temple.

"Those who, wilh a Ienowledaeof the truth Crom the Scriptures,had also the Spirit and gnce ofGod, and who, in the night of theirbitter trial, had pl.liently waited,searching the Bible Cor clearerlight, these saw the truth concern-int the sane:tuary in heaven aDdthe Saviour's change ofministration, and by faith theyfollowed Him in His work in thesanctuary above." Grtal Conlro-'US)!. 427

"Now ye are cleao through theword which I have spoken untoyou. Abide: in me, and I in you. Asthe branch C3nnOt bear fruit ofitself, eJ;cept it abide in the vine;no more can ye, eJ;cept ye abide inme:' John I S:3, 4

In the same way and in thesame sense that they dwell inChrist, they dwell in the temple.Just as Jesus and His people areone, so tbe sanctuary and God'speople are one. This truth wasplainly !:l,ught by the type. Whenthe saints were defiled theS:lne:luary wu defiled at the sametime.

"Wherefore, as 1 live, saith theLord God; Surc:1y, because thouhast defiled my sanctuary with allthy detestable thinas, and with allthine abominations, therefore willI also diminish thee; neitber shallmine eye spare, neither will l haveany pity." Ezckiel S:II

Some believe this cleansing IS onlyan act of God m heaven which doesnothing for the human soul.

"Whosoever toucheth che de:tdbody of :tny m:ln th:tt is de:td, andpurifiech not himself, defileth chet:lbernacle of Ihe Lord; :tnd thacsoul shall be cut orr from Isr3.el."Numbers 19:13; see also verse 20

When the sanctu:try wasele:ansed, the people were cle:ansed.

"For on that d3y shall the priestm:ake an atonement for you, 10cleanse you, that ye may be ele3nfrom :all your sins before the Lord....And he sh311 rn3.ke an :atone-ment for the holy S:l.netuil.ty, andhe sh:11l m3ke an atonement for thelabern3cle of the congregation,and for the aIt3r, and he Sh311m3ke 3.n atonement for the priests,3nd for all Ihe people of thecongreg:uion:' Leviticus 16:30.33

The inseparable idencity of (he

S3nctuary and the peoplc is alsoclearly demonstr3.lcd in Ihe bookor Daniel. Here the prophet beheldthe S3.nctu3ry and the people ofGod being trodden down. Theyshared a common rate at the handsof the Antichrist.

"And it walled 8re3t, even to(he host of huven; and it C:lStdown some of the host and of thest3.rs to the ground, and stampedupon them. Yea, he m3gnifiedhimself even to the prince of thehost, and by him the dailysacrifice was taken away, and thepl:u::e of his sanctuary W3S castdown. And an host W3S given himagainst Ihe daily sacrifice byreason of transgression, and il castdown che truth to the ground; andit practised, and prospered."D3nieI8:10-12

Then the Question is asked."How long shall be the vision... togive both the S3.nCtu3ry and the

host [God's people] 10 bc troddenunder foot?" The answer given is,that at the end of the 2300 d3ys,

"Then shall the sancluary becleansed (restored co its rightfulState):' Daniel 8:14 RSV

Why did not the angel answerthe Question by saying. "Then shallthe s:tnctuary and the people ofGod be restored"? Cle:ttly. the res-tor:ttion of the penple is implicit inthe rcstoration of Ihe sanctuary. Itmust be obvious that the sanctuaryc:tnnot be cleansed unti! those whodwelt in it arc cleansed. Leviticus16 plainly statcs that both theSi1netuary and tne people weretypic:ally cle3.nsed by tne specialservices of the day of atonement.

"Behold, I will send mymesscnger, and he shall prepare the

W3Y before me: and the Lord,whom ye seek, shall suddenly cometo his temple, even the messengerof the covenant, whom ye delightin: behold. he sha.1I come, saith theLord of hosts. BUI who may abidethe day of his coming? and whoSh311 stand when he appe3.reth? forhe is like :1 refiner's fire. and likefulleu' S03p: And he shall sit as arefiner 3.nd purifier of silver: andhe shall purify the sons of levi,and purge them as gold and silver,th3.t they may offer unto the Lord3.n offering in righteousness."Malachi 3:1-3

The Greal COlllrOT'ersy, on p3ges424-426, states th:t( Ihis pusagerefers to the nme evel\l as D3niel8:14. The prophet Mal:tchi heredecl:tres, '"The Lord, whom yeseek, sh:tll suddenly come 10 histemple... and he shall purify thesons of levi (God's people I."

"Christ is cleansing the temple

in heaven from the sins of Ihepeople. 3nd we mUSI work in h:ar-mony with Him upon the earth,cleansing the soul temple from itsmoral defilement." alldHerald. February II, 1890

"In the :tct of driving out thedesecr:tlors from the temple atJerusalem, Jesus had announcedHimself as Ihe Messi:thuthe Onewho should clC3nse Ihe soul fromIhe defilement of sin and m:tkeHis people a holy temple unto theLord:' Mount 01 Blessing. 2

Without a Question then wehave misunderslood the cleansingof the sanctuary in heaven to me3na judici:tl act alone. when it isclearly related to the cleansing ofthe soul temples of God's people.God 8ave the s3.crifiei:t1 service

to the church to te:ach them thehideousness of sin, and to providethem with Ihe understanding thaithey could overcome every sin bythe power of the Holy Spirit.But they totally misunderslood,

3nd used the killing of lambs as alicense to sin--the priest co·operating with them by providingmore lambs .. :tnd Israel's sinproblems continued.M:tny in Ihe Sevenlh-day Ad-

ventist Church are following inthe same pattern. sinning :tnd con-fessing without understanding tbeneed of overcoming every sin andlempt3tion, while God holds OUt tous the promise of freedom fromevery sin.

"God's ideal for His children ishigher than the highest humanthought C3n re:tch. 'Be ye thereforeperfect, even as your Father whichis in heaven is perfect: This com-mand is a promise. The plan ofredemption contemplates our com-plete recovery from Ihe power ofS3.lan. A holy temper, aChristlike life, is accessible 10every repenling. believing child ofGod."The ideal of Christian charac·

ter is Chrisllikeness. As the Son ofman was perfect in His life, so HisfoUowers are to be perfect in theirlife:' The Desire 01 Ages, 311

Our l:tck of sludy of Ibe sanc,tUHy in all its important ramifica-tions has been responsible form:any of our people misunder-st:tnding the difference belweenperfection and perfectionism.God W:1nts a people perfectly

submitted to His divine will, per-COlllinued 011 10

Qr., F,,,.. F.....d.'1H "

and June 5. 1888

"A new commandment 1 give untoyou, That ye love one another: as Ihave loved you, that ye also love one3.nother. By this sh:lll :Ill men knowth:lt ye are my disciples, if ye havelove one to 3nother." [John 13:3..\. 351These words are not Ihe words ofman. bUI the words of our Redeemer;3.nd how import:lnt il is th:lt .....e ful-fill Ihe instruction that He has given!There is nothing th3t can so weakenthe influence of the church, as Ihel:tck of love. ChriS! says, "Behold, 1send you forth as sheep in the midstof wolves: be ye therefore wise asserpents, and harmless as doves." Ifwe are to meet opposition from ourenemies, who are represented aswolves. let us be careful that we donot manifest the same spirit amonsourselves. The enemy well knows thatif we do not have love one foranother. he can gain his object. andwound and wnken the church, bye:lusins differences among brethren.He can lead them to surmise evil, tospeak evil, to accuse, condemn, andh:lte one another. In this W3Y thecause of God is brought intodishonor, the name of Christ isreproached. and untold harm is doneto the souls of men.How c:treful we should be, that

our .....ords :lnd actions are all in har-mony with the sacred truth th:u Godhas commined to us! The people ofthe world are looking 10 us, to seewh:u our faith is doing for oureh3racters and lives. They are watch-ins to see if it is having a S:lnctifying

effect on our hearts. if we are becom-ing changed into the likeness ofChrisl. They 3re re:ldy to discoverevery defect in our lives. every in·consistency in our actions. Let us givethem no occasion to repro:tch ourf:tith.

