Friday December 31, 2010

Let’s review just a bit more. In my mind it all starts with God. We believe he is bigger than we are. We believe he lives forever.

But does he tell the truth? I think most will agree that he does.

If that is true, then it follows that the Bible must also be truth. Most people will agree that God is the author of the Bible. Then what about the Spirit of Prophecy? Is God the author or not?

God is either teaching his church, reproving their wrongs and strengthening their faith, or he is not. This work is of God, or it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan. My work, for the past years, bears the stamp of God or the stamp of the enemy. There is no half-way work in the matter. The Testimonies are of the Spirit of God, or of the devil. p. 129, Para. 1, [27OT].

(Sorry about the yellow above, it is hard to read, but,… I did want to get your attention)

If God is the author of the Spirit of Prophecy, then it follows naturally that Satan will be about the work of making the truth of God of none effect.

Virtually this whole site is about the exposure of the counterfeit Spirit of Prophecy, as being the work of Satan, as being perhaps the greatest tool of the devil to deceive and delude church members into a mindless, unthinking state, awaiting something to happen; not to come to their senses, until it is too late. The counterfeit SOP is filled with numerous errors calculated to divide and scatter the believers.

God’s truth is calculated to unite and gather believers. Ellen is vindicated in this process also, as being a faithful and true prophet of God.

Therefore, it is right and true that the authenticated original Spirit of Prophecy be viewed in the same light as the New Testament arising with the Christian dispensation. There was no conflict between the New Testament and the Old Testament. All was perfect harmony. That the New Testament should appear to bolster the new Christian church, is the same as the authentic Spirit of Prophecy appearing to bolster the final closing efforts of God’s great plan of Salvation for man. For it will never be repeated.

Virtually every play, act or story has it’s grand finale. All the focus of attention is on that point. Who will carry the day!? Interest has been developed to the highest levels. A Universe awaits, anxiously, the outcome. Soon the censer will be thrown down from the hands of the High Priest. All will be at last — terribly final.

Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! Today the path is open. Now you can go. In an instant you will be a part, IF you decide. All is ready. You can become, more than you ever thought possible, perfect. Your new home can be Heaven. There is a crown with your name on it! There is a gate in the wall of the city that has your own name engraved in that wall, beside the gate, your gate.

The path trod by Christ is the path of self-denial… and a cross.

The natural man must die, and the new man Christ Jesus take possession of the soul, so that the follower of Jesus may say in verity and truth, “I live, yet not I, for Christ liveth in me.” Self is difficult to conquer. Human depravity in every form is not easily brought into subjection to the spirit of Christ. But all should be impressed with the fact that unless this victory is gained through Jesus Christ, there is no hope for them. The victory can be gained, for nothing is impossible with God. By his assisting grace all evil temper, all human depravity may be overcome. Every Christian must learn of Christ who, when he was reviled, reviled not again. p. 134, Para. 2, [28OT].

God Bless your preparation

Thursday December 30, 2010

Along with reviewing what I believe and why, I like to read again, the end of the story. It is instructive to note that God placed this information for our benefit, it’s to encourage us in our journey. It’s nice to know that no matter what happen between now and then, that then, will come, even should death separate us in the now, there will be a resurrection.

If faithful, I will touch the gates of the city with my own hands and feel the polish, the smoothness. You will drink from the river of life flowing from the throne. We will eat the fruit from the tree of life.

All that we see in this first world will become a far distant memory….

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Rev. 21:1-22:21

God Bless your study

Wednesday December 29, 2010

From time to time I like to do a little review of just why it is that I believe, what I believe. This was a very important process early on, after God revealed to me the existence of the authenticated, original Spirit of Prophecy.

Starting at the beginning, I would review the Bible— why I believe the King James Version is the only one to use, the fact of it’s very existence as it appears today, the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the text, the prophecies foretelling future events hundreds of years in advance of the actual event, which events, having now come to pass, place a seal of their own mute testimony on the Word of God as pure truth, that every word in it in profitable for instruction in living and points to an end of mortal life, hell fire to punish the wicked, a future eternal life for a reward for the pure, and Heaven for a home.

