Daily Devotional

[EastCoastRemnant]

Strict Integrity To Mark The Christian​

Thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou
have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Deuteronomy 25:15.​

In all the details of life, Christians are to follow the principles of strict integrity. These are
not the principles that govern the world; for there Satan is master, and his principles of deception
and oppression bear sway. But Christians serve under a different Master, and their actions
must be wrought in God. They must put aside all desire for selfish gain.

To some, deviation from perfect fairness in business deals may look like a small thing, but
our Saviour does not thus regard it. His words on this point are plain and explicit: “He that is
faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust
also in much.” A man who will overreach in a small matter will overreach in a larger matter if
the temptation comes to him.

Christ’s followers are obliged to be more or less connected with the world in business matters.
In His prayer for them the Saviour says, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Christians are to buy and sell with the
realization that the eye of God is upon them. Never are they to use false balances or deceitful
weights....

In every action of life the true Christian is just what he desires those around him to think he
is. He is guided by truth and uprightness. He does not scheme; therefore he has nothing to gloss
over. He may be criticized, he may be tested; but through all, his unbending integrity shines out
like pure gold. He is a friend and benefactor to all connected with him; and his fellow men place
confidence in him; for he is trustworthy.

Does he employ laborers to gather in his harvest? He does not keep back their hard-earned
money. Has he means for which he has no immediate use? He relieves the necessities of his
less fortunate brother. He does not seek to enlarge his possessions by taking advantage of the
untoward circumstances of his neighbor. He accepts only a fair price for that which he sells. If
there are defects in the articles sold, he frankly tells the buyer, even though by so doing he may
seem to work against his own pecuniary interests.

A man may not have a pleasant exterior; but if he has a reputation for straightforward, honest
dealing, he is respected.... A man who steadfastly adheres to the truth wins the confidence of
all. Not only do Christians trust him; worldlings are constrained to acknowledge the worth of his​

character.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

We Are To Reflect Christ’s Love​

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so
send I you. John 20:21.​

We should earnestly seek to know and appreciate the truth, that we may present it to others
as it is in Jesus. We need to have a correct estimate of the value of our own souls; then
we would not be as reckless in regard to our course of action
as at present. We would seek
most earnestly to know God’s way; we would work an opposite direction from
selfishness, and our constant prayer would be that we might have the mind of Christ,
that we might be molded and fashioned after His likeness. It is in looking to Jesus and
beholding His loveliness, having our eyes steadfastly fixed upon Him, that we become changed
into His image. He will give grace to all that keep His way, and do His will, and walk in truth....​

I beseech you whose names are registered on the church book as worthy members, to be
indeed worthy, through the virtue of Christ. Mercy and truth and the love of God are promised
to the humble and contrite soul....​

All heaven is filled with amazement, that when this love, so broad, so deep, so rich and full,
is presented to men who have known the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, they are so indifferent,
so cold and unmoved....​

The infinite treasures of truth have been accumulating from age to age. No representation
could adequately impress us with the extent, the richness, of these vast resources. They are
awaiting the demand of those who appreciate them. These gems of truth are to be gathered up
by God’s remnant people, to be given by them to the world; but self-confidence and obduracy of
soul refuse the blessed treasure. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Such love cannot
be measured, neither can it be expressed. John calls upon the world to behold “what manner of
love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” It is a love
that passeth knowledge.​

In the fullness of the sacrifice, nothing was withheld. Jesus gave Himself. God designs that
His people shall love one another as Christ loved us. They are to educate and train the soul for
this love. They are to reflect this love in their own character, to reflect it to the world. Each
should look upon this as his work.... Christ’s fullness is to be presented to the world by those
who have become partakers of His grace. They are to do that for Christ which Christ did for the​

Father—represent His character.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Character Is Power​

We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access
by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans
5:1, 2.​

Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character
is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident.
A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace and Christ. God
gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern
battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall
have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected....​

A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from
this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every
divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions....​

The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith
that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To everyone engaged in
this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.​

As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to
be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.​

Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life carries an almost
irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we cooperate with
Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we can
cooperate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good we may do.
When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example, practicing the principles of the
law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely and their
neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world....​