11 is not the opposition of theworld that will mosl endanler us; it isthe evil cherished risht in our midstth:lt works our most grievous diS3ster.II is the unconsecrated lives of half-hearted professors that retard thework of thc truth, :tnd bring darknessupon the church of God.There is no surer way of weaken·

ing ourselves in spiritual things, th:lnto be envious. suspicious of one:tnother, full of fault-finding and evilsurmising. "This wisdom descendethnOt from above, but is earthly. sen-sual, devilish. For where envying andstrife is. thete is confusion and everyevil work. But the wisdom that isfrom above is first pure, then peace-able. gentle, and easy to be intre:lted,full of mercy and good fruits, with-out p3rtiality, and without hypocrisy.And the fruit of righteOusness issown in pe:tce of them thl1t m:tkepeace." (James 3:15-181God would h:tve us individually

come into th:lt position where He canbestow His love upon He haspl3ced 3 high value upon man, andhas redeemed us by the sacrifice ofHis only begotten Son, and we arc tosec in our fellow·m:tn the purch3se ofthe blood of Christ. If we have thislove one for another, we shall be

growing in love for God and thetruth. We hnve been pained at heartto sec how little love is cherished inour midst. Love is a plant of heavenlyorigin, :lnd if we would h3ve itf10utish in our hearts, we must cui-tiv3te it d:tily. Mildness, sentleness.long suCferins. not being easilyprovoked, bearins all Ihings, endur-ing 31\ things,-·these arc the fruitsupon the precious tree of love.When you arc associated together,

be gU3rded in your words. Let yourconversntion be of such a n:lture thatyou will h:lve no need of repentance."Gtieve not the Holy Spirit of God,whereby ye arc sealed unto the day ofredemption." [Ephesians 4:30J "Aloed m:tn out of the Soad treasure ofthe heart bringelh forth lood thiDgs:3nd In evil man out of the eviltrC:l.sure bringeth forth evil things:'[M:ltthew 12:35] If the love of thetruth is in your heart, you will talkof the truth. You will talk of theblessed hope that you have in Jesus.If you have love in your heart, youwill seek to establish and build upyour brother in the most holy faith.If :I word is dropped tha.t is detrimen-tal to the character of your friend orbrother, do not encourage this evil-spuking. It is Ihe work of the enemy.Kindly remind the spc3ker Ihat Ibeword of God forbids that kiDd ofconversation. We arc 10 empty theheart of everything that defiles tbesoul temple. that Christ may dwellwithin. Our Redeemer his told ushow we may reveal Him to the world.

If we cherish His Spirit, if wem3nifest His love to others, if weguud one another's interests, if weare kind, patient, forbeuing, theworld will bve an evidence by thefruits we bear, that we arc thechildren of God. It is the unity in thechurch that enables it to exert a con-scious influence upon unbelievers andwotldings.The church of Christ is spoken of

as a holy temple. Says the apostle,"Now therefore ye are no morcstrangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the sainn, and of thehousehold of God; and arc built uponthe foundation of the apostles andprophets, Jesus Christ himself beinlthe chief corner-stone; in whom allthe building fitly framed togethergrowelh unto an holy temple in theLord: in whom ye also 3re buildedtogether for a h3bituion of Godthrough the Spirit." [Ephesians 2:19-221 All the followers of Christ arcrepresented as stones in the temple ofGod. Every stone. Ilarle or sm:all, mustbe a living stone, emining light andfitting into the pbce :assigned it inthe building of God. How thankfulwe should be that a way has beenopened whereby we may e:lch h:lve apl3ce in the spiritu:al temple! Will you,my brethren 3nd sislers, think ofthese things, study them, talk ofthem? It is just in proportion as we3ppreci:lle these things th31 we willbecome strong in the service of God,3nd so be en3bled to comply with Hisrequirements, 3nd to be doers of thewords of ChriSI.God does not want us to place our-

selves upon the judgmenl·seat, andjudge each other. But how frequentlythis is done! Dh! how careful weshould be lest we judge our brother.We :arc assured thai as we judge, weSh31l be judled; th:at as we mele toothers, it shall be me3Sured to usag3in. Christ hu said: "I say tlntoyou, Th3t every idle word Ih:1I menSh311 spe3k, they shall give accountthereof in the d3y of judgment. Forby thy words thou shalt be justified,:lad by thy words thou shalt becondemned." [Mauhew 12:36, 37) IIIview of this, let your words be ofsuch a char:lcter that they will meetthe approval of God. When we sec er-rors in others, let us remember thatwe have faults graver, perhaps, in thesight of God, than the fault we con-demn in our brother. InSlnd of pub·lishing his defects, ask God to blesshim, and to help him to overcome hiserror. Christ will approve of thisspirit and action, and will open the

way for you to spe:ak a word of wis-dom that will impart strength andhelp to him who is we:lk in the faith.The work of building one another

up in the most holy failh is a blessedwork; but Ihe work of te3ring downis a work full of bitterness andsorrow. Christ identifies Himself withHis suffering children; for He S3yS,"In:asmuch as ye have done it untoone of the least of these, my brethren,ye h:ave done it unto me.'- [M3-tlhew2S:40j If all would carry out the in-struction giveD by Christ, what loveand unity would exist llImonl Hisfollowers! Every he:art has ils ownsorrows 3nd disappointments. and weshould seck to lighten one 3nother'sburdens by m3nifeSling the love ofJesus to those around us. If our con-versation were upon he:aven andhC:lvenly things, cvil·spe3king wouldsoon ceue to h:l.ve 3ny attr3ction forus. We would not then be pl3cing ourfeet on the enemy's d3ngerousground. We ....·ould not then be enter-ing inlo temptation, or falling underthe power of the evil one.Instead of finding fault with

others, Ict us be crilie31 withourselves. The queslion with each oneof us should be, Is my hcan rilhtbefore God? Will this course of actionglorify my Father which is inhe:lven? If you h:lve cherished awrong spiril, let it be b3nished fromthe soul. It is your duty to er:ldicatefrom your heart everything th3t is ofa defiling n3ture; every root of bit-terness should be plucked UPI lestothers be cont3minnted by its balefulinfluence. Do not al10w one poisonouspl3nt to rem3in in the soil of yourhe3rt. Root it OUI this very hour, andplant in its slead the plant of love.Let Jesus be enshrined in the soul.Christ is our example. He went

3bout doing good. He lived 10 blessothers. Love beautified and ennobledall His actions. and we arc com-manded to follow in His steps. Let usremember that God sent His onlybegottcn Son 10 this world of SOrtOW,to "redeem us from all iniquity, and10 purify unto himself a peculiarpeople, zealous of good works." [Titus2:141 Let us seek to comply with therequirement of God, and fulfill Hislaw. "Love is the fulfilling of theI:l.w," (Romans 13:101 and He whodied that we might live, hu liven uStbis eomm3ndmenl, that we shouldlove one another as He hu loved us;and the world will know Ih3t we areHis disciples, if we have this love onefor another. •••

Melange

Bob Vun KannanSomeone once Il.·rote that imilation

is the sincerest form of flattery.While tll31 m3y be true amonghumans. I doubt that that holds truein relations between m3n 3nd hisCreatOr.One subtle attack on the divinity

of God comes from thc world of com·puter science. Man hu been tryingfor scores of years to creale an intel-ligent cre3tion of his own. If he couldsucceed, this would go a long way (inm3n's eyes) toward c;t3lting rn3n 3nddemeaning the cre3tive 3Ct of God.

t'of3n does seem to be running into:l few problems in his ende3vor. AIthe Joinl Conference on ArtificialIntelligence in Los Angeles in August,1985, AlOIn Kay was quoted in Ete,-frorric Engineering Times :IS s3ying."The e3rly artifici31 intelligcncework in the 1960s promised syslcmssm3rter than humans within 10 ye3rs.In the 1970s, we cut back to justtrying to do as well as a hum3n, andth31 didn't work either."Now in the 1980s we think we

can ere:ate expert systems th3t cOIn do:llmOSI as well as a human in a veryrestricted domain." Kay went on toindic3te that this promise may neverbe fulfilled.Now why would these turns of CJ;-

peru be having so much troublebuilding a m3chinc to act in theimage of man? After all, didn't manjust recently evolve from an ape: orsomething? Since there was no aClivethought put into the cre:ation of man,it really shouldn't be too difficult tore-cre3te him.Could it just possibly be th3t these

continuing failures to re-crc3te aman-like creature arc another strongindication that some very complexthought and foresight wenl into thecre;uion of m3n; Ih:lt he didn't justcr3wl up out of the slime by himself?

Spirit :and Power of Ellj:ah, conI.

wOffi3n is Elij3h'? Yes, "If )"e willreceive it, this is Eli3S, which is for10 come:' evcn though Ihey knew hernot. If you won't receive it, I havc noburden to force it on you. But ple3seclt3mine thc evidence:

J. Evidence of time: "Before theIre::It :lnd dre3dful day of Ihe Lord."As pointed out above, the 3ppearanceof Elbs should be in the time: of theend--3fter I The: lifl of prophecym3nifested in the: work of EllenWhile ex.tended from 1844 to 1915.2. Evidence of message con lent:

"To turn the heart of Ihe fathers tothe children and Ihe heart of the:children to their fathers." II is Il hctIh:n 3 large ponion of the teslimonieswrinen by Ellen White dealt withf3mil)" rel:lIions n lhe Christian home,for th3t is .... here Ihe basic characterof every individu31 is formed.

3. Evidence of kindship of spirit.John wtlS nOI Elij3h, but m3nifestedthe spirit and power of Elijah. Th3tC3n 31so be nid of Ellen White.Despite: her Physic31 frailty, the spiritshe reve:l.led W3S not in the leasteffeminJte. When facing Ihe Kellogcrisis she 53W in a dre3m Ihe iceberglooming up 3he:1d. She communiC3tedthe comm3nd to meet it head on 3ndlet the b03t shiver from stem to stern.Ellen White W3S no coward. bcc3useshe spoke not from herself, but inGod's n3me. She was brave and cour3-aeous insof3r 35 she was pC'sseued bythe Holy Spirit.

