THE SANCTUARY MESSAGE

PRINCIPLES TO KEEP IN MIND AS WE PREPARE FOR THE JUDGMENT

"Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power."—Evangelism, p. 700.

"Those who have rendered supreme homage to 'science falsely so called' will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view."—5 Testimonies, p. 80,81.

"God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications. God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals."—5 Testimonies, p. 32.

"He will call men from the plow and from other occupations to give the last note of warning to perishing souls."—9 Testimonies, p. 170.

"He does not ask, Do they possess learning and eloquence? Have they ability to command and control and manage? He asks, Will they represent My character? Will they walk in humility, that I may teach them My way? The soul temple must not be defiled by any loose or unclean practice. Those whom I will acknowledge in the courts of heaven must be without spot and wrinkle.

"The Lord will use humble men to do a great and good work. Through them He will represent to the world the ineffaceable characteristics of the divine nature."—Letter 270, 1907; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 969.

"Only those who have withstood and overcome the temptations through the strength of the Mighty One, will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming this message when it shall have swelled into the loud cry."—Review and Herald, November 19,1908.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19

"The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out 'when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.' " —Great Controversy, p. 485.

"God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer . . Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation."—1 Testimonies, p. 187.

"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers."—Great Controversy, p. 612.

"To His church, Christ "'as given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18.

"The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to 'the principalities and powers in heavenly places,' the final and full display of the love of God."—Acts of the Apostles, p. 9.

"I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus. Those who rejected the testimony of John were not benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the message that foretold His coming placed them where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence that He was the Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still farther, to reject and crucify Christ. In doing this they placed themselves where they could not receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would have taught them the way into the heavenly sanctuary. . the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the benefits of His atonement. But the Jews were left in total darkness. . The heavenly Sanctuary had taken the place of the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the change. Therefore they could not be benefited by the mediation of Christ in the holy place."—Early Writings, pp. 259,260.

"God is now sifting His people, testing their purposes and their motives. Many will be but as chaff—no value in them." 4 Testimonies, p. 51.

"God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church. We cannot read the heart of man. But the Lord has provided means to keep the church pure." 1 Testimonies, p. 99.

"1 have stated before them that, from what was shown me, but a small number of those now professing to believe the truth would eventually be saved—not because they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in God's own appointed way. .

"The words of Christ are plain) 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able: "2 Testimonies, pp. 445, 446.

"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition."—Great Controversy, p. 608.

"When the law of God is made void, the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits."—General Conference Bulletin, 1891, p. 257.

"Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. . To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader." 5 Testimonies, p. 136.

"Satan will work his miracles to deceive. He will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear to fall but it does not fall. It remains while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out. The chaff is separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouth. The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy. The great issue so near at hand will weed out those whom God has not appointed, and He will have a pure, true, sanctified ministry prepared for the latter rain."—Letter 55, 1886.

"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. . Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.—Evangelism, p. 200.

"There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of their heart to confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their expectations and ideal, they will oppose the work. Why, they say, should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?"—Review and Herald, November 7, 1918.

"Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2.

"We lose much by not dwelling constantly upon the character of Christ.—Manuscript 16, 1890; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 907.

"In constantly beholding Him, we are changed into the same image: "Steps to Christ, p. 77. "When He shall appear, we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2

" . . I saw that a time would come when they would take a firm position against the testimonies. This was to be the _signal for decided action. And thus the matter worked out. When the leaders in Battle Creek made an open raid on the Testimonies, then I said, Brethren, we now face the issue. 'Meet it' with all the strength and power of God. Then the pitchers were broken and the light shown forth in clear rays. K-328, 1906 (This refers to the "Iceberg" vision—Series B, No. 2, pp. 55, 56.)

"One thing is certain soon to be realized, the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout.—Series B, No. 7, p. 57.

"Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the Alpha of this danger. The Omega will be of a most startling nature. Series B, No. 7, p. 16.

"I have been shown that unbelief in the testimonies has been steadily increasing as the people backslide from God. It is all through our ranks, all over the field. But few know what our churches are to experience." 5 Testimonies, p. 76.

"As the end draws near, and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise. 5 Testimonies, p. 654.

"Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge, in cautions, reproofs, and warnings. . "5 Testimonies, p. 681.

"It is Satan's special object to prevent this light from coming to the people of God, who so greatly need it amid the perils of these last days." 5 Testimonies, p. 667.

"The most profound intellect of the world, when not enlightened by God's Word, becomes bewildered and lost while trying to investigate the matters of science and revelation. The Creator and His works are beyond finite comprehension, and men conclude that because they cannot explain the works and the ways of God from natural causes, the Bible history is not reliable."—Review and Herald, August 19, 1909; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 906.

"Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations." Steps to Christ, pp. 115, 116.

"Finite man cannot fathom the deep things of God; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The human mind cannot comprehend the wisdom and power of God."—Review and Herald, December 29, 1898; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 1079.

"As in the case of Daniel, in exact proportion as the spiritual character is developed, the intellectual capabilities are increased."—Review and Herald, March 22, 1898; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 1168.

"As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day and this conversion is not complete until he attains to perfection of character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality." 2 Testimonies, p. 505.

"At that time the 'latter rain: or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out." Early Writings, p. 86.

"When the third angel's message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received 'the latter rain: 'the refreshing from the presence of the Lord: and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received 'the Seal of God: Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the Sanctuary above. —Great Controversy, p. 613.

"Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth 2S gold tried in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.—Great Controversy, p. 621.

"He vanquished Satan in the same nature over which in Eden Satan obtained the victory. . He overcame in human nature relying upon God for power.—Youths' Instructor, April 25, 1901.

"Everyone who by faith obeys God's commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. When we submit ourselves to Christ, we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.—Signs of the Times, July 29, 1902.

"Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God's commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts."—Manuscript 122,1901;6 Bible Commentary, p. 1901.

"To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created. . this was to be the work of redemption.—Education, pp. 16, 17.

"The life that Christ lived in this world, men and women can live, through His power and under His instruction. 9 Testimonies, p. 22.

"God loved the world so dearly that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would accept Him might have power to live His sinless life.—Review and Herald, January 28,1909.

"Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church. . the very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, and the honor Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people. —Desire of Ages, p. 671.

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own."—Christ Object Lessons, p. 69.

"Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty four thousand.—Review and Herald, March 9, 1905; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 970.

"He [God] calls us to be perfect as He is . . in the same manner. We are to be centers of light and blessing in our circle, even as He is to the universe. . We may be perfect in our sphere, even as God is perfect in His."—Mount of Blessing, pp. 117,118.

"He teaches them that the perfection of character He requires can be attained only by becoming familiar with His Word.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p 454.

"Those who would have the benefits of the Saviour's mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God.—Great Controversy, pp. 487, 488.

"The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He calls for perfection in character-building.—Manuscript 34, 1899; 5 Bible Commentary, p. 1085.

"For thirty years He lived the life of a perfect man, meeting the highest standard of perfection."—Letter 69,1897; 5 Bible Commentary, p. 1086.

"It is a solemn thing to die, but a far more solemn thing to live. Every thought and word and deed of our lives will meet us again. What we make of ourselves in probationary time, that we must remain in all eternity. Death brings dissolution to the body, but makes no change in the character. The coming of Christ does not change our characters; it only fixes them forever beyond all change.—5 Testimonies, p. 466.

"When He comes He is not to cleanse us of our sins, to remove from us the defects in our characters, or to cure us of the infirmities of our tempers and dispositions. If wrought for us at all, this work will all be accomplished before that time. —2 Testimonies, p. 355.

"The secret of success is the union of Divine power with human effort."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 509. "Human effort must combine with Divine power, that we may be able to accomplish the closing work for this time. 2 Selected Messages, p. 15. "In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan's control; but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God. . subjection to God is restoration to one's self.—Desire of Ages, p. 466.

"The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one."—8 Testimonies, p. 269.

"Man can accomplish nothing without God, and God has arranged His plans so as to accomplish nothing in the restoration of the human race without the cooperation of the human with the Divine. The part man is required to sustain is immeasurably small, yet in the plan of God it is just that force that is needed to make the work a success. We are laborers together with God. This is the Lord's own wise arrangement. The cooperation of the human will and endeavor with the divine energy is the link that binds man up with one another and God." —Manuscript 113, September 8, 1898.

"The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. . The personal presence of Christ in the soul."—Review and Herald, November 29,1892.

" . . Man's working. . is not an independent work he performs without God. His whole dependence is upon the power and grace of the Divine Worker. Many miss the mark here, and claim that man must work his own individual self, free from divine power. This is not in accordance with the test. Another argues man is free from all obligation because God does all, both the willing and the doing. . there must be cooperation of the human and the divine agencies.

"Man cannot possibly work out his own salvation without the ordained divine power, and God will not do for man that which He requires man shall do for himself, through his own earnest willing cooperation."—Manuscript 59, 1889.

"Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, 'Without Me ye can do nothing: From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall."—Notebook Leaflets, "The Church" No. 5, p. 3.

"God does not design that our will should be destroyed, for it is only through its exercise that we can accomplish what He would have us do. Our will is to be yielded to Him that we may receive it again purified and refined and so linked in sympathy with the Divine that He can pour through us the tides of His love and power. . "—Mount of Blessing, pp. 96, 97.

"As fast as the soul resolves to act in accordance with the light given, the Holy Spirit gives more light and strength. The strength of the Spirit is supplied to co-operate with the soul's resolve, but it is not a substitute for the individual exercise of faith. Success in the Christian life depends upon the appropriation of the light that God has given.—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 518.

"It is God who gives us power to overcome.—Letter 44, 1903; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 943.

"The world needs a practical demonstration of what the grace of God can do in restoring to human beings their lost kingship, giving them mastery of themselves.—Ministry of Healing, p. 452.

"They have lost their manhood, and this they must win back. Many have to battle against strong hereditary tendencies to evil. Unnatural cravings, sensual impulses, were their inheritance from birth. These must be carefully guarded against." —Ministry of Healing, p. 173.

"The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor's crown. The strongest evidence of man's fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gained only by hard fight, inch by inch, hour by hour. . "—Ministry of Healing, p. 452.

"To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created. . This is the object of education, the great object of life.—Education, pp. 15,16.

"Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, of 'the rulers of darkness of this world: and of 'spiritual wickedness in high places: "—Prophets and Kings, p. 489.

"Men have polluted the soul-temple, and God calls upon them to awake, and to strive with all their might to win back their God-given manhood."—Counsels on Health, pp. 22, 23.

