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Православната църква по принцип не използва понятието „помирение“ относно спасителното дело на Иисус Христос. Това понятие обаче се радва на радушен прием в протестантското богословие въз основа на четири текста от посланията на св.ап. Павел: Рим. 5:10, 2 Кор. 5:18-20, Кол. Римокатолическото богословие също използва понятието „помирение“, но го поставя след понятието „изкупление“ (Гал. 3:13; 4;5), като подчертава, че помирението, или изкуплението, е постигнато чрез предложеното от Иисус Христос на Бога „удовлетворение“ (Genugtuung)[1]. Това удовлетворение се различава до известна степен от „изкуплението“, което лежи в основата на протестантското разбиране за помирението. През определен период от миналото православните учебници по богословие, имайки предвид западната практика, също използваха понятието „изкупление“[2]. По подобен начин и терминът „помирение“ се използваше през последните години в православното богословие при контактите с протестантските църкви в и извън Световния съвет на църквите. Това понятие отразява общата за православни и протестанти грижа да подкрепят всяко усилие в името на мира. „Помирение“ беше използвано от руските богослови в диалога им с лутеранските им колеги на третата среща в Арнолдсхайм през март 1967г. като понятие, изразяващо целия смисъл на спасителното Христово дело[3]. Но в общи линии, когато православното богословие използва понятията „изкупление“ и „помирение“, то, за разлика от римокатолиците и протестантите, им придава по-широко значение. Това пролича най-вече след завръщането на православното богословие към собствените му светоотечески основи и по-тясното следване на литургичната традиция на Източната църква. Православната църква винаги е изразявала това по-широко значение чрез понятието „спасение“, което остава предпочитано по много причини. Първо, тази дума се среща най-често в Новия Завет, когато се назовава дейността на Иисус Христос (около четиридесет пъти) или Самият Христос във връзка с извършеното от Него (около двадесет пъти). Второ, също не без връзка с Новия Завет, понятието „спасение“ е най-често използваното от Църквата в нейната традиция и вероучение. То се среща например и в Никео-Константинополския символ на вярата, и в молитвите на вярващите. Накрая, това понятие изразява най-дълбокия, обхватен и многостранен смисъл на делото, извършено от Иисус Христос. В това последно измерение, разбирано като унищожаване на смъртта във всичките и форми и като гаранция за пълноценен и вечен живот, думата „спасение“ поражда у православните вярващи чувството за дълбока благодарност към Христос, Комуто дължат избавлението на своето съществуване и надеждата за вечен живот. Този факт не бива да се подценява. За Православната църква, както и за древната Църква, думата „спасение“ не само изразява дълбокия, пълен и сложен смисъл на Христовото дело по-добре от другите посочени думи, но също така съдържа различните частични значения на спасението, изразявани от тях. Тя включва идеята за „живота“, „вечният живот“ и „Духа“, Който заедно с множеството Свои дарове е даден на вярващите. Тя включва и това, което изразявят фразите „съюз с Христос“, „живот в Христа“ (Иоан 14:20-23; усъвършенстване на човека по образа на Христос (Гал. 4:19), „съставящи едно тяло с Христос“ (Еф. 3:6), „общение с Отца и Сина“ (1 Иоан.1:3; 1 Кор. 1:9), „общуване на Светаго Духа“ (2 Кор.13:13; Фил. 2:1), състояние на „праведност“, „светост“, „божествено синовство“ (Рим. 8:14, 19; 9:26; Гал. 4:6, 7; Евр. 2:10 и т.н.), „участие в божественото естество“ (2 Петр. 1:4), възраждане в Духа и „наследство нетленно, чисто, що не увяхва“ (1 Петр. 1:4). Изворът на нашето спасение в Христос е толкова богат, че не може да бъде изчерпан с някой от горепосочените изрази, нито с всичките, взети заедно. Това е тайна, която никога не може да бъде изцяло разбрана или дефинирана. Свети Григорий Богослов например, след като се спира на спасителното дело на Христос, заявява: “Нека уважим това, което остава в нашето мълчание“, защото „нищо не може да се сравни с чудото на моето спасение“[4]. Изключителната употреба на което и да е понятие, особено ако то става ключово при интерпретирането на всички други понятия, неизбежно ще ни ограничи в разбирането на тази неизразима тайна. Владимир Лоски коментира по следния начин думите на св.Григорий Богослов: “След ограничения хоризонт на една преди всичко легалистична теология ние преоткриваме у светите отци изключително богато разбиране за изкуплението, което включва победата над смъртта, първите плодове на всеобщото възкресение, освобождаването на природата от властта на сатаната, не само оправданието, но и възстановяването на творението в Христос“[5]. Всяко от тези понятия е важно, защото освещава отделен аспект от спасението, извършено от Христос за нас. Следователно в нашето разбиране за спасението трябва да имаме предвид библейския език в неговата пълнота, като в същото време избягваме опитите да обхванем всичко с една-единствена дума. Ако е нужен някакъв по-общ израз, трябва да изберем най-широкообхватната дума, като разширим още повече нейното значение, така че да включва значенията на всички останали. Във всеки случай трябва да обясним всяко понятие в контекста на другите. Специалният смисъл на понятието „помиряване“ е в това, че то акцентира върху характера и на човека, и на Бога като „лица“ в икономията на спасението. Самото понятие „спасение“, предполага избавяне от определени зли сили или ситуации, които са резултат от безличностни стихии или от действията на самия човек. От друга страна, понятието „помиряване“ пояснява, че спасението е плод на възстановяването на нормалната лична връзка между човека и Бога, на възстановяването – посредством действие, извършено в Христос от личностния Бог, – на отношението на мир между Бога като личност и човека като личност. Вероятно по тази причина Лутер предпочита термина „помирение“, въпреки че, както видяхме, православните вярващи също смятат „спасението“ за цялостно освобождаване на личностното съществуване от разрушителните сили и следователно за една дълбока лична ежедневна връзка с Бога. Изборът на думата „помирение“ от страна на Лутер като най-адекватна и прецизна, за да изрази личностното отношение между отделния човек и Бога, е свързан с времето, когато човекът започва да се издига до изключително ясното съзнание за своето собствено назначение като отделна личност. Човекът от това време започва силно да се безпокои дали живее в мир с Бога и дали, като се има предвид нравственото несъвършенство на живота му, може да се смята за праведен пред Него. Ако по-рано човекът се задоволява с идеята за обективно изкупление в един колективен план като всеобщо унищожаване на греха и смъртта в перспективата на всеобщото бъдещо възкресение, то по времето на Лутер той се пробужда за своята индивидуалност и започва да търси преди всичко вътрешния личностен мир с Бога, гаранцията, че Бог се обръща с обич към него като отделна личност, независимо от факта, че не може да преодолее състоянието си на греховност. В една своя статия, озаглавена „Помиряването чрез Христос и мирът на света“, проф. Волф от Гьотинген пише: “Мирът на съвестта, или всъщност чистата съвест пред Бога, е плод на помирението. Така Христос ни дава сигурност пред Бога и мир на съвестта Вероятно по същата причина Лутер свързва тясно двете понятия „помирение“ и „оправдание“. Той е убеден, че те съдържат всичко, което човек наследява в резултат на Христовото дело, чрез което Бог помирява човека със Себе Си. Ренесансовият човек с неговото изострено самосъзнание приема, че причина за отсъствието на вътрешен мир с Бога е собствената му неправедност пред Божието лице. Той разбира, че не може да постигне дълбока лична праведност, и открива утеха и упование в идеята, че Бог може да го смята за праведен благодарение на изкупителната жертва, предложена Му от Христос в името на човека. Така в идеята на „оправдание“ спасението като възстановена лична връзка на човека с Бога отново излиза на преден план. Въпреки че признава акцента, който Лутер поставя върху спасението, извършено от Христос за нас, Православната църква също така вярва, че човекът може да израства непрестанно в новия Христов живот, описан от Свещеното Писание и от светите отци. Църквата вярва също така, че основата за човешкото израстване, основата на новия и истински живот, е отношението на мир между човека и Бога, което сега човекът може осезателно да чувства в резултат на Христовата жертва. Това духовно израстване не става изолирано в аз-а, а във възстановеното отношение на мир с Бога. Защото преживяваното от човека в това отношение не е външен, формален мир, а сила, която израства в него, която го запазва в този мир и която му дава все повече плодове. Тези плодове на свой ред представляват праведност, която нараства, докато стане израз на всички добродетели, взети заедно. Това е праведността за която свидетелстват Старият и Новият Завет. Там Самият Христос е наречен „Праведник“ (1 Петр. 3:18); там четем за действената сила на молитвата на праведния (Иак. 5:16); там също така от праведника се изисква да стане още по-съвършен (Откр. 22:11) и същевременно да не проявява своята праведност пред човеците (с цел да го видят – б.р.) (Мат. 6:1). Изглежда протестантското богословие днес се развива все повече по посоката на тази идея, съдържаща се в самото учение на Лутер, и в този смисъл все повече се приближава до православното учение. Православното богословие, от своя страна, подчертава факта, че новият живот в човека не е плод от усилията на самия човек, а на силите, които той получава от връзката си с Бога. Този акцент е очевиден в следващия цитат от статията на проф. Волф: “Благодарение на Христовия акт на помирение този мир е вече скрита реалност; той се проявява в християнската общност и чрез нея – в света“[7]. След като приемем, че оправданието в Лутеровото учение е органически свързано с мира, можем да кажем, че праведността, която Христос дарява на всеки човек, е точно такава скрита реалност. За да намери израз сред членовете на църковната общност и чрез нея – в света, този мир и произтичащата от него праведност трябва да имат естеството на сила. Макар и идваща от Бога, тази сила се проявява чрез човека и се разпространява като божествено отражение от човека в неговия диалог с Бога. Това отражение може и трябва да бъде задвижено от нас, вярващите, и ние всъщност носим отговорността за проявяването му. Православното учение за спасението в Христос Тук ще се спрем накратко върху новия живот и сила, които Синът Божи, въплътен, разпнат, възкресен и възнесъл Се в царството на Отца Си, ни дава чрез Светия Дух като „спасение“ според православното разбиране на това понятие. Божият Син дава този живот и сила в тяхната есхатологична пълнота на приетата от Него човешка природа. Той ни ги дава постепенно чрез Своята собствена човешка природа и ние ги получаваме като основа за израстване, като дар и обет, предполагащи есхатологично развитие и следователно – надежда. Ако Иисус Христос е „изпълнен с благодат и истина“ и е „съвършен човек“, то ние имаме само първите плодове на Неговото съвършенство (2 Кор. 1:22; Еф. 1:14) и трябва да израснем до съвършенство по Негов пример (Еф. 4:13). Животът и силата, дадени от Христос на Неговата човешка природа, се проявяват в три направления: по отношение на Бога, по отношение на човешката природа като такава и по отношение на ближните. Новият живот и силата, които Божият Син посредством човешката Си природа дава на вярващите в Него, също се проявяват в посочените три направления. И както ги дарява на Своята човешка природа чрез въплъщението, кръстната смърт, възкресението и възнесението, така ги дарява и на вярващите в Него чрез делата, които извършва като човек. Трябва да отбележим, че през последните три – четири века православното богословие също страдаше от определено схоластично влияние върху учението за спасението. То започна да представя спасението като нещо, постигнато почти изключително посредством Христовия кръст, и да тълкува спасението по принцип като доброволна жертва, предложена на Бога от Неговия Син. Но като се започне от руското богословие от края на миналия век, Православието се завърна почти изцяло към свойственото на източните отци по-широко разбиране за спасението. В контекста на служенето, или „дяконията“ на Църквата към света, през последните години православното богословие разви в съвременна форма тези общочовешки и космически измерения на спасението, които също са част от светоотеческото наследство. Сега ще се спрем на новия живот и сила, които Христос ни донесе, и на начините, по които те се проявяват посредством Неговото въплъщение, кръстна смърт, възкресение и възнесение. Чрез Своето въплъщение Синът Божи донася на човека нов живот и сила в отношението му към Бога, към самия себе си и към ближния си. Чрез въплъщението Христос обединява човешката природа с Бога по начин, който е пределно-интимен и същевременно – неразрушим, неотменен и окончателен. Синът Божи става човек, но и като човек е Син на Бога. Неговата вечна и съвършена синовна обич към Отца изпълва и човешката Му природа. Следователно, както се изразява св.Иоан Дамаскин, „въплъщението е модалност на второто личностно съществуване, дадено единствено на Единородния Син по такъв начин, че Неговият личностен индивидуален характер да остане непроменен“[8]. Единствен Синът е в състояние да изпълни приетата от Него човешка природа със синовна обич към Отца и чрез Своята човешка природа да изпълни всеки човек, който се съедини с Него, със същата синовна любов. Човешката воля става воля на Сина Божи, който я насочва към Отца в синовната Си любов. Според св. Максим Изповедник Христос притежава естествена човешка воля, но тъй като едното лице, или ипостаста, която носи тази природа, е самият Логос, то това не може да е гномична воля. Онези, които приписват подобна воля на Христос, смятат че подобно на нас Той притежава воля, която е „невежа, колеблива и в противоречие със самата личност … Не може да се каже, че човешката същност на Господа, която няма обикновена човешка ипостас, а божествена ипостас … има гномична воля“[9], което ще рече воля, която е независима от божествената ипостас и е в състояние да взима решения, противни на Неговата божествена воля. Това предполага цялостно подчинение на Отца от страна на въплътения Христос. Неговата човешка воля е движена от божествената Му ипостас в съгласие с божествената Му воля и следователно – в съгласие с волята на Отца. По този начин Христос и като човек прославя съвършено Отца. Във всички движения на Своята човешка воля, във всички Свои действия – а следователно и във всички Свои мисли – Христос е изцяло покорен на Отца. Това означава пълно освещаване на приетата от Него човешка природа. Цялата светост на Неговата божественост става присъща на човешката Му природа и приема човешка форма. Той е свет в Своите мисли, в движенията на Своята воля, в Своите чувства и съответно – в Своята плът. Така Христос става втори Адам, но по чистотата Си надминава първия Адам дори в състоянието му преди грехопадението. Въпреки че в човешката си природа Христос приема въздействията и обременителните потребности на състоянието, в което Aдам се намира след грехопадението, Той повече не греши. Напротив, Той поставя тези слабости под контрола на духа Си и освобождава природата от бремето, което те налагат, като ни дава власт и ние да направим същото. Той е вторият родоначалник на човешкия род според св.Кирил Александрийски. Той е един нов източник, Който остава неизменно нов и чрез Който всеки син на първия Адам може да се обновява непрестанно, да се ражда от Духа на втория Адам, да остава завинаги свързан с Него и да се завръща към единството с Него след всеки грях като към извор на обновление. „Макар че човекът се отвърна от Бога и Го огорчи със своето непокорство и безброй грехове, Христос още веднъж го постави пред лицето на Отца в Себе си както първия (човек)“[10]. В Христос човекът стои отново пред погледа на Отца. „В Адам източникът на човешкия род е умрял; но онези, които са се родили от него – тоест ние самите, – разцъфтяхме отново в Христос и съществуваме, и сме спасени, ако Го имаме като наш живот и втори източник“[11]. Той, както казва св. Григорий Палама, е „новият Адам, Който повече не остарява. Той е изворът, от Който светът се обновява непрестанно“[12]. Поради синовната любов на Христос към Отца и поради Неговата съвършена светост, Отец гледа човешкото лице на Христос със същата любов, с която гледа Своя Единороден По този начин, когато Неговият Син става човек, Бог обновява човешкия род; Той го помирява истински и радикално със Себе Си и го оправдава по най-автентичния начин. Родена от божествената ипостас на Сина, човешката природа става наистина света и праведна в самата си основа. Нейният мир с Бога се дължи на синовната любов, която Христос като човек изпитва към Своя Отец. Това означава, че човешката природа е преродена по нейно собствено желание. Праведността и мирът не са и наложени насила, нито пък остават външни спрямо нея; напротив, те са вътрешно приети, така както сухата почва поглъща влагата на дъжда, макар че той неизменно винаги идва отгоре. Христос „преражда човешката природа в съгласие със Себе Си“, пише св. Максим Изповедник[14]. Ставайки човек, Той съхранява свободната човешка воля, като я избавя от страстите и помирява с природата. Тъкмо чрез това съгласуване на волята с природата се извършва помиряването на човека с Бога. „Когато по този начин предразположението на волята се съединява с логоса на природата, се осъществява помиряването на Бога с природата“[15]. Но това е можело да бъде осъществено по отношение на хората едва след като е било реализирано в Христос, у Когото човешката воля е воля на божествената ипостас. Само защото божествената ипостас е приела човешка природа, тя е успяла да съгласува човешката воля с човешката природа и в същото време да постави волята в съгласие с Бога, Който желае единствено това, което е в съгласие с човешката природа[16]. Чрез въплъщението Синът Божи възстановява у човеците „величието на Божия образ“, защото притежава разум, който не е подвластен на онези нисши склонности и инстинкти, противящи се на Бога[17]. „Словото Божие, казва св. Атанасий, дойде в Своя собствен образ, защото само То, Образът на Отца, можеше да възвиси човека, създаден по Образа“[18]. Истинският мир и праведността, които Христос чрез Своето въплъщение като човек споделя с Бога, също стават за вярващите в Него истински мир и праведност благодарение на съединението им с Христос. Защото отношението между Бог Отец и човека Иисус включва, отначало потенциално, а по-късно и реално, всички вярващи в Христос. Светостта на Христос като човек е достъпна за всички и е действено насочена към всички. Ако е вярно по принцип, че светецът е човек за хората, човек, комуто е чуждо всякакво себелюбие, още по-вярно е това за Христос. Неговата човешка природа, която не е родена от човешка, а от божествена ипостас, не може да бъде затворена в себе си, в някакъв свой индивидуализъм, но благодарение на божествената ипостас, която е Бог на всички, свързва всички със Своята светост и съвършена доброта. „И за тях Аз посветявам Себе Си, та и те да бъдат осветени чрез истината“ (Иоан 17:19). В своето съединение с Христос, Чиято човешка воля е непорочна воля на божествената ипостас, останалите хора също могат да станат светци. Човешката воля в Адам е прекъснала връзката на единство между хората чрез случайния си и егоистичен избор. В Христос човешката воля е изоставила този избор и е встъпила в хармония не само с Божията воля, но и с човешката природа, с онова, което поражда живота на всички хора. Затова онези, които са се съединили с Христос, не действат повече в посока на разединяване на човечеството, а утвърждават братството между всички хора[19]. Чрез Своите човешка и божествена воли, и двете водени от любов, Христос оказа и днес дори още по-силно оказва обединително влияние върху човечеството. „Словото не беше ограничено от своето тяло“, казва св. Атанасий. „Присъствайки във всяка част от нея (вселената) и все пак извън цялото, Словото се открива и чрез действията на Своето тяло, и чрез дейността Си в света“[20]. Изтокът подчертава важността на Боговъплъщението за обединяването на човечеството, от една страна, заради изповядваното единство на божествената ипостас, в която е приета човешката Христова природа, и от друга – в съгласие с учението за нетварните енергии. Божествената ипостас активно прониква човешката природа на Христос, защото последната не е обгърната от човешка ипостас и в този смисъл не е подчинена на ограниченията на тварната природа. Човешката природа на Словото, в-ипостазирана в Него и проникната от Неговите енергии, е квасът, който действа тайно в тялото на човечеството. Това е сърцевината на учението за обожението на човека, учение, което е толкова важно за източните отци[21]. „Именно в светлината на тази мисъл на св. Кирил разбираме какво има предвид Леонтий Иерусалимски, когато говори за общата ипостас на Христос като за ипостас, която не е изолирана и индивидуализирана сред всички други ипостаси, образуващи човешката природа, а е ипостасният архетип на цялото човечество. В Христос цялото човечество, а не само индивидът, възстановява съюза си с Бога. Това е възможно само ако човешката природа на Христос не е природата на обикновения човек, а на една ипостас, която е независима от ограниченията на тварната природа“[22]. Може да се каже, че Христос е централната ипостас, която свързва всички човешки ипостаси помежду им, защото първо ги свързва със Себе Си. Въплъщението е един удивителен кеносис на Сина Божи, чрез който Той става ипостас както на онези склонности, които поробват човешката природа, така и на ограниченията, които я потискат, за да освободи човешката природа от първите и да разчупи вторите. Но въплъщението е също така кеносис на човешката природа в Христос. Тази човешка природа съществува не автономно в своя собствена ипостас, а в божествената ипостас. Това е кеносис, който е изцяло посветен на Бога. Себеотрицанието е същностен знак на любовта, без който тя не може да се прояви. Защото обичащият забравя себе си и се отдава на другия в пълно себеотказване; и все пак тъкмо чрез тази любов той разкрива себе си в своята собствена пълнота. „И както човекът съществува само в степента, в която се отказва от себе си, така и въплъщението на Бога се проявява като върховният и единствен по рода си пример за екзистенциално осъществяване на човешката реалност“[23]. От този върховен център на божествената любов, който също така издига човешката любов до най-висша степен и се открива на всички хора, като заема своето място сред тях, любовта сияе сред нас и ни поема в своето вътрешно движение. Значението на Боговъплъщението за разбирането на нашето спасение в Христос е очевидно от казаното дотук, но съществуват и други измерения на въплъщението. Ако сме видели само кръста на Христос, но не и Неговия земен живот в плът, ние няма да познаваме Христовото учение и примера на Неговия живот. Те не само ни разкриват смисъла на кръста, но ни учат и ни дават сили да живеем в покорство към Бога, в чистота и в действена любов, служейки на нашите ближни. Свети Атанасий подчертава: „Човеците се отвърнали от съзерцаването на Бога в небесата и започнали да Го търсят в противоположната посока, долу сред тварните и сетивни неща. Затова Спасителят на всички нас, Словото Божие, в Своята голяма любов прие тяло …”[24]. Виждайки човеците да се лутат в заблуда, Бог не иска да загуби онези, които някога са участвали в Неговия образ, а иска този образ да бъде обновен в тях и чрез него всички хора да могат отново да Го познават. „Следователно Словото Божие дойде в Своя собствен образ, защото само То, Образът на Отца, можеше да възвиси човека, създаден по Образа“[25]. Чрез Своя живот на земята в човешко тяло Синът Божи прави очевидно принципното значение на земния живот за постигане на спасение. Той ни показва как още на земята трябва да се стремим към абсолютно помирение с Бога и с нашия ближен, помирение, изпълнено с любов. Фактът, че Бог е отворен, лично и ипостасно, към тварното земно съществуване и приема да го изживее заради нас, доказва, че това съществуване е важно дори и за Него[26]. Свети Атанасий казва, че в началото човекът е сътворен по повеля на Божията воля. „Но след като човекът бе изведен в битие и нещата, които съществуваха, а не несъществуващите, имаха нужда да бъдат изцелени, беше напълно естествено Лечителят и Спасителят да слезе сред онези, които вече съществуваха, за да излекува съществуващото зло. Затова Той стана човек и използва тялото като Свой човешки инструмент … и чрез него се разкри на всички“[27]. Той не желае да ни издигне до вечния живот, без да вземе предвид нашия земен живот. Този живот трябва също да бъде осветен като предусловие за вечен живот. Тръгвайки от внушението на св. апостол Павел, че ние трябва да израснем в любовта, за да проумеем „що е ширина и дължина, дълбочина и височина“ и да узнаем „Христовата любов, която превъзхожда всяко знание“ (Еф. Атанасий казва: „Самооткровението на Словото е във всяко измерение – горе, в творението; долу, във въплъщението; под земята, в ада; и широко, по целия свят. Всички неща са изпълнени с познанието за Бога. Той не се жертва за всички веднага след като идва на земята, защото ако беше предал тялото Си на смъртта и веднага след това възкръснал, нямаше да бъде възприет сетивно от нас. Вместо това Той остана в Своето тяло и ни позволи да Го видим в Него, извършвайки действия и давайки знаци, които показваха, че Той е не само човек, но и Бог Слово“. „ … Словото претърпя да се появи в тяло, за да може като човек да бъде възприето сетивно и да убеди хората чрез Своите човешки действия, че е не само човек, но и Бог …”[28]. Синът Божи не презира земния живот като лишен от значение и смисъл; напротив, Той го приема като Свой, за да постави в самия този живот началото на изцелението и освещаването на човека. От трите начина, по които се проявяват новият живот и силата на Христос, човешката природа бива възобновена най-вече чрез смъртта Му на кръста. Христовият кръст представлява нов етап в делото на нашето спасение, което нямаше да бъде постигнато без него. В Своята смърт Христос Се отдава на Отца не само чрез образцовия Си живот, но и чрез самото отказване от живота. Като човек Той отдава на Отца всичко и не оставя нищо за Себе Си. В Неговата смърт любящият кеносис достига връхната си точка. Свети Кирил Александрийски развива идеята на св. апостол Павел, че човекът може да застане пред Отца само като безгрешна жертва, но ние самите не сме в състояние да предложим на Отца тази жертва. Следователно Христос като човек предлага безгрешната жертва на Отца, като се стреми не да Му даде някакво юридическо възмездие, а чрез единството Си с Него да ни даде силата сами да се превърнем в безгрешни жертви, за да можем също да влезем с Него в царството Божие. Така имаме достъп до Отца чрез Христовия кръст. „Защото чрез Него и едните и другите имаме достъп при Отца, в единия Дух“ (Еф. 2:18; 3:12). Само ако Христос е в нас като безгрешна жертва или ако сме в Него, Който единствен е чиста жертва, ние можем да имаме достъп до Отца. И заедно с този достъп, според св. апостол Павел, ние можем да се радваме на помирение, или на мир помежду ни и с Бога. Защото чрез кръста на Христос, най-висшият жертвоприносител на самия Себе Си като човек, враждата, която се е настанила в нас, е убита (Еф. 2:16). Но в същото време, в Неговото тяло, разпнато на кръста и по този начин поставено в състояние на абсолютно себеотричане, на любящ кеносис пред Бога заради нас, ние, Неговите най-любими създания, се помиряваме между си и с Бога. Забележителен е начинът, по който св .