We should not foraet that ElijahW:1S at one time di5cour3ged 3nd fledfor his life when Je:r.ebel uttered herthre3t. Thill w:u when his humanfr:1ilty g3ined the beller of him. EllenWhite had her low points too, but them:1in tenor of her life work accordswell with the words, "In the spiritand power of EIi3S."Why did God choose 10 pl3ce a.

fr3il unle3rned wom:1n on this end ofthe line of prophets? He gives the3nswer in I Corinthi3ns 1:27"God h3lh chosen the foolish.

things of the world to confound thewise; and God hath chosen the we:1kthings of the world to confound thethings which are mighty; 3nd buethings of the world, and things which3re not, to bring 10 nought things th3[:He: th:1t no flesh should glory in Hispresence."

Ellen White often quoted Ihesewords: "We have Ihis treasure ine:1r1hen vessels, th3t the excellency ofthe power may be of God, and not ofus:' (2 Corinthi3ns 4:7) In this age ofscientific adV3ncement 3nd high in-tellectu31 att3inments it ple:ued God10 choose "Ihe we3kest of the we3k"to confound the stroni- The spirit ofmodern scholarship is no m3tch for

the spirit 3nd power of Elij3h.

NO WORLDLY RECOGNITION

Like John the B3ptist, Ellen Whitereceived no worldly recognitioo. Andshe sought il nOt. Her chief concernW3;5 10 deliver Ihe meSS3ge God hadgiven hcr. That is the m3rk of everyIrue prophet. As io the d3yS of Elijah,the world gives recognition to falseprophets. In the 1946 edition of theColumbia there are 26biographic31 entries under "White,"but E.G. White is omitted. Mary BakerEddy's !tory is prescnted in 39 lines,3;nd Joseph Smirh gelS 4S. Tn Ihe 1975cdition, only 12 lines m3ke up a briefsketch of E.G. While, while 25 linesintroduce Amy Semple McPherson.Like John Ihe BaptiSl, Ellen White

did nor cl3im 10 be a prophet, but sheW3S God's messenger. She S3id, "Thisis my work--to give to Ihe people thelight Ihat the Lord gives me. I amcommissiooed to receive 3nd com-muniC3te His mess3ges. I am nOI to3ppear before the people as holdingany other position th3n that of 3; mes-senger with a mess:age.'· Tntimonin,vol. &, 237Like John Ihe BaptiSl, Ellen White

exalted Ihe Lamb of God. Thisprevailing theme in her writings is3ppreciated by all who read herwritings. She never e:nlted herself,bUI alw3ys uplifted the crucified 3ndrisen Saviour.Like John the Baptist, Ellcn White

spoke the truth. "John did nomir3cles, but all things th3t Johnsp3ke of this m3n were true." E.G.White's references 10 physical as wellas spiritual phenomena have beenproven to be scientific3\1y correCI.For example, she wrote that "It is afmidnight that God mllnifeHS Hispower for the deliverance of Hispeople. The SUD 3ppe3fS, shining in in

ConlrO'UJy. 6j6)This corroborates Amos &:9, whereGod S3ys, "I will c:t.use the sun to godown at noon:' Noonlide in Palestineis midnight in Californi3.

THE PLUMMET IN THE HAND OFZERUBBABEL

Elder G.B. Starr testified (by oralcommuoic:uion) that Ellen White onceS3W an angel poinl 10 Zechariah 4:9,la, and tell her that it applied to herwork:"The hands of Zerubbabel have

laid the foundations of this house; hishllnds Sh311 also finish it; and thouSh31t know that the Lord of hostshuh sent me unlO you. For who h3thdespised the day of small things'? forthey shall rejoice and shall see theplummet in Ihe hand of Zerubb3bel."

We invite all critics of Ellen Whiteto eX3mine Ihe work of this inspiredarchitect of God's house. The angeltclls us rhat the foundation of ourmodern "templc" was laid by herhands. Would you believe it? It is :1historical fact. If it were nOt for herinspired -counsels on medic31evangelism, we wouldn'l h:lve one-tenth of the medical inSlitutions weoper3te tOd3y. The S3me applies toour schools and missionary esub-lishmenlS in 189 countries. No honeststudent of the history of our churchC3n deny Ihe truth of this st3lement:"The haods of Zerubbabel hllve 13idIhe found:ttions of this house."Then there are the more valuable,

though less tangible, results of herwork-·lhat of building ChriHi3nchuacter. He "which se3tcheth thereins and hearts" places Iln infinitelyhigher estimate on mor:ll be3uty rhanon ourward altraction, Ilnd values ourwork not in terms of Hatistic31figures, but of spiritu31 all:linment.Here the gift of prophecy has beenquietly 3ccomplishing solid 3nd en-during good in the hearts of men andwomen n hewing, f3Shioning andpOlishing them 3fter the similitude of3 palace.The Spirit of Prophecy h:1s been :1

plummet to keep our thinkingHuight ever since the Bible con-fcrences of the first gener:l.lion ofAdventists. Poinl by poinl, Ihe impor-tanl truths which form the found:l-tion of our faith were confirmed byIhe Holy Spirit through Ihe visionsgiven to Ellen White. Today, whcnmen are trying to topple the edificeof truth, we slill need Ihal plummet."All who believe Ihat the Lord hasspoken through Sisrer White and hasliven her a message, will be nfefrom Ihe many delusions that willcome in these lasr d3yS." Letter SO,1906Ellen While W:lS laid to rest in

191', but her writings have contiouedthe work of building God's house,30d "Sh311 also finish it." If our lives3re spared, we shall witness the fin3]fulfillment of these words. By thaIlime, the mcn who h3ve spent somuch time, money and energy g3lher-iog mueri31 to prove that Ellen WhiteW3S a plaaiarist and deceiver, willone day stand dumbfounded beforethe gorgeous edifice of "this house"glistening in Ihe beauty of holiness,and rhe angels of God rejoicing 10 seethe plummet in the hand ofZerubb:lbel.The d:ly of final reckoning will

render the verdict as to who has donethe mosl goOd ..ElIen White or hercritics.

i:nll

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should be carried forward with order,forethought, and eatnest prayer.Faithful standard-bearers for God:lnd His truth are wanted, and manyare ready to respond to lhe call. Asthese see the iniquity and violenceth3t ellist in consequenc: of m:lkingvoid the law of God, they will secgreater reason than ever to reverencethat law, and will greatly prize itsrighteous, restraining influences.Contempt and reviling increase theirlove for the precepts of Jehovah. WithDavid they will say, "11 is time forthee, Lord, to work: for they havemade void thy law. Therefore I lovethy commandments above gold; yea,above fine gold." [Psalm 119:126, 127]

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zeal th:ll char3cterized Nehemiah. Ifministers are inactive and irresolute,destitute of godly zcal, what can bec:-::pected of those 10 whom theyminister? In some instances they mayrise above the moral level of theirtcachers, but not often. But whenministers broaden their plans, andshow th:lt they are in earnest, thepeople will respond to their efforls;and disunited, dispirited workers willbecome united, Strong, hopeful, andeager.It is a sin to be heedless,

purposeless, and indifferent in anywork in which we may engage, butespeci:llly in the work of God. Everycnterprise connected with His cause

For he received from God the Fatherhonour and glory, when there camesuch a voice to him from the excel·lent glory, This my beloved Son, inwhom I 3m well pleased. And Ihisvoice which came from heaven weheard, when we were with him in theholy mount. We have also a more 5ureword of prophecy; whereunto ye dowell that ye take heed, 3S unto a lightIhat shineth in a dark place, until theday dawn, and the daystar arise inyour hearu: knowing this fint, thatno prophecy of the Scripture is ofany private interpretation. For theprop"hecy came not in old time by thewill of man; but holy men of Godspake as they were moved by theHoly Ghost." [2 Pcter 1:16-21]Let the mind be educ:lted to look

to Jesus. Let an effort be made to be-come doers of His word. The curse ofGod is upon Jerusalem and iu sur-roundings, and the land is defiledunder the inhabitants thereof. Thereis no real foundation for feelings ofawe in looking upon the land of Pale-stine. In revering these earthly things,men clothe them with a false glory.He who came to save the world couldnot be endured by those He came torescue, 3nd they killed the Lord oflife and glory, thinking to extinguishHis divine light from the world.But it was impossible for the grave

to hold Him. He burst the feuers ofthe tomb, :lnd proclaimed in triumphover the rent sepulcher, "I am theresurrection and the life." [John11:251 Thus Christ became a presen\Saviour, a divine presence, in everyplace. All who believe m:\y obtainclear views of Christ's true glory.When they behold Him, 311 theseminor things sink into insignificance,just as the lesser lights vanish whellthe sun appears.He who catches a glimpse of the

matchless love of Christ, counts allother things as loss, and looks uponHim as the chiefest among ten thou-sand, and as the One altogetherlovely. As seraphim and cherubimlook upon Christ, they cover theirfaces with their wings. Their ownperfection and beauty are not dis-played in the presence and glory oftheir Lord. Then how improper it isfor men to cult themselves! Let themrather be clothed with humility, cease31l strife for supremacy, and learnwhat it means to be meek and lowlyof heart. He who contemplates God'sglory and infinite love, will h:lvehumble views of himself; but by be-holding the character of God, he willbc ch3ngcd into His divine image. i:nll

