• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

Daily devotional: from Maranatha

Jon0388g

Veteran
Aug 11, 2006
1,259
29
London
✟24,167.00
Faith
SDA
Marital Status
Single
Augest 15
Chap. 227 - No Room for Boasting

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isa. 6:5.

Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One. {Mar 235.1}

The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man "greatly beloved" (Dan. 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: "We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies." "We have sinned, we have done wickedly." He declares: "I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people. . . . "(Dan. 9:18, 15, 20). {Mar 235.2}

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone" (Isa. 6:3, 5). Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as "less than the least of all saints" (2 Cor. 12:2-4, margin; Eph. 3:8). It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet of the angel (Rev. 1:17). {Mar 235.3}

There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary's cross. They feel that it was their sin which caused the agony that broke the heart of the Son of God, and this thought will lead them to self-abasement. Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour. {Mar 235.4}


:amen: and Amen.


Jon
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
Aug 16

Chap. 228 - Salvation Day by Day



Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Cor. 10:12.

Peter's fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. Every one should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation. . . . Only he who endures the trial will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). {Mar 236.1}

Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves. . . . We are admonished, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ. {Mar 236.2}

There are many who profess Christ, but who never become mature Christians. They admit that man is fallen, that his faculties are weakened, that he is unfitted for moral achievement, but they say that Christ has borne all the burden, all the suffering, all the self-denial, and they are willing to let Him bear it. They say that there is nothing for them to do but to believe; but Christ said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). . . . {Mar 236.3}

We are never to rest in a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying, "I am saved." When this idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayer, for earnest endeavor to press onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. Then, with the utmost propriety, we may give glory to God and to the Lamb for eternal deliverance. {Mar 236.4}
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
I was thinking of posting the follwing. Now I think it's more appropriate after your comments, TnO. :)

The attached picture tells us what Jesus means when He said lean on me, my yoke is light.

The farmers always pair a young ox with an old, experienced ox together. They are sharing the yoke. If the new ox goes off track, the old ox will pull him back.
 

Attachments

  • yoke.jpg
    yoke.jpg
    68.7 KB · Views: 86
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
DL, my grandparents had a picture very similar to this hanging in their living room! I remember asking my grandpa why one of the "cows" was young and one was old and he said "because the old ones are smarter and the young ones are stronger."

Yeah, Jesus our elder brother is the guide and shoulders the heavier load. As we in the picture of the yoke, it's shared by both oxens. If people just understand the jewish economy, they would not have said we have NOTHING required of us in the plan of salvation.
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
Aug 17
Chap. 229 - The Meaning of Conversion

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

The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again. . . . {Mar 237.1}

A genuine conversion changes hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. The religion of God is a firm fabric, composed of innumerable threads, and woven together with tact and skill. Only the wisdom which comes from God can make this fabric complete. There are a great many kinds of cloth which at first have a fine appearance, but they cannot endure the test. They wash out. The colors are not fast. Under the heat of summer they fade away and are lost. The cloth cannot endure rough handling. {Mar 237.2}

So it is with the religion of many. When the warp and woof of character will not stand the test of trial, the material of which it is composed is worthless. The efforts made to patch the old with a new piece do not better the condition of things; for the old, flimsy material breaks away from the new, leaving the rent much larger than before. Patching will not do. The only way is to discard the old garment altogether, and procure one entirely new. {Mar 237.3}

Christ's plan is the only safe one. He declares, "Behold, I make all things new." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." . . . The patchwork religion is not of the least value with God. He requires the whole heart. {Mar 237.4}

Jesus gave His life . . . for us, and shall we not give Him our best affections, our holiest aspirations, our fullest service? {Mar 237.5}
 
Upvote 0

Jon0388g

Veteran
Aug 11, 2006
1,259
29
London
✟24,167.00
Faith
SDA
Marital Status
Single
Aug 17
Chap. 229 - The Meaning of Conversion

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

The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again. . . . {Mar 237.1}

A genuine conversion changes hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. The religion of God is a firm fabric, composed of innumerable threads, and woven together with tact and skill. Only the wisdom which comes from God can make this fabric complete. There are a great many kinds of cloth which at first have a fine appearance, but they cannot endure the test. They wash out. The colors are not fast. Under the heat of summer they fade away and are lost. The cloth cannot endure rough handling. {Mar 237.2}

So it is with the religion of many. When the warp and woof of character will not stand the test of trial, the material of which it is composed is worthless. The efforts made to patch the old with a new piece do not better the condition of things; for the old, flimsy material breaks away from the new, leaving the rent much larger than before. Patching will not do. The only way is to discard the old garment altogether, and procure one entirely new. {Mar 237.3}

Christ's plan is the only safe one. He declares, "Behold, I make all things new." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." . . . The patchwork religion is not of the least value with God. He requires the whole heart. {Mar 237.4}

Jesus gave His life . . . for us, and shall we not give Him our best affections, our holiest aspirations, our fullest service? {Mar 237.5}


It's like the Lord is trying to teach me something new lately...this issue has been pressing my mind.