апостол Павел свързва помирението и мира между човеците и Бога с достъпа до Отца. За него това помирение означава, че отчуждените и враждуващите помежду си трябва да се превърнат в нови човеци. Възможността да се реализира това е дадена от Христовия кръст, от Неговата чиста жертва, от пълното Му себеотрицание. Тази чиста жертва, подобно на предложено на Отца всесъжение с приятно благоухание, не е нищо друго, освен Неговото пълно отдаване на Отца. Свети Кирил казва, че където съществува грехът, там не може да има чиста жертва. Жертвата е отхвърляне на цялата себичност като същностна форма на греха. Тя е пълно отдаване на Отца и единствен Христос е в състояние да предложи такава жертва. Той прави това, за да създаде в Себе Си като човек условието за пълно отдаване на Отца и така, подобно на магнит, да ни привлече към същото, да отпечата Своя образ в нас, собствения Си образ в тази жертва „Наистина, грехът внася в нас тъга с лош мирис … Но в Христос този живот на тъга и лош дъх се превръща в радост. Вярата му придава приятно ухание. Чрез Христос ние се отдаваме на Бога. Защото Той е Този, Който пречиства грешниците и духовно очиства нечистите … Чрез Христос ние отдаваме себе си, чрез Него ние, които сме нечисти, дръзваме да се приближим. Но ние се приближаваме чрез вярата и се отдаваме на Отца с приятно ухание само когато престанем да съществуваме единствено за себе си, когато имаме в себе си Христос като приятното благоухание на Духа“[29]. Това приятно ухание е Христовата този смисъл ние също умираме при кръщението по подобие на смъртта на Христос. Ние се срастваме с подобието на смъртта Му и биваме погребани с Него чрез кръщението в смъртта (Рим. 6:3-5). Така ставаме праведни в Христос пред Отца. Това не е праведността на тщеславието, а на нашето отдаване на Бога. Защото истинското съединяване в любовта, или в диалога на любовта, се появява само при пълно отдаване. Ние се помиряваме с Бога само в това отдаване в Христа, само в това жертвено състояние получаваме светост от Бога, светост, която е свързана с преодоляването на егоизма като корен на греха. Тъкмо в тази светост се изразява нашата праведност пред Отца, праведността, която сме спечелили чрез Христос. Ние получаваме тази светост, или праведност, от Отца, защото когато влезем чрез Христос в царството на Отца като чиста жертва, ние сме издигнати до състояние, в което е възможно пълното общуване с Бога. Помирени с Бога само в това състояние на пълно отдаване на Христос, ние можем да кажем, че помирението изисква жертва, жертването на нашето собствено съществуване, на онова съществуване, към което искаме да се придържаме и което искаме да запазим като добро единствено за нас – когато сме в състояние на грях и себичност. Сега основата на нашата собствена жертва и изворът на нейната сила, изворът на нашата любов към Отца, в Когото е нашият истински живот, е Христовата жертва, Неговото безгрешно себеотдаване на Отца. Това себеотдаване е извършено от любов към Отца, от любов към нас и от любовта към Отца, която Той изпитва от наше име като човек. Общувайки в смъртта на Христос, „ние общуваме в една смърт, която носи живот“[31]. Очевидно е, че това разбиране за жертвата следва аскетичната визия на св. апостол Павел и на отците, според която след грехопадението на Адам плътта става център на греха чрез страстите, които се проявяват в нея. Тази плът трябва да умре, за да може и грехът да умре с нея. Но също така е ясно, че Христовата плът не е център на такива страсти и следователно не е център и на греха. Той умъртвява дори безгрешните страсти, които е приел заедно с тялото[32]. Въпреки това Той разпва плътта на кръста, за да може Неговото разпнато тяло да стане източник на умъртвяване на нашите собствени тела. Както казва Николай Кавасила: „Тази смърт, доколкото е смърт, сложи край на живота на злото. Доколкото е наказание, тя премахна вината за греха, който всеки от нас носи заради лошите си Това е състоянието на праведност, което Христос завоюва за нас на кръста като помиряване на двете части в човека – духа и плътта – чрез помиряване с Отца и прекратяване на всяка вражда (Еф. 2:16-18). Този възглед за разпъването на кръста означава, че Христовото тяло съдържа потенциално всички тела и че всички хора трябва да бъдат издигнати до жертвеното състояние на Христос. „А Христос умря за всички, та живите да живеят не вече за себе си, а за Оногова, Който умря за тях и възкръсна … И тъй, който е в Христа, той е нова този смисъл въпреки че Христос умира веднъж на земята,Той е винаги готов за пълно себеотдаване на Отца, за да издигне всички хора до тази жертва. „Христос запазва в Своето тяло свидетелството за Своята жертва и носи върху Своето тяло белезите от раните, които получава при разпъването на кръста. По този начин Той иска да покаже, че когато дойде отново в ослепително сияние, ще остане за своите слуги същият Господ, разпнат и прободен, и тези рани ще бъдат Неговата царска украса“[34]. Понеже смъртта влезе в света чрез греха, а Христос не извършва грях, Той претърпява смърт заради нашите грехове. И чрез Неговата смърт грехът и себичността са унищожени в самата си основа, заедно с плода, който те носят, смъртта. Всички хора могат да избегнат това, ако на свой ред се сраснат със смъртта и жертвата на Христос. Предлагайки Своята човешка природа в жертва на Отца, Синът я издига до състояние на абсолютно съвършенство, за да могат от това състояние на съвършена реализация всички хора да черпят своето съвършенство заедно със свободата от властта на греха и вечната смърт. Ние виждаме следователно, че това разбиране за жертвата като чисто отдаване на Отца предполага въплъщението на Сина Божи, защото единствено в божествената ипостас човечеството може да се предложи като съвършена жертва на Отца. Ако св. Кирил Александрийски акцентира върху насочените към Бога жертва и смърт на Христос – както правят Анселм и Лутер след него, – то св. Атанасий, св. Максим Изповедник и другите отци подчертават насоченото към човека измерение, Неговата власт да лекува и дава сили на човешката природа, да преодолява смъртта и греха. У тези автори откриваме нещо като антропоцентризъм на благодатта. Бог в голямата Си любов към нас ни най-малко не мисли за Себе Си, а за нас. Между тези две обяснения за смъртта на Господа, едното теоцентрично, а другото антропоцентрично, можем да поставим обяснението на св. Григорий Богослов, което служи за мост помежду им. Отхвърляйки идеята за откупване, било от дявола или от Бога, той казва: „Не е ли ясно, че Отец получава жертвата не защото се нуждае от нея, а защото според Неговият план е необходимо човекът да бъде осветен чрез човешката природа на Христос и Той да ни призове при Себе Си чрез Своя Син Посредник, Който изпълнява всичко за прослава на Отца?“[35]. Според Атанасий, св. Максим и другите отци, Безсмъртният приема смъртта в Своето тяло, за да я преодолее. Христовата смърт е момент от победната борба на човешката природа, подсилена от божествената ипостас, в битката и с най-могъщия и враг. Тя е върховно укрепване на човешката природа и на духа в нея. „Така се случи, че две противоположни чудеса се осъществиха едновременно: смъртта на всички беше изстрадана в тялото на Господа и въпреки това, понеже Словото беше в нея, чрез същото това събитие смъртта и тлението бяха напълно преодолени“[36]. Христовият кръст е откровение на Божията власт и Неговата любов към човека, подвластен на смъртта заради греха, както и проява на разрушаването на смъртта. Повечето източни отци подчертават това разбиране на Христовата смърт, за да я свържат непосредствено с възкресението и с въплъщението Му. На практика те никога не говорят за смъртта на Христос, без да я свържат с възкресението и без да представят тази победа като акт на въплътеното Слово. Христос приема смъртта, за да я унищожи при Своето възкресение, но това се случва само защото Той е Словото Божие. Отците не представят Христовата смърт като спасително събитие, независимо от възкресението и въплъщението. Така, ако въплъщението е плод на Божията любов към човечеството, с което Той се съединява напълно и неразделно, и ако в страданието тази любов отива още по-далечe, тогава нейната цел и резултат проличават във възкресението, което довежда до съвършенство Божия съюз с нас за вечни времена. Христос не се въплъщава и не умира само заради външно помиряване с нас и за да ни направи праведни в Божиите очи. Целта на въплъщението е нашето избавяне от вечната смърт, нашето пълно и вечно съединяване с Него в онова състояние на мир, което е резултат именно на най-цялостното единение на любов между Него и нас, състояние, в което ние изживяваме цялата Негова праведност и светост в единството си с Него. Ако Отец обича лицата на всички хора, когато се взре в лика на Своя въплътен Син, тогава в лика на разпнатия и възкръснал Христос ликът на човечеството изглежда на Отца още по-достоен за любов, защото чрез кръста то става едно с Бога в акт на върховна любов към Него. Ние самите участваме в това цялостно отдаване, защото във възкресеното естество проникването на човечеството от Духа Божи е завършено и гарантирано во веки веков. Цялата икономия, която Отец разгръща за нас чрез Своя Син, има за цел това есхатологично усъвършенстване на съюза между Бога и цялото човечество. Своето възкресение Христос издига цялата Си човешка природа – душа и тяло – до състояние на праведност, на съединяване с Отца, на съвършена и вечна светост. Това е състоянието на цялостно отдаване на Отца. Във възнесението Божията праведност, самата слава на Отца, се предава на човека. Тази слава е разкрита съвършено чрез въплътения Христос в момента, когато като човек Той предлага съвършена възхвала на Отца. Всички, които вярват в Него, ще имат дял в тези мир, праведност, светост и слава, и чрез Духа на Христос ще участват в плодовете на тези дарове дори и в земния живот. Защото от възкръсналия и възнесъл се Христос Светият Дух заблестява незабавно и изобилно, както топлината се излъчва от едно изпълнено със страст тяло. Във възкресението и възнесението на Христос Неговата човешка природа е изцяло изпълнена и проникната от Светия Дух, Който свободно сияе от нея. Неговото тяло повече не е пречка, която да Го разделя от онези, които вярват в Него. Напротив, то е получило силата да носи по най-съвършения начин Бога, с Който е съединено. На кръста Христос взема всички ни в Своята прегръдка, защото Неговата любов се излива върху нас, издигайки ни до Неговото състояние на себеотдаване на Бога и на човека, състояние, в което Той жертва Себе Си заради Бога и заради човека. в Своята любов Той ни дава също така способността да преодолеем себе си с всичките ни себични наклонности. Чрез възкресението Христос съчетава в Себе Си жертвата и възкресението, пълното откровение на божествения живот в Своята човешка природа. И на вярващите в Него Той дава същата тази обединена природа. Свети апостол Павел казва: „Винаги носим в тялото си мъртвостта на Господа Иисуса, та и животът Иисусов да се открие в тялото ни. Защото ние, живите, непрестанно се предаваме на смърт заради Иисуса, та и животът Иисусов да се открие в смъртната ни плът“ (2 Кор. И св. Атанасий казва на свой ред: „Христос, за Когото всички тези свидетелстват, Сам дава победа на всеки, правейки смъртта напълно безсилна за онези, които вярват в Него и носят знака на кръста“[37]. Чрез Христос ние получаваме способността да умрем за себичните страсти и за самите себе си; но също така и да заживеем нов живот, триумфиращ в нас, роден в нашия дух, но проявен и в тялото ни. Това е способност, която не идва от нас самите, но има своя обективен източник извън нас. От възкръсналия Христос Неговият Дух сияе с най-голяма сила, давайки ни предчувствие за подобието на Неговата смърт и възкресение, и отвеждайки ни в същото време към съвършеното подобие с Него. Чрез Своите въплъщение, смърт и възкресение Словото Божие се възнася постепенно до състояние, в което Светият Дух все повече сияе от Него. Чрез същия този Дух Свети Словото съединява със Себе Си всички съществували създания, след като те са били отделени от Него и разпръснати надалеч (Еф. 1:10; Кол. 1:16). Спасението в последния му етап, според св. ап. Павел, е ново съединение на всички с Христос. Както грехът се изразява в себичността, която разделя хората от Бога и един от друг, така и спасението се изразява в надхвърлянето на себичността, във взаимната любов на всички хора и в съединяването с Бога. Между възкресението на Христос и нашето възкресение се простира интервал, в който Христос действа, за да съедини всички ни изцяло със Себе Си, и в който ние се стремим към същото, стимулирани и подкрепяни от Неговата дейност. Тази дейност на Христос е насочена към всички хора и се проявява у всички хора по начини, които са осезаеми и видими до една или друга степен. Тя се бори със себичността, характерна за всички хора, но не ги избавя от нея без тяхното съгласие. Тя всъщност се стреми да спечели съгласието и съдействието на човека за осъществяване на тази цел, за съединяване с Христа. Христос поставя в Себе Си основата и осигурява възможността за това ново съединяване на цялото човечество в Себе Си чрез Своите въплъщение, страдание, възкресение и възнесение, и чрез изпращането на Светия Дух, Който действа тайно в света и открито в Църквата. Оттогава нататък Христовият Дух действа в нас непрекъснато като обединяващата Христова сила. От Своя страна Словото, чрез Което и в Което са създадени всички неща в началото, дава нова ориентация и интеграция на цялото творение, като го приема в Себе Си – същото това творение, което някога загърби първоначалното си назначение, дадено му от Бога. Христос преодолява враждите, които се появяват между създанията, когато елементите, предназначени за създаване на единно творение за пръв път се разграничават и разделят. Така силата, която произтича от единството, осъществено в Христос, упражнява своето обединително влияние над цялото творение. Чрез непорочното Си раждане Христос преодолява противопоставеността на половете. В Христос „няма мъжки пол, ни женски“ (Гал. 3:28). Чрез Своята смърт и възкресение Той преодолява разделението между Рая и вселената, появило се след грехопадението. Той открива за човечеството забранения вход в Рая и дори Сам идва на земята след Своето възкресение, за да покаже, че в Него Раят и вселената са едно. Чрез Своето възнесение Той обединява небето и земята, възвисявайки човешкото тяло, което е приел, едно тяло от същата природа и субстанция като нашите. Издигнал тялото и душата над ангелския сонм, Той възстановява единството на видимия и духовния свят, и осъществява хармонията на цялото творение[38]. Следователно чрез Своите въплъщение, страдание, възкресение и възнесение, и чрез мисията и действието на Неговия Свети Дух Той съединява всички неща. Чрез Неговото въплъщение формата на съединяването става, така да се каже, онтологична. Чрез Своята смърт Той пречиства целия космос и по специфичен начин пречиства всички човеци като разумни активни същества в космоса, правейки ги също способни да действат обединително. Чрез възкресението Той изпълва всички неща с абсолютния смисъл на целия този стремеж към единство, прониквайки ги със светлина. Но най-важното единство, към което се стреми Христос и което е Неговият съществен принос за осъществяване на съединяването на цялото човечество, е единството между самите нас. Това е целта, с която сме създадени в началото. За да осъществи единството на всички хора, Христос най-напред съединява всички тварни неща на най-дълбокото ниво на тяхното съществуване и чрез това единение постига единението на всички хора. Свети Атанасий казва: „Господ дойде, за да победи дявола, да пречисти въздуха и да направи ‘път’ за нас към небето, както казва апостолът ‘чрез завесата, сиреч плътта Си’ (Евр. 10:20) … и така Той откри отново пътя към небето, повтаряйки: ‘Подигнете, порти, горнището си, подигнете се, вечни порти, и ще влезе Царят на славата’“ (Пс.23:7). И не Самото Слово се нуждае от отваряне на портите, защото То е Господ на всичко, нито пък създаденото от Него е затворено за своя Творец. Не, ние сме нуждаещите се, които Той възроди в Своето собствено тяло – тялото, което Той първо отдаде на смъртта заради всички нас и после чрез него прокара път към небето“[39]. Тук виждаме още веднъж колко непосредствено св. Атанасий свързва смъртта на Христос с Неговото възкресение. Христовото тяло трябва да умре, за да възкръсне отново и за да може чрез Неговото възкръснало и преобразено тяло всеки от нас в собственото си тяло да достигне небето и да се преобрази. Свети Атанасий казва по този повод: „Нещо повече, както Спасителят дойде да доведе докрай смъртта на цялото човечество, а не Своята собствена, така Той не отхвърли Своето тяло чрез индивидуалния акт на смърт – защото за Него, Който е живот, това просто не е валидно, – но Той прие смъртта от ръцете на хората, за да я унищожи напълно в Своето собствено тяло“[40]. След като веднъж сме влезли в съюз с Бога чрез разпнатото и възкръснало тяло на Господа, ние, творението на Неговите ръце, също сме съединени помежду си. Собствените ни logoi и тези на нашето съществуване са съединени с божествения Логос, Словото, в Което откриваме своите вечни архетипи и за Което нашите природи жадуват като за безпределен извор на живот – таен източник на търсеното от нас познание за същността на всички неща. Когато нашите воли се върнат към хармонията със собственото си битие и към своите вътрешни разумни цели и структури (logoi), когато отхвърлят случайните увлечения на своята ирационална и противоприродна себичност, тогава те са призвани към съединяване с човешката воля на Христос и чрез нея – с Неговата божествена воля, която е единна с човешката Му воля. Привличащата сила на Христос е Неговата любов. Тази любов се проявява в акта на въплъщението и в процеса на Неговия земен живот. Тя се разкрива още по-силно в Неговата жертва и най-явно в Неговото възкръснало и възнесено тяло, от което любовта сияе като Светия Дух. Всички тези форми на битие, концентрирани във възкръсналия Христос, ни привличат към възкресението като към върховно единство с Него и помежду ни, използвайки в същото време както нашите естествени влечения, така и нашата жертва, подхранвана от Неговата. Макар че Христос се възнася, Той остава в общение с нас и с най-дълбоките нива на света чрез силата на привличането, проявена чрез Неговата любов. „И ето, аз съм с вас през всички дни до свършека на света“ (Мат. 28:20). Тези думи на Господа са отправени към онези, които са изпратени да призоват света към Него, показвайки, че чрез тях Самият Той ще въздигне всички хора до Себе Си. Общопризната истина е, че любовта привлича и свързва. Тя е обединителна сила, възникнала от божествения разум и от божествената воля, от които произлизат всеки друг разум и воля, и в които и чрез които всички неща могат да постигнат всеобща хармония. Божественият разум е основата за хармонията между човешките разум и воля, които са толкова тясно свързани помежду си. Това единение се осъществява чрез любовта, точно както единението на Бога с всички човеци и на човеците помежду им е реализирано чрез любовта. Пределното единение на всички в Бога, целта, към която Христос води човеците според св. апостол Павел (Еф. 1:10, Кол. 1:16-20), е синоним на царството Божие, царството на Любовта. Това е целта на цялото спасително дело на Христос, дело, което е немислимо извън тази есхатологична цел и извън нашия стремеж към нея. Дългът на християнина днес в светлината на православната сотириология Христос не ни донесе спасение, за да продължаваме да живеем отчуждени, а за да се стремим към по-голямо и все по-дълбоко единение, чиято кулминация е царството Божие. Това се проявява във факта, че не можем да постигнем спасение, ако останем отчуждени, грижейки се единствено за себе си. Несъмнено всеки човек трябва лично да приеме спасението и да го направи свое. Но той не може да направи това, нито може да постоянства и да върви напред по пътя на спасението, ако не получи помощ от другите и не им помогне на свой ред, тоест ако не приеме спасението като общо дело. Да бъдеш спасен означава да преодолееш отчуждеността си и да се съединиш с Христос и с останалите хора. „Нека сами себе си, един другиго и целия си живот на Христа Бога да отдадем“, пеят вярващите по време на православната литургия. Спасението е общение в Христос и следователно задължението на християните да се стремят да запазят и развият своето църковно единство чрез любовта е очевидно, „защото любовта Христова ни обхваща“ (2 Кор. Но както Христос е осъществил делото на спасението и непрестанно предлага неговите плодове, за да отведе всички хора заедно в царството Божие, така и християните като Христови служители са длъжни да се стремят към единството на всички хора в това царство на съвършената любов и имат определени задължения към онези, които не са християни. Тук ще направим опит да разгледаме тези задължения или по-точно мотивите, които лежат в основата им. Христос принася Своята жертва и възкръсва от мъртвите извън Иерусалим. След възкресението Си Той също се появява предимно извън Иерусалим. Смисълът на това се открива в просвещаването на онези народи, които не са свързани с Бога на Закона. В Послание до евреите четем: „И тъй, нека излизаме при Него отвън стана, носейки поруганието Му; защото тук нямаме постоянен град, но бъдещия Ясно е, че става дума за постоянната необходимост да излизаме от света, да се издигаме над него, за да може и той на свой ред да надхвърли себе си. Затварянето в някоя ситуация, която ограниченията на съществуването са направили статична, означава затваряне в света. Но християните не бива да се затварят дори и в собствените си църкви като във вечни градове, защото тогава загърбват движението и смисъла на съществуването си като път към небето. Християните и християнските църкви трябва винаги да работят сред онези човеци, които остават в света, за да трансцендират света като статичен порядък, да го издигнат до по-висше състояние. Христос стана човек в света; поучаваше и служеше в света. Той предложи Себе Си за жертва в света и беше погребан; възкръсна от мъртвите в света; изпрати Своите ученици в света, научавайки ги на чужди езици с помощта на Светия Дух, и продължава да действа в света, въпреки че това става чрез Неговите ученици, тоест чрез Църквата. Според нашето учение Христос е в света, но също и на небето, изпращайки Своите ученици в света с обещанието, направено при Неговото възнесение, че ще бъде с тях. И отново в края на Своето земно служене Той казва: „Не се моля да ги вземеш от света“ (Иоан 17:15). Христос е в света, но също и на небето. Ние се въздигаме до небесния Христос чрез земния в свят, който повече и от Църквата се стреми постоянно да надхвърли настоящото си състояние, който винаги копнее за нещо по-добро, винаги смята, че статуквото не трябва да е окончателно. Днес може би повече от всякога Христос привлича света към Себе Си в състояние на непрестанна промяна. Той се разкрива на света при всяка нова стъпка в нова перспектива, въпреки че може да остане непознат за света. Ние, християните, трябва да се движим напред по този път заедно със света и да посочим на света Личността, която го привлича. Трябва да помогнем на света да разбере какво означава истинският прогрес. Това е специфичното задължение на християните днес, във време, когато прогресът е толкова бърз и когато за всички става все по-очевидно, че светът не е „вечен град“ и постоянната цел на хората е да усъвършенстват отношенията помежду си. Ако „любовта Божия се изля в нашите сърца“ (Рим. 5:5) и като следствие от това ние можем и трябва да виждаме образите на нашите ближни в човешкия образ на Христос, точно както съзерцавайки Своя въплътен Син Отец вижда, обича и приема всички нас като Свои чеда, тогава е очевидно, че в образа на всеки човек трябва да виждаме и обичаме някакъв аспект от образа на Самия Христос. Или по-точно казано, всеки образ е потенциално образ на Христос. Това, че човек може да стане истински образ на Христос, се дължи на факта, че Христос е отпечатал Своя образ в него и той го проявява. Но ние също имаме за задача да се превърнем от човешки образ в потенция в реален образ на Христос. Ако човешката природа в Христос не принадлежи на една индивидуална човешка ипостас, а на Сина Божи, тогава тя принадлежи на всички хора много по-реално, отколкото човешката природа на отделния човек. Тя принадлежи на всички и е в тяхно име. Предназначена е за всеки от нас, предопределена е да стане притежание на всеки човек и да го изгради вътрешно, както самата тя е изградена вътрешно в Христос от божествената ипостас. Като човешката природа на Бога тя е предопределена да се отрази във всички човеци и така всички ние сме призвани на свой ред да бъдем отразени в човешката природа на Христос и да вземем образа си от Него. Свети Симеон Нови Богослов казва, че човекът, който не се грижи за нуждите на ближния си, „презира Оня, Който казва: ‘доколкото сте сторили това на едного от тия Мои най-малки братя, Мене сте го сторили’ (Мат. 25:40)… Защото Той е решил да приеме образа на всеки бедняк. Съединил се е с всеки човек и затова никой от вярващите в Него не бива да презира своя брат, а трябва да се отнася към брата или ближния си така, сякаш той е неговият Бог, и трябва да смята себе си за точно толкова незначителен пред своя брат, колкото и пред своя Творец. Нека приема и уважава брата си така, сякаш той е Бог, и нека се лиши от своите притежания в полза на брата си, така както Христос проля Своята кръв за нашето спасение“[41]. Следователно ние трябва да проявим своето единство с Христос, Който ни изпълва със Собствената си готовност за саможертва, и като Него да се жертваме за останалите хора. В същото време трябва да се отнасяме към всички други хора така, както бихме се отнасяли към Самия Христос, и да търсим единение с тях, както търсим с Христос посредством служението, което им предлагаме. Всичко, сторено от Христос – Неговото въплъщение, Неговото учение, Неговият живот на послушание към Отца и на любящо служене на човеците в изпитанията на земния им живот, Неговата жертва за света, – всичко това подчертава, както вече видяхме, важността на човешкия живот на земята. Няма път към есхатологичното съвършенство, който да не минава през земния живот и борбите, свързани с него. Всеки отделен аспект от вечното щастие е обещан от Господа като резултат от определен начин на живот и действие в този живот, като плод от конкретни семена, засети и отгледани в нивите на този свят. „Блажени миротворците, защото те ще се нарекат синове Божии“ (Мат. 5:9). Работи „докле е ден“, казва Господ (Иоан 9:4), и дори св. Антоний моли да му бъде продължен живота, за да може да се покае[42]. Ние служим на Христос, когато помагаме на нуждаещите се в този свят; Христос се е отъждествил с тях. Светите отци наричат този свят пазар, на който купуваме царството Божие. Този, който не участва в пазара, търгувайки с другите хора, който не произвежда нищо с труда си, който не развива дарбата си, ще напусне този свят с празна душа. Ние купуваме небесното царство от нашите ближни, както с отплатата, получена за нашия труд, така и със способностите, които нашата вяра в Христос ни дава. „Животът и смъртта идват при нас от нашия ближен, защото ако спечелим нашите братя, печелим Бога и обратното, ако погубим брата си, съгрешаваме срещу Христос“[43]. Но ние не купуваме царството единствено от другите вярващи. Пазарът е всеобщ и ние трябва да търгуваме с всеки човек; всеки човек участва и има своя дял в него. Ние можем дори да се сдобием с царството небесно по-лесно чрез други хора, отколкото чрез вярващите като нас, защото тогава нашето служение и великодушие изисква по-голямо усилие и безпристрастност. Но все пак, ако бъдем точни, не хората ни дават царството небесно в замяна. Христос ни го дава чрез тях и то не непосредствено в този живот, а в бъдещия. Нека не очакваме жътва, сякаш нашият урожай е видим. Само когато не очакваме незабавна отплата, а вярваме, че ще я получим на небето, ние наистина засяваме с вяра за отплата свише. За ония, които очакват незабавна отплата, които искат да получат нещо веднага в замяна на това, което дават, които не вярват, че от момента, в който са дали нещо, вече са получили царството небесно в замяна – макар че то ще остане невидимо до идния живот, – Спасителят казва: „И ако обичате ония, които вас обичат, каква вам награда? Защото и грешниците обичат ония, които тях обичат. И ако правите добро на ония, които и вам правят добро, каква вам награда? Защото и грешниците правят същото“ Такива хора се въртят в порочен кръг; те не допринасят нищо за духовния прогрес в отношенията между хората, нито за духовния прогрес на света. По-горе цитирахме св. Симеон Нови Богослов, който уподобява отказа от богатствата и властта в полза на нуждаещите се на Христовата саможертва за нас. Тук ще си позволим да отидем още по-далече и да кажем, че всяка жертва, която човек прави за друг в този свят, идва от готовността и способността на Христос за саможертва, от Неговия любящ кеносис. Нещо повече, всяка молба отправена от един човек към друг на тази земя, е изречена или негласна молба на Самия Христос. Всяка жертва, всеки акт на служене или