Firm lJ

FootstepsIn

The Rain

Grrles LawsonJoanne brushed the crumbs off the

counter and paused for a moment,Wlllchillg her children pl:l.ying on thelawn. Thinking about how happy shew:1S since she accc:pted Christ in herlife, she mechanically sturred thepl:utic bags with the fresh·bakedbrc:l.d. The chimes of the living roomclock tugged her thoughts b:lck 10(c:llily. h's five o'clock. she thoualit;time to get supper on the table.Two weeks before. the Scvellth.-day

Adventist evangelist Don Richardsh:l;d:l follow-up visit in her home aDdshe had decided 10 open up her life toJesus. In puying the prayer of accep-t3nce. Paslor Richuds had read John1:12. "As m:lny as received him, tothem I:lYc he power to become thesons of God." From that moment on,and for the nrst time in her life,JO:l.nne felt peace, real peace in herhear!. That empty nagging feeling,which at times overwhelmed her,vanished. The void inside was mys-teriously replaced with a sense ofcontenlment.Her hu.sb:l.nd Stan, however, didn't

share her vibnnt enthu.siasm for"religion." He felt threatened by thisnew inlruder inlo his wife'.s thoughtsand 3ffections.Joanne heard the tires bitina the

ar3vel as thc C:l.r turned into thedriveway. She heard her dauahterssqueal with deliaht :15 they nn to thee:n. They chorused, as they d:l.ncedtugging at his hands, "Daddy's home,Daddy'.s home," The front dooropencd and 311 Ihree appured at thekitchen en!ranee, Sar3 and Colleencradled in their f3ther'.s arms."Wh:u's for supper?" asked St3n with:t tnce of we3rineu in his voice,"Cheer up, your h.votite dish is3bout to gnce the t3ble n la.sagna,"replied J03nne.

With supper over, the dishe.sw3shed, and the girls tucked in bed,J03nne picked up her mo.$( recenttre3SUre receivcd from PastorRich3rd.s, Thr Desirr 0/ Agts. Turningon the l:tmp to read, she slipped offher shoes :and curled up on the couch,Moments I:l.ler St3n came in from thea3r3ge. As he entered the room 3nds:aw her reading "that" book alain, :I.sh:l.dow crossed his f:ace and washed:away his W3rm expression. He S3idnothing, turned 3bruptly and Wentb3Ck out to work on the C3r. Thegar3ge door slammed shut louder th3nusual.J02.nne fought the rejection she

felt inside as she tried to concentr2.leon her new eh3pter "Gethsemane:'Soon the scene of Christ's agony over'shadowed her depression. She couldalmost feel the cool weI mist of thenight, 3nd envisioned herself observ.ing th,; anguish Jesus fell as He criedout, "F2.lher, if it be possible, let thiscup pass from me: nevertheless 001my will but thine be done:' Sensingsomeonc's presence, she glanced upfrom her book to sec SIan loomiogover her. "Lislell, Joanne, there is 00room in this house for the two of us.Either Jesus IOCS or t go." Their eyesrive led in a p3inful slare. She !ried tospeak. but no words came.Fin311y Sun broke the silence.

"Ne;!:t Friday I am going to 3sk youthe same question and I want your:tnswer. Will it be me or Him?"Joanne quickly defended herself,"Don't you understand thal withJesus I'll be a better wife and mother?There is room for both you andJesus." Stan abruptly retorted, "Idon't w:ant to hear about it. JUSt tellme next Frid3y what your decisionis." St3n stiffened 3nd w31ked 3nlrilyto the bedroom. "Dear Lord," she

whispered, "what's happening to myhome? St:tn 3nd I h3ve r3rely hadanything come between us," J03nneslipped to her knecs beside the couchand wept.The silence continued through the

week, punclU:tlcd by sm31l t:l.lk. Ontwo occasions she tried to re:l.Son withSl3n, thaI things would be better withChrist; hc only bristled, s3ying "All Iw3nt is your 3nswer this Frid3Y,"Frid3Y C3me 311 too soon, J03nne

fixed 5t3n one of his f3vorite meals,and she c:arefully set the table withthe bell dishes. The me31 w:as eaten insilence. The girls were dismissedwhen they finished and toid to goplay in their rooms. Fixing his eyeson his wife, 5t3n asked, "Well, wh3t'syour decision; will it be me or Him?"Sh'e had prayerfully prepared heranswer and began to expl3in once3gain that she would be a more lovingwife, "You did not 3nSWer myquestion," he snapped. Her eyes filledwith tears, she fought back the emo.lions swelling inside. She hadn'tthought it would come to this. Shecouldn't turn away from Jesus whofilled her with so much pe3ce andhappiness. "Stan...." she beg30 tospeak but faltered. Wiping the tearswith the back of her hand shc pled,"Since I have come to know Jesus, Ih3ve been the happiest I have everbeen in my life. I c:an't turn awayfrom Jesus now," "Fine then. I wantyou to le:ave this house right now."She couldn't believe her cars. She

st:arled to spuk but W3S cut off bythe cold words, "Get out of myhouse,"Joanne rose slowly from the table

and w:alked into the bedroom to packher things. 5t:an was soon at her side."I don't think you understand," heslaid; "you aren't t3kiOI anything

on 21.......

Out of the Cities

There is an ongoing discussion among concern-illg the question of city lije alld ministry, Are we to leave lhecities? How will we know i/ and when 10 go! Would a migro-tia" oj God's people from the de'w:!y populated suburbs /0sparsely poprtlmed rural Ofeas hinder the work 0/ spreadingthe gospel 10 {he Call a good Chris/ian withstand theinlillences o{ city lile!

In tire QlIempl 10 answer these alld ill/lilY other penintntquestions concerning the Christien home and willltss. we havesought divinely inspired coruiSe! from £fle" G. While. owhor 0/numerous books and artides dealing with the Christian home.

Q·t Sister While, Ihere are a multitude or problems heiDi:the Seventh.day Advenlist family lada)'; entertainment,dress, die I,· theolOI:Y, discipline, where to live, 10 name afew. What do you see as Ihe solution for our complexch::.llenl:u?

A.I The gospel is ::. WOnderfUl simplifier of life's problems.lIS instruction, heeded. would make pl::.in m::.oy aperplexity and S:l.Ve us from m:l.ny an errOr. II te:l.ehes us toestim:l.le things at their true value and to give the most ef-far! to the things of greateSt worth--the things that willendure. This lesson is needed by those upon whom rests theresponsibility of selecting a home. They should not allowthemselves to be diverted from the highest aim. Let themremember th:l.t the home on earth is to be 3. symbol of anda preparation fOr the home in heaven. Life is a trainingschool, from which parents and childrcn 3re to begr3duated 10 the higher school in the mansions of God. Asthe location for a home is sought, let this purpose directthe choice. Be not controlled by the desire for wealth, the.dictates of fashion, or the customs of society. Considerwhat will tend most to simplicity, purity, he:llth. ::Ind realworlh. MitriSlry oj Healing. 363

Vince Christensen

Q.I It Jounds al If you are advQcatlnc a lIIul or countrybome n (be Idul ror tbe ramlly, Would you pluse e:cpandOil thll?

A.I Life in the cIties is false and artificial. The intensep::lssion for money getting, the whirl of e:teltement andple::lsure seeking. the thirst for display, the lu:tury ande:ltr::lvagance, all arc forces th:1I, wilh the great masses ofm3nkind, are turning the mind from life's true purpose.They are opening the door to ::I Ihousand evils. Upon theyouth they h3ve almost irresistible power. ibid.. 364Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be

·seen, where the sights and sounds frequently suggestthoughts of evil, where turmoil and confusion bringweariness and disquietude, go where you can look upon theworks of God. Find rest oC spirit in the be:luty andQuietude and peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the greenCields, the groves, and [he hills. Look up to the blue sky,unobscured by the eity's dust 3nd smoke, 3nd breathe theinvigorating air of he3.ven. Go where. apart Cram the dis-tractions and dissip:ltions of city life, you can give yourchildren your eomp3nioDship. where you C:ln te:lch them tole3rD of God through His works, and tr:lin them for livesof integrity 3Dd usefuln,ess. ibid" 367

Q.I What are the evils that YOIl see as sufficient cause forSeventb.day Adventists to consider a move out of thecities'!

A.I One of the most subtle and d:lngerous temptations th3tassail thc children :lnd youth in the cities is the love ofpleasure. Holid3YS are numerous; g3mes and horse racingdraw thouS3nds, and the whirl of excitement 3.nd ple3Sureattr3Cts them away from the sober duties of life. Moneyth3t should have been saved for better uses is frittered3way for 3musements.Through the working of trusts, and the reSUllS of !:lbor

unions and strikes, the conditions of life in the city 3reeonst::lntly becoming more and more diffiCUlt. Serioustroubles 3re before us; and for m3ny families removalfrom the cities will become a necessity. 364

Q.I Are there olher daoiers tbat you see besides the moralconupllon alld temptatlOIl$'!I, A.I The physical surroundings in the cities are often 3 periLI to health. The coost3nt liability to contact with dise:lse,the prevalence of foul air, impure water, impure food, thecrowded. dark, unhealthful dwellings, are some of them3ny evils to be met. ,It W:lS oat God's purpose that people should be crowded

into cities, bundled together in terraces and tenements. Inthe beginniog He placed our first parents amidst thebeautiful sights and SOunds He desires us to rejoice into.b)'. The more nearly .....e come into h:irmon)' with God'soriginal plan, the more f3vorable will IX our position tosecure health of body, and mind, 3nd sou'!. ibid.. 365

Q.I Are there some Biblical examples or tbe bellef!ts ofcoulltry 11...11" thai could be a help to us?

