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D24A Discovery of Mystery of Mysteries

Contents 1 (pg 1-18, posted on May 14, 2020)

D24A Discovery of Mystery of Mysteries; 1 Evidence of Experience in Crisis; 1.1 Current Mystery of Covid-19 Pandemic; 1.1.1 Progressive Understanding of the Mysterious Coronavirus; 1.1.1.1 Blood Clots in the Young; 1.1.1.2 The Sovereign God is in Control; 1.1.2 The Eternal Truth of Jesus; 1.1.2.1 Spiritual Lessons in Covid-19 Pandemic/Pestilence; 1.1.2.1.1 Covid-19 Virus is like Sin; 1.1.2.1.2 Lockdown and Keys to Break Free; 1.1.2.1.2.1 Worldwide Spread of Covid-19 Data; 1.1.2.1.2.1.1 Politics in Coronavirus Crisis; 1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1 Message for Leaders of Nation; 1.1.2.1.2.1.1.2 End-time Preparation: Study Daniel & Revelation; 1.1.2.1.2.1.2 The Wake-up Call; 1.1.2.1.2.1.2.1 Jonah’s Message of Swift Destruction to Nineveh; 1.1.2.1.2.2 Characteristic of Lockdown; 1.1.2.1.2.2.1 Separation; 1.1.2.1.2.2.2 Force; 1.1.2.1.2.2.3 Loss of Freedom; 1.1.2.1.2.3 Love Antidote for Fear; 1.1.2.1.2.4 God’s True Church- The Bride of Christ; 1.1.2.1.2.5 Accept the Free Ultimate Vaccine Now; … to be continued

Contents 2 (pg 19-28, posted on July 1, 2020)

1.1.3 Oneness in The Godhead; 1.1.3.1 Divinity of Christ of the Godhead; 1.1.3.1.1 The Antichrist Deception; 1.1.3.1.1.1 Apostle Paul Refutation; 1.1.3.1.1.2 Spirit of Prophecy Amplification; 1.1.3.1.1 3 A Sample of the Final Resurrection; 1.1.3.1.1 4 Lesson for Doubting Thomases; 1.1.3.1.1.4.1 Present Fufillment -For the doubters; 1.1.3.1.2 Revelation of the Mystery of God/Godhead; 1.1.3.1.2.1 The Incarnation of Christ; … to be continued

Contents 2a- (pg 27-57, postings from July 4, 6, 12, 14)

1.1.3.1.2.1.1 Apostle John on Christ’s Nature :- 1. Human Nature of Christ; 2. The Eternity of Christ; 3. Divine-Human Saviour; 4. Avoid Debate on Christ’s Humanity; 5. An Unfathomable Miracle; 6. The wonderful Condescension of God; 7. The Human Characteristics of Jesus; 8. Veiled Glory of Christ; 9. Perfect Sinlessness of Christ's Human Nature; 10. Manifestation of the Father; 11. Now is the Time;1.1.3.1.2.1.2 The First Advent is Bible History; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1 Immanuel, God with Us; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3 Divine Revelation; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1 The Seven Churches of World History; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.1 Laodicean Message for Adventists:- 1. Has God Made a Mistake? ; 2. To Rid the Church of Fanaticism; 3. The Nature of Repentance; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.2 The Third Angel’s Message:- 1 Spiritual Condition of Laodiceans; 2. Christ Warning and Counsel; 3 Christ Free Offer; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.3 Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable; ....to be continued

Contents 2b- (pg 58-82, posting July 26. 2020)

1.1.3.1.2.1.4 Godhead Revelation in Scriptures; 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.1 The Central Role of Christ in Scriptures:( 1a. Accept Old Testament Reject New Testament; 1b. New Testament Only; 1c. Wholeness in Both- OLD and NEW; 2. Experiencing the unexplainable Truth in Jesus; 3. Daily Bread of Life Nourishment; 4. Holy Spirit Aiding Dedicated Bible Teacher; 5. End-time Preparation in Studying John’s Revelation, NT; 6. The Endless Study in Eternity; 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2 Compromising Biblical Godhead as Traditional Trinity; 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1 Prophesied Compromise in the Last Days:- (1a. Peter’s error in Antioch; 1b Trinity Error on Father God created the Son; 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1.1 Catholic Trinity is not Biblical Godhead: -(1. Claim of New Light Warning); 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1.2 Reasons why we’re not in heaven:- 1. Catholic View of the Trinity; 2. Are there really three beings with one name in Scripture?; 3.The eternal existence of Jesus Christ; 4. Pr. Priebe suggestion; 5. The Background on The War in Heaven; 6. Higher Criticism Aftermath; 7. Pr Prebie Decided Conclusion; 1.1.3.1.2.1.4.3 Mystery of Mysteries Conclusion. The End.

D24A Discovery of Mystery of Mysteries

The Mystery of Mysteries is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of man, as one of the three Godhead; with God, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, who is our Comforter. Jesus Christ is the key to unlock all the mysteries of godliness. This 24A Discovery will try to explore the mystery on the Godhead that has been revealed for our salvation that will either spark or rekindle and revive you in our predestinated journey to life everlasting. We need to be convicted by the severity of Covid-19 pandemic impacting our lives presently as a warning from God to review and make drastic changes in our lives, given the respite in the lockdown period. The God of love has given each of us, made in His image, the free will to decide whether to accept His call to return to Him or not, while Christ is still interceding for lost souls who will come to Him before Satan fills up God’s cup of wrath, and probation closes leading to the second coming of Christ as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. D24 Discovery of Vital Transforming Godly Mysteries, have pointed out that the existence of God is a mystery still because no one has seen God face to face, and if we doubt the word of God as written down by Moses in Genesis for our understanding and most vitally for the salvation of humankind. Yet God is real and exists outside of our time because Jesus Christ came as a man, God clothed in human flesh. Jesus rebuked Philip saying “he that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.”- Jn 14:9. D24A is the extension of the discovery focusing on the sufficiency of the mysteries that Jesus personally opened up for the salvation of all men from eternal death (for death come to all men because no living person have not sinned and fall short of the glory of God). The truth declared: “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”-1 Ti 2:5. The bulk of God’s mysteries that are unrevealed will be our everlasting study when in heaven. (Note from Foc 12: Without the revelation from God, our Creator, human beings do not know anything about the mystery of God. Rather than rely on the very limited wisdom of humans based only on observations about life through fallible human lens, wouldn’t it be more profitable to rely on revealed case histories that began from the beginning of life on earth with lessons on the mistakes that our predecessors have made and the remedy that is available in developing a character and lifestyle that is promised to sustain life forever. This is the revealed word of God in the Bible, the only authoritative source of the living word of truth.)

This is so crucial as a personal discovery with eternal consequence that it must be repeated until it dispels all our doubts about the divinity of Christ, who is Immanuel, God with us (Isa 7:14). Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). God calls for faith in Christ as our atoning sacrifice. His blood is the only remedy for sin. God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins.

There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven. Justice demanded the sufferings of man for violating God’s law of life; but Christ rendered the sufferings of a God. He needed no atonement of suffering for Himself; all His sufferings were for us; all His merits and holiness were open to fallen man, presented as a gift. {FLB 102.4} (This is the miracle (not explainable by science) that will be manifested at the second coming of Christ which we have to trust by faith in God’s spoken word as the portion of God’s mystery revealed to us.)

Christ calls upon us to lay our sins upon Him, the Sin-Bearer. . . . But if we refuse to let them go, taking the responsibility ourselves, we will be lost. (Note from Foc7: The therapy of God, in the case for treating a person for the malady of the deception of Satan, the father of lies, is much more simple and sure. The sin sick person’s main obstacle is to realize he is helpless without seeking Jesus who has offered the remedy of looking at the uplifted cross and live by faith in His righteousness. The ‘slogging through the ill-defined and uncertain middle ground’ is no less than a continuous work in progress by following (steadfastly to the end) the Lamb of God wherever He directs. Salvation belongs entirely to God and is initiated by Him. But God does not interfere with the free exercise of man’s power of choice. It is God’s eternal plan to restore the earth to its original state of purity and perfection. Jesus invites all men everywhere to partake freely of His grace. A better and certain new beginning is provided in the sure word of God.)

1 Evidence of Experience in Crisis

Providence has allowed the Covid-19 pandemic to personally convict the sinners whom Christ has come to save.

1.1 Current Mystery of Covid-19 Pandemic

America and the world is in the midst of a major crisis, the Covid-19 Pandemic. The world practically comes to standstill, with 40% on enforced lockdown of cities as the only measure, while frantically searching for a vaccine against this ‘new strain of flu virus’*. Every aspect of life during the lockdown lasting for a period of initially a month had to be extended even longer in all cases. It has forced people into self quarantine and isolation as countries have attempted to control the spread of this deadly pandemic. The medical research laboratories are working on trial vaccinations designed specifically to improve our human system to produce a greater production of antibodies providing a long lasting protection against these viral and bacterial infections. People are so afraid of this mysterious deadly virus as the daily news give updates of growing infections and fatalities, that they are anxious to get a vaccine that will prevent them from contracting Covid-19. It is the fear of death, of the unknown, and without any hope of the future outcome. This pandemic has caused over 200 thousand deaths around the world, and still counting. As discussed in an earlier article, there had been pestilences recorded in the past, with the first flu virus being The Justinian Plague in the six century, then the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu. And the world based on past outcomes survived to now face Covid-19 as the experience of this generation. (See Wp5.9.6 Covid-19, Par 5.9.6 Pestilence in the Last Days; 5.9.6.1 Extent of Tragedy Impacts;1.1 The First Plague/Pestilence of Flu Virus; 1.2. The Black Death Pestilence; 1.3 The Great Plague/Pestilence of Hong Kong; 1.4 Covid-19 Pandemic/Pestilence at http://www.wakeupow.com/440101195)

1.1.1 Progressive Understanding of the Mysterious Coronavirus

(Note: SARS-CoV-2, ‘new strain of flu virus’*. was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. The origin of SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease is uncertain, and the virus is highly contagious. COVID-19 typically transmits person to person through respiratory droplets, commonly resulting from coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. For confirmed COVID-19 infections, symptoms have included fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Clinical manifestations in patients have ranged from non-existent to severe and fatal.

At this time, there are minimal treatment options for COVID-19. Critical cases in ICU are treated on a trial and error basis with a range of drugs for other deadly viral diseases with some successes. Hydroxychloroquine, a treatment for malaria, is currently being used to treat thousands of COVID-19 patients in the US. However, the New England Journal of Medicine, May 7, published an observational study on data of nearly 1,400 patients treated for COVID-19 at a large hospital in New York City, saying the findings don't support continued use of the drug in COVID-19 patients outside of clinical trials.

1.1.1.1 Blood Clots in the Young

Dr Milton Teske, Chief Health Officer, Kings County,California, in Sumtv Coronavirus Report #6 ( Apr 29) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5E9ZxAadpU, gave NY statistics that 92% of those hospitalized also had obesity, or diabetes, or hypertension or coronary artery disease or some other metabolic syndrome type diseases as well. People with weak immune system (from western lifestyle diseases) are preyed on. But recently, doctors have noticed that covid patients have blood clots forming in their arteries where they are not supposed to be.

Young healthy people (more than usual and number of strokes patients have doubled and usually the mean age for strokes is 72) were reported getting strokes (blot clots formed in the brain) that didn’t have underlying artery type disease. The virus seems to be affecting the endothelium, the artery wall, and it’s breaking down with blot clots forming in there. This is opposite to Ebola that is causing the opposite hemorrhagic fever, preventing blo from clotting and people start bleeding everywhere. So doctor are now starting anticoagulants early in these patients and move on to various clot dissolving drugs for strokes. (The advice: get immediate ER medical check should one part of your body (numbness or deadness in one side or one arm) or loss of speech or speech becomes slurred)) The emf in 5G network may also contribute some damage to cells in our body. This blood clotting is affecting the blood flow into the lung causing hypoxia that in spite of all the ventilation the patient will not survive- statistic show 88% on a ventilator died.) This covid-19 virus works on the blood vessel walls, on the layer called glycocalyx that protects the surface of the wall. Glycokylix has certain things that prevent blood clotting so that the blood can keep flowing. The virus breaks down the glycocalyx, like in diabetes the sugar breaks down the glycocalyx In arterial sclerosis that causes high blood pressure causing heart attack due to the building up of cholesterol plagues as the glycocalyx are broken down to allow these to form.

Dr.Teske has clearly disclosed in advance the new strain of the virus systemically damaging the vascular endothelium of the blood arteries. The latest finding attests the blood clotting in the lungs in patients on ventilators as the cause of death rather than asphyxiation. In addition, Researchers from HKU’s school of public health reveal the coronavirus is up to 100 times more infectious through the eyes and airways than SARS. This is the update on the patho-physiology of this highly contagious and deadly invisible viral disease that is beyond human control.

The good news is that we can restore the glycocalyx with a healthy diet. Three things which destroy the glycocalyx is smoking, sugar (refined sugar drinks), and oxidized fat (fried foods). God has promised to protect us from these plagues, but that protection comes in the context of obedience to His word. The simple health laws given to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is in eating nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. But everybody wants a pill or a vaccine to prevent infection and save us from it and we can carry on living as usual. Getting there is complicated as there are multiple strains and new strains forming and one vaccine will not be able to work for all the various strains. This virus, like Satan’s temptation or sin, is very opportunistic and finds entry where there are holes in your immunity system (Sin is a very deadly foe in our midst that we must have protection against. This protection is available in knowing the word of God).

The CDC holds the view that the antibody test now available does not guarantee that having these antibodies even in recovered patients do not guarantee 100% prevention and having the vaccine is the only option as in the universal success of the polio vaccine. But we need to also question whether a vaccine, based on pieces and parts of the virus together with other things that flare up the immune system, to be injected into the body will not introduce other problems.)

1.1.1.2 The Sovereign God is in Control

(Sumtv Coronavirus Report #7 (May 7) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE85HJ--oK0.)

Dr Teske in response to a physician commendation in his in-depth sharing said: The more we understand about any aspect of physiology or medicine or science, the better we are to relate to it rationally and appropriately. God with His great wisdom understands everything and always knows what to do. God shares wisdom with us, and through science we can begin to understand some of these things, although science is not infallible, and understand how to best relate to them what we can to cooperate with God in healing and surviving the evils that have been brought on this world.

The situation in California is quite under control compared with New Orleans or New York where the health care system has been pushed to overflowing and no ICU beds and ventilators with dead bodies piling up in trucks and vans. This could be based on population density, in the layout of the city, and early implementation and the extent of protective measures put in place (New York had delayed in the city’s lockdown.) However, it is quite likely that the cases are flattening out. One study in a New York supermarket had 21% tested positive over 1000 people. This is suggesting that the herd immunity is atr 20 % (30% by epidemiologists) and if they can pass by without overwhelming the health care system then it is a good thing.

The issue now is in crowded and crammed living conditions like in densely populated city, in nursing home, in prison where social distancing cannot be applied. The people In nursing homes are senior citizens with multiple diseases on multiple medication, highly vulnerable to complications and possibly fatal outcome. Extra care are being put in place to prevent having one infection that will spread to infect the whole community. (In UK, there has been public demand to call for releasing some of the prisoners to cull the numbers as prisons have reported many fatalities recently.)

The likelihood of a second wave is dependent mainly on an increased activity and it could be in our coping with the seasonal cold weather. Generally, the flu sets in during the fall and this could be because of people’s behavior by staying indoors and close up the windows (cutting out fresh air and sunlight, two valuable healing agents God has to sterilize, purify, and clean up the environment), turning on the heater and breathing deionised air and also curtailing exercise due to the cold outdoor. There is still the possibility that the tapering infection is the good sunny weather in the approaching summer. If that is the case then the cold season may see the second wave which could be much more deadly.

Remdesivir recently approved (tentatively for lack of better option) on fast track by CDC is an antiviral drug that works on the RNA in the virus which is more like Tamiflu that probably, when taken early, can shorten the flu duration by a few days. All drugs will have side effects for God design the immune system to work a certain way to get us through life on the earth. The best thing we can do is to cooperate with God’s plan rather than interfering with them. The more drastically we interfere with them the more likely will there be side effects. The body is extremely complex and to think that you can use a drug to fix one thing is a little bit naïve because everything affects everything else in the body. We find that in most of the drugs and medications approved for sale. Natural remedies like the fruits as in the lemon that really enhances your immune system by taking lemon juice mixed in water every morning. Microbes have a role in our digestive system and how everything works there. Vitamin B12 is absolutely essential for life is only made by microbes. So there are a lot of things God does in the intricacies about how good God designed things to work that we will continue to study and learn about throughout eternity.

A recent, discovery is the viral rash and for some reason this rash only appears on the feet or lower legs, particularly on the toes, similar in appearance to chicken pox rash as additional symptoms, including loss of smell or taste. The rash clears up when the infection passes.)

1.1.2 The Eternal Truth of Jesus

Jesus has revealed to his disciples, pestilences, natural disasters, famines, and rumours of wars ( Matt 24:6,7) will persist with the rise of false prophets (Matt 24:11) “until the gospel is preached to the end of the world. And then only shall the end come.” (Matt 24:14) Thus many will survive Covid-19 and so life will return to normal as in all previous pestilence. But there is a much more deadly virus than Covid-19 that has infected everyone for which Jesus, came to earth in His first advent to warn us about and provide the ultimate vaccine which frees us from this certain death-virus called sin, as it is clearly revealed in the Bible. Covid-19 may be able to destroy your body, but it cannot destroy your eternal life. Jesus said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”- Matt 10:28. To fear God and put your trust in Him is the eternal truth of Jesus; the solution to the world’s biggest problem in overcoming sin and the inevitable consequence of death.

Pr. Mark Finley inhis sermon on “The Ultimate Vaccine” is inspired by the written word of God, which is alive “and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”-Heb4:12. Whether you realize it or not you are infected by sin for“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”- Jer17:9. Furthermore, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.“ – Isa 53:6. Unless we understand the disease we will never desire the vaccine, Unless we understand the disease we will never desire the remedy. If you are asymptomatic for Covid-19 and do not realise that you are even infected it is not likely you will do anything. Thus Paul, the apostle for the gentiles cried out: ”O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”- Rom 7:24,25. So, If you are asymptomatic since you do not feelthat you have the disease of sin it is not likely you will seek an antidote who is the mystery of mysteries. (Watch “Ultimate Vaccine” by Pr. Mark Finley, (SDA Sermon) •Apr 22, 2020; HopeLives365.)

The mystery that each of us has to work out based on what has been revealed in the Bible to those who desire to know the truth is this: Based on the signs of the times that is fulfilling the prophecies spoken of in Daniel and by Apostle John in the Revelation (of Christ), this mystery pestilence, Covid-19, could be the beginning of the end of the world as the Gospel of Christ has almost reached the whole world which started on Oct 22, 1844.

