Blessed Hope- No Fear in World End

D35 Discover Hope in End-Times - Focus on God’s Love

Important Note:

1. www.wakeupow.com will expire by August 13, 2022 after 10 years with 440,000 hits. All the articles will be periodically transferred to an archive in www.discoverylifediy.com (free download to hard-disk or photocopy of articles for reading resource)

2. www.awake2truth.com is the new replacement on trial until Sept 13, 2022. For a start, it will be used to highlight D35 with snippets from this lengthy article on the only way in enduring suffering.

3. Guide to quick scan on readability of D35 (77 pgs):

- Scan 1 Invitation- Scan Contents- Scan 1.1.1 Hope at End-time Living;    

- Scan 2.3.2 Understanding Hope in Christ in Earth’s Destruction;

(2.3 Reason for Hope in Christ: Focus on God in Heaven- 2.3.3 Assured Invincible Hope in Christ; 2.3.3.1 Revealed Answer to Suffering on Earth; 2.3.3.1.1Job’s Suffering under Satan’s Persecution; 2.3.4.1 Quick-Start-Guide on Satan’s Main Counterfeits; 2.3.4.2.1 The Shepherd’s Way Home.)

Contents:

1. Invitation; 1.01 Truth*1 is God’s Word; 1.01.1 Science Verses Truth; 1.01.1.1 Truth Discovered by Science:- (i) The Night Sky (Nature) Wonders; (ii) Wonders in Human Sensory System; (iii) Wonders Blinded by False Beliefs; 1.01.2 Truth is Wisdom & Knowledge in Fear of the Lord; 1.01.2.1 Life is God’s Gift; 1.01.2.1.1 Call to Defend the Helpless:- (a) Wrong Decisions of Leaders; (b) Down Syndrome Babies; (c) Affairs of Men;

1.1 Look Up and Live; 1.1.1 Hope at End-time Living; 1.1.1.1 Beware of Counterfeit at Work; 1.1.2 Future Life in Paradise; 1.1.2.1 Manmade Imitations of Paradise; 1.1.2.1.1 Paul’s Vision of Paradise; 1.1.2.2 Faith in the Word of God; 1.1.2.2.1 The Faith of Moses; 1.1.2.2.1.1 Focus on the Reward – Paradise; 1.1.2.2.1.2 Destruction of Sin & Death; 1.1.2.2.1.3 The Two Resurrections; 1.1.2.2.1.4 The Motivation in the Heavenly Reward; 1.1.2.2.1.4.1 Life in Paradise- New Jerusalem; 1.1.2.2.1.4.1.1Proof in Lioness Tyke; 1.1.2.2.1.5Timeless Nature of Eternity; 1.1.2.2.1.5.1A Thousand Years as One Day; 1.1.2.2.1.5.1.1Restoration of Love in Jesus Christ;1.1.2.2.1.5.1.1.1 Impart Sacred Joy to Others; 1.1.2.2.1.5.1.2 Accept the Vital Key to God;

2. Seeking True Knowledge; 2.01The False and the True in Education; 2.01.1 Speculative Challenge on the Nature of Godhead; 2.01.1.1 Danger in Speculative Knowledge; 2.01.1.1.1Pantheistic Theories; 2.01.1.1.2 Searching Into Divine Mysteries; 2.01.2 History Confirms Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy; 2.01.3 Speculation in Theology; 2.01.4 The Only True Education; 2.01.4.1 The Work That Requires Our Thought; 2.01.4.2 The Science to Be Mastered; 2.01.4.2.1 No Time to Lose; 2.01.4.3 The Need of Self-Renunciation; 2.01.5 Christ the Fountainhead of True Knowledge; 2.01.5.1 Vital to Seek Truth; 2.02 Essence in Revealed Knowledge of God- God’s Character; 2.02.1 Aspects of God’s Character; 2.02.1.1 Nature Is Not God; 2.02.1.2 The Creation of the Earth; 2.02.1.3 Personality of God Revealed in Christ; 2.02.1.3.1 Revealed to the Disciples; 2.02.1.3.2 Character of God Revealed in Christ; 2.02.1.3.2.1 The Glory of the Cross; 2.02.1.3.2.2 It Was Chris; 2.02.1.3.3 The Knowledge That Works Transformation; 2.02.1.4;

2.1 Living in the Final Dispensation of the Holy Spirit; 2.1.1The Promise of the Spirit; 2.1.2 The Comforter; 2.1.3The Nature of the Spirit: A Mystery; 2.1.3.1 The Office of the Holy Spirit; 2.1.4The Spirit: A Witness; 2.1.5 Christ's Representative; 2.1.6The Heavenly Dove; 2.1.7 Giver of a New Life; 2.1.8 Showers of Grace; 2.1.9The Spirit Helps Us; 2.1.10 The Spirit Intercedes for Us; 2.1.11 The Spirit Leads Us to Become God's Children; 2.1.12 The Spirit Moves Among Us; 2.1.13 The Spirit Visits Us; 2.1.14 The Spirit Speaks to Us; 2.1.15The Spirit Enlightens Us; 2.1.16 The Spirit Can Be Grieved; 2.1.16.1 The Spirit May Depart; 2.1.16.2 The Sin Against the Spirit; 2.1.16.3 Willfully Rejecting the Spirit; 2.1.17 Holy Spirit A Divine Teacher; 2.1.17.1The Spirit Patiently Waits; 2.1.17.2 The Spirit Is Ever Waiting; 2.1.18 Now Is the Time for Repentance; 2.2 Transformed by the Spirit; 2.2.1 Born Again; 2.2.2 Chosen to Be Saved; 2.2.3 Clay in the Hands of the Potter; 2.2.4 A Temple for the Spirit; 2.2.5 Partakers of the Divine Nature;

2.3 Reason for Hope in Christ: Focus on God in Heaven; 2.3.1 Homeward Bound; 2.3.1.1 The Great Controversy is Ended: Sin is No More; 2.3.1.2 The Church Militant Is Imperfect; 2.3.1.2.1The Church Triumphant Will Be Faithful and Christ-like; 2.3.1.3The Church Triumphant: Focus on God’s Love, Care and Protection; 2.3.2 Understanding Hope in Christ in Earth’s Destruction; 2.3.2.1 Discernment of God’s Dispensations; 2.3.3 Assured Invincible Hope in Christ; 2.3.3.1 Revealed Answer to Suffering on Earth; 2.3.3.1.1Job’s Suffering under Satan’s Persecution; 2.3.3.1.2 Daniel’s Prophecy Key to Bigger Picture in Revelation; 2.3.3.2 First Advent of Jesus Christ: Assured Hope; 2.3.3.2.1 The 2-D Plane Framework Analogy; 2.3.3.2.2 Love, Faith and Hope in Suffering; Hope; 2.3.3.2.2.1 Biblical Justification in Hope; 2.3.4 Staying on the True Path; 2.3.4.1 Quick-Start-Guide on Satan’s Main Counterfeits; 2.3.4.2Hope in Vicarious Shepherd’s Way.

D35 Discover Hope in End-Times - Focus on God’s Love

1. Invitation

The human race has a future and a hope. In fact, we have a destiny with eternity. This present life is only temporary, a stopover. But how many of us are aware and know of this vital truth? (The sharing of this truth, the purpose of this article D35, dispels the need to even be bothered about Covid-19; Ukraine war, global economic meltdown which has been addressed in earlier articles.)

This truth*1 is written in the Bible, the most published ancient literature of the world. There is irrefutable evidence some ‘supernatural being’*2 is deliberately preventing the human race, molded in the image of God, from knowing this knowledge of God, the Creator and Life- giver.that is written in the Bible The majority of the people do not know because they have acquired a wrong worldview of the world we are living in and that this life is all there is. By not reading the Bible they are kept in the dark by that invisible and powerful ‘supernatural being’, Satan*2, the prince of darkness of this world who usurped the dominion of this world from Adam. This enemy of God, has successfully enticed each one of us to chase after the pleasures and luxuries of what this world has to offer. By shunning the Bible they have no evidence that there is something beyond this life to look forward to. This is the default mode that Satan*2 with his deceived gang of evil angels and recruited agents have gathered the populous on this darkened world who do not seek after truth*1.

Misrepresentation of the truth*1 about God the Father, Christ the Son and the Comforter in the Holy Spirit must be recognized and settled in the faith of the righteousness of Jesus and the children of God be reconciled in unity with the only one true God.

1.01 Truth*1 is God’s Word (Note: Truth*1)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tzrCLY58s4 (2:37:38-  2:12:48 )“God’s Word is Truth” by Prof Timothy Standish-  GC Session 6th June 2022 meeting sermon)

God’s Word revealed in the Bible is truth attests Dr Standish in his unshakable beliefs. Because not everyone believe this truth that he wants to show why believing is wonderful, yet also very demanding. Truth is beautiful, challenging, an unbreakable rock that yields nothing to our desires; yet itself is the most desirable thing in the universe. Truth isn’t proven by anything less than itself. Science can never prove the Bible true. At best, it may independently discover truth already revealed in Scripture. We can ignore truth at our peril or run from it like Jonah. But in the end, George Orwell says it best, “ However much you deny the truth, the truth goes on existing as it were , behind your back.”  Many consider themselves more sophisticated, more intellectual, more rational than anyone who believes the Bible. They would trust the ever confident evangelist Richard Dawkins called a local origin myth with tribes of Middle Eastern camel herders. Who would believe ancient scriptures over the ever advancing unassailable knowledge that science reveals to modern sophisticated people who were moved beyond  superstition’

1.01.1 Science Verses Truth

The nature of science is to be examined and compared with the nature of truth.The impact of the biblical worldview on how we see ourselves and the universe.  What we wrestle with in believing truth, i.e. the practical impact on our lives.

Anyone contemplating science, might want to pause and remember the history of science is the history of brilliant scientists being wrong Science provides no way of knowing if current scientific understanding are correct until we discover that they are wrong in the light of new information. Believers have an unassailable defence when it comes to believing the Bible. God’s word is actually true and serves as a standard against all theories which either stand or fall. What is true remains true no matter what we think or believe, what we desire, who discovers it and who shares it  People claim to desire truth but truth cuts down cherished fantasies and human errors.

Take the case of King David, whose sins are unflinchingly recorded in the bible along with his sincere repentance. He was a sinner but also the ancestor of Jesus and the psalmist who penned words that still inspire with words like” The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psa 19:1 If it were not revealed in scripture could anyone know if this is true. Science can discover that the heavens are complex, colourful and constructed in just the way necessary for life to thrive. This is true irrespective whether someone agrees or not.

1.01.1.1 Truth Discovered by Science

Truth is not something to be proven. It is discovered and recognised. Science is one discipline using a particular approach to discover truth about nature. It does an amazing job. But without an understanding of nature’s Creator science is little more than a blind collection of tentative theories. It ultimately lacks any hope or satisfying meaning.

(i) The Night Sky (Nature) Wonders

Looking at the night sky can obviously tell us the heavenly body our Moon. The Moon helps us tell time. and the way it is illuminated by the Sun reveals its spherical shape and similarly for other distant lights in heaven. On our planet God designed life-sustaining atmosphere which are not so in the other planets as space exploration have discovered. The moon stabilises earth’s axis life to thrive. Amazingly it is the precise size and distance away from the earth to almost perfectly eclipse the Sun, permitting us to study the Sun’s corona which reveals information vital to our understanding of the Sun and other stars. We can discover that the earth is in just the right place not only for our survival but also for our study of all that surrounds us. The Creator wanted us to learn how amazing this system is. Johan Kepler said “To God there are , in the whole material world, material laws, figures and relations of special Excellency and of the most appropriate order.. Those laws are within the grasp of the human mind. God wanted us to recognise them by creating us after his own image so that we could share His own thoughts.”

