Download haggai a call to sanctification

Haggai a call to
sanctification
A call to build the church
Hag 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth
month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the
LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of
Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of
Josedech, the high priest, saying,
Hag 1:2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people
say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house
should be built.
Hag 1:3 Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the
prophet, saying,
Hag 1:4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled
houses, and this house lie waste?
Hag 1:5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;
Consider your ways.
Seek ye first
Haggai 1:6-15
Hag 1:6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye
have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye
clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages
earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
Hag 1:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
Hag 1:8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the
house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,
saith the LORD.
No Rain
Hag 1:9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and
when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the
LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye
run every man unto his own house.
Hag 1:10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from
dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.
Hag 1:11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon
the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine,
and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth
forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the
labour of the hands.
Who is to build?
Hag 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua
the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of
the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the
words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent
him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
Hag 1:13 Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the
LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith
the LORD.
Hag 1:14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel
the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of
Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of
all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work
in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
Hag 1:15 In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in
the second year of Darius the king.
Attitude of the builders
Haggai 2:1-5
Hag 2:1 In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the
month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
Hag 2:2 Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of
Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to
the residue of the people, saying,
Hag 2:3 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first
glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in
comparison of it as nothing?
Hag 2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be
strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong,
all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with
you, saith the LORD of hosts:
Hag 2:5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye
came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
Shaking the church
Haggai 2:6-7
Hag 2:6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a
little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth,
and the sea, and the dry land;
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all
nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
Good News Bible: Hag 2:7 I will overthrow all the nations,
and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple
will be filled with wealth.
Hag 2:8-9
Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith
the LORD of hosts.
Hag 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this
place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
John Wesley explanatory notes: Hag 2:7 - All nations - Which
was literally fulfilled in the overthrow of the Persian monarchy
by the Grecians, in the civil wars, and succeeding troubles
among Alexander's successors, the growth of the Roman
power by subduing their neighbours, and their dissentions and
home - bred wars. The desire - Christ the most desirable, to all
nations, and who was desired by all that knew their own
misery, and his sufficiency to save them who was to be the
light of the Gentiles, as well as the glory of his people Israel.
With glory - The first temple had a glory in its magnificent
structure, rich ornaments, and costly sacrifices; but this was a
worldly glory; that which is here promised, is a heavenly glory
from the presence of Christ in it. He that was the brightness
of his father's glory, who is the glory of the church, appeared
in this second temple.
He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this
world will drink only to thirst again. Everywhere men are
unsatisfied. They long for something to supply the need of the
soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world,
"The Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which
He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing,
and invigorating the soul. {DA 187.2}
The first temple had been erected during the most prosperous
period of Israel's history. Vast stores of treasure for this purpose
had been collected by King David, and the plans for its
construction were made by divine inspiration. [1 CHRON. 28:12,
19.] Solomon, the wisest of Israel's monarchs, had completed
the work. This temple was the most magnificent building
which the world ever saw. Yet the Lord had declared by the
prophet Haggai, concerning the second temple, "The glory of
this latter house shall be greater than of the former." "I will
shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come; and
I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts." [HAG.
2:9,7.] {GC88 23.2}
After the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, it
was rebuilt about five hundred years before the birth of Christ,
by a people who from a life-long captivity had returned to a
wasted and almost deserted country. There were then among
them aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon's temple,
and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it
must be so inferior to the former. The feeling that prevailed is
forcibly described by the prophet: "Who is left among you that
saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is
it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?" [HAG. 2:3.]
Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house
should be greater than that of the former. {GC88 23.3}
But the second temple had not equaled the first in
magnificence; nor was it hallowed by those visible tokens of the
divine presence which pertained to the first temple. There was
no manifestation of supernatural power to mark its
dedication. No cloud of glory was seen to fill the newly erected
sanctuary. No fire from heaven descended to consume the
sacrifice upon its altar. The Shekinah no longer abode between
the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy seat,
and the tables of the testimony were not to be found therein.