We know not what results a day, an hour, or a moment may determine, and never should we
begin the day without committing our ways to our heavenly Father.... When unconsciously we
are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a
better course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions. Thus our influence may be
a silent, unconscious, but mighty power in drawing others to Christ and the heavenly world.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Jesus Showed Us How To Live​

I received mercy for this reason, that in me, ... Jesus Christ might display his perfect
patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16,
R.S.V.​

He [Jesus] was a teacher, such an educator as the world never saw or heard before. He spake
as one having authority, and yet He invites the confidence of all. “Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The only-begotten Son of the infinite God has, by His words, His practical example, left us a
plain pattern which we are to copy. By His words He has educated us to obey God, and by His
own practice He has showed us how we can obey God. This is the very work He wants every
man to do, to obey God intelligently, by precept and example teach others what they must do in
order to be obedient children of God.

Jesus has helped the whole world to an intelligent knowledge of His divine mission and work.
He came to represent the character of the Father to our world, and as we study the life, the words,
and works of Jesus Christ, we are helped in every way in the education of obedience to God; and
as we copy the example He has given us, we are living epistles known and read of all men. We
are the living human agencies to represent in character Jesus Christ to the world.

Not only did Christ give explicit rules showing how we may become obedient children, but
He showed us in His own life and character just how to do those things which are right and
acceptable with God, so there is no excuse why we should not do those things which are pleasing
in His sight....

The great Teacher came to our world to stand at the head of humanity, to thus elevate and
sanctify humanity by His holy obedience to all of God’s requirements, showing it is possible to
obey all the commandments of God. He has demonstrated that a lifelong obedience is possible.
Thus He gives chosen, representative men to the world, as the Father gave the Son, to exemplify
in their life the life of Jesus Christ.

In Him was found the perfect ideal. To reveal this ideal as the only true standard for
attainment; to show what every human being might become; what, through the indwelling of
humanity by divinity, all who received Him would become—for this, Christ came to the world.
He came to show how men are to be trained as befits the sons of God; how on earth they are to​

practice the principles and to live the life of heaven.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

Members Of God’s Household​

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Ephesians 2:19, 20.

The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan ... stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God ... look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven.

The Lord has provided His church with capabilities and blessings, that they may present to the world an image of His own sufficiency, and that His church may be complete in Him, a continual representation of another, even the eternal world, of laws that are higher than earthly laws. His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude....​

To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father’s love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only-begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory—Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory.​

EastCostRemnant
_______________​

Thanks for quoting this ECR. They are great quotes. They can also be found in Testimonies to Ministers, p.18. It has been one of my favorite reading for many years. The first paragraph goes well with the following statement:

"The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light." D.A.324.

"The church is God's fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world... From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth." A.A.11.

How do we ally ourselves with the kingdom of light?

"You want to be like little children, hanging upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. Then you will be fortified. How? The angels of God will be around you as a wall of fire; the righteousness of Christ, which you claim, goes before you, and the glory of God is your rearward." E.G. White, Ms 9, 1891.

"The sinner must ever look toward Calvary, and with the simple faith of a little child he must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting His righteousness, and believing in His mercy." Evangelism,185.

These last two statements make it crystal clear as to what the sinner must do in order to be saved, that is, in order to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ which accomplishes everything.

The 1888 message was an invitation to receive the righteousness of Christ which accomplishes everything as it is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. See T.M.92. The people were invited to daily apply to the merits of Christ in order to enter into God's rest for then they would be clothed with the righteousness of Christ which accomplishes everything. This was the refreshing, the message that God intended to come to the people as the latter rain for "The merits of Christ blot out transgressions, and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of Heaven." Evangelism, 186. In that robe of righteousness woven in the loom of Heaven, there is not one thread of human devising.

This faith, Mrs. White wrote, is living faith. "That living faith is essential for our salvation, that we should lay hold upon the merits of the blood of the crucified and risen Saviour." F.W.64.