(ii) Wonders in Human Sensory System.  

God also provided us with naturally curious minds and finely tuned sense to gather information about our world. There’s is beautiful symmetry between our capabilities in the world we live. Each sense is breathtaking. In our sense of sight involving 100 million light sensitive cells in each eye transmitted to a conscious part of the brain that understands what is being observed. For most of us this happens effortlessly in an instant. It is this faculty to enable us to explore the universe

 This reality points us to God’s word: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Psa 119:105. Without  this knowledge , we see the heavens and may even be impressed bur we miss the true wonder. Take for instance Carl Sargan the brilliant popularized cosmologist who saw far more of heaven than most people yet when framing his breathtaking television series “the Cosmos ”summaries.  “the cosmos is all that is, or was or ever will be.” All he saw was atoms and energy.

(iii) Wonders Blinded by False Beliefs 

When blinded by false beliefs, when we deny the God revealed in scripture; we discern: “None of the beauty, none of the incredible scale, none of the incredible laws by which everything operates to declare that the heavens declare the glory of God.”The heavens speak; but without the Bible we remain deaf and blind. A creator who fashioned a wonderful world then redeemed it and offers salvation to all who want it that is pure nonsense. There is no reason to expect ever greater exhibitions of brilliance as we explore the atoms and everthing that is composed of them. If we do happen across wonders maybe it’s the universe we should worship. But that still provides no hope and the world remains a place filled with struggle, suffering and ultimately death. It does not reveal love. Believing God’s word cures this mental blindness. Without the revelation of God in scripture we cannot gain knowledge in anything else.

1.01.2 Truth is Wisdom & Knowledge in Fear of the Lord

Solomon recognised this fundament truth “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Pro 1:7  Rejecting this truth leaves only twisted and strong delusions Believers may not immediately have a perfect understanding. There will always have to be mysteries (truth not yet revealed). But there is hope of discovering some aspects of truth that are sublime, fascinating and profoundly helpful.

The great Christian philosopher, Anselm of Canterbury, says: “I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but rather, I believe that I may understand“

“Thereforedo not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God;” 2 Tim 1:8.

But without the believe of God’s word anyone would be blind. Remember the price of truth. It is a sharp edged sword cutting through every falsehood. It demands obedience that I as a terrible sinner do not always feel naturally inclined to yield.

1.01.2.1 Life is God’s Gift

For example, a powerful delusion sweeping through society rejects the equality that we all enjoy as descendants of Adam and Eve and adopted children of God through Jesus Christ. Created in the image of God and of such great value to the Creator that He gave His life for each of us. ( John 3:16) (This delusion underlies all the works of Satan, the rebel cast out of heaven, the sower of death). Rejecting this truth the value of human life is rooted in something other than being human. In this false philosophy human value is shifted to some other arbitrary characteristic that individual may or may not possess. It may be the side of the border we live on that they live on, the colour of their skin, their ancestry, or possibly most insidiously their abilities. In the view human rights are not absolute and unalienable granted by the Creator but somehow decided on the basis on the criteria that we choose. The bible’s message of unity is rejected and humanity is fractured into and unlimited number of classes ranked according to arbitrary scales, each in an endless struggle for survival. As bible believers we  are called to be uniters recognising that all have a place and a role in the family of God; lovers of those who hate us Champions of those who are oppressed and marginalised. Most importantly, the bible reveals that all human life is of infinite value because life is God’s gift.(Pro 31:8,9; Rom 6:23) Life is not ours to take from anyone. Individually too, we are to choose life, not death for God gives us life that negate death in eternal life, which is in the hope in Christ’s righteousness by faith..

1.01.2.1.1 Call to Defend the Helpless

God does not differentiate and is impartial to all. He gives life to all for God loves and sustains all. God calls on us to be a champion like Him to the cause of strangers,“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Mat 5:48, to care for the weak, to uplift the poor and open the eyes of the blind.Those who sit in darkness from prison (Isa 42:6,7). God has given to men the inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as He created all equal. He respects every decision each of us make in order that every man be free to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience.

(a) Wrong Decisions of Leaders

In this world, tragically, we don’t get to choose for sometimes the leaders in society based on history have made claims that some unfavoured category of humans are not worthy of human rights, in the extreme cases stating those they disfavor are not even human or already dead or that their lives are not worth living, excusing any measures used to simply hurry along the process of death. If they are going to die anyway, why bother to behave with biblical ethics. Why not snuff out their lives for everyone’s good. The unwanted might be an inconvenience before they die. So by killing them, society and they are being done a favour. History are full of horrifying examples recorded in the Dark Ages of earth’s history culminating with the French Revolution.

The Spirit of Prophecy tells that history* will repeat itself. God in His mercy has made provisions that we be prepared for the worst time of trouble ending in the battle of Armageddon and the second coming of Jesus to take the righteous to heaven for a thousand years..

“History* repeats itself. The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is now at work to gain control of the fallen churches, that through them he may condemn and put to death all who will not worship the idol sabbath. We have not to battle with mortals, as it may appear. We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places-Eph 6:12.  But if the people of God will put their trust in Him and by faith rely upon His power, the devices of Satan will be defeated in our time as signally as in the days of Mordecai. {CTr 366.4}

Prophecy says:The decree is to go forth that all who will not receive the mark of the beast shall neither buy nor sell and, finally, that they shall be put to death. But the saints of God do not receive this mark. The prophet of Patmos beheld those who had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. . . . {CTr 366.5}

Paul writes to the Romans, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” But there is a point beyond which it is impossible to maintain union and harmony without the sacrifice of principle. Separation then becomes an absolute duty. The laws of nations should be respected when they do not conflict with the laws of God. But when there is collision between them, every true disciple of Christ will say, as did the apostle Peter when commanded to speak no more in the name of Jesus, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”Manuscript 51, 1899 (see also Signs of the Times, Nov. 8, 1899). {CTr 366.6}  ..

In mercy God repeats his past dealings. He has given us a record of his dealings in the past. This we need to study carefully; for history* is repeating itself. We are more accountable than were those whose experience is recorded in the Old Testament; for their mistakes, and the results of those mistakes, have been chronicled for our benefit. The danger-signal has been lifted to keep us off forbidden ground, and we should be warned not to do as they did, lest a worse punishment come upon us. The blessings given to those of past generations who obeyed God are recorded that we may be encouraged to walk circumspectly, in faith and obedience. The judgments brought against wrong-doers are delineated that we may fear and tremble before God. This Scripture biography is a great blessing. This precious instruction, the experience of ages, is bequeathed to us.  {RH, April 20, 1897 par. 14} 

It is time well employed to search the Scriptures; "for in them ye think ye have eternal life." And Jesus declares, "They are they which testify of me." By the work of the Holy Spirit the truth is riveted in the mind and printed in the heart of the diligent, God fearing student. And not only is he blessed by this kind of labor; the souls to whom he communicates truth, and for whom he must one day give an account, are also greatly blessed. Those who make God their counselor reap the most precious harvest as they gather the golden grains of truth from his word; for the heavenly Instructor is close by their side. He who obtains his qualification for the ministry in this way will be entitled to the blessing promised to him who turns many to righteousness.  {RH, April 20, 1897 par. 15} 

The Old and New Testaments are linked together by the golden clasp of God. We need to become familiar with the Old-Testament Scriptures. The unchangeableness of God should be clearly seen; the similarity of his dealings with his people of the past dispensation and of the present, should be studied. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Solomon wrote, "That which hath been is now: and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past."

(b) Down Syndrome Babies

This is being practised today on Down Syndrome babies (Trisomy 21). They are just as wonderfully human as you and me. If you are on the receiving end how would you take this death sentence. We are called to champion their cause in a world that seeks to slaughter them before they take their first breath. That is the truth. (Ps 139:13,14). But it is a blot we must give account to our maker. The same tarnish can be detectable in situation such as the Covid-19 crisis where for the cause of the greater good to impose sanctions and this sanction is now extended to trade sanctions on Russia with dire economic consequences. In the process the individual rights are compromised with human laws.

( From Creation, God ordained freedom of choice for His created beings. He allowed Adam and Eve to make their own decisions – even though that freedom would result in 6000 years of sorrow and death!
 
Today, however, many in government, healthcare, and business believe they have the right to dictate and mandate personal decisions – something a God of freedom would not even do. Even Christendom has entered the arena of compulsion.
 
As a result, thousands have lost their livelihoods, education, and parental rights after choosing not to receive vaccines. Others have gone against what they felt they should do because of the coercive pressure applied upon them.

Then there’s gender. In Eden, God created humanity in His image and specified two genders, male and female. This self-evident reality is not even exclusive to a religious viewpoint, but is simply observable through basic scientific, biological observation.

Today, however, society has turned God’s plan for gender and sexuality UPSIDE DOWN. Children are encouraged by society, by ideologically driven public-school figures, and at times even their own parents, to “choose their own gender,” daring to claim they know more than the Creator.  (Isaiah 29:16,17.)- (Promotion of Liberty and Health Alliance, on “UPSIDE DOWN”. Camp Meeting with free healthcare and talks- September 15-18, 2022Tampa, Florida)   

Jesus in His ministry on earth, as revealed in the Bible. cared for those who face struggles in life with which we have never been tested. He has given the examples to take up the cross and follow in His footstep. Jesus attended to every varied needs of the people: from the thief on the cross, the man blind from birth, the woman who was bent over, the person with a withered hand, the demoniacs, the man who was carried to Jesus in his bed and the resurrected Lazarus, actually dead for four days.

All of the works performed by Jesus are indelibly recorded in the Bible for our lessons in faith. They are illustrated spiritual truths and testified to His divine mission as the Saviour of mankind and attested the truth of His Message. Each miracle recorded in the gospels seems to have significance in and or itself. There are some 35 miracles. For example, the storm on the Lake (Mat 8:18; 23-27) is to demonstrate divine power over the elements of nature and the purpose of bringing Jairus daughter to life ( Mk5:22-24;35-43) is a demonstration of divine power over death 

The scientific method can provide us with any amount of information about ourselves and the world in which we live. But it cannot provide the perspective to truly appreciate the value of our fellow humans or how wonderful the rest of creation is. The biblical worldview gives us confidence that we can do science. Scripture tells us that not only was everything created by God but He sustains the creation. We need not worry that they will change or that they were different in the past because the Creator is the same yesterday, today and forever(Heb 13:8). Like His moral law, the physical law He created and upholds tell us about His love and character. In this world rebelling against his Creator and His laws, believers will face derision, opposition and  mockery and any other number of other troubles. But by believing in what is true we may fear the consequences but we will see the heavens declare the glory of God revealing that He is love ( 1 Jn 4:8) We also see each other however humble and weak from sin we will be as genuine brothers and sisters. Made one in Christ, each the member of the body of Christ functioning in an unique and essential way(1 Cor 12:12) Together we have hope, because the truth revealed in God’s word is that Jesus  Christ is our Creator and Redeemer. He has overcome the world. Love has already triumphed and we may be at peace in the midst of the most violent storm. I believe that the Bible is God’s word. I believe that God’s word is true.  Because I believe I can see beyond the storm and I am not ashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16). By obeying  each of us, comprising the body of Christ’s church will not be just hearers but that we will embrace the truth that God set before us that  we be doers of the word  (Ja 1:21,22). 

(c) Affairs of Men

There is the God who rules in the affairs of men. For believers, God is preeminent over everything else. The current events we see we can’t explain the play or counter play. But nothing happens escapes God or surprise Him. He is orchestrating events of history to the future of the second coming.  He knows everything. Trust in Him, place ourselves in His hands and follow His lead. All trials “work for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”Rom 8:28. Of paramount import is accepting Christ and become His follower. Allow him to govern your life and focus on the heavenly reward He has promised.