Then I would review the Spirit of Prophecy. This was a little more difficult. Though probably not as hard as for you, perhaps. For at my fingertips I had the discoveries of computer generated comparisons between the authenticated SOP and what I had access to all my life, the body of material I now call the counterfeit SOP.

Much of what I had been taught through the church was wrong, for church leaders of generations earlier had rejected God and his truth and created the counterfeit. I had a lot of reading to do.

However, most of the stories of Ellen’s life and evidences of supernatural power working in her life are true. She did not breath air while in vision. One vision in public lasted about 6 hours, the whole time of which she did not breath and was examined by more than one doctor. Though her movements were free and easy during a vision, she was quite small and frail, yet, strong men ( and in those days the men were very strong) could not hinder her movements in the least, nor could they move her at all.

A great many miracles of healing were performed and confirmed. She acted out the part of a true prophet with God showing her the secrets of many, which was also confirmed.

Especially at the beginning of this faith, both before and after October 22, 1844, there were many dreams and visions given of God to his people before Ellen was singled out. There was an instance of speaking in tongues that fully followed the biblical pattern where only one spake in the unknown tongue and then interpreted the saying.

Ellen has been confirmed as a true prophet. But just because her name appears on a book does not mean she wrote it. And that is the point of departure. It is my responsibility (and yours!) to prove all things. That is a major purpose of this site, to provide for the world, the tools to uncover the truth hidden by the wicked.

So, both the Bible and the authenticated Spirit of Prophecy can be trusted. There is a perfect harmony between the two. God is the true author of both, hidden behind a human. This leaves room for those who choose to doubt.

I believe. I choose to believe. I know by examination and good evidence that what I believe in is in fact truth. I can and do anchor my faith on solid rock. The word of God as found in the Bible and the authenticated Spirit of Prophecy.

God Bless your study for life

Tuesday December 28, 2010

This is wholly amazing to me.

The beautiful theme of perfection is really all throughout the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. I was reading this passage in the 1858 Great Controversy….

I saw that the testimony of the true Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs, has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it, will obey it, and be purified. p. 185, Para. 1, [GC58].

There it is, perfection. God is perfecting his people.

And I decided to go to the book of Revelation and read again the letter to the church of the Laodiceans. That was when I got surprised with the text I had read so often.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev. 3:21

What a perfect parallel to yesterday’s post! Christ has led the way in every thing. See Friday’s post for more on this.

God is working to purify his people.

God’s people will separate themselves from the unrighteous practices of those around them, and will seek for purity of thought, and holy conformity to his will, until his divine image will be reflected in them. Like Enoch they will be fitting for translation to Heaven. While they endeavor to instruct and warn the world, they will not conform to the spirit and customs of unbelievers, but will condemn them by their holy conversation and godly example. p. 59, Para. 1, [3SG].

There is the purity of thought again. The controlling of our minds. Making conscious choices about what we think about. What a concept! (Mostly for me)

Christ came to change the current of his [mankind] thoughts and affections.p. 37, Para. 4, [5OT].

As the Lord bade faithful Noah before the flood, Come thou, and all thy house, into the ark, he will, previous to the time of trouble, say to his faithful saints, who have been preparing for translation, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee. Hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth, also, shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” p. 149, Para. 1, [4SGa].

“All, I saw, should feel that the Office is a holy place, as sacred as the house of God. But God has been dishonored by the frivolity and lightness that has been indulged in by some connected with the work. Strangers from abroad, I saw, often went away from the Office disappointed. They had associated it with everything sacred; but when they saw the youth, or any one connected with the Office, possessing but little gravity, and careless in words and acts, the impression they took away caused them to doubt, after all, if this is really the work of God to prepare a people for translation to Heaven. May God this to all concerned.” p. 32, Para. 1, [13OT].