"Men and women need to be awakened to the duty of self-mastery. . By becoming one with Christ, man is made free. Subjection to the will of Christ means restoration to perfect manhood. . man may stand conqueror of himself. Ministry of Healing, pp. 130, 131.

"He who cooperates with God in the work of keeping this wonderful machinery in order, who consecrates all his powers to God, seeking intelligently to obey the laws of nature, stands in his God-given manhood, and is recorded in the books of heaven as a man.—Notebook Leaflets, Edition No. 4, Volume I, No. 28, article 24,1899, p. 2.

"We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things.

"Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, 'love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: They will no longer fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by faith of the Son of God they will follow in His steps, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure."—Steps to Christ, pp. 62, 63.

"It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness. Steps to Christ, p. 75.

"By beholding, by 'looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: he becomes changed into the same image.—Review and Herald, March 15, 1887; 6 Bible Commentary, p. 1098.

"When the soul is brought into close relationship with the great Author of light and truth, impressions are made upon it revealing its true position before God. Then self will die, pride will be laid low, and Christ will draw His own image in deeper lines upon the soul.—Manuscript la, 1890; 6 Bible Commentary, p. 1099.

"Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God."—Steps to Christ, p. 68.

"The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image. —Steps to Christ, p. 70

"We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory.

"Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.—Review and Herald, March 9, 1905; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 970.

"John saw a Lamb on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 having His father's name written in their foreheads. They bore the signet of heaven. They reflected the image of God. They were full of the light and glory of the Holy One. If we would have the image and superscription of God upon us, we must trust our cases in the hands of Christ. While we are working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, God will work in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure." Review and Herald, March 19, 1889; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 978.

"Satan accomplished the fall of man, and since that time it has been his work to efface in man the image of God, and to stamp upon human hearts his own image.—Review and Herald, October 22, 1895,. 1 Bible Commentary, p. 1106.

"Through yielding to satanic influences, men will be transformed into fiends; and those who were created in the image of God, who were formed to honor and glorify their Creator, will become the habitation of dragons, and Satan will see in an apostate race his masterpiece of evil-men who reflect his own image.—Review and Herald, April 14, 1896; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 974.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. Hebrews 12: 1 ,2.

"The leaven of truth will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the love of ambition, the desire to be first."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 101. "The student would seek the development of God's gifts in himself, not to excel others, but to fulfill the purpose of the Creator and to receive His likeness." Patriarchs, and Prophets, 595.

"God's plan of life has a place for every human being. . In God's plan there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 . . From the child's earliest years it is an appeal to emulation and rivalry; it fosters selfishness, the root of all evil."—Education, v. 226.

"All the varied capabilities that men possess—of mind and soul and body—are given them by God, to be so employed as to reach the highest possible degree of excellence. But this cannot be a selfish and exclusive culture; for the character of God, whose likeness we are to receive, is benevolence and love. Every faculty, every attribute with which the Creator has endowed us, is to be employed for His glory and for the uplifting of our fellow-men. And in this employment is found its purest, noblest, and happiest exercise.

"Were this principle given the attention which its importance demands, there would be a radical change in some of the current methods of education. Instead of appealing to pride and selfish ambition, kindling a spirit of emulation, teachers would endeavor to awaken the love for goodness and truth and beauty ,to arouse the desire for excellence. The student would seek the development of God's gifts in himself, not to excel others, but to fulfill the purpose of the Creator and to receive His likeness. Instead of being directed to mere earthly standards, or being actuated by the desire for self-exaltation, which in itself dwarfs and belittles, the mind would be directed to the Creator, to know Him and to become like Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 595.

"Strife for high reward and honors as a recompense for good scholarship. All this was to be discouraged in our schools."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 286.

"There were some who were striving for the mastery, each trying to excel the others in the swift running of their bicycles. There was a spirit of strife and contention among them as to which should be the greatest. The spirit was similar to that manifested in the baseball games on the college ground. Said my guide, these things are an offense to God."—8 Testimonies, p. 52.

"In plunging into amusements, match games, pugilistic performances, they declare to the world that Christ was not their leader in any of these things."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 378.

"The offering of rewards will create rivalry, envy, and jealousy; and some who are the most worthy will receive little credit."—Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, p. 110.

"The Lord's Word will come to them; but if they choose not to hear it, the Lord will make them responsible for their own ruin."—Notebook Leaflets No. 31, p. 1; 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1170.

"It is no arbitrary decree on the part of God that excludes the wicked from heaven; they are shut out by their own unfitness for its companionship. The glory of God would be to them a consuming fire. They would welcome destruction, that they might be hidden from the face of Him who died to redeem them."—Steps to Christ, p. 20.

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3.

"Jesus placed the cross in line with the light coming from heaven, for it is there that it shall catch the eye of man. . Beholding the cross men may see and know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent." Signs of the Times, March 7, 1895; 5 Bible Commentary, p. 1133.

"And those who will be translated at the close of time, will be those who commune with God on earth."—Manuscript 38,1897,1 Bible Commentary, p. 1087.

"In Christ all fullness dwells. He teaches us to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. This knowledge is the highest science that any man can reach."—Manuscript 125,1907; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 905.

"In that day of final punishment and reward, both saints and sinners will recognize in Him who was crucified the Judge of all living. Every crown that is given to the saints of the Most High will be bestowed by the hands of Christ—those hands that cruel priests and rulers condemned to be nailed to the cross. He alone can give to men the consolation of eternal life."—Review and Herald, November 22, 1898; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 958."