For the longest time of my life as an adventist, even as a theology student and pastor and Bible instructor, I can honestly say that I have never heard a clear sermon or lecture on the necessity of appropriating to ourselves the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour in order to bring His righteousness into the life which righteousness accomplishes everything because Christ's righteousness is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. This is how we become a fortress, God's fortress which He holds in a revolted world, impregnable to the assaults of Satan!

In order words, even though this message is clearly presented in the inspired writings, I have never heard it from the pulpit and never read it from the Sabbath School quaterly. Yet it is there in Mrs. White's writings in clear, distinct lines, as shown in the following statement:

"Unless he makes it his lifebusiness to behold the uplifted Saviour and to accept the merits which it is his privilege to claim, the sinner can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus." Testimonies to Ministers, 93.

Thus Mrs. White speaks of "The faith that lays right hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour to bring Christ's righteousness into the lifle. Clothed with the righteousness of Christ and not your own righteousness, you will not depend upon what you can do or what you will do," for "Christ's righteousness accomplishes everything." Faith & Works, 65,66,27.

Wow! If you have ever wondered what the 1888 message was, in clear, distinct lines, you need not inquire any more, right?

Because, as we appropriate the merits of Christ to ourselves by claiming them on a daily basis, the following statement will become a reality in the lives of God's professed people:​

"To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father’s love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only-begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory—Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory."​

God bless,

rainbow

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Thanx Rainbow!!

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Value Of Pain​

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.​

In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a
lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings
of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict
maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of
persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the
experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus
God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength.
He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions
of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.​

In all ages God’s appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution
for the truth’s sake. Joseph was maligned and persecuted because he preserved his virtue and
integrity. David, the chosen messenger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies.
Daniel was cast into a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was
deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives
and friends; yet he maintained his integrity.​

Jeremiah could not be deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and
his testimony so enraged the king and princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was
stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods,
stoned, and finally put to death because he was a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And
John was banished to the Isle of Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus
Christ."​

These examples of human steadfastness bear witness to the faithfulness of God’s
promises—of His abiding presence and sustaining grace. They testify to the power of faith
to withstand the powers of the world....​

They bore witness to the power of One mightier than Satan.... Through trial and persecution
the glory—the character—of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The believers in Christ, hated
and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. On earth they
walk in narrow paths; they are purified in the furnace of affliction.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Those Who Return To The Old Paths​

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting
joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy ​

​

​

​

and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:10.​

The world is full of men and women who manifest no sense of obligation to God for
their entrusted gifts. They do not realize that God has entrusted them with talents, not for
self-glorification, but for His own name’s glory. They are eager for distinction....

There are men whom God has qualified with more than ordinary ability. They are deep
thinkers, energetic, and thorough. But many of them are bent upon the attainment of their own
selfish ends, without regard to the honor and glory of God. Some of these have seen the light
of truth, but because they honored themselves, and did not make God first and last and best
in everything, they have wandered away from Bible truth into skepticism and infidelity. When
these are arrested by the chastisements of God, and through affliction are led to inquire for the old
paths, the mist of skepticism is swept from their minds. Some of them repent, return to the old
love, and set their feet in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. No longer are
they actuated by the love of money or by selfish ambition. The Spirit of God working upon the
heart is valued by them more highly than gold or the praise of men. When this amazing change
is wrought, the thoughts are directed by the Spirit of God into new channels, the character is
transformed, and the aspirations of the soul reach out toward heavenly things.

True religion has power today. It enables men to overcome the stubborn influence of pride,
selfishness, and unbelief, and in the simplicity of true godliness to reveal a living connection
with heaven. The grace which Christ imparts makes it possible for men to rise superior to all the
infatuating temptations of Satan. It will lead them to the cross of Jesus as active, devoted, loyal
workers for the advancement of the truth of heaven.

Fidelity to God has marked the heroes of faith from age to age. As they have been brought
conspicuously before the world their light has shone forth. Their obedience to the command of
Christ, “Go forward,” has led others to glorify God.

There are today moral heroes, men and women who are living noble lives of self-denial. They
have no ambition for worldly fame. Their will is subordinate to the will of God. The love of God
inspires their ministry. To do good and to save souls is their highest aim.