No voice sounded from heaven to make known to the inquiring
priest the will of Jehovah. {GC 24.1}
The "Desire of all nations" had indeed come to his temple
when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred
courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the
second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put
from her the proffered gift of Heaven. With the humble
Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate,
the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already
were the Saviour's words fulfilled, "Your house is left unto
you desolate." [MATT. 23:38.] {GC88 24.2}
"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the
former." "I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord
of hosts." Haggai 2:9, 7. {GC 23.2}
For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavoured to show
wherein the promise of God given by Haggai had been
fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the
true meaning of the prophet's words. The second temple was
not honoured with the cloud of Jehovah's glory, but with the
living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the
Godhead bodily--who was God Himself manifest in the
flesh. The "Desire of all nations" had indeed come to His
temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the
sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did
the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put
from her the proffered Gift of heaven. With the humble
Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate,
the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already
were the Saviour's words fulfilled: "Your house is left unto you
desolate." Matthew 23:38. {GC 24.2}
Lead to Fountains of Living Water.--He who seeks to quench
his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink only to
thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for
something to supply the need of the soul. Only One can
meet that want. The need of the world, "the Desire of all
nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone can
impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and
invigorating the soul.--DA 187 (1898). {2MCP 773.3}
The earnest pleadings and the encouragements given through
Haggai were emphasized and added to by Zechariah, whom
God raised up to stand by his side in urging Israel to carry out
the command to arise and build. Zechariah's first message
was an assurance that God's word never fails and a promise of
blessing to those who would hearken to the sure word of
prophecy. {PK 576.2}
Zec 1:1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came
the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the
son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
Zec 1:2 The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
Zec 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of
hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto
you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zec 1:4 Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets
have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from
your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor
hearken unto me, saith the LORD.
Zec 1:5 Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they
live for ever?
Zec 1:6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my
servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and
they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do
unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so
hath he dealt with us.
And yet the promise was given Zec 1:16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to
Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith
the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon
Jerusalem.
Zec 1:17 Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My
cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and
the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose
Jerusalem.
With fields lying waste, with their scant store of provisions
rapidly failing, and surrounded as they were by unfriendly
peoples, the Israelites nevertheless moved forward by faith in
response to the call of God's messengers, and labored
diligently to restore the ruined temple. It was a work requiring
firm reliance upon God. As the people endeavored to do their
part, and sought for a renewal of God's grace in heart and life,
message after message was given them through Haggai and
Zechariah, with assurances that their faith would be richly
rewarded and that the word of God concerning the future glory
of the temple whose walls they were rearing would not fail. In
this very building would appear, in the fullness of time, the
Desire of all nations as the Teacher and Saviour of mankind.
{PK 577.1}
Our Saviour is to be more distinctly recognized, and
acknowledged as the all sufficiency of his church. He
alone can perfect the faith of his people. There is to be no
wrestling for the supremacy among us, no exalting of self.
No, brethren, let us lift up Jesus, and we shall reap a rich
harvest. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men unto me." Lift him up, then; exalt the Holy One;
proclaim him "the Desire of all nations," the "chiefest
among ten thousand," the one "altogether lovely." Let
every church of every clime take hold with an intense
interest to help advance the cause. And while you labor
for your own locality, pray for the general prosperity and
upbuilding of the church throughout the vast harvestfield. {RH, July 16, 1895 par. 3}
Hard to be holy
Hag 2:10-14
Hag 2:10 In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in
the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai
the prophet, saying,
Hag 2:11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests
concerning the law, saying,
Hag 2:12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and
with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any
meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.
Hag 2:13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body
touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered
and said, It shall be unclean.
Hag 2:14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and
so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work
of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.
Fruit
Hag 2:15-19
Hag 2:15 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward,
from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the
LORD:
Hag 2:16 Since those days were, when one came to an heap of
twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the
pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but
twenty.
Hag 2:17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in
all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the
LORD.
Hag 2:18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four
and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the
foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it.
Hag 2:19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the
fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought
forth: from this day will I bless you.
Shaking of the nations and the deliverance of God’s people
Hag 2:20 And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in
the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,
Hag 2:21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will
shake the heavens and the earth;
Hag 2:22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I
will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I
will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and
the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the
sword of his brother.
Hag 2:23 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O
Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD,
and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the
LORD of hosts.