"The definition of heaven is the presence of Christ." Manuscript 58; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 989.

"Through all eternity the ransomed host will be His chief Glory."—3 Spirit of Prophecy, pp. 2,60, 261; 5 Bible Commentary, p. 1146.

SECTION TWENTY-THREE

THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST

"Let the families, the individual Christians, and the churches bear in mind that they are closely allied to heaven. The Lord has a special interest in His church militant here below. The angels who offer the smoke of the fragrant incense are for the praying saints. Then let the evening prayers in every family rise steadily to heaven in the cool sunset hour, speaking before God in our behalf of the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour.

That blood alone is efficacious. It alone can make propitiation for our sins. It is the blood of the only-begotten Son of God that is of value for us that we may draw nigh unto God, His blood alone that taketh away the sin of the world: Morning and evening the heavenly universe behold every household that prays, and the angel with the incense, representing the blood of the atonement, finds access to God. 7 Bible Commentary, p. 971. (For a most comforting passage also read 1 Selected Messages, pp. 332-335.)

"Since 1845 the dangers of the people of God have from time to time been laid open before me, and I have been shown the perils that would thicken about the remnant in the last days. These perils have been revealed to me down to the present time. Great scenes are soon to open before us. The lord is coming with power and great glory. And Satan knows that his usurped authority will soon be forever at an end. His last opportunity to gain control of the world is now before him, and he will make most decided efforts to accomplish the destruction of the inhabitants of the earth. Those who believe the truth must be as faithful sentinels on the watchtower, or Satan will suggest specious reasonings to them, and they will give utterance to opinions that will betray sacred, holy trusts. The enmity of Satan against good Will be manifested more and more as he brings his forces into activity in his last work of rebellion; and every soul that is not fully surrendered to God, and kept by divine power, will form an alliance with Satan against heaven, and join in battle against the Ruler of the universe.

"The fields nigh and afar off belong to God; for the world is His. Usurpers have taken possession of God's earthly property, but He will make a way so that the truth may be presented in the dark corners of the earth. If men will only follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit they will find ways and means by which the message may go forth and gain a glorious victory."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 218.

"The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right—the office of Supreme Judge.—Review, January I, 1889.

" 'Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them: Hebrews 7:25. Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great 'high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour's absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but His parting promise is fulfilled, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world: Matthew 28:20. While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, His energizing presence is still with His church." Desire of Ages, p. 166.

"The church of God below is one with the church of God above. Believers on earth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen constitute one church. Every heavenly intelligence is interested in the assemblies of the saints who on earth worship God. In the inner court of heaven they listen to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers below is taken up in the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly courts because Christ has not died in vain for the fallen sins of Adam. While angels drink from the fountainhead, the saints on earth drink of the pure streams flowing from the throne, the streams that make glad the city of our God. Oh, that we could all realize the nearness of heaven to earth! When the earth born children know it not, they have angels of light as their companions. A silent witness guards every soul that lives, seeking to draw that soul to Christ. As long as there is hope, until men resist the Holy Spirit to their eternal ruin, they are guarded by heavenly intelligences. Let us all bear in mind that in every assembly of the saints below are angels of God, listening to the testimonies, songs, and prayers. Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of the angelic host above. 6 Testimonies, 366-367.

"As the worker studies the life of Christ, and the character of His mission is dwelt upon, 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!' "—Gospel Workers, p. 251.

"The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the Sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, 'whither the forerunner is for us entered: Hebrews 6:20.—Great Controversy, p. 489.

"The sentiment prevails to a large extent that the Divine Mediator is not essential to the plan of salvation of man. A variety of theories advanced by the so-called worldly-wise men for man's elevation, are believed and trusted in more than is the truth of God, as taught by Christ and His apostles. Review and Herald, November 8, 1892; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 950.

"And today Christ, glorified, and yet our brother, is our Advocate in the courts of heaven. Signs of the Times, May 10,1899;5 Bible Commentary, 1146.

"He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the Father's throne."—Steps to Christ, p. 16.

"The world's Redeemer possessed the power to draw men to Himself, to quiet their fears, to dispel their gloom, to inspire them with hope and courage, to enable them to believe in the willingness of God to receive them through the merits of the divine Substitute. . We should ever be grateful that we have a mediator, an advocate, an intercessor in the heavenly courts, who pleads in our behalf before the Father.

We have everything we could ask to inspire us with faith and trust in God. In earthly courts, when a king would make his greatest pledge to assure men of his truth, he gives his child as a hostage, to be redeemed on the fulfillment of his promise; and behold what a pledge of the Father's faithfulness; for when He would assure men of the immutability of His council, He gave His only-begotten Son to come to earth, to take the nature of man, not only for the brief years of life, but to retain his nature in the heavenly courts, an everlasting pledge of the faithfulness of God. 0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and love of God! "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1. 1 Selected Messages, p. 258. "Ever since the proclamation of the third angel's message, angels of God have been waiting to cooperate with the human agent who is earnest and determined to work. We must go deeper into the mines of truth than we have done.

"The whole worship of ancient Israel was a promise, in figures and symbols, of Christ; and it was not merely a promise, but an actual provision, designed by God to aid millions of people by lifting their thoughts to Him who was to manifest Himself to our world.