A.I Re:id the histor)' of Abrah3m, Jacob. 3nd Joseph, ofMoses, D3vid, and Elish3.. Study the lives of men of btertimes who h3ve most worthily filled positions of trust and.responsibility, the men whose inrJuence has been most ef-fective for the world's uplifting.

How maoy of these were reared in country homes? Theyknew lillIe of luxury. They did not spend their youth inamusement. Many were forced to strUlgle with poverty andh:ardship. Thcy urly learned to work, and their active lifeio the open air lave vigor and el:uticity to all theirfaculties. Forced to depend upon their own resources, theyInroed to comb:u difficulties ilnd to surmount obstacles,and they gained coutage and perseven.nce. They learnedthe lessons of self-reliance and self-contra!. Sheltered in agreat degree from evil associations, they were satisfiedwith natural pleasures and wholesome companionships.ibid .. 366

Q.] You have liven quia a Dumber of warninas abOlltdwellilli In the cltin. Other than the story of thenotorious dwellers 10 Sodom aDd Gomorrah, what Biblicslbasis do you have for sllch counsel:>

A.I When the children of IsrJ.el were 1:l.thered alit fromamong the EIYPtians, the Lord said: "For I will passthroulh the land of Elypt this night, and will smite all thefirst-born in the land of Egypt, both man aod beast; andagainst all the lods of Elypt I will execute judgment: I amLord...." Anyone of the childrcn of Ihe Hebrews whowas found in an Egyptian habitation was deSlroyed.This experience of Ihe Israelites WllS written for the in-

struction of those who should live in the last days. Beforethe overflowing scourge shall come upon the dwellers ofthe earth, the Lord calls upon 311 who are Israelitcs indeedto prepare for that event. To p3tents He sends the w:l.tningcry: Gather your children into your own houses; gatherthem away from those who are disregarding the com-mandments of God, who are te3ching and practicing evil.Get OUI of the large cities as fast as possible.vol. 6, 194, 195

Q.I Your SI.1.temelllS rhll with a nose of IIraency_ Is thereimmillul physical daoler for those Ihiol In or nur thecltln?

A·I "Out of the cities, out of the cities!" This is the mes-sage the Lord has been living me. The e:uthquakes willcome; the floods will come, and we are not to establishourselves in the wicked cities, the enemy is servedin every way, and where God is so often forgotten. TheLord desires that we shall "."ve clear spiritual eyesight. Wemust be Quick to discero the peril that would attend the es-tablishment of instit'Jtions io these wicked cities. We mustm:!ke wise plans to warn Ihe cities, and at the same timelive where we can shield our cbildren and ourselves fromthe eontaminuing and demoralizing influences soprevalent in these places." SkeuJ:es. 409, 410

Q.J It Is said Ih.t you were sho ..... n specific dlsutefJ thaiwould come UpOIl some of our citits. Could you pluse sharewhat you saw?

A.I While It Lorna Lind:!, California, April 16, 1906, therepassed before me a most wonderful representation. Duringa vision of Ihe night, I stood 00 an eminence, from which Icould see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings,gre:!t and sm:!ll, were falling to the ground. Pleasureresoru, the:!ters, hoteh. and the homes of the we:!lthy weresh:!ken and shattered. M:!ny lives were blotted out ofexistence, and the air was filled ..... ith the shrieks of the in-jured and the terrified.The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch.

nd buildings so thoroughly constructed that men reg:ltdedthem as secllre against every danger, quickly bec3me he3psof rubbish. There wu DO assuranee of safety in any place.I did 001 feel in any special peril. but the awfulness of the

scenes th:!t pused before me I cannot find words todescribe. It seemed that the forbe:ltance of God wasexhausted, and Ihat the judgment day had come.The angel th3t stood by my side Ihen instructed me th3t

but few have any conc:ption of the wickedness existing inour world to-day, and especially the wickedness in thelarge cilies. He declared that the Lord has appointed alime when He will visit transgressors in wr3th for persist-ent disregard of His law....Throughout the following day I pondered the scenes

that had passed before me, and the instruction that hadbeen given....On April 18, two days after the scene of falling build-

ings had passed before me, I went to fill an appointmenl inthe Carr Street Church, Los Angeles. As we ne:lted thechurch, we heard the newsboys crying. "San Franciscodestroyed by an earthquake!" With a heavy heart I read thefirst bastily printed news of Ihe terrible disaster. ibid_ 407-'09

Q_I Are there any othn scene! Ibat were or parlicularImportallce?

A.I Not long ago a very impressive scene passed before me.I saw an immense ball of fire falling among some buuti-ful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heardsomeone say, "We knew that the judgments of God werecoming IIpon the earth. but we did not know that theywould come so soon." Others said, "You knew? Why thendid you not teU us? We did not know:' On every side Iheard such words spoken....

I seemed to awake from sleep but was not in my home.From Ihe windows I could behold a terrible conflagration.Great balls of fire were falling upon houses, and fromIhese balls fiery arrows were flying ill every direction. Itwas impossible to cheek Ihe fires th3t were kindled, andmany places were being destroyed. The terror of the peopleW3S indescribable. Marana/ha 2:5

Q·I Wbu was the malllitude of the destruction? Was It asu:teoshe as Ihe devutaliOll of Sodom and Gomornh:>

A.I Strictly will the cities of the nations be dealt ":ilh, andyet they will not be visited in the extreme of God'sindignation, because some souls will yet break aW3Y fronlthe delusions of the enemy, and will repent and beconverted, while the m3SS will be Ireasering up wrathagainst the day of wrath. ibid .. 2:5

Q.I On the subject of Imminent destruct 100 peopleCrequeotly dwell 00 the stDsaliooal alld lellerate rumors. Ithas been circulated tbat you at one time wert prtdlcliogthe dutruclloD of New York Clly by a lidlll wau; doestbis bave any basis in fact?

A.I Since Ihe San Francisco earthquake. many rumors havebeen current regarding statements I have made. Some havereported that while in Los Angeles, I claimed that I hadpredicted the San Francisco e:lrthQuake and fire, and th31Los Angeles would be the ne:u city to suffer. This is nottrue. Tl';e morning after the e:lrthQuake, I said no morethan that "the earthquakes will come; the floods willcome;" and that the Lord's message to us is that we sh31l"nol establish ourselves in the wicked cities:'Not many ye3rs ago, a brother laboring in New York

City published some very startling notices regarding thedestruction of Iha! city. I Wrote immediately to the ones incharge of the work there, saying that it was not wise topublish such notices; that thus an excitement might bearoused which would result io a fanatical movement, hurt-ing the c:!use of God. It is enough to present the truth of

the Word of God to the people. Sartling notices ;Iredetrimental to the progress of the work.Under date of August 9, 1903, I further wrote regarding

this sens:uional report:"How comes the word that I have declared that New

York is to be swept away by a tidal wave? This I havenever said. I have said. as I looked at the great buildingsgoing up there, story after Slory, 'What terrible scenes willtake place when the Lord shall arise 10 shake terribly theearth! Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 will befulfilled.'"The whole of the eishteenth chapter of Revelation is a

warnina of what is coming on the e3tth. But I have noliaht in patlicular in regard to what is coming on NewYork, only th:n I know th3t one day the gre:n buildingsthere will be thrown down by the turning and overturningof God's power. From the Iiaht given me, I know thatdeslruclion is in the world. One word from the Lord. onetouch of His mighty power, and these massive StruCtureswill fall. Scenes will take place the fcarfulness of which...Ie C3n not im3gine."But I h3ve sent cautions to the brethren workinS in

Ncw York, sayina that these fJ:l.ming, terrifying noticesshould not be published. When my brethren go to extremes,it reacts on me, and I h3ve to bear the reproach of beingc311ed 3 f31se prophet...."The destroying anaels arc lo·day cxecuting thcir

commission. Death will comc in all places. This is why l::tmso anxious for our cities to be w:trned." endJuly 5, 1906

Q.] Do we have any hope that conditions will uer u3bilil.eor Impro1'e (or city dwellers?

A.] Light hu been given me that thc cities will be filledwith confusion, violence, and crimc, :tnd th::n thcse thingswill incre::tsc till the end of this e::tnh's history.vol. 7, M

Q.J It sounds liS thouih you are SUllutlnl that every lod-furin& Suenlh-day Adventlu Is to make plans to leavethe chles. Practically speaklnl, how can our people knowwhell and how to le:ne, and .... hat can they do In the mean-time?