1.1.2.1 Spiritual Lessons in Covid-19 Pandemic/Pestilence (From Wp5.9.6 Covid-19 at http://www.wakeupow.com/440101195, on the sermon “ Pandemic” | Pastor John Lomacang (tvsdac) Mar 1, 2020 Thompsonville Seventh-day Adventist Church) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1FAA4qg9IQ&t=342s (1:08:14) 20200229)

There are spiritual lessons contained in every crisis. But the natural man will not be able to discern them “for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”-1 Cor2:14. The Bible becomes more contemporary like when Luke says men's hearts failing them for fear and from the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth –Luk 21:26. Men (who do not know about the grace of God) are concerned about what's coming on the earth, because every one of us at some point, or the other, can be a casualty of some major event unfolding on our planet. The young man named Timothy also writes “in the last days perilous times will come”- 2 Tim 3:2 (that means dangerous, stressful, out of control. And we're living in the midst of that crisis.)

1.1.2.1.1 Covid-19 Virus is like Sin

The deadly contagious Covid-19 pandemic crisis existing now is a timely lesson on the world’s most deadliest disease, Sin, for the wages of sin is death (eternal death) –Rom 6:23; and the transgression of the law is sin (1 Jn 3:4). This is the Bible primary lesson and warning on Sin, ”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”Rom 3:23

1.1.2.1.2 Lockdown and Keys to Break Free

This is the Sabbath Worship Hour sermon on May 2, 2020 by Jill Morikone, produced by 3ABN. As many people deal with a literal lockdown, this sermon studies a spiritual lockdown brought about by sin. Our world is filled with iniquity and sadness, but God has not forgotten about us. He's given us a key to get out! (Live Church) May 2, 2020 Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh6xK-JQJsk&t=1945s (57:59)

This will be the third sermon on Covid-19 Pandemic to convict us on our sin problem based on the bitter and fearful mysterious curse of Covid-19 the whole world is experiencing. Your eternal destiny is at stake and this decision to seek the truth that is in Christ, the mystery of mysteries has to be made and not to be deferred. This is prayerfully the beginning of your faith by hearing of the word of God in D24A. God has forewarned us in the historic event of Jonah’s reluctant preaching in Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire who heeded his message, and the whole city led by their king and holy men repented and was saved in that generation for 120years until the future generation returned to their old wicked ways and the Assyrian was destroyed completely. Salvation cannot be passed on to the next generation. (See the amplified story of Jonah in F12 Tales of Unbelief, par 3.2.3 – 3.2.3.5.1.3 at http://www.wakeupow.com/159912051 )

1.1.2.1.2.1 Worldwide Spread of Covid-19 Data

8 December 2019 when a resident in Wuhan City, China, was found to have symptoms of an unknown coronavirus. 31 January – US restricts entry; Jan 11 first deathin Wuhan; spread to Japan, South Korea, Thailand and USA; Jan 23- lockdown cities in Wuhan province and no travel; Jan 30 –WHO declared global health emergency; Feb 2- first death in Philippines; France first death in Europe- Feb 14; Feb 23- surge in Italy begins lockdown; France lockdown – and lockdown in Feb 17; Latin America by Feb 26, sub-Saharan Africa Feb 28; Feb 29 USA first death then travel restriction; 11 March – WHO calls it a pandemic; Mar 15- CDC no gathering +50 (then +10); 19 March- Italy 3,405 deaths overtook China; Mar 19 – California state stay at home order followed by other states with New York on Mar 22 and Great Britain lockdown; Mar 23 India 3wk lockdown; Mar 26- US most infected country with more than 80,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,000 deaths.; 27 March – Trump’s stimulus package; 2 April – world cases reach 1 million, +51000 deaths; US10 million unemployment benefits; 3 April- Spain surpassed Italy in total cases and is now second only to the United States;10 April – global deaths pass 100,000, doubling in a week; 12 April- Italy has 152,271 confirmed cases, 19,468 deaths, and 32,534 recoveries;15 April – NYC tests for antibodies; Germany to slowly ease some restrictions; 20 April – lockdown restrictions ease further in India and European countries. 25 March – Spain second to US for a period; 7 May- US deaths highest for fortnight. Some 2,367 new deaths yesterday – the most in a single 24-hour period since 21 April, Globally 6,592 deaths yesterday, weekly total 36,166 – down from 40,724 the week before;

1.1.2.1.2.1.1 Politics in Coronavirus Crisis

It is Trump’s political agenda to make America great again to push to reopen the economy despite warnings of a new spike in cases and deaths. Even Lee Snover, a Republican head said Republicans needed to be careful about going too far in criticizing the economic shutdown and dismissing the health risks.“Yes, we need to reopen the economy, but we also need to recognize that the virus is real and poses a threat.” Trump’s campaign aides also see rising anger with China over the coronavirus as an opening. Trump in recent weeks has ramped up his criticism of Beijing and threatened new tariffs on China, and officials said they were considering retaliatory measures against China over the outbreak. It is because President did not heed the 12 advisory from His secret service and put off the preparation in preventing the spread of the pandemic into America that the US is now the most infected nation in the world. Playing the blame game was sown in the garden of Eden by the talking serpent, identified by John as “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”- Rev 12:9. (See Wp5.9.3 Deception, Contents (2) Add-on Sep 26, 2019; Oct 1, 3, 2019; pg 197-225, par 5.9.3.1.3 Demonstrative Response of World in Deception; 5.9.3.1.3.1 Satan’s Final Assault Signs and Messages;.. 5.9.3.1.3.2 Striving for Greatness in Politics and Religion- 1 Make the World Greta Again; 2. Global Religious and Moral Leader; 3. Make America Great Again; 4. China as Contender for Economic Supremacy;... at http://www.wakeupow.com/440101193

In the White House only the elite few are above the law of wearing masks in spite of the visitation of Covid-19. The Bible tells us not to judge for judgment is the prerogative of God who is sovereign, appoints and disposes and all deeds done under the sun in the open or in darkness will be settled in the day of the Lord, with the second coming of Christ.

But it is our duty as pointed out by James, the eldest step- brother of Jesus, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 “ Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” –Ja 5:19-20. Ezekiel also had this message from the Lord, “Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”- Eze33:9.

1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1 Message for Leaders of Nation

The Bible provides the vital lesson for leaders of nations, particularly leaders of renown striving for greatness and having the challenge of staying in control. This is in the historic and prophetic book narrated by Daniel.

Daniel, the prime minister of the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the same time a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration describes him as without fault. His business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found to be without one flaw. He was an example of what every businessman may become when his heart is converted and consecrated, and when his motives are right in the sight of God. . . . {CC 254.2}

God exalted Babylon that it might fulfill this purpose. Prosperity attended the nation until it reached a height of wealth and power that has never since been equaled--fitly represented in the Scriptures by the inspired symbol, a "head of gold." Daniel 2:38. {Ed 175.4}

God chose Daniel to be His personal ambassador to King Nebuchadnezzar (the greatest ruler of the world’s ancient empire) and the means by which Nebuchadnezzar came to have confidence, first in Daniel and then in Daniel’s God. A series of dramatics experiences- the dreams of ch 2, the striking deliverance from the fiery furnace (ch 3),and the dream of ch 4 – demonstrated to the king’s satisfaction the knowledge, power, and authority of Daniel’s God. The inferiority of human knowledge , exhibited in the experience in ch 2, led Nebuchadnezzar to admit to Daniel “Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.” – Dan 2:47. He freely acknowledges that the wisdom of God was superior, not only to human wisdom, but even to his supposed wisdom of his own gods. The incident of the golden image and the fiery furnace led Nebuchadnezzar that the God of heaven “delivered His servants” 9 ch 3:28). His conclusion was that “no other God” can“ deliver after this sort” (v.29). Nebuchadnezzar now recognized that the God of heaven was not only wise bur powerful, that He was not only omniscient but omnipotent. The third experience- the seven years during which he his own vaulted wisdom and power were temporarily removed – taught the king not only that the most high is wise and powerful, but that He exercises the wisdom and power to rule in human affairs (Dan 4:32). It is significant the first act Nebuchadnezzar performed after his reason returned to him was to ” praise and extol and honour the King of heaven” and to acknowledge that “those that walk in pride” as he had done for many years, God is “able to abase. “ (Dan 4:37).

But the lessons Nebuchadnezzar personally learnt over a perod of many years largely failed to benefit those who succeeded him upon the throne of Babylon. The last ruler of Babylon, Belshazzar defied the God of heaven (Dan 5:23) in spite of the fact that he was acquainted with the experience of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 5:22) Instead of working in harmony with the divine plan, “Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor,’ and in the rejection of the principles of heaven wrought its own ruin. The nation was weighed and found wanting (Dan 5:25-28), and world domination passed to the Persians. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel reveal the secret of Babylon's fall and of the fall of many another kingdom since the world began.

Thus the book of Daniel gives a demonstration of the principles according to which God’s wisdom, power, and authority operate through the history of nations for the eventual accomplish of the divine purpose.”God exalted Babylon that it might fulfill this purpose.” (Ed 175). It had its period of test; “Prophecy has traced the rise and fall of the world's great empires--Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with nations of less power, history repeated itself. Each had its period of test, each failed, its glory faded, its power departed, and its place was occupied by another.” {Ed 176.4}

1.1.2.1.2.1.1.2 End-time Preparation: Study Daniel & Revelation

As we near the close of this world's history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. "The wise shall understand" (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of God's people all through the centuries, the promise is, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Revelation 1:3. {PK 547.2}

From the rise and fall of nations as made plain in the books of Daniel and the Revelation, we need to learn how worthless is mere outward and worldly glory. Babylon, with all its power and magnificence, the like of which our world has never since beheld,--power and magnificence which to the people of that day seemed so stable and enduring,--how completely has it passed away! As "the flower of the grass," it has perished. James 1:10. So perished the Medo-Persian kingdom, and the kingdoms of Grecia and Rome. And so perishes all that has not God for its foundation. Only that which is bound up with His purpose, and expresses His character, can endure. His principles are the only steadfast things our world knows. {PK 548.1}

A careful study of the working out of God's purpose in the history of nations and in the revelation of things to come, will help us to estimate at their true value things seen and things unseen, and to learn what is the true aim of life. Thus, viewing the things of time in the light of eternity, we may, like Daniel and his fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, that blessed kingdom which is to endure for ever and ever, we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession. {PK 548.2}

1.1.2.1.2.1.2 The Wake-up Call

(Adaption of the closing portion of the sermon “The Wise will Understand” by Pr John Dinzey, May 9, 2020, 3ABN at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov5oWXjYMTI )

The sure word of Prophecy specifically say that America will still be the world’s power as John “beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”-Rev 13:11,12. The beginning of the end of world history will come soon when Protestant America in alliance with papacy will enforce the Sunday law. We are now witnessing the fulfillment of this prophecy and we are to watch and pray in readiness for the coming of the Lord.

The second coming of Jesus is near. Even though no man knows the day or the hour, the prophetic signs are all around (Matt 24:36). The devastation to our lives is enormous as already more than 180 countries are infected. Covid-19 pandemic is a wake-up call to help God’s people understand His final warning message in the three angels’ messages for us- (Rev 14:6-12).

It is our opportunity to know the Lord since you can’t go to work, while confined to your home, take time to connect with the Lord. Give your heart completely to Him that you may have the joy of salvation in your heart each and every moment. Matt 25:13 tells us to watch and pray. It is time to wake up to watch, read the scriptures, spend time with the Lord that you may be ready for whatever comes your way. You may be sick because of the infection, or someone who is away from the Lord, or most probably one of majority in the world who does not believe in God or have no time for God. It is time to reflect and change as the lockdown has occasioned the changes to the way we live after this pandemic.

There are things going on in the world because of the virus and amazing things do happen when a crisis comes as in the case of the doctor who returned to God. He was treating an elderly pastor who was faithful to the end in trusting the Lord who in the face of death was happy with the Lord knowing that Jesus was with him until the end. We do not have to be overtaken as a thief in the night being the sons of light and not be sleeping for we watch and are sober. So whatever is your condition, get closer and closer (1The 5:1-6). If you have been worldly minded and drifting further and further away, then it is time to come nearer. God, the Father, loves you and wants you to be happy (Jer 29:11). The realtiy is you cannot find true happiness in anything or in any place in this world if the Lord is not with you. (Eph 5:13).

Something is going on and some people are realizing that changes have to be made. Some of the presidents and leaders of government are beginning to make expressions that are letting their people know that they are beginning to understand they cannot control the spread of the virus with the mounting fatalities, and they need help from above. The PM of Italy with tears in his eyes said, “We have lost the battle against the coronavirus. We have lost control. Only God can help us.” President of Paraguay said ” I have faith in God and in His power and mercy quoting Isa 41:10. Panama President asked the people to pray and gave some instructions to pray. President of Guatemala asked his people to spend this coming Saturday in fasting and prayer for our country. El Salvador has asked all the believers in his country to pray for the country and the world and then bowed his head in silent prayer in front of 30 people in a meeting room. Even in Cuba, the socialist government said they are allowing several Christian pastors to present a 15 minute message on the national TV channel during the week of April 5-12 and also allow the Catholic Church to present a Mass. The Cuban leaders realized the need to encourage the depressed and fearful people in confronting the pandemic. These are providential openings where the seed of truth could be sown that will sprout into everlasting life. It may be that some of these leaders will be like the Pharaoh in Exodus that after the crisis and the plagues were gone revert back to being rebellious, back to doing wickedly, But for now, something is going on and we should be praying for the leaders of these countries to give their hearts to the Lord like the Nineveh rulers and his people after hearing the warning message from Jonah and that generation in the city was saved from their speedy destruction because of its sin.

1.1.2.1.2.1.2.1 Jonah’s Message of Swift Destruction to Nineveh

There is more blessing than harm in treating the visitation of the mysterious Covid-19 pandemic as a parallel to Jonah’s message of swift destruction to Nineveh. It is better to return to the Lord early than later.

By heeding the message from Jonah: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown." "The people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.“(Jon 3:4,5). As king and nobles, with the common people, the high and the low, "repented at the preaching of Jonas" (Matthew 12:41) and united in crying to the God of heaven, mercy was granted them. He "saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not." Jonah 3:10. Their doom was averted, the God of Israel was exalted and honored throughout the heathen world, and His law was revered. Not until many years later was Nineveh to fall a prey to the surrounding nations through forgetfulness of God and through boastful pride. [{PK 270.4}

Among the lessons taught by Jonah’s prophecy is the truth that God’s grace brings salvation to all (Tit 2:11), that it was not confined to the Jews, but was also to be revealed among the heathens. God has “also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life”( Act 11:18). Like Peter (Act 10), Jonah came to realize reluctantly that God was willing those of every nation who turned to Him. By referring to “the the men of Nineveh” who responded to Jonah’s call to repentance, Jesus condemned the pharisaical and prideful Jews of His day (Mat 12:41; Luk 11:32) and all others who, in their religious complacency and false sense of soul security, deceives themselves into thinking that they are the favoured people of God, and thus assured of salvation. Jesus referral to the book of Jonah establishes the veracity of the book. He used the experience of Jonah in the sea as an illustration of His death and resurrection (Mat 12:39,40)

1.1.2.1.2.2 Characteristic of Lockdown

Lockdown characteristic is similar to the prison environment (security guard, free food, no bills, library, time for socializing). At least to one inmate, is this interesting perception of prison experience. It is just a matter of how he perceives the situation, a change of mind skew on a lie of his own making. Unfortunately, this is how the majority of the post modern worldly people form their worldview on God. (Note from Foc12: No two persons see the world in exactly the same light for we are made as unique individuals in form and in spirit. We seldom attempt to understand our own unique worldview because we are unable to grasp its uniqueness. However, it is the worldview we hold as an individual that influences all our decisions and actions in life. Perhaps by first learning about the seven generalized worldviews we may be able to see which worldview seem close enough to fit our view of the world as our frame of reference in making daily decisions that will ultimately add up to give us the best happy ending.

But, believe it or not, the one and only true worldview is already revealed in an amazing ancient historical book that was written by at least 40 authors stretching over more than 1500 years and is preserved as it was written. The book tells us about our origin, our identity and our happy ending that we may choose to have. The “Tales of Unbelief” contains some of these stories written in this book. If you have not heard about this, or have not believed what you have heard before, then spare a few minutes to check out this article by reading the abstract/synopsis/ or scan through the contents page at www.wakeupow.com/159912051)

The three characteristic are: 1) Separation, physical or emotion; 2) Force; and 3) Loss of freedom. Lockdown comes in many facets as seen in the world today: by a physical government measure (sometimes mandatory- quarantine) or simply staying at home, observed in curfew, travel bans of various types, with some of these restrictions being imposed by the civil government due to Covid-19 outbreak. Some nations might use more force than others.

1 Separation – To stop the spread of covid-19 is to prevent coming into contact with this invisible deadly contagious disease. In this case the world chose to adopt lockdown of the city taking the cue from China. Separation is the only way. Many of our daily activities in making a living, in work and play needs to be strictly restricted to ensure controlling the spread of the disease.Those who are living alone and are required to work from home through the email and computer will feel the physical separation from someone else. There is an emotional separation with this social distancing we are practicing today. One study in 2015 found that chronic social isolation increases the risk of mortality by 29%.

2 Force - In Australia, drones are used to fly over beaches to make sure that no more than two people are walking together. Check points manned by police serve to stop people travelling from one area to the next and there is a $50,000 fine if you violate that restriction. Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, ordered the police and military to shoot dead anyone who caused trouble during the month-long lockdown of the island of Luxon. In Kenya, the police gave their sincere condolences to the family of a thirteen year old boy shot by police by being on his balcony for violating a corona virus curfew. Some 5,000 migrant workers in India were sprayed with chemical bleach agent causing damages to the skin, the eye and the lung.

3 Loss of Freedom – Basically, the measure to prevent the spread of the virus is to cut off social contact even in the stoppage of work, no visiting parents or friends, no buying grocery any time or shopping at the mall, no eating out in restaurant, no cinemas, concerts and spectator sports (enacting the similar anguish of prisoners in their separation from their loved ones.)

The lockdown caused by sin may now be better understood from this real experience in the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. This lockdown is inherent in the lives we are living from day to day until we succumb to death without any hope because we, individually does not believe, in spite of many attempts to warn you, about the deadly disease called sin.

We are now alerted by the Covid-19 pandemic to check out the truth that is the revelation from God on the lockdown caused by sin.

1.1.2.1.2.2.1 Separation

God made a definitive declaration “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” –Gen 1:1, in the book of Genesis, written by Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God has given us in His spoken word our identity, in our origin and relationship with Him. We know that Adam and eve walk in cool of garden to meet with God daily and are in very close communion. But after Eve partook of the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam and he ate that they disobeyed God, The procreator of the human race as representative of the human family sinned against God. They instantly knew they were naked and ashamed. Thus they hid themselves from God. Instantly, when sin entered the earth there was a separation from God.

Sin separated us from God because sin will be consumed in the presence of a holy God. But “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”-Jn 3:16. Jesus blood cleanses us from all sins. Jesus Blood is the antidote for the sin problem and the separation problem. We can be reconciled again, brought back into right relationship with the Father-(Rom 5:9.10).The blood covers us, forgives us, and justifies us bringing us back into right relationship We are imputed with Jesus righteousness, “being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”(Rom 5:1). We shall be saved from wrath through him. We are now able to claim “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”-1Jn 1:9. Jesus blood restores that separation. “He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; With the Father we have peace “(Eph 2:14) This is the emotional separation as well. Jesus blood is the antidote for the separation that has been caused by sin.