"In Christ the world beheld the invisible God. 'I am in the Father: He said, 'and the Father in Me: 'He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father: 'If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him: In all our acts of true devotion we fix our eye of faith upon our Advocate, who is standing between man and the eternal throne, waiting to meet our every effort and by His Spirit assist us to a more perfect knowledge of God.

"The lamb of God is represented before us as 'in the midst of the throne' of God. He is the great ordinance by which man and God are united and commune together. Thus men are represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity.

" 'And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through the their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou has sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one; even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me: Christ brought human nature into a personal relation with His own divinity. Thus He has given a center for the faith of the universe to fasten upon. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 123, 124.

"[Speaking of Paul's trial before Nero] Among the Greeks and Romans it was customary to allow an accused person the privilege of employing an advocate to plead in his behalf before courts of justice. By force of argument, by impassioned eloquence, or by entreaties, prayers, and tears, such an advocate often secured a decision in favor of the prisoner or, failing in this, succeeded in mitigating the severity of the sentence.—Acts of the Apostles, p. 492.

"Christ is able to save to the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for us. All that man can possibly do toward his own salvation is to accept the invitation, 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely' Revelation 22:17. No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest appeals. continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation. As you near the cross of Calvary there is seen love that is without a parallel. As you by faith grasp the meaning of the sacrifice, you see yourself a sinner, condemned by a broken law. This is repentance. As you come with humble heart, you find pardon, for Christ is represented as continually standing at the altar, momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world."—l Selected Messages, p. 343.

"Directly before the ark, but separated by the curtain, was the golden altar of incense. The fire upon this altar was kindled by the Lord Himself, and was sacredly cherished by feeding it with holy incense, which filled the sanctuary with its fragrant cloud day and night. Its fragrance extended for miles around the tabernacle. When the priest offered the incense before the Lord he looked to the mercy seat. Although he could not see it he knew it was there, and as the incense arose like a cloud, the glory of the Lord descended upon the mercy seat and filled the most holy place and was visible in the holy place, and the glory often so filled both apartments that the priest was unable to officiate and was obliged to stand at the door of the tabernacle.

"The priest in the holy place, directing his prayer by faith to the mercy seat, which he could not see, represents the people of God directing their prayers to Christ before the mercy seat in the heavenly sanctuary. They cannot behold their Mediator with the natural eye, but with the eye of faith they can see Christ before the mercy seat and direct their prayers to Him, and with assurance claim the benefits of His mediation.—The Story of Redemption, pp. 154, 155.

"The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God's people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. . . As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people with unclean lips—a people whose lips have spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. 4 Bible Commentary, pp. 1138, 1139.

"From the creation and fall of man to the present time, there has been a continual unfolding of the plan of God for the redemption, through Christ, of the fallen race. The tabernacle and temple of God on earth were patterned after the original in heaven. Around the sanctuary and its solemn services mystically gathered the grand truths which were to be developed through succeeding generations.

"There has been no time when God has granted greater evidences of His grandeur and exalted majesty than while He was the acknowledged governor of Israel. The manifestations of an invisible King were grand and unspeakably awful. A scepter was swayed, but it was held by no human hand. The sacred ark, covered by the mercy seat, and containing the holy law of God, was symbolical of Jehovah Himself. It was the power of the Israelites to conquer in battle. Before it idols were thrown down, and for rashly looking into it thousands perished. Never in our world has the Lord given such open manifestations of His supremacy as when He alone was the acknowledged King of Israel.—Review, March 2, 1886.

"We are to have free access to the atoning blood of Christ. This we must regard as the most precious privilege, the greatest blessing, ever granted to sinful man.—l Bible Commentary, p. 1111.

"In the offerings of incense the priest was brought more directly into the presence of God than in any other act of the daily ministration. As the inner veil of the sanctuary did not extend to the top of the building, the glory of God, which was manifested above the mercy seat, was partially visible from the first apartment. When the priest offered incense before the Lord, he looked by faith to the mercy seat which he could not see, so the people of God are now to direct their prayers to Christ, their great high priest, who, unseen by human vision, is pleading in their behalf in the sanctuary above.

"The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righteousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and which alone can make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God. Before the veil of the most holy place, was the altar of perpetual intercession, before the holy, an altar of continual atonement. By blood and by incense, God was to be approached—symbols pointing to the great Mediator, through whom sinners may approach Jehovah, and through whom alone mercy and salvation can be granted to the repentant, believing soul. Patriarchs and Prophets, p.. 353.

"He appears in the presence of God, . . ready to accept the repentance and to answer the prayers of His people. Signs of the Times, November 22, 1883.

"When Christ on the cross cried out, 'It is finished: the veil of the temple was rent in twain. This veil was significant to the Jewish nation. It was of most costly material, of purple and gold, and was of great length and breadth. At the moment when Christ breathed His last, there were witnesses in the temple who beheld the strong, heavy material rent by unseen hands from top to bottom. This act signified to the heavenly universe, and to a world corrupted by sin, that a new and living way had been opened to the fallen race, that all sacrificial offerings terminated in the one great offering of the Son of God.—5 Bible Commentary, p. 1109.

"When Christ ascended to heaven, He ascended as our Advocate. We always have a Friend at court.—Manuscript 76, 1897.

"Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God's heritage, to give man another trial. . . By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgivings of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression.

"Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realized that he cannot save himself.

"He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us. His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold our characters according to His own will.