When we are born again, is our sinful nature also passed away? What exactly does "walking in the newness of life" mean?

Paul says we "die to sin" and become "slaves of righteousness". He also says that the mind set on flesh cannot subject itself to the law of God. Christ said unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.


In a nutshell, does the Bible/EGW say our sinful nature is destroyed at justification, sanctification, or glorification?



Jon
 
Upvote 0

Jon0388g

Veteran
Aug 11, 2006
1,259
29
London
✟24,167.00
Faith
SDA
Marital Status
Single
It's like the Lord is trying to teach me something new lately...this issue has been pressing my mind.


When we are born again, is our sinful nature also passed away? What exactly does "walking in the newness of life" mean?

Paul says we "die to sin" and become "slaves of righteousness". He also says that the mind set on flesh cannot subject itself to the law of God. Christ said unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.


In a nutshell, does the Bible/EGW say our sinful nature is destroyed at justification, sanctification, or glorification?



Jon

On the flipside, can we maintain a sinless nature when we commit a sin? Since it only took one transgression for Adam to forfeit His perfection....


Thoughts/quotes?




Jon
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
It's like the Lord is trying to teach me something new lately...this issue has been pressing my mind.

When we are born again, is our sinful nature also passed away? What exactly does "walking in the newness of life" mean?

Paul says we "die to sin" and become "slaves of righteousness". He also says that the mind set on flesh cannot subject itself to the law of God. Christ said unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

In a nutshell, does the Bible/EGW say our sinful nature is destroyed at justification, sanctification, or glorification?

Jon

Our sanctuary doctrine gives a vivid illustration in which it leaves no room for error.

5 steps of grace:

atar of sacfice,
laver
table
altar of incense
menorah

When a person accepts Jesus as His/her sustitute, repents and is baptised. He/she is justified, righteousness is imputed.

We note that the justification continues throughout a believer's life long walk and sanctification begins as soon as he's justified.

The material of the furnitures denoted the character transformation, altar(wood/humanity covered with copper), to laver (solid copper, copper looks like gold in appearance), to the table (wood/humanity covered in gold/divinity), to the altar of incense (samething here) to the 7 branched lampstand (solid gold: pure gold formed by hammer blows).

We see where the final transformation takes place: at the end of the 5 steps of grace at the menorah (ye are the light of the world) in the holy place. It did not happen at the laver and it must take place before the Most Holy Place. Here, righteousness is imparted.

In Romans 6, Paul refered to the submission of will: Christ taking over the control. It does not mean we will not sin after baptism or have no struggles. It means as long as we submit our will, we will still have the attendency to sin, but our actions will be controlled by Christ.

Take David's case for example, he was in the holy place during that point of his walk. He would not have commited those sins had he not meditated on the thoughts. His characters had not been totally transformed, that's why he could still commit a sin. When a person commits a sin of igorance, Christ's blood covers it. The person would remain in the holy place. But if he sins wilfully, he can no longer remain in the holy place, he now must begin again at the cross/altar. He needs to be justified again. It doesn't mean anyone is lost forever. He can come to cross. But a person that's constantly coming to cross has not experience the transformation process. He's playing a dangerous game.

But by grace, a believer must complete the 5 steps if he/she learns from past mistakes. It is not the failure but learning from them of what not to do, our character is changing to that of Christ's.

Our study on the menorah tells us this is where the total transformation takes place. The hebrew word for the golden almond tree is shaqad, means hasten, also see Jer 1:11,12.

In the land of Canaan, the almond tree is the first tree to blosom after the harsh winter, the first to bare fruits.

Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of the Saviour shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim His own. It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten, the coming of our Lord. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel! Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come." Maranatha chapter104 {Mar 112.5} Ellen White.

The lampstand represents the church. The word almond means hasten.

The bible and SOP both point (with the help of the illustration of the sanctuary) to the golden lampstand at which His church shall turn into solid gold.

Hope this helps,
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
On the flipside, can we maintain a sinless nature when we commit a sin? Since it only took one transgression for Adam to forfeit His perfection....

Thoughts/quotes?

Jon

Adam and Eve did not know the consequences of sin. When they repelled, they subscribed to a totally different set of precepts.

The bible tells us it is impossible to sin (there is a difference between a wilfull sin and an innocent sin) if we abide in Christ 1 John 3:9 when we are either in the process of acquiring His characters or after we have acquired them.