1.1.2.1.2.2.2 Force

Force is involved to initiate this separation. We read that God drove (in Hebrew also mean drive out, expel) out the man to prevent them from partaking of the fruit from the tree of life (Gen 3:24). Force is used to separate us from a holy God. This curse is manifested in their first born Cain who killed his brother, Abel, in a fit of rage. God pronounced punishment upon Cain. He became a vagabond and a fugitive. Cain recognised he was driven out - (Gen 4:13,14). In the case of Abraham and Sarah, Sarah offered her handmaid to Abraham and Hagar had a son, Ishmael (Gen 16), not what God had meant in His promise which came later when she gave birth to Isaac. (Gen 21) The contention between the two mothers caused Sarah to ask Abraham to cast out (drive), to force Ishmael and Hagar to leave home,. (Gen 21:10).

Why do sins forced us from God? Isa 59:1,2 is probably two of the saddest word of God “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Does it mean that there is no hope for sinners like me? He is going to force me from His presence and I am done for. This is where the plan of salvation is about the antidote for lockdown. Sin brings fear to Adam and Eve, condemnation, guilt, because sin cannot stand in the presence of God.

In the last book of the Bible, The sixth seal takes place just before the second coming of Christ where “the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;”16 “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17” For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev 6:15-17. These are the people at the end of time who have sin in their lives and when they see the presence of Jesus they recognise their sinfulness saying we want to hid, we cannot stand in the presence of the Lord. But there is a people who will be able to stand. Rev 7 an interlude before the last seal, that talked about the sealing of God’s people. God loves us so much that He wants to put the father’s name in our forehead He loves us so much that He wants us to spend eternity with Him. He wants the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from that sins that we can stand before the Father as though we have never sin. The psalmist, King David tells who are those that “shall ascend into the hill of the LORDor who shall stand in his holy place.”He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Ps 24:3.4).

1.1.2.1.2.2.3 Loss of Freedom

Satan had said at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that by eating the forbidden fruit you will become like God knowing good and evil. But, instead they experienced the loss of freedom. They were banned from the Garden of Eden. They were subject to sis, to attacks from the enemy, to death that they have never seen before.They lost eternal life. They lost freedom from temptation and sin. Sin leads them to a great loss of freedom..

God will not show us what is in our hearts and then leave us in depression or to worry or to wonder since nobody can be saved to console ourselves not to even worry. No, there are keys to braking free from this lockdown caused by sin as our example from a reminder from God in Covid -19. Of the antidote (ultimate vaccine).

1.1.2.1.2.3 Love Antidote for Fear

Here is the reality. Force causes fear. Fear is cast out by love. Therefore if I have love I will not have fear and by extension it’s the antidote. Take the example in WWII in the Jews annihilation by many manner of force used against them in the concentration camps. The fear in the Jews were caused by the evil forces but yet fear is cast out by love in the many testimonies of survivals of the holocaust.. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”1Jn 4:18. Satan uses force but God uses love. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”-Jn 10:10. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”-.2 Pet 3:9, In Hos 11: 3,4, God is telling us that He holding us and teaching us how to walk just as a parent does for his child. David acknowledged “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” Ps 18:35. The love of Jesus and God is the antidote for that force in my own prison house, my lockdown caused by sin.

Finally Jesus Christ is the antidote for the loss of freedom. He came to restore all that Satan has taken (Joel 2:25). The years Satan has taken over a big chunk of your life being separated from God experiencing the characteristic and the consequences of that “lockdown”/fear caused by sin; feeling the loss of freedom to do good, but could not ( Rom 7:18-20). What Satan intended for evil God can turn around for good in our life (Gen 50:20)

1.1.2.1.2.4 God’s True Church- The Bride of Christ

In the Bible, woman represents a church symbolically; a pure church being the church that is the bride of Christ (Jer 6:2), and Christ will come when his bride/wife has made herself ready (Rev 19:7) At the cross, Christ paid the dowry for us but as yet come to consummate the wedding as He is preparing a place for us in heaven (Jn14:1-3). The church as the bride presently is to make herself ready, to be arrayed in fine linen, the righteous acts of the saints (Rev19:8).

There are three types of garment: 1) our own self righteousness which is filthy rags for our works falls short of the perfect standard of Christ’s law –Ph 3:9; 2). Our sins are transferred to Jesus replaced by His imputed righteousness on our acceptance of Jesus as our Saviour - Rom 4:3; Zec 3:1-10; 2Cor 5:21; and the third one 3) is the imparted righteousness of Christ called sanctification.attained through a constant living expression of righteousness when Jesus lives in our heart. (“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” Rev 19:8. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Col 1:27.)

Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”-Jn15:5

Thus without Jesus, without His grace and His power, we can do nothing as we are spiritually dead (in sin)(Jn 15:5) And the antidote is to die daily to self, to be crucified with Christ, the old man of sin dead being alive in the new man by faith in the risen Christ (Gal2:20), so that our whole person in body, spirit and soul be preserved complete without blame at the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ - 1The5:23. And we need not be hiding at the sixth plague Rev 6:15,16,) The difference between the Saints and the wicked is Christ abiding in the heart.

1.1.2.1.2.5 Accept the Free Ultimate Vaccine Now

In the lockdown of sin has Satan caused a separation in your heart and life between you and Jesus? Do you feel bound in addiction where there is a loss of freedom in your life. You want to break free, to get out, but you don’t know how. The mystery about God that has eluded your understanding has been revealed to you now for Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”-Jn 14:6. The way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, and the Saviour is waiting to enter your heart, He is still knocking on the door of your heart while He is still interceding for sinners who come to Him before the investigative judgment is finished i.e. the close of probation for the world. Please do not delay another moment. Even though God is “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”- 2Pe 3:9, but “the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night”(1The 5:2). Then the sealing of the saints is completed and the number made up, when Christ come in the cloud with all his angels to take the righteous with Him to heaven for a thousand years. After the thousand years, Christ accompanied by the saints will come again to execute sentence on the wicked who will be resurrected for condemnation in the second resurrection. Together with Satan after the sentencing, cast into the lake of fire. Then earth will be made new. And sin will never rise again in the universe ( Rev 20:6;21:1-3; 22:1-5). …. To be continued.

End of Content 1 (pg 1-18) posted on May 14, 2020 by Tsc at singtsc@yahoo.com.

PS.

Posting for Pentecost 2020, at http://www.wakeupow.com/440101195 - Contents 4d - Add-on May16-26.

Pentecost (Shavuot- Festival of Weeks, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai OT) , and the application of the baptism of the Holy Spirit 50 days after the resurrection of Christ ( this is based on Pesach ( Passover) on Apr 9-10 ( instead of on Apr 6-7 ( full moon) ) Shavuot begins at sundown on Thu, 28 May 2020. Sunset, 28 May –nightfall, 30 May. (coincide with Singapore’s Circuit- breaker ending on 2 June )

Reminder of 1.1.2.1.2.1.2.1 Jonah’s Message of Swift Destruction to Nineveh

Contents 2 (pg 19-28, posted on July 1, 2020)

1.1.3 Oneness in The Godhead; 1.1.3.1 Divinity of Christ of the Godhead; 1.1.3.1.1 The Antichrist Deception; 1.1.3.1.1.1 Apostle Paul Refutation; 1.1.3.1.1.2 Spirit of Prophecy Amplification;1.1.3.1.1 3 A Sample of the Final Resurrection; 1.1.3.1.1 4 Lesson for Doubting Thomases; 1.1.3.1.1.4.1 Present Fufillment -For the doubters; 1.1.3.1.2 Revelation of the Mystery of God/Godhead; 1.1.3.1.2.1 The Incarnation of Christ … to be continued

Contents 2a- (pg 27-57, postings from July 4, 6, 12, 14)

1.1.3.1.2.1.1 Apostle John on Christ’s Nature; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2 The First Advent is Bible History; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1 Immanuel, God with Us:- 1. Human Nature of Christ; 2. The Eternity of Christ; 3. Divine-Human Saviour; 4. Avoid Debate on Christ’s Humanity; 5. An Unfathomable Miracle; 6. The wonderful Condescension of God; 7. The Human Characteristics of Jesus; 8. Veiled Glory of Christ; 9. Perfect Sinlessness of Christ's Human Nature; 10. Manifestation of the Father; 11. Now is the Time; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2 The First Advent is Bible History: 1 Immanuel, God with Us; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2 Divine Revelation; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1 The Seven Churches of World History; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1.1 Laodicean Message for Adventists:- 1. Has God Made a Mistake? ; 2. To Rid the Church of Fanaticism; 3. The Nature of Repentance; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1.1 The Third Angel’s Message:- 1 Spiritual Condition of Laodiceans; 2. Christ Warning and Counsel; 3 Christ Free Offer; 1.1.3.1.2.1.2.1.2 Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable; ....to be continued

Contents 2b- (pg 58-84, posting July 26 2020)

1.1.3.1.2.1.3 Godhead Revelation in Scriptures; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1 The Central Role of Christ in Scriptures:( 1a. Accept Old Testament Reject New Testament; 1b. New Testament Only; 1c. Wholeness in Both- OLD and NEW; 2. Experiencing the unexplainable Truth in Jesus; 3. Daily Bread of Life Nourishment; 4. Holy Spirit Aiding Dedicated Bible Teacher; 5. End-time Preparation in Studying John’s Revelation, NT; 6. The Endless Study in Eternity; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.2 Compromising Biblical Godhead as Traditional Trinity; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.2.1 Prophesied Compromise in the Last Days:- (1a. Peter’s error in Antioch; 1b Trinity Error on Father God created the Son; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.2.1.1 Catholic Trinity is not Biblical Godhead: -(1. Claim of New Light Warning); 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.2.1.2 Reasons why we’re not in heaven:- 1. Catholic View of the Trinity; 2. Are there really three beings with one name in Scripture?; 3.The eternal existence of Jesus Christ; 4. Pr. Priebe suggestion; 5. The Background on The War in Heaven; 6. Higher Criticism Aftermath; 7. Pr Prebie Decided Conclusion; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.3 Mystery of Mysteries Conclusion.

D24A Discovery of Mystery of Mysteries

1.1.3 Oneness in The Godhead

Mystery surrounds the understanding of the identity of the Godhead to people in the main. The Roman Catholic Church had ideologically replaced Godhead with Trinity, the Three in One God, and involving transubstantiation with the bread at Mass being Christ. The word Godhead is actually mentioned in the King James Bible Version (dating back to1611) three times in Acts17:29; Rom 1:20; and Col 2;9. This mystery should have caused seekers to search for the truth about God, but instead become people’s excuse to discard it from their interest as mere fable connotation. It does not raise an eyebrow among the men in the street (let alone in times of crises as in Covid-19) concerning the nature of the Godhead in our lives. It should have started the investigation of the Godhead in the Scriptures. Consequently by “not searching the Bible* for themselves to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold fast to tradition and worship they know not what”- { 5T, 707}.

(Note: It is written in the Bible*-Scriptures Testify of Christ (Matt 5:39) - In the Word the Saviour is revealed in all His beauty and loveliness. Every soul will find comfort and consolation in the Bible*, which is full of promises concerning what God will do for the one who comes with right relationship to Him. In giving the Scriptures God has given to mankind a leaf from the tree of life, which is for the healing of the nations. (This is the elixir we now need for Covid -19 and is the promise from God if we are in the right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. (Note also, Pr Bill Hughes mentioned Ps 91 as it referred to God’s protection from the noisome pestilence three times in vv 3,6,10 as the lead up to his sermon on the Godhead vs the Catholic counterfeit in Trinity. This will have to be inserted into this article accordingly. It is also highly recommended that you watch Pr Bill Hughes sermon “The Godhead vs The Trinity” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kv3WdyUXps&t=2442s )

1.1.3.1 Divinity of Christ of the Godhead

It was in the formative years of Adventism as earnest Bible students, with a King James Bible Version and a Cruden’s Complete Concordance, forged Adventist doctrines.

The nature of Christ- was He Homoiousian ( similar but not identical) or Homoousian ( same as the Father) was such a mystery that in searching the Bible was enlightened with the truth revealed that is sufficient for our salvation.

It is in knowing that Christ is the mystery of mysteries that we derive the trusting faith of Jesus Christ in His righteousness for the transformation of our chararacter to be fit for heaven. If there is no incarnation, the first advent of the Son of God as the Son of man to reveal the love of God, the Father, then none that He has created for a purpose could be saved. When Jesus in His incarnation is not understood as man’s complete substitute and example that we fail to see the significance of the concerted working of every divine personality of the Godhead for the salvation of fallen man. The complete structure built on “agape”* (other centred) love of a triangular formation, is clearly expressed for our knowledge in the commission Jesus personally gives to His disciples just prior to His return to heaven in Matt 28:19 where the complete facilities of heaven are pledged. “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three holy dignitaries of heaven*1, have dedicated that they will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness. All the facilities of heaven are pledged are pledged to those who by their baptismal vows have entered into a covenant* with God.”- {MS92, 1901}.

(Notes *1 & *2 : The Catholic version (non Biblical) of the three holy dignitaries of heaven*1:1) The Father is overall in charge. 2) The Son was born of the Father. Therefore the Son is a created being. 3) The Holy Spirit is not a person. He rather “proceeds from the Father and the Son )

Covenant*2 with God - God's Covenant Our Refuge. The covenant that God made with his people at Sinai is to be our refuge and defense. The Lord said to Moses:-- {SW, March 1, 1904 par. 40} "Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine, and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." {SW, March 1, 1904 par. 41} "And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words." {SW, March 1, 1904 par. 42} "And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." {SW, March 1, 1904 par. 43} (Exo 19:3-18)

This covenant is of just as much force today as it was when the Lord made it with ancient Israel. (Mrs. E. G. White. Elmshaven," Sanitarium, Cal., Jan. 7, 1{SW, March 1, 1904 par. 44}

This is the pledge that God's people are to make in these last days. Their acceptance with God depends on a faithful fulfilment of the terms of their agreement with him. God includes in his covenant all who will obey him. To all who will do justice and judgment, keeping their hand from doing any evil, the promise is, "Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off." {RH, June 23, 1904 par. 8})

a) Paul’s Response to the Commission

Ellen White further amplified on Paul’s response to this commission that “In accepting Christ, Paul accepted this commission. He realized that upon him rested the obligation of laboring for all classes of men- for the Jews and the Gentiles, learned and unlearned, for those occupying high positions and for those in the most lowly walks of life ( Rom 1:14) – {Letter 262, 1903}.

b) Conversion of James and Jude

It was in Christ ascension that the faith of Jesus’ step brothers (James and Jude) were established. They had lost much because of their unbelief. They has been among the numbers who doubted when Jesus appeared in Galilee. But then now firmly believed that Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Their faith was established (Act 1:14). -{ Letter 115, 1905).

1.1.3.1.1 The Antichrist Deception

It is against all these solid and irrefutable evidences that Satan is mounting his final assault in the great controversy against Christ that the Pope said Jesus did not Resurrect - Watch the video clip, ( 5:31 mins )- Nov 11, 2019 NicholasPOGM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZucT3tvXqwc .

This Pope never stops. First he said Jesus was a failure, then He said the cross and God himself were failures, then he said Satan was stronger than Jesus? AND NOW THIS?

As expected, the man of sin is exposed. The Jesus that the pope preaches is another Jesus just as prophecy also predicted. Vatican dogma states that all people on earth have what they all original sin from Adam in their flesh. Their dogma says Jesus Christ had no original sin in his flesh. So as prophesied they are declaring that Jesus Christ did not come in the same flesh that you and I have. He has no original sin as we do even though there is no Bible verses to back that up; Thus John, the revelatory, confirms that they are Antichrist, “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”- 1Jn 4:3. This is why the pope is saying that Jesus didn’t resurrect in a bodily form like His followers will at His imminent second coming.

(This is the fake news the deceived world consider acceptable as it was declared by the acknowledged moral leader of the world.)

1.1.3.1.1.1 Apostle Paul Refutation

For the Pope to say that Jesus did not arose in bodily form is to remove all hope for the Bible believing Christians. Paul rebuked the Corinthians in these verses:

1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by mancame also the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

1.1.3.1.1.2 Spirit of Prophecy Amplication

Now, this is the amplification by Ellen White, the chosen messenger for the end times:

a) The Risen Saviour

When Christ cried out while upon the cross, "It is finished," there was a mighty earthquake, that rent open the graves of many who had been faithful and loyal, bearing their testimony against every evil work, and magnifying the Lord of hosts. As the Life-giver came forth from the sepulcher, proclaiming. "I am the resurrection, and the life," he summoned these saints from the grave. When alive, they had borne their testimony unflinchingly for the truth; now, they were to be witnesses to him who had raised them from the dead. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan. I have redeemed them; I have brought them from the grave as the first-fruits of my power, to be with me where I am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 1}

b) During his ministry, Jesus raised the dead to life.