Note: They were not publishing Bibles at the Office, no, they published the original Spirit of Prophecy books and papers. There were other papers and books published there also, all focused on preparing a people for translation to Heaven. I am sharing with you the things I have found. What a joy to it will be for me to see you in the resurrection!

It is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of his people, and when his image is reflected in them perfectly, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation. Review & Herald, May 6, 1862

God Bless your preparation

Monday December 27, 2010

We just have one paragraph to look at today. There are three main points we wish to cover from this passage; belief in the truth from the testimony of witnesses, perfecting a Christian character and proof of the existence of the Holy Spirit.

JESUS remained with his disciples forty days, causing them joy and gladness of heart, and opening to them more fully the realities of the kingdom of GOD. He commissioned them to bear testimony to the things which they had seen and heard, concerning his sufferings, death and resurrection; that he had made a sacrifice for sin, that all who would, might come unto him and find life.

Those whom the Father is drawing will recognize the truth from the mouth of his witnesses. This is God’s appointed way to be saved, to hear, or get, the truth from witnesses. All of us are saved in this way. To fight against the authenticated Spirit of Prophecy while claiming to be a believer is mute evidence that such are servants of Satan.

He with faithful tenderness told them that they would be persecuted and distressed; but they would find relief in referring to their experience, and remembering the words he had spoken to them. He told them that be [sic , should be “he”] had overcome the temptations of the Devil, and maintained the victory through trials and suffering, that Satan could have no more power over him, but would more directly bring his temptations and power to bear upon them, and upon all who should believe in his name. He told them that they could overcome, as he had overcome.

Perfection, taught from the mouth of Christ himself, one of the major teachings of Christ in the few days remaining of his time on earth after his resurrection. Why? Because it is the only way to be saved. It is God’s appointed way.

JESUS endowed his disciples with power to do miracles, and he told them that although wicked men should have power over their bodies, he would at certain times send his angels and deliver them; that their lives could not be taken from them until their mission should be accomplished. And when their testimony should be finished, their lives might be required to seal the testimonies which they had borne. His anxious followers gladly listened to his teachings. They eagerly feasted upon every word which fell from his holy lips. Then they certainly knew that he was the SAVIOUR of the world. Every word sunk with deep weight into their hearts, and they sorrowed that they must be parted from their blessed, heavenly teacher; that after a little they should no more hear comforting, gracious words from his lips. But again their hearts were warmed with love and exceeding joy, as JESUS told them that he would go and prepare mansions for them, and come again and receive them, that they might ever be with him. He told them that he would send them the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to guide, bless and lead them into all truth; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. p. 76, Para. 1, [GC58].

Why it is that people can stare truth in the face and declare that it is not so, is beyond me. Again, it is mute evidence that Satan has some hold on the lives of those who do. Sad is their estate.

The Holy Spirit is real, or Christ would have told us otherwise. He told us positively about the existence and work of the Holy Spirit as “the Comforter” because he was leaving, for centuries,… until his, yet future, second coming. It is important.

But Satan has struck a blow to the weak faith of many. Evidence of his great power to deceive and create doubt.

Believe God, my friend, believe. Take the place of any other disciple than Thomas. Be a believer. Stand to the standard! Believe, to the saving of your own soul and the encouragement of others, Believe!

God Bless your faith, that it may grow

Sunday December 26, 2010

I had a nice Sabbath. I hope you did also.

It was restful for me, which was needed, Satan was hot after me during the week, seeking to keep me from breaking one of my habits… of thought.

I was told by my “Youth Guidance Counselor,” in my senior year at an SDA academy, that it was right and normal for intelligent people to allow their minds to wander and roam when they were doing something that was repetitive and boring. I respected the man and did not realize at the time that I was being instructed into darkness. It was Satan, disguised as an angel of light.

Satan will frequently appear as an angel of light, arrayed in the livery of Heaven; he will assume friendly airs, manifesting great sanctity of character and high regard for his victims, the souls he means to deceive and destroy. p. 177, Para. 2, [24OT].