Conditions
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons
and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together
groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an
habitation of God through the Spirit.
Lessons from the life of Daniel
Daniel's Prayers
As the time approached for the close of the seventy years'
captivity, Daniel's mind became greatly exercised upon the
prophecies of Jeremiah. He saw that the time was at hand when God
would give His chosen people another trial; and with fasting,
humiliation, and prayer, he importuned the God of heaven in behalf
of Israel, in these words: "Oh Lord, the great and dreadful God,
keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them
that keep his commandments; we have sinned, and have committed
iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by
departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments; neither have
we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy
name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people
of the land" (Dan. 9:4-6). {SL 46.1} The Sanctified Life
Earnestness and Fervour
What earnestness and fervour characterize his supplications!
The hand of faith is reached upward to grasp the never-failing
promises of the Most High. His soul is wrestling in agony. And he
has the evidence that his prayer is heard. He knows that victory
is his. If we as a people would pray as Daniel prayed, and
wrestle as he wrestled, humbling our souls before God, we
should realize as marked answers to our petitions as were
granted to Daniel. Hear how he presses his case at the court of
heaven: {SL 47.1}
"Oh my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and
behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy
name; for we do not present our supplications before thee for
our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. Oh Lord, hear;
Oh Lord, forgive; Oh Lord, hearken and do; defer not; for thine
own sake, Oh my God: for thy city and thy people are called by
thy name" (verses 18, 19). {SL 47.2}
The Heavenly Messenger
As Daniel's prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes
sweeping down from the heavenly courts to tell him that his
petitions are heard and answered. This mighty angel has been
commissioned to give him skill and understanding--to open before
him the mysteries of future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to
know and understand the truth, Daniel was brought into communion
with Heaven's delegated messenger. {SL 48.1}
In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and
truth which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great
events of the future, even to the advent of the world's Redeemer.
Those who claim to be sanctified, while they have no desire to
search the Scriptures or to wrestle with God in prayer for a clearer
understanding of Bible truth, know not what true sanctification is.
{SL 48.2}
Seeking Wisdom From God
Upon the occasion just described, the angel Gabriel imparted
to Daniel all the instruction which he was then able to receive. A
few years afterward, however, the prophet desired to learn more
of subjects not yet fully explained, and again set himself to seek
light and wisdom from God. "In those days I Daniel was mourning
three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor
wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all. . . . Then I
lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man
clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of
Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the
appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his
arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice
of his words like the voice of a multitude" (Dan. 10:2-6). {SL
49.2}
This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was
revealed to him upon the Isle of Patmos. No less a personage
than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. Our Lord comes with
another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take
place in the latter days. {SL 49.3}
The great truths revealed by the world's Redeemer are for
those who search for truth as for hid treasures. Daniel was an
aged man. His life had been passed amid the fascinations of a
heathen court, his mind cumbered with the affairs of a great
empire. Yet he turns aside from all these to afflict his soul before
God, and seek a knowledge of the purposes of the Most High. And
in response to his supplications, light from the heavenly courts
was communicated for those who should live in the latter days.
With what earnestness, then, should we seek God, that He may
open our understanding to comprehend the truths brought to us
from heaven. {SL 50.1}
True sanctification
Daniel was a devoted servant of the Most High. His long life was
filled up with noble deeds of service for his Master. His purity of
character and unwavering fidelity are equalled only by his
humility of heart and his contrition before God. We repeat, The
life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of true sanctification.
{SL 52.1}
Lessons from the life of John
The Character of John
The apostle John was distinguished above his brethren as "the
disciple whom Jesus loved." While not in the slightest degree
cowardly, weak, or vacillating in character, he possessed an
amiable disposition and a warm, loving heart....
