They are not the same or are they?

[rainbowinthesky]

There are some who claim that the "merits" and "righteousness" of Christ are interchangeable, that they are the same thing exactly. In regard to this topic, someone wrote this to me on another forum:

Well, this is a good thought and it does show that there are different nuances of the word. But we need to be careful we do not create any sort of dichotomy that is really difficult to define in any practical terms.

K
____________________

My reply:

As far as I know, there is no "dichotomy" whatsoever in the statements that I have quoted which clearly show the relation that exists between the merits and the righteousness of Christ which difference makes it very practical.

Notice the following two statements very carefully:

"The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the inclination, all the penitence, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by LIVING FAITH." Faith & Works,24.

"I must teach others HOW to be lifted from the sinful state that I was in and to grasp by LIVING FAITH the RIGHTEOUSNESS that is in Christ Jesus. That is the ONLY WAY that the sinner can be saved." Faith & Works,72.

Both of these statements emphasize the importance of grasping the righteousness of Christ by LIVING FAITH.

Now we need to know what exactly is "living faith" that we may exercise it in order to grasp the righteousness of Christ. Can we find a statement that clearly defines what "living faith" is? We cannot afford to speculate here as to what "living faith" is.

The following statement provides us with a clear answer:

"How has it been with His disciples in all ages of the world? Why, they have learned of Jesus; they have been in His school; they have been His students; they have learned the lessons of Christ in regard to the LIVING CONNECTION that the soul has with God. That LIVING FAITH is ESSENTIAL for our SALVATION, that we should LAY HOLD UPON THE MERITS of the BLOOD of the crucified and risen Savior, on Christ, our righteousness."

How do we lay hold on Christ and His righteousness? By laying hold upon the merits of His shed blood. By laying hold of the merits of His infinite sacrifice. NOW THAT IS WHAT LIVING FAITH IS. In other words, our only hope of ever becoming partakers of the righteousness of Christ is that we appropriate to ourselves the MERITS of His infinite sacrifice and that is why we read we shall "learn that we must daily apply to the MERITS of the blood of Christ that we may become vessels fit for the Master's use." Faith & Works,86.

So, all I have done is to show, by comparing statement with statement, that unless we first appropriate to ourselves the MERITS of Christ's sacrifice, (and this is our life business), we have no hope of grasping His righteousness which accomplishes everything.

We are going over this again publicly instead of privately. I see that several statements you quoted I had shared with you before. I find it a bit amusing that you would quote this one especially: "The only way to attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith the sinner can bring to God the merits of Christ," to prove your point when it does not. On the contrary this statement, which I have often quoted, serves to clearly confirm that unless we bring to God the MERITS of Christ, we cannot attain to righteousness.

And if this is not convincing enough, this next statement should remove any remaining doubt. This is the one I have quoted time and time again where 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 life." Faith & Works,65,66.

If words mean anything at all, the above statement means exactly what it says.

It should not be too difficult to see why the faith that lays right hold upon the MERITS of Christ's infinite sacrifice is called a "living faith." It is called a living faith because it brings the righteousness of Christ into the life and "Righteousness is love and love is the light and the LIFE of God," and "the LIFE of God in the soul is man's only hope." Mount of Blessing,18; Ministry of Healing,115.

This can only mean that not one of us is entitled to the righteousness of Christ unless he/she looks to Jesus and accept His merits which it is his/her privilege to claim.

And this is clearly taught in the following statement:

"Unless he makes it his life business to behold the uplifted Saviour and to accept the MERITS which it is his PRIVILEGE to CLAIM, the sinner can no more be saved..." T.M.93.

If it were not for the possibility and privilege of claiming His merits, we would have no right to His righteousness and that is why in 1888 the Lord sent this Testimony to the church:

"There is salvation for you but only through the merits of Jesus Christ." Testimonies to Ministers,97.

How can we possibly become the recipients of the most precious gift of the glistening vesture of Christ and His absolute righteousness unless we appreciate and claim the merits of His infinite sacrifice?

sky

 

[Castaway57]

You lost your Bible again eh? I don't wonder that people are getting confused with what you post. This is what always happens when you use Ellen White's writings the way even she says not to.