He raised the son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus; but these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they continued to be subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ's resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were the multitude of captives that ascended with him as trophies of his victory over death and the grave. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 2}

c) After his resurrection

After his resurrection, Christ did not show himself to any save his followers; but testimony in regard to his resurrection was not wanting. Those who were raised with Christ "appeared unto many," declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we are risen with him. They bore testimony in the city to the fulfillment of the scripture, "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." These saints contradicted the lie which the Roman guard had been hired to circulate,--that the disciples had come by night and stolen him away. This testimony could not be silenced. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 3}

d) Christ the First-Fruit

Christ was the first-fruits of them that slept. It was to the glory of God that the Prince of life should be the first-fruits, the antitype of the wave-sheaf. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren." This very scene, the resurrection of Christ from the dead, had been celebrated in type by the Jews. When the first heads of grain ripened in the field, they were carefully gathered; and when the people went up to Jerusalem, these were presented to the Lord as a thank-offering. The people waved the ripened sheaf before God, acknowledging him as the Lord of the harvest. After this ceremony the sickle could be put to the wheat, and the harvest gathered. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 4}

So those who had been raised were to be presented to the universe as a pledge of the resurrection of all who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise his church, and glorify it with Christ, as his bride, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the heavenly courts, the world above. The victory of the sleeping saints will be glorious on the morning of the resurrection. Satan's triumph will end, while Christ will triumph in glory and honor. The Life-giver will crown with immortality all who come forth from the grave. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 5}

e) Christ Ascension

The work of the Saviour on earth was finished. The time had come for him to return to his heavenly home. "And he led them [the disciples] out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 6}

As Christ ascends while in the act of blessing his disciples, an army of angels encircle him as a cloud. Christ takes with him the multitude of captives. He will himself bring to the Father the first-fruits of them that slept, as an evidence that he is conqueror of death and the grave. At the portals of the city of God, an innumerable company of angels await his coming. As they approach, the escorting angels address the company at the gate in triumphant tones: … Mrs. E. G. White. {YI, August 11, 1898 par. 10}

1.1.3.1.1 3 A Sample of the Final Resurrection (1 Cor 15:20)

Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are troubled with doubts and fear. This precious Saviour waits for us to open the door of our heart to him, and say, Abide with us. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Our life is a continual strife; we must war against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness, and foes that never sleep; we must resist temptations, and overcome as Christ overcame. When the peace of Jesus enters our heart we are calm and patient under the severest trials. {3SP 219.1}

The resurrection of Jesus was a sample of the final resurrection of all who sleep in him. The risen body of the Saviour, his deportment, the accents of his speech, were all familiar to his followers. In like manner will those who sleep in Jesus rise again. We shall know our friends even as the disciples knew Jesus. Though they may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured in this mortal life, yet in their resurrected and glorified body their individual identity will be perfectly preserved, and we shall recognize, in the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, the lineaments of those we love. {3SP 219.2}

1.1.3.1.1 4 Lesson for Doubting Thomases

The death of Jesus had left Thomas in blank despair. His faith seemed to have gone out in utter darkness. He was not present in the upper chamber when Jesus appeared to his disciples. He had heard the reports of the others, and had received copious proof that Jesus had risen, but stolid gloom and stubborn unbelief closed his heart against all cheering testimony. As he heard the disciples repeat their account of the wonderful manifestation of the resurrected Saviour, it only served to plunge him in deeper despair; for if Jesus had really risen from the dead there could be no farther hope of his literal earthly kingdom. It also wounded his vanity to think that his Master would reveal himself to all his disciples but him; so he was determined not to believe, and for an entire week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker as contrasted with the reviving hope and faith of his brethren. {3SP 219.3}

During this time he frequently, when in company with his brethren, reiterated the words, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." He would not see through the eyes of his brethren, nor exercise faith which was dependent upon their testimony. He ardently loved his Lord, but jealousy and unbelief took possession of his mind and heart. {3SP 220.1}

The upper chamber was the home of a number of the disciples, and every evening they all assembled in this place. On a certain evening Thomas decided to meet with his brethren; for notwithstanding his unbelief, he cherished a faint hope, unacknowledged to himself, that the good news was true. While the disciples were partaking of their usual meal, and meanwhile canvassing the evidences of the truth of their faith which Christ had given them in the prophecies, "then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you." {3SP 220.2}

He then reproved the unbelieving who had not received the testimony of those who had seen him, and, turning to Thomas, said, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing." These words showed that he had read the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week, and therefore could not have told the Master of his stubborn unbelief. He recognized the person before him as his Lord who had been crucified; he had no desire for farther proof; his heart leaped for joy as he realized that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead. He cast himself at the feet of his Master in deep affection and devotion, crying, "My Lord and my God." {3SP 221.1}

Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but mildly rebuked him for his unbelief: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou has believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Jesus here showed Thomas that his faith would have been more acceptable to him if he had believed the evidence of his brethren, and had not refused to believe until he had seen Jesus with his own eyes. If the world should follow this example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation; for all who now receive Christ do so through the testimony of others. {3SP 221.2}

Many who have a weak and wavering faith, reason that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions they would not doubt as he did. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but additional testimony piled up about them on every side. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, may never realize their desire as he did, but gradually become entrenched in their unbelief, until they cannot perceive the weight of evidence in favor of Jesus, and, like the skeptical Jews, what little light they have will go out in the darkness which closes around their minds. To reject the plain and conclusive evidences of divine truth hardens the heart, and blinds the understanding. The precious light, being neglected, fades utterly from the mind that is unwilling to receive it. {3SP 221.3}

Jesus, in his treatment of Thomas, gave his followers a lesson regarding the manner in which they should treat those who have doubts upon religious truth, and who make those doubts prominent. He did not overwhelm Thomas with words of reproach, nor did he enter into a controversy with him; but, with marked condescension and tenderness, he revealed himself unto the doubting one. Thomas had taken a most unreasonable position, in dictating the only conditions of his faith; but Jesus, by his generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers he had raised. Persistent controversy will seldom weaken unbelief, but rather put it upon self-defense, where it will find new support and excuse. Jesus, revealed in his love and mercy as the crucified Saviour, will wring from many once unwilling lips the acknowledgment of Thomas, "My Lord, and my God." {3SP 222.1}

1.1.3.1.1.4.1 Present Fufillment - For the doubters:

"Nick Donnelly, a Catholic deacon, told Church Militant, "The Scalfari claims about Francis' heretical beliefs are so shocking, and the Pope's adamant silence so incomprehensible, we have to assume that this is an accurate account of their conversations." -https://www.wnd.com/2019/11/4775784/

1.1.3.1.2 Revelation of the Mystery of God/Godhead

The mystery that is to stir human beings into searching the Word of God have been given to mankind that is sufficient for our salvation with respect to 1. the Eternal Purposes of God, 2. The Mystery Hid for Eternal Ages and 3. Mystery of All Mysteries.--The incarnation of Christ. They are amplified by E.W White as follows:

1. The Eternal Purposes of God (Rom 16:25-26;(Ephesians 3:9-11; Colossians 1:26, 27; see EGW on 2 Corinthians 12:1-4).

God had a knowledge of the events of the future, even before the creation of the world. He did not make His purposes to fit circumstances, but He allowed matters to develop and work out. He did not work to bring about a certain condition of things, but He knew that such a condition would exist. The plan that should be carried out upon the defection of any of the high intelligences of heaven--this is the secret, the mystery which has been hid from ages. And an offering was prepared in the eternal purposes to do the very work which God has done for fallen humanity (ST March 25, 1897). {6BC 1082.3}

2. Mystery Hid for Eternal Ages (Genesis 3:15, Ephesians 3:9-11; Colossians 1:26, 27; see EGW on Jeremiah 23:28.)

To present to the world this mystery that God kept in silence for eternal ages before the world was created, before man was created, was the part that Christ was to act in the work He entered upon when He came to this earth. And this wonderful mystery, the incarnation of Christ and the atonement that He made, must be declared to every son and daughter of Adam. . . . His sufferings perfectly fulfilled the claims of the law of God (ST Jan. 30, 1912). {6BC 1082.5}

3. Mystery of All Mysteries (1 Timothy 3:16.)

The incarnation of Christ is the mystery of all mysteries (Letter 276, 1904). The union of divinity with humanity is a mystery indeed, hidden with God, "even the mystery which hath been hid from ages." It was kept in eternal silence by Jehovah, and was first revealed in Eden, by the prophecy that the Seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, and that he should bruise His heel. {6BC 1082.4}

1.1.3.1.2.1 The Incarnation of Christ

Christ was one with the Father, yet . . . He was willing to step down from the exaltation of one who was equal with God. {OFC 66.2} That He might accomplish His purpose of love for the fallen race, He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. {OFC 66.3}

How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem’s manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one. {OFC 66.4} (The act of God cannot be explained by mortals. It is a miraculous act to be accepted by faith.)

It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. {OFC 66.5}

Those who claim that it was not possible for Christ to sin, cannot believe that He really took upon Himself human nature (Like the doubting Thomas). But was not Christ actually tempted, not only by Satan in the wilderness, but all through His life, from childhood to manhood? {OFC 66.6}

Our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured. {OFC 66.7} … to be continued

End of Contents 2, Pg 19-28 posted July 1, 2020 by Tsc - singtsc@yahoo.com

Contents 2a- (pg 27-57, postings from July 4, 6, 18, 12)

1.1.3.1.2.1.3 Divine Revelation; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1 The Seven Churches of World History; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.1 Laodicean Message for Adventists:- 1. Has God Made a Mistake? ; 2. To Rid the Church of Fanaticism; 3. The Nature of Repentance; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.1.1 The Third Angel’s Message:- 1 Spiritual Condition of Laodiceans; 2. Christ Warning and Counsel; 3 Christ Free Offer; 1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.1.2 Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable; ....to be continued

1.1.3.1.2.1.1 Apostle John on Christ’s Nature

John in his gospel ascribes all power to Christ, and speaks of his greatness and majesty. He flashes forth divine rays of precious truth, as light from the sun. He presents Christ as the only Mediator between God and humanity. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 2}

The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery, "even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations." It is the great and profound mystery of godliness. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." Christ took upon himself human nature, a nature inferior to his heavenly nature. Nothing so shows the wonderful condescension of God as this. He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." John presents this wonderful subject with such simplicity that all may grasp the ideas set forth, and be enlightened. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 3}

Human Nature of Christ

Christ did not make believe take human nature; he did verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature. "As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same." He was the son of Mary; he was of the seed of David according to human descent. He is declared to be a man, even the Man Christ Jesus. "This Man," writes Paul, "was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house." {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 4}

But while God's Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding his pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with his Father. From everlasting he was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted him, were to be blessed. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 5}

The Eternity of Christ (Jn 1:1-3; Pro 8:22-27;Rom 9:5; Phi 2:6; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:8)

The world was made by him, "and without him was not anything made that was made." If Christ made all things, he existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 6}

The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by him as his right. This was no robbery of God. "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way," he declares, "before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth." {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 7}

There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incomprehensible. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 8}

Divine-Human Saviour ( Jn 1:1-3; 14: Phi 2:5-8; Col 2:9; Heb 1:6,8; 2:14-17)

The apostle would call our attention from ourselves to the Author of our salvation. He presents before us his two natures, divine and human. Here is the description of the divine: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." He was "the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 3}

Now, of the human: "He was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death." He voluntarily assumed human nature. It was his own act, and by his own consent. He clothed his divinity with humanity. He was all the while as God, but he did not appear as God. He veiled the demonstrations of Deity, which had commanded the homage, and called forth the admiration, of the universe of God. He was God while upon earth, but he divested himself of the form of God, and in its stead took the form and fashion of a man. He walked the earth as a man. For our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He laid aside his glory and his majesty. He was God, but the glories of the form of God he for a while relinquished. Though he walked among men in poverty, scattering his blessings wherever he went, at his word legions of angels would surround their Redeemer, and do him homage. But he walked the earth unrecognized, unconfessed, with but few exceptions, by his creatures. The atmosphere was polluted with sin and curses, in place of the anthem of praise. His lot was poverty and humiliation. As he passed to and fro upon his mission of mercy to relieve the sick, to lift up the depressed, scarce a solitary voice called him blessed, and the very greatest of the nation passed him by with disdain. {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 4}

Contrast this with the riches of glory, the wealth of praise pouring forth from immortal tongues, the millions of rich voices in the universe of God in anthems of adoration. But he humbled himself, and took mortality upon him. As a member of the human family, he was mortal; but as a God, he was the fountain of life to the world. He could, in his divine person, ever have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but he voluntarily laid down his life, that in so doing he might give life and bring immortality to light. He bore the sins of the world, and endured the penalty, which rolled like a mountain upon his divine soul. He yielded up his life a sacrifice, that man should not eternally die. He died, not through being compelled to die, but by his own free will. This was humility. The whole treasure of heaven was poured out in one gift to save fallen man. He brought into his human nature all the lifegiving energies that human beings will need and must receive. {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 5}

Wondrous combination of man and God! He might have helped his human nature to withstand the inroads of disease by pouring from his divine nature vitality and undecaying vigor to the human. But he humbled himself to man's nature. He did this that the Scripture might be fulfilled; and the plan was entered into by the Son of God, knowing all the steps in his humiliation, that he must descend to make an expiation for the sins of a condemned, groaning world. What humility was this! It amazed angels. The tongue can never describe it; the imagination can not take it in. The eternal Word consented to be made flesh! God became man! It was a wonderful humility. {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 6}

But he stepped still lower; the Man must humble himself as a man to bear insult, reproach, shameful accusations, and abuse. There seemed to be no safe place for him in his own territory. He had to flee from place to place for his life. He was betrayed by one of his disciples; he was denied by one of his most zealous followers. He was mocked. He was crowned with a crown of thorns. He was scourged. He was forced to bear the burden of the cross. He was not insensible to this contempt and ignominy. He submitted, but, oh! he felt the bitterness as no other being could feel it. He was pure, holy, and undefiled, yet arraigned as a criminal! The adorable Redeemer stepped down from the highest exaltation. Step by step he humbled himself to die,--but what a death! It was the most shameful, the most cruel,--the death upon the cross as a malefactor. He did not die as a hero in the eyes of the world, loaded with honors, as men in battle. He died as a condemned criminal, suspended between the heavens and the earth,--died a lingering death of shame, exposed to the tauntings and revilings of a debased, crime-loaded, profligate multitude! "All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head." Psalms 22:7. He was numbered with the transgressors, he expired amid derision, and his kinsmen according to the flesh disowned him. His mother beheld his humiliation, and he was forced to see the sword pierce her heart. He endured the cross, despised the shame. He made it of small account in consideration of the results that he was working out in behalf of, not only the inhabitants of this speck of a world, but the whole universe, every world which God had created. {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 7}

Christ was to die as man's substitute. Man was a criminal under the sentence of death for transgression of the law of God, as a traitor, a rebel; hence a substitute for man must die as a malefactor, because he stood in the place of the traitors, with all their treasured sins upon his divine soul. It was not enough that Jesus should die in order to fully meet the demands of the broken law, but he died a shameful death. The prophet gives to the world his words, "I hid not my face from shame and spitting." {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 8}

In consideration of this, can men have one particle of exaltation? As they trace down the life and sufferings and humiliation of Christ, can they lift their proud heads as if they were to bear no trials, no shame, no humiliation? I say to the followers of Christ, Look to Calvary, and blush for shame at your self-important ideas. All this humiliation of the Majesty of heaven was for guilty, condemned man. He went lower and lower in his humiliation, until there were no lower depths that he could reach, in order to lift man up from his moral defilement. All this was for you who are striving for the supremacy--striving for human praise, for human exaltation; you who are afraid you will not receive all that deference, that respect from human minds, that you think is your due. Is this Christlike? {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 9}

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." He died to make an atonement, and to become a pattern for every one who would be his disciple. Shall selfishness come into your hearts? And will those who set not before them the pattern, Jesus, extol your merits? You have none except as they come through Jesus Christ. Shall pride be harbored after you have seen Deity humbling himself, and then as man debasing himself, till there was no lower point to which he could descend? "Be astonished, O ye heavens," and be amazed, ye inhabitants of the earth, that such returns should be made to our Lord! What contempt! what wickedness! what formality! what pride! what efforts made to lift up man and glorify self, when the Lord of glory humbled himself, agonized, and died the shameful death upon the cross in our behalf! {RH, September 4, 1900 par. 10}

Laying aside his royal robe and kingly crown, Christ clothed his divinity with humanity, that human beings might be raised from their degradation, and placed on vantage-ground. Christ could not have come to this earth with the glory that he had in the heavenly courts. Sinful human beings could not have borne the sight. He veiled his divinity with the garb of humanity, but he did not part with his divinity. A divine-human Saviour, he came to stand at the head of the fallen race, to share in their experience from childhood to manhood. That human beings might be partakers of the divine nature, he came to this earth, and lived a life of perfect obedience. {RH, June 15, 1905 par. 12}

Christ had not exchanged His divinity for humanity; but He had clothed His divinity in humanity {H Oct 29, 1895}

Avoid Debate on Christ’s Humanity (Jn14:30; Luke 1:31-35; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; Hebrews 4:15.)

Be careful, exceedingly careful as to how you dwell upon the human nature of Christ. Do not set Him before the people as a man with the propensities of sin. He is the second Adam. The first Adam was created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities of disobedience. But Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son of God. He took upon Himself human nature, and was tempted in all points as human nature is tempted. He could have sinned; He could have fallen, but not for one moment was there in Him an evil propensity. He was assailed with temptations in the wilderness, as Adam was assailed with temptations in Eden. {5BC 1128.4}

Avoid every question in relation to the humanity of Christ which is liable to be misunderstood. Truth lies close to the track of presumption. In treating upon the humanity of Christ, you need to guard strenuously every assertion, lest your words be taken to mean more than they imply, and thus you lose or dim the clear perceptions of His humanity as combined with divinity. His birth was a miracle of God; for, said the angel, "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." {5BC 1128.5}

These words do not refer to any human being, except to the Son of the infinite God. Never, in any way, leave the slightest impression upon human minds that a taint of, or inclination to, corruption rested upon Christ, or that He in any way yielded to corruption. He was tempted in all points like as man is tempted, yet He is called "that holy thing." It is a mystery that is left unexplained to mortals that Christ could be tempted in all points like as we are, and yet be without sin. The incarnation of Christ has ever been, and will ever remain a mystery. That which is revealed, is for us and for our children, but let every human being be warned from the ground of making Christ altogether human, such an one as ourselves; for it cannot be. The exact time when humanity blended with divinity, it is not necessary for us to know. We are to keep our feet on the Rock Christ Jesus, as God revealed in humanity. {5BC 1128.6}

I perceive that there is danger in approaching subjects which dwell on the humanity of the Son of the infinite God. He did humble Himself when He saw He was in fashion as a man, that He might understand the force of all temptations wherewith man is beset. {5BC 1129.1}

The first Adam fell; the second Adam held fast to God and His Word under the most trying circumstances, and His faith in His Father's goodness, mercy, and love did not waver for one moment. "It is written" was His weapon of resistance, and it is the sword of the Spirit which every human being is to use. "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me"--nothing to respond to temptation. On not one occasion was there a response to his manifold temptations. Not once did Christ step on Satan's ground, to give him any advantage. Satan found nothing in Him to encourage his advances (Letter 8, 1895). {5BC 1129.2}

(Matthew 27:54; 1 Timothy 3:16.) But although Christ's divine glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man. The human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human. This is the mystery of godliness. The two expressions "human" and "divine" were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality. Though Christ humbled Himself to become man, the Godhead was still His own. His deity could not be lost while He stood faithful and true to His loyalty. Surrounded with sorrow, suffering, and moral pollution, despised and rejected by the people to whom had been intrusted the oracles of heaven, Jesus could yet speak of Himself as the Son of man in heaven. He was ready to take once more His divine glory when His work on earth was done. {5BC 1129.3}

There were occasions when Jesus stood forth while in human flesh as the Son of God. Divinity flashed through humanity, and was seen by the scoffing priests and rulers. Was it acknowledged? Some acknowledged that He was the Christ, but the larger portion of those who upon these special occasions were forced to see that He was the Son of God, refused to receive Him. Their blindness corresponded to their determined resistance of conviction. {5BC 1129.4}

When Christ's indwelling glory flashed forth, it was too intense for His pure and perfect humanity entirely to conceal. The scribes and Pharisees did not speak in acknowledgment of Him, but their enmity and hatred were baffled as His majesty shone forth. The truth, obscured as it was by a veil of humiliation, spoke to every heart with unmistakable evidence. This led to the words of Christ, "Ye know who I am." Men and devils were compelled, by the shining forth of His glory, to confess, "Truly, this is the Son of God." Thus God was revealed; thus Christ was glorified (ST May 10, 1899). {5BC 1129.5}

Christ left His position in the heavenly courts, and came to this earth to live the life of human beings. This sacrifice He made in order to show that Satan's charge against God is false--that it is possible for man to obey the laws of God's kingdom. Equal with the Father, honored and adored by the angels, in our behalf Christ humbled Himself, and came to this earth to live a life of lowliness and poverty--to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Yet the stamp of divinity was upon His humanity. He came as a divine Teacher, to uplift human beings, to increase their physical, mental, and spiritual efficiency. {5BC 1129.6}

There is no one who can explain the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Yet we know that He came to this earth and lived as a man among men. The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty, yet Christ and the Father are one. The Deity did not sink under the agonizing torture of Calvary, yet it is nonetheless true that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {5BC 1129.7}

In every possible way Satan sought to prevent Jesus from developing a perfect childhood, a faultless manhood, a holy ministry, and an unblemished sacrifice. But he was defeated. He could not lead Jesus into sin. He could not discourage Him, or drive Him from the work He had come to this earth to do. From the desert to Calvary the storm of Satan's wrath beat upon Him, but the more mercilessly it fell, the more firmly did the Son of God cling to the hand of His Father, and press on in the blood-stained path (MS 140, 1903). {5BC 1130.1}

When Jesus took human nature, and became in fashion as a man, He possessed all the human organism. His necessities were the necessities of a man. He had bodily wants to be supplied, bodily weariness to be relieved. By prayer to the Father He was braced for duty and for trial (Letter 32, 1899). {5BC 1130.2} (This example is for us to emulate in our daily seeking God in prayer and supplication the first thing iin the morning.)