© Berea

A.I More and more, u time advances, our people will haveto leave the cities. For ye::trs we have been instructcd Ihatour brcthren and sislers, and especi:llly f3milies wilhchildrcn, should plan to leave the cities ::ts the w::ty opcnsup bcforc them 10 do so. M3ny will have to labor earnculy10 help Open the way. BUI until it is possible for them tole3ve, so long 3S they remain, they should be most active indoina missionary work, however limited their sphere of in-fluence may be. As they yield their t::tlents and their all toGod to be used as He may direct; as Ihey live out theirconsecration by engaging in praclic31 missionary work.....herever opportunity affords, God will bless them withwisdom and discretion, and in His own way :lnd time Hewill m3ke it possible for them to pl:lce themselves wherethey will not be surrounded const3nlly ..... ith the con-t3min:uing influenccs of modern cily life. Rr-,irw andHera/d. September 27, 1906

Q.11f \1'e leue the cities, \1'oo.'t they be lert in a ¥aeullm ofdarkness, laraely IInworked 2nd

A.I The cities are to be .....orked from outposts. Said themessenger of God, ·'Shall nOI the cities be warned? Yes;not by God's people livin! in them. bUI by their visilingIhem, to warn them of what is coming upon the earth.'·Manuscripl Re/rasrs, vol. 1,253

Q.lln summary, Sister White, what do )011 feel Is at thehearl or God's messalle to liS in rellard to ollr need 10 letalit or Ihe cities?

A.I Who will be warned? We say again. Out of the Cilles.Do not consider it a great deprivation, that you must goinlo the hills and mountains. but seek for Ihat retirementwhere you can be alone with God, 10 learn His will andW3Y··· .

I urge our people 10 make it Iheir lifework to seek forspirituality. Chrisl is at Ihe door. This is why I say to ourpeople. Do nOt considcr it a privation when you 3re c311edto leave Ihe cilies and move out into the counlry places.Here Ihere aW3il rich blessings for those who will graspIhem. By beholding the scenes of nalure. Ihc works of theCre:l.tOr, by Studying God's handiwork imperceptibly youwill be changed inlo the same image. MS. gS, 1909

Judging from the conlents ofVolume One, I believe that evcryscrious student of Ihe Spirit ofProphecy will do well to oblain thesebooks. Selections from Volumc One:tre siven below.

Now my sisler, if il were not pos-sible for human bcinas under theAbr3hamic covenant to keep Ihe com·m:l.ndments of God, every soul of usis losc. The Abrahamic covenant isthe coven:l.nt of grace.... 'As many3S rcceived Him, to Ihem aave Hepower to become the sons of God... .'[John 1:12] Disobedient children? No,obedient to :111 His comm3ndments. Ifit were nOI possible for us 10 be com-mandment keepers, then why does Hemake obediencc to His comm:tnd-ments thc proof th:u we love Him? 110

Those who keep God's command-ments. those who live not by breadalone, but by every word thaI pro-ceedelh out of the mouth of God.compose the church of the livina God.29'There is in some of the members of

the church, pride, self-sufficiency,stubborn unbelief, and a refusing toyield their ideas, althouah evidencem3Y be piled upon evidence whichm3kes the message to the Laodice3nchurch 3pplic3ble. Bu. Ih3t will notbiOI out Ihe church th:lI it will notexist. Let both tares and wheat arowtogether until the harvest. Then it isthe angels that do the work ofsepar:lIion. 362, 363Men who arc controlled by selfish

desires should nat rem':lin connecledwith our inslitutions, and Iheir course

of action had better be exposed, thatevery church of Seventh-day Advent·ists may know what principles sovcrnthese men. 197

The terrible disasters that arebefalling great cities ought to arouseus to inlense activity in giving thewarning message 10 Ihe people inthese congested centers of population,while we still h:lve an opportunilY.Thc lOon favorablc time for thepresentation of our message in thecities, has passed by. Sin and wicked-ness 3.te rapidly increasing; and nowwe shall have to redeem the time by13boring all the more e::trnestly. 136

R«ornm."datiocu !o. lloa f.al,," .....,. too "'b-..... lh• ....ww••. Pi..... dJ.ro<.t all co...._-d...... CotK....u,J Ulit col""'" uee...... c/o U>oocLtonal c>IIic..

o.u Fu", F-..J"" ... 11

certain amounl of lime?Thal is an appuling ide3. bUI il

quickly encounters problems of bOlhdiserimin3tion and motiv:uion_ SomeC3nOOl work. and some must work lessIhan olhers for fe3sons beyond thcircontrol. And reg3rding motivation.we observe Ih:ll people work forreuons that have nOlhing to do wilhreligion or loyally to Christ, becausethere arc benefits from work that arenot religious in nature, such as Ihebenefit of financial gain, the benefitof exercise, and the benefit of some-fhing accomplished or produced, Somotivlllion in a time-work test wouldbe uoclur. makiol the results of sucha test doubtful aod makinl it dif·ficult 10 llYoid discrimination.Whal about recreuional use of

lime? Ag2io, some people arc nOI 2ble10 englle in recreation and some en-joy reerulion for reasons thal havenothing to do with rei ilion. If wethink of requiring a cerlain timc forstudy, or medit2lion, or self-improvemcnt, the same problemswould be present, to some degree. In atest involving the use of time for anyof these reasons, discriminationwould be difricult to avoid, andmotivation wnuld be unclear. So whatdo we have lefl?What about rest? Not everyone can

work. but everyone can rest. Al-though it milht appear that motiv:t-lion still would be unclear, sinceIhere are non-religious benefits fromrest, Ihere is a way to deal with Ih:atproblem and make lime spent in restan adequate test. If it simply wererequired that a porlion of time beused (Of fest, there would be benefits(rom resting that would not bereligious in nature, and resting couldbe nccomplished in a variety of waysto gain those benefits. People couldwork half a day and rest half a day.or work one d3y nnd ren one day, orrest one day of each five or one dayof ea.ch six, or even seven, and gainthe benefits of resting. eyeD thoughIhey h:td nOlhing reliaious in mind atall.But Ihere is somethinl that· could

make restina a valid test. If arequirement should be made thathuman beinis rest on a specific timeperiod that the Lord chooses, it wouldbe a most adequate test because itwould be arbitrary. It would not be

Ii;Christ were to single out one specific24·hour period of the 16g hours thatm:l.k:e a week, and require that the en·tire human family use this time, alldlhiJ ollly. for rest, some riskswould be involved.WhJt about the time when a crop is

rudy 10 be harvested, or seed is

ready for planting 2nd the clim:lticconditions are: right and might neverbe so Igain? Whal about worksituations? What :tbout the run of fishth:tl occurs only on certain days? Orirrigation W:tter for the farm thatcomes only on cert3in d3.ys? Manysituations would ent:til risks for theman or woman who would berequired to use that time, and noother time, for rest.And observe that this requirement

m3.kes no appul to reason. Rest ap-pe3.1s to reason, but a pareicular day ofrut dfHJ nOt, Thai is exactly wh3.t isneeded, because the Ireatest test th3.tthe human beina faces in rel3.tionshipto God is Ihis: Wh:u do we do whenGod makes a requirement th:ll we donOI undersland? ThJI is the gre3testof all tests. This seems to me 10 be thequestion that Ihe inhabitants of otherworlds are most concerned 3.bout_Try to visualize yourself as an in·

habit3.nt of a worid where Iherenever h:lS been sin. You learn thatJesus is pl3.nning to release somerehabilitated crimin3.ls on yourplanet. You would have 3. righl tofeel some concern. You would be jus·tified in asking some questions."Lord, do You think it'S really nfe todo this?" And the Lord can say. "Ibelieve it is. BUI judge for yourself.Lei Me ask this c:tndidate (or univer·sal life some Questions and see whatyou think:'So the Lord ask.s the earthling

some Questions. "We have a require-ment that no one shall kill anyoneelse. Are you willing 10 obey th:urequirement?"The earthling replies, "Why, yes,

that makes sense. That's reasonable.I'll go along with th:ll.""The next requirement is that you

shall not Stu!. What :tbout that?""Surely, that makes sense. I under·

stand that. I'll go :tlong with that,""You shall not bear f:tlse witness,"

Jesus says.The same answer is given. "Of

course, th:tt makes sense, thai'Sre3.sonable. 1"11 co·operate:·And so on Ihrouah the e:omm3nd·

ments, excepl the fOurth. Ihe Sabbath.You reply, "No. Lord. He is not

obeying You; he is agreeing with You.In every case he'll do Your will be-cause it appears to him 10 bereasonable, But, give:n his limitedknowledge llnd his limitedexperience, il is entirely possible thatthere m3.Y sometime be a requirementof the aovernment of Ihe universethai does not make sense to him. Whatwill he do then? That's wh3.t I wlntto know."The Lord is able to answer, "I an-

tie:ipated that problem and built intothe Ten Commaodmeots a question to

cover it." Pointing to the fourthcommandment, He asks the e:trthliog,"We have :I requirement Ihat theseventh day of Ihe week be: devotedto rest and to worship rather than toyour own inclinations and pursuits.Whal do you say about Ih:tt?"The euthling may reply, "Lord, I

clearly see the value of resting. YouC3.n depend on me to rest. I'll go alongwith that, But as f3.r as resting on 3.particular day is concerned, I don'tsee any reason why I should rest one:day when another d:ty might be moreeonvenient for me:'

I can hur you saying, "No, Lord!We don't want him here! He: is exalt-ing his human reason above Yourrequirement."If, on the other hand, the e3rthling

says in response to Ihe Sabbathquestion, "I believe in restinl. Youcan count on me to rest_ As f:tr as the

What do we dowhen God makesa requirementthat we do notunderstand?