"In the whole satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. 'He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength: Isaiah 4:29." Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 156, 157.

"In the mediatorial work of Christ, the love of God was revealed in its perfection of men and angels." Signs of the Times, July 19, 1910.

"He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God; and though you sin, your case is not hopeless. 'If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1 John 2:1."2 Testimonies, p. 591.

"Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only mediator between God and man." Counsels on Health, p. 374.

"He presents us to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own character. He pleads before God in our behalf, saying: I have taken the sinner's place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look on Me. Does Satan plead loudly against our soul, . . claiming us as his prey, the blood of Christ pleads with greater power."—Mount of Blessing, p. 9.

"The work of Christ in the sanctuary above, presenting His own blood each moment before the mercy seat, as He makes intercession for us, should have its full impression upon the heart, that we may realize the worth of each moment Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us; but one moment carelessly spent can never be recovered." Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 111.

"When Christ cried out, 'It is finished: the Holy Watcher that was an unseen guest at Belshazzar's feast pronounced the Jewish nation to be a nation unchurched. The same hand that traced on the wall the characters that recorded Belshazzar's doom and the end of the Babylonian kingdom, rent the veil of the Temple from top to bottom, opening a new and living way for all, high and low, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile. From henceforth people might come to God without priest or ruler.—Manuscript 101,1897; 5 Bible Commentary, p. 1109.

"Christ Jesus is represented as continually standing at the altar, momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is a minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. The typical shadows of the Jewish tabernacle no longer possess any virtue. A daily and yearly typical atonement is no longer to be made, but the atoning sacrifice through a mediator is essential because of the constant commission of sin. Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed blood, as it had been a Iamb slain. Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.

"Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man's behalf. The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly Sanctuary; but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, the Intercessor who is at God's right hand presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into the censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then perfumed with the merits of Christ's propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned." 6 BC, 1077-1078 [An important part of this quote was omitted. Read it in 6BC. vf] "Everyone who will break from the slavery and service of Satan, and will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel will be kept by Christ's intercessions. It is as necessary that He should keep us by His intercessions as that He should redeem us with His blood. If He lets go His hold of us for one moment, Satan stands ready to destroy. Those purchased by His blood, He now keeps by His intercession." Manuscript 73, 1893;6 Bible Commentary, p. 1078.

"This prayer [of John 17] is a lesson regarding the intercession that the Saviour would carryon within the veil, when His great sacrifice in behalf of men, the offering of Himself, should have been completed. Our Mediator gave His disciples this illustration of His ministration in the Heavenly Sanctuary in behalf of all who will come to Him in meekness and humility, emptied of all selfishness, and believing in His power to save."—Manuscript 29,1906,

"Christ's priestly intercession is now going on in the Sanctuary above in our behalf. But how few have a real understanding that our Great High Priest presents before the Father His own blood, claiming for the sinner who receives Him as His personal Saviour all the graces which His covenant embraces as the reward of His sacrifice. This sacrifice made Him abundantly able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him, seeing He liveth to make intercession for them." Manuscript 92,1899; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 932.

"When tempted to sin, let us remember that Jesus is pleading for us in the heavenly Sanctuary. When we put away our sins and come to Him in faith, He takes our names on His lips, and presents them to His Father, saying, '1 have graven them upon the palms of my hands; I know them by name: And the command goes forth to the angels to protect them. Review and Herald, November 19, 1908; 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1143.

"The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf. Hear His prayer before His betrayal and trial. Listen to His prayer for us; for He had us in remembrance.—Review and Herald, August 15,1893; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 948.

"Oh, that all could behold our precious Saviour as He is, a Saviour. Let His hand draw aside the veil which conceals His glory from our eyes. It shows Him in His high and holy place. What do we see? Our Saviour, not in a position of silence and inactivity. He is surrounded with heavenly intelligences, cherubim, and seraphim, ten thousand times ten thousand of angels.

"All these heavenly beings have one object above all others, in which they are intensely interested—His church in a world of corruption."—Letter 89c, 1897; 7 Bible Commentary, pp. 967, 968.

"Morning and evening the heavenly universe behold every household that prays, and the angel with the incense, representing the blood of the atonement, finds access to God." Manuscript 15,1897; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 971.

"Let us remember that our great High Priest is pleading before the mercy seat in behalf of His ransomed people. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. 'If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: "The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf. Hear His prayer before His betrayal and trial. Listen to His prayer for us; for He had us in remembrance.

"He will not forget His church in the world of temptation. He looks upon His tried and suffering people, and prays for them. . . Yes, He beholds His people in this world, which is a persecuting world, and all seared and marred with the curse, and [He] knows that they need all the divine resources of His sympathy and His love. Our Forerunner hath for us entered within the veil, and yet by the golden chain of love and truth, He is linked with His people in closest sympathy.

"He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted one. With upraised hands He pleads, 'I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." God loves to hear, and responds to the pleadings of His Son. . [Hebrews 4:14-16 quoted] ."Review August 15, 1893.

"All who come to Christ today are to remember that His merit is the incense that mingles with the prayers of those who repent of their sins and receive pardon and mercy and grace. Our need of Christ's intercession is constant. Day by day, morning and evening, the humble heart needs to offer up prayers to which will be returned answers of grace and peace and joy."—Manuscript 14, 1901.