These have gained genuine knowledge, even the knowledge set forth by Christ in the words,
“This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou​

hast sent” (John 17:3).

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

God Has A Tender Care For His People​

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm
34:15.​

You must not sink down discouraged. The fainthearted will be made strong; the desponding
will be made to hope. God has a tender care for His people. His ear is open unto their cry. I have
no fears for God’s cause. He will take care of His own cause. Our duty is to fill our lot and place,
live...humble at the foot of the cross, and live faithful, holy lives before Him. While we do this
we shall not be ashamed, but our souls will confide in God with holy boldness.

God has released us from burdens; He has set us free.... Our enemies may triumph. They
may speak lying words, and their slandering tongue frame slander, deceit, guile; yet will we not
be moved. We know in whom we believe. We have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Jesus
knows us.... A reckoning day is coming and all will be judged according to the deeds that are
done in the body....

It is true the world is dark. Opposition may wax strong. The trifler and scorner may grow
bolder and harder in their iniquity. Yet, for all this, we will not be moved. We have not run as
uncertain. No, no. My heart is fixed, trusting in God. We have a whole Saviour. We can rejoice
in His rich fullness. I long to be more devoted to God, more consecrated to Him. This world is
too dark for me. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is we
may be also. Praise God for this. My heart leaps with joy at the cheering prospect.

Religion is made to dwell too much in an iron case. Pure religion and undefiled leads us to a
childlike simplicity. We want to pray and talk with humility, having a single eye to the glory of
god. There has been too much of a form of godliness without the power. The outpouring of the
Spirit of God will lead to a grateful acknowledgment of the same; and while we feel and realize
the wondrous love of God, we shall not hold our peace, we shall sacrifice to God with the voice
of thanksgiving and make melody to Him with our hearts and voices. Let us plant our feet upon
the Rock of Ages and then we will have abiding support and consolation. Our soul will repose
in God with unshaken confidence.

Why do we so seldom visit the fountain when it is full and free? Our souls often need to
drink at the fountain in order to be refreshed and flourish in the Lord. Salvation we must have.
Without vital godliness our religion is vain. A form will be of no advantage to us. We must have​

the deep workings of the Spirit of God.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Christians To Reflect The Light Of Heaven​

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under
a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew
5:14, 15.​

“Ye are the light of the world,” said Christ to His disciples. As the sun goes forth in
the heavens, dispelling the shades of night, and filling the world with brightness, so must the
followers of Jesus let their light shine to dispel the moral darkness of a world lying in sin. But
they have no light of themselves; it is the light of Heaven which they are to reflect to the world.

“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Our thoughts and purposes are the secret springs of
action, and hence determine the character. The purpose formed in the heart need not be expressed
in word or deed in order to make it sin, and bring the soul into condemnation. Every thought,
feeling, and inclination, though unseen by men, is discerned by the eye of God. But it is only
when the evil that has taken root in the heart reaches its fruition in the unlawful word or deed
that man can judge the character of his fellowman.

The Christian is Christ’s representative. He is to show to the world the transforming power
of divine grace. He is a living epistle of the truth of God, known and read of all men. The rule
given by Christ by which to determine who are His true followers is, “By their fruits ye shall
know them.” ...

The Christian’s godly life and holy conversation are a daily testimony against sin and sinners.
But he must present Christ, not self. Christ is the great remedy for sin. Our compassionate
Redeemer has provided for us the help we need. He is waiting to impute His righteousness to the
sincere penitent, and to kindle in his heart such divine love as only our gracious Redeemer can
inspire. Then let us who profess to be His witnesses on earth, His ambassadors from the court
of heaven, glorify Him whom we represent, by being faithful to our trust as light bearers to the
world.

Everyone who at last secures eternal life will here manifest zeal and devotion in the service
of God. He will not desert the post of duty at the approach of trial, hardship, or reproach. He will
be a diligent student of the Scriptures, and will follow the light as it shines upon his pathway.
When some plain, scriptural requirement is presented he will not stop to inquire, What will my
friends say, if I take my position with the people of God? Knowing his duty, he will do it heartily
and fearlessly.