An Unfathomable Miracle ( Jn 1:14; Ph 2:6-8; Col 1:26,27: Heb 1:3; 2:14-18; Luk 2:40,52)

In contemplating the incarnation of Christ in humanity, we stand baffled before an unfathomable mystery, that the human mind cannot comprehend. The more we reflect upon it, the more amazing does it appear. How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, he in whom was the fulness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one. It is in this union that we find the hope of our fallen race. Looking upon Christ in humanity, we look upon God, and see in him the brightness of his glory, the express image of his person. {ST, July 30, 1896 par. 3}

The wonderful Condescension of God (Heb 2:14;3:3)

The Human Characteristics of Jesus (Rom 5:12-19; 1 Tinm 2:5; Heb 1:1-3)

Jesus was the Commander of heaven, one equal with God, and yet he condescended to lay aside his kingly crown, his royal robe, and clothed his divinity with humanity. The incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery. He could have come to earth as one with a remarkable appearance, unlike the sons of men. His countenance could have shone with glory, and his form could have been of remarkable grace. He could have presented such an appearance as to charm the beholder; but this was not according to the plan devised in the courts of God. He was to bear the characteristics of the human family, and the Jewish race. In all respects the Son of God was to wear the same features as did other human beings. He was not to have such beauty of person as would make him singular among men. He was to manifest no wonderful charms by which to attract attention to himself. He came as a representative of the human family before heaven and earth. He was to stand as man's substitute and surety. He was to live the life of humanity in such a way as to contradict the assertion that Satan had made that humanity was his everlasting possession, and that God himself could not take man out of his adversary's hands. {ST, July 30, 1896 par. 1}

Veiled Glory of Christ

The Jewish nation had indeed been the favored people of God. The Majesty of heaven had been their leader in the wilderness. He had brought them water out of the flinty rock; He had given them bread from heaven to satisfy their hunger. He had turned from them the wrath of God when their iniquities had called forth His anger. And after more than a thousand years of blessings bestowed and blessings withdrawn, He fulfilled His purpose of coming to the world in person. He veiled His divinity with humanity. Had Christ come in His divine form, humanity could not have endured the sight. The contrast would have been too painful, the glory too overwhelming. Humanity could not have endured the presence of one of the pure, bright angels from glory; therefore Christ took not on Him the nature of angels; He came in the likeness of men. {ST, February 15, 1899 par. 6}

But thirty years was all that the world could endure of its Redeemer. For thirty years He dwelt in a world all seared and marred with sin, doing the work that no other one ever had done or ever could do. And for three years He waited, and prayed, and worked, and wept, crying, "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backsliding." "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." But the Jewish nation would not receive their Messiah. Throughout the years of His public ministry they sought to put Him to death; and this act was to prove their ruin. {ST, February 15, 1899 par. 7}

Perfect Sinlessness of Christ's Human Nature (Gen 3:15;Mat 8:17;2Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 1:19)

In taking upon Himself man's nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the least participate in its sin. He was subject to the infirmities and weaknesses by which man is encompassed, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses" (Matthew 8:17). He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and was in all points tempted like as we are. And yet He knew no sin. He was the Lamb "without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Could Satan in the least particular have tempted Christ to sin, he would have bruised the Saviour's head. As it was, he could only touch His heel. Had the head of Christ been touched, the hope of the human race would have perished. Divine wrath would have come upon Christ as it came upon Adam. Christ and the church would have been without hope. {1SM 256.1}

We should have no misgivings in regard to the perfect sinlessness of the human nature of Christ. Our faith must be an intelligent faith, looking unto Jesus in perfect confidence, in full and entire faith in the atoning Sacrifice. This is essential that the soul may not be enshrouded in darkness. This holy Substitute is able to save to the uttermost; for He presented to the wondering universe perfect and complete humility in His human character, and perfect obedience to all the requirements of God. Divine power is placed upon man, that he may become a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. This is why repenting, believing man can be made the righteousness of God in Christ. {1SM 256.2}

Manifestation of the Father (Jn 1:18)

What speech is to thought, so is Christ to the invisible Father. He is the manifestation of the Father, and is called the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity clothed with humanity, that man might bear the image of the invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His character (MS 77, 1899). {5BC 1131.6}

Remember that your children will speak as they hear you speak. By your example you are educating them. Remember that if you speak cross words to fellow church-members, you would speak the same kind of words in heaven, were you permitted to enter there. But you never will be unless you change. {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 11}

Now is the Time

This is our washing* and ironing time, the time* when we are to cleanse* our robes* of character in the blood of the Lamb*. John says, "Behold the Lamb* of God, which taketh away the sin* of the world." I thank Thee, my heavenly Father, I praise Thee, that Thou hast given us Jesus, to take away our sins*. Shall we not let Him take them away? Shall we not let our sins* go? {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 12}

(Notes* on the common thread to time*; washing*;cleanse* robes; blood of the Lamb;sin(s)* will be better understood later on in “Divine Revelation” and par 1.1.3.1.2.1.4 Godhead Revelation in Scriptures)

Christ says to us, as He said to Nicodemus. "Ye must be born again." It is here, in this world of test and trial, not in heaven, that the new birth is to take place. {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 13}

I entreat you, brethren and sisters, to labor earnestly to secure the crown of everlasting life. The reward will be worth the conflict, worth the effort. Paul compares those in the Christian warfare to the runners in a race. In the races which he uses as an illustration, only one could receive the prize. In the race in which we are running, every one may receive the reward offered,--a crown of everlasting life. I want this crown; I mean by God's help to have it. I mean to hold fast to the truth, that I may see the King in His beauty. {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 14}

"He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith He that is holy, He that is true: He that hath the key of David; He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." Since our Saviour is so powerful, why do you lean so heavily upon human beings? Why do you go to them for help and strength, pouring your troubles into their ears? Take your minds off human beings. They are finite, erring. We are only little children, in comparison with God. From Him, as little children, we must learn our lessons. He wants us to humble our hearts before Him, in submission and contrition. He wants us to speak kind, tender, compassionate words to one another. Educate yourselves to speak such words. Be polite to God and to one another. Remember that He wants you to have the best of manners, that you may glorify Him before the world. He desires you to live in unity with one another, and to love one another. Remember that if you love one another here, you will live with the redeemed through the ceaseless ages of eternity. Oh, think of these things! May God stir your hearts today as they never have been stirred before. May He lead you to heed the words, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 15}

1.1.3.1.2.1.1 The First Advent is Bible History

The grand truths of sacred history possess amazing strength and beauty, and are as far-reaching as eternity. What more important knowledge can be gained than that which outlines the fall of man, and the consequences of that sin which opened the floodgates of woe upon the world; which tells of Christ's first advent? The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our advocate, the office of the Holy Spirit--all these vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Each is a golden link in the perfect chain of truth. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be exalted in every school in our land? {CT 427.3}

Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just than are exhibited on the statute books wherein is recorded the instruction given to Moses for the children of Israel? From what other source can we gather such strength or learn such noble science? What other book will teach men so well how to love, fear, and obey God? What other book presents to students more ennobling science, more wonderful history? It clearly portrays righteousness and foretells the consequence of disloyalty to the law of Jehovah. {CT 428.2}

As an educating power the Bible is of more value than the writings of all the philosophers of all ages. In its wide range of style and subjects there is something to interest and instruct every mind, to ennoble every interest. The light of revelation shines undimmed into the distant past, where human annals cast not a ray of light. There is poetry which has called forth the wonder and admiration of the world. In glowing beauty, in sublime and solemn majesty, in touching pathos, it is unequaled by the most brilliant productions of human genius. There is sound logic and impassioned eloquence. There are portrayed the noble deeds of noble men, examples of private virtue and public honor, lessons of piety and purity. {CT 428.3}

1.1.3.1.2.1.1.1 Immanuel, God with Us

"His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love,--to be "God with us." Therefore it was prophesied of Him, "His name shall be called Immanuel." (Isa 7:14) {DA 19.1}

These are the prophecies concerning Christ:

Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent's head. {DA 578.3}

Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is "Melchizedek King of Salem," King of Peace. Genesis 14:18. {DA 578.4}
Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. {DA 578.5}
Isaiah will tell you, "Immanuel," "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 7:14; 9:6. {DA 578.6}
Israel Fully Instructed Regarding Coming Saviour.--Isaiah saw Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid the praises and rejoicing of the people. His prophetic words are eloquent in their simplicity. [Isaiah 40:9-11 quoted.] {4BC 1144.5} (Inspiration is revealed in this record of Christ's work. These closing chapters of the book of Isaiah should be diligently studied; for they are full of the gospel of Christ. They reveal to us that Israel was fully instructed in regard to the coming Saviour (MS 151, 1899). {4BC 1145.1})
Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, "the Lord our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6. {DA 578.7}
Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. {DA 579.1}
Hosea will tell you, He is "the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial." Hosea 12:5. {DA 579.2}
John the Baptist will tell you, He is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sinof the world." John 1:29. {DA 579.3}
The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, "This is My beloved Son." Matthew 3:17. {DA 579.4}
And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, "I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God." Mark 1:24. {DA 579.6}
We, His disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world. {DA 579.5} (When we truly recognize the immense sacrifice Christ has made for us, we are overwhelmed by His love and compelled to share with others what He has done for us. Witnessing is all about Jesus. It is about what He has done to save us and about how He has changed our lives. It is about the marvelous truths of His Word, which tell us about who He is and the beauty of His character. When we understand who He is and have experienced the marvels of His grace and the power of His love, we cannot be silent. Why witness? While participating with Him, we enter into His joy of seeing people redeemed by His grace and transformed by His love. In Christ, we see what the Father is really like. Jesus dispels the myth that God is unloving. Jesus came to set the record straight. God is not a vindictive judge or a wrathful tyrant. He is a loving Father who wants all His children home as soon as possible. Witnessing is all about God. It is participating in His mission. It is sharing His love with others. It is revealing in our lives and speech His gracious character. As we witness to others, we enter life’s greatest joy and grow to be more like Jesus. Service starves selfishness to death. The more we share God’s love, the more our love for Him increases.)

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,--God's thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, "I have declared unto them Thy name,"--"merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"--"that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look," and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto. {DA 19.2}

In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. "His strength setteth fast the mountains." "The sea is His, and He made it." Psalm 65:6; 95:5. It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father's love. {DA 20.1}

Now sin has marred God's perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of His excellence. There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of life without which neither man nor animal could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf. The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud. {DA 20.2}

The angels of glory find their joy in giving,--giving love and tireless watchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know. {DA 21.1}

But turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. "I do nothing of Myself," said Christ; "the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father." "I seek not Mine own glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life. {DA 21.2}

In heaven itself this law was broken. Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God, attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation. With his own evil characteristics he sought to invest the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. Thus he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word of God, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving. Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world. {DA 21.3} (This is the great controversy began in heaven that will be culminated on earth with the annihilation of Satan and sin when God’s children vindicate the falsehood of Satan against God. In Christ, we see what the Father is really like. Jesus dispels the myth that God is unloving. Millennia ago, Lucifer, a being of dazzling brightness, misrepresented the character of God. Jesus came to set the record straight. God is not a vindictive judge or a wrathful tyrant. He is a loving Father who wants all His children home as soon as possible.)

The earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive power was to be broken. This could not be done by force. The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God's government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world's dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. {DA 22.1}

The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of "the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal." Romans 16:25, R. V. It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God's throne. From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. So great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. {DA 22.2} ...to be continued

Interim end of Contents 2a –pg 27-46 posted July 10, 2020.

1.1.3.1.2.1.1 Apostle John on Christ’s Nature

Human Nature of Christ

The Eternity of Christ (Jn 1:1-3; Pro 8:22-27;Rom 9:5; Phi 2:6; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:8)

Divine-Human Saviour ( Jn 1:1-3; 14: Phi 2:5-8; Col 2:9; Heb 1:6,8; 2:14-17)

Christ had not exchanged His divinity for humanity; but He had clothed His divinity in humanity {H Oct 29, 1895}

Avoid Debate on Christ’s Humanity (Jn14:30; Luke 1:31-35; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; Hebrews 4:15.)

An Unfathomable Miracle ( Jn 1:14; Ph 2:6-8; Col 1:26,27: Heb 1:3; 2:14-18; Luk 2:40,52)

The wonderful Condescension of God (Heb 2:14;3:3)

The Human Characteristics of Jesus (Rom 5:12-19; 1 Tinm 2:5; Heb 1:1-3)

Veiled Glory of Christ

Perfect Sinlessness of Christ's Human Nature (Gen 3:15;Mat 8:17;2Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 1:19)

Manifestation of the Father (Jn 1:18)

Now is the Time

Christ says to us, as He said to Nicodemus. "Ye must be born again." It is here, in this world of test and trial, not in heaven, that the new birth is to take place. {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 13}

1.1.3.1.2.1.3 Divine Revelation*1

The whole Bible is a revelation*1; for all revelation to men comes through Christ, and all centers in Him. God has spoken unto us by His Son, whose we are by creation and by redemption. Christ came to John exiled on the Isle of Patmos to give him the truth for these last* days, to show him that which must shortly come to pass. Jesus Christ is the great trustee of divine revelation. It is through Him that we have a knowledge of what we are to look for in the closing*1 scenes of this earth's history. God gave this revelation to Christ, and Christ communicated the same to John. Rev:1, 2 (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). The Trustee of Divine Revelation.--[Revelation 1:1, 2 quoted.] {7BC 953.7}

John, the beloved disciple, was the one chosen to receive this revelation*1. He was the last survivor of the first chosen disciples. Under the New Testament dispensation he was honored as the prophet Daniel was honored under the Old Testament dispensation. {7BC 953.8}

The instruction to be communicated to John was so important that Christ came from heaven to give it to His servant, telling him to send it to the churches. This instruction is to be the object of our careful and prayerful study; for we are living in a time* when men who are not under the teaching of the Holy Spirit will bring in false theories. These men have been standing in high places, and they have ambitious projects to carry out. They seek to exalt themselves, and to revolutionize the whole showing of things. God has given us special instruction to guard us against such ones. He bade John write in a book that which should take place in the closing scenes of this earth's history (MS 129, 1905). {7BC 953.9}

After the passing of the time* [1844], God entrusted to His faithful followers the precious principles of present truth. . . . ( Christ’s remnant church).Those who passed through these experiences are to be as firm as a rock to the principles that have made us Seventh-day Adventists (SDA). . . . Those who took part in the establishment of our work upon a foundation of Bible truth, those who know the way marks that have pointed out the right path, are to be regarded as workers of the highest value. They can speak from personal experience regarding the truths entrusted to them. These workers are not to permit their faith to be changed to infidelity; they are not to permit the banner of the third angel to be taken from their hands. They are to hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. {CTr 367.5}

The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization, for this would mean apostasy from the truth.—Manuscript 129, 1905. {CTr 367.6}

In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very name given to its inspired pages, "the Revelation," contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed. The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earth's history, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new. {AA 584.1}

1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1 The Seven Churches of World History

The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different (chronological) periods in the history of the world. {AA 585.3} The zeal manifested at this time by the followers of Jesus has been recorded by the pen of inspiration and the messages addressed to it are for the encouragement of believers in every age. Thus the book of Revelation have particular import for the church today, the seventh church, the church of Laodicea.

Hold Fast to the Pledge (Rev 3:3; Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; Hebrews 10:23). --"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent," Those who have been born again remember with what joy and gladness they received the light of heaven, and how eager they were to tell everybody of their happiness. . . . {7BC 959.6}

"Hold fast." This does not mean, Hold fast to your sins; but, Hold fast to the comfort, the faith, the hope, that God has given you in His Word. Never be discouraged. A discouraged man can do nothing. Satan is seeking to discourage you, telling you it is of no use to serve God, that it does not pay, and that it is just as well to have pleasure and enjoyment in this world. But "what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" You may have worldly pleasure at the expense of the future world; but can you afford to pay such a price? {7BC 959.7}

We are to "hold fast" and live up to all the light we receive from heaven. Why? Because God wants us to grasp the eternal truth, and act as His helping hand by communicating the light to those who are not acquainted with His love for them. When you gave yourself to Christ, you made a pledge in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--the three great personal Dignitaries of heaven. "Hold fast" to this pledge. {7BC 959.8}

"And repent." The life we live is to be one of continual repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we have victory. The enemy never can take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlightening the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ Jesus! {7BC 959.9}

A true sense of repentance before God does not hold us in bondage, causing us to feel like persons in a funeral procession. We are to be cheerful, not sorrowful. But all the time we are to be sorry that after Christ had given His precious life for us, we gave so many years of our life to the powers of darkness. We are to feel sorrow of heart as we remember that after Christ had given His all for our redemption, we used in the service of the enemy some of the time and capabilities which the Lord entrusted to us as talents to use to His name's glory. We are to repent because we have not endeavored in every way possible to become acquainted with the precious truth, which enables us to exercise that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. {7BC 960.1}

As we see souls out of Christ, we are to put ourselves in their place, and in their behalf feel repentance before God, resting not until we bring them to repentance. If we do everything we can for them, and yet they do not repent, the sin lies at their door; but we are still to feel sorrow of heart because of their condition, showing them how to repent, and trying to lead them step by step to Jesus Christ (MS 92, 1901). {7BC 960.2}

1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.1Laodicean Message for Adventists.

The message to the Laodicean church is highly applicable to us as a people. (Adventists think they have all the truth, who take pride in their knowledge of the Word of God, while its sanctifying power has not been felt in their lives. The fervor of the love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God's people the light of the world (Rev 3:2,4-5)(RH July 23, 1889)) It has been placed before us for a long time, but has not been heeded as it should have been. When the work of repentance is earnest and deep, the individual members of the church will buy the rich goods of heaven. [Revelation 3:18 quoted.] Oh, how many behold things in a perverted light, in the light in which Satan would have them see. {7BC 961.7} (Message for the Idlers in the Vineyard.--To the idlers in the Lord's vineyard the Laodicean message is sent, (Revelation 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). (MS 26, 1905). {7BC 961.4})

You may manifest great zeal in missionary effort, and yet because it is corrupted with selfishness, and tastes strongly of self, it is nought in the sight of God; for it is a tainted, corrupted offering. Unless the door of the heart is open to Jesus, unless He occupies the soul temple, unless the heart is imbued with His divine attributes, human actions when weighed in the heavenly balances, will be pronounced "Wanting." The love of Christ would make you rich; but many do not realize the value of His love. Many do not realize that the spirit which they cherish is destitute of the meekness and lowliness of Christ, destitute of the love that would constitute them channels of light (MS 33, 1894). {7BC 961.8}

Has God Made a Mistake? (2 Peter 3:11.)