 

[Castaway57]

My reply:

As far as I know, there is no "dichotomy" whatsoever in the statements that I have quoted which clearly show the relation that exists between the merits and the righteousness of Christ which difference makes it very practical.

Notice the following two statements very carefully:

"The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the inclination, all the penitence, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by LIVING FAITH." Faith & Works,24.

How can we possibly become the recipients of the most precious gift of the glistening vesture of Christ and His absolute righteousness unless we appreciate and claim the merits of His infinite sacrifice?

sky

There has been some confusion about, the flagrant abuse and misuse of, Mrs. White's writings. Some members have indeed made a second Bible of them, often seeming to make Mrs. White the more important of the two. Some ministers and teachers have quoted Mrs. White ten or more times for every quotation from Scripture; some have even preached "freight-train" sermons (the locomotive is the sermon's introduction, followed by a string of freight cars--quotations from Mrs. White; bringing up the rear is the caboose, the conclusion of the sermon). Internet postings like this are no different. The frustration and irritation experienced by a motorist who is held up by a long, slow freight train is almost identical to the feelings of exasperation and anger on the part of one forced to listen to this kind of homiletical monstrosity, or to read this kind of false gospel.

Mrs. White's writings have been grossly misused by parents, teachers, preachers and all kinds of other people who have used statements from them as a theological club with which to bludgeon an offender into submission.

Nature of the Bible

The entire Bible is the inspired word of God.
The "truth of God is found in His word." No one need "seek elsewhere for present truth.

we should take our stand by the side of Mrs. White, and not go to extremes in any direction. Many people are turned against the remnant church by the unwise and unwarranted use of sentences and paragraphs lifted out of their context.

1. Do not use the Testimonies as proof for unbelievers (Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 119, 120; vol. 5, p. 669).

2. Do not use them as a test of fellowship (Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 327-329).

3. Do not use the visions as a rule to measure all (Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 382, 383).

4. Do not use the Testimonies as an iron rule or club (Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 369).

5. Do not take the extreme meaning of what has been shown in the visions (Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 166).

6. Do not use the Testimonies to give force to certain subjects to impress them upon others (Manuscript 23, 1911).

 

[rainbowinthesky]

"The TESTIMONIES THEMSELVES will be the KEY that will EXPLAIN the messages given, AS scripture is explained by Scripture... Light will dawn upon the understanding, and the Spirit will make an impression on minds, as Bible truth is clearly and simply presented in the messages that since 1846 God has been sending His people. These messages are to find their place in hearts, and transformations will take place." 1 S.M.42.

Notice here how we are CLEARLY told that we are to study the Testimonies by comparing statement with statement for one statement will shed light upon another and in that way the messages contained in the Testimonies will be understood and transformations will take place.

So don't let anyone use the Testimonies in a way that would discourage anyone from studying them in order to arrive at Bible truth.

Here is what the writings of Ellen G. White have taught me, (among many other things) in a nutshell:

"It is the FAITH WHICH WORKS that you want. How does it work? It works by love.(Galatians 5:6) What love? Why, the love flashing from the cross of Calvary. It is set up midway between earth and Heaven, and salvation is gained by looking at this cross. The Father has accepted it, and the angelic host have come to that cross, and God Himself has bowed in acceptance of the sacrifice." Faith & Works,72. (notice she did not say faith & works but faith which works)

Therefore:

"God will accept everyone that comes to Him TRUSTING WHOLLY in the MERITS of the BLOOD of a crucified and risen Saviour. LOVE SPRINGS UP IN THE HEART." Selected Messages, Vol.1,354.

What love? The same love that dwelt in the heart of Jesus of Nazareth!

This is the faith spoken of in Romans 3:25 stating that "Christ is our propitiation through FAITH in His BLOOD."