1.1 Look Up and Live

“When the people of Israel were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, God directed Moses to make a serpent of brass, and place it on high in the midst of the congregation. Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that all who would look upon the serpent should live. The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them. It was a symbol of Christ. As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made "in the likeness of sinful flesh" was to be their Redeemer. Romans 8:3. Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin. God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour. Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live.  {DA 174.4} 

Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish.  {DA 175.1} 

Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  {DA 175.2} 

There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, "How can these things be?"  {DA 175.3}

1.1.1 Hope at End-time Living

We are living in the end-time of this world, at a critical point of time in which we must be anxious about death and what unknown lies ahead. Truth revealed only in the Bible gives us this view of the prospect of a future in the Paradise of God.  Amazingly, It is up to any individual to choose either to accept or reject the Paradise of God. This revelation is presented by James Rafferty as episode 3 of 3ABN Summer Camp Meeting 2022. This projection of the kind of future life we must focus on to motivate and enervate each of us to strive an attain the reward that God has prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

It is the aim of this article, D35, to share this view of the future life as the primer and catalyst. It is to open our eyes to why crucial truth of such vital magnitude to everlasting life is hidden from so many people on earth.  The truth on the belief in the divine nature of the Godhead is being misrepresented by Satan*2 who has infiltrated into God’s remnant church and causing confusion with the ungodly conception of the doctrine of Trinity fabricated by the Papacy.(See Section 2)

1.1.1.1 Beware of Counterfeit at Work (Note: Satan*2)

Satan*2, the supernatural being*, as the anointed cherub, Lucifer, had been highly exalted (the best of all created angels, next in rank and power after Christ; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. Many of them listened to his suggestions and believed his words. Satan This power Satan*2 used his power in his work of instilling evil into the minds of the angels, and he made it appear that he was seeking the good of the universe.. He [Satan] declares he cannot submit to be under Christ's command, that God's commands alone will he obey. Good angels weep to hear the words of Satan, and to see how he despises to follow the direction of Christ, their exalted and loving Commander.  {7BC 973.6} 

The Father decides the case of Satan, and declares that he must be turned out of heaven for his daring rebellion, and that all those who united with him in his rebellion should be turned out with him. Then there was war in heaven. Christ and His angels fought against Satan and his angels, for they were determined to remain in heaven with all their rebellion. But they prevailed not. Christ and loyal angels triumphed, and drove Satan and his rebel sympathizers from heaven. (3SG 38).  {7BC 973.7} 

Cast out of heaven, Satan set up his kingdom in this world, and ever since, he has been untiringly striving to seduce human beings from their allegiance to God. He uses the same power that he used in heaven--the influence of mind on mind. Men become tempters of their fellow men. The strong, corrupting sentiments of Satan are cherished, and they exert a masterly, compelling power. Under the influence of these sentiments, men bind up with one another in confederacies, in trades unions, and in secret societies. There are at work in the world agencies that God will not much longer tolerate.  {4MR 85.2} 

The natural heart rebels against the requirements of God's law. It was the law against which Satan fought in heaven, and those who are controlled by him will hate its principles. But let them remember that when they cast reproach at the law, they cast reproach at Him with whom the law originated. He who while trampling on the law of God claims that Christ has forgiven his sins, knows not of what he is talking. John declares that sin is the transgression of the law. If there were no law, there would be no sin. Those who claim to love Christ, while at the same time they refuse to obey Him, are like fountains which send forth impure water. Professing to follow Christ, they do the work of the adversary. Their faith is dead; for it is unsupported by good works. They can no more be saved by their faith than can the fallen angels, who believe and tremble, by their faith.  {ST, July 31, 1901 par. 6}  (Many professed Christians believed superficially but do the work of the adversary.)

Lucifer refused to accept Christ as the Prince of heaven, his Sovereign and Leader. He refused to acknowledge the supremacy of the Son of God. The controversy between the Prince of life and the prince of darkness has been long and fierce. Those who place themselves under Satan's banner, who refuse, as did the Jews, to yield allegiance to God or to obey His laws, can never be members of the heavenly family. They would make war against the law of Jehovah, calling it, as did Satan, a yoke of bondage.  {RH, March 12, 1901 par. 2}

When Satan rebelled, there was war in heaven, and he, with all his sympathizers, was cast out. He had held a high office in heaven, possessing a throne radiant with light. But he swerved from his allegiance to the blessed and only Potentate, and fell from his first estate. All who sympathized with him were driven from the presence of God, doomed to be no more acknowledged in the heavenly courts as having a right there. Satan became the avowed antagonist of Christ. On the earth he planted the standard of rebellion, and round it his sympathizers rallied (MS 78, 1905).  {7BC 973.8}

Ever since his fall, Satan has been the leader of rebellion. Ever since that time he has been leading men and women astray. Christ's work began with the beginning of transgression. Then the warfare between good and evil was begun. The Scriptures speak plainly of this warfare, carrying us down to the final triumph of Christ over Satan and his adherents. This conflict never ceases.  {RH, March 12, 1901 par. 3} 

Satan's Corrupt Working -Eze 15-19 (Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:7-9). There is a grand rebellion in the earthly universe. Is there not a great leader of that rebellion? Is not Satan the life and soul of every species of rebellion which he himself has instigated? Is he not the first great apostate from God?

A rebellion exists. Lucifer revolted from his allegiance and makes war on the divine government.

Christ is appointed to put down the rebellion. He makes this world His battlefield. He stands at the head of the human family. He clothes His divinity with humanity and He passes over the ground where Adam fell and endures all the assaults of Satan's temptations, but He does not yield in a single instance.  {4BC 1163.4} 

The salvation of a world is at stake. He (Jesus) resisted the archdeceiver. In behalf of man He must conquer as a man, and in the very same manner man must conquer by "It is written." His own words under the guise of humanity would be misjudged, misinterpreted, falsified. His own words spoken as the divine Son of God could not be falsified.  {4BC 1163.5} 

It will be in the last great day when every case receives as his works have been; it will be the final and eternal condemnation of the devil and all his sympathizers and all who have served under his jurisdiction and have identified themselves with him. Will he have a reason to assign for his rebellion? When the Judge of all the world demands, Why have ye done thus? what reason can he assign, what cause can he plead? Bear in mind every tongue is silent, every mouth that has been so ready to speak evil, so ready to accuse, so ready to utter words of recrimination and falsehood is stopped, and the whole world of rebellion stands speechless before God; their tongues cleave to the roof of their mouth. The place where sin entered can be specified.  {4BC 1163.6} }

1.1.2 Future Life in Paradise

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAj4K_GR5Q The Paradise of God is Coming | 3ABN Summer Camp Meeting 2022 Jun 5, 2022 Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN))

With the end in sight (L3) we need to discover the end of the story of Bible prophecy in the end of Revelation that portrays the paradise of God.This is in D35 as complementary to L3. In this discovery we return back to the beginning, not to a reset as the world leaders insist…  The end of the story is so powerful as it takes us back to the beginning of creation. In Rev 21 we find ourselves returned to where God first put us, in the paradise of God. God is bringing us back to Himself in His word which is the inspiration of His Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth who convicts us and directs us in understanding on the spiritual kingdom of God

1.1.2.1 Manmade Imitations of Paradise

The Seagaia complex in Japan is one of two manmade imitation of paradise. It is an indoor ocean and beach that holds 10,000 people. It had chirping birds sound, , plastic trees, piped in breeze, artificial volcano and surfable waves   This beach had  water that was clean and covered by a retractable roof and have perfect controllable temperature.This is complemented with the next imitation, SSAWs ( Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Snow), a 1607 feet of indoor ski slopes groomed with fresh powder every night.

These are in imagination of men in Japan in physically realizing as close to the original if not better.”

1.1.2.1.1 Paul’s Vision of Paradise

But did you know the bible tells us what paradise is going to be like:  “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1Co 2:9,10 

It is far beyond that indoor beach with the salt free water and temperature control and a retractable roofand the indoor ski slope groomed with fresh powder every night. Remember it is the Holy Spirit that has actually revealed to us what paradise is going to be like through Apostle Paul who testified that he was taken in vision to heaven to be able to share this truth to encourage us to trust in the word of God,

Herein is this essential Bible truth: The Importance in knowing the role of the Holy Spirit  as the author of the word of God. He is the inspiration behind the word of God “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Pe 1:21.   

Man can’t see it and understand it. And we are told that “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17. There is a connection between God’s word that is inspired by the Holy Spirit and the development of faith. Our faith is something that we have to manifest for things we don’t necessarily see. We are told “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1. Faith issomething we manifest even though we don’t see it, even though we haven’t imagined it. 

1.1.2.2 Faith in the Word of God

God is saying to us that He has something for us in paradise we can’t imagine, we can’t understand, but the Holy Spirit reveals it to us. That Holy Spirit is the inspiration of the word of God and word of God reveals these things to us by faith. God has so much that He wants us to understand when we study this subject.

By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God. The word of God spoke and the words worlds were framed. We believed that by faith for we were not there and we did not see it. We believe it by faith because we read the word of God and the word of God develops this faith in us.

The word of God is going to do the same thing for us as we study the paradise of God. This truth is so beautiful and powerful in giving us hope in spite of the destruction of this world. It is established in the word of God and it comes to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and it develops in us faith to look beyond our present world and the things that we see and understand what God has really provided for us.

1.1.2.2.1 The Faith of Moses (Heb 11:24-29)

Heb 11:24  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 

Heb 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 

Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 

Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

Heb 11:28  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 

Heb 11:29  By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned

In the books of prophecy we are seeing a crisis that is coming to us. We are seeing in Rev 13 that perhaps, it is right upon us. But we know for sure (Bible prophecy is sure)  it is coming that God’s people will not be able to buy or sell unless they receive the mark of the beast and they are going to be afflicted and their lives are going to be threathened. Moses is our example of a man of faith. He chose to abandon the life of an Egyptian prince to champion the cause of the afflicted Israelites through exercising faith. “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward or he looked to the reward.Heb 11:26. 

1.1.2.2.1.1 Focus on the Reward – Paradise

The reward is the paradise as described in 1 Cor 2:19. Moses understood this and he was looking ahead to his reward. Justifiably, the bible tells us that Jesus resurrected him from the grave and he is in heaven among the angelic host according to Jude 9 . Had Moses chosen to be a prince in Egypt, Moses would be in a museum as a mummy.  Now he is at God’s right hand and have pleasures forevermore ( Ps 16:11).The difference between this world  and God’s paradise is that this world’s pleasures are temporary. This is the problem with sin that has a consequence that ends pleasure when God’s pleasure continues forever. 

God tells us this story as He wants us to make a good decision for HIM. Jeremiah as God’s mouth piece says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jer 29:11. God wants us to think about the reward that is wriien in the end of the book where we are all headed. It is not just in the second coming of Jesus but beyond that which is to return us paradise.

Here is where we need the Holy Spirit to remind us what Christ has taught us that we were created in paradise “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” Gen 1:31. God created us in the beginning to enjoy His creation that was untainted with pollution. God wanted us to enjoy the myriads of colours in the flowers and the trees, the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, and animals on the land.

Then the thief came to only steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10). It was Lucifer, the fallen angel becoming Satan, the devil. He has sought to undermine God’s creation to lead mankind into rebellion and to lose everything that God has created for us to experience. But Jesus says I have come so that they would have life and have it abundantly. God, the Father has sent His Son to redeem us and that redemption is biblical and real. Sin is just an interruption to God’s plan. It is a temporary interruption to what God originally purposed for humanity. Sin has turned us away from God’s original paradise.But God has promised restoration for each one of us. This promised salvation from sin comes in three parts: it is salvation from sin’s guilt (i.e. justification); from Sin’s power (i.e. sanctification); and from sin’s effect (i.e. glorification).(1Cor 1:30)  

1.1.2.2.1.2 Destruction of Sin & Death

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death ( 1 Cor 15:26) and people who have lost loved loves wrongfully blame God and not Satan who afflicted it. God has allowed it because God is loving and love necessitates freedom to choose. Anyone choosing to separate from Him and be unprotected from sin is choosing death for the wages of sin is death.