The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this time. Do you believe this message? Have you hearts that feel? Or are you constantly saying, We are rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing? Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been given to this nation to be carried to all the nations of the world?

God has chosen a people and made them the repositories of truth weighty with eternal results. To them has been given the light that must illuminate the world. Has God made a mistake? Are we indeed His chosen instrumentalities? Are we the men and women who are to bear to the world the messages of Revelation fourteen, to proclaim the message of salvation to those who are standing on the brink of ruin? Do we act as if we were (MS 51, 1901)? {7BC 961.9}

Professors but Not Doers - The Laodicean message applies to all who profess to keep the law of God, and yet are not doers of it. We are not to be selfish in anything. Every phase of the Christian life is to be a representation of the life of Christ. If it is not, we shall hear the terrible words, "I know you not" (RH Oct. 17, 1899). {7BC 962.1}

An Insipid Religious Experience - The message to the Laodicean church applies most decidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth (Letter 98, 1901). {7BC 962.2}

“Hear, O Hear."- (Isaiah 65:5; Luke 18:11, 12.) - I tell you in the name of the Lord, that those who have had great light are today in the state described by Christ in His message to the Laodicean church. They think that they are rich, and increased in goods, and feel that they have need of nothing. Christ speaks to you. Hear, O hear, if you have any regard for your souls, the words of the great Counselor, and act upon them [Revelation 3:18 quoted] (Letter 5, 1897). {7BC 962.3}

To Rid the Church of Fanaticism

The design of the message to the Laodiceans was to rid the church of . . . fanatical influences; but the effort of Satan has been to corrupt the message, and destroy its influence. He would be better pleased to have fanatical persons embrace the testimony, and use it in his cause, than to have them remain in a lukewarm state. I have seen that it was not the design of the message to lead brother to sit in judgment over his brother, to tell him what to do, and just how far to go, but for each individual to search his own heart, and attend to his own individual work (2SG 223). {7BC 962.4}

Bankrupt! - Many are Laodiceans, living in a spiritual self-deception. They clothe themselves in the garments of their own righteousness, imagining themselves to be rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, when they need daily to learn of Jesus, His meekness and lowliness, else they find themselves bankrupt, their whole life being a lie (Letter 66, 1894). {7BC 962.5}

Self-inflated Religion - Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste [Revelation 3:17, 18 quoted] (MS 61, 1898). {7BC 962.6}

Self-exaltation a Dangerous Element (Proverbs 30:12; Obadiah 3.)

Self-exaltation is a dangerous element. It tarnishes everything it touches. It is the offspring of pride, and it works so ingeniously that, unless guarded against, it will take possession of the thoughts and control the actions. {7BC 962.7}

The Nature of Repentance

There are many who have erroneous ideas in regard to the nature of repentance. They think that they cannot come to Christ unless they first repent, and that repentance prepares them for the forgiveness of their sins. It is true that repentance does precede the forgiveness of sins; for it is only the broken and contrite heart that will feel the need of a Saviour. But must the sinner wait until he has repented before he can come to Jesus? Is repentance to be made an obstacle between the sinner and the Saviour? Jesus has said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Christ is constantly drawing men to himself, while Satan is as diligently seeking by every imaginable device, to draw men away from their Redeemer. Christ must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as he beholds the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary, the mysteries of redemption begin to unfold to his mind, and the goodness of God leads him to repentance. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 1}

The living oracles do not teach that the sinner must repent before he can heed the invitation of Christ: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Men must come to Christ because they see him as their Saviour, their only helper, that they may be enabled to repent; for if they could repent without coming to Christ, they could also be saved without Christ. It is the virtue that goes forth from Christ that leads to genuine repentance. Peter makes the matter clear in his statement to the Israelites, when he says, "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." Repentance is as much the gift of Christ as is forgiveness, and it cannot be found in the heart where Jesus has not been at work. We can no more repent without the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience, than we can be pardoned without Christ. Christ draws the sinner by the exhibition of his love upon the cross, and this softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition and repentance in the soul. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 3}

Men sometimes become ashamed of their sinful ways, and give up some of their evil habits, before they are aroused to manifestly come to Christ; but it is the power of the gospel, the grace of Christ, that is drawing them to make reformation in their conduct. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened, and the outward life is amended. And as Christ draws them to look upon his cross, to look upon him whom their sins have pierced, the commandment comes home to the conscience. The wickedness of their life, the deep-seated sin of the soul, is revealed to them. They begin to comprehend something of the righteousness of Christ, and exclaim, "Was all this love, all this suffering, all this humiliation demanded that we might not perish, but have everlasting life?" They then understand that it is the goodness of God that leadeth to repentance. A repentance such as this lies beyond the reach of our own powers to accomplish; it is obtained only from Christ, who ascended up on high, and has given gifts unto men. Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one who can arouse in the natural heart enmity against sin. He is the source of our power if we would be saved. No soul can repent without the grace of Christ. The sinner may pray that he may know how to repent. God reveals Christ to the sinner, and when he sees the purity of the Son of God, he is not ignorant of the character of sin. By faith in the work and power of Christ, enmity against sin and Satan is created in his heart. Those whom God pardons are first made penitent. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 5}

The pleasing fable that all there is to do is to believe, has destroyed thousands and tens of thousands, because many have called that faith which is not faith, but simply a dogma. Man is an intelligent, accountable being; he is not to be carried as a passive burden by the Lord, but is to work in harmony with Christ. Man is to take up his appointed work in striving for glory, honor, and immortality. God calls upon men for the use of every talent he has lent them, the exercise of every power he has given; for man can never be saved in disobedience and indolence. Christ wrestled in earnest prayer; he offered up his supplications to the Father with strong crying and tears in behalf of those for whose salvation he had left heaven, and had come to this earth. Then how proper, yea, how essential that men should pray and not faint! How important that they should be instant in prayer, petitioning for the help that can come only from Christ our Lord! If you will find voice and time to pray, God will find time and voice to answer. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 6}

The exceeding great and precious promises given us in the Holy Scriptures have been lost sight of to a great extent, just as the enemy of all righteousness designed that they should be. He has cast his own dark shadow between us and our God, that we may not see the true character of God. The Lord has proclaimed himself to be "merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 7} (There is no danger in presenting this doctrine, (justification by faith), as it is set forth in the Scriptures.)

1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.2 The Third Angel’s Message

The message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity." The prophet declares, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."- Rev 18:1. Brightness, glory, and power* are to be connected with the third angel's message, and conviction will follow wherever it is preached in demonstration of the Spirit. How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God? As yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. God has light for his people, and all who will accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition; they will heed the counsel of the True Witness when he says, "Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 8}

(Note: Third Angel's Messsage to be proclaimed with Power*-The Laodicean message must be proclaimed with power; for now it is especially applicable. Now, more than ever before, are seen pride, worldly ambition, self-exaltation, double-dealing, hypocrisy, and deception. Many are speaking great swelling words of vanity, saying, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Yet they are miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (RH Sept. 25, 1900). {7BC 962.8}

Self-love, Self-deception, and Self-justification (Ecclesiastes 10:1; Matthew 7:1-5.) Those whom Christ warns have some excellent qualifications, but they are neutralized by all who have a diseased self-love, self-deception, self-justification for gross neglect to help brethren in the service of God by encouraging words and deeds. There is a dead fly in the ointment. They are being weighed by One who never makes a mistake. He tells the result of actions which demonstrate that the love of Christ is not an abiding principle in the soul. God calls upon you all to learn from Christ His meekness. Put away your faculty for seeing the mistakes of others. Turn your attention to your own defects. Your self-righteousness is nauseating to the Lord Jesus Christ. [Revelation 3:15-18 quoted.] These words apply to the churches and to many of those in positions of trust in the work of God (MS 108, 1899). {7BC 962.9}

Spiritual Novices- There are a large number of professing Christians who do not really follow Jesus. They do not bear the cross by proper self-denial and self-sacrifice. Although making a great profession of being earnest Christians, they weave into the fabric of their character so many of the threads of their own imperfections that the beautiful pattern is spoiled. Of them Christ says: "You boast of being rich and increased with supposed spiritual attainments. In reality you are neither cold nor hot, but are filled with vain conceit. Unless converted, you cannot be saved; for you would mar heaven with your unsanctified wisdom. I cannot endorse your spirit and your work. You do not act according to the divine Example. You are following a pattern merely of your own invention. Because you are lukewarm, I must spew you out of My mouth." {7BC 963.1}

Let us thank the Lord that while this class is so numerous, there is still time for repentance. Jesus says, "I, your Redeemer, know your works. I am familiar with the motives that prompt you to declare boastingly in regard to your spiritual condition, 'I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.' Thou 'knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.'" {7BC 963.2}

Spiritual Condition of Laodiceans

Those who are in this condition are willfully ignorant. They do not discern the real character of sin. By their wrongdoing they constantly misrepresent the character of Christ and put Him to open shame. Professing to have a knowledge of the truth, they act in spirit as novices. They do not seem to understand the truth that must be expressed in word and deed to show a decided difference between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. They are false claimants of every Christian blessing and privilege, when, as Christ's representatives, they are not rich in spiritual grace or in good works. They are wretched, poor, blind, maimed. What a position to be in! They stand in their own light. {7BC 963.3}

But notwithstanding their willful ignorance, they are not left by the Lord without added warning and counsel (MS 138, 1902). {7BC 963.4)}

Christ Warning and Counsel

The Church is presented as standing in a self-satisfied, pleased, proud, independent position, ignorant of her destitution and wretchedness. By her attitude she says, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." How many who claim to be keeping the commandments of God are in this position today! The charge against the Church is, "Thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot." But while many may be satisfied with their lukewarm condition, the Lord is far from pleased, and declares that unless you are zealous and repent, he will spue you out of his mouth. But he warns you, he entreats you. He says, "Thou knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 9}

Christ Free Offer - Gold; White Raiment and Eye-salve

The gold that Jesus would have us buy of him is gold tried in the fire; it is the gold of faith and love, that has no defiling substance mingled with it. The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, the wedding garment which Christ alone can give. The eye-salve is the true spiritual discernment that is so wanting among us, for spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 10}

To our brethren who are standing in this self-confident, self-satisfied position, who talk and act as if there was no need of more light, we want to say that the Laodicean message is applicable to you. Many professed Christians are without Christ because they refuse to weave his principles of truth into their life. The word of God declares, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." We should pray earnestly and inquire with sincere hearts as to what the will of the Lord is, that we may be ready to receive the blessing we so much need. {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 11}

1.1.3.1.2.1.3.1.2 Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable (Matt 25:1-13 )

The Wise Arouse From Sleep.(Matt 25:1-10)--All who wait for the heavenly Bridegroom are represented in the parable as slumbering because their Lord delayed His coming; but the wise roused themselves at the message of His approach, and responded to the message, and their spiritual discernment was not all gone, and they sprang into line. As they took hold of the grace of Christ, their religious experience became vigorous and abundant, and their affections were set upon things above. They discerned where was the source of their supply, and appreciated the love that God had for them. They opened their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit, by which the love of God was shed abroad in their hearts. Their lights were trimmed and burning, and sent forth steady rays into the moral darkness of the world. They glorified God, because they had the oil of grace in their hearts, and did the very work that their Master did before them--went forth to seek and to save those who were lost (ST June 28, 1910).

A Trimmed and Burning Lamp. (Matt; 25:7; Luke 12:35). --The very best credentials we can carry is love for one another. All strife, all dissension, is to cease. God will not accept the talents of the smartest, the most eloquent man if the inner lamp of the soul is not trimmed and burning. There must be a consecrated heart, and consecrated surrender of the soul (Letter 119, 1899). {5BC 1099.8}

Talents Not Restricted to a Few (Matt 25:14, 15 (Luke 19:12, 13; see EGW on John 17:20, 21))

To every man is committed individual gifts, termed talents. Some regard these talents as being limited to certain men who possess superior mental endowments and genius. But God has not restricted the bestowal of His talents to a favored few. To every one is committed some special endowment, for which he will be held responsible by the Lord. Time, reason, means, strength, mental powers, tenderness of heart--all are gifts from God, entrusted to be used in the great work of blessing humanity. {5BC 1100.1}

Some apparently have but few talents, but by diligent trading on their Lord's goods their endowments will be greatly increased. . . . {5BC 1100.2}

The Lord is watching every one to see whether he will use his talents wisely and unselfishly, or whether he will seek his own advancement. The talents are distributed to every man according to his several ability, that he may add to them by wise investment. Each one must give an account to the Master for his own actions. {5BC 1100.3}

The Lord will not require from those who are poor that which they have not to give; He will not require from the sick the active energies which bodily weakness forbids. No one need mourn because he cannot glorify God with talents that were never entrusted to him. But if you have only one talent, use it well, and it will accumulate. If the talents are not buried, they will gain yet other talents. {5BC 1100.4}

The goods we receive are not our own. The entrusted capital is to be used, and when the returns are made, they are still the Lord's property. We have no right to hoard these talents; when the Lord Jesus returns He expects to receive His own with usury (Letter 180, 1907). {5BC 1100.5}

We must have oil in our vessels with our lamps, and not be like the foolish virgins of the parable whose lamps went out as they slumbered and slept, and who had no oil to replenish them, and so failed to be ready to meet the bridegroom. We should seek for a living experience, and obtain the grace of Christ. We need his love and gentleness; we need our faith revived. Let no one disregard the counsel of God, but let us all buy of him gold, and white raiment, and plead for the anointing of his Holy Spirit. Jesus desires us to have a personal knowledge of the truth, and we should search the heart carefully, critically, cease to do evil, and learn to do well. Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." No one should feel like rebelling, like standing in defiance of God, because he rebukes you on account of your lukewarm condition and spiritual pride. God condescends to entreat you that he may talk with you, and invites you to open the door of the heart, that he may come in and sup with you, and you with him. He declares, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 12} ... to be continued

Interim End of Contents 2a pg 46-57 posted on July 14, 2020

Contents 2b- (pg 58-84, posting July 26-28, 2020)

1.1.3.1.2.1.4 Godhead Revelation in Scriptures

The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols. The New Testament is the substance. One is as essential as the other. The Old Testament presents lessons from the lips of Christ, and these lessons have not lost their force in any particular. {CTr 338.2} Moses mentioned the Godhead as “us” in “Let us make man in our images”- Gen 1:26, and did not clarified further their identity. He was in communion and guided by Christ personally and was not impressed by the Holy Spirit to reveal what was yet to be revealed and kept for Paul to reveal after Christ has returned to heaven in His first advent when the Holy Spirit, the third divine personality of the Godhead, was given to believers as the comforter while Christ is in heaven with the Father.

The description of the Godhead understandable to man is succinctly given by Apostle Paul in “Ephesians”, one of the four letters written in his first imprisonment in Rome (AD 61-63). (By the way, the Church of Ephesia, as the first of seven churches in the testimony of Christ symbolizes the apostolic period of the church (AD30-100).The Church of Laodicea, the seventh and last church represents the final period from 1844- the present until the second coming of Christ.) He produced one of his noblest inspired utterances concerning the faith that alone could restore to man peace and unity. The restoration of individual unity in the life of each believer in the one church where Christ is head – Unity in Christ -- assures the unity of God’s universe that is founded on the Oneness in the Godhead.

In his opening greeting (Eph 1:1-14) the unity in oneness of the three divine personalities is revealed as follows:

1. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ gave us all the spiritual blessings we have received, made secure in heaven for us through Christ- V.3

2. Before this world was created, God (Godhead*) determined that all who believed on His Son should b saved, and that we should be holy and without blame before him in love- Vv.4,6. (The Godhead* i.e. the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit covenanted)

3. Because of His love, God decided to secure our destiny by adopting as His children through Jesus Christ, according to His good pleasure and will- V.5. ( The family structure is the design of God and by it we should have experience of the inseparable love relationship between father and son. The institution of marriage in Eden, (Gen 2:18-24) is one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. (Observing Sabbath, the seventh day of creation as a rest day with God is the scond institution , as written in the fourth commandment) {PP 46.3} A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation. "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it." Ephesians 5:29. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one." (Gen 2:21-25) {PP 46.2}

4. This is the manifestation of His glorious grace in freely giving up His Son, the one He so dearly loves to be sacrificed as our substitute in order to free us from sins and ultimate death as the wages of sin. –V.6

5. It is through Christ’s blood that we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of God’s grace –V7.

6. By His grace we are given all wisdom and understanding in the spiritual things of God not understandable by the natural man- V.8

7. Christ in His first advent, as the Son of man, as the mystery of mysteries, has already revealed to us the secrets, the mystery of the Godhead, as purposed in Jesus Christ, the Son of God- V.9.

8. At the right time events were carried out as God had appointed as foretold through His faithful servants, the prophets (as evidence of His foreknowledge and control of our destiny) according to His plans, the goal of which is to bring together all things in heaven and earth under the headship of Christ- V10.

9. It is through Christ that we are included in God’s plan and are destined for heaven, which is the oneness in purpose and will of the Godhead for all who are made in His image who accept His Son and have faith in Christ – V.11.

10. From the eye witness and testimony of the Apostles who first trusted in Christ, to the praise of his glory, in whom subsequently we, also trusted, after we heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation: in whom also after that we believed to the end to become sealed* with the Holy Spirit of promise, the third divine personality of the Godhead- Vv12-13. ( Note* the sealing* to be be further discussed later)

11. The Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (the transformed righteous saints) at the second coming of Christ as the Lord of lords and King of kings, together with all His angels to take His inheritance to heaven for a thousand years unto the praise of His glory – V. 14; (Rev 20: 4,6; 1 The 4:16,17)

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.1 The Central Role of Christ in Scriptures

(From Christ’s Object Lessons, Ch 12 “Things New and Old” by Ellen G. White)

The amplification by Ellen White on Matt 13:51,52 is very essential to point out the mistaken teaching of the sufficiency in just one of the two testaments: Judaism in the truth in Old Testament and ignoring the New Testament; Islamism who says that Jesus is just a prophet; and Christian Protestant denominations believing that the Old Testament was nailed to the cross.