I allowed my thoughts to expatiate without restraint.

…and he [Satan] was constantly putting suggestions into the minds of GOD’S people. p. 180, Para. 1, [GC58].

So riddle me this, with my thoughts going uncontrolled by principle, who do you think was controlling my mind? It was not me in control. Remember, I thought I was doing a good, normal thing.

Not knowing the truth, I was led about by the constant suggestions of Satan; all the while thinking I was doing right, a good and normal thing.

Truth enters and a war is ON!

Not only does God require you to control your thoughts, but also your passions and affections. Your salvation depends upon your governing yourself in these things. p. 79, Para. 2, [19OT].

Here is God’s revealed will for my life, i.e., to control my thoughts, in his power.

The imagination must be controlled, positively and persistently governed, if the passions and affections are subject to reason, conscience, and character. p. 79, Para. 3, [19OT].

You have a duty to control your thoughts. You will have to war against a vain imagination. You may think that there can be no sin in permitting your thoughts to run as they naturally would without restraint. But this is not so. You are responsible to God for the indulgence of vain thoughts, for from vain imagination arises the actual doing of the things the mind has dwelt upon, and the committal of sins. Govern your thoughts, and it will then be much easier to govern your actions. Your thoughts need to be sanctified. p. 122, Para. 1, [21OT].

What you all need is to die to self, cease clinging to self, and surrender to God. Gladly would I comfort you if I could. Gladly would I praise your good qualities, and good purposes, and good acts; but God was not pleased to show me these. He presented before me the hindrances to your gaining the noble, elevated, character of holiness needful for you to have, that you may not lose the heavenly rest and immortal glory he would have you attain. Look away from yourselves to Jesus. He is all, and in all. The merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour will avail to cleanse from the least and greatest sin. Commit, in trusting faith, the keeping of your souls to God, as unto a faithful Creator. Be not continually in fear and apprehension that God will leave you. He never will unless you depart from him. Christ will come in and dwell with you if you will open the door of your hearts to him. There may be perfect harmony between you and the Father, and with his Son if you will die to self and live unto God. p. 126, Para. 2, [25OT].

What a beautiful promise!

God requires you to make more thorough efforts to subdue and control self. I was shown that God find angels are ready and waiting to help you in this important work. If you delay, if you are even dilatory, it may be too late. Your probation is lengthened, your character is now forming, and soon, my dear brother and sister, it will be stereotyped forever. Half-way work with you will not advance you one step toward Heaven. Indecision soon becomes decision in the wrong direction. Many decide to serve themselves and Satan, by not making determined efforts to overcome their defects of character. While many are petting sinful propensities, expecting to be overcomers sometime, they are deciding for perdition. You, Bro. and Sr. —-, in the name of Jesus Christ, may be victorious even now “in this thy day.” Do not plan and study for self. You cannot be wholly the Lord’s while encouraging any degree of selfishness. Such great love as the Redeemer has shown you should be received with great humility and continual rejoicing. In order to be happy, control your thoughts and words. It will require a masterly effort on your part; nevertheless it must be done, if you are the acknowledged children of God. Be not weary in your effort. Satan is battling for your souls, and he must be disappointed. p. 126, Para. 2, [28OT].

God Bless your preparation for Heaven

Sabbath December 25, 2010

I will here state that it is my business to share with you portions of my journey of discovery, treasures of truth found along the way, peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, Christ, the way, the truth and the life, and not much more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is an interesting sentence. It seems to be the type of God’s true people of today. We are not permitted to personally witness the works of Christ.

He who heralded the first advent of Christ, [John the Baptist] was not permitted to personally hear, nor to witness the power manifested by him. p. 69, Para. 1, [2SP].

I wonder if maybe I have some ideas about Christ’s second coming that are not correct?

John had indistinct ideas of the kingdom Christ came to establish, as also had the disciples of Christ. p. 71, Para. 1, [2SP].