The Saviour's affection for the beloved disciple was returned
with all the strength of ardent devotion. John clung to Christ as
the vine clings to the stately pillar. For his Master's sake he braved
the dangers of the judgment hall and lingered about the cross; and
at the tidings that Christ had risen, he hastened to the sepulcher, in
his zeal outstripping even the impetuous Peter. {SL 53.2}
John's love for his Master was not a mere human friendship, but
it was the love of a repentant sinner, who felt that he had been
redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He esteemed it the
highest honour to work and suffer in the service of his Lord. His love
for Jesus led him to love all for whom Christ died. His religion was
of a practical character. He reasoned that love to God would be
manifested in love to His children. He was heard again and again to
say, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one
another" (1 John 4:11). {SL 53.3}
A New Creature Through Grace
The confiding love and unselfish devotion manifested in the life
and character of John present lessons of untold value to the
Christian church. Some may represent him as possessing this love
independent of divine grace; but John had, by nature, serious
defects of character; he was proud and ambitious, and quick to
resent slight and injury. {SL 54.1}
The depth and fervour of John's affection for his Master was
not the cause of Christ's love for him, but the effect of that love.
John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming
influence of the love of Christ, he became meek and lowly of
heart. Self was hid in Jesus. He was closely united to the Living
Vine, and thus became a partaker of the divine nature. Such will
ever be the result of communion with Christ. This is true
sanctification. {SL 54.2}
Transformation of character
There may be marked defects in the character of an
individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Jesus, the
power of divine grace makes him a new creature. Christ's love
transforms, sanctifies him. But when persons profess to be
Christians, and their religion does not make them better men
and better women in all the relations of life--living
representatives of Christ in disposition and character--they
are none of His. {SL 55.1}
Lessons in Character Building
At one time John engaged in a dispute with several of his
brethren as to which of their number should be accounted
greatest. They did not intend their words to reach the ear of the
Master; but Jesus read their hearts, and embraced the
opportunity to give His disciples a lesson of humility. It was not
only for the little group who listened to His words, but was to be
recorded for the benefit of all His followers to the close of time.
"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If
any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and
servant of all" (Mark 9:35). {SL 55.2}
Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have no ambition to
occupy a position above their brethren. It is those who are small
in their own eyes who will be accounted great in the sight of God.
"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and
when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name,
receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me,
but him that sent me" (verses 36, 37). {SL 55.3}
On another occasion his brother James and himself had seen
a man casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and because he
did not immediately connect himself with their company, they
decided that he had no right to do this work, and consequently
forbade him. In the sincerity of his heart John related the
circumstance to his Master. Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for
there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can
lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our
part" (verses 39, 40). {SL 56.2}
Again, James and John presented by their mother a petition
requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest
positions of honour in Christ's kingdom. The Saviour
answered, "Ye know not what ye ask" (Mark 10:38). How little
do many of us understand the true import of our prayers! Jesus
knew the infinite sacrifice at which that glory must be
purchased, when He, "for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb. 12:2). That joy
was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the
shedding of His blood. {SL 56.3}
This was the glory which Christ was to receive, and which these
two disciples had requested that they might be permitted to
share. Jesus asked them, "Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of?
and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And
they said unto him, We can" (Mark 10:38, 39). {SL 57.1}
How little did they comprehend what that baptism signified!
"Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink
of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be
baptized: but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not
mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is
prepared" (verses 39, 40). {SL 57.2}
Pride and Ambition Reproved
Jesus understood the motives which prompted the request,
and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples:
"Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the
Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones
exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you:
but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of
all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (verses
42-45). {SL 57.3}
Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before Him unto a village
of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments
for Himself and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the
town, He appeared to be passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused
the enmity of the Samaritans, and instead of sending messengers to
invite and even urge Him to tarry with them, they withheld the
courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus
never urges His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the
blessing which would have been granted them had they solicited Him
to be their guest. {SL 57.4}
We may wonder at this uncourteous treatment of the Majesty of
heaven, but how frequently are we who profess to be the followers
of Christ guilty of similar neglect. Do we urge Jesus to take up His
abode in our hearts and in our homes? He is full of love, of grace, of
blessing, and stands ready to bestow these gifts upon us; but, like
the Samaritans, we are often content without them. {SL 58.1}
The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the
Samaritans with His presence; and when they saw the coldness,
jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master, they were filled
with surprise and indignation. James and John were especially
stirred. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus
treated, seemed to them a crime too great to be passed over
without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, "Lord,
wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven,
and consume them, even as Elias did?" (Luke 9:54), referring to
the destruction of the Syrian captains and their companies sent
out to take the prophet Elijah. {SL 58.2}
Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, "Ye know not what manner
of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy
men's lives, but to save them" (verses 55, 56). John and his
fellow disciples were in a school in which Christ was teacher.