Of such truehearted followers Jesus declares that He is not ashamed to call them brethren.​

The God of truth will be on their side, and will never

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Keynote Of Scripture​

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
Job 19:25.​

One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is that of Christ’s
second coming, to complete the great work of redemption. To God’s pilgrim people, so long
left to sojourn in “the region and shadow of death,” a precious, joy-inspiring hope is given in
the promise of His appearing, who is “the resurrection and the life,” to “bring home again His
banished.” The doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of the Sacred Scriptures. From
the day when the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have
waited the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer’s power and bring them again
to the lost Paradise. ... Enoch, only the seventh in descent from them that dwelt in Eden, he
who for three centuries on earth walked with his God, was permitted to behold from afar the
coming of the Deliverer. “Behold,” he declared, “the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his
saints, to execute judgment upon all.” The patriarch Job in the night of his affliction exclaimed
with unshaken trust: “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth:...in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall
behold, and not another.”

May the God of all grace so enlighten your understanding that you may discern eternal things,
that by the light of truth your own errors, which are many, may be discovered to you just as they
are, that you may make the necessary effort to put them away, and in the place of this evil, bitter
fruit may bring forth fruit which is precious unto eternal life.

Humble your poor, proud, self-righteous heart before God; get low, very low, all broken in
your sinfulness at His feet. Devote yourself to the work of preparation. Rest not until you can
truly say: My Redeemer liveth, and, because He lives, I shall live also.

If you lose heaven, you lose everything; if you gain heaven, you gain everything. Do not​

make a mistake in this matter, I implore you. Eternal interests are here involved.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

He Shall Reign Forever​

The seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The
kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he
shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15.​

The coming of Christ to usher in the reign of righteousness has inspired the most sublime
... utterances of the sacred writers.... The psalmist sang of the power and majesty of Israel’s
King:...“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad ... before the Lord: for he cometh, for
he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with
his truth.” Psalm 96:11-13.

Said the prophet Isaiah: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe
away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the
earth; for the Lord hath spoken it....” Isaiah 25:8....

When the Saviour was about to be separated from His disciples, He comforted them in their
sorrow with the assurance that He would come again: “Let not your heart be troubled....In my
Father’s house are many mansions....I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” John 14:1-3....

The angels who lingered upon Olivet after Christ’s ascension repeated to the disciples the
promise of His return: “This​

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same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come
in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11. And the apostle Paul, speaking
by the Spirit of Inspiration, testified: “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Says the
prophet of Patmos: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.” Revelation
1:7.

About His coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken
by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued
rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord,​

and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Uplift Jesus As The Center​

I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Revelation
22:16.​

The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger
they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed be left untouched. If our
people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a
reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We
have no time to lose.... Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as
a sword cutting both ways. But be not too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be
times when we must stand still and see the salvation of God. Let Daniel speak, let the Revelation
speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the
center of all hope, "the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

We do not go deep enough in our search for truth. Every soul who believes present truth will
be brought where he will be required to give a reason of the hope that is in him. The people of
God will be called upon to stand before kings, princes, rulers, and great men of the earth, and they
must know that they do know what is truth. They must be converted men and women. God can
teach you more in one moment by His Holy Spirit than you could learn from the great men of the
earth. The universe is looking upon the controversy that is going on upon the earth. At an infinite
cost, God has provided for every man an opportunity to know that which will make him wise
unto salvation. How eagerly do angels look to see who will avail himself of this opportunity!
When a message is presented to God’s people, they should not rise up in opposition to it; they
should go to the Bible, comparing it with the law and the testimony, and if it does not bear this
test, it is not true. God wants our minds to expand. He desires to put His grace upon us. We may
have a feast of good things every day, for God can open the whole treasure of heaven to us.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

God’s Judgments In The Land​

Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming
on the earth. Luke 21:26.​

O that God’s people had a sense of the impending destruction of thousands of cities,
now almost given to idolatry! ...​

Not long ago a very impressive scene passed before me. I saw an immense ball of fire falling
among some beautiful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heard someone say, “We
knew that the judgments of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they
would come so soon.” Others said, “You knew? Why then did you not tell us? We did not know.”
On every side I heard such words spoken....​

Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations—trouble that will not cease until Jesus
comes. As never before we need to press together, serving Him who has prepared His throne
in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all. God has not forsaken His people, and our
strength lies in not forsaking Him.​

The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire
and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at
hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the
eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment....​

Last Friday morning, just before I awoke, a very impressive scene was presented before me.
I seemed to awake from sleep but was not in my home. From the windows I could behold a
terrible conflagration. Great balls of fire were falling upon houses, and from these balls fiery
arrows were flying in every direction. It was impossible to check the fires that were kindled, and
many places were being destroyed. The terror of the people was indescribable.​

Strictly will the cities of the nations be dealt with, and yet they will not be visited in the
extreme of God’s indignation, because some souls will yet break away from the delusions of the
enemy, and will repent and be converted, while the mass will be treasuring up wrath against the​

day of wrath.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

A High Standard​

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other
people, that ye should be mine. Leviticus 20:26.​

I also saw many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord
without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of
the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.​

I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of
"refreshing" and the "latter rain" to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His
sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the
needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit
them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who ... fail to purify their souls in obeying
the whole truth ... will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that
they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be ... no Mediator
to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone
forth, "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."​

I saw that none could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory over every
besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.
We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking that
preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember
that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence.​

We are today to watch that we offend not in word or deed.... We must today seek God and
be determined that we will not rest satisfied without His presence. We should watch and work
and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us. How intensely earnest, then,
would be our life. How closely would we follow Jesus in all our words and deeds.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Spiritual Giant Or Dwarf?​

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1.​

The Lord reproves and corrects the people who profess to keep His law. He points out their
sins and lays open their iniquity because He wishes to separate all sin and wickedness from them,
that they may perfect holiness in His fear and be prepared to die in the Lord or to be translated
to heaven....

God will accept nothing but purity and holiness; one spot, one wrinkle, one defect in the
character, will forever debar them from heaven, with all its glories and treasures.

Most professed Christians have no sense of the spiritual strength they might obtain were they
as ambitious, zealous, and persevering to gain a knowledge of divine things as they are to obtain
the paltry, perishable things of this life. The masses professing to be Christians have been satisfied
to be spiritual dwarfs. They have no disposition to make it their object to seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness; hence godliness is a hidden mystery to them, they cannot understand it.
They know not Christ by experimental knowledge.

Ample provisions have been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set about
the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength, grace, and glory have been provided
through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation. None are so low,
so corrupt and vile, that they cannot find in Jesus, who died for them, strength, purity, and
righteousness, if they will put away their sins, cease their course of iniquity, and turn with full
purpose of heart to the living God. He is waiting to strip them of their garments, stained and
polluted by sin, and to put upon them the white, bright robes of righteousness; and He bids them
live and not die. In Him they may flourish. Their branches will not wither nor be fruitless. If they
abide in Him, they can draw sap and nourishment from Him, be imbued with His Spirit, walk​

even as He walked, overcome as He overcame, and be exalted to His own right hand

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

A Crisis Ahead​

Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the
Almighty shall it come. Joel 1:15.​

The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the
chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in
the procession of the ages, and what may be expected in the time to come. All that prophecy has
foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we
may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.

Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn
events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour’s
prophecy of the events to precede His coming: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars....
Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and
pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men
who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their
attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist
among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element,
and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is
on the verge of a stupendous crisis.

The Bible, and the Bible only, gives a correct view of these things. Here are revealed the
great final scenes in the history of our world, ... the sound of their approach causing the earth to
tremble and men’s hearts to fail them for fear.

Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no
mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the
accomplishment of His purposes.

Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming
surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and
striving to conform their lives to its precepts.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Teaching From House To House​

I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught
you publickly, and from house to house. Acts 20:20.​

Among the members of our churches there should be more house-to-house labor in giving
Bible readings and distributing literature.... As we sow beside all waters we shall realize that “he
which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

Christ’s example must be followed by those who claim to be His children. Relieve the
physical necessities of your fellow men, and their gratitude will break down the barriers and
enable you to reach their hearts.... Women as well as men can engage in the work.... They can do
in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to
the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their work is needed. Discreet and humble women
can do a good work in explaining the truth to the people in their homes. The word of God thus
explained will do its leavening work, and . . whole families will be converted....