day of rest is concerned, it's DOt :It allclear to me why one day needs 10 bethe particul:tr day of rest, bUI itdoesn't need to be clear 10 me, Lord;if that is what You want, that selliesit for me:'Then the Lord turns to you and

asks, "What do you think?"I believe you would say, "I think

he's all right. let him come,"The supreme test of a· person's

relationship to God is, what does thatperson do when the reuon for one ofGod's requirements is not cle3f to him?The: terrible problem of sin began

when Eve \\'as faced in the Garden ofEden with a requiremenl that did notm:tke sense to her. The cree that wasforbidden looked much like the otherIrees. The fruil was comparable toolher fruit, and the serpenl waseatinl of it without apparenl harm_Yet God had said nOI to e:tt th3t fruit.It doesn'l make sense, she thought; itjust doesn't make sense.Eve was heed wilh the decision,

what do I do when the requirement ofGod does not appear to me 10 bereasonable? And whal Eve decided inessence W:tS, I will obey God whenHis requirements seem reasonable tome, but when they do not seemreasonable, I will not obey the:m.This attitude--l will obey God

ATnl and A Sian, coni.

when I undersl:lnd His requirements,:lnd I will disobey Him when I do 1101underSiand His reQuirements--refleculhe thinking of millions of people100;1)' who call themselves Christians.II docs nol indicate a proper relalion-ship with God.Abnham hced the same test when

the voice of the Lord. which he knewso well he could not mistJke it, said10 him, "Take now thy son, thine onlyson, Isaac, whom thou lovest. and of-fer him on Mount Moriah for aS3crifice."To say thJ.t il did not mJ.ke sense

would be a massive undenlJ.tement. Itseemed 10 Abraham a eataelysmiecomm;lnd. Not only did it .aot appe:ll10 his reason but il also devlSlJ.ted allhis hOpes and dre:lms. ConsequentlyAbnham. as did Eve. faced the criti-cal lest: What do I do when thereQuiremenl of God docs not appe3.r10 me to be reasonable? Whal do I dowhen God gives a requirement that {do not understand?Abr:lh:lm did nOI make the S:lme

decision Eve m:lde. Abrah:lm did notsay, "I will obey God when IunderStand. and I will nOI obey whenI do not understand." Abrah:lm s:lid.'" will obey whether I understand ornot:' As a result, he became known asthe father of Ihe faithful. Ihe rolemodel for those who want to have aproper relationship with the LordJesus Christ; a model of lrust. hith,love, and SUbmission.Jesus faced this same lest in

Gethsem:lne. He weOI into the gardentroubled in he:lrt because He knewthe end was ncar. There il bec:lmecle:lr to Him that something uo-believ:lbly dreadful wu to be part ofHis leSl--sepaution from God."Then saith he unto them, My soul

is exceeding sorrowful, even unlOde1lh; tarry ye here, and watch willi.me. And he went a Iinle futher, andfell on his face, and prayed, saying, 0my FUher, if il be possible, lei lhiscup pass from me:' (Manhew 26:38,39) Three limes He prayed thatprayer. Whal docs that prayer mean?It me:lns. "Father, t don't undersland.F:uher, is it necessary for You 10withdraw Yourself from Me?"Sometimes we say alibly, "He bore

the weight of all our sins." Have youever internali:ted wh1t that means? Itmeans rejection! You know how pain-ful rejection is from anyone. Rejec·lion by the Almighly brings the ul-timate anguish 10 a soul. In lhe Gar-den of Gethsemane it became clear toJesus that He must be rejected byGod in order to !xu the punishmentof sinners. As He felt His unity withlhe Fuher being broken He trembledand cried out in anguish. "Why?Father, isn't there any other W:llv" ,

don'l understand,"The fate of Ihe entire universe

hung in Ihe bal3nce while Hegupplcd with that problem. And lheuniverse won its reprieve when Hemade the decision, "I will obey, evenlhough I do nOI undersn.nd. 'Not mywill, but thine, be done.' " He hadp:lssed the greatest of all tests.The grealest lest any hum:ln faces

is nOl m3.rtyrdom. It is compJ.ralivelye3Sy to surrender your life for thatwhich you underst3.nd fully. But tosurrender your will when you do notunderstand is a gre:lter lest. a testlhat muS[ be met by everyone whow3nts to live in the universe at large.The provision for a Sabbath rest is

found in the he3rt of the TenCommandments. II provides :l lest oftrust. a test of love, a test ofsubmission. Resting is re3sonable, butresling on a particul3r day has nob3Sis in reason. And the Sabbath lestprovides a means by which everyonem3.Y know himself and by whichevery other being in lhe universe mayknow: Wh3.t docs a person do when hedocs nOI undersland? Will he obey:lnyway? Or will he put his re3soningpowers above lhe commJ.nd of God:lnd disobey?For this reason I am astounded at

those Iheologi3ns who S3Y thaI theyrecognize some moral value in theprinciple of resting in the fourtheomm:lndment but see nothina ofmoral value in the specification of atime for reSl. To me, time specifica-lion is lhe only monl value there.Rest, of iuelf, is 3 principle ofhealth, nOI morality. The only moralvalue incorpor3ced in the fourthcomm3ndment is in the seventh-d3.y-ness of that commandment.In ReYelation 12 3nd 13, we arc

given a picture of II. fin31 confronl3-lion between the world and lhechurch. The fin31 confrontation willbe over Ihis lest. The whole worldwill be called to make its decision: doI obey when I underSI3.nd, and alsowhen 1 do not underSl3nd? Thesevenlh-day-ness of Ihe Sabbath willbe the issue. In Revel3lion 1 we readIhal there will be 3 se:lling of lhosewho have passed the test. a certifica-tion thac these people arc safe torele3se anywhere in the universe.There will be no repetition of theircrimes. They have p3ssed the test, andtheir future behavior is predictable."Hallow my sabbalhs; and they

shall be a sign between me and you,that ye m3y know thaI I am the Lordyour God." E:tekiel 20:20

fOOlSleps in the R.iD, eont.

willi. you," Stunned, she walkedIhrough lhe living room and alanceddown at her favorile book Iyin, facedO"'n on the end table. Fearing 3 fur-ther confrontalion she decided not topick il up. Opening the front door shepaused, and searched his face forsome sign of compassion. Seeing none,she turned and walked into the pour-ing r3in.As she walked down lhe street the

wHer ran ilS icy fiDgers down herback and neck. She folded her armslogether and shivered. "Dear Jesus,"she cried, "help me please. 1 don'tknow where I'm going or what l'mgoins to do, but I love You, I can'tsive You up."Just then she heard someone run-

ning behind her. She could hear watersplash as the shoes slapped thepavement. She turned to sec her hus-band reach out and touch her arm."Honey," he panled, 3S the raindripped off the end of his nose.

come b3Ck home. Whoeverthis Jesus is, He must be preltyspecial." A holy joy electrified hersoul as they embr3.ced. Tears andnindrops mingled on her checks asurn :lind arm they w31ked 10wlHd thehouse. Silently she Whispered, "Th3nlr.You, Jesus, Ihank You."It would be fortun:lte if every

Slory such as this would end in theS:lme way, but mOSl freQuenlly thefootsteps of Che 3nt3gonistic husbandor wife arc nOI heard running behind.Jesus lells us in Mallhew 10:34-36"Think nOI that 'I am come to sendpeace on earth: I cJ.me nOl to sendpeace, but a sword. .. A man's foesshall be lhey of his own household.He Ihat loveth father or mother...son or daughler more than me is DOtworlhy of me."This Irue Slory was relued 10 me

by a friend who was in evangelismfor m:lny years. It demonSlrates thedifference between an intelleclualknOWledge and assent 10 one'sreliaious beliefs and an inlimaterelationship willi. Jesus. Could Joannehave made the decision to lea ....eeverything behind if she had hadonly a lheoretical knowledge ofChrist?S3.tan knows th3t in binding our

3ffeetions to one another on earthlike the tendrils of the vine. he willbe able to choke ChriS! out 3nd drawthounnds into his kingdom. LikeAdam, m3ny will choose 10 die withthose Ihey love rather than to obey

continutd on 10

Food For Thought

(Iunslne or the Sanclu:uy, coni.

fectly moldable, perfectly willingto let go of every sinful indulgencethat se:parates us from Hispresence. Then the :ltonement willbe e:omplele: "at one with God."While perfectionism looks al

God. trusting in human effort tomimic the pallern, perfection looksto God, ever receplive of Histransforming strength and grace.We are therefore perfect to thedegree thaI we allow God in ourlives. "To whom God would makeknown what is lhe riches of Iheglory of this mystery among theGentiles: which is Chrisl in youIhe hope of Ilory: Whom wepre:lch, w3.tninl every m:ln in allwisdom; thai we m:ly present everymao perfeci in Christ Jesus."Colossians 1:27, 28

God is waiting for His people 10be willing to be made willing todevelop lhe chancter of Christ sothat our High Priest C3n c1e30seHis s3ncluary.