“ While Christ was teaching the people, He was also educating His disciples for their future work. In all His instruction there were lessons for them. After giving the parable of the net, He asked them, "Have ye understood all these things?" They said unto Him, "Yea, Lord." Matt 13:51) Then in another parable He set before them their responsibility in regard to the truths they had received. "Therefore," He said, "every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." (Matt 13:52) {COL 124.1}

The treasure gained by the householder he does not hoard. He brings it forth to communicate to others. And by use the treasure increases. The householder has precious things both new and old. So Christ teaches that the truth committed to His disciples is to be communicated to the world. And as the knowledge of truth is imparted, it will increase. {COL 124.2}

All who receive the gospel message into the heart will long to proclaim it. The heaven-born love of Christ must find expression. Those who have put on Christ will relate their experience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit--their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, the results of their searching of the Scriptures, their prayers, their soul agony, and the words of Christ to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filled with the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has made them the depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others shall receive the same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures of God's grace, more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted to them. They will have the heart of a little child in its simplicity and unreserved obedience. Their souls will pant after holiness, and more and more of the treasures of truth and grace will be revealed to them to be given to the world. {COL 125.1}

The great storehouse of truth is the word of God-- the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God's dealing with human life. Here are the treasures from which Christ's workers are to draw. In the search after truth they are to depend upon God, not upon human intelligences, the great men whose wisdom is foolishness with God. Through His own appointed channels the Lord will impart a knowledge of Himself to every seeker. {COL 125.2}

If the follower of Christ will believe His word and practice it, there is no science in the natural world that he will not be able to grasp and appreciate. There is nothing but that will furnish him means for imparting the truth to others. Natural science is a treasure house of knowledge from which every student in the school of Christ may draw.

As we contemplate the beauty of nature, as we study its lessons in the cultivation of the soil, in the growth of the trees, in all the wonders of earth and sea and sky, there will come to us a new perception of truth. And the mysteries connected with God's dealings with men, the depths of His wisdom and judgment as seen in human life--these are found to be a storehouse rich in treasure. {COL 125.3}

But it is in the written word that a knowledge of God is most clearly revealed to fallen man. This is the treasure house of the unsearchable riches of Christ. {COL 126.1}

The word of God includes the Scriptures of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not complete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the Old Testament are as valuable as those of the New. Christ was as much man's Redeemer in the beginning of the world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to our world, the gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. Abraham in Canaan and Lot in Sodom bore the message, and from generation to generation faithful messengers proclaimed the Coming One. The rites of the Jewish economy were instituted by Christ Himself. He was the foundation of their system of sacrificial offerings, the great antitype of all their religious service. The blood shed as the sacrifices were offered pointed to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in Him. {COL 126.2}

Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, is the riches of the Old Testament. Christ in His life, His death, and His resurrection, Christ as He is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is the treasure of the New Testament. Our Saviour, the outshining of the Father's glory, is both the Old and the New. {COL 126.3}

Of Christ's life and death and intercession, which prophets had foretold, the apostles were to go forth as witnesses. Christ in His humiliation, in His purity and holiness, in His matchless love, was to be their theme. And in order to preach the gospel in its fullness, they must present the Saviour not only as revealed in His life and teachings, but as foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament and as symbolized by the sacrificial service. {COL 127.1}

Christ in His teaching presented old truths of which He Himself was the originator, truths which He had spoken through patriarchs and prophets; but He now shed upon them a new light. How different appeared their meaning! A flood of light and spirituality was brought in by His explanation. And He promised that the Holy Spirit should enlighten the disciples, that the word of God should be ever unfolding to them. They would be able to present its truths in new beauty. {COL 127.2}

Ever since the first promise of redemption was spoken in Eden, the life, the character, and the mediatorial work of Christ have been the study of human minds. Yet every mind through whom the Holy Spirit has worked has presented these themes in a light that is fresh and new. The truths of redemption are capable of constant development and expansion. Though old, they are ever new, constantly revealing to the seeker for truth a greater glory and a mightier power. {COL 127.3}

In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He began "at Moses and all the prophets" and "expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. But it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form. {COL 127.4}

1a. Accept Old Testament Reject New Testament

There are those who profess to believe and to teach the truths of the Old Testament, while they reject the New. But in refusing to receive the teachings of Christ, they show that they do not believe that which patriarchs and prophets have spoken. "Had ye believed Moses," Christ said, "ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me." John 5:46. Hence there is no real power in their teaching of even the Old Testament. {COL 128.1}

1b. New Testament Only

Many who claim to believe and to teach the gospel are in a similar error. They set aside the Old Testament Scriptures, of which Christ declared, "They are they which testify of Me." John 5:39. In rejecting the Old, they virtually reject the New; for both are parts of an inseparable whole. No man can rightly present the law of God without the gospel, or the gospel without the law. The law is the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded. The law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit which it bears. {COL 128.2}

1c. Wholeness in Both- OLD and NEW

The Old Testament sheds light upon the New, and the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Both present truths that will continually reveal new depths of meaning to the earnest seeker. {COL 128.3}

Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The student of Scripture looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens and broadens as he gazes into its depths. Not in this life shall we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put to the stretch our highest imagination. Man may tax every mental power in the endeavor to fathom this mystery, but his mind will become faint and weary. The most diligent searcher will see before him a boundless, shoreless sea. {COL 128.4}

2. Experiencing the unexplainable Truth in Jesus

The truth as it is in Jesus can be experienced, but never explained. Its height and breadth and depth pass our knowledge. We may task our imagination to the utmost, and then we shall see only dimly the outlines of a love that is unexplainable, that is as high as heaven, but that stooped to the earth to stamp the image of God on all mankind. {COL 129.1}

Yet it is possible for us to see all that we can bear of the divine compassion. This is unfolded to the humble, contrite soul. We shall understand God's compassion just in proportion as we appreciate His sacrifice for us. As we search the word of God in humility of heart, the grand theme of redemption will open to our research. It will increase in brightness as we behold it, and as we aspire to grasp it, its height and depth will ever increase. {COL 129.2}

Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of Him, the living Bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him. {COL 129.3}

In those who possess it, the religion of Christ will reveal itself as a vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. There will be manifest the freshness and power and joyousness of perpetual youth. The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden. {COL 130.1}

This experience gives every teacher of truth the very qualifications that will make him a representative of Christ. The spirit of Christ's teaching will give a force and directness to his communications and to his prayers. His witness to Christ will not be a narrow, lifeless testimony. The minister will not preach over and over the same set discourses. His mind will be open to the constant illumination of the Holy Spirit. {COL 130.2}

3. Daily Bread of Life Nourishment

Christ said, "Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life. . . . As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; . . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:54-63. {COL 130.3}

(It was Christ's desire to leave to his disciples an ordinance (Christ's last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper) that would do for them the very thing they needed,--that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah. Eating of the body, and drinking of the blood, of Christ, not merely at the sacramental service, but daily partaking of the bread of life to satisfy the soul's hunger, would be in receiving his word and doing his will. {RH, June 14, 1898 par. 16})

When we eat Christ's flesh and drink His blood, the element of eternal life will be found in the ministry. There will not be a fund of stale, oft-repeated ideas. The tame, dull sermonizing will cease. The old truths will be presented, but they will be seen in a new light. There will be a new perception of truth, a clearness and a power that all will discern. Those who have the privilege of sitting under such a ministry will, if susceptible to the Holy Spirit's influence, feel the energizing power of a new life. The fire of God's love will be kindled within them. Their perceptive faculties will be quickened to discern the beauty and majesty of truth. {COL 130.4}

4. Holy Spirit Aiding Dedicated Bible Teacher

The faithful householder represents what every teacher of the children and youth should be. If he makes the word of God his treasure, he will continually bring forth new beauty and new truth. When the teacher will rely upon God in prayer, the Spirit of Christ will come upon him, and God will work through him by the Holy Spirit upon the minds of others. The Spirit fills the mind and heart with sweet hope and courage and Bible imagery, and all this will be communicated to the youth under his instruction. {COL 131.1}

The springs of heavenly peace and joy, unsealed in the soul of the teacher by the words of Inspiration, will become a mighty river of influence to bless all who connect with him. The Bible will not become a tiresome book to the student. Under a wise instructor the word will become more and more desirable. It will be as the bread of life, and will never grow old. Its freshness and beauty will attract and charm the children and youth. It is like the sun shining upon the earth, perpetually imparting brightness and warmth, yet never exhausted. {COL 132.1}

God's holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul. {COL 132.2}

The Holy Spirit loves to address the youth, and to discover to them the treasures and beauties of God's word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul with spiritual power that is divine. There will grow in the fruitful mind a familiarity with divine things that will be as a barricade against temptation. {COL 132.3}

The words of truth will grow in importance, and assume a breadth and fullness of meaning of which we have never dreamed. The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind and character. The light of heavenly love will fall upon the heart as an inspiration. {COL 132.4}

The appreciation of the Bible grows with its study. Whichever way the student may turn, he will find displayed the infinite wisdom and love of God. {COL 132.5}

The significance of the Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended. Truths vast and profound are shadowed forth in its rites and symbols. The gospel is the key that unlocks its mysteries. Through a knowledge of the plan of redemption, its truths are opened to the understanding. Far more than we do, it is our privilege to understand these wonderful themes. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. Angels desire to look into the truths that are revealed to the people who with contrite hearts are searching the word of God, and praying for greater lengths and breadths and depths and heights of the knowledge which He alone can give. {COL 133.1}

5. End-time Preparation in Studying John’s Revelation, NT

As we near the close of this world's history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John has here declared what shall be in the last days, and He says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Revelation 1:3. {COL 133.2}

"This is life eternal," Christ said, "that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3. Why is it that we do not realize the value of this knowledge? Why are not these glorious truths glowing in our hearts, trembling upon our lips, and pervading our whole being? {COL 133.3}

In giving us His word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential for our salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them, and what they are to Christ. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years he will exclaim, "Great is the mystery of godliness." {COL 133.4}

(There is so much to know about Christ that Apostle John in the epilogue to his gospel concluded with: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”- Joh 21:25.)

6. The Endless Study in Eternity

In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages will the faithful Householder bring forth from His treasure things new and old. {COL 134.1}

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2 Compromising Biblical Godhead as Traditional Trinity

It was in June 2014, Andrew University (SDA premier) Seminary conducted and published its Trinity Project consisting of 16 sessions covering “The Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity.” This is the introduction to the Trinity:

“As a Christian teacher of theology, I'm often asked about the Trinity. Students want to know what the doctrine of the Trinity means and how it can be found in Scripture. They're often surprised to learn that the word "trinity" never actually appears in the Bible. And yet, this doctrine is so central to our Christian faith that it would be impossible to call a church, "Christian," that doesn't affirm it. So, as we'll see in this lesson, although the term itself isn't in the Bible, we find the ideas of God's "oneness" and "threeness" throughout the Scriptures.

This is to subscribe to the popular theology of the mother church, Roman Catholic Church, and is orchestrated for the end of Luther’s Protestant Reformation at its 500 Anniversary on Oct 31, 2017. It all began with Dr.Ganoune Diop becoming the department’s associate director and the Adventist Church’s representative for interfaith relations and liaison to the United Nations in 2011. Subsequently, he was elected director of the public affairs and religious liberty department at the General Conference at the General Conference session in July 2015. He holds a prominent post in the ecumenism movement.

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1 Prophesied Compromise in the Last Days

1a. Peter’s error in Antioch

Even apostles can error on some points at times as shown in the passage below:

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? Galatians 2:11-14

1b Trinity Error on Father God created the Son

In our time, Pr Bill Hughes pointed out that even Ps. Mark Finley, SDA world renowned Evangelist in his booklet “Studying Together” mentioned in error that there are some doctrinal beliefs held in common with Catholics, namely 1, The Godhead; 2. The virgin birth ( although not the immaculate conception); 3. The necessity of obeying God.

The compromise in accepting that Godhead and Trinity have same common concept will only be discussed here. SDA beliefs don’t agree on the Catholic conception of the Trinity as the biblical Godhead. He is in error on the Godhead as a SDA does not believe that Christ was created. He has always been from all eternity as He clearly declared “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:”–Rev 1:11… “And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:”- Rev1:17. He loved us so much that He (the eternal one) came to this revolting world and died because He wanted to know how much He loved us. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”-Rev 1:18. A SDA does not believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, who has life Himself and does not receive life from the Father and the Son. There is not anything in our visible world whereby we can illustrate three eternal beings in the Godhead, so closely united together that they are One. As creatures of God creation we will never comprehend fully the Godhead “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”- Isa 55:8,9. So when the Bible teaches us something as it is about the Godhead we are to accept it by faith. Bible texts show clearly that Jesus was not created ( Isa 9:6; Mi 5:2; Jn 1:1-3; 8:56-58; Rev 1:10-13.

We also have Ellen Whites attestation: “With solemn dignity Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." {DA 469.4} Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity." Micah 5:2, margin. {DA 469.5}

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. "I lay it down of myself" (John 10:18), He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as His personal Saviour. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). This is the open fountain of life for the world. {1SM 296.2} (This is a compilation of what she had written. It was Dr.John Harvey Kellogg who sowed this seed as he brought the alpha of apostasy into SDA.)

The Father cannot be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight {SpTB07 62.3} The Son is all the fulness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be "the express image of His person." "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Here is shown the personality of the Father. {SpTB07 63.1}

The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit in all the fulness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-- those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ. . . . {SpTB07 63.2} (1905)

(We can cooperate with these living beings by submitting our rebellious mind and will . We can say take over my life live out your life within me oh Jesus King of kings. We can experience the power of God that enables us to live a life of obedience.)

Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God. . . . In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. . . . {FLB 46.3} His divine life could not be reckoned by human computation. The existence of Christ before His incarnation is not measured by figures. {FLB 46.4} Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. {FLB 46.5} He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. {FLB 46.6}

We need to realize the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is walking through these grounds.- Manu 66, 1899. The Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are the children of God. . . . {Ev 616.6} The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."--Manuscript 20, 1906. {Ev 617.1}

The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit.--Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 10, p. 37. (1897) {Ev 617.2} ( By having this truth about the divinity of the Holy Spirit blocked by the delusive Catholic doctrine of Trinity from Satan we are deprived of the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us to the truth.)

We are to co-operate with the three highest powers in heaven,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, --and these powers will work through us, making us workers together with God.--Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, p. 51. (1905) {Ev 617.3} (This is the subtle but most dangerous weapon by Satan to infiltrate God’s church and cause the Church to compromise by accepting Trinity in diluting the truth and power of the oneness in the three everlasting persons working together as One to stop Satan for the salvation of deceived lost souls.)

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1.1 Catholic Trinity is not Biblical Godhead

The Spirit of Inspiration using Catholic sources shows very clearly that the two are very, very different. While this is important to see the difference, it is of even greater importance that we live in submission to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and allow the fruits of the spirit to be revealed in us. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, “ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. “- Gal 5:22,23.Without this manifestation we will not be in the kingdom.(This error in claiming that Godhead and Trinity is in common if not understood and shunned would deprive us seeking the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and allow the fruits of the spirit to be revealed in us. Fruit bearing will be further discussed later.)

1. Claim of New Light Warning

(Ellen White biography by Arthur White Volume 3 page 259)

“And it is written by Ellen White- the Lord has been pleased to show me] there will arise just such ones all along. And many more of them claiming to have a new light which is a side issue and entering wedge. The widening will increase until there is a breach made between those who accept these views and those who believe the third angels message. Just as soon as these new ideas are accepted then there will be a drawing away from those whom God has used in the work for the minds begin to doubt and withdraw from the leaders because God has laid them aside and chosen more humble men to do his work. This is the only interpretation they can give to this matter as the leaders do not see this important light. the accepting of this new light that she’s talking about here leads to a drawing apart from the body and small enclaves of those who have been This has been revealed to them who have been enligtened. It leads to a loss of fellowship and trust with those who had previously been friends and counselors. Pr. Priebe in one of his teaching session examined one area of new light giving the analysis of all the texts and the reasons enough to make informed decisions about the merits of the issues capturing the loyalty of many faithful Seventh Day Adventists whose only motive is to prepare to meet Jesus in spotless robes of righteousness

1a. The contemporary anti Trinity movement teaches that there is no third person of the Godhead; i.e. The Holy Spirit is a force or an energy or a holy influence from the Father and the son.

Here is the transcript of the sermon by Pr. Priebe at https://www.jetsoflight.org/dennis-priebe-trinity-transcript-new-light-for-seventh-day-adventists/

Pastor Priebe claims Seventh-day Adventist anti-trinitarians don’t teach that there is a third person of the Godhead.

The one God sent as a special messenger to his people, the end time remnant said repeatedly that God had not given all truth to those living in her generation that God had more truth and Ellen White called it new light to be given and shared with his people as circumstances made it necessary and as people open their hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Priebe claims the anti-Trinity movement in the Seventh-day Adventist church is new light;.seventh-day-adventist-new-light-anti-trinity. We have overstayed our time in this world by a hundred years and now we’re coming up with problems because of that.

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.2.1.2 Reasons why we’re not in heaven

What’s the reason for the long delay? Some are teaching that we have been in error on crucial issues and only when we correct these errors do we have any hope of being the final generation and going home.

The contemporary anti Trinity movement teaches that there is no third person of the Godhead

After the Council of Nicea the great Christian council in 325 AD. the papal party took the title of Trinitarians. They said that the Godhead consists of three personalities and one essence or substance and it became very philosophical and metaphysical The Son proceeds from the Father by an act of the intellect and this is termed “eternal generation” by which we mean not only that there never was a time when the father existed without generating the Son but also that the act of generation is a continuous act. It teaches that there could be no separation between the Father and the son on earth since this would interrupt the act of generation. Thus the Son would not exist which would mean that the Father would not exist. So they could never be separated even on earth since they were of one essence neither the Father nor the Son could exist apart from the others. The doctrine of the Trinity was discussed shaped and confessed around the concept of the eternal generation

1. Catholic View of the Trinity

So to understand the Catholic view of the Trinity you have to understand eternal generation of the Father and the Son. Here is from a converts catechism of Catholic doctrine. The Son proceeds from the Father by generation and generation means the process of begetting offspring reproduction or giving birth to. so the Father gave birth to the Son in some way. from their own teachings.

N. Andrews wrote this doctrine destroys the personality of God and His Son Jesus Christ our Lord So if we are going to defend the biblical truth that there are three persons with the family name of God maybe we would be better off to use the Biblical term which is Godhead. Trinity has been co-opted in some very significant ways.( Compromise theology for the sake of interfaith harmony and to be accepted in society.)

2. Are there really three beings with one name in Scripture?

The most common one, Matthew 28:19. As Jesus left them His last word to them was: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost The name of the Father, the name of the Son, the name of the Holy Spirit it is one name. The Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost.” So this very brief statement is saying that there are three beings that are God and yet there is one God. This is one of the great mysterious teachings of Scripture that even today we have a hard time wrapping our minds around. And for the Muslim world it’s almost an impossible concept.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all” ( 2 Cor 13:14) - Three gifts from three beings. Three gifts each with a different aspect from the three beings in the Godhead.(When Jesus says He will send someone after he leaves. “And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another (another of the same kind) comforter that he may abide with you forever.”- John 14:16)

We have three elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father [through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:2)-Three different things that the three beings do in the Godhead. Three beings with one name. Three functions here of three beings.Three functions that are very crucial. One is foreknowledge. Statements from Ellen whites writings:

In Testimonies volume Eight, page 254, she refers to the three great powers of heaven. Another from Evangelism page 615- 616 ,There are three living persons of the heavenly trio.