любов към другите, е отговор, внушен от Христовата жертва, на молба, която също идва чрез нас от Самия Христос. Призоваването и отговорът на взаимното служение между хората е пътят, по който любовта на Христос ни свързва и ни помага да вървим напред в любов. съответно, всички наши молби и отговори на служение идват заедно в Христос и стават Негови, прибавяйки нови измерения на Неговата жертва и на Неговия зов за помощ. В Него отекват всички наши викове за помощ и всички наши отговори. Човеците са същества, които зоват и които отговарят, и поради това са свързани помежду си. Човекът е вътрешно задължен да отговори, но той прави това само защото е бил помолен, защото към него е отправен зов. Безусловната и обвързваща сила на този зов има своя пределен източник в Бога и от самата му природа произтича безусловната задължителност и възможност да му се отговори. Така Бог е заел Своето място сред хората и в хората чрез силата на този абсолютен зов и на неговия съвършен отговор в Христос. В жертвата Си Христос даде и непрекъснато дава най-добрия отговор на зова на Отца и на човешкия зов за помощ. Той също така дава и на нас възможността да отговорим. Отъждествявайки се с нуждаещите се от помощ, Той отправя към нас зов, който ни задължава да обичаме и да служим безусловно на всички хора. Ако християнинът трябва да вижда Христос във всеки човек и да чува призива на Христос за помощ във всеки човешки зов, той не може да приеме спокойно факта, че неговият брат се намира по-ниско от него. Още повече, че природата на любовта не може да понася неравенството, защото то създава дистанция. Обичащият не се смята за по-висш от този, когото обича. Напротив, любовта ни кара да се стремим към постигане на равенство и справедливост между хората. Свети Симеон Нови Богослов казва по-нататък в приведения горе пасаж: „Човекът, който се отнася към ближния си като към себе си, не е доволен, ако притежава повече от него. Ако притежава повече и не раздава щедро, така че сам да стане бедняк и да се оприличи на своите ближни, той не е изпълнил заповедта на Господа“. Дори ако служи и дава толкова, колкото може на своите ближни, „но презира или пренебрегва макар и един от тях, това ще бъде все едно да пренебрегне Божествения Христос в Неговите жажда и глад“[44]. Явно е, че не бива да тълкуваме този пасаж като апел за всеобщо равенство в бедността. Свети Симеон по-скоро утвърждава необходимостта всеки човек да се стреми да стане равен с другите, така че всички да са в състояние да служат и да разберат, че се нуждаят от другите. В това равенство на нуждата хората не трябва да чувстват някаква дистанция, която да ги разделя един от друг. Всички трябва да стигнат до съзнанието, че са бедни в себе си, което ще рече, че всеки човек се нуждае от помощта на другите, за да живее и расте в тяхното единство с Бога. Следователно помирението не се изразява във формален мир, в обикновено съжителство и отсъствие на агресивност, които да прикриват дълбоки несъгласия. Трайното помирение е неделимо от онази любов, което се стреми да осигури равенство и справедливост между хората и народите, да стимулира постоянен обмен, одухотворен от любовта. То е резултат от дълбокото разбиране на значението на помирението с Бога, Който се съединява с човека и в Христос го прави участник във всички блага. Чрез такова помирение Бог ни осиновява и благодатно ни обожава. Християните не могат да допринесат съществено за това дълбоко помирение между хората и народите, ако са заети единствено със служене на отделните хора и така пренебрегват развиването на справедливи и равностойни отношения на по-широко социално и международно равнище. Християните в миналото често са ограничавали своето служене на нуждаещи се хора, защото социалните структури са проявявали тенденция към статичност. Днес обаче социалните структури са по-гъвкави поради мощното влияние на хората, осъзнали своята собствена солидарност като жертви на несправедливостта и дълбоко вярващи, че могат да създадат по-задоволителни форми на социален живот. Затова християните трябва да дадат своя принос в полза на непрекъснатото адаптиране на тези структури към съвременните потребности за справедливост, равенство и братство в човешките взаимоотношения. Днес е по-очевидно, че светът се стреми към по-справедливи и човечни отношения, и ние като християни вярваме, че можем да видим в този стремеж Христовото действие, което води света към царството небесно, независимо от факта, че пределната форма на тази цел не може да бъде постигната в този свят поради тленността на материята и всички свързани с това злини. Всяко помирение, което не се основава в дълбочина на всеобща справедливост и равенство между хората, винаги ще е застрашено от крах, а отсъствието на траен мир ще застрашава живота на всяко човешко същество. Следователно християните трябва да работят за такъв постоянен мир, за да бъде осигурен на всеки човек шансът да се подготви за своето собствено възкресение. Погледната в тази светлина, войната носи толкова много рискове за убитите, колкото и за тези, които убиват. Привидно същият риск понякога съществува и при една ранна естествена смърт, но ние можем да сме сигурни, че това става по Божия воля (или по Божие допущение – б.р.) и че Бог има Своите основания. Следователно християнинът е длъжен да се бори за справедливост, защото несправедливостта може да изглежда като оправдание на вечната смърт, докато нейното премахване лишава вечната смърт от всякакво подобно оправдание. Човек, който се бори за премахване на несправедливостта, следва пътя на Христос, Който пръв използва справедливостта като средство за лишаване на смъртта от оправдание. Нещо повече, Христос ни дава властта да правим същото, защото нашата собствена борба за справедливост зависи от Неговата власт[45]. Справедливостта, равенството и трайният мир не могат да бъдат постигнати, ако не се интересуваме от материалния свят. Материалният свят, подобно на самото човечество, е призван за преображение чрез силата на любовта, която ни подтиква да върнем на материалния свят неговата първоначална роля при проявяването на нашата взаимна любов, а не, както е сега, той да служи за разделения и противоборства. Трябва да покажем все по-ясно на практика значението на материалните предмети като дарове, като средства за взаимния обмен между хората. Вселената принадлежи на Христос; тя е тайнствено прикрепена към Неговото разпнато и възкръснало тяло. Но тя принадлежи и на хората, християни и нехристияни, които страдат и се стремят към спасение. Николай Кавасила казва: „Кръвта, течаща от Неговите рани, изгаси светлината на слънцето и накара земята да трепери. Тя направи въздуха свещен и пречисти целия космос от петното на греха“[46]. Само ако хората са единни, те могат да преобразят света и да отговорят на призива да се отнасят към света като към дар, като средство за взаимен обмен. Когато споделяме материалните блага на света, трябва да съзнаваме, че се движим в сферата на Христос и че посредством ползването на тези материални блага като дарове в полза един на друг ние израстваме в единството си с Христос и с нашия ближен. Трябва също така да знаем, че когато материалният свят става средство, чрез което общуваме в любов, тогава ние общуваме в Христос. Така вселената е призвана да се превърне в есхатологичен рай чрез действието на братската любов. Наш дълг е да освободим планетата от суетата, с която я използваме безогледно и себично като грешници, и да прозрем, че и тя ще сподели „славното освобождение на синовете Божии“ (Рим. 8:21), славата, която е неделима част от нашето единство като братя. Из „Изтокът и Западът за личността и обществото”. С леки съкращения и редакции Ludwig Ott. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, St. Theologia Dogmatica si Simbolica, II, Bucurest 1958, 616-657. Настоящето изследване представлява развитие на темата. Versöhnung, das deutsch-russische Gespräch über das christliche Verständnis der Versöhnung, Wittenburg 1967. Слово 45, 22 PG 36, 653 В и Слово 45, 29 PG 36, 664 A. Vladimir Lossky, “Rédemption et déification” в: À l ’image et à la ressemblance de Dieu, Paris 1967, p. 100. Versöhnung, p. 135 цитира Лутер WA 26,37: “Der Friede des Gewissens ist so die erste Frucht der Versöhnung, und zwar das gute Gewissen von Gott. Darauf kommt es an, dass Christus ‘uns gagen Gott sicher und unser Gewissen zufrieden macht’”. Versöhnung, p. 131: “Dieser Friede kraft der Versöhnungstat Christi schon im Verborgenen Wirklichkeit ist und sich in der Gemeinde Christi und durch sie für die Welt aus wirkt”. Contra Jacobitas 52, PG 94,1464. Disputatio cum Pyrrho, PG 91, 308C-310A. Bж. също Jean Meyendorff, Christ in Eastem Christian Thought, Washington/Cleveland 1969, pp. 113-114. De adoratione in Spiritu et Veritate 9, PG 68, 620D. De adoratione in Spiritu et Veritate 10, PG 68, 704C. Homilia 16 de Dispensatione Incarnatius, PG 151, 193A. Николай Кавасила говори за Отца, Който открива образа на Сина в нашите лица и ни признава за членове на Единородния. Expositio in Orationis Dominicae, PG 91, 877D. Ibid., PG 90, 901 C. Opuscula Theologica et Polemica, PG 91, 77A-80A. Expositio in Orationis Dominicae, PG 90, 889B. De Incarnatione 13, PG 24, 120B. ET: A Religious of C.S.M.V., St. Athanasius, On The Incarnation, London 1953, p. 41. Максим Изповедник, Opuscula Theologica et Polemica, PG 91, 77A-80A. Атанасий Велики, De Incarnatione 17, PG 25, 125A-B. Meyendorff, op. cit. p. 64, 97-98. Karl Rahner, “Considérations générales sur la christologie”: Problèmes actuels de christologie, H.Bouëssé (éd.), Bruges 1965, p. 21. De Incarnatione 15, PG 25, 121C-D. Meyendorff, op. cit., pp. 163-166. Атанасий Велики, De Incarnatione 44, PG 25, 173B-C. Кирил Александрийски, De adoratione in Spiritu et Veritate 15, PG 68, De Vita in Christo 2, PG 150, 541B. Максим Изповедник, Ad Thalassium 21, PG 90, 312B-316D. De Vita in Christo 2, PG 150, 537B. De Viata in Hristos, Sibiu 1946, p. 138. Атанасий Велики, De Incarnatione 20, PG 25, 132B. Meyendorff, op. cit., pp. 105-106. De Incarnatione 25, PG 25, 140B-C. Симеон Нови Богослов, Capita Practica et Theologica 113-114, PG 120, 664C- Патерикон, вж. Apophthegmata Patrum, Sisoes 14, PG 65, 396B-C. Apophthegmata Patrum, Anthony, PG 65, 77B. Capita Practica et Theologica 116, PG 120, 665A-B. Взех тази идея от Sermo in Sanctum Pascha, PG 28, 1077A-C. De Vita in Christo 4, PG 150, 592A.
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THE SONSHIP OF CHRIST The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by him as his right. This was no robbery of God. “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way,” he declares, “before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth.” RH, April 5, 1906 The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with his Father. From everlasting he was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if thy accepted him, were to be blessed. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God. RH, April 5, 1906 Part 1: In the beginning he was “the son.” “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth….” Prov. “A special light beamed in his countenance, and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Jesus, God’s dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Christ, and in his ambition assumed command which devolved on Christ alone... After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image. They had wrought together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And now God says to his Son, “Let us make man in our image.” Review & Herald Jan.9, 1879 The Jews that sought to kill Christ, claimed to be God’s children. What striking comment did Jesus make to them? “All things proceed ultimately from God, the Father; even Christ Himself proceeded and came forth from the Father, but it has pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, and that He should be the direct, immediate Agent in every act of creation.“ (E.J. Waggoner 1890, Christ and his righteousness p.19) Jesus testified that he existed before he came to earth! “Who is Christ?—He is the only begotten Son of the living God. He is to the Father as a word that expresses the thought,—as a thought made audible. Christ is the word of God. Christ said to Philip, “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.” His words were the echo of God’s words. Christ was the likeness of God, the brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. Jesus, the outshining of the Father’s glory, “and the express image of his person” (Hebrews 1:3), was on earth found in fashion as a man.” Sons and Daughters 21 “Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer. His claim to be one with God had before stirred them to take His life, and a few months later they plainly declared, “For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God.” Because He was, and avowed Himself to be, the Son of God, they were bent on destroying Him. Now many of the people, siding with the priests and rabbis, took up stones to cast at Him.” The Desires of Ages p.470 Before anything existed, Jesus came forth from God, as his only begotten Son! Part 2: at the time of the rebellion he was “the son.” “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” Who is Michael? Dan. “What great honor is shown to Daniel by the Majesty of heaven! He comforts His trembling servant and assures him that his prayer has been heard in heaven. In answer to that fervent petition the angel Gabriel was sent to affect the heart of the Persian king. The monarch had resisted the impressions of the Spirit of God during the three weeks while Daniel was fasting and praying, but heaven’s Prince, the Archangel, Michael, was sent to turn the heart of the stubborn king to take some decided action to answer the prayer of Daniel.” The Sanctified Life p.51 The very name “Michael” is weighted with meaning and is very instructive. The word means literally, “He who is like God.” In every reasonable approach to comprehension it is as plain as day that if a person is like another person, then he cannot be the same person that he is like. The word “like” signifies that they are similar, but not the same. The very relationship which we find between fathers and sons. What was the root reason for Satan’s rebellion? “It was the highest crime to rebel against the government of God. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies, each division with a higher commanding angel at its head. Satan was warring against the law of God, because ambitious to exalt himself and unwilling to submit to the authority of God’s Son, heaven’s great commander.” Story of Redemption p.17 “All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father, to have each case determined. Satan unblushingly made known his dissatisfaction that Christ should be preferred before Him. He stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God and should be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes. God informed Satan, that to His Son alone He would reveal His secret purposes.....” Story of Redemption p.18. What prerogative of God and Christ did Satan envy? “ Lucifer was enshrouded with glory as the covering cherub. Yet this angel whom God had created, and entrusted with power, became desirous of being as God. He gained the sympathy of some of his associates by suggesting thoughts of criticism regarding the government of God.” S.D.A. Bible commentary Vol.4 p.1143 The rebellion of Lucifer in heaven was because of the privilege Christ enjoyed as the Son of God. Part 3: at the time of creation he was “the son.” “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.... For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” Col. 1:16-19 “The Father and the Son engaged in the mighty, wondrous work they had contemplated, of creating the world. The earth came forth from the hand of the Creator exceedingly beautiful. There were mountains and hills and plains; and interspersed among them were rivers and other bodies of water...... Its surface was diversified with hills and mountains...... The waters were regularly dispersed. The hills, mountains, and very beautiful plains, were adorned with plants and flowers, and tall, majestic trees of every description, which were many times larger, and much more beautiful, than trees now are. The air was pure and healthful, and the earth seemed like a noble palace. Angels beheld and rejoiced at the wonderful and beautiful works of God.” Signs Of The Times, January 9, 1879 According to this passage of scripture there was more than one person involved in the creation of the world. Who were they? “After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image. They had wrought together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And now God says to his Son, “Let us make man in our image.” Signs Of The Times Jan. 9,1879 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” “Christ left His position in the heavenly courts, and came to this earth to live the life of human beings. This sacrifice He made in order to show that Satan’s charge against God is false—that it is possible for man to obey the laws of God’s kingdom. Equal with the Father, honored and adored by the angels, in our behalf Christ humbled Himself, and came to this earth to live a life of lowliness and poverty—to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Yet the stamp of divinity was upon His humanity. He came as a divine Teacher, to uplift human beings, to increase their physical, mental, and spiritual efficiency.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.5 p.1129. The Father and His Son were both engaged in the work of creating a place and home for man. Part 4: The father sent his son into the world In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. “ Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts of all men to Himself. He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing of the love of Christ. “ 1 Selected Messages p.323 “Though all heaven has been poured out in one rich gift—for when God gave His Son, He gave the choicest gift of heaven, and the treasures of heaven are at our command—yet to the repenting soul the enemy will seek to represent God as stern and inexorable, unwilling to pardon the transgressor.” 1 Selected Messages p. 324 More than once in Christ’s life on earth, his Father spake audibly from heaven, what was His declaration? “At the baptism and at the transfiguration the voice of God had been heard proclaiming Christ as His Son. Again, just before Christ’s betrayal, the Father had spoken, witnessing to His divinity.” Desires Of Ages p.746 For this work He left the heavenly courts. He said of Himself, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” The truth came from His lips with freshness and power, as a new revelation. He was the way, the truth, and the life. His life, given for this sinful world, was full of earnestness and momentous results; for His work was to save perishing souls. He came forth to be the True Light, shining amid the moral darkness of superstition and error, and was announced by a voice from heaven, proclaiming, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And at His transfiguration this voice from heaven was again heard, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” Fundamental Of Christian Education p.405 “The apostle was well qualified to speak of the purposes of God concerning the human race; for during the earthly ministry of Christ he had seen and heard much that pertained to the kingdom of God. “We have not followed cunningly devised fables,” he reminded the believers, “when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” Reflecting Christ p.221. Jesus was the Son of God before he was born in this world! Part 5: He became the son of god in a new sense “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” “Christ brought men and women power to overcome. He came to this world in human form, to live a man amongst men. He assumed the liabilities of human nature, to be proved and tried. In His humanity He was a partaker of the divine nature. In His incarnation He gained in a new sense the title of the Son of God...... While the Son of a human being, He became the Son of God in a new sense. Thus He stood in our world—the Son of God, yet allied by birth to the human race. From all eternity Christ was united with the Father, and when He took upon Himself human nature, He was still one with God. He is the link that unites God with humanity” Signs Of The Times Aug. 2, 1905. Why did Christ become human? Heb. “The plan by which alone man’s salvation could be secured, involved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice. The angels could not rejoice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption, for they saw that man’s salvation must cost their loved Commander unutterable woe. In grief and wonder they listened to His words as He told them how He must descend from heaven’s purity and peace, its joy and glory and immortal life, and come in contact with the degradation of earth, to endure its sorrow, shame, and death. All this would be necessary in order that He might be able to succor them that should be tempted. Hebrews 2:18. When His mission as a teacher should be ended, He must be delivered into the hands of wicked men and be subjected to every insult and torture that Satan could inspire them to inflict. He must die the cruelest of deaths, lifted up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty sinner. He must pass long hours of agony so terrible that angels could not look upon it, but would veil their faces from the sight. He must endure anguish of soul, the hiding of His Father’s face, while the guilt of transgression—the weight of the sins of the whole world—should be upon Him.” Patriarchs And Prophets p.64 “The angels prostrated themselves at the feet of their Commander and offered to become a sacrifice for man. But an angel’s life could not pay the debt; only He who created man had power to redeem him. Yet the angels were to have a part to act in the plan of redemption. Christ was to be made “a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death.” Hebrews 2:9. As He should take human nature upon Him, His strength would not be equal to theirs, and they were to minister to Him, to strengthen and soothe Him under His sufferings.” Patriarchs and Prophets p.64-65 At his birth into the world, Jesus became the Son of God again, but this time to reveal the love of the Father to a lost world. Part 6: he has given us the privilege to become Sons “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” “The condition of being received into the Lord’s family is coming out from the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of God are to have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to reach a higher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then God says, “I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of the heavenly King.” As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice from sin and sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven. We should realize more clearly the value of the promises God has made to us, and appreciate more deeply the honor He has given us. God can bestow no higher honor upon mortals than to adopt them into His family, giving them the privilege of calling Him Father. There is no degradation in becoming children of God.” Fundamental Of Christian Education p.481 What great privilege can redeemed man enjoy, that the angels cannot? “What love, what matchless love, that, sinners and aliens as we are, we may be brought back to God and adopted into His family! We may address Him by the endearing name, “Our Father,” which is a sign of our affection for Him and a pledge of His tender regard and relationship to us. And the Son of God, beholding the heirs of grace, “is not ashamed to call them brethren.” They have even a more sacred relationship to God than have the angels who have never fallen...... In all His children God beholds the image of His only-begotten Son. He looks upon them with a love greater than any language can express. He enfolds them in the arms of His love. The Lord rejoices over His people. He has redeemed us out of the careless world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the heavenly King. He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. God is to us a tender, compassionate, heavenly Father.” My Life Today p.289 “Henceforth you are not your own; you are brought with a price. “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . but with the precious blood of Christ. Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has begotten a new life in your heart. You are as a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son.” The Faith I Live By p.19 The Son of God has made the provision for us fallen, sinful man to be redeemed into the family of his Father at a more exalted position than that of angels. The God-Man That God should thus be manifest in the flesh is indeed a mystery; and without the help of the Holy Spirit we cannot hope to comprehend this subject. The most humbling lesson that man has to learn is the nothingness of human wisdom, and the folly of trying, by his own unaided efforts, to find out God. He may exert his intellectual powers to the utmost, he may have what the world calls a superior education, yet he may still be ignorant in God’s eyes. The ancient philosophers boasted of their wisdom; but how did it weigh in the scale with God? Solomon had great learning; but his wisdom was foolishness; for he did not know how to stand in moral independence, free from sin, in the strength of a character molded after the divine similitude. Solomon has told us the result of his research, his painstaking efforts, his persevering inquiry. He pronounces his wisdom altogether vanity. By wisdom the world knew not God. Their estimation of the divine character, their imperfect knowledge of His attributes, did not enlarge and expand their mental conception. Their minds were not ennobled in conformity to the divine will, but they plunged into the grossest idolatry. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things” (Rom. This is the worth of all requirements and knowledge apart from Christ. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. “Was the human nature of the Son of Mary changed into the divine nature of the Son of God? No; the two natures were mysteriously blended in one person—the man Christ Jesus……. This is a great mystery, a mystery that will not be fully, completely understood in all its greatness until the translation of the redeemed shall take place. Then the power and greatness and efficacy of the gift of God to man will be understood. But the enemy is determined that this gift shall be so mystified that it will become as nothingness.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.5 p.1113 The make-up of a being is twofold, body and Spirit, the Spirit being the real identity and the body the home or house in which the Spirit lives! See 2Cor 5:1, 1Cor 6:19 “The apostle would call our attention from ourselves to the Author of our salvation. He presents before us His two natures, divine and human. Here is the description of the divine: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” He was “the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.” Now, of the human: He “was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death.”..... He clothed His divinity with humanity. He was all the while as God, but He did not appear as God. He veiled the demonstrations of Deity, which had commanded the homage, and called forth the admiration, of the universe of God. He was God while upon earth, but He divested Himself of the form of God, and in its stead took the form and fashion of a man...... He was God, but the glories of the form of God He for a while relinquished. Though He walked among men in poverty, scattering His blessings wherever He went, at His word legions of angels would surround their Redeemer, and do Him homage. But He walked the earth unrecognized, unconfessed, with but few exceptions, by His creatures.