In the home circle, at your neighbor’s fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you
may read the Scriptures and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Precious seed may thus be
sown that will spring up and bring forth fruit....

There is missionary work to be done in many unpromising places. The missionary spirit
needs to take hold of our souls, inspiring us to reach classes for whom we had not planned to
labor and in ways and places that we had no idea of working. The Lord has His plan for the
sowing of the gospel seed. In sowing according to His will, we shall so multiply the seed that
His word may reach thousands who have never heard the truth.

Thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand angels are waiting to
co-operate with members of our churches in communicating the light that God has generously
given, that a people may be prepared for the coming of Christ.

Our sisters, the youth, the middle-aged, and those of advanced years, may act a part in
the closing work for this time; and in doing this as they have opportunity, they will obtain an​

experience of the highest value to themselves. In forgetfulness of self, they will grow in grace.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

A Character TheWorldWill Recognize​

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians
2:15.​

It is God’s purpose to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom. That in life
and character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate them from the customs,
habits, and practices of the world.... By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the
love of God revealed in His church, the world is to have a representation of His character. And
when the law of God is thus exemplified in the life, even the world will recognize the superiority
of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people in the world.​

Seventh-day Adventists, above all people, should be patterns of piety, holy in heart and in
conversation. To them have been entrusted the most solemn truths ever committed to mortals.
Every endowment of grace and power and efficiency has been liberally provided. They look for
the near return of Christ in the clouds of heaven. For them to give to the world the impression
that their faith is not a dominating power in their lives is greatly to dishonor God.​

Because of the increasing power of Satan’s temptations, the times in which we live are full of
peril for the children of God, and we need to learn constantly of the Great Teacher, that we may
take every step in surety and righteousness. Wonderful scenes are opening before us; and at this
time a living testimony is to be borne in the lives of God’s professed people, so that the world
may see that in this age, when evil reigns on every side, there is yet a people who are laying
aside their will and are seeking to do God’s will—a people in whose hearts and lives God’s law
is written....​

Their thoughts are to be pure, their words noble and uplifting. The religion of Christ is to be
interwoven with all that they do and say. They are to be a sanctified, purified, holy people,
communicating light to all with whom they come in contact. It is His purpose that by
exemplifying the truth in their lives, they shall be a praise in the earth. The grace of Christ
is sufficient to bring this about.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Prove All Things​

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15.​

In the work in which my husband and I were called by the providence of God to act a part,
even from its very beginning in 1843 and 1844, we have had the Lord to devise and plan for
us, and He has worked out His plans through His living agents. False paths have been so often
pointed out to us, and the true and safe paths so clearly defined in all the enterprises connected
with the work given us to do, that I can say of a truth I am not ignorant of Satan’s devices, nor of
the ways and works of God. We have had to tax every power of mind, relying upon wisdom from
God to guide us in our investigations, as we have had to review the different theories brought
to our attention, weighing their merits and defects in the light shining from the Word of God
and the things God has revealed to me through His Word and the testimonies, in order that we
might not be deceived nor deceive others. We surrendered our will and way to God, and most
earnestly supplicated His aid; and we never sought in vain. Many years of painful experience in
connection with the work of God have made me acquainted with all kinds of false movements.
Many times I have been sent to different places with the message, “I have a work for you to do in
that place; I will be with you.” When the occasion came, the Lord gave me a message for those
who were having false dreams and visions, and in the strength of Christ I bore my testimony at
the Lord’s bidding....

During the past forty-five years, I have had to meet persons claiming to have from God
messages of reproof to others. This phase of religious fanaticism has sprung up again and again
since 1844. Satan has worked in many ways to establish error. Some things spoken in these
visions came to pass; but many things—in regard to the time of Christ’s coming, the end of
probation, and the events to take place—proved utterly false....

“Take heed therefore how ye hear” (Luke 8:18), is an admonition of Christ.... Examine​

closely, “prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).... This is the counsel of God; shall we heed it?