Adam and Eve wouldn't have sinned if they had completely trusted God. With the better knowledge of the consequence than they had, through the hammer blows, His followers will take on His example, though tempted but will not succumb to sin.

Yes Paul said he had struggles during his walk. But he achieve victory in the end.

2 Tim 4
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
Aug 18
Chap. 230 - Sanctification is for Sabbathkeepers

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. . . . The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work. Ex. 20:8-10.

God has declared in His Word that the seventh day is a sign between Him and His chosen people--a sign of their loyalty. . . . {Mar 238.1}

The seventh day is God's chosen day. He has not left this matter to be remodeled by priest or ruler. It is of too great importance to be left to human judgment. God saw that men would study their own convenience, and choose a day best suited to their inclinations, a day bearing no divine authority; and He has stated plainly that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. {Mar 238.2}

Every man in God's world is under the laws of His government. God has placed the Sabbath in the bosom of the Decalogue, and has made it the criterion of obedience. Through it we may learn of His power, as displayed in His works and His Word. . . . {Mar 238.3}

Men could not place themselves more decidedly in opposition to God's work and to His law than by upholding a day that is without one evidence of sanctity, and professing to worship Him on that day. Those who have corrupted the law by substituting a false sabbath for the holy Sabbath of God, and who compel the observance of this false sabbath, exalt themselves above God, and honor the spurious above the genuine. {Mar 238.4}

Sanctification is claimed by professed Christians who ignore God's holy rest day for a spurious sabbath. But God declares that the sanctification coming from Him is bestowed on those only who honor Him by obeying His commands. The sanctification claimed by those who continue in transgression is a spurious sanctification. Thus the religious world is deceived by the enemy of God and man. . . . {Mar 238.5}

Men have sought out many inventions. They have taken a common day, upon which God has placed no sanctity, and have clothed it with sacred prerogatives. They have declared it to be a holy day, but this does not give it a vestige of sanctity. They dishonor God by accepting human institutions and presenting to the world as the Christian Sabbath a day which has no "Thus saith the Lord" for its authority. {Mar 238.6}
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
Aug 19
Chap. 231 - Sound the Note of Alarm

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:6.

In all our ways we should acknowledge God, and He will direct our paths. We should consult His Word with humble hearts, ask His counsel, and give up our will to His. We can do nothing without God. {Mar 239.1}

There is the highest reason for us to prize the true Sabbath and stand in its defense, for it is the sign which distinguishes the people of God from the world. The commandment that the world makes void is the one to which, for this very reason, God's people will give greater honor. It is when the unbelieving cast contempt upon the Word of God that the faithful Calebs are called for. It is then that they will stand firm at the post of duty, without parade, and without swerving because of reproach. The unbelieving spies stood ready to destroy Caleb. He saw the stones in the hands of those who had brought a false report, but this did not deter him; he had a message, and he would bear it. The same spirit will be manifested today by those who are true to God. {Mar 239.2}

The psalmist says, "They have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold" (Ps. 119:126, 127). When men press close to the side of Jesus, when Christ is abiding in their hearts by faith, their love for the commandments of God grows stronger in proportion to the contempt which the world heaps upon His holy precepts. It is at this time that the true Sabbath must be brought before the people by both pen and voice. As the fourth commandment and those who observe it are ignored and despised, the faithful feel that it is the time not to hide their faith but to exalt the law of Jehovah by unfurling the banner on which is inscribed the message of the third angel, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. {Mar 239.3}

Let not those who have the truth as it is in Jesus give sanction, even by their silence, to the work of the mystery of iniquity. Let them never cease to sound the note of alarm. . . . The truth must not be hid, it must not be denied or disguised, but fully avowed, and boldly proclaimed. {Mar 239.4}
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
I had so many unexpected things happen this Sabbath and I had to do some things that I normally won't do on Sabbath (without giving it ANY thought...I just don't do it).

I know the Lord warned of us those unexpected things that will come up, but it still really hurts when we can't keep it holy. :(

Success is built on failures.

Each time we fail, we should learn what not to do the next time.
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
Aug 20
Chap. 232 - The Pure Mark of Truth

The Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Eze. 9:4.

Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done" in the church. {Mar 240.1}

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. . . . {Mar 240.2}

Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. . . . {Mar 240.3}

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples. . . . {Mar 240.4}

What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth--these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {Mar 240.5}

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. {Mar 240.6}
 
Upvote 0
O

OntheDL

Guest
OntheDL, I want to thank you for taking the time to post these every day.

I haven't officially started classes (I will tomorrow) but when I do I know I'm going to be swamped.

I'm going to make it a point to come by every day and read the Daily Devotional though (no pressure....ha!)

Hey thanks! But anybody is welcome to post the devotionals (not making it my monopoly). They are available in the white estate site.
 
Upvote 0