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.5 p.1126 “Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave. The wondrous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is returned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection every man will have his own character. God in His own time will call forth the dead, giving again the breath of life, and bidding the dry bones live. The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect. It lives again bearing the same individuality of features, so that friend will recognize friend.” Maranatha p.301. The Man Christ Jesus walked this earth as God in human flesh. His Spirit was divine and his body human. Part 2: The representative of God No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. “All that man needs to know or can know of God has been revealed in the life and character of His Son........ Taking humanity upon Him, Christ came to be one with humanity and at the same time to reveal our heavenly Father to sinful human beings. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of men, and yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was a stranger and sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin.” Testimonies for The Church Vol.8 p.286 What was the testimony of Jesus himself? “The Eternal Father, the unchangeable one, gave his only begotten Son, tore from his bosom Him who was made in the express image of his person, and sent him down to earth to reveal how greatly he loved mankind. He is willing to do more, “more than we can ask or think.” An inspired writer asks a question which should sink deep into every heart: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Review and Herald July 9, 1895 “And when we realize that the Heavenly Father gave his Son to assume humanity, to lift up the fallen race, we will be ready to praise him.” Review and Herald, June 10, 1890 “What does that say to us? ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased.’ It says to you, I, God, have sent my Son into your world, and through him is opened all heaven to fallen man.” (Sabbath Talk, Oct. 20, 1888) 1888 Materials pg. 124 pr.5 What quality was given to Christ as God’s representative? “It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again..... But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him..... In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ.” Jesus the Son of God came to this earth to show to fallen man who his Father is and what he is like. Part 3: He did nothing on his own I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. “The holy life and character of Christ is a faithful example. His confidence in His heavenly Father was unlimited. His obedience and submission were unreserved and perfect. He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others. He came not to do His own will, but the will of Him that sent Him. In all things He submitted Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. From the lips of the Saviour of the world were heard these words: “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.3 p.106 What example has Christ left his followers? “Christ came to do His Father’s will. Are we following in His steps? All who have named the name of Christ should be constantly seeking for a more intimate acquaintance with Him, that they may walk even as He walked, and do the works of Christ. We should appropriate the lessons of His life to our lives. Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”........ Here is the work of self-denial upon which we must enter with cheerfulness, in imitation of the example of our Redeemer. The Christian’s life must be one of conflict and of sacrifice. The path of duty should be followed, not the path of inclination and choice.” Testimonies For The Church Vol. This state was experienced by the early believers and will be also seen by us in the last days! “This was the spirit that pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own.” “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Desires Of Ages p.551 “All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things. They were also taught that the widows and fatherless had a claim upon their charity. Pure and undefiled religion is defined, to visit the widows and fatherless in their affliction, and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw it was not merely to sympathize with them in their affliction by comforting words, but to aid them, if needy, with their substance.” Spiritual Gifts Vol.2 p.230-231 All the works of Christ was given to him by his Father, he always sought the Father’s will, and we as his children should do the same. Part 4: He directed attention to his Father For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. “The obedience of Christ to His Father was the same obedience that is required of man. Man cannot overcome Satan’s temptations without divine power to combine with his instrumentality. So with Jesus Christ; He could lay hold of divine power. He came not to our world to give the obedience of a lesser God to a greater, but as a man to obey God’s holy law, and in this way He is our example. The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God’s power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset.” Bible Commentaries Vol. What is the promise given to those who trust in God? Isa. “In the heart of Christ, where reigned perfect harmony with God, there was perfect peace. He was never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment. Amid the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment, He was still of good courage. But many who profess to be His followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace. It is the love of self that brings unrest. When we are born from above, the same mind will be in us that was in Jesus, the mind that led Him to humble Himself that we might be saved. Then we shall not be seeking the highest place. We shall desire to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him. We shall understand that the value of our work does not consist in making a show and noise in the world, and in being active and zealous in our own strength. The value of our work is in proportion to the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Trust in God brings holier qualities of mind, so that in patience we may possess our souls.” Desires Of Ages p.330-1 In our efforts to tell others of our faith, do we focus on our church and our fellowship or do we point them to Christ? “The work of every ambassador of Christ is to bear witness to the light. He is not to take Christ’s place, but to reveal Christ to the world, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. God has sent his ministers out as his standard-bearers. They are to point to Jesus who taketh away the sin of the world.” The Ellen G White 1888 Materials p.673. In his ministry on earth Jesus made it known to all that he was doing the work of his Father. Part 5: His power came from the father All the power Jesus used on earth was given to him by the Father, and all the power we will need as his followers to overcome sin, shall be given by the Father. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. “Think of the interest that the Father and the Son have in this work. As the Father loves the Son, so the Son loves those that are His,—those who work as He worked to save perishing souls. None need feel that they are powerless; for Christ declares, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” He has promised that He will give this power to His workers. His power is to become their power. They are to link their souls with God. Christ desires all to enjoy the wealth of His grace, which is beyond all computation. It is limitless, exhaustless. It is ours by eternal covenant, if we will be workers together with God. It is ours if we will unite with Him to bring many sons and daughters to God.”—Review and Herald, June 2, 1903. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; Jn 5:26 “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. “I lay it down of myself” (John 10: 18), He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as His personal Saviour.” Selected Messages Vol.1 p.296-7 Is the power of Christ still available to us today? “That power is not diminished by the lapse of years, nor exhausted by the ceaseless activity of His overflowing grace. To all who believe on Him He is still a living Saviour.” Desires Of Ages p.319 “Shall we not strive to use to the very best of our ability the little time that is left us in this life, adding grace to grace, power to power, making it manifest that we have a source of power in the heavens above? Christ says: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. What is this power given to Him for? For us. He desires us to realize that He has returned to heaven as our Elder Brother and that the measureless power given Him has been placed at our disposal.” Testimonies for the church Vol.9 p.186. Part 6: He pleased his father And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. “Never did Christ deviate from loyalty to the principles of God’s law. Never did He do anything contrary to the will of His Father. Before angels, men, and demons He could speak words that from any other lips would have been blasphemy: “I do always those things that please Him.” Day by day for three years His enemies followed Him, trying to find some stain in His character. Satan, with all his confederacy of evil, sought to overcome Him; but they found nothing in Him by which to gain advantage. Even the devils were forced to confess: “Thou art the Holy One of God.” Testimonies For The Church p.208 What was the Father’s own testimony in regards to his Son? “These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal.” Desires Of Ages p.112 What lesson may we learn about the power of prayer? “And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” embraces humanity. God spoke to Jesus as our representative....... The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.” Desires Of Ages p.113 What lessons may we learn from the life of Christ? “Those who are seeking to know the truth and to understand the will of God, who are faithful to the light and zealous in the performance of their daily duties, will surely know of the doctrine, for they will be guided into all truth. God does not promise, by the masterly acts of His providence, to irresistibly bring men to the knowledge of His truth, when they do not seek for truth and have no desire to know the truth.” Testimonies for the church Jesus pleased his Father, because he did his father’s will, we are to please the Father in the same way. The Lamb of God Jesus had united with the Father in making the world. Amid the agonizing sufferings of the Son of God, blind and deluded men alone remain unfeeling. The chief priests and elders revile God’s dear Son while in His expiring agonies. Yet inanimate nature groans in sympathy with her bleeding, dying Author. The earth trembles. The sun refuses to behold the scene. The heavens gather blackness. Angels have witnessed the scene of suffering until they can look no longer, and hide their faces from the horrid sight. Christ is dying! He is in despair! His Father’s approving smile is removed, and angels are not permitted to lighten the gloom of the terrible hour. They can only behold in amazement their loved Commander, the Majesty of heaven, suffering the penalty of man’s transgression of the Father’s law. Even doubts assailed the dying Son of God. He could not see through the portals of the tomb. Bright hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the tomb a conqueror and His Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice. The sin of the world, with all its terribleness, was felt to the utmost by the Son of God. The displeasure of the Father for sin, and its penalty, which is death, were all that He could realize through this amazing darkness. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. The divine Son of God was the only sacrifice of sufficient value to fully satisfy the claims of God’s perfect law. The angels were sinless, but of less value than the law of God. They were amenable to law. They were messengers to do the will of Christ, and before Him to bow. They were created beings, and probationers. Upon Christ no requirements were laid. He had power to lay down His life, and to take it again. No obligation was laid upon Him to undertake the work of atonement. It was a voluntary sacrifice that He made. His life was of sufficient value to rescue man from his fallen condition.—The Review and Herald, Dec. 17, 1872. Who was the originator of the sacrificial system? “Christ Himself was the originator of the Jewish system of worship, in which, by types and symbols, were shadowed forth spiritual and heavenly things.... Today we are living when type has met antitype in the offering of Christ for the sins of the world; we are living in the day of increased light, and yet how few are benefited with the grand and all-important truth that Christ has made an ample sacrifice for all! What justice required, Christ had rendered in the offering of Himself, and “how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. Those who reject the gift of life will be without excuse.” Our High Calling p.47 What was the condition of the lamb before the throne? “The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour’s character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church.” Testimonies To Ministers p.92-3 The Bible clearly shows the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. “Herein His love commends itself in the most marvelous manner to the rebellious race. What a sight for angels to behold! What a hope for man, “that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”! The just suffered for the unjust.....” Testimonies to Ministers p.246 A lamb is a symbol of purity and innocence, which fitly describes the Son of God, who came to this world to redeem fallen man. Part 2: Without Blemish Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: Ex 12:5 “The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ, and from this it is evident that Jesus Himself was free from physical deformity. He was the “lamb without blemish and without spot.” His physical structure was not marred by any defect; His body was strong and healthy. And throughout His lifetime He lived in conformity to nature’s laws. Physically as well as spiritually, He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws.” Desires Of Ages p.50-1 The lamb had to be without physical deformity as a symbol of no scar of sin. “The priests were to examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject every one in which a defect was discovered. Only an offering “without blemish” could be a symbol of His perfect purity who was to offer Himself as “a lamb without blemish and without spot.” The apostle Paul points to these sacrifices as an illustration of what the followers of Christ are to become. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1. We are to give ourselves to the service of God, and we should seek to make the offering as nearly perfect as possible. God will not be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer. Those who love Him with all the heart, will desire to give Him the best service of the life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will.” Patriarchs And Prophets p.352-3 As the sacrificial lamb was to be without blame and blemish, God requires the same of His people. What is the requirement for the church of God today? “The conversation of the Christian should be in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour. Meditation upon heavenly things is profitable, and will ever be accompanied with the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Our calling is holy, our profession exalted. God is purifying unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He is sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver. When the dross and tin are removed, then His image will be perfectly reflected in us. Then the prayer of Christ for His disciples will be answered in us: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” Testimonies for the church Vol.2 p.317 As the sacrificial offering was to be blameless, so must our lives be who are called by the name of God. Part 3: The symbol of transferring sin “And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness.” Lev. “The most important part of the daily ministration was the service performed in behalf of individuals. The repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle, and placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. By his own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood was not taken into the holy place; but the flesh was then to be eaten by the priest. Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the sin from the penitent to the sanctuary.” The Faith I Live By p.198 Today we don’t have to offer a lamb for sacrifice, Christ made the provision for us to be forgiven. What are the two things necessary? Prov. “The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.” Acts Of The Apostles p.552 How is our sins transferred from us to Christ, today? “Christ says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” In these words, Christ gives us direction as to how we should pray. We are to come to our heavenly Father with the simplicity of a child, asking him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says again, “When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” You are to come to the Father repenting and confessing your sins, emptying the soul of every sin and defilement, and it is your privilege to prove the promises of the Lord. You cannot indulge your own temper, and have your own way, and still remain the children of God. We shall have to struggle with our hereditary tendencies, that we may not yield to temptation, and become angry under provocation.” The Review and Herald, October 11, 1892 The sins of the people were transferred to the sacrifice to be borne by it. Christ is asking us to transfer our sins to him. Part 4: Bearing Sins So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb. “Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel.” Patriarchs And Prophets p.411] Our sins are transferred to Jesus to be borne by him, thus he becomes the sin bearer for mankind. We should not condemn others because they are sinners, but point to Christ. “Don’t criticize some one else; criticize yourself as severely as you please. Don’t feel that God has appointed you to bear the sins of the world. There is only one man who was appointed to bear the sins of the world. He is our Sin-bearer, there is only one sin-bearer. If He laid other sins on us, they would crush us; we can not even bear our own sins; but he can bear them, He can take them away. “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” You just think of that. Be very anxious that He take away your sins, but don’t you begin to judge a brother or sister; you lose your chance of eternal life, you can’t afford it. “ The Southern Watchman, January 23, 1903 On the day of atonement the high priest would do something at the end of the service. Lev 16:21 What similar action will take place at the end of sin? “In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, “without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away “unto a land not inhabited” (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked. Thus the great plan of redemption will reach its accomplishment in the final eradication of sin and the deliverance of all who have been willing to renounce evil.” The Great Controversy p.485-6 The sins of God’s children are forgiven and borne by Christ who will place them on Satan at the end. Part 5: Dying for sins But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Heb. “Death entered the world because of transgression. But Christ gave His life that man should have another trial. He did not die on the cross to abolish the law of God, but to secure for man a second probation. He did not die to make sin an immortal attribute; He died to secure the right to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. He suffered the full penalty of a broken law for the whole world. This He did, not that men might continue in transgression, but that they might return to their loyalty and keep God’s commandments and His law as the apple of their eye.” Testimonies To Ministers p.134 What other great blessing has the death of Christ given to mankind? “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.” Desires Of Ages p.25 “By the casting of the grain into the soil, Christ represents the sacrifice of Himself for our redemption. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,” He says, “it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” So the death of Christ will result in fruit for the kingdom of God. In accordance with the law of the vegetable kingdom, life will be the result of His death.” Christ Object Lessons p.86 While Christ died for sins, Christians are to do something similar, what is it that is required of us? “The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.6 p.1075. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. Part 6: The symbol of blood But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. “The blood of the Son of God was symbolized by the blood of the slain victim, and God would have clear and definite ideas preserved between the sacred and the common. Blood was sacred, inasmuch as through the shedding of the blood of the Son of God alone could there be atonement for sin.” (Signs Of The Times July 15, 1880). Why was the blood of the sacrifice necessary? “The Jews saw in the sacrificial offerings the symbol of Christ whose blood was shed for the salvation of the world. All these offerings were to typify Christ and to rivet the great truth in their hearts that the blood of Jesus Christ alone cleanseth from all sin, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Some wonder why God desired so many sacrifices and appointed the offering of so many bleeding victims in the Jewish economy. Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred ceremony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins.” Selected Messages Vol.1 p.106-7 The blood of Christ is a cleansing symbol, as soap is needed to clean dirt from our bodies. How can red blood wash scarlet clothes and then make them white, is the question that a child asked his mother, where did you hear that son, replied mother. The preacher said so at church today mom. Well in that case it is not clothes that is washed, but you the person. The blood of Jesus is a symbol of cleansing or forgiveness, so if you sin, the scarlet represents sin and if we confess and is sorry for our sins, then Jesus forgives us and make us clean, which is symbolized by white. Those who will make it through the great tribulation will do so for two reasons, what are they? “This is our washing and ironing time—the time when we are to cleanse our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb. John says, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Shall we not let Him take them away? Shall we not let our sins go (GCB April 6, 1903, p. 89)?” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. “.....and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” Christ died to remove all the sins of the world, including ours! Mediator between God and Man “The highest angel in heaven had not the power to pay the ransom for one lost soul. Cherubim and seraphim have only the glory with which they are endowed by the Creator as His creatures, and the reconciliation of man to God could be accomplished only through a mediator who was equal with God, possessed of attributes that would dignify, and declare him worthy to treat with the infinite God in man’s behalf, and also represent God to a fallen world. Man’s substitute and surety must have man’s nature, a connection with the human family whom he was to represent, and, as God’s ambassador, he must partake of the divine nature, have a connection with the Infinite, in order to manifest God to the world, and be a mediator between God and man. These qualifications were found alone in Christ. Clothing His divinity with humanity, He came to earth to be called the Son of man and the Son of God. He was the surety for man, the ambassador for God—the surety for man to satisfy by His righteousness in man’s behalf the demands of the law, and the representative of God to make manifest His character to a fallen race.” For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. Sin has placed a separation between man and God, so that man could no longer hold open face to face communion with his maker. “To sin, wherever found, “our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them.” Desires Of Ages p.107 What hope was given to man in his sinful condition? “The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting His divine merits in the offering of Himself to the Father as our substitute and surety; for He ascended up on high to make an atonement for our transgressions.” Faith and works p.105 “The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian, and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan’s host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received.”—Testimonies, vol. “Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.” Counsels On Health p.374 Who is the only mediator between God and man? “God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sinner’s only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith, he is sure of pardon and that full and free. There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.” A Bible Commentaries Vol.7 p.912-13 “After the fall Christ became Adam’s instructor. He acted in God’s stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon him the office of mediator. Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance, and in this plan all their posterity were embraced.” Conflict And Courage p.20 Jesus Christ the Son of God became the link between man and God. Part 2: THE DEMAND OF THE LAW Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Rom. “Death entered the world because of transgression. But Christ gave His life that man should have another trial. He did not die on the cross to abolish the law of God, but to secure for man a second probation. He did not die to make sin an immortal attribute; He died to secure the right to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. He suffered the full penalty of a broken law for the whole world. This He did, not that men might continue in transgression, but that they might return to their loyalty and keep God’s commandments and His law as the apple of their eye.” Testimonies To Ministers p.134 What is the purpose of the death of Christ? “The death of Christ was to forever settle the question of the validity of the law of Jehovah. Having suffered the full penalty for a guilty world, Jesus became the Mediator between God and man, to restore the repenting soul to favor with God by giving him grace to keep the law of the Most High. Christ came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them to the very letter. The atonement of Calvary vindicated the law of God as holy, just, and true, not only before the fallen world but before heaven and before the worlds unfallen. Christ came to magnify the law and to make it honorable.” Faith And Works p.118 “Without the atonement of the Son of God there could have been no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man. God was jealous for the honor of His law. The transgression of that law had caused a fearful separation between God and man. To Adam in his innocence was granted communion, direct, free, and happy, with his Maker. After his transgression, God would communicate to man only through Christ and angels.” Conflict And Courage p.20 What works was Christ involved in since the days of Noah? “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Christ was engaged in this warfare in Noah’s day. It was His voice that spoke to the inhabitants of the old world in messages of warning, reproof, and invitation. He gave the people a probation of one hundred and twenty years, in which they might have repented. But they chose the deceptions of Satan, and perished in the waters of the Flood.” (Review and Herald, March 12, 1901). S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.1 p.1088. The Law of God demanded death for transgression, and Jesus died that death, to redeem us. Part 3: The benefits of christ mediatorship And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. “Ask in my name,” Christ says. Christ is the connecting link between God and man. He has promised His personal intercession. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the influence of the One who gave His life for the life of the world. As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. As we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer’s merits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has united divinity with humanity. Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and trust. The Angel of the covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Mediator who secures the acceptance of the prayers of His believing ones.” God’s Amazing Grace p.85 Which human being is but a poor example of what Christ is to us today? “Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had been highly honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. He was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the Father. The Lord through Moses delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often standing between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of the Lord was greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and their grievous sins, Moses’ love for them was tested. God proposed to destroy them and to make of him a mighty nation. Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading in their behalf. In his distress he prayed God to turn from His fierce anger and forgive Israel, or blot his name out of His book.” Early Writings What great privilege has Christ granted to fallen humans? “It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity. To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of heaven, the sure token by which the children of the Highest reveal their high estate.” The Faith I Live By p.38 We are given right to the gifts and blessings of God, because we accept and acknowledge our mediator. Part 4: the door I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. “Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through this door all His children, from the earliest times, have found entrance. In Jesus, as shown in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples, and in the miracles wrought for the sons of men, they have beheld “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and through Him they are brought within the fold of His grace. Many have come presenting other objects for the faith of the world; ceremonies and systems have been devised by which men hope to receive justification and peace with God, and thus find entrance to His fold. But the only door is Christ, and all who have interposed something to take the place of Christ, all who have tried to enter the fold in some other way, are thieves and robbers.” Desires Of Ages p.477-8 What example has Christ left us that we should follow? “Christ came to do His Father’s will. Are we following in His steps? All who have named the name of Christ should be constantly seeking for a more intimate acquaintance with Him, that they may walk even as He walked, and do the works of Christ. We should appropriate the lessons of His life to our lives. Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Here is the work of self-denial upon which we must enter with cheerfulness, in imitation of the example of our Redeemer. The Christian’s life must be one of conflict and of sacrifice. The path of duty should be followed, not the path of inclination and choice.” Testimonies For The Church p.538 What surety can we find as sinners in God the Father? Acts 4:12 (Prov. “The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are embodied in the words of Christ on the mount.. In receiving the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive His words are building upon Him..... Christ, the Word, the revelation of God,—the manifestation of His character, His law, His love, His life,—is the only foundation upon which we can build a character that will endure.... We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father.” Mount of Blessings p.148-149 The only door to salvation is through the Son of God. Part 5: the way, truth and life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” “Many are losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that they must climb to heaven, that they must do something to merit the favor of God. They seek to make themselves better by their own unaided efforts. This they can never accomplish. Christ has made the way by dying our sacrifice, by living our example, by becoming our great high priest. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If by an effort of our own we could advance one step toward the ladder, the words of Christ would not be true. But when we accept Christ, good works will appear as fruitful evidence that we are in the way of life, that Christ is our way, and that we are treading the true path that leads to heaven.” Selected Messages Vol.1 368 Having found Jesus we need also to add a more vital element to our finding, what is this element? Jn “Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character. The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. So Christ communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay.” Desires Of Ages p.676 “Do you ask, “How am I to abide in Christ?”—In the same way as you received Him at first. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Col. 2:6). You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart, but having given yourself to God, you believed that He for Christ’s sake did all this for you.” God’s Amazing Grace p.293 What element of Christ life is most vital to us? “As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely..... Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ Object Lessons p.68-69. The key to true salvation is not only to find Christ, but to abide(live) in him. Part 6: Eating and drinking christ Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. “We must be constantly meditating upon the word, eating it, digesting it, and by practice, assimilating it, so that it is taken into the life current. He who feeds on Christ daily will by his example teach others to think less of that which they eat, and to feel much greater anxiety for the food they give to the soul.” Counsels on Diets and Foods p.89 “Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” And He explains Himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy: it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.” Steps To Christ p.88 We are to examine another aspect of our being that is most important. What aspect might this be? Phil. “It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind… God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind.” A Bible Commentaries Vol. “It is the true elevation of the mind…that makes the man. The proper cultivation of the mental powers makes man all that he is.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.4 p.438 “Every organ of the body was made to be servant to the mind. The mind is the capital of the body.” Fundamentals Of Christian Education p.20 “It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth.” Christian Education p.65 “The mind is the garden, the character is the fruit… Our own course determines our character.” Testimonies For The Church p.606 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. One With God By His obedience to all the commandments of God, Christ wrought out a redemption for men. This was not done by going out of Himself to another, but by taking humanity into Himself. Thus Christ gave to humanity an existence out of Himself. To bring humanity into Christ, to bring the fallen race into oneness with divinity, is the work of redemption. Christ took human nature that men might be one with Him as He is one with the Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten Son, that men may be partakers of the divine nature, and be complete in Him. The Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the only-begotten Son of God, binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divine-human nature of Christ. This union is represented by the union of the vine and the branches. Finite man is united to the manhood of Christ. Through faith human nature is assimilated with Christ’s nature. We are made one with God in Christ. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? “Who is Christ?—He is the only begotten Son of the living God. He is to the Father as a word that expresses the thought,—as a thought made audible. Christ is the word of God. Christ said to Philip, “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.” His words were the echo of God’s words. Christ was the likeness of God, the brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. Jesus, the outshining of the Father’s glory, “and the express image of his person” (Hebrews 1:3), was on earth found in fashion as a man. As a personal Saviour He came to the world.” Sons And Daughters p.21 Is Christ and God one single being? What does Christ mean when he says, “I and my Father are One.” Jesus says, “I and my Father...” thereby indicating two different individuals. He could not be saying that two people are the same one person, therefore the phrase, “are one,” must mean that they(Jesus and his Father) are alike, rather than the same. Paul says of Jesus that he was, “the express image of his(the Father’s) person...” Heb. The scripture says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24(Matt 19:5) This is talking about marriage which involves two people, a man and his wife, and it says of these two people that, “they shall be one flesh,” yet we will all agree that we have never seen two married people change into one person, they remain two, but now they work together with the same goals and purposes, thus they are alike. “The Father and the Son each have a personality. Christ declared: “I and My Father are one.” Yet it was the Son of God who came to the world in human form. Laying aside His royal robe and kingly crown, He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity through His infinite sacrifice might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.9 p.68 How can we be one with God? “As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we cooperate with God in overcoming Satan’s temptations. God works, and man works, that man may be one with Christ as Christ is one with God....” Maranatha p.225. Jesus is the express image of the Father, all his life is an example to us of what his Father is like! Part 2: Equal with God Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. “In order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited ideas of the sufferings of Christ, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement. The glorious plan of man’s salvation was brought about through the infinite love of God the Father. In this divine plan is seen the most marvelous manifestation of the love of God to the fallen race. Such love as is manifested in the gift of God’s beloved Son amazed the holy angels...... This Saviour was the brightness of His Father’s glory and the express image of His person. He possessed divine majesty, perfection, and excellence. He was equal with God. “It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (Col. 1:19). God’s Amazing Grace p.160 What was the circumstance surrounding the answer Jesus gave the Jews in Jn. 5:1-17, and what was the Jews response? “Jesus claimed equal rights with God in doing a work equally sacred, and of the same character with that which engaged the Father in heaven. But the Pharisees were still more incensed. He had not only broken the law, according to their understanding, but in calling God “His own Father” had declared Himself equal with God. R. V. The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father, therefore they would not have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing in the same relation to God. But they accused Him of blasphemy, showing that they understood Him as making this claim in the highest sense.” Desires Of Ages p.207-8 “Christ was the Son of God, equal with the Father; and yet he was abused, ridiculed, scourged, and crucified. There are many who have thought that the Father had no part in the sufferings of the Son; but this is a mistake. The Father suffered with the Son.” Signs Of The Times, Nov 25, 1889 What power does Jesus have as one equal with God? “It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth, had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at creation “spake, and it was,” who “commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk....” The Ministry Of Healing p.77. As all humans are equal, so is Christ equal to God as a divine being! Part 3: Jesus is God In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, The same was in the beginning with God. The first time the word God is used in the passage, who does it refer to? It certainly does not refer to Christ(The Word), because it says that, “the Word was with God.” The word therefore could not be the same person he was with. You could not be with somebody and at the same time be the person you are with, that is not logical. So the first time the word ‘God’ is used it referred to a person and the second time it refers to the nature or quality of a person rather than a person. “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father.” Review And Herald, April 5, 1906 “The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.8 p.268 What declaration did Christ make that shows that One was above him? “From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character.” Youth Instructor, December 16, 1897 “The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is truly God in infinity, but not in personality.” (Manuscript 116, Dec 19, 1905) Upward Look p.367 Who does Paul see above Christ? 1 Cor. “God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.8 p.268 Does Jesus have a God? “From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s own wonderful words, “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. The Desires Of Ages p.835. Jesus is God by nature, as we are humans by nature, but this does not make Jesus the Father of himself, God his Father is greater and higher. “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” “We are to be brought into a sacred nearness with the world’s Redeemer. We are to be one with Christ as He is one with the Father. What a wonderful change the people of God experience in coming into unity with the Son of God! We are to have our tastes, inclinations, ambitions, and passions all subdued, and brought into harmony with the mind and spirit of Christ. This is the very work that the Lord is willing to do for those who believe in Him. Our life and deportment are to have a molding power in the world.” My Life Today p.252 What will be the result of abiding in Christ? “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” When you pray, present this promise. It is our privilege to come to Him with holy boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to let His light shine upon us, He will hear and answer us. But we must live in harmony with our prayers. They are of no avail if we walk contrary to them.” Child Guidance p.499 What is the most important blessing of being one with God? 2 Pet. “God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, blessings flow out from Him to all the creatures He has made. In His infinite love He has granted men the privilege of becoming partakers of the divine nature, and, in their turn, of diffusing blessings to their fellow men. This is the highest honor, the greatest joy, that it is possible for God to bestow upon men. Those are brought nearest to their Creator who thus become participants in labors of love. He who refuses to become a “laborer together with God,”—the man who for the sake of selfish indulgence ignores the wants of his fellow men, the miser who heaps up his treasures here,—is withholding from himself the richest blessing that God can give him.”—R. Counsels On Stewardship p.23. What is the relationship between diet and the divine nature? “It is God’s design that believing parents and their children should stand forth as living representatives of Christ, candidates for everlasting life. All who are partakers of the divine nature will escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. It is impossible for those who indulge the appetite to attain to Christian perfection. You cannot arouse the moral sensibilities of your children while you are not careful in the selection of their food.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. The prayer of Jesus is that all the children of the Kingdom of his Father to be united as one, as he and his Father are one. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” “The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. In mind, in purpose, in character, they are one, but not in person. By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another.... The closer our union with Christ, the closer will be our union with one another. Variance and disaffection, selfishness and conceit, are striving for supremacy. These are the fruits of a divided heart, open to the suggestions of the enemy of souls.” Sons And Daughters p.286 In unity there is a life, a power, that can be obtained in no other way. Look at the benefit of uniting with Christ! “Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ and of His power to take away sin.”—MS 111, 1903. S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol .5 p.1148. “In view of the fact that we are living so near the close of this earth’s history, there should be greater thoroughness in labor, more vigilant waiting, watching, praying, and working. The human agent should strive to attain perfection, that he may be an ideal Christian, complete in Christ Jesus.” Testimonies For The Church What great blessings can we enjoy as Christians? “The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties—though there will be much of this to do—but union with Christ. Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all running to the center. The nearer these lines approach the center, the nearer they are to one another. Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite in harmonious action.” The Adventist Home p.179. My fellowship with God may be, and should be closer than that which I enjoy with any human being. Part 6: unity and uniformity “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. “Christian unity is a mighty agency. It tells in a powerful manner that those who possess it are children of God. It has an irresistible influence upon the world, showing that man in his humanity may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We are to be one with our fellow men and with Christ, and in Christ one with God. Then of us can be spoken the words, “Ye are complete in Him.”........ God calls upon the members of His church to receive the Holy Spirit, to come together in unity and brotherly sympathy, to bind their interests together in love. Nothing so manifestly weakens a church as disunion and strife. Nothing so wars against Christ and the truth as this spirit. He in whose heart Christ abides recognizes Christ abiding in the heart of his brother. Christ never wars against Christ. Christ never exerts an influence against Christ. Christians are to do their work, whatever it may be, in the unity of the Spirit, for the perfecting of the whole body.” My Life today p.276 What was the result, when the disciples came together in true unity after Jesus left? Acts 2:1 “Before the day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ’s promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.” Desires Of Ages p.827. What is the root of Christian unity? “In the church of God today brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and they are quick to discern the defects in character, the inconsistencies in action. Let Christians not make it possible for the enemy to point to them and say, Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. Christians are all members of one family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds them together.” The Acts Of The Apostles p.550. “Abide” means to remain always. Why is it that our relationship with God is so fluctuating, at times close, at other times very distant and shaky? Jesus and The Holy Spirit “The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 669. “At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. Paul seems to mention the spirit of God and the spirit of Christ as one and the same. Are they the same? “Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.” Maranatha 302 “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” This is close language. Who can stand the test? The word of God is to us a daguerreotype of the mind of God and of Christ, also of man fallen, and of man renewed after the image of Christ, possessing the divine mind. We may compare our thoughts, feelings, and intentions with the picture of Christ. We have no relationship with Him unless we are willing to work the works of Christ.” Testimonies For The Church Vol.3 p.537 According to the following passage who dwells with us, and how? “God has given us Jesus, and in Him is the revelation of God. Our Redeemer says: “If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.” If we know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, unspeakable gladness will come to the soul. Oh, how we need the divine presence! For the baptism of the Holy Spirit every worker should be breathing out his prayer to God.” Testimonies to minister p.169-70 On what knowledge is life eternal based? “There is a knowledge of God and of Christ which all who are saved must have. “This is life eternal,” Christ said, “that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” The question for us to study is, What is truth—the truth for this time, which is to be cherished, loved, honored, and obeyed? The devotees of science have been defeated and disheartened in their effort to find out God. What they need to inquire is, What is truth? (MS 124, 1903) S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol.6 p.1079-1080. The scriptures says of Christ, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Therefore the Spirit belongs both to God and Christ. Part 2: The breath of christ “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” “Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” This is the great gift of heaven. Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel. Henceforth Christ would live through their faculties, and speak through their words. They were privileged to know that hereafter He and they were to be one. They must cherish His principles and be controlled by His Spirit. They were no longer to follow their own way, to speak their own words. The words they spoke were to proceed from a sanctified heart, and fall from sanctified lips. No longer were they to live their own selfish life; Christ was to live in them. He would give to them the glory that He had with the Father, that He and they might be one in God.” Sons And Daughters p.294 When Christ breath on his disciples whose spirit did they receive? “Christ breathed upon His disciples and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in every part of His great moral vineyard. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to all those who are of a contrite spirit.” Testimonies To Ministers p.214 What is the result of the breath of Christ in our hearts? “If we follow Christ we shall not have a spasmodical experience, and be moved by circumstances and influenced by our surroundings. We shall not let feeling control us, and indulge in fretting, envying, fault-finding, jealousy, and vanity. It is indulgence in these things that puts us out of harmony with the harmonious life of Christ, and prevents us from becoming overcomers. We should be actuated by the noble purpose of winning daily victories, and by watchfulness and sincere prayer attain to complete control of self. When petty trials come upon us, and words are spoken that cut and bruise the soul, speak to yourself and say, “I am a child of God, heir with Jesus Christ, a co-laborer with heaven, and I cannot afford to easily take offense, to be always thinking of self; for this will produce a distorted character, and is unworthy of my high calling. My Heavenly Father has given me a work to do, and let me do it worthily for his name’s sake.” Signs of the Times, July 10, The Holy Spirit exclusively belong to God the Father, and Jesus is partaker of that Spirit. Part 3: What is the relationship between the glorifying of Jesus and the holy spirit? “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” We have the witness of the scripture here that says, “the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” Why was Christ glorification necessary for the giving of the Holy Ghost? What is the glorifying of Christ? “Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His followers were to receive the promised blessing. For this they were to wait before they entered upon their work. When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.” The Acts Of The Apostles p.38 “Heavenly angels had seen the glory which the Son of God shared with the Father before the world was.....” The Great Controversy p.313 Why did Jesus have to go before the comforter could come? “The work of the Saviour on earth was finished. The time had come for Him to return to His heavenly home..... As Christ ascends while in the act of blessing His disciples, an army of angels encircle Him as a cloud...... At the portals of the city of God, an innumerable company of angels await His coming..... He approaches the Father, and if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, if the Father rejoices over one with singing, let the imagination take in this scene.” The spirit is the life of the Father. Jesus had to be glorified with the Father before he could send the Spirit to His disciples. Part 4: “Antoher Comforter” “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” Jesus distinctly stated the purpose for his request to the Father. The purpose of this request was that the comforter would abide with the disciples for ever. Who would abide with the disciples for ever? “Another comforter” Let’s look at the meaning of this word, “another” - Distinctly different from the first.(The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language) “When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning.” The Desires Of Ages p.277 In Jn 14:17-19, did Jesus explain who the comforter is? “The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 669. “The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 668-671). Inspiration tells that, “Jesus is the comforter!” “How essential that we have the enlightenment of the Spirit of God; for thus only can we see the glory of Christ, and by beholding become changed from character to character in and through faith in Christ. We turn from the picture of our shortcomings to behold the atonement made for us, and we rejoice as we know that we may be clothed with Christ’s righteousness. In Him all fullness dwells. He has grace and pardon for every soul. As by faith we look to Jesus, our faith pierces the shadow, and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving Jesus the Comforter.” The comforter that Jesus prayed for his Father to send would be the same Jesus in a none bodily form, so by this Spirit form he could be with them, all at once. Part 5: Pentecost “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “The time had now come. The Spirit had been waiting for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. For ten days the disciples offered their petitions for the outpouring of the Spirit, and Christ in heaven added His intercession. This was the occasion of His ascension and inauguration, a jubilee in heaven. He had ascended on high, leading captivity captive, and He now claimed the gift of the Spirit, that He might pour it out upon His disciples.