"When the Ch3.r3cter of Christsh3.11 be perfectly reproduced inHis people, then He will come tocl3.im them as His own." Christ'sObject Lessons. 69

Here is God's st:l.ndard be3uti-fully portrayed. Listen:

"Sc3.rcely can the human mindcomprehend the breadlh 3.nd depthand height of the spirilual aU3in·menu of him who g3.ins thisknowledge. None need f3il of:tttaining, in his sphere, to petfec-tion of Christian character. By thesacrifice of Christ, provision hasbeen made for the believer toreceive all things lhat pertain tolife and godliness. God c:llls uponus to reach lhe st3ndard ofperfeclion, and places before usthe eX3mpie of ChriSl', chu3cter.In His humanity, perfected by 3life of CODst3Qt resistance of e:vil,the: Saviour showed th31 throughCO·operation wilh Divinity, humanbeinls may in this life: attain 10petfection of chuacler. This isGod's assurance to us that we toom3Y obtain complele victOty." Actso/lhe Apostles, 5j I

We mUSI remember that Jesusused only the power of lhe HolySpirit, which is 3.ccessible to everyhuman being,

"As a man He supplicated thethrone of God, till His humanityW3S ch3rged with a hnvenly cur·rcnt th,lI connected humanity wilhdiyinity. Receiving life from God,

He imp3r1ed life to men."Education. 80, 81

We can do as Jesus did, if wesupplicale Ihe throne 3S He did un-til we are ch:trged with the divinecurrent. This is wh3.t the study ofthe s3.nctu3.fY and its c:1eansingwill do for us. This experience Godis waiting to impart loday.

"Now unto him that is able 10keep you from falling, and topresent you f3ultless before Ihepresence of his glory with n:ceed·ing joy." Jude 24

To be saved we must have suf·ficient hilh to believe th:u Godhas enough power 10 enable us toreach this grnl relationship withour Saviour 3nd High Priest. Willwe, individually, reach that S130'd3rd by finding His way in thesanctuary?

"Thy way, 0 God, is in theSanctU3ry: who is so greal a God asour God?" Psalm 77:13 ;;:nb

Thai night I dre3med that I was inB3ule Creek looking 01,11 from Iheside glass 3t the door and 53W a com-pany marching up to the house, IWOand two. They looked stern and deter·mined. I knew Ihem well and turnedto open the parlor door 10 receivethem, but thought I would look al3io.The scene W3S eh:lnged. The comp3nynow presented the appearance of aC31holic procession_ One bore in hishand a cross, another a reed, And asthey appr03ched. Ihe one carryinl areed made a circle around the house,saying three times: "This house isproscribed. The goods must be confis-c3led. They have spoken against ourholy order:' Terror seized me, and tran through the house, 01,11 of thenorth door, and found myself in themidst of a company, some of whom Iknew, but I dued not speak a word tothem for fe3r of being betr3yed. IIried to seck a retired spot where Imight weep and pray without meetinge:1ger. inquisitive eyes wherever Ilurned. I reputed frequently: "If tcould only understand this! If theywill teU me whal I h:lve SJid or wh:ltI ha ve done!"

Foolsleps 10 the RaiD, coot.

Iheir Cre:uor. How is it with youtod3Y'? H3ve you received Jesus intoyour life'? Do you love Him so muchyou are re3dy 10 die for Him, or moreimportanl, 10 live for Him? Now isIhe lime 10 gel ready for Ihe impend·ing conflict when we will have todecide such issues as did Joanne.The d3ily decisions that we 3re

c311ed to make, large or small, are aprep3ration for the troublous timesahead. We C3n't escape them; trialswill come to us whelher we 3re wilhGod or without God·-but it is farmore preferable to be wilh GodIhrough Ihe troubles th31 come, than10 find oneself stallding in Ihe streetin the nin and alone. bll

I wept and prayed much as I sawour goods confiscaled. I tried to readsymp3thy or pily for me in the looksof those around me, and marked thecounten:locu of sever31 whom Ithought would speak 10 me and com-fori me if Ihey did not fear that theywould be observed by olhers. I madeone attempt to escape from the crowd,but seeing Ihat I wu w3tched, I eon·ce:lled my illtentions. I commencedweeping aloud, and saying: "If theywould only tell me whal I have doneor wh:lt 1 have u.id!" My husband,who was sleepiog in a bed in the sameroom, heard me weeping aloud andawoke me. My pillow W3! wet withtears, and a sad depression of spiritswas upon me. Tulimo"iu. vol. I, 573

For more food for thought see fullconlex.t in vol. 1,569-585.Does this have a broader applicalionIh:1n Ellen White's rejection nt BattleCreek? Sec Testimo"iu 10 Ministers,362, 363 30d Sig"s 01 the Febru-3ry 19, 1&94. What might we be led todo should we abandoo our love forthe truth?

Our Readers of Our Firm Founda/ion:

Your respOlue to our introductoryedition has been overwhelming andwe praise God for that. Hundreds Dfleiters. subscriptions and phone callshave poured in. One deu soul wrOtethat her husband and she were in ab:lckslidden condition with maritalproblems, but after ruding Our FirmFou.ndatiOIl from cover to cover, theyrecognized the clarion call of truthand rededicated their lives to Christ.Pnise the Lord!

This paper is dedie3.led to present-ing the truth and the straisht tes-timooy in eleu distinct lioes so thatour members may be warned of thecomios crisis Which will come toleadership. pastors, and laity as anoverwhelmins surprise. SeeTutimorriu. vol. 8. 2&, 37, 315

We have pledged ourselves not todeal with personalities or call allen-rion to specific mistakes of the pastor present. Our purpose is to showwhy we are in this world much longerthan God had planned.

"For forty years did unbelief,murmuring, and rebellion shut outancient huel from the land ofCanaan. The same sins have del:lyedthe entrance of modern Israel into theheavenly Canaan. In neither casewere the promises of God at fault. Itis the unbelief, the worldlineu,unconsecration, and strife among theLord's professed people that havekept us in this world of sin and sor-row so many years. We may have toremain here in this world because ofinsubordination many more yun asdid the children of Israel; but forChrist's sake, His people should nOtadd sin to sin by chargins God withthe consequence of their own wrongcourse of action," E,anltUsm. 696

We must now so back to theblueprint in education, medical work,publishing, evangelism. and healthand medic:t.1 miuion3fY prOirams andcarefully study our prophetically

Editorial

designed orden in these importantare:u.

The straight testimony must nowbe given to our people. What is thestraight testimony'? Listen to theprophet explain it:

"I asked the meaning of the shak-ing I had seen, and was shown that itwould be caused by the straisht tes·timony called fOrth by the counsel ofthe True Witness to the Laodieuns..This will have its eHeet upon theheart of the receiver. and will leadhim to exalt the standard and pOUrforth the straight truth. Some will notbeu tbis straight testimony. Theywill rise up against it. and this willcause a shaking among God's people.

"The testimony of the True Wit-ness has not been half heeded. Thesalerno testimony upon which the des·tiny of the church hangs has beenlighrly esteemed, if not entirelydisregarded. This teSlimollY mustwork deep repentance, and all thattruly receive it will obey it and bepurified," Testimonits, vol. I, Igi

The straight testimony is thestraight truth about everything Godhas commanded the church to do andthat we have not done. When Godagain re-emphasizes these commandsin the last crisis days by His mesosengers speaking the straight truthand exalting the standard, thestraight testimony will be revived, Weare told that many will rise upaiainst these and this willbrins on the final shaking in thechurch, Persecution will quicklyfolloW. (See Early Writings, 270, 2Chronicles, 36:15,16. Isaiah 30:8-10)We are told in Selecled Musagn.Book I, 122, that we have far more tofear from within than from without.The worst enemies of God's faithful,loyal, and obedient people will be ourown Laodicean church members whowould not buy of Iesus the sold ofHis faith and love tried in the fire.(See Great Contro.,.rsy. 608) One ofthe Ireat tragedies that we are now

witnessing is the open sin in theehureh. The uncompromising stand·ards that God placed in His churchby the word of God and the Spirit ofProphecy now lie unheeded in thedusl. (See TeSlimonies, vol. 8, 41)Again from the pen of inspirationthese important words:

"Those who have too littlecourage to reprove wrong, or thrOu8hindulgenc: or lack, of interest makeno e3rneSt effort to purify the familyor the church of God are held ac·countable fOr the evil that may resultfrom their neglect of duty. We areJUSt as responsible as if the acts hadbeen our own:' Patriarchs andProphets. 578 (See Testimonies. vol. 3,265, 269) God speaks again to Hispeople in this final hour.

"The heart of God never yearnedtoward His eanhly children withdeeper love and mOre compassionatetenderness than now. There never wasa time when God was ready and wait·ing to do mOre fOr His people thannow. And He will instruct and saveall who choose to be sa ved in His ap·pointed way," Testimonies, vol. 3, 455

Dear readers, it is time to"eltamine yourselves, whether ye bein the faith; prOve your own selves."(2 Corinthians 13:5) The hour is verylate,God cannot save good people; Heean save only holy people, and Iesusis the only One who can make usholy. Let us surrender our wills com·pletely co Him today. (See Sleps 10Christ, 34, 47; Mount 01 Blessing. 143)Victory through Christ is Our battlesons. "And ye shall scek Me, and findMe, when ye shall search for Me wichall your he:ut:' (leremiah 29:13) Letus now heed the messase to theLaodieeans from the True Witnen,lesus Christ. as He exalts the stand-ard and gives the straight testimonyto His chureh for this fin:!.1 hour.

Ron Spear. Editor

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