Those who were ready to see their own defects, and were
anxious to improve in character, had ample opportunity. John
treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life
into harmony with the Divine Pattern. The lessons of Jesus,
setting forth meekness, humility, and love as essential to
growth in grace, and a fitness for his work, were of the highest
value to John. These lessons are addressed to us as individuals
and as brethren in the church, as well as to the first disciples
of Christ. {SL 59.1}
John and Judas
An instructive lesson may be drawn from the striking contrast
between the character of John and that of Judas. John was a
living illustration of sanctification. On the other hand, Judas
possessed a form of godliness, while his character was more
satanic than divine. He professed to be a disciple of Christ, but in
words and in works denied Him. {SL 59.2}
Judas had the same precious opportunities as had John to
study and to imitate the Pattern. He listened to the lessons of
Christ, and his character might have been transformed by divine
grace. But while John was earnestly warring against his own
faults and seeking to assimilate to Christ, Judas was violating his
conscience, yielding to temptation, and fastening upon himself
habits of dishonesty that would transform him into the image of
Satan. {SL 59.3}
These two disciples represent the Christian world. All
profess to be Christ's followers; but while one class walk in
humility and meekness, learning of Jesus, the other show
that they are not doers of the word, but hearers only. One
class are sanctified through the truth; the other know
nothing of the transforming power of divine grace. The
former are daily dying to self, and are overcoming sin. The
latter are indulging their own lusts, and becoming the
servants of Satan. {SL 60.1}
The Ministry of John
The apostle John passed his early life in the society of the
uncultivated fishermen of Galilee. He did not enjoy the training of
the schools; but by association with Christ, the Great Teacher, he
obtained the highest education which mortal man can receive. He
drank eagerly at the fountain of wisdom, and then sought to lead
others to that "well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John
4:14). The simplicity of his words, the sublime power of the truths
he uttered, and the spiritual fervor that characterized his
teachings gave him access to all classes. Yet even believers were
unable to fully comprehend the sacred mysteries of divine truth
unfolded in his discourses. He seemed to be constantly imbued with
the Holy Spirit. He sought to bring the thoughts of the people up to
grasp the unseen. The wisdom with which he spoke, caused his
words to drop as the dew, softening and subduing the soul. {SL
61.1}
After the ascension of Christ, John stands forth a faithful,
ardent labourer for the Master. With others he enjoyed the
outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and with
fresh zeal and power he continued to speak to the people the
words of life. He was threatened with imprisonment and
death, but he would not be intimidated. {SL 61.2}
John's Favourite Theme
John's favourite theme was the infinite love of Christ. He believed
in God as a child believes in a kind and tender father. He understood
the character and work of Jesus; and when he saw his Jewish
brethren groping their way without a ray of the Sun of
Righteousness to illuminate their path, he longed to present to
them Christ, the Light of the world. {SL 62.3}
The faithful apostle saw that their blindness, their pride,
superstition, and ignorance of the Scriptures were riveting upon their
souls fetters which would never be broken. The prejudice and hatred
against Christ which they obstinately cherished, was bringing ruin
upon them as a nation and destroying their hopes of everlasting life.
But John continued to present Christ to them as the only way of
salvation. The evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah was
so clear that John declares no man needs to walk in the darkness of
error while such light is proffered him. {SL 63.1}
Saddened by Poisonous Errors
John lived to see the gospel of Christ preached far and near,
and thousands eagerly accepting its teachings. But he was filled
with sadness as he perceived poisonous errors creeping into the
church. Some who accepted Christ claimed that His love released
them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand,
many taught that the letter of the law should be kept, also all
the Jewish customs and ceremonies, and that this was sufficient
for salvation, without the blood of Christ. They held that Christ
was a good man, like the apostles, but denied His divinity. John
saw the dangers to which the church would be exposed, should
they receive these ideas, and he met them with promptness and
decision. He wrote to a most honourable helper in the gospel, a
lady of good repute and extensive influence: {SL 63.2}
"Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an
antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things
which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ,
he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto
you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your
house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God
speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 7-11). {SL 64.1}
John was not to prosecute his work without great hindrances.