God has given us the freedom to choose but a day is coming when He is going to end all of this, when He is going to destroy sin. The last enemy God is going to destroy is death . There is therefore a resurrection from the grave for those who believe in Jesus Christ. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17”Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” . 1Th 4:16,17 This is the truth that is found in all scriptures. But John focuses on it in the book of revelation under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. John talks about the first resurrection that is going to take place at the second coming. Then there is the second millennium after the thousand desolate years, where the earth is just left (Jer 4:23; Isa 24:19; Gen 1:2)

1.1.2.2.1.3 The Two Resurrections

There are two resurrections a thousand years apart. In the first resurrection of the righteous people of God go to heaven and they are there to investigate the whole great controversy of the six thousand years between sin and righteousness, between Christ and the devil. All the questions will be answered as to why specific people are not there in heaven. The second resurrection after the thousand years will be a resurrection of damnation where  the wicked are resurrected to be sentenced and then execution. The holy city, new Jerusalen, descends down and settled on this earth, to be the centre of God’s universe. John saw all of this as God wants to let him tell us that He is restoring us to the paradise of God.

1.1.2.2.1.4 The Motivation in the Heavenly Reward

From the testimony of Moses we are to be like him for when he got his focus on his future reward of the paradise of God he was willing to sufferwith his people for a little while on planet earth in discarding the pleasure of sin for a season. He was motivated and we need to be motivated. Our motivation is going to come when God’s love reveals to us the restoration that He has for us.

1.1.2.2.1.4.1Life in Paradise- New Jerusalem

The study of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the everlasting gospel in Rev 14,6-7 takes us all the way back to where we came from, to paradise restored. John saw all this in Rev 21:2- “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” 3 “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”Rev 21:3.

That was what happen at the start when God tabernacled with Adam and Eve. “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” V 4. This world is just an opportunity for us know and taste a little bit of God has provided for us in His kingdom of glory, of pure joy and exhilaration .There will be no more sickness in heaven “eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” Isa 35:5;no lame and no dumb-V6. There will be no desert and all the land becomes a beautiful garden of Edenic beauty (Isa 35:1)

In addition, a child can play with vipers –Isa 11:8. And”the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” –V9. There shall be no more fear of animals as the lamb sits and play with the lion.

1.1.2.2.1.4.1.1Proof in Lioness Tyke

Consider the testimony that this is real based in the story of Little Tyke, a lioness that lived in Washington State (1950-60’s). Tyke pulls little girl on a cart and was a vegetarian animal that would not be coaxed into eating meat. The zoo keepers were concerned and offered a $1,000 reward to anyone who could make Tyke to eat meat for her prober nourishment. No one was able to get Tyke to eat meat and they stopped when a young man came forward stating that the Bible says that God made animals vegetarian in the beginning.

1.1.2.2.1.5Timeless Nature of Eternity

It is very difficult for us to imagine and comprehend eternity, in living forever and ever as we nowliving on earth are like ”a vapourthat appearsfor a little time and then vanishes away” Ja 4:14. Besides with all the crimes and sorrows in the world we may sometime wish to be dead. The Bible clarifies for us between the life we have now and then eternity. Life now is a temporary intervention between our creation to the paradise that we were created to experienced and then paradise restored. So whenever it seems how long it seems to have taken for Jesus to have returned  to fulfill His promises to return (Jn 14:1-3) and people ridiculing this promise we need to recall “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2Pe 3:8 

1.1.2.2.1.5.1A Thousand Years as One Day (EST)

The Bible in 2Pe 3:8 is introducing Eternal Standard Time (EST).   1.000 years = 1 day.  In eternity 1,000years is like 1 day in earthly time. so in eternal time, Jesus has been gone for 2 days (2,000 years earthly time clock) Thus Jesus is saying  to us that He is coming quickly (Rev 22:12,20) in two days and to keep your focus on heaven and your reward.

In the context of eternity, a life span of 100 years on planet earth is like living two hours and twenty four minutes. The temporal time on earth is to enable us to make the right choice that God wants us to make now. But Satan is tempting you with his lies that he can give you the whole world if you would just bow down and worship him, the temptation he made to Jesus in the wilderness. (Mat 4:9).  So don’t trade your eternity by holding onto your 2.4 eternity hours equivalent and trade away eternity. Jesus wants to give us eternity for our measly 2.4 hours of pain and sorrow. Paul says:”For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom 8:18 .

1.1.2.2.1.5.1.1Restoration of Love in Jesus Christ

We need to think of His love for us, the restoration that God is gifting to us in Jesus Christ. The 2.4 hours of pain and suffering may be difficult but when we meet those moments of joy it reminds us of what God has prepared for us for all eternity, of the value of eternal life that is gifted to us through the love of God in Jesus Christ. We need to consider this love, to consider the heart of God toward us because if one of us is missing in heaven there will be an empty spot in the heart of God throughout all eternity.

Revelation in particular specifically points out that someday we are going to see the face of God. We are going to see the face of Jesus. (Rev 22:4) as described in Rev 1:12-20). He will embrace each one of us and say I am so glad that you chose to be here with me and responded to my love. He wants us to be there, the Father wants us to be there and the Holy Spirit wants us to be there. Every single bible prophecy from Daniel to Revelation, all of them ends up in the paradise of God.

“The word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand, and its testimony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanctify the character.

1.1.2.2.1.5.1.1.1 Impart Sacred Joy to Others

The Spirit of the Lord (Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Third Personality in the Godhead) is working to take the truth of the inspired word and stamp it upon the soul so that the professed followers of Christ will have a holy, sacred joy that they will be able to impart to others. The opportune time for us to work is now, just now, while the day lasts. ( Warning: But there is no command for any one to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which he has hidden in his secret councils.” ) (This apply to all aspects on the Godhead that has not been revealed- to be discussed later)  {RH, October 9, 1894 par. 11} 

1.1.2.2.1.5.1.2 Accept the Vital Key to God

There is one thing that is left. It is the crucial open invitation from heaven to come and to accept the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.This cannot be delayed for we do not know what tomorrow brings even the close o probation when the cup of iniquity of Satan is full. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the All heaven is poured out saying water of life freely.” Rev 22:17.

2. Seeking True Knowledge

(Blending of Excerpts from Ministry of Healing, Chap 36 Danger in Speculative Knowledge , Chap 37 The False and the True in Education, Chap. 38 - The Importance of Seeking True Knowledge,and Chap 39- The Knowledge Received Through God’s Word . By E.G. White. Intercessions within brackets after excerpts are provided.)

More clearly than we do, we need to understand the issues at stake in the great conflict in which we are engaged. We need to understand more fully the value of the truths of the word of God and the danger of allowing our minds to be diverted from them by the great deceiver.  {MH 451.1} 

(This is because Satan in his last attack will be reverting back to His most deadly deception weapon in the enchanting melodious flying serpent residing in the three of the knowledge of good and evil. This has caused the fallen nature of mankind, the descendents of Adam and Eve. Adam gave up the dominion of earth in believing Satan and choosing to disobey the word of God. They did not die immediately because Jesus interceded for their lives by pledging to die on their behalf in the compact made with His Father who does not desire any of His children to die.This is the nature of God’s character of love.)

The infinite value of the sacrifice required for our redemption reveals the fact that sin is a tremendous evil. (Jesus self sacrificial dead by crucifixion on the cross of Calvary ratified the payment in full and thus death is defeated) Through sin the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted. Sin has degraded the faculties of the soul. Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart, and the feet turn imperceptibly toward evil.  {MH 451.2} 

As the sacrifice in our behalf was complete, so our restoration from the defilement of sin is to be complete. No act of wickedness will the law of God excuse; no unrighteousness can escape its condemnation. The ethics of the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of the divine character. The life of Christ was a perfect fulfillment of every precept of the law. He said, "I have kept My Father's commandments." His life is our example of obedience and service. God alone can renew the heart. "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." But we are bidden, "Work out your own salvation." John 15:10; Philippians 2:13, 12.  {MH 451.3}

2.01The False and the True in Education

The mastermind in the confederacy of evil is ever working to keep out of sight the words of God, and to bring into view the opinions of men. He means that we shall not hear the voice of God, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." Isaiah 30:21. Through perverted educational processes he is doing his utmost to obscure heaven's light.  {MH 439.1} 

Philosophical speculation (inclusive of theological)  and scientific research. in which God is not acknowledged are making skeptics of thousands. In the schools of today the conclusions that learned men have reached as the result of their scientific investigations are carefully taught and fully explained; ..the impression is distinctly given that if these learned men are correct, the Bible cannot be.The youth .. are deceived. Satan triumphs. He nourishes every seed of doubt that is sown in young hearts. He causes it to grow and bear fruit, and soon a plentiful harvest of infidelity is reaped.  {MH 439.2} 

It is because the human heart is inclined to evil that it is so dangerous to sow the seeds of skepticism in young minds (This is applicable to professed Christians who are babes in Christ, young in spiritual growth.) Whatever weakens faith in God robs the soul of power to resist temptation. It removes the only real safeguard against sin. We are in need of schools where the youth shall be taught that greatness consists in honoring God by revealing His character in daily life. Through His word and His works we need to learn of God, that our lives may fulfill His purpose.  {MH 440.1}

2.01.1 Speculative Challenge on the Nature of Godhead

(There is the unsettling movement within the SDA Churcharising from the Church statement of faith in 1980 pertaining the Oneness of the Godhead that resides in God, the Father, Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.This movement holds that the Holy Spirit is not a divine personality, but the manifestation of the Spirit of the Father and the Son. This anti-triune movement maintains the founding pioneers were never ‘trinitarians’ and declare that the SDA  church is in apostasy by aligning with the Roman Catholic trinity doctrine. The charge is presumed that there are two Personalities in throne room in heaven and inclusion of the third dignitary is by way of including Satan, the devil who has been cast out.}  

How is it that men who are at war with the government of God come into possession of the wisdom which they sometimes display? Satan himself was educated in the heavenly courts, and he has a knowledge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the precious with the vile, and this is what gives him power to deceive. But because Satan has robed himself in garments of heavenly brightness, shall we receive him as an angel of light? The tempter has his agents, educated according to his methods, inspired by his spirit, and adapted to his work. Shall we co-operate with them? Shall we receive the works of his agents as essential to the acquirement of an education?  {MH 440.3} 

If the time and effort spent in seeking to grasp the bright ideas of infidels were given to studying the precious things of the word of God, thousands who now sit in darkness and in the shadow of death would be rejoicing in the glory of the Light of life.  {MH 440.4}

(Ellen White gives counsel on overcoming this diversionary ploy of Satanthat needs to be met in the end-time of the world. She queried,  Why spend money in libraries filled with ponderous volumes of historical and theological lore, for that which is not bread?)

The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says: "I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." "I am the living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever." "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:35, 51, 47, 63.  {MH 441.1}

2.01.1.1 Danger in Speculative Knowledge (from MH-Chap. 36 - Danger in Speculative Knowledge, E.G.W)

(As the hour of the Day of the Lord is at hand, Satan’s desperate last attempt is to  infiltrate into God’s remnant church to draw God’s servants into his camp with enticements and intimidations. The issues raised are to cause the separation of the church as is happening with the anti-triune challenge whose principle spokesperson is Nader Mansour.)