In other words, to all who daily come to God just as they are, sinful, helpless, dependent, trusting wholly in the MERITS of the blood shed for them upon Calvary's cross, Christ is made unto them the wisdom of God, the righteousness of God, the sanctification of God, and, finally, the redemption of God! (1 Cor.1:30)

This is the only faith that will benefit us, the faith that lays right hold upon the MERITS of the blood that is of value beyond estimate in order to bring in our hearts the same love that was in the heart of Jesus.(Rom.5:5;13:10;1 Cor.13; Christ's Object Lessons,159)

This most precious truth is taught in the representation of the candlestick made by the angel to Zechariach in the fourth chapter:

"In this vision the two olive trees which stand before God are represented as emptying the
GOLDEN OIL out of themselves through golden tubes into the bowl of the candlestick. From this the lamps of the sanctuary are fed, that they may give a bright, continuous light. So from the anointed ones that stand in God's presence, THE FULLNESS OF DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE AND POWER is imparted to His people, that they may impart to others LIGHT and JOY and REFRESHING. Those thus enriched are to enrich others with the TREASURE of God's love." Prophets & Kings,594.

"The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outpouring of heavenly love. The DIVINE FULLNESS will flow through the consecrated human agent to be given forth to others. The Sun of Righteousness has healing in His wings. So from every true disciple is to be diffused an influence for life, courage, helpfulness, and true healing." Christ's Object Lessons,419.

This teaching is in perfect harmony with the prophecies of Isaiah 60:1-5 and Revelation 18:1.

The result will be that God will have a people (faithful few) upon the earth who will be keeping all the commandments of God, exhibiting the only true faith which comes from Jesus and that works true obedience by the fullness of divine love. Galatians 5:6; Rom.5:5; Eph.3:15-19; 13:10; Rev.14:12; John 1:7; Heb.12:2; 1 Peter 1:21.

If there is anything that Satan fears most it is to see in man the faith that works by this love that dwelt in the heart of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

And yet, amazingly enough, Ellen White, who is often labeled by many as a false prophet, is the only I know (outside the Bible) who is teaching the very thing that Satan hates most and fears most!

"Satan is working with all his hellish power to quench that light which should burn brightly in the soul and shine forth in good works." E.G. White, Bible Commentary, Vol.4,1179.

sky

 

[Willie T]

You lost your Bible again eh? I don't wonder that people are getting confused with what you post. This is what always happens when you use Ellen White's writings the way even she says not to.

You almost knocked me off my chair, laughing.

I thought the very same thing as I read all those quotes.

 

[Castaway57]

Here is what the writings of Ellen G. White have taught me, in a nutshell:

"It is the faith which works that you want. How does it work? It works by love.(Galatians 5:6) What love? Why, the love flashing from the cross of Calvary. It is set up midway between earth and Heaven, and salvation is gained by looking at this cross. The Father has accepted it, and the angelic host have come to that cross, and God Himself has bowed in acceptance of the sacrifice." Faith & Works,72.

Therefore:

"God will accept everyone that comes to Him TRUSTING WHOLLY in the MERITS of the BLOOD of a crucified and risen Saviour. LOVE SPRINGS UP IN THE HEART." Selected Messages, Vol.1,354.

sky

sky; while one can, with some effort, try to appreciate the way you try to show a focus on Jesus here; the fact remains you are still doing what the Lord's prophet said not to do with her writings, and I am not sure why you continue to ignore what I have posted about that but when i come back to this forum in a day or so; I will use this quote you used from Faith & Works, 72 as an example of why this is so wrong to do. You preach a very misleading, and crooked path by lifting her quotes out of context and using them to make doctrine. It will always be wrong for people to do that; it doesn't make one "more Adventist" when they use Ellen White like this, infact, it makes them less so, and it certainly does not "defend" or "uplift" the testimonies when you do this. God's prophet needs NO such defense. All you do is turn the world against it because all they see is a person who just needs Ellen White, and has lost his Bible.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

No offense, but it would seem that you, Castaway, would rather think that the Lord would send you light directly from His throne from a DUMPSTER than from His chosen servant Ellen White.

sky

 

[Castaway57]

No offense, but it would seem that you, Castaway, would rather think that the Lord would send you light directly from His throne from a DUMPSTER than from His chosen servant Ellen White.

sky

That little word "but" just gave away the true spirit of what you are doing here. And yes; the Lord doesn't have to listen to us as to when and where He may reveal His Word and His will.

Whether you like it or not; I have said nothing against the writings of Ellen White. I have protested the WRONG USE of same. I have had 2 quotes from her in my signature for months now; guess you missed those in all your zeal to "defeat" the "dark forces" who disagree with what you are doing.