Satan was not idle. He instigated evil men to cut short the useful
life of this man of God, but holy angels protected him from their
assaults. John must stand as a faithful witness for Christ. The
church in its peril needed his testimony. {SL 64.2}
By misrepresentation and falsehood the emissaries of Satan had
sought to stir up opposition against John and against the doctrine
of Christ. In consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling
the church. John met these errors unflinchingly. He hedged up the
way of the adversaries of truth. He wrote and exhorted, that the
leaders in these heresies should not have the least
encouragement. There are at the present day evils similar to
those that threatened the prosperity of the early church, and the
teachings of the apostle upon these points should be carefully
heeded. "You must have charity," is the cry to be heard
everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification.
But charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. John's
teachings are important for those who are living amid the perils
of the last days. He had been intimately associated with Christ, he
had listened to His teachings and had witnessed His mighty
miracles. He bore a convincing testimony, which made the
falsehoods of His enemies of none effect. {SL 64.3}
No Compromise With Sin
John enjoyed the blessing of true sanctification. But mark, the
apostle does not claim to be sinless; he is seeking perfection by
walking in the light of God's countenance. He testifies that the
man who professes to know God, and yet breaks the divine law,
gives the lie to his profession. "He that saith, I know him, and
keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in
him" (1 John 2:4). In this age of boasted liberality these words
would be branded as bigotry. But the apostle teaches that while
we should manifest Christian courtesy, we are authorized to call sin
and sinners by their right names--that this is consistent with true
charity. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, and
labor for their salvation, we should not make a compromise with
sin. We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this charity.
God requires His people in this age of the world to stand, as did
John in his time, unflinchingly for the right, in opposition to souldestroying errors. {SL 65.1}
John's Humility
To the beloved disciple were granted such exalted privileges as
have rarely been vouchsafed to mortals. Yet so closely had he
become assimilated to the character of Christ that pride found no
place in his heart. His humility did not consist in a mere profession;
it was a grace that clothed him as naturally as a garment. He ever
sought to conceal his own righteous acts and to avoid everything
that would seem to attract attention to himself. In his Gospel, John
mentions the disciple whom Jesus loved, but conceals the fact that
the one thus honored was himself. His course was devoid of
selfishness. In his daily life he taught and practiced charity in the
fullest sense. He had a high sense of the love that should exist
among natural brothers and Christian brethren. He presents and
urges this love as an essential characteristic of the followers of Jesus.
Destitute of this, all pretensions to the Christian name are vain. {SL
78.2}
No Sanctification Without Obedience
I have met many who claimed to live without sin. But when
tested by God's word these persons were found to be open
transgressors of His holy law. The clearest evidences of the
perpetuity and binding force of the fourth commandment failed to
arouse the conscience. They could not deny the claims of God, but
ventured to excuse themselves in breaking the Sabbath. They
claimed to be sanctified, and to serve God on all days of the week.
Many good people, they said, did not keep the Sabbath. If men were
sanctified, no condemnation would rest upon them if they did not
observe it. God was too merciful to punish them for not keeping the
seventh day. They would be counted singular in the community
should they observe the Sabbath, and would have no influence in the
world. And they must be subject to the powers that be. {SL 66.1}
The Dichotomy of Truth
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father
which is in heaven is perfect.
1 John 1:8-10
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
[our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us.
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}
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}
Unity is the strength of the church. Satan knows this, and he
employs his whole force to bring in dissension. He desires to see
a lack of harmony among the members of the church of God.
Greater attention should be given to the subject of unity. What
is the recipe for the cure of the leprosy of strife and dissension?