The lesson is for us. The field into which Satan led our first parents is the same to which he is alluring men today. He is flooding the world with pleasing fables. By every device at his command he tempts men to speculate in regard to God. Thus he seeks to prevent them from obtaining that knowledge of God which is salvation.  {MH 428.1}

Thus, Satan impresses on the minds of many“to judge of the Creator and His works by their own imperfect knowledge of science and philosophy. They endeavor to determine the nature and attributes and prerogatives of God, and indulge in speculative theories concerning the Infinite One. Those who engage in this line of study are treading upon forbidden ground. Their research will yield no valuable results and can be pursued only at the peril of the soul.”  {MH 427.1}

Our first parents were led into sin through indulging a desire for knowledge that God had withheld from them. In seeking to gain this knowledge, they lost all that was worth possessing. If Adam and Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, God would have imparted to them knowledge-- knowledge upon which rested no curse of sin, knowledge that would have brought them everlasting joy. All that they gained by listening to the tempter was an acquaintance with sin and its results. By their disobedience, humanity was estranged from God and the earth was separated from heaven.  {MH 427.2} 

2.01.1.1.1Pantheistic Theories

Today there are coming intoeducational institutionsand into the churches everywhere spiritualistic teachings that undermine faith in God and in His word. The theory that God is an essence pervading all nature is received by many who profess to believe the Scriptures; but, however beautifully clothed, this theory is a most dangerous deception. It misrepresents God and is a dishonor to His greatness and majesty. And it surely tends not only to mislead, but to debase men. Darkness is its element, sensuality its sphere. The result of accepting it is separation from God. And to fallen human nature this means ruin.  {MH 428.2} 

Our condition through sin is unnatural, and the power that restores us must be supernatural, else it has no value. There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ. Only through the blood of the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin. His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature. The spiritualistic theories concerning God make His grace of no effect. If God is an essence pervading all nature, then He dwells in all men; and in order to attain holiness, man has only to develop the power within him.  {MH 428.3} 

These theories, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They do away with the necessity for the atonement and make man his own savior. These theories regarding God make His word of no effect, and those who accept them are in great danger of being led finally to look uponthe whole Bible as a fiction. They may regard virtue as better than vice; but, having shut out God from His rightful position of sovereignty, they place their dependence upon human power, which, without God, is worthless. The unaided human will has no real power to resist and overcome evil. The defenses of the soul are broken down. Man has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, we know not to what depths one may sink.

2.01.1.1.2 Searching Into Divine Mysteries

"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever." Deuteronomy 29:29. The revelation of Himself that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God, but the effort will be fruitless. This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can comprehend God. None are to indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion.  {MH 429.1} 

Even the angels were not permitted to share the counsels between the Father and the Son when the plan of salvation was laid. And human beings are not to intrude into the secrets of the Most High. We are as ignorant of God as little children; but, as little children, we may love and obey Him. Instead of speculating in regard to His nature or His prerogatives, let us give heed to the words He has spoken:

"Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea." Job 11:7-9; {MH 429.2}

Neither by searching the recesses of the earth nor in vain endeavors to penetrate the mysteries of God's being, is wisdom found. It is found, rather, in humbly receiving the revelation that He has been pleased to give, and in conforming the life to His will.  {MH 431.1} 

Men of the greatest intellect cannot understand the mysteries of Jehovah as revealed in nature. Divine inspiration asks many questions which the most profound scholar cannot answer. These questions were not asked that we might answer them, but to call our attention to the deep mysteries of God and to teach us that our wisdom is limited; that in the surroundings of our daily life there are many things beyond the comprehension of finite beings.  {MH 431.2} 

Skeptics refuse to believe in God because they cannot comprehend the infinite power by which He reveals Himself. But God is to be acknowledged as much from what He does not reveal of Himself, as from that which is open to our limited comprehension. Both in divine revelation and in nature, God has given mysteries to command our faith. This must be so. We may be ever searching, ever inquiring, ever learning, and yet there is an infinity beyond.  Isaiah 40:12-28, A.R.V.  {MH 431.3}

From the representations given by the Holy Spirit to His prophets, let us learn the greatness of our God. The prophet Isaiah writes:  {MH 432.1} 

"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.  {MH 432.2} 

"Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:5.  {MH 433.3}

"The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings." Proverbs 5:21.  {MH 433.4} 

"He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him." Daniel 2:22.  {MH 433.5} 

"Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world." "Who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever." Acts 15:18; Romans 11:34-36.  {MH 433.6} 

"Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible," "who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting." 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16.

As we learn more and more of what God is, and of what we ourselves are in His sight, we shall fear and tremble before Him. Let men of today take warning from the fate of those who in ancient times presumed to make free with that which God had declared sacred. When the Israelites ventured to open the ark on its return from the land of the Philistines, their irreverent daring was signally punished.  {MH 435.1} 

Man cannot by searching find out God. Let none seek with presumptuous hand to lift the veil that conceals His glory. "Unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out." Romans 11:33. It is a proof of His mercy that there is the hiding of His power; for to lift the veil that conceals the divine presence is death. No mortal mind can penetrate the secrecy in which the Mighty One dwells and works. Only that which He sees fit to reveal can we comprehend of Him. Reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself. Heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.  {MH 438.2}

2.01.2 History Confirms Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy

There is a study of history that is not to be condemned. Sacred history was one of the studies in the schools of the prophets. In the record of His dealings with the nations were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. So today we are to consider the dealings of God with the nations of the earth. We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict of the great controversy.  {MH 441.2} 

Such study will give broad, comprehensive views of life. It will help us to understand something of its relations and dependencies, how wonderfully we are bound together in the great brotherhood of society and nations, and to how great an extent the oppression and degradation of one member means loss to all.  {MH 442.1} 

But history, as commonly studied, is concerned with man's achievements, his victories in battle, his success in attaining power and greatness. God's agency in the affairs of men is lost sight of. Few study the working out of His purpose in the rise and fall of nations.  {MH 442.2}

2.01.3 Speculation in Theology

And, to a great degree, theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of human speculation, serving only to "darken counsel by words without knowledge." Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions.  {MH 442.3} (See Par 2.01.1.1 Danger in Speculative Knowledge)

2.01.4 The Only True Education

Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. "'Learn of Me'," said the Great Teacher," "'take My yoke upon you,' learn My meekness and lowliness." Your intellectual pride will not aid you in communicating with souls that are perishing for want of the bread of life. ..The study of these (worldly) books ..take the place of the practical lessons you should be learning from Christ. With the results of this study the people are not fed.. (not helping one) to be a successful laborer for souls.  {MH 442.4} 

The Saviour came "to preach the gospel to the poor." Luke 4:18. In His teaching He used the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that "the common people heard Him gladly." Mark 12:37. Those who are seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given.  {MH 443.1} 

The words of the living God are the highest of all education. Those who minister to the people need to eat of the bread of life This will give them spiritual strength; then they will be prepared to minister to all classes of people.  {MH 443.2} .(This is the commission given to the children of God. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mat 28:19-20. Herein Jesus has acknowledged the Holy Spirit as the third dignitary of heaven (See also Jn 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11)

(The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight.{SpTB07 62.3} 

The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be "the express image of His person." "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Here is shown the personality of the Father.  {SpTB07 63.1}

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

2.01.4.1 The Work That Requires Our Thought

The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.  {MH 453.2} 

No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles. Individually we are responsible for the issues of the struggle; though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.  {MH 453.3}

2.01.4.2 The Science to Be Mastered

There is a science of Christianity to be mastered--a science as much deeper, broader, higher than any human science as the heavens are higher than the earth. The mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained; for we are to do service for God in ways that are not in harmony with inborn inclination. Hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil must be overcome. Often the education and training of a lifetime must be discarded, that one may become a learner in the school of Christ. Our hearts must be educated to become steadfast in God. We are to form habits of thought that will enable us to resist temptation. We must learn to look upward. The principles of the word of God--principles that are as high as heaven, and that compass eternity--we are to understand in their bearing upon our daily life. Every act, every word, every thought, is to be in accord with these principles. All must be brought into harmony with, and subject to, Christ.  {MH 453.4} 

The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in God's power to save, are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God are to seal their destiny.  {MH 454.1}

2.01.4.2.1 No Time to Lose

We know not how soon our probation may close. At the longest, we have but a brief lifetime here, and we know not how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We know not how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. But a few short years, and for everyone now numbered with the living the mandate will go forth:  {MH 454.2} 

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11.  {MH 454.3} 

Are we prepared? Have we become acquainted with God, the Governor of heaven, the Lawgiver, and with Jesus Christ whom He sent into the world as His representative? When our lifework is ended, shall we be able to say, as did Christ our example:  {MH 454.4} 

"I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. . . . I have manifested Thy name"? John 17:4-6.  {MH 454.5} 

The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain.  {MH 454.6} 

Minds that have been given up to loose thought need to change. "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16.  {MH 455.1} 

The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object of which we are in pursuit. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life.  {MH 455.2}

2.01.4.3 The Need of Self-Renunciation

Man's great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self-sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength. Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-indulgence, self-love, and temptation to sin.  {MH 455.3} 

In order to receive help from Christ, we must realize our need. We must have a true knowledge of ourselves. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. Only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power.  {MH 455.4} 

It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves; therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Perils surround us; and we are safe only as we feel our weakness and cling with the grasp of faith to our mighty Deliverer.  {MH 455.5} 

2.01.5 Christ the Fountainhead of True Knowledge

We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing. The highest interests demand the close attention and energy that are so often given to comparatively insignificant things.  {MH 456.1} 

Accepting new theories does not in itself bring new life to the soul. Even an acquaintance with facts and theories important in themselves is of little value unless put to a practical use. We need to feel our responsibility to give our souls food that will nourish and stimulate spiritual life.

2.01.5.1 Vital to Seek Truth

The question for us to study is, "What is truth--the truth that is to be cherished, loved, honored, and obeyed?" The devotees of science have been defeated and disheartened in their efforts to find out God. What they need to inquire at this time is, "What is the truth that will enable us to win the salvation of our souls?"  {MH 456.3} 

"What think ye of Christ?"--this is the all-important question. Do you receive Him as a personal Saviour? To all who receive Him He gives power to become sons of God.  {MH 457.1} 

Christ revealed God to His disciples in a way that performed in their hearts a special work, such as He desires to do in our hearts. There are many who, in dwelling too largely upon theory, have lost sight of the living power of the Saviour's example.They have lost sight of Him as the humble, self-denying worker. What they need is to behold Jesus. Daily we need the fresh revealing of His presence. We need to follow more closely His example of self-renunciation and self-sacrifice.  {MH 457.2} 

We need the experience that Paul had when he wrote: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20.  {MH 457.3} 

The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ expressed in character is an exaltation above everything else that is esteemed on earth or in heaven. It is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city. This knowledge, it is God's purpose that all who put on Christ shall possess.  {MH 457.4} 

2.02 Essence in Revealed Knowledge of God- God’s Character

(Chap. 35 - A True Knowledge of God,(MH, E.G.W) & God’s Character- Dr Elliot O. Douglin )

Like our Saviour, we are in this world to do service for God. We are here to become like God in character, and by a life of service to reveal Him to the world. In order to be co-workers with God, in order to become like Him and to reveal His character, we must know Him aright. We must know Him as He reveals Himself through our Lord Jesus Christ.  {MH 409.1}

(The revelation of God’s Agapé loveas it is demonstrated in the gift of His Son for the redemption of mankind and for the clarification of the issues involved in the great cosmic conflict between light and darkness. “Let us try to know the Lord. He will come to us as surely as the day dawns, as surely as the spring rains fall upon the earth.” Hosea 6:3 (TEV). Knowing and experiencing the knowledge ofGod( Father) as revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (Son) Christ, will give victoryover lukewarmness and will produce a love-motivated, heart-felt, surrender which will be absolute and which will usher in the final showers of the Latter Rain of the HolySpirit( third dignitary of the Godhead)(The Godhead involvement in every sinners victory in overcoming sin)   

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

This profound declaration comes straight from the mouth of Jesus Himself. Our Saviour is not one to waste words. The knowledge of the only true God and His Son is indeed eternal life! Without this knowledge the professed people of God would (eventually) be overcome by Satan.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6.