Evangelism again mentions the three eternal heavenly dignitaries, God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Ellen White consistently refers to the members of the Godhead as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ] So that means three beings with one name: God. Father Son and Holy Spirit- One of the great mysteries.

Is the Holy Spirit clearly seen as an individual with a personality? Ephesians 4:30 “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby you are sealed into the day of redemption.” Can a force be grieved? Can a power be grieved? Can an influence be grieved? or can a person be grieved? A person has the potential of grief, sorrow. We understand that easily with Jesus Christ a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Similarly the Holy Spirit can be grieved in the same way that Christ could be grieved.

1 Corinthians 12:11- The gifts of the Spirit are from one and the self same spirit dividing to every man severally as he will This indicates choice. He decides which of us get what gift. It is a decision the Holy Spirit makes. We all receive gifts. He makes the decision. We don’t.have a choice.

Romans 8:26 - Likewise the spirit also help with our infirmities for we know not what we should pray as for as we ought but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. So here we have the Holy Spirit. We know Jesus makes intercession for us. Now the Holy Spirit is making intercessions for us because we need His help to approach the throne of God.

Acts 15:28- This is that great church council that was held in Jerusalem to decide whether circumcision would be the way they would go or not. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. Thus, the Holy Spirit is put on the same category of making decisions here as the Apostles were.

A few statements from Ellen White

Christ our Mediator and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s behalf But the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ who presents his blood. The Spirit works upon our hearts. The Spirit doesn’t do the same work that Christ does. Christ pleads his Blood. The Holy Spirit impresses upon our hearts conviction of sin. Two different works by two different individuals.{ SM 344}

Ellen White warned us from becoming overly dogmatic on this subject. Manuscript Releases, Volume Fourteen, pg 175 to 180 - It is a really really important Brethren should not feel that it is a virtue to stand apart because they do not see all minor points in exactly the same light. If on fundamental truths they are at an agreement. They should not differ and dispute about matters of little real importance to dwell on perplexing questions that after all are of no vital importance has a direct tendency to call the mind away from truth which are vital to the saving of the soul

Brethren should be very modest in urging these side issues which often they do not themselves understand points that they do not know to be truth and that it is not essential to their salvation to know where these differences exist among us. Those who stand outside will say it will be time enough for us to believe as you do when you could agree among yourselves as to what constitutes truth. The ungodly take advantage of the divisions and controversies among Christians. Some are ever seeking to be original to bring out something new and startling and they do not realize as they should the importance of preserving the unity of the faith in the bonds of love. We are to pray for divine enlightenment but at the same time we should be careful how we receive everything termed new light. We must be aware lest under cover of searching for new truth Satan shall divert our minds from Christ and the special truths for this time. I have been shown that it is the device of the enemy to lead minds to dwell upon some obscure or unimportant point something that is not fully revealed is not essential to our salvation.

She continues. The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery not clearly revealed and you will never be able to explain it to others because the Lord has not revealed it to you. You may gather together scriptures and put your construction upon them but the application is not correct. It is not essential for you to know and be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is.

There are many mysteries which I do not seek to understand or to explain. They are too high for me and too high for you. On some of these points silence is golden. Your mind is restless. You would make the mistake that many others have made of thinking that you have new light when it is only a new phase of error. You may take certain views of scripture and searching the Bible in the light of your ideas may gather together a large number of texts and claim that they mean this and that and call for anyone to prove to you that your views are incorrect. Here is your danger of diverting minds from the real issues of this time.

To get all of us to understand clearly what the pioneers were rejecting. God is a Spirit and the first act of a spirit brings forth the knowledge of himself His own image. This was a living person of the same substance and one with the father. This is God the Son.Thus the Father begets the Son, the Divine Word, the wisdom of the Father. Their mutual love is breathed forth as it were a living person one with them and of their own substance. This is God the Holy Ghost. Thus the Holy Ghost the spirit of love proceeds from the Father and the Son God the Father eternally knows Himself and thus continues to bring forth the Son..

That’s what our pioneers were rejecting. That’s what they were saying they couldn’t be a part of and did not want to accept.

3. The eternal existence of Jesus Christ.

John chapter one – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Jesus was not only with the Father but he was God. Not a god as the Jehovah’s Witness translation translates that verse. But he was God. He was the creator of everything. The life principle was in him he did not receive life from anyone. He is the eternal Word.

John 8:58. In this amazing statement Jesus is in the midst of a big argument with the Jews about how He could possibly be before He was on this earth. The Jews said unto him in verse fifty seven: Thou are not yet fifty years old, Hast thou seen Abraham? and Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I Am. This was not just a statement that he lived before Abraham. This was a claim written. in the Book of Exodus.

Exodus 3:14 - This is when Moses is sent back to Egypt to talk to his people and convince them that this was the time for deliverance and Moses was afraid that they would not know what he was there for. Was he there on his own authority and they will ask about the God he represents. What is His name. And God said unto Moses,” I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent to me unto you. (Exodus 3:14) Jesus is claiming that name. Jesus is saying before Abraham was I am the one who talked to Moses and sent him to deliver you as a people.” Ellen White has a very interesting statement:

Desire of Ages, pg 469 – 470: The name of God given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence had been claimed as his own. The name of God had been claimed by Jesus as his name. He had announced himself to be the self-existent One, whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. That’s why they took up stones to stone him because He was claiming to be not a god, not a Son of God, but God himself. He was claiming to be the great I AM that all good Jews worshiped all their centuries.

God’s Amazing Grace page 43 - All through the pages of sacred history where the dealings of God with His chosen people are recorded, there are burning traces of the great I AM. That’s true. All the way through the Old Testament. We know that name mostly as Jehovah, which is a transliteration but wrongly done of Yahweh which is the noun form of the I AM. the verb.

All of those titles or names mean the same thing. All the communion between heaven and the fallen race had been through Christ in the Old Testament. All those statements, the Lord has spoken to Jeremiah, the Lord has spoken to Isaiah, Ezekiel, is through Christ. Christ is the Yahweh, the Jehovah, the I AM of the Old Testament. She continues Christ is the Alpha and the Omega the first and the last. So remember whenever you read about Yahweh or Jehovah in the Old Testament you are reading about Jesus Christ. Let’s just take one sample of one verse in the Old Testament.

Isaiah 40:28. This again is describing and when as you probably know that in the King James Version of the Bible when the word LORD is in capital letters. It is a transliteration of Yahweh. The noun form of I AM. “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is a weary, there is no searching of his understanding.” -Notice the everlasting God Yahweh the creator of the ends of the earth. Ellen White has just informed us that’s Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the everlasting God of the Old Testament. The Yahweh. The I AM that led them through all of their wilderness wanderings[ and brought them into the promised land.

Desire of Ages page 530. – I n Christ is life, original, borrowed, underived. He is original life not borrowed from other source, not brought into existence at some point in prehistory. Evangelism page 615 - Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent key word self-existent Son of God. He assures us that there never was a time when he was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He is the eternal, self-existent Son. Put those two together: eternal self-existent. Bible Commentary volume five 1115 - From all eternity Christ was united with the Father. From all eternity. Review and Herald, April 5, 1906 -. Christ was God essentially and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity.[33:04] In the highest sense. He was not a lesser god. He was not a derived God. Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63, 64 tells us something very important about why this is essential. Only one equal with God could make atonement for the fallen race. Only a law giver could redeem those who had broken the law. Only the Creator of life could redeem those who had been created. If Christ had received life from the Father at some point in eternity which is what is being taught by this movement today. That he received life from the father at some point in eternity. If his life was borrowed or derived from the Father. If he was dependent on the Father for his very existence. He would not have existed if the father had not brought him into existence. Then he was not God in the highest sense. And he is not eternal. And he could not make atonement for the fallen race and redeem mankind. If Christ was not fully God. God would have been punishing an innocent third party who had also been created or brought into existence by God. Only one who is immortal in his very nature can offer everlasting life to the human race. (The term only begotten son is a faulty translation.)

Hebrews 11:17 - By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his what only begotten son. That’s wrong on two levels isn’t it?[35. Isaac was not the only begotten.[35:12] He was not even the first born and yet he is called his only begotten Son do you[35:19] see why the word has to mean unique one of a kind special.[35:24] None other like Isaac. He was the son of promise he was not the son of human activity. He was the son of a miracle and that’s what one of a kind means uniquely special. There is another text which doesn’t use the phrase only begotten in Acts 13:33 which is talking about Jesus. God have fulfilled the same unto us their children in that he raised the Jesus again as it is also written in the second psalm this thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Now that’s not talking about his birth is it? That’s talking about his resurrection. Raised up again this day have I begotten thee. So a case could be made that the word begotten has as much to do with his resurrection as with his birth. And that’s an interesting use of this word begotten again. Next consider the fact that an individual called Mary of Agrede, a visionary Catholic nun in the 1600’s said that the word was conceived by eternal generation from the Father and Christ was born before time existed. And that is exactly what is being taught by the present anti Trinity movement - taken directly from Catholic understanding. This is also the Eastern Orthodox position.

4. Pr. Priebe suggestion

To resolve some apparent contradictions that we even find in scripture. The nature of the Godhead is not the central theme in Scripture. God has never just spelled it out clearly and precisely even throughout all of Scripture.[Where it is discussed in the very few places it is discussed it reveals three equal beings all existing from eternity. One in purpose and mind in ways impossible for created beings. But it is not a major theme of scripture. It appears here and there in spots. So we will move to the next point. The central issue in Scripture is not the nature of the Godhead but the function of the Godhead. What they do. And it is always always in descending order from the Father to the Son to the Holy Spirit. It is always descending in that order. This is the way apparently that the Godhead wants all created beings to approach Him Directly to the Father? No. Through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ to the Father. The Father is the ultimate authority. Jesus is the visible representative to created beings The Holy Spirit is the invisible presence working on the hearts of created beings.

5. The Background on The War in Heaven

You know if we’re confused today. Even the angels were confused before sin ever entered the universe.The Father had to explain to the angels in angelic session, the difference between Christ and Lucifer. When Lucifer was challenging the place of Christ in the Godhead, both Lucifer and Christ had similar functions - they represented God to the created beings. They do the same work. So if there was a misunderstanding in heaven by the angels themselves. May we be forgiven to have problems today, figuring out the mystery of the Godhead.

Here’s the point. Christ always directs attention to the Father not to himself. He always points to the Father. He takes a secondary role to the Heavenly Father. Then the Holy Spirit always directs attention to Christ. And the Father He takes the third role almost invisible most of the time. So again. Equal in nature but unequal in function and rank as they relate to created beings. This is the best that we can do on this subject to try to understand it.

The Godhead apparently has chosen to reveal itself gradually to the human race. Apparently this has never been one of the crucial issues for the redemption of mankind to understand exactly the relations of the three beings.

In the Old Testament Yahweh is that personal name for God, Jehovah. And the name is interchangeable for the Father and the Son. (You are never quite sure unless you really dig deep. Is it the Father speaking or is it the Son speaking because it doesn’t really matter. The name is interchangeable.) Nothing much was known about the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Yes the spirit was moving on the face of the waters but that wasn’t precisely clear either. There are indications of plurality in the Old Testament more than one. But the emphasis is always on one God the Lord our God is one Lord (the great Shema of the Israelite people). That was their focus. The Lord our God is one.

Now in the New Testament more revelation came to bear because Christ had now come down in bodily form. So we have the Word of God, the Son of God. And then Christ reveals to us another aspect, the Holy Spirit who is our comforter, better translated advocate one who stands for us. One who is our lawyer if you will. The emphasis is on three beings in one Godhead descending in rank and function from the Father to the Son to the Holy Spirit.[41:46]

That’s what the New Testament reveals. Early Seventh Day Adventists were not concerned with this issue, they were concerned with the sanctuary in the twenty three hundred days. That was the issue of the early pioneers. They were concerned with the Bible not tradition. The Word of God as the authority not the traditions of the fathers. They were concerned with the Seventh day Sabbath and the law of God. There was very little study or even revelation from God through Ellen White about the Trinity, if you want to use that term. Very little were discussed about that by our pioneers. The Trinity in the early 1800’s was a mixture of the Bible, medieval philosophy and the early church councils. There was a group during that time before Adventism came into existence called the Christian Connection. They were absolutely certain that the Trinity was a Catholic doctrine and unscriptural and guess what? Joseph Bates and James White were members of the Christian Connection and because the Trinity apparently made the Father and the Son identical it was rejected by our pioneers.

Here’s just a sample from Joseph Bates on what he wrote on this. He said: respecting the Trinity, I concluded that it was an impossibility for me to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father was also the Almighty God the Father one and the same being. I said to my father. If you can convince me that we are one in this sense that you are my father and I your son and also that I am your father and you my son then I can believe in the Trinity. That is why they objected to the Trinity doctrine. It made them really just one essence with three different faces shining out at different times and the pioneers said no that’s not what the Bible teaches. So apparently God was satisfied to leave it this way; not to make it an issue among the pioneers; Not get everything corrected at the same time until about the 1890’s.

The 1890’s was the period of time when[ the last generation was supposed to be formed to go home - Translation. Maybe God said this is the last thing I need to get clear in your minds. Ellen White was in Australia during those years. W.W. Prescott visited her in Australia. He had developed a new style of evangelism based not on doctrines primarily but on righteousness by faith on the character of God. Guess where that came from? The 1888 message of Jones and Waggoner. Prescott began to preach this way and he spent time working with Ellen White in Australia and he began to question some of our pioneers teachings[44:49] on the nature and the Deity of Jesus Christ because our pioneers believed Christ had a beginning. He did not exist from all eternity. And he began to question this. A.G. Daniels the president of the General Conference supported his new direction and this was the very same time., when Ellen White was putting together Desire of Ages and in that book she differed sharply with our pioneers on the pre-existence of Jesus Christ

M.L. Andreasen had just become a Seventh-day Adventist four years earlier. He said that some of the leaders doubted that Ellen White had really written quote: “In Him was life original, unborrowed, underived.” Nah, she couldn’t of written that. That, that’s not true. He derived life from the Father. He didn’t have original life. She couldn’t have written that. So M.L. did what some others hadn’t been willing to do. In 1902 he made a special trip out to California to Elmshaven where Ellen White was residing at that time to investigate this statement: “Original, unborrowed, underived”. And he actually found these statements in her own handwriting. This was not a forgery. This was not an insertion. This was not something that someone had gotten into her writings without her knowing it In her own handwriting he found this statement that I referred to earlier. And that was enough for M.L. Andreasen from that point on. And because of her influence and the new study on the Godhead, the Adventist understanding of the Godhead took a different direction from the pioneers. That’s just a fact. That’s what happened. That is not the same as our earliest pioneers including James White taught in the early years.

Why so late? Ah, God has priorities.[ He knows we can’t handle everything all at the same time so he starts us out not with theology in the 1840’s the message was publishing. Get the Word out. Get the message out. Bright beams of light shining over the whole earth.

Publishing was the message of the 1840’s. In the 1850’s it was church organization. You can’t just go on loosely with everyone doing willy nilly what is right in their own eyes. We have to be organized. We have to be a body. That was the 1850’s. Health reform in the 1860’s- It was more important than all of the doctrines apparently as the body is a temple of the Holy Ghost. Then in the 1880’s Righteousness by faith. Christ in you the hope of glory. Not being so doctrinally centered even though doctrines are hugely important but not being so centered on them we lost focus of the one who is behind and in all of the doctrines and our relationship to him.

God simply paced the introduction of new truth to preserve unity in the church. So the church wouldn’t fracture at very various points in its existence. So very simply, the character of God was more important than the nature of God. And God simply said we’ll let that one go for a while. Don’t make that an issue of contention.

6. Higher Criticism Aftermath

As mentioned earlier as the really serious Adventists who are preparing for the second coming of Christ with the finishing act for the remnant church as the last generation, there is the decided teaching frorm the SDA Andrew Seminary are advocating support for the Trinity position,

Hardcore Bible Alone Believers are also questioning the authenticity of Ellen White’s writings and here is the most dangerous aspect. Did Ellen White write all that has been published under her name? Did Ellen White write all that has been published under her name. This is something we really really need to think through carefully. Whenever we find something in her writings which contradicts our beliefs about some position we have taken, we find some acceptable reason to set her aside. That can apply to any one of us at any time. This is the heart of higher criticism of the Bible. Well you don’t really have to believe in the literal creation record of Genesis One. It could have happened over many millions of years. You don’t have to believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. That was just something to make it exciting and special for the disciples. Higher criticism says we can reinterpret what the original inspired authors said because it just doesn’t fit with what we know today. Same thing applies to Ellen White. If it doesn’t fit with our cherished preconceptions. And that makes her writings of none effect. These are all people who believe solidly in the writings of Ellen White but not her full authority making her writings of none effect because we are picking and choosing ] those statements which fit our preconceptions and setting aside those statements which do not under some pretext. And there are many pretexts here. Well, Ellen White was young when she wrote that (as the basis for rejecting her writings) Some say you set aside her later writings because they’re not as pure as the earlier writings. Great Controversy after 1858 can’t be trusted etc…etc…

Some say that people inserted things into her writings without her knowing it. Do you think God would allow that in the Bible? That there would be untruth inserted into his word so that we couldn’t tell the difference. If God is going to speak to us at all will He not protect what he has spoken. Or else we’re saying that God isn’t a very good handler of truth and Ellen White isn’t a very good handler of what God revealed to her. Here is a statement that someone said Ellen White was inspired by God in almost all her writings but either she or someone messed with her writings. Colloquial but that’s what is being taught right on this subject. That means that everyone is free to pick and choose whatever agrees with our opinions. The essence of higher criticism. Pr Priebe suggests that perhaps even conservative Seventh-day Adventists will have to decide between the authority of God and the authority of men. It’s not just liberal, it’s conservative Adventists who have opinions too that they do not want to give up when faced with clear inspired statements.

7. Pr Priebe Decided Conclusion

So those are the reasons at least some of them why I believe that there is a three part Godhead. That Jesus Christ is eternal on the same level as the Father and that our pioneers had good reasons for rejecting the Catholic version of the Trinity which is way different from the Biblical version of the Godhead. And we do not have to apologize for believing in a very mysterious doctrine. Three persons one God - not explainable, unfathomable. It’s a mystery but it is a divinely given mystery. Not simply something that we’re trying to avoid. We are trying to grapple with it. We’re trying to understand it and make as much sense as we possibly can about it.

1.1.3.1.2.1.4.3 Mystery of Mysteries Conclusion

This is an appropriate point to end, although there are much more to be added. They will have to be reserved for another issue. Much have also been revealed as the cup of the wrath of God is about to be full as discerned in the fulfilling of prophecies for the end time. Judgment in heaven begun in October 22nd 1844 is about to be reached. The Covid 19 pandemic may be a final warning. It is be to be save than to be sorry. We need to prepared for the sealing by the Holy Spirit by exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This will bring about the oneness in Christ, the unity of the Church as the bride of Christ.

The End of Mystery of Mysteries, pg 84, posted July 26-28, 2020 by Tsc at singtsc@yahoo.com

Latest comments

01.10 | 06:27

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26.07 | 03:03

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