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. What similar experience, but of a greater magnitude, awaits the disciples of Christ in the last days? Joel 3:28-29, Hosea 6:3, Zech 10:1 “If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days of the apostles, we are living in a time when it is to be even more evidently manifest to the people of God. He will so bestow His Spirit upon His people that they will become a light amid the moral darkness; and great light will be reflected in all parts of the world. O that our faith might be increased, that the Lord might work mightily with His people.” A Bible Commentaries p.1175 “The time has come when we must expect the Lord to do great things for us. Our efforts must not flag or weaken. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God’s people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Angels from heaven will be in our midst. The present is a fitting-up time for heaven when we must walk in full obedience to all the commands of God.—Letter Selected Messages Bk.1 p.111. What will be the result of the final outpouring of the Spirit of God upon his people? “The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming.” The Great Controversy The people who live in close connection with God will be worthy of His Spirit in the last days to fit them for a place in Heaven. “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” “In the City of God “there shall be no night.” None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its close. “And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.” Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day. “I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.” The Great Controversy p.676-677. The Spirit is mentioned briefly in the book of Revelation, what is the spirit really? Revelation gives us a very interesting glimpse of what the Spirit is. In chapter one John seem to speak of the Spirit as a separate individual from, “him which is and which was and which is to come” and from, “Jesus Christ.” In chapter three something strange is mentioned, here John is giving the messages to the seven churches and to all the churches his messages is from him who he(John) saw in chapter one. Read chapter one over and over again and then read chapter 3:1, “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.....” Who was this being that John is here referring to? We know based on what he saw in chapter one, that he which has the seven stars is, “one like unto the Son of man.” This means that the Son of man(Jesus) also has this Spirit. In chapter four John is brought to the throne room of God and here he mentions that he sees the “seven Spirit of God” before the throne(verse 5) and in chapter five John sees the lamb standing before the throne, “having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” What conclusion can we draw from these scenes in heaven? Obviously the Spirit is exclusively the property of God, and is possesed by his Son to be his by inheritance, from Father to Son. The Spirit operates on the internal invisible level, representing God and his Son in a non-bodily form. The Kingdom Of Christ “There are two kingdoms in this world, the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. To one of these kingdoms each one of us belongs. In His wonderful prayer for His disciples, Christ said, “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” Counsel on Health 591 “Christ taught that His church is a spiritual kingdom. He Himself, “the Prince of peace,” is the head of His church. In His person humanity, inhabited by divinity, was represented to the world. The great end of His mission was to be a sin-offering for the world, that by the shedding of blood an atonement might be made for the whole race of men. With a heart ever touched with the feelings of our infirmities, an ear ever open to the cry of suffering humanity, a hand ever ready to save the discouraged and despairing, Jesus, our Saviour, “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). And all who are members of the kingdom of Christ will represent Him in character and disposition.” Gods amazing grace p.14 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. “When He sent forth the Twelve and afterward the Seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth. The last lesson He gave His followers was that they held in trust for the world the glad tidings of salvation.” The Acts Of The Apostles p.32. In a parable Jesus spoke of an invitation given to attend a feast prepared by a King, but those to whom the invitation came gave excuses for not attending, was the excuses valid? “None of the excuses were founded on a real necessity. The man who “must needs go and see” his piece of ground, had already purchased it. His haste to go and see it was due to the fact that his interest was absorbed in his purchase. The oxen, too, had been bought. The proving of them was only to satisfy the interest of the buyer. The third excuse had no more semblance of reason. The fact that the intended guest had married a wife need not have prevented his presence at the feast. His wife also would have been made welcome. But he had his own plans for enjoyment, and these seemed to him more desirable than the feast he had promised to attend. He had learned to find pleasure in other society than that of the host. He did not ask to be excused, made not even a pretense of courtesy in his refusal. The “I cannot” was only a veil for the truth—”I do not care to come.” Like these that were bidden, we too are giving excuses for not going forth to give the invitations to our neighbors and friends to come to Christ today! “The spiritual banquet has been set before us in rich abundance. We have had presented to us by the messengers of God the richest feast—the righteousness of Christ, justification by faith, the exceeding great and precious promises of God in His Word, free access to the Father by Jesus Christ, the comforts of the Holy Spirit, and the well-grounded assurance of eternal life in the kingdom of God. We ask, What could God do for us that He has not done in preparing the great supper, the heavenly banquet?” We are given a divine privilege to be worker together with Christ in building up His Kingdom, are we accepting this honourable task? Part 2: Realising the kingdom The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” “Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.” The Desires of Ages p.506. “The days will come,” He said, turning to His disciples, “when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God.” The Desires of Ages p.506. If the Kingdom of God cometh not with a flash and outward show, then how would we recognize the kingdom when it comes? “The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of the soul with Him who is its life. The greatest manifestation of its power is seen in human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ.” The Ministry of Healing p.36 “An appearance of wealth or position, expensive architecture or furnishings, are not essential to the advancement of the work of God; neither are achievements that win applause from men and administer to vanity. Worldly display, however imposing, is of no value with God.” Testimonies for the church Vol. Jesus says to us is given the keys to the Kingdom, what are the keys to the kingdom? Matt. “The keys of the kingdom of heaven” are the words of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are here included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men are received or rejected. Thus the work of those who preach God’s word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Theirs is a mission weighted with eternal results.” The Desires of Ages p.413. The Kingdom Of Heaven is within each born again follower of Jesus Christ and this Kingdom is realized by the effect of Gods word in our lives. Part 3: the members of the kingdom Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Cor. “One who has had an experimental knowledge of the length, and breadth, and height, and depth of that love, has declared unto us this amazing fact. This love is ours through faith in the Son of God, therefore a connection with Christ means everything to us. We are to be one with Him as He is one with the Father, and then we are beloved by the infinite God as members of the body of Christ, as branches of the living Vine. We are to be attached to the parent stock, and to receive nourishment from the Vine. Christ is our glorified Head, and the divine love flowing from the heart of God, rests in Christ, and is communicated to those who have been united to Him. This divine love entering the soul inspires it with gratitude, frees it from its spiritual feebleness, from pride, vanity, and selfishness, and from all that would deform the Christian character.” Fundamentals of Christian Education p.178-179. What unites us together as one in Christ? “The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers. It was His delight to do the will of God. Love to God, zeal for His glory, was the controlling power in our Saviour’s life. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions. Love is of God. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns. “We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19, R.V. In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.” Steps to Christ p.59. “All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense the brethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of His family, and wherever that love is made manifest there the divine relationship is revealed. “Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” The Desires of Ages p.638. There is also a stronger bond to all who are united in Christ, what is this bond? “The life of Christ established a religion in which there is no caste, a religion by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond, are linked in a common brotherhood, equal before God. No question of policy influenced His movements. He made no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the waters of life.” Testimonies for the church Vol.9 p.191. The extended life of Christ(the Holy Spirit) has made us into one body and members of one another. Part 4: Purpose of the kingdom “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” The purpose of the Kingdom is to present hope to a world lost and wondering in sin. It says to sinners that we have a saviour who can cleanse us with his own blood and make us into children of light and goodness. “Christ is the greatest of all physicians. He is a physician of the soul as well as of the body. Had He not come to this world to redeem us from Satan’s hellish power, we would have had no hope of gaining eternal life. Let us not point minds to erring human beings. Let us say, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Our High Calling p.109. At the feast of Levi, the Scribes and Pharisees murmured asking, “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?” What was Jesus response to the question? “Christ was a physician of the body as well as of the soul. He was minister and missionary and physician. From His childhood He was interested in every phase of human suffering that came under His notice. He could truly say, I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. In every case of woe He brought relief, His kind words having a healing balm. None could say He had worked a miracle, yet He imparted His virtue to those He saw in suffering and in need. Through the whole thirty years of His private life He was humble, meek, and lowly. He had a living connection with God; for the Spirit of God was upon Him, and He gave evidence to all who were acquainted with Him that He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life.” A Bible Commentary Vol.5 p.1088. “The Pharisees claimed to be spiritually whole, and therefore in no need of a physician, while they regarded the publicans and Gentiles as perishing from diseases of the soul. Then was it not His work, as a physician, to go to the very class that needed His help?” The Desires of Ages p.275. “But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of truth. Jesus said to the rabbis, “Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” Thus He showed that while they claimed to expound the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit.” The Desires of Ages p.275. Christ purpose in setting up his Kingdom was for men and women lost in sin, to be able to find their way back to God and Salvation. Part 5: the destiny of the kingdom “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” “Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.” The Desire of Ages p.509-10. Who will posses the Kingdom and for how long? Dan. “The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God’s favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God’s original purpose in its creation is accomplished. “The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Daniel 7:18. Patriarchs and Prophets p.342. What is the destiny of Christ Kingdom? “He “shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.” Not now “upon the throne of His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God “give unto Him the throne of His father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost. “And the counsel of peace shall be between Them both.” The love of the Father, no less than of the Son, is the fountain of salvation for the lost race....” The Great Controversy p.416-17. To the Kingdom of Christ there is no end, it continues for ever and ever and ever into eternity. Part 6: The inheritance of the saints “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Heb. “The kingdom forfeited by sin, Christ has regained, and the redeemed are to possess it with Him. “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” A fear of making the saints’ inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon the new earth as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them. Those who accept the teachings of God’s Word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. And yet the apostle Paul declares, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Cor. Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.” The Story of Redemption p.430-431 According to Rev. 21:10, who is the Lamb’s wife? “The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to John: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. “ The Great Controversy p.426-427. Here we see that the Holy city is linked with the church of Christ. “Christ honored the marriage relation by making it also a symbol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Himself is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His chosen one, He says, “Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee.” Jesus’ promise is true. His mission at this moment is preparing a place for us. If we believe this we will do all in our power to be prepared for that place. The Spirit of man Many people claim that when the Bible speaks of the spirit of man, it simply refers to the air which he inhales and exhales during breathing. However, there are many references in the Scriptures to man’s spirit which make it clear that it is more than simply breath. What is man’s spirit? We will find as we examine the Bible that we are given a clear understanding of the matter. It is very important that we have correct understanding concerning this issue. The Bible makes it clear that the spirit of God is related to God in a similar way to how man’s spirit is related to man. If we are to have a proper understanding of the identity of the spirit of God, then a good place to begin is by examining the spirit of man. After all we were made in the image of God. “Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is “the express image” (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and in perfect obedience to His will. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.(Gen 2:7 KJV) “In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word, a personal God created man and endowed him with intelligence and power.” {Ministry of Healing 415} What is the breath of life? Job 32:8; Zech. The same word translated as “breath” may also be translated as “spirit”. The idea that all God did was to start the process of breathing in order to bring man’s dead body to life is not supported by Scripture. When a man dies the reverse of creation takes place. According to Ecclesiastes 12:7 the body returns to the dust and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Is this referring merely to man’s breath? Ecclesiastes 21:3 states that man’s spirit goes upwards, while the spirit of the beast goes downwards. This statement would not make any sense if it were speaking merely of the air which we breathe. How important is man’s spirit to his existence? James 2:26 “If man is only a complicated breathing “body-machine” (as so many teach), where can be found the possibility of human freedom—man’s great need, his great hope? Does his sinfulness lie in his body or in another dimension, mind? What is the source of his failures which discourage him even in his attempts to reach the ideals he sets for himself! Is there no chance of “human perfectibility”? By what means can he be preserved as himself, his real identity, through death and translation, if he is now only a body with life forces (especially when in death this body, disintegrates, is eaten by worms!)? If. as some say. it is foolishness to think of a human spirit “dwelling” in a bodv of flesh, how do I understand the lesson taught so clearly by Paul that our bodies are temples for the indwelling of the Spirit of God? If it is impossible for two distinct “substances” of existence—the spiritual and the material—to contact each other, as some others claim, how can I be “touched” by the Spirit of God. as we teach?” – Human Spirit & Divine Spirit - p.5 by E. Edstrom We usually judge people by outward appearances, but the real worth of a person is in the state of his spirit. Part 2: MAN’S TRUE IDENTITY (Zec 12:1 KJV) The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. It is very important to understand that the spirit of man, is really the inner person. The Bible makes this absolutely clear in 1 Corinthians 2:11 “ For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” No man can know the thoughts that are in another man’s heart, unless those things are revealed to him. Paul writing to the Ephesians declares, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (Eph 3:16) What element of the Christian’s makeup will pass from this world to the next? 1 Cor. “A character formed after the divine likeness is the only treasure that a man can take from this world to the next. I would urge the youth to regard every moment of time as golden. Do not waste it in indolence, do not spend it in folly, but use it in grasping higher treasures. Cultivate the thoughts and expand the soul by refusing to allow the mind to be filled with unimportant matters. Secure every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect. Do not rest satisfied with a low standard. Be not content until, by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and earnest prayer, you have secured the wisdom that is from above. Thus you may gain an influence over other minds, which will enable you to lead them in the path of uprightness and holiness. This is your privilege.” What common concern did both Stephen and Jesus have in the moment of death? “.... a person is really the “inner” life identity of a being, the character, the individuality, the real “I” of the one called, “God,” “man,” or “angel”. This PART of the WHOLE man is what I am calling his “spiritual nature.” Its constituents—the WILL, the MIND, and the HEART—are the authority, the intelligence, and affections that “make” him who HE really is as someone distinctly individual. This is his “person” that must unite with the “person” of Jesus to experience the “covering” of Christ’s life. (COL 312) At other times this often used word “person,” does mean the whole being of “God.” “man.” or “angel” -his personal spirit in union with and operating through his own distinct personal body, his “spiritual” presence as well as his “physical” presence.” - Human Spirit & Divine Spirit - p.4 by E. Edstrom The human body is just a house for the personality or the spirit of man, the spirit is our true identity Part 3: Unconverted man’s spiritual state But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. “God is the fountain of life, and we can have life only as we are in communion with Him. Separated from God, existence may be ours for a little time, but we do not possess life. “She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.” 1 Timothy 5:6. Only through the surrender of our will to God is it possible for Him to impart life to us. Only by receiving His life through self-surrender is it possible, said Jesus, for these hidden sins, which I have pointed out, to be overcome. It is possible that you may bury them in your hearts and conceal them from human eyes, but how will you stand in God’s presence?” – Thoughts from The Mount of Blessing p. 61 How did Jesus describe humanity’s fundamental problem? “Our improvement in moral purity depends on right thinking and right acting. “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:11, 19, 20). Evil thoughts destroy the soul. The converting power of God changes the heart, refining and purifying the thoughts. Unless a determined effort is made to keep the thoughts centered on Christ, grace cannot reveal itself in the life. The mind must engage in the spiritual warfare. Every thought must be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. All the habits must be brought under God’s control.—Lt 123 1904. – Mind, Character & Personality, Vol. What is the reason why all man’s efforts to do good must fail, unless his spirit is joined to Christ? John 3:6 Nicodemus knew that Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewing of the heart by the Spirit of God. He was convinced that he was in the presence of the One whom John the Baptist had foretold. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Rom. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. – The Desire of Ages, 171-2} Man is a two part being. Our bodies are degenerate and weak, but our real problem lies in the state of our spirits Part 4: Conversion in the light of man’s spirit Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. “The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the Divine Spirit. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.” – Counsels on Diet & Foods, p. 37 The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God’s renewing power upon the soul. – Acts of The Apostles, p. 451 How does Paul describe the change which takes place in our minds or spirits at conversion? Rom. “But man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. He possesses no power by which this change can be effected. The leaven—something wholly from without—must be put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart. – Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 96-97 What marvelous privilege is granted to those who are converted? 1 Cor. “Christ is to live in his human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. Their will must be submitted to his will, they must act with his spirit, that it may be no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in them. Jesus is seeking to impress upon them the thought that in giving his Holy Spirit he is giving to them the glory which the Father has given him...” Signs of The Times, October 3, 1892 True conversion means that I am in a very real sense joined to the very life of God. Part 5: Man’s spirit in death Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. “Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave. The wondrous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is returned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection every man will have his own character. God in His own time will call forth the dead, giving again the breath of life, and bidding the dry bones live. The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect. It lives again bearing the same individuality of features, so that friend will recognize friend. There is no law of God in nature which shows that God gives back the same identical particles of matter which composed the body before death. God shall give the righteous dead a body that will please Him.” What is the state of man’s spirit in death? “The doctrine of consciousness after death, of the spirits of the dead being in communion with the living, has no foundation in the Scriptures, and yet these theories are affirmed as truth. Through this false doctrine the way has been opened for the spirits of devils to deceive the people in representing themselves as the dead. Satanic agencies personate the dead and thus bring souls into captivity. Satan has a religion, he has a synagogue and devout worshipers. To swell the ranks of his devotees, he uses all manner of deception.—Undated Manuscript 66. What part do the dead play in the affairs of the living? (Eccl. “The Scriptures declare that “the dead know not anything.” Ecclesiastes 9:5. Their thoughts, their love, their hatred, have perished. The dead do not hold communion with the living. But true to his early cunning, Satan employs this device in order to gain control of minds. Through spiritualism many of the sick, the bereaved, the curious, are communicating with evil spirits. All who venture to do this are on dangerous ground. The word of truth declares how God regards them. In ancient times He pronounced a stern judgment on a king who had sent for counsel to a heathen oracle: “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” – Acts of The Apostles, p. 290 If we would know God it must be in this life. After we die it will be forever too late. Part 6: the resurRection So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. “Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave. The wondrous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is returned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection every man will have his own character. God in His own time will call forth the dead, giving again the breath of life, and bidding the dry bones live. The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect. It lives again bearing the same individuality of features, so that friend will recognize friend. There is no law of God in nature which shows that God gives back the same identical particles of matter which composed the body before death. God shall give the righteous dead a body that will please Him.” In what way will resurrected people be just the same as when they died? “If you would be a saint in heaven you must first be a saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by death or by the resurrection. You will come up from the grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in society. Jesus does not change the character at His coming. The work of transformation must be done now. Our daily lives are determining our destiny. Defects of character must be repented of and overcome through the grace of Christ, and a symmetrical character must be formed while in this probationary state, that we may be fitted for the mansions above”.