In fact God invites us, implores and even admonishes us to know and understand Him.

“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jer. 9:23, 24.

What a wonderful text of scripture! God wants us to know and to understand Him; especially in His work of exercising loving kindness (mercy), judgment and righteousness (justice) in the earth. Without this knowledge of God there can be no real victory over sin!

“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” 1Cor. 15:34.

Moreover the experience of “following on to know the Lord” (YAHWEH) is in fact declared to be the experience of the latter-rain of the Holy Spirit!

 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3

The Apostle Paul became very excited about the importance of the knowledge of God. He was almost beside himself as he wrote these words recorded in Eph. 3:17-21)- GC, Elliot O.Douglin)

A knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in character.  {MH 409.2} 

This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow men. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come.  {MH 409.3} 

"The knowledge of the Holy is understanding." Proverbs 9:10.  {MH 409.4} 

Through a knowledge of Him are given unto us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3.  {MH 409.5} 

The things of nature that we now behold give us but a faint conception of Eden's glory. Sin has marred earth's beauty; on all things may be seen traces of the work of evil. Yet much that is beautiful remains. Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness, mercy, and love, created the earth, and filled it with life and gladness. Even in their blighted state, all things reveal the handiwork of the great Master Artist. Wherever we turn, we may hear the voice of God, and see evidences of His goodness.  {MH 411.1} 

From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean's ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature's ten thousand voices speak His praise. … The sun rising in the heavens is a representative of Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens, speak of God. (Habakkuk 3:3; Psalm 104:24;19:2-4{MH 411.2}

All things tell of His tender, fatherly care and of His desire to make His children happy.  {MH 412.1}

2.02.1 Aspects of God’s Character  

The mighty power that works through all nature and sustains all things is not, as some men of science represent, merely an all-pervading principle, an actuating energy. God is a Spirit; yet He is a personal Being; for so He has revealed Himself:

"The Lord is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting King: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, Even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens." "The portion of Jacob is not like them:  For He is the former of all things." "He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, And hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion."  Jeremiah 10:10, 11, 16, 12.  {MH 413.1}

2.02.1.1 Nature Is Not God

God's handiwork in nature is not God Himself in nature. The things of nature are an expression of God's character and power; but we are not to regard nature as God. The artistic skill of human beings produces very beautiful workmanship, things that delight the eye, and these things reveal to us something of the thought of the designer; but the thing made is not the maker. It is not the work, but the workman, that is counted worthy of honor. So while nature is an expression of God's thought, it is not nature, but the God of nature, that is to be exalted.

 "Let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the Lord." "In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are His also The sea is His, and He made it; And His hands formed the dry land." Psalm 95:6; 95:4, 5, A.R.V.

"Seek Him that maketh the Pleiades and Orion,  And turneth the shadow of death into the morning, And maketh the day dark with night;" "He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, And declareth unto man what is His thought;" "He that buildeth His spheres in the heaven, And hath founded His arch [Noyes's translation] in the earth;" "He that calleth for the waters of the sea, And poureth them out upon the face of the earth; Jehovah is His name." Amos 5:8, A.R.V.; 4:13, A.R.V.; 9:6, margin; 9:6, A.R.V.  {MH 413.2}

2.02.1.2 The Creation of the Earth

The work of creation cannot be explained by science. What science can explain the mystery of life?  {MH 414.1} 

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3

     "I form the light, and create darkness: . . .

      I the Lord do all these things. . . .

      I have made the earth,

      And created man upon it:

      I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens,

      And all their host have I commanded."

     "When I call unto them, they stand up together." Isaiah 45:7-12; 48:13.  {MH 414.2}

In the creation of the earth, God was not indebted to pre-existing matter. "He spake, and it was; . . . He commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 33:9. All things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, came into existence by the breath of His mouth.  {MH 414.3}

In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word, a personal God created man and endowed him with intelligence and power.  {MH 415.1} 

Our substance was not hid from Him when we were made in secret; His eyes saw our substance, yet being imperfect, and in His book all our members were written when as yet there were none of them.  {MH 415.2} 

Above all lower orders of being, God designed that man, the crowning work of His creation, should express His thought and reveal His glory. But man is not to exalt himself as God.

     "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. . . .

      Serve the Lord with gladness:

      Come before His presence with singing.

           Know ye that the Lord He is God:

           It is He that hath made us, and His we are;

           We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

      Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

      And into His courts with praise:

      Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."

           "Exalt the Lord our God,

            And worship at His holy hill;

            For the Lord our God is holy." Psalm 100:1-4, margin; 99:9.  {MH 415.3}

God is constantly employed in upholding and using as His servants the things that He has made. He works through the laws of nature, using them as His instruments. They are not self-acting. Nature in her work testifies of the intelligent presence and active agency of a Being who moves in all things according to His will.

     "Forever, O Lord,

            Thy word is settled in heaven.

      Thy faithfulness is unto all generations:

            Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

      They continue this day according to Thine ordinances:

            For all are Thy servants."

     "Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He

      In heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."

     "He commanded, and they were created.

      He hath also established them for ever and ever:

      He hath made a decree which shall not pass."

                  Psalm 119:89-91; 135:6; 148:5, 6.  {MH 416.1}

It is not by inherent power that year by year the earth yields its bounties and continues its march around the sun. The hand of the Infinite One is perpetually at work guiding this planet. It is God's power continually exercised that keeps the earth in position in its rotation. It is God who causes the sun to rise in the heavens. He opens the windows of heaven and gives rain.

"He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes." Psalm 147:16;

"When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, And He causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings with rain,

And bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures." Jeremiah 10:13.  {MH 416.2}

It is by His power that vegetation is caused to flourish, that every leaf appears, every flower blooms, every fruit develops.  {MH 416.3} 

The mechanism of the human body cannot be fully understood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. It is not as the result of a mechanism, which, once set in motion, continues its work, that the pulse beats and breath follows breath. In God we live and move and have our being. The beating heart, the throbbing pulse, every nerve and muscle in the living organism, is kept in order and activity by the power of an ever-present God.  {MH 417.1} 

The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy beings, all waiting to do His will. Through these messengers He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. By His Spirit (Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead) He is everywhere present. Through the agency of His Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men.  {MH 417.2} 

Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He orders that which His providence sees best.

     "The way of man is not in himself:

      It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

     "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. . . .

      In all thy ways acknowledge Him,

      And He shall direct thy paths."

     "The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him,

         Upon them that hope in His mercy;

      To deliver their soul from death,

         And to keep them alive in famine."

     "How precious is Thy loving-kindness, O God! . . .

         The children of men take refuge under the shadow of Thy wings."

     "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help,

         Whose hope is in the Lord his God."

     "The earth, O Jehovah, is full of Thy loving-kindness."

         Thou lovest "righteousness and justice."

      Thou "art the confidence of all the ends of the earth,

         And of them that are afar off upon the sea:

      Who by His strength setteth fast the mountains,

         Being girded about with might;

      Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, . . .

         And the tumult of the peoples."

     "Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening

            to rejoice."

     "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness;

         And Thy paths drop fatness."

     "The Lord upholdeth all that fall,

         And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

      The eyes of all wait upon Thee;

         And Thou givest them their meat in due season.

      Thou openest Thine hand,

         And satisfiest the desire of every living thing."

             Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Psalm 33:18, 19;

                    36:7, A.R.V.; 146:5; 119:64, A.R.V.; 33:5,

                    A.R.V.; 65:5-7, A.R.V.; 65:8, 11; 145:14-16.  {MH 417.3}

2.02.1.3 Personality of God Revealed in Christ

As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. The outshining of the Father's glory, "and the express image of His person," Jesus, as a personal Saviour, came to the world. As a personal Saviour He ascended on high. As a personal Saviour He intercedes in the heavenly courts. Before the throne of God in our behalf ministers "One like unto the Son of man." Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:13.  {MH 418.1} 

Christ, the Light of the world,veiled the dazzling splendor of His divinity and came to live as a man among men, that they might, without being consumed, become acquainted with their Creator. Since sin brought separation between man and his Maker, no man has seen God at any time, except as He is manifested through Christ.  {MH 419.1} 

"I and My Father are one," Christ declared. "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." John 10:30; Matthew 11:27.  {MH 419.2} 

Christ came to teach human beings what God desires them to know. In the heavens above, in the earth, in the broad waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork of God. All created things testify to His power, His wisdom, His love. Yet not from the stars or the ocean or the cataract can we learn of the personality of God as it was revealed in Christ.  {MH 419.3} 

God saw that a clearer revelation than nature was needed to portray both His personality and His character. He sent His Son into the world to manifest, so far as could be endured by human sight, the nature and the attributes of the invisible God. {MH 419.4}

2.02.1.3.1 Revealed to the Disciples

Let us study the words that Christ spoke in the upper chamber on the night before His crucifixion. He was nearing His hour of trial, and He sought to comfort His disciples, who were to be so severely tempted and tried.  {MH 419.5} 

"Let not your heart be troubled," He said. "Ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . . .  {MH 419.6} 

"Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. . . .  {MH 419.7} 

"Lord, show us the Father," said Philip, "and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." John 14:1-10.  {MH 420.1} 

The disciples did not yet understand Christ's words concerning His relation to God. Much of His teaching was still dark to them. Christ desired them to have a clearer, more distinct knowledge of God.  {MH 420.2} 

"These things have I spoken unto you in parables," He said; "but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in parables, but I shall show you plainly of the Father." John 16:25, margin.  {MH 420.3} 

When, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, they understood more fully the truths that Christ had spoken in parables. Much of the teaching that had been a mystery to them was made clear. But not even then did the disciples receive the complete fulfillment of Christ's promise. They received all the knowledge of God that they could bear, but the complete fulfillment of the promise that Christ would show them plainly of the Father was yet to come. Thus it is today. Our knowledge of God is partial and imperfect. When the conflict is ended, and the Man Christ Jesus acknowledges before the Father His faithful workers, who in a world of sin have borne true witness for Him, they will understand clearly what now are mysteries to them.  {MH 420.4} 

Christ took with Him to the heavenly courts His glorified humanity. To those who receive Him He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout eternity. If during this life they are loyal to God, they will at last "see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." Revelation 22:4. And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father?  {MH 421.1} 

The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each.  {MH 421.2} 

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son; . . . who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time.

"Thou art My Son, This day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son?" Hebrews 1:1-5.  {MH 421.3} 

The personality of the Father and the Son, also the unity that exists between Them, are presented in the seventeenth chapter of John, in the prayer of Christ for His disciples:  {MH 421.4} 

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through 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 hast sent Me." John 17:20, 21.  {MH 421.5} 

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.  {MH 422.1}

2.02.1.3.2 Character of God Revealed in Christ

Taking humanity upon Him, Christ came to be one with humanity, and at the same time to reveal our heavenly Father to sinful human beings. He who had been in the presence of the Father from the beginning, He who was the express image of the invisible God, was alone able to reveal the character of the Deity to mankind. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of men; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was a stranger and sojourner on the earth--in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God, and was constantly engaged in service for God and man.