"We have access to God through the merits of the name of Christ, and God invites us to bring to Him our trials and temptations; for He understands them all. He would not have us pour out our woes to human ears. Through the blood of Christ we may come to the throne of grace, and find grace to help in time of need. We may come with assurance, saying, 'My acceptance is in the Beloved: 'For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father: 'In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him: As an earthly parent encourages his child to come to him at all times, so that Lord encourages us to lay before Him our wants and perplexities, our gratitude and love. Every promise is sure. Jesus is our Surety and Mediator, and has placed at our command every resource, that we may have a perfect character. The blood of Christ in ever-abiding efficacy is our only hope; for through His merits alone we have pardon and peace. When the efficiency of the blood of Christ becomes a reality to the soul through faith in Christ, the believer will let his light shine forth in good works, in bringing forth fruits unto righteousness."—Youth's Instructor, September 22,1892.

"Jesus stands in the holy of holies, now to appear in the presence of God for us. There He ceases not to present His people moment by moment, complete in Himself. But because we are thus represented before the Father, we are not to imagine that we are to presume upon His mercy, and become careless, indifferent, and self-indulgent. Christ is not the minister of sin. We are complete in Him, accepted in the Beloved, only as we abide in Him by faith.—Signs of the Times, July 4, 1892.

"Do not let your thoughts dwell upon yourselves. Think of Jesus. He is in His holy place, not in a state of solitude and grandeur, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand of heavenly beings who wait to do their Master's bidding. And He bids them go and work for the weakest saint who puts his trust in God. High and low, rich and poor, have the same help provided.—Letter 134, 1899.

"This is the great day of atonement, and our Advocate is standing before the Father, pleading as our intercessor. In place of wrapping about us the garments of self-righteousness, we should be found daily humbling ourselves before God, confessing our own individual sins, seeking the pardon of our transgressions, and cooperating with Christ in the work of preparing our souls to reflect the divine image. Unless we enter the sanctuary above, and unite with Christ in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, we shall be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and shall be pronounced wanting." Manuscript 168, 1898.

"By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, the incense ascends to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression. To the true believer, Christ is indeed the minister of the sanctuary. .

"Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He will cleanse them from all defilement if they I will let Him. But if they cling to their sins, they cannot possibly be saved; for Christ's righteousness covers no sin unrepented of. God has declared that those who receive Christ as their Redeemer, accepting Him as the One who takes away all sin, will receive pardon for their transgression. These are the terms of our election. Man's salvation depends upon his receiving Christ by faith. Those who will not receive Him lose eternal life because they refused to avail themselves of the only means provided by the Father and the Son for the salvation of a perishing world.—Manuscript 142, 1899.

"And the same compassion that reached out to rescue Peter is extended to every soul who has fallen under temptation. It is Satan's special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear, when God has said, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me'? Isaiah 27:5. Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ.

"Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God's heritage, to give man another trial. 'Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them: Hebrews 7:25. By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression.

"In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. 'He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength: Isaiah 40:29. Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 156,157.

"What is Christ doing in heaven? He is interceding for us. By His work the threshold of heaven is flushed with the glory of God which will shine upon every soul who will open the windows of the soul heavenward. As the prayers of the sincere and contrite ones ascend to heaven Christ says to the Father, 'I will take their sins. Let them stand before you innocent: As He takes their sins from them, He fills their hearts with the glorious light of truth and love.—Manuscript 28, 1901.

"Christ glorified not Himself in being made High Priest. God gave Him His appointment to the priesthood. He was to be an example to all the human family. He qualified Himself to be, not only the representative of the race, but their Advocate, so that every soul if he will may say, I have a Friend at court. He is a High Priest that can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities."—Manuscript 101, 1897.

"Our faith must pierce beyond the veil, seeing things that are invisible. No one else can look for you. You must behold for yourself. In the place of murmuring for blessings that are withheld, let us remember and appreciate the blessings already bestowed.—Manuscript 42, 1901.

"Why not awake the voice of our spiritual songs in the travels of our pilgrimage? Why not come back to our simplicity and life of fervor? The reason why we are not more joyful is that we have lost our first love. Let us then be zealous and repent, lest the candlestick be moved out of its place.

"The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with the glory which is for every church that will love God and keep His commandments. We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round about the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and precious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assemblies of the saints. Murmuring and complaining over little disappointments and difficulties will cease. As we apply the golden eye salve we shall see the glories beyond. Faith will cut through the heavy shadow of Satan, and we shall see our Advocate offering up the incense of His own merits in our behalf. When we see this as it is, as the Lord desires us to see it, we shall be filled with a sense of the immensity and diversity of the love of God.—6 Testimonies, p. 368.

"Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of the Father at the throne of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, our justification, and our sanctification. The Lamb slain is our only hope. Our faith looks up to Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the uttermost, and the fragrance of the all sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. Unto Christ is committed all power in heaven and in earth, and all things are possible to him that believeth. Christ's glory is concerned in our success. He has a common interest in all humanity. He is our sympathizing Saviour. Letter 33, 1895.

"In all our acts of true devotion, we fix our eye of faith upon our Advocate, who is standing between man and the eternal throne, waiting to meet our every effort, and by His Spirit assist us to a more perfect knowledge of God.—Manuscript 7,1898.

"As the prayers of the sincere and contrite ones ascend to heaven Christ says to the Father, 'I will take their sins. Let them stand before You innocent: As He takes their sins from them, He fills their hearts with the glorious light of truth and love. 7 Bible Commentary, p. 930. "If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you cannot pray. . but seek the Lord more earnestly.—Letter 6,1893.