—13MR 82 (1891). “There are kings and generals who conquered nations, valiant men who never lost a battle, proud, ambitious warriors whose approach made kingdoms tremble. In death these experienced no change. As they come up from the grave, they resume the current of their thoughts just where it ceased. They are actuated by the same desire to conquer that ruled them when they fell.” There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments. We must in this life keep our minds on Christ, a mind that cherishes sins will not change at the resurrection. The Spirit of God The promise of the gift of the Spirit of God, is left as a matter to be little considered by the church. It is not impressed upon the people, and the result is only that which might be expected,—spiritual drouth, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the mind and soul, but divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, which would, if possessed, bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, although it is offered to us in infinite plentitude. Just as long as the church are satisfied with small things, they are disqualified to receive the great things of God. But why do we not hunger and thirst after the gift of the holy Spirit, since it is the means whereby the heart may be kept pure? The Lord designs that divine power shall co-operate with human effort. It is all-essential for the Christian to understand the meaning of the promise of the holy Spirit just prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus the second time. Talk of it, pray of it, preach concerning it; for the Lord is more willing to give the holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts to their children. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” {RH, November 15, 1892 par. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (20) For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. In today’s key text we notice that the holy spirit is specifically declared to be “the spirit of your Father.” Not, “the spirit of God,” which some people take to mean that the spirit is one person of a three person God. Here the spirit is specifically spoken of in such a way that there can be no mistaking the fact that it is the property of the Father. “The Lord has condescended to give you an outpouring of his Holy Spirit. At the camp-meetings, and in our various institutions, a great blessing has been showered upon you. You have been visited by the heavenly messengers of light and truth and power, and it should not be thought a strange thing that God should thus bless you. How does Christ subdue his chosen people to himself?—It is by the power of his Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the hearts of men. {RH, January 30, 1894 par. The very first book in the Bible tells us that it was the Spirit of God that moved upon the face of the waters. It was not “God the Spirit,” but “the spirit of God.” This verse and many other similar verses indicate very clearly that the spirit belongs to God. According to Jesus what is the source of the holy spirit? “The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy beings, all waiting to do His will. Through these messengers He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. By His Spirit He is everywhere present. Through the agency of His Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men.” How does the Bible indicate that the holy spirit has no will of its own, but is controlled by the will of the Father? Of the Comforter it is written, “He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” Through the Holy Spirit, Christ will open more clearly to those who believe on him that which he has inspired holy men to write concerning the truth. The Spirit is the personality or the mind of God and not a separate individual. Part 2: The person of God Exo 33:22 KJV) And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by, and I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. “Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is “the express image” (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. “From the first dawn of reason, the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure. Here Jehovah has given a specimen of Himself, for man was made in the image of God.” {Child Guidance 103.2} Is the Spirit of God confined to his body as man’s spirit is? “I do nothing of Myself,” said Christ; “the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father.” “I seek not Mine own glory,” but the glory of Him that sent Me. In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life. Since we cannot see God with our eyes, how may we have personal interaction with Him? 1 Cor. “Though He (Christ) was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to Me. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved. Does our worship here on earth correspond to the worship of heaven? Does the God we worship have the same identity as the Being recognized as God in heaven? Part 3: The omnipresence of God Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. “Our Father in heaven is constantly engaged in upholding the things which He has created. Every leaf grows, every flower blooms, every fruit develops, by the power of God. In Him “we live, and move, and have our being.” Each heart-beat, each breath, is the inspiration of Him who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life,—the inspiration of the ever-present God, the great I AM. The great and infinite God lives not unto Himself, but for the benefit and blessing of every being and every object of His creation.” {Australian Union Conference Recorder, June 1, 1900} How does the Bible express the truth of an ever-present God? Acts 17:28; Matt. “It is not to be supposed that a law is set in motion for the seed to work itself, that the leaf appears because it must do so of itself. God has laws that he has instituted, but they are only the servants through which he effects results. It is through the immediate agency of God that every tiny seed breaks through the earth, and springs into life. Every leaf grows, every flower blooms, by the power of God. The physical organism of man is under the supervision of God; but it is not like a clock, which is set in operation, and must go of itself. The heart beats, pulse succeeds pulse, breath succeeds breath, but the entire being is under the supervision of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” In God we live and move and have our being. Each heart-beat, each breath, is the inspiration of him who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life,—the inspiration of the ever-present God, the great I AM.” {RH, November 8, 1898} What assurance may be ours as we contemplate the truth of the omnipresence of God through His spirit? Heb. “Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent.” “In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” {Steps to Christ, 68} God’s spirit is accessible to everyone, to lead direct and to comfort every troubled soul. Part 4: Christ and the spirit of God And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. (Mat 3:16 KJV) also (John 14:10 KJV) “Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descends a dovelike form of purest light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One.” How much of God’s Spirit did Christ receive? “Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son may also glorify Thee: as thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” “For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him. By what means did Jesus perform His miracles when on this earth? “The angels of God are ever moving up and down from earth to Heaven, and from Heaven to earth. All the miracles of Christ performed for the afflicted and suffering were, by the power of God, through the ministration of angels. Christ condescended to take humanity, and thus he unites his interests with the fallen sons and daughters of Adam here below, while his divinity grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ opens the communication of man with God, and God with man. All the blessings from God to man are through the ministration of holy angels. {RH, January 21, 1873} By what means did the Father raise Christ from the dead? 1 Peter “Yet those who receive the Spirit of God, though they were dead in trespasses and sins, will experience the active working of that power which raised Jesus Christ from the dead. The vital power of the Holy Spirit will raise up those who realize their helplessness, and who come confessing their sins and believing in Jesus.... The Spirit of God alone can make and keep men pure. Its work upon the soul is represented as bringing life to the dead, and freeing the soul from the slavery of sin....” {ST, November 5, 1894 par. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Col 2:9-10) Part 5: The believer and the spirit of god But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak, for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ““The same God who gave his messages to Moses and Jeremiah will give his word to his witnesses in this generation. “For it is not ye that speak,” Christ declares, “but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” This word of the Lord has been verified in all ages, and it will be verified to the close of time in all who hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. The most powerful testimony will be given in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints. The Holy Spirit is close beside those who are called to witness for truth and righteousness. He orders the testimony that is borne before earthly authorities, that the glorious truth may appear.” {Review and Herald, May 24, 1898} What happens when we receive the Holy Spirit? “The Holy Spirit has been given us as an aid in the study of the Bible. Jesus promised, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” When the Bible is made the study book, with earnest supplication for the Spirit’s guidance, and with a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth, all that Christ has promised will be accomplished. The result of such Bible study will be well-balanced minds. The understanding will be quickened, the sensibilities aroused. The conscience will become sensitive; the sympathies and sentiments will be purified; a better moral atmosphere will be created; and new power to resist temptation will be imparted. Teachers and students will become active and earnest in the work of God.” {Counsels to parents ,teachers, and students T 357.1} Through what source does the spirit of God come to us? “All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.” “Christ Himself is the renewing power, working in and through every soldier by the agency of the Holy Spirit. The efficiency of the Spirit of God will make effective the labors of all who are willing to submit to His guidance.” Through Christ, by the holy spirit, we literally become partakers of the life of God. Part 6: Adopted through the spirit (Rom 8:16 KJV) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Verses 14, 15. One of the lessons that we are to learn in the school of Christ is that the Lord’s love for us is far greater than that of our earthly parents. We are to have unquestioning faith and perfect confidence in Him. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” Verses 16, 17. By what means are we made the children of God? Gal. Without the Holy Spirit, without the breath of God, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life. Many who are without spiritual life have their names on the church records, but they are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. They may be joined to the church, but they are not united to the Lord. They may be diligent in the performance of a certain set of duties, and may be regarded as living men; but many are among those who “have a name that thou livest, and art dead.” Unless there is genuine conversion of the soul to God; unless the vital breath of God quickens the soul to spiritual life; unless the professors of truth are actuated by heaven-born principle, they are not born of the incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth forever. The dead are often made to pass for the living; for those who are working out what they term salvation after their own ideas, have not God working in them to will and to do of his good pleasure. {RH, January 17, 1893 par. What vital ingredient determines our identity as the sons of God? Rom. “The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. We do not see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as in another. It works in and through every one who receives Christ. “Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church”.—The Desire of Ages, p. 805. Unless we are born again by the holy spirit of God, all our attempts to live as God wants us to live will be in vain. The work of the spirit The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this Source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul. He who looks to Christ in simple, childlike faith is made a partaker of the divine nature through the agency of the Holy Spirit. When led by the Spirit of God, the Christian may know that he is made complete in Him who is the head of all things. As Christ was glorified on the day of Pentecost, so will He again be glorified in the closing work of the gospel, when He shall prepare a people to stand the final test, in the closing conflict of the great controversy, when the earth is lightened with the glory of God, we shall see a work similar to that which was wrought when the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the power of a risen Saviour. The light of heaven penetrated the darkened minds of those who had been deceived by the enemies of Christ, and the false representation of Him was rejected; for through the efficacy of the Holy Spirit, they now saw Him exalted to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. Christ was glorified through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. One of the main tasks accomplished by the holy spirit is that of guiding believers into all truth. The thought that God has given us such a gift is a wonderful one and one which should be a source of assurance to all genuine Christians. In this time of the clamouring of many voices, when many winds of doctrine are blowing about, God’s promise to his children is still sure: Those who trust in Him will be led into truth by His holy spirit. What Old Testament promise is fulfilled by the gift of the spirit? Isa. The disciples were men who knew how to speak and pray sincerely, men who could take hold of the might of the Strength of Israel. They could hold forth the word of life because they had received the heavenly anointing. They expected much, and therefore they attempted much. Christ had revealed Himself to them, and to Him they looked for guidance. Their understanding of truth and their power to withstand opposition were proportionate to their conformity to God’s will. Jesus Christ, the wisdom and power of God, was the theme of every discourse. His name—the only name given under heaven whereby men can be saved—was by them exalted. As they proclaimed the completeness of Christ, the risen Saviour, their words moved hearts, and men and women were won to the gospel. Multitudes who had reviled the Saviour’s name and despised His power now confessed themselves disciples of the Crucified. What rule can we apply in discerning truth in this time of widespread confusion? The need of man requires a Saviour who can feel with us because He passed over the same ground that we must pass over. He experienced our temptations and knew our trials. The teaching that Christ was possessed of the powers of Almighty God such as we can never have is a devilish doctrine which removes our Saviour far from the realm of humanity. If Jesus was not fully human, limited as all men are, then how could He understand what we must pass through? This is why John states that it is the spirit of antichrist which denies that Jesus came in the flesh. Antichrist would have us believe that Jesus was not completely human. This, according to the apostle John is one way by which we may be able to tell whether a person is a messenger of God or of the devil. In order to understand and to know truth we must be possessed of the spirit of truth. Part 2: the holy spirit But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. “We have in our midst those heavenly messengers who listen to every discourse. And not only do the listeners pass under the inspection of these angels who keep up the communication between heaven and earth, but the minister, also, who preaches the word of God. And if the worshipers bear in mind that when assembled for worship they are in the company of beings who dwell in the presence of the holy God, earthly thoughts will be banished from their minds. To realize that these heavenly beings are in the midst of an assembly where the word of God is spoken by his messengers, solemnizes the heart.” {RH, July 19, 1887 par. What event emphasizes the fact that sin cannot dwell in the presence of God’s holy spirit? Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness. They began to regret their promise and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf of the cause of Christ. .... they deliberately decided to sell their property and pretend to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to keep a large share for themselves. Thus they would secure their living from the common store and at the same time gain the high esteem of their brethren. But God hates hypocrisy and falsehood. Ananias and Sapphira practiced fraud in their dealing with God; they lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment. What realization should lead us to seek absolute purity and holiness? 1 Cor. “All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. All men are the Lord’s property. This expression, “bought with a price,” means everything to us. In consideration of the price paid for us, shall we not yield our bodies and souls up to Him who has bought us with His blood? Shall not that which He has redeemed be kept in as wholesome and pure and holy a condition as possible? Our very flesh He has saved at an infinite cost, giving His own flesh for the life of the world.” A recognition of the holiness of God will awaken desires of purity of life and heart in all who are truly His children. Part 3: The spirit of prophecy And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! At creation before Adam and eve sin, it was God’s pleasure to come down in the cool of the day to commune with His children. When they disobeyed God and sinned they immediately sought to hide themselves from God. By sin they were alienated from him. “The wrath of God still hung over Adam, but the execution of the sentence of death was delayed, and the indignation of God was restrained, because Christ had entered upon the work of becoming man’s Redeemer. The holy and infinite God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, could no longer talk with man. No communication could now exist directly between man and his Maker.. {Confrontation, 20} How did God continue to communicate with man after sin made face to face communion impossible? Num 12:6; Heb. Through the holy spirit the gift of prophecy was imparted to chosen men and through this medium, God communicated His will to His people. “Through holy angels God revealed to Enoch His purpose to destroy the world by a flood, and He also opened more fully to him the plan of redemption. By the spirit of prophecy He carried him down through the generations that should live after the Flood, and showed him the great events connected with the second coming of Christ and the end of the world.” Which spiritual gift will be prominent among God’s people in the last days? “In immediate connection with the scenes of the great day of God, the Lord by the prophet Joel has promised a special manifestation of His Spirit. This prophecy received a partial fulfillment in the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost; but it will reach its full accomplishment in the manifestation of divine grace which will attend the closing work of the gospel. At this time the special endowment of divine grace and power is not less needful to the church than in apostolic days. God will today endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who on the day of Pentecost heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word.“ {FLB 292} God desires fellowship with us. When open communication was broken by sin, He still found a way for us to be in contact with Him. Part 4: the glory of god (John 17:5) And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. “Christ is to live in His human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. Their will must be submitted to His will, they must act with His Spirit that it may be no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in them. Jesus is seeking to impress upon them the thought that in giving His Holy Spirit He is giving to them the glory which the Father has given Him, that He and His people may be one in God. Our way and will must be in submission to God’s will, knowing that it is holy, just, and good.” —Signs of the Times, “Christ came forth from the tomb glorified, and the Roman guard beheld Him. Their eyes were riveted upon the face of Him whom they had so recently mocked and derided. In this glorified Being they beheld the prisoner whom they had seen in the judgment hall, the one for whom they had plaited a crown of thorns.... The decree of heaven had loosed the captive. Mountains piled upon mountains over His sepulcher could not have prevented Him from coming forth.” By what means are we enabled to become one (united) with Christ and His Father? “The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.” How does Isaiah describe God’s last great work for humanity? Isa. “Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, “Behold your God.” The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.” Only by partaking of God’s glory (the holy spirit) will it be possible for us to glorify Him. Part 5: the grace of God For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:8) Salvation is the gift of God. We cannot gain it by the performance of good works. it is of grace. The word “grace” is often defined as meaning, “unmerited favour.” This is its first meaning and refers to the fact that God regards us with favour and good-will in spite of the fact that we deserve nothing from His hand. However, as we will see in a moment, the grace of God does not only refer to His attitude towards us. “The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places,” the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10.” God’s grace is His “unmerited favour.” Does this refer only to His attitude of good will, or is there more involved? Eph. To be under grace means to be the recipients of God’s power, by means of the holy spirit. When we try to obey God’s law simply because the law says so, we find that it is an impossible task. Under the government of the law, we cannot do the things we want to do. However, when God sends His holy spirit to take control of our lives, the life of Christ is reproduced in us and we find that the things which we found impossible before, are now accomplished through the power of God. “Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life.” What quality must we have before we can become partakers of the grace of God? “As Saul yielded himself fully to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he saw the mistakes of his life and recognized the far-reaching claims of the law of God. He who had been a proud Pharisee, confident that he was justified by his good works, now bowed before God with the humility and simplicity of a little child, confessing his own unworthiness and pleading the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Saul longed to come into full harmony and communion with the Father and the Son; and in the intensity of his desire for pardon and acceptance he offered up fervent supplications to the throne of grace.” Every sin that is sincerely confessed to God will be undoubtedly forgiven. Part 6: The comforter Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. “Those who are loyal to God’s law will not always find the way smooth. God has not promised his people exemption from trials, but he has promised that which is far better. He has said: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” “The God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation.” “As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth.” All who love and fear God will suffer persecution. But Jesus will be near to sustain everyone who is afflicted for the truth’s sake. When in the prison of Philippi, the scourged and heavily-manacled servants of Christ had such divine consolation that they sang praises to God, and the walls resounded with their triumph. To these faithful messengers, that cold dungeon, reeking with dampness, was made as the gate of heaven. The glory of the Sun of Righteousness beamed forth into that inner prison, making it radiant with a divine effulgence.” {ST, March 3, 1890 par. What was Paul’s testimony in the midst of great trials? 2 Cor. “The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “I would ye should understand, brethren,” he declared, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds with Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Who is the source of comfort to God’s people? John 14:26; 2 Thess. “With the consecrated worker for God, in whatever place he may be, the Holy Spirit abides. The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also to us. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes. In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone,—these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart.” Though we are subject to the infirmities and trials of flesh, we may always find comfort in the consciousness of an ever present God. The Former Rain “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul. With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all.” “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” The Spirit of Christ animated the whole congregation; for they had found the pearl of great price, these scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men will discern the value of the precious pearl, and with the apostle Paul they will say, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Phil. {Christ’s Object Lessons 120,121} Part 1: Unity under the former rain And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. “Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. At no point in our experience can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain.”—TM 507, 509 What is the former rain? Hos. “In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up.” “The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the “former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant. What is the promise to those living in these days?—”Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.” “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. – Testimonies, vol. At what point of the Jewish calendar did Pentecost occur? “Fifty days from the offering of first fruits, came the Pentecost, called also the feast of harvest and the feast of weeks. As an expression of gratitude for the grain prepared as food, two loaves baked with leaven were presented before God. The Pentecost occupied but one day, which was devoted to religious service.” “Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result....” One vital work of the former rain without which we cannot progress, is bringing harmony among brethren. Part 2: JOEL’S PROPHECY PARTIALLY FULFILed And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Joel 2:28-29) “If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days of the apostles, we are living in a time when it is to be even more evidently manifest to the people of God. He will so bestow His Spirit upon His people that they will become a light amid the moral darkness; and great light will be reflected in all parts of the world. O that our faith might be increased, that the Lord might work mightily with His people” (MS 49, 1908). What was the reaction of the ordinary people to the bestowal of the former rain upon the disciples? “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed, and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” {RH, April 1, 1909 par. What unusual condition was manifested among Christian believers under the former rain at Pentecost? “Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit’s teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of “one accord,” “of one heart and of one soul.” Acts. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” “As the apostles set forth the glory of the Only-Begotten of the Father, three thousand souls were convicted. They were made to see themselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their friend and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. The former rain had come at a time when the believers were one with man and God. Part 3: Hindrances in the way of the rain Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. “The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or condemnation. Grievous and presumptuous sins have dwelt among us. And yet the general opinion is that the church is flourishing, and that peace and spiritual prosperity are in all her borders. .—Testimonies, vol. What preparation did the disciples make in readiness for the outpouring of the former rain? “In obedience to Christ’s command, they waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. The record says that they were “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God”. The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. What conditions must we fulfill if we expect God to pour out the holy spirit upon us as He did on the disciples at Pentecost? Isa. “Let all who claim to keep the commandments of God, look well to this matter, and see if there are not reasons why they do not have more of the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. How many have lifted up their souls unto vanity! They think themselves exalted in the favor of God, but they neglect the needy, they turn a deaf ear to the calls of the oppressed, and speak sharp, cutting words to those who need altogether different treatment. Thus they offend God daily by their hardness of heart. These afflicted ones have claims upon the sympathies and the interest of their fellow men. They have a right to expect help, comfort, and Christlike love. But this is not what they receive. Every neglect of God’s suffering ones is written in the books of heaven as if shown to Christ himself. Let every member of the church closely examine his heart and investigate his course of action to see if these are in harmony with the spirit and work of Jesus; for if not, what can he say when he stands before the Judge of all the earth?. - {Review and Herald, April 24, 1913} And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Part 4: preparation for world witness Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? “Every known tongue was represented by those assembled. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which, they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring” The Acts of the Apostle pg.39,30 How did the reaction of the crowd compare with the reaction of many people today when God is at work? “Many who now claim to believe the truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Spirit that they would cry, “Beware of fanaticism.” They would say of those who were filled with the Spirit, “These men are full of new wine.” How did the former rain affect the church spiritually? “With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Under their labors were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought. So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the control of His Spirit.” “Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth, who sought to rob them of their Christian experience. They were compelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” It is impossible for the work of God to make any significant progress unless His people are empowered by His spirit. To seek this should be our first work. Part 5: A work for the individual and the church And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph 4:11-12) “Let no one suppose that conversion is the beginning and end of the Christian life. There is a science of Christianity that must be mastered. There is to be growth in grace, that is constant progress and improvement. The mind is to be disciplined, trained, educated; for the child of God is to do service for God in ways that are not natural, or in harmony with inborn inclination. Those who become the followers of Christ find that new motives of action are supplied, new thoughts arise, and new actions must result. How do Solomon and Peter describe the process by which a believer progresses into a deeper experience with God? 2 Pet 3:18; Prov. Christ invites us, saying, “Follow Me.” But we are never forced to walk in His footsteps. If we do walk in His footsteps, it is the result of deliberate choice. As we see the life and character of Christ, strong desire is awakened to be like Him in character; and we follow on to know the Lord, and to know His goings forth are prepared as the morning. We then begin to realize that “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”—R. We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for ourselves. We should dig in the mine of God’s word for truth. Some have asked me if I thought there was any more light for the people of God. Our minds have become so narrow that we do not seem to understand that the Lord has a mighty work to do for us. Increasing light is to shine upon us . .”—Review and Herald, June 18, 1889. What experience will come in the last days to those who have received the former rain and walked faithfully in the light? “Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.” When men yield themselves to God, things which appear impossible suddenly comes to reality. Part 6: Apostasy quenches the holy spirit For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. .as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church.” What was the greatest loss for the church? 2 Thess. I saw that if the church had always retained her peculiar, holy character, the power of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would still be with her. The sick would be healed, devils would be rebuked and cast out, and she would be mighty and a terror to her enemies.” “But the early Christians began to look for defects in one another. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, they lost sight of the Saviour and of the great love He had revealed for sinners. They became more strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory of the faith, more severe in their criticisms. In their zeal to condemn others they forgot their own errors. They forgot the lesson of brotherly love that Christ had taught. And, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives, and that soon they would walk in darkness, having shut the love of God out of their hearts. What is the real reason why men eventually come to believe a lie, with the conviction that they are really embracing truth? What was the origin of the great apostasy? How did the church first depart from the simplicity of the gospel?—By conforming to the practices of paganism, to facilitate the acceptance of Christianity by the heathen. To secure converts, the exalted standard of the Christian faith was lowered, and as the result “a pagan flood, flowing into the church, carried with it its customs, practices, and idols.” As the Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular rulers, it was nominally accepted by multitudes; but while in appearance Christians, many “remained in substance pagans, especially worshiping in secret their idols.” Without the Holy Spirit, without the breath of God, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life {4BC 1166.1} The Latter Rain Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it. Part 1: understanding our need Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. (Zech. Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. The presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give. What tragic truth must we acknowledge as we see our need of spiritual power? If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plenitude. What can I say to my brethren in the name of the Lord? What proportion of our efforts has been made in accordance with the light the Lord has been pleased to give? We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit. What danger must we be careful to avoid as we seek to expose the devil’s attempts to counterfeit the latter rain? “Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” The church will not receive the latter rain if it is not united Part 2: Purpose of the latter rain For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. I was shown that a terrible condition of things exists in our world. The angel of mercy is folding her wings, ready to depart. The law of God is made void. We see and hear of confusion and perplexity, want and famine, earthquakes and floods; terrible outrages will be committed by men; passion, not reason, bears sway. The wrath of God is upon the inhabitants of the world, who are fast becoming as corrupt as were the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Already fire and flood are destroying thousands of lives and the property that has been selfishly accumulated by the oppression of the poor. The Lord is soon to cut short His work and put an end to sin. Oh, that the scenes which have come before me of the iniquities practiced in these last days, might make a deep impression on the minds of God’s professing people. How terrible will be the deceptions of the last days? As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world; and this delineation has already begun to be fulfilled. By a variety of images the Lord Jesus represented to John the wicked character and seductive influence of those who have been distinguished for their persecution of God’s people. In the very time in which we live, the Lord has called His people and has given them a message to bear. He has called them to expose the wickedness of the man of sin who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God who stand firmly to honor Him by keeping the only true Sabbath, the Sabbath creation, as holy unto the Lord. —Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 117, 118. What will be the safety of the people of God in this time of universal apostasy? “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth, there will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His Word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. Every believer at conversion had received the early rain that the latter could bring forth fruit Part 3: Power for the end-time And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (Rev “A work of worldwide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message.” What condition will call for divine intervention in the last days? Isa. The days of Noah and Lot pictured the condition of the world just before the coming of the Son of man. The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and “with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. To God’s people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth’s sake. But out of that night of darkness God’s light will shine.” What critical lack among us needs to be remedied as we seek for the latter rain? The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure....” —Review and Herald, July 21, 1896. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Part 4: The blotting out of sin Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19) “The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are “the times of refreshing” to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus.” How will the latter rain affect the character development of each individual? When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received “the latter rain,” “the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,” and they are prepared for the trying hour before them – As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His Spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third angel (RH May 27, 1862) What miraculous event will mark the final perfecting touch on the last generation of God’s people? Heb. “Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So, in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to Judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance.” Only those who are seeking to put away all sin NOW will have their sins blotted out at the time of the latter rain. Part 5: The Sealing And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually and let them crowd out worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie down and when you rise up, let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure.– {Early Writings 58.2} What is the seal of God? Exek. The seal of God’s law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all ten, brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows his claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept, there is nothing in the decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given. When the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the seal was taken from the law. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to restore it, by exalting the Sabbath of the fourth commandment to its rightful position as the Creator’s memorial and the sign of his authority. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming (MS 173, 1902). What will be the state of mind of those who will be sealed? Ezek 9:4 The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken, and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry;” but “the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman Part 6: Characteristics of the rain And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to “science falsely so called” will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them.” What characteristic of the work of God in the time of the apostles will be repeated at the end of time? “In the future, men in the common walks of life will be impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to leave their ordinary employment and go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy. No one is authorized to hinder these workers. They are to be bidden Godspeed as they go forth to fulfill the great commission. No taunting word is to be spoken of them as in the rough places of the earth they sow the gospel seed. “Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. What aspect of this work will particularly arouse the anger of the religious authorities? “Under the showers of the latter rain the inventions of man, the human machinery, will at times be swept away, the boundary of man’s authority will be as broken reeds, and the Holy Spirit will speak through the living, human agent, with convincing power. No one then will watch to see if the sentences are well rounded off, if the grammar is faultless. The living water will flow in God’s own channels.” “Children will be impelled by the Holy Spirit to go forth to declare the message of heaven. The Spirit will be poured out upon those who yield to His promptings. Casting off man’s binding rules and cautious movements, they will join the army of the Lord.” Only those who are prepared to make God first in all things, now and always will be fit to receive the latter rain. Seeming difficulties This lesson will be a bit different in that we will be seeking to answer some of the main objections to the truth that the holy spirit is an extension of the personality of God, rather than a separate individual divine Being. Several statements appear in the writings of Ellen White and a few in the Bible which are construed to mean that the holy spirit is a third being in a three-part God. With a little unbiased thought, these statements can be harmonized with the biblical truth that there is only one God, the Father, and only one other divine Being, the Son of the Father. As more and more evidence comes in it seems clear that there has been some tampering with the writings of Ellen White. Some of these instances can be established beyond a shadow of doubt. There are cases where the meaning of What Ellen White has written has been dramatically altered often simply by the insertion of a word. With this kind of tampering, it is sometimes a little difficult to establish exactly what she wrote on every occasion. However, the truth is so clearly established in the Bible that the honest seeker for truth need not be confused. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. In commenting on the above verse the SDA Bible Commentary has this to say: “Textual evidence attests the omission of the passage “in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth.” The resultant reading of vs. 7, 8 is as follows: “For there are three that bear record, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” The passage as given in the KJV is in no Greek MS earlier than the 15th and the 16th centuries. The disputed words found their way into the KJV by way of the Greek text of Erasmus (see Vol. It is said that Erasmus offered to include the disputed words in his Greek Testament if he were shown even one Greek MS that contained them. A library in Dublin produced such a MS (known as 34), and Erasmus included the passage in his text. It is now believed that the later editions of the Vulgate acquired the passage by the mistake of a scribe who included an exegetical marginal comment in the Bible text that he was copying. The disputed words have been widely used in support of the doctrine of the Trinity, but, in view of such overwhelming evidence against their authenticity, their support is valueless and should not be used....” - SDA Bible Commentary, Comments on 1 John 5:7. Is it possible that men could have tampered with the words of the Bible? “I saw that God had especially guarded the Bible; yet when copies of it were few, learned men had in some instances changed the words, thinking that they were making it more plain, when in reality they were mystifying that which was plain, by causing it to lean to their established views, which were governed by tradition. But I saw that the Word of God, as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking into and explaining another. True seekers for truth need not err; for not only is the Word of God plain and simple in declaring the way of life, but the Holy Spirit is given as a guide in understanding the way to life therein revealed. In what way are the Father and the Son one? “The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one.” The unity between Father and Son assures us that in Jesus we have a complete revelation of the Father. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Have the writings of Ellen White been tampered with in such a way as to distort their meaning in some instance? Examine the following example where a single word was added and then decide for yourself. Written in 1896 “The teachers are to educate the youth to realize that if they receive Christ and believe in Him, they will be brought into close relationship with God. He gives them power to become the sons of God, to associate with the highest dignitaries in the kingdom of heaven, to unite with Gabriel, with cherubim and seraphim, with angels and the archangel. “ — The Essential Education “Sunnyside”, Cooranbong, N. S. W., Dec. 20, 1896. (Note: In this rendering, the leading angels are among the highest dignitaries which in other statements are referred to as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.) The revised statement, published in 1990 “The teachers are to educate the youth to realize that if they receive Christ and believe on Him, they will be brought into close relationship with God. He gives them power to become the sons of God, to associate with the highest dignitaries in the kingdom of heaven, and to unite with Gabriel, with cherubim and seraphim, with angels and the archangel.” —(MS 41a 1896 - MR 900.24) 1SAT 285.1 (*The “and” has been added. – Reading it this way, the archangel - Michael, would not be among the highest dignitaries.) We need to realize first, that everything published by the Ellen White Estate has been edited previous to it’s being published. This fact is openly acknowledged and does not in and of itself constitute something bad. This editing, compiling, etc., was something that Ellen White fully endorsed, and even asked for and arranged for. This practice of: compiling, editing, changing or adding words to properly transition between one thought and the next etc. has been continued after Sister White died. The living prophet was now no longer alive to do the final check before something was printed. Now one has to be especially careful not to jump at some new thing not previously clearly presented in her works published during her lifetime. When coming to a conclusion concerning any biblical doctrine we must go with the weight of the evidence. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. “Never before had angels listened to such a prayer as Christ offered at his baptism, and they were solicitous to be the bearers of the message from the Father to his Son. But, no; direct from the Father issues the light of his glory. The heavens were opened, and beams of glory rested upon the Son of God, and assumed the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold. The dove-like form was emblematical of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. While the people stood spell-bound with amazement, their eyes fastened upon Christ, from the opening heavens came these words: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The words of confirmation that Christ is the Son of God was given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to sustain the Son of God in his arduous work. Notwithstanding the Son of God was clothed with humanity, yet Jehovah, with his own voice, assures him of his sonship with the Eternal. In this manifestation to his Son, God accepts humanity as exalted through the excellence of his beloved Son. How does Paul reinforce the idea that the holy spirit is the medium by which the one God, the Father communicates with His children? Though this passage has been used to support the idea of a three - one God, yet as we examine the verse we see that there is mention of only one God. Though the grace of Jesus and the communion of the holy ghost are mentioned, neither of these is referred to as God. It is only the Father who is called God. How did the apostles understand the commission of Jesus to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and holy spirit? Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16; Without exception the apostles baptized in the name of Jesus. Were they disobedient to the command of Christ, or did they understand something which many people today fail to understand? The word “name” in the Bible signifies authority. The love of our Father, the grace of our Lord, and the power of the holy spirit are all essential to man’s salvation. This truth must be recognized by all who would become Christian’s. It was not a title that Jesus was emphasizing, but rather, the fact that we must acknowledge the elements which are involved in our salvation. The unity between Father and Son assures us that in Jesus we have a complete revelation of the Father. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. “We have only one channel of approach to God. Our prayers can come to him through one name only,—that of the Lord Jesus our advocate. His Spirit must inspire our petitions. No strange fire was to be used in the censers that were waved before God in the sanctuary. So the Lord himself must kindle in our hearts the burning desire, if our prayers are acceptable to him. The Holy Spirit within must make intercessions for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered. {RH, February 9, 1897 par. How does the intercessory work of the holy spirit emphasize the fact that it is not a person separate from Christ and His Father? 1 Tim. “We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit “maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Rom. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Eph. Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ, who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit’s striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart.” What important reason did Christ give which made it necessary for Him to go away? Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although unseen by you), [THIS PHRASE WAS ADDED BY ELLEN WHITE.] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” [John 14:26].— {14MR 23.3} The one who is our intercessor is able to fully understand us, for he has partaken of our flesh. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. “The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ. His countenance was mild, expressive of happiness like the other angels. His forehead was high and broad, and showed great intelligence. His form was perfect. He had a noble, majestic bearing. And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man. He was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred. He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. Until this time all heaven was in order, harmony and perfect subjection to the government of God.”— {1SG 17} The claim is often made that the Hebrew word “elohim” suggests that God is a Trinity, because it is a plural word. How does the Bible prove this theory to be wrong? “It is exegesis of a mischievous if pious sort that would find the doctrine of the Trinity in the plural form elohim [God]” (“God,” Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics) “The fanciful idea that Elohim referred to the Trinity of persons in the Godhead hardly finds now a supporter among scholars. It is either what the grammarians call the plural of majesty, or it denotes the fullness of divine strength, the sum of the powers displayed by God” (William Smith, A Dictionary of the Bible, ed. Peloubet, MacDonald Pub. “Elohim must rather be explained as an intensive plural, denoting greatness and majesty” (The American Journal of Semitic Language and Literature, 1905, Vol. “Early dogmaticians were of the opinion that so essential a doctrine as that of the Trinity could not have been unknown to the men of the Old Testament… No modern theologian...can longer maintain such a view. Only an inaccurate exegesis which overlooks the more immediate grounds of interpretation can see references to the Trinity in the plural form of the divine name Elohim, the use of the plural in Genesis 1:26 or such liturgical phrases as three members of the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 and the Trisagion of Isaiah 6:3” (The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Vol. Understanding the truth that there is only one God enables is to have an understanding of the plan of salvation For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. “Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God’s dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance, and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Jesus, God’s dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone.” What has been Satan’s chief desire from the beginning of the great controversy? Satan thought that he was himself a favorite in Heaven among the angels. He had been highly exalted; but this did not call forth from him gratitude and praise to his Creator. He aspired to the height of God himself. He gloried in his loftiness. He knew that he was honored by the angels. He had a special mission to execute. He had been near the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glorious light enshrouding the eternal God, had shone especially upon him. Satan thought how angels had obeyed his command with pleasurable alacrity. Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why should Christ thus be honored before himself? How will Satan achieve his ambition in the end of time? Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, “My Father, give us Thy Spirit.” Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace. I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne; they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne, and pray, “Father, give us Thy Spirit.” Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy influence; in it there was light and much power, but no sweet love, joy, and peace. Satan’s object was to keep them deceived and to draw back and deceive God’s children.” —EW 55 Those whose worship is false may call upon the name of God, but it is Satan who will answer their prayers.