Now John is in prison and sends his disciples to see Jesus. John is not allowed to visit with Christ himself. Neither are we.

The disciples of John saw the miracles of Christ, and that at his word the lifeless clay became animate, and the glow of health took the place of the pallor of death. Jesus said to the disciples of John, “Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see. The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” p. 71, Para. 2, [2SP].

John has to take the testimony of others who have heard and have seen. He must live by faith, faith in the testimony, the witness of others, long gone, awaiting the resurrection.

In these words John is gently reproved for his impatience. The cautious reproof returned to John was not lost upon him. He then better understood the character of Christ’s mission. And with submission and faith, he yielded himself into the hands of God, to live, or to die, as should best advance his glory. p. 71, Para. 3, [2SP].

Here is another passage showing again the beautiful harmony of the true, authenticated Spirit of Prophecy.

The precious promises of God are not given to strengthen man in a presumptuous course, or for him to rely upon when he rushes needlessly into danger. God requires us to move with an humble dependence [ submission and faith ] upon his providence. [ the hands of God ] It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. In God is our prosperity and our life. Nothing can be done prosperously without the permission and blessing of God. He can set his hand to prosper and bless, or he can turn his hand against us. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.” We are required, as children of God, to maintain the consistency of our Christian character. We should exercise prudence, caution, and humility, and walk circumspectly toward them that are without. Yet we are not in any case to surrender principle. p. 26, Para. 3, [25OT].

Further testimony on that beautiful harmony, found in a passage weighty with import.

But at this time Thomas was not present. [when Christ appeared] He would not humbly receive the report of the disciples; but firmly, and self-confidently affirmed that he would not believe, unless he should put his fingers in the prints of the nails, and his hand in his side where the cruel spear was thrust. In this he showed a lack of confidence in his brethren. And if all should require the same evidence, but few would receive JESUS, and believe in his resurrection. But it was the will of GOD that the report of the disciples should go from one to the other, and many receive it from the lips of those who had seen and heard. GOD was not well pleased with such unbelief. And when JESUS met with his disciples again, Thomas was with them. The moment he beheld JESUS he believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied without the evidence of feeling added to sight, and JESUS gave him the evidence he had desired. Thomas cried out, My LORD and my GOD. But JESUS reproved Thomas for his unbelief. He said to him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed. p. 74, Para. 2, [GC58].

So, I saw, that those who had no experience in the first and second angels’ messages must receive them from those who had an experience, and followed down through the messages. As JESUS was crucified, so I saw that these messages have been crucified. And as the disciples declared that there was salvation in no other name under heaven, given among men; so, also, should the servants of GOD faithfully and fearlessly declare that those who embrace but a part of the truths connected with the third message must gladly embrace the first, second and third messages as GOD has given them, or have no part nor lot in the matter. p. 75, Para. 1, [GC58].

God Bless your total dependance on his providence, in preparing for Heaven

Friday December 24, 2010

We have a lot of meat here, from which we take a portion, leaving for another time the remainder.

The Jews had separated themselves so far from God by their wicked works, that angels could not communicate to them the tidings of the advent of the infant Redeemer. God chooses the wise men of the East to do his will. p. 19, Para. 4, [2SP].

Now the sentence continues, but let’s just look at the first portion. It is the opinion of many, who are not closely connected with the world, that this portion is in fact true of the SDA church at this time. Taking a page from prophecy it is no huge leap to connect the word “angels” above with the people of God, so represented in Bible prophecy, as being unable to communicate with that church. Thus, is the foundation of their (God’s people) rejection from that church; in various forms, lawsuit, &c.

John, as a prophet, stood forth as God’s representative, to show the connection between the law and prophets, and the Christian dispensation. His work and ministry pointed back to the law and the prophets, while he, at the same time, pointed the people forward to Christ, as the Saviour of the world. He raised his voice and cried to the people, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” p. 57, Para. 2, [2SP].