"I would I might sound the glad note to earth's remotest bounds. 'If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Oh, precious redemption! How broad this great truth is—that God for Christ's dear sake, forgives us the moment we ask Him in living faith, believing that He is fully able!"—Review, September 21 1886.

"When in trouble, when assailed by fierce temptations, they have the privilege of prayer. What an exalted privilege! Finite beings, of dust and ashes, admitted through the mediation of Christ, into the audience chamber of the Most High. In such exercises the soul is brought into a sacred nearness with God and is renewed in knowledge and true holiness and fortified against the assaults of the enemy.—Child Guidance, p. 468.

"Instead of thinking of your discouragements, think of the power you can claim in Christ's name. Let your imagination take hold upon things unseen. Let your thoughts be directed to the evidences of the great love of God for you. Faith can endure trial, resist temptation, bear up under disappointment. Jesus lives as our advocate. All is ours that His mediation secures.—Ministry of Healing, p. 488.

"Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and trust. The Angel of the covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Mediator who secures the acceptance of the prayers of His believing ones. 8 Testimonies, p. 179.

"The intercession of Christ is as a golden chain fastened to the throne of God. He has turned the merit of His sacrifice into prayer. Jesus prays, and by prayer succeeds.—Manuscript 8,1892.

"Christ represented His Father to the world, and He represents before God the chosen ones in whom He has restored the moral image of God. They are His heritage. To them He say, 'He that hath seen me hath seen the Father: 'No man knoweth. . the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him: No priest, no religionist, can reveal the Father to any son or daughter of Adam.

"Men have only one Advocate, one Intercessor, who is able to pardon transgression. Shall not our hearts swell with gratitude to Him who gave Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins? Think deeply upon the love the Father has manifested in our behalf, the love that He has expressed for us. We cannot measure this love. Measurement there is none. We can only point to Calvary, to the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. It is an infinite sacrifice. Can we comprehend and measure infinity? "7 Bible Commentary, p. 914.

"[John 17:19-21,24-26 quoted.] Here we see the great Intercessor presenting His petition to His Father. No middle man comes between the sinner and Christ. No dead prophet, no buried saint is seen. Christ Himself is our Advocate. All that the Father is to His Son, He is to those whom His Son in His humanity represented. In every line of His work Christ acted as a representative of the Father. He lived as our substitute and surety. He labored as He would have His followers labor, unselfishly appreciating the value of every human being for whom He suffered and died.—Manuscript 128, 1897.

"Christ is the representative of God to man and the representative of man to God. He came to this world as man's substitute and surety, and He is fully able to save all who repent and return to their allegiance. Because of His righteousness, He is able to place man on vantage ground. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us. He gave His precious, innocent life to save guilty human beings from eternal ruin, that through faith in Him they might stand guiltless before the throne of God."—Manuscript 29, 1899.

"Jesus alone could give security to God; for He was equal to God. He alone could be a mediator between God and man; for He possessed divinity and humanity.—Review, April 3, 1894.

"The intercession of Christ is as a golden chain fastened to the throne of God. He has turned the merit of His sacrifice into prayer. Jesus prays, and by prayer succeeds.—Manuscript 8, 1892.

"In heaven the semblance of a rainbow encircles the throne and overarches the head of Christ. The prophet says, 'As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about [the throne]. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah: Ezekiel 1:28. The revelator declares, 'Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. . . There was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald: Revelation 4:2,3. When man by his great wickedness invites the divine judgments, the Saviour, interceding with the Father in his behalf, points to the bow in the clouds, to the rainbow around the throne and above His own head, as a token of the mercy of God toward the repentant sinner."—Patriarch and Prophets, p.. 107.

"God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is itself the highest attraction because occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father. But God did not deem the principle of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son.

"No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.

"As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others. 'Ask in My name,' Christ says; 'I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, "ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. , John 16:24."—6 Testimonies, pp. 363, 364.

"This chapter is the intercessory prayer offered by Christ to His Father just before His trial and crucifixion. This prayer is a lesson regarding the intercession that the Saviour would carryon within the veil, when His great sacrifice in behalf of men, the offering of Himself, should have been completed. Our Mediator gave His disciples this illustration of His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary in behalf of all who will come to Him in meekness and humility, emptied of all selfishness, and believing in His power to save."—Manuscript 29, 1906. [Speaking about the seventeenth chapter of John.]

SECTION TWENTY-FOUR

FOLLOWING OUR FORERUNNER IN

We are now, by faith, to enter with Jesus in the holy of holies that He may present us to the Father. We are to flee for refuge (Hebrews 6:18), come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), enter into the holiest (Hebrews 10:19), draw near with a true heart (Hebrews 10:22) to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 12 :24), that He may make us perfect in every good work to do His will (Hebrews 13:21).

All of this symbolizes the great truth that through the enabling grace of Christ we may daily overcome sin now in this present day-by-day life.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus." Hebrews 10: 19. "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. Hebrews 6:20.

"At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to earth, as people expected, [in 1844] but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. 'They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to 'wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding: Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage.—Great Controversy, p. 427.

"I dreamed of seeing a temple to which many people were flocking. Only those who took refuge in that temple would be saved when time should close."—Early Writings, p. 78.

CONTINUE 7

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