Obedience to the commandments of God. {2SM 159.3}
God has been teaching me that we are not to dwell upon the
differences which weaken the church. He prescribes a remedy
for strife. By keeping His Sabbath holy we are to show that we
are His people. His Word declares the Sabbath to be a sign by
which to distinguish the commandment-keeping people. Thus
God's people are to preserve among them a knowledge of Him
as their Creator. Those who keep the law of God will be one with
Him in the great controversy commenced in heaven between
Satan and God. Disloyalty to God means contention and strife
against the principles of God's law. {2SM 160.1}
Why is it that so many claim to be holy and sinless? It is
because they are so far from Christ. I have never dared to claim
any such a thing. From the time that I was 14 years old, if I knew
what the will of God was, I was willing to do it. You never have
heard me say I am sinless. Those that get sight of the loveliness
and exalted character of Jesus Christ, who was holy and lifted
up and His train fills the temple, will never say it. Yet we are to
meet with those that will say such things more and more.-Manuscript 5, 1885. {3SM 354.2}
I want to say to whomsoever the glory of God has been
revealed, “You will never have the least inclination to say, ‘I am
holy, I am sanctified.’”…
Let God write it in His books if He will, but you should never
utter it. {3SM 354.4}
He conquered Satan in the long fast of the wilderness, and when he
came to him as an angel of light, offering the dominion of the world
in exchange for his worship; he made sacrifices that will never be
required of man, as man can never attain to his exalted character.
His whole earthly life was a demonstration of perfect submission to
his Father's will. The course of Christ and that of Satan present the
complete contrast of the life of an obedient with that of a disloyal
son. {3SP 77.2}
We cannot say, "I am sinless," till this vile body is changed and
fashioned like unto His glorious body. But if we constantly seek to
follow Jesus, the blessed hope is ours of standing before the throne
of God without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; complete in
Christ, robed in His righteousness and perfection.--Signs of the
Times, March 23, 1888. {3SM 355.4}
Does this mean we do not have to strive for
perfection?
He obeyed every jot and tittle of the law, to testify before
unfallen worlds, before holy angels, before the fallen world, that
those who believe in him, who accept of him as their sin-offering,
who rely upon him as their personal Saviour, will be advantaged
by his righteousness, and become partakers of his divine nature.
He testifies that through his imputed righteousness the believing
soul shall obey the commandments of God. {ST, January 16, 1896
par. 7}
However, we should not forget that appropriating the
righteousness of Christ does not bring us up to the level of
Christ nor does it bring Christ down to our level.
All who would possess a perfect Christian character must wear
the yoke of Christ. If they would sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus, they must learn of him while on this earth.
Christ says to all such: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be
able." "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it." {ST, November 5, 1896 par. 16}
Through His Son, God has revealed the excellency to which man
is capable of attaining. And before the world God is developing
us as living witnesses of what man may become through the
grace of Christ. What an honor He confers upon us, in urging us
to be holy in our sphere, as the Father is holy in His sphere. And
through His power we are able to do this; for He declares, "All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18).
This unlimited power it is your privilege and mine to claim. {AG
268.6, 7}
We should strive to be perfect in our sphere, as He was perfect
in His sphere. No longer are the members of the church to
remain unconcerned in regard to the formation of right
characters. Placing themselves under the molding influence of
the Holy Spirit, they are to form characters that are a reflection
of the divine character. (87) {8T 86.2}
Is it our duty to evangelize church members with regard to
the perfection they need to reach in order to satisfy the
standard?
That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character,
and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for
another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified
from every stain of sin. {TM 233.2}
It is not essential for you to know and tell
others all the whys and wherefores as to what
constitutes the new heart, or as to the
position they can and must reach so as never
to sin. You have no such work to do. {1SM
177.3}
What then is our duty as Seventh
Day Adventists?
The Christian's mission in the world is to reveal the character of
Christ, to represent the Lord to the fallen children of men.
{ST, June 8, 1891 par. 10}
Our work is to benefit our fellowmen. We are not to travel over
the track of opponents to the truth, but to sound the message of
the third angel, who is flying in the midst of heaven proclaiming
the note of warning, the commandments of God, and the
testimony of Jesus Christ. {TM 236.3}
In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the
world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted
the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining
wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a
work of the most solemn import--the proclamation of the first,
second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so
great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their
attention.--9T 19 (1909). {LDE 45.3}
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be
no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together
in the same mind and in the same judgment.