We know John the Baptist is a representative of the people of God in the last days. (2SP, page 44) Perhaps we are to show the same connection “between the law and prophets, and the Christian dispensation.” Or, more correctly for our time, showing the great importance of God’s law, pointing people forward to Christ’s second coming, the end of the world and judgment.

John had heard of the sinless character and spotless purity of Christ. His life was in harmony with what the Lord had revealed to him respecting one that was among them whose life was without the taint of sin. John had also seen that he should be the example for every repenting sinner. When Christ presented himself for baptism, John recognized him at once as the superior one revealed to him. He discerned, in the person and deportment of Christ, a character above every other man he had ever seen. The very atmosphere of his presence was holy and awe-inspiring. Although he knew him not as the Messiah, yet never had such a holy influence been realized by John from any one as when in the presence of Christ. He felt the superiority of Christ at once, and shrank from performing the rite of baptism to one whom he knew to be sinless. Many had come to him to receive the baptism of repentance, confessing their sins and crimes; but John could not understand why the only sinless one upon the earth should ask for an ordinance implying guilt, virtually confessing, by the symbol of baptism, pollution to be washed away. He remonstrated with Christ, acknowledging his superiority, and refused to administer the ordinance, saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” With firm and gentle authority Jesus waives the refusal of John and his plea of unworthiness, saying, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” p. 58, Para. 2, [2SP].

Christ came not confessing his own sins; but guilt was imputed to him as the sinner’s substitute. He came not to repent on his own account; but in behalf of the sinner. As man had transgressed the law of God, Christ was to fulfill every requirement of that law, and thus show perfect obedience. “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!” Christ honored the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act he identified himself with his people as their representative and head. As their substitute, he takes upon him their sins, numbering himself with the transgressors, taking the steps the sinner is required to take, and doing the work the sinner must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after his baptism were an example to converted sinners of what they should endure and patiently suffer in consequence of their transgressions and sins. John finally yielded to the request of Christ, notwithstanding his feelings of unworthiness to baptize him, and performed the service. He led the Saviour of the world down into the river Jordan in the presence of a large concourse of people, and buried him in the water. p. 59, Para. 1, [2SP].

This last portion speaks about Christ acting as our example, particularly respecting baptism, in close relation with John, the representative of God’s people in the last days.

This looks to me like the current situation with God’s people.

In consequence of the truth (1858 Great Controversy, page 184) they have been cast out of the churches (SDA in particular) for the wicked and corrupt will not bear their testimony to the truth.

God’s true people are standing in their lot, giving the last warning cry of mercy, showing all, whosoever will, the true connection between our time now and the creation of the world, following the chain of prophecy into the future of the end of the world, judgment and eternal life.

It is very instructive to note that John the Baptist was not baptized himself. God’s true people being now highly scattered, with Christ as our head, no recognized organization and churches, with few opportunities to be baptized, now appear on stage as un-baptized into this true faith.

Thus it appears they fulfill more nearly the type. More so than I have ever thought before.

But these things, apparently, only apply to the anti-type. Those to whom they preach are required to follow the steps, as so appointed by Christ, and be baptized by one who has not been baptized.

And as in God’s providence they (those who John represents) find opportunity, they should so follow their Lord in baptism, giving none occasion of stumbling.

God Bless your waiting and watching for the Lord’s soon coming

Thursday December 23, 2010

In our quest for eternal life and salvation from the darkness and sufferings of sin, dangers are many. The path we travel is strait and narrow. The danger of falling from the path has increased! (No. 20, pages 28-32)

Notice the travelers going in single file; for the path is too narrow to lean upon another, you must go alone, depending only on God. You must have hold from above! ( No. 20, pages 28-32, see any repetition here? good item to lock in.)