And whether you like it or not; the Lord has sent me, (and many others) light directly from his throne to the dumpsters and the pig pens of this world, (see prodigal son story in Bible), because those are the filthy places where we are, and where He meets us at the point of our need. He truly is "Jesus the Christ" to one who has been rescued from the streets as I have. And HOW could He meet me there and send me Light from heaven; if he said like you; Sorry castaway; can't help you till you get out of that gutter?

 

[rainbowinthesky]

Unless we become as little children we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, we cannot discern between the work of God and that of man.

It is a fact that you, castaway, would rather have us read your Gospel from a Dumpster than from the writings of Ellen G. White.

sky

 

[Castaway57]

Unless we become as little children we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, we cannot discern between the work of God and that of man. It is a fact that you, castaway, would rather have us read your Gospel from a Dumpster than from the writings of Ellen G. White.
sky

I would rather read it from the Bible FIRST; and that is the fact of this entire matter.

The first number of the Testimonies ever published contains a warning against the injudicious use of the light which is thus given to God's people.

I stated that some had taken an unwise course; when they had talked their faith to unbelievers, and the proof had been asked for, they had read from my writings instead of going to the Bible for proof. It was shown me that this course was inconsistent and would prejudice unbelievers against the truth.

The Testimonies can have no weight with those who know nothing of their spirit. They should not be referred to in such cases. {CCh 95.2}

 

[Castaway57]

Unless we become as little children we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, we cannot discern between the work of God and that of man.

And you know for a fact, that I have not done this?

It is a fact that you, castaway, would rather have us read your Gospel from a Dumpster than from the writings of Ellen G. White. sky

That thread is not telling anyone what to believe; it is a personal testimony of something that actually happened to me. It is presented as a personal testimony of how God managed to speak bits and pieces of His Word to me, in some very unlikely and trying circumstances. And the scriptures do admonish us to share personal testimony of what God has done in our lives: 1 John 1:1-3, Rev 12:11

 

[rainbowinthesky]

I state both from the Bible and the SoP.

You can't do that.

You quote from a dumpster.

Everyone can read it for themselves in the thread you started titled


Gospel from a Dumpster.

sky

 

[Castaway57]

I state both from the Bible and the SoP.

You can't do that.

You quote from a dumpster.

Everyone can read it for themselves in the thread you started titled


Gospel from a Dumpster.

sky

It's actually a very inspiring thread, I would encourage others to read it: http://www.christianforums.com/t7703707/

sky, no one has said you don't quote from scripture, that's not the point here.

 

[Willie T]

Neat. Those notes came to you in a way remarkably similar to the way Jesus came to Earth......... in a very unexpected, and lowly, manner and location.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

Someone on facebook had this written in capital letters on her page: SACRIFICE IS THE KEY TO GO TO PARADISE

It was too much a temptation for me not to respond. And I believe that the following is all we need to know and understand on the matter of salvation which is just as simple as accepting the alphabet.

If we accepted these simple truths, there would be no need for so much debate and unending discussions and splitting of the theological hair.

My response:

Yes, absolutely, but only if you mean that the key to go to paradise is to appropriate to ourselves the MERITS of Christ's infinite SACRIFICE, to appropriate to ourselves, by faith, the all-sufficicient MERITS of the blood shed for us upon Calvary's cross, the merits of the blood that is of value beyond estimate! (Rom.3:25)

Faith without works is dead and works without faith are dead. But the good works that the grace of the Holy Spirit enables us to do, the acts of mercy and the deeds of charity which He enables us to perform through the merits of Christ, will NEVER save us. It is the MERITS of Christ's SACRIFICE alone that will AVAIL in our behalf. God will reward the good works which He will have enabled us to do but these will not act a part in the salvation of the soul or in merit. But when we seek to gain Heaven through the MERITS of Christ's infinite sufferings, we make progress, from grace to grace and from light to a greater light!

The redeemed will say, "Lord, we have done nothing. We are unprofitable servants.(Luke 17:10) Christ accomplished everything (Col.1:27,29; Phil.2:13). And if we walk through the everlasting gates, it will be solely on account of the MERITS of Christ's infinite sacrifice."

And the Father will say to them, "Good and faithful servants. Enter in and take possession of the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world."

sky