     "Jehovah hath anointed Me," He said,

     "To preach good tidings unto the poor;

      He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,

      To proclaim liberty to the captives,"

     "And recovering of sight to the blind;"

     "To proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor; . . .

      To comfort all that mourn."

                       Isaiah 61:1, A.R.V., margin;

                       Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:2, A.R.V.  {MH 422.2} 

"Love your enemies," He bids us; "bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven;" "for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Matthew 5:44, 45; Luke 6:35; Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:36.

     "Through the tender mercy of our God; . . .

      The Dayspring from on high hath visited us,

      To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the

             shadow of death,

      To guide our feet into the way of peace."

                                        Luke 1:78, 79.  {MH 423.1}

2.02.1.3.2.1 The Glory of the Cross

The revelation of God's love to man centers in the cross. Its full significance tongue cannot utter, pen cannot portray, the mind of man cannot comprehend. Looking upon the cross of Calvary, we can only say, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.  {MH 423.2} 

Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach.  {MH 424.1}

2.02.1.3.2.2 It Was Christ

"Who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross." Philippians 2:6-8, A.R.V.  {MH 424.2} 

"It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God." "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." Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.  {MH 424.3} 

"We have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15, A.R.V.  {MH 424.4} 

It is through the gift of Christ that we receive every blessing. Through that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness. Every flower, with its delicate tints and its fragrance, is given for our enjoyment through that one Gift. The sun and the moon were made by Him. There is not a star which beautifies the heavens that He did not make. Every drop of rain that falls, every ray of light shed upon our unthankful world, testifies to the love of God in Christ. Everything is supplied to us through the one unspeakable Gift, God's only-begotten Son. He was nailed to the cross that all these bounties might flow to God's workmanship.  {MH 424.5} 

     "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1.

     "Men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear,

      Neither hath the eye seen a God besides Thee,

      Who worketh for him that waiteth for Him."

                             Isaiah 64:4, A.R.V.  {MH 425.1}

2.02.1.3.3 The Knowledge That Works Transformation

The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the whole being a spiritual power that is divine.  {MH 425.2} 

"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Corinthians 3:18.  {MH 425.3} 

Of His own life the Saviour said, "I have kept My Father's commandments." John 15:10. "The Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived.  {MH 426.1} 

"For this cause," Paul says, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19.  {MH 426.2} 

We "do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:9-11.  {MH 426.3} 

This is the knowledge which God is inviting us to receive, and beside which all else is vanity and nothingness.  {MH 426.4}

2.1 Living in the Final Dispensation of the Holy Spirit

This section is the compilation from the Spirit of Prophecy to dispel the speculation on the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Godhead The controversial topic on the divinity of the Holy Spirit is covered in the devotional book published by The Ellen White’s Estate  titled “Ye Shall Receive Power “(1995) – YRP,

In fact, it is how God has caused this apostasy by those individuals to bring home the truth. The truth is that knowledge of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Godhead is a salvational issue for that person to receive the Holy Spirit as comforter, personal guide and mentor in the transformation of our fallen nature into th divine nature of Christ, that you may be perfect as your father is perfect (Matt 4:8)

(The contents describing the divinity of the Holy Spirit are all amplification of Bible verses OF CHOICE SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF Mrs ELLEN GOULD WHITE, WHO, MEETING ALL THE TESTS OF A TRUE PROPHET AS SET FORTH IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, HELPED FOUND THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.  {YRP 6.2}  SHE WAS A WOMAN OF REMARKABLE SPIRITUAL GIFTS WHO LIVED MOST OF HER LIFE DURING THE NINETEENTH CENTURY (1827-1915), YET THROUGH HER WRITINGS AND PUBLIC MINISTRY HAS MADE A REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT ON MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.  {YRP 5.2} 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS BELIEVE THAT MRS. WHITE WAS MORE THAN A GIFTED WRITER; THEY BELIEVE SHE WAS APPOINTED BY GOD AS A SPECIAL MESSENGER TO DRAW THE WORLD'S ATTENTION TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES AND HELP PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CHRIST'S SECOND ADVENT. FROM THE TIME SHE WAS 17 YEARS OLD UNTIL SHE DIED 70 YEARS LATER, GOD GAVE HER APPROXIMATELY 2,000 VISIONS AND DREAMS. THE VISIONS VARIED IN LENGTH FROM LESS THAN A MINUTE TO NEARLY FOUR HOURS. THE KNOWLEDGE AND COUNSEL RECEIVED THROUGH THESE REVELATIONS SHE WROTE OUT TO BE SHARED WITH OTHERS. THUS HER SPECIAL WRITINGS ARE ACCEPTED BY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS AS INSPIRED, AND THEIR EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY IS RECOGNIZED EVEN BY CASUAL READERS.  {YRP 5.4}” )

Table of Contents

1. January - The Coming of the Spirit   9

2. February - Transformed by the Spirit    40

3. March - Fruitful in the Spirit   69

4. April - Guided by the Spirit  100

5. May - Accompanied by the Spirit 130

6. June - Directed by the Spirit 161

7. July - Gifted Through the Spirit  191

8. August - Inspired by the Spirit  222

9. September - Empowered by the Spirit   253

10. October - Ready for the Spirit  283

11. November - Filled With the Spirit  314

12. December - Triumphant in the Spirit  344.

2.1.1The Promise of the Spirit

(The Coming of the Spirit)- YRP.January 1995}

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” John 14:16.  {YRP 9.1} 

When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and complete giftwhich He was to bestow upon His followers--the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. {YRP 9.2} 

"I will pray the Father," He said, "and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16, 17). The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative. The evil that had been accumulating for centuries was to be resisted by the divine power of the Holy Spirit. . . . {YRP 9.3} 

The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer's love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 47-49. {YRP 9.4}

2.1.2 The Comforter

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.  {YRP 10.1} 

How can we stand in the day of test if we do not understand the words of Christ? He said: "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:25, 26).

It is the Holy Spirit that is to bring to our remembrance the words of Christ. The theme Christ chose to dwell upon in His last discourse to His disciples was that of the office of the Holy Spirit. He opened before them a wide tract of truth. They were to receive His words by faith, and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was to bring all things to their remembrance. {YRP 10.2} 

The consolation given by Christ in this promise was found in the fact that the divine influence was to be with His followers to the end. But this promise is not accepted and believed by the people today, and therefore is not cherished by them, nor is its fulfillment seen in the experience of the church. The promise of the gift of the Spirit of God is left as a matter to be little considered by the church. It is not impressed upon the people, and the result is only that which might be expected--spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. ( This is the church militant that will eventually be Church Triumhant made of the remnant who remained faithful to the end) Minor matters occupy the mind and soul, but divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, which would, if possessed, bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, although it is offered to us in infinite plentitude. Just as long as the church are satisfied with small things, they are disqualified to receive the great things of God. But why do we not hunger and thirst after the gift of the Holy Spirit, since it is the means whereby the heart may be kept pure? The Lord designs that divine power shall cooperate with human effort. {YRP 10.3} 

It is all-essential for the Christian to understand the meaning of the promise of the Holy Spirit just prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus the second time. Talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it; for the Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts to their children.--Review and Herald, Nov. 15, 1892. {YRP 10.4}

2.1.3The Nature of the Spirit: A Mystery

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:17.  {YRP 11.1

It is not essential for us to be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is. (no speculation will reveal it} Christ tells us that the Spirit is the Comforter, "the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father." It is plainly declared regarding the Holy Spirit that, in His work of guiding men into all truth, "He shall not speak of himself" (John 15:26; 16:13). {YRP 11.2} 

The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. {YRP 11.3}

2.1.3.1 The Office of the Holy Spirit 

The office of the Holy Spirit is distinctly specified in the words of Christ: "When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). It is the Holy Spirit thatconvicts of sin.If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he will be brought to repentance and aroused to the importance of obeying the divine requirements. {YRP 11.4} 

To the repentant sinner, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. "He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you," Christ said. "He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 16:14; 14:26). {YRP 11.5} 

The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 51, 52. {YRP 11.6} (See also P2.1.4The Spirit: A Witness; 2.1.5 Christ's Representative; 2.1.9The Spirit Helps Us; 2.1.10 The Spirit Intercedes for Us; 2.1.14 The Spirit Speaks to Us; 2.1.15The Spirit Enlightens Us; 2.1.17 Holy Spirit A Divine Teacher)r

2.1.4The Spirit: A Witness

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16.  {YRP 12.1} 

If the Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, what is the result? The believing soul comes into perfect submission to the will of God. The Majesty of heaven condescends to a holy, familiar intercourse with him who seeks God with the whole heart, and the child of God, through the abundant manifestation of His grace, is softened into a childlike dependence. You must commit your soul and body unto God with perfect trust in His power and willingness to bless you, helpless and unworthy as you are. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). {YRP 12.2} 

Do not become restlessly active, but zealous in faith, with one object, namely, to attract souls to Jesus Christ, the crucified Redeemer. It is not the logical sermon, the sermon to convince the intellect, that will do this work. The heart must be persuaded, and melted into tenderness. The will must be submitted to God's will, and the whole aspirations directed heavenward. You must feed upon the word of the living God. It must be brought into the practical life. It must take hold of and command the whole man. . . . {YRP 12.3} 

When Jesus is our abiding trust, our offering to God will be ourselves. Our dependence will be on the righteousness and intercession of Christ Jesus as our only hope. There is no confusion, no distrust, because by faith we see Jesus ordained of God for this very purpose, to make reconciliation for the sins of the world. He stands engaged by solemn covenant to mediate in behalf of all who come to God by Him, and to accomplish their salvation if they will only believe. The privilege is granted us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need. Heb 4:16.--Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, pp. 276, 277. {YRP 12.4} (This is the hope of eternal life with the end of the world with the second coming of Jesus, the title of D35,)

2.1.5 Christ's Representative

 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.  {YRP 13.1} 

The Comforter is called "the Spirit of truth." His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind.By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself. {YRP 13.2} 

In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character on His church.--Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908. {YRP 13.3}

2.1.6The Heavenly Dove

“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.” John 1:32.  {YRP 14.1} 

Christ is our example in all things. In response to His prayer to His Father, heaven was opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove and abode upon Him. The Holy Spirit of God is to communicate with man, and to abide in the hearts of the obedient and faithful. Light and strength will come to those who earnestly seek it in order that they may have wisdom to resist Satan, and to overcome in times of temptation. We are to overcome even as Christ overcame. {YRP 14.2} 

Jesus opened His public mission with fervent prayer, and His example makes manifest the fact that prayer is necessary in order to lead a successful Christian life. He was constantly in communion with His Father, and His life presents to us a perfect pattern which we are to imitate. He appreciated the privilege of prayer, and His work showed the results of communion with God. Examining the record of His life, we find that upon all important occasions He retired to the grove, or to the solitude of the mountains, and offered earnest, persevering prayer to God. He frequently devoted the entire night to prayer just before He was called upon to work some mighty miracle. During these nightly seasons of prayer, after the labors of the day, He compassionately dismissed His disciples, that they might return to their homes for rest and sleep, while with strong crying and tears He poured forth earnest petitions to God in behalf of humanity. {YRP 14.3} 

Jesus was braced for duty and fortified for trial through the grace of God that came to Him in answer to prayer. We are dependent upon God for success in living the Christian life, and Christ's example opens before us the path by which we may come to a never-failing source of strength, from which we may draw grace and power to resist the enemy and to come off victorious. On the banks of Jordan Christ offered prayer as the representative of humanity, and the opening heaven and the voice of approval assures us that God accepts humanity through the merits of His Son.--Signs of the Times, July 24, 1893. {YRP 14.4}

(The other symbolism to describe the extensive nature of the Holy Spirit  are:  

Unseen as the Wind-“The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8, RSV.  {YRP 15.1} 

Tongues of Fire- “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3, 4.