I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, Look again, and look a little higher. At this, I raised my eyes and see a strait and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the Midnight Cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the City was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a glorious light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, Hallelujah! Others rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out which left their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on the path again & go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. ( DayStar, near the beginning)

Now this is a VERY important anchor point for your faith, given to us to strengthen us. The picture these words paint is one of some professors of the faith, professing all the way through the plagues to the voice of God; which voice calls forth those who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message from their graves, proclaims the covenant of peace in the ears of the righteous living saints, 144,000 in number, and announces the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.

Those professed believers who come up to the time of trouble unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins before all in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. The case of all such is hopeless. p. 134, Para. 1, [3SG].

These lines take us to the beginning of the time of trouble.

Then kings and nobles, the mighty man, and the poor man, and the mean man, alike, cried there most bitterly. They who in the days of their prosperity despised Christ and the humble ones who followed in his footsteps, men who would not humble their dignity to bow to Jesus Christ, who hated his despised cross, now are prostrate in the mire of the earth. Their greatness has all at once left them, and they do not hesitate to bow to the earth at the feet of the saints. They then realize with terrible bitterness that they are eating the fruit of their own way, and being filled with their own devices. In their supposed wisdom they turned away from the high, eternal reward, rejected the heavenly inducement, for earthly gain. The glitter and tinsel of earth fascinated them, and in their supposed wisdom they became fools. They exulted in their worldly prosperity as though their worldly advantages were so great, they could, through them, be recommended to God, and thus secure heaven. p. 31, Para. 3, [15OT].

These lines have taken us to the second coming. In the last sentence above we have an accurate description of those who have imbibed the doctrine of “Prosperity Salvation.” Those who believe that if God blesses you, or you are accepted with God, then God will give you a blessing, which is interpreted to mean money.

In Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1865, I was shown many things concerning the people of God in connection with the work of God for these last days. I saw that many professed Sabbath-keepers would come short of everlasting life. They fail to take warning from the course pursued by the children of Israel, and fall into some of their evil ways, which if continued in, they will fall like them, and never enter the heavenly Canaan. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” p. 50, Para. 3, [12OT].

Many, I saw, would fall this side of the kingdom. God is testing and proving his people, and many will not endure the test of character, the measurement of God. p. 51, Para. 1, [12OT].

I saw that many would have close work to overcome their peculiar traits of character, and be without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, unrebukable before God and man. Many professed Sabbath-keepers will be no special benefit to the cause of God or the church, without a thorough reformation on their part. p. 51, Para. 2, [12OT].

God Bless your preparation for Heaven

Wednesday December 22, 2010

Some good points here, the strait and narrow path is called that for these reasons, it is hard and difficult, it is confining, from the worldly perspective. Those who do not accustom themselves to privation and hardship will have a very hard time of it. (No. 20, pages 28-32)

We embrace the truth of God with our different organizations, and as we come under the influence of truth, it will accomplish the work for us which is necessary to be accomplished, and give us a mortal fitness for the kingdom of glory, and for the society of the heavenly angels. We are now in God’s workshop. We are, many of us, rough stones from the quarry. As we lay hold upon the truth of God, its influence must affect us. It must elevate us. It must remove from us every imperfection. It must remove from us sins of whatever nature. And it must fit us, that we may be prepared to see the King in his beauty, and finally to unite with the pure and heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory. This work is to be accomplished for us here. Here we are, with these bodies and spirits, which are to be fitted for immortality. p. 3, Para. 1, [18OT].

We are in a world that is in opposition to righteousness, holiness, a growth in grace, and to purity of character. Everywhere we look we see deformity and sin. We see corruption. We see defilement on every hand. And what is the work that we are to undertake here just previous to immortality? It is to preserve our bodies holy, our spirits pure, that we may stand forth unstained amid the corruptions teeming around us in these last days. And if this work is to be performed for us, we need to engage in it heartily, and engage in it at once. We want to understand it just as it is. Selfishness should not come in here to control us. We want the Spirit of God to have perfect control of us. It should influence us in all our actions. And if we have a right hold on Heaven, a right hold of the power that is from above, we shall feel the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of God upon our hearts. p. 3, Para. 2, [18OT].

God Bless your preparation