A Constant Flow of Oil- “And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Zechariah 4:12-14.  {YRP 17.1}(The seven lamps of oil in the Heavenly Holy Place -The continual communication of the Holy Spirit to the church)

2.1.7 Giver of a New Life

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5.  {YRP 24.1} 

In order to serve God acceptably, we must be "born again." Our natural dispositions, which are in opposition to the Spirit of God, must be put away. We must be made new men and women in Christ Jesus. Our old, unrenewed lives must give place to a new life--a life full of love, of trust, of willing obedience. Think you that such a change is not necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God? Listen to the words of the Majesty of heaven: "Ye must be born again" (John 3:7). "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). Unless the change takes place, we cannot serve God aright. Our work will be defective; earthly plans will be brought in; strange fire, dishonoring to God, will be offered. Our lives will be unholy and unhappy, full of unrest and trouble. {YRP 24.2} 

The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. It alone can cleanse us from all impurity. If it is allowed to mold and fashion our hearts, we shall be able to discern the character of the kingdom of God, and realize the necessity of the change which must be made before we can obtain entrance to this kingdom. Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are "born again," freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ. {YRP 24.3}  

Christ came to our world because He saw that men had lost the image and nature of God. He saw that they had wandered far from the path of peace and purity, and that, if left to themselves, they would never find their way back. He came with a full and complete salvation, to change our stony hearts to hearts of flesh, to change our sinful natures into His similitude, that, by being partakers of the divine nature, we might be fitted for the heavenly courts.--Youth's Instructor, Sept. 9, 1897. {YRP 24.4}

2.1.8 Showers of Grace

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zechariah 10:1.  {YRP 25.1}

In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ. . . . {YRP 25.2} 

Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. {YRP 25.3} 

It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. 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 manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain.--Review and Herald, March 2, 1897. {YRP 25.4}

2.1.9The Spirit Helps Us

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26.  {YRP 26.1

The Holy Spirit indicts all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my intercessions the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints; but His intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will. "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities"; and the Spirit, being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:11). {YRP 26.2} 

If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed will, and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and believing that Christ not only gave Himself for but to His disciples. The record declares, "He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:22). {YRP 26.3} 

Jesus is waiting to breathe upon all His disciples, and give them the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, and transfuse the vital influence from Himself to His people. He would have them understand that henceforth they cannot serve two masters. Their lives cannot be divided. Christ is to live in His human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. Their will must be submitted to His will, they must act with His Spirit that it may be no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in them. Jesus is seeking to impress upon them the thought that in giving His Holy Spirit He is giving to them the glory which the Father has given Him, that He and His people may be one in God. Our way and will must be in submission to God's will, knowing that it is holy, just, and good.--Signs of the Times, Oct. 3, 1892. {YRP 26.4}

2.1.10 The Spirit Intercedes for Us

“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27.  {YRP 27.1

 We have only one channel of approach to God. Our prayers can come to Him through one name only--that of the Lord Jesus our Advocate. His Spirit must inspire our petitions. No strange fire was to be used in the censors that were waved before God in the sanctuary. So the Lord Himself must kindle in our hearts the burning desire, if our prayers are acceptable to Him. The Holy Spirit within must make intercessions for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered. {YRP 27.2} 

A deep sense of our need, and a great desire for the things for which we ask, must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary, and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling; but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. The Lord answered the prayer of Daniel, not that Daniel might glorify himself, but that the blessing might reflect glory to God. It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves. {YRP 27.3} 

When we see ourselves weak, ignorant, and helpless, as we really are, we shall come before God as humble suppliants. It is ignorance of God and of Christ that makes any soul proud and self-righteous. The infallible indication that a man knows not God is found in the fact that he feels that in himself he is great or good. Pride of heart is always associated with ignorance of God. It is the light from God that discovers our darkness and destitution. When the divine glory was revealed to Daniel, he exclaimed, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength" (Daniel 10:8). {YRP 27.4} 

The moment the humble seeker sees God as He is, that moment he will have the same view of himself that Daniel had. There will be no lifting up of the soul unto vanity, but a deep sense of the holiness of God and of the justice of His requirements.--Review and Herald, Feb. 9, 1897. {YRP 27.5}

2.1.11 The Spirit Leads Us to Become God's Children

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14.  {YRP 28.1} 

Christ took His stand among men as the Oracle of God. He spoke as one having authority, addressing Himself in strong terms to the people, and demanding implicit faith and obedience. We as a people have based our faith upon the principles set forth in His Word. We have pledged ourselves to bring heart and mind to obedience to the living Word, and to follow a "Thus saith the Lord." {YRP 28.2} 

All our present and future hopes depend upon our kinship with Christ and with God. The apostle Paul speaks strong words to confirm our faith in this respect. To those who are led by the Spirit of God, in whose hearts the grace of Christ is dwelling, he declares: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16, 17). "Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (verse 15). {YRP 28.3} 

We are called by Christ to come out from the world and to be separate. We are called to live holy lives, having our hearts continually drawn out to God, and having in our lives the Holy Spirit as an abiding presence. Every true believer in Christ will reveal that the grace of His love is in the heart. Where once there was estrangement from God, there will be revealed copartnership with Him; where once the carnal nature was manifest, there will be seen the attributes of the divine. {YRP 28.4}

His people are to become workers of righteousness, constant seekers after God, constant workers of His will. This will make them complete in Christ. To angels and to men and to worlds unfallen they are to make it manifest that their lives are conforming to the will of God, that they are loyal adherents to the principles of His kingdom. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in their hearts by faith, will bring them into fellowship with Christ and with one another, and will yield in them the precious fruits of holiness.--Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1909. {YRP 28.5}

2.1.12 The Spirit Moves Among Us

“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13.  {YRP 29.1} 

Though we cannot seethe Spirit of God, we know that men who have been dead in trespasses and sins become convicted and converted under itsoperations. The thoughtless and wayward become serious. The hardened repent of their sins, and the faithless believe. The gambler, the drunkard, the licentious, become steady, sober, and pure. The rebellious and obstinate become meek and Christlike. When we see these changes in the character, we may be assured that the converting power of God has transformed the entire man. We saw not the Holy Spirit, but we saw the evidence of His work on the changed character of those who were hardened and obdurate sinners. As the wind moves in its force upon the lofty trees and brings them down, so the Holy Spirit can work upon human hearts, and no finite man can circumscribe the work of God. {YRP 29.2} 

The Spirit of God is manifested in different ways upon different men. One under the movings of this power will tremble before the Word of God. His convictions will be so deep that a hurricane and tumult of feeling seem to rage in his heart, and his whole being is prostrate under the convicting power of the truth. When the Lord speaks forgiveness to the repenting soul, he is full of ardor, full of love to God, full of earnestness and energy, and the life-giving Spirit which he has received cannot be repressed. Christ is in him, a well of water springing up into everlasting life. His feelings of love are as deep and ardent as was his distress and agony. His soul is like the fountain of the great deep broken up, and he pours forth his thanksgiving and praise, his gratitude and joy, until the heavenly harps are tuned to notes of rejoicing. He has a story to tell, but not in any precise, common, methodical way. He is a soul ransomed through the merits of Jesus Christ, and his whole being is thrilled with the realization of the salvation of God.--Review and Herald, May 5, 1896. {YRP 29.3}

2.1.13 The Spirit Visits Us

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13.  {YRP 30.1} 

Through the deep movings of the Spirit of God, I have had opened before me the character of the work of the visitation of the Spirit of God. I have had opened before me the danger in which souls would be placed who had been thus visited; for afterward, they would have to meet fiercer assaults of the enemy, who would press upon them his temptations to make of none effect the workings of the Spirit of God, and cause that the momentous truths presented and witnessed by the Holy Spirit should not purify and sanctify those who had received the light of heaven, and thus cause that Christ should not be glorified in them. The period of great spiritual light, if that light is not sacredly cherished and acted upon, will be turned into a time of corresponding spiritual darkness. The impression made by the Spirit of God, if men do not cherish the sacred impression, and occupy holy ground, will fade from the mind. {YRP 30.2} 

Those who would advance in spiritual knowledge must stand by the very fount of God, and drink again and again from the wells of salvation so graciously opened unto them. They must never leave the source of refreshment; but with hearts swelling with gratitude and love at the display of the goodness and compassion of God, they must be continually partakers of the living water. . . . {YRP 30.3} 

"But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not" (John 6:36). This has been literally fulfilled in the cases of many; for the Lord gave them a deeper insight into truth, into His character of mercy and compassion and love; and yet after being thus enlightened, they have turned from Him in unbelief. They saw the deep movings of the Spirit of God; but when the insidious temptations of Satan came in, as they always will come after a season of revival, they did not resist unto blood, striving against sin; and those who might have stood on vantage ground, had they made a right use of the precious enlightenment that they had, were overcome by the enemy. They should have reflected the light that God gave to them upon the souls of others; they should have worked and acted in harmony with the sacred revealings of the Holy Spirit; and in not doing so, they suffered loss.--Review and Herald, Jan. 30, 1894. {YRP 30.4}

2.1.14 The Spirit Speaks to Us

“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” John 15:26.  {YRP 31.1} 

The Lord has condescended to give you an outpouring of His Holy Spirit. At the camp meetings, and in our various institutions, a great blessing has been showered upon you. You have been visited by the heavenly messengers of light and truth and power, and it should not be thought a strange thing that God should thus bless you. How does Christ subdue His chosen people to Himself? It is by the power of His Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the hearts of men. {YRP 31.2} 

Before His crucifixion, Christ promised that the Comforter should be sent to His disciples.He said: "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:7, 8). "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (verses 13, 14). {YRP 31.3} 

This promise of Christ has been made little enough of, and because of a dearth of the Spirit of God, the spirituality of the law and its eternal obligations have not been comprehended. Those who have professed to love Christhave not comprehended the relation which exists between them and God, and it is still but dimly outlined to their understanding. They but vaguely comprehend the amazing grace of God in giving His only begotten Son for the salvation of the world. They do not understand how far-reaching are the claims of the holy law, how intimately the precepts of the law are to be brought into practical life. They do not realize what a great privilege and necessity are prayer, repentance, and the doing of the words of Christ. {YRP 31.4} 

It is the office of the Holy Spirit to reveal to the mind the character of the consecration that God will accept. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, the soul is enlightened, and the character is renewed, sanctified, and uplifted.--Review and Herald, Jan. 30, 1894. {YRP 31.5}

2.1.15The Spirit Enlightens Us

“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35.  {YRP 32.1} 

Jesus says, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." Gather up every ray, pass not one by. Walk in the light. Practice every precept of truth presented to you. Live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and you will then follow Jesus wherever He goeth. When the Lord presents evidence upon evidence and gives light upon light, why is it that souls hesitate to walk in the light? Why do men neglect to walk in light to a greater light? {YRP 32.2} 

The Lord does not refuse to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. When conviction comes home to the conscience, why not listen, and heed the voice of the Spirit of God? By every hesitation and delay, we place ourselves where it is more and more difficult for us to accept the light of heaven, and at last it seems impossible to be impressed by admonitions and warnings. The sinner says, more and more easily, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee" (Acts 24:25). {YRP 32.3} 

I know the danger of those who refuse to walk in the light as God gives it. They bring upon themselves the terrible crisis of being left to follow their own ways, to do after their own judgment. The conscience becomes less and less impressible. The voice of God seems to become more and more distant, and the wrongdoer is left to his own infatuation. In stubbornness he resists every appeal, despises all counsel and advice, and turns from every provision made for his salvation, and the voice of the messenger of God makes no impression upon his mind. The Spirit of God no longer exerts a restraining power over him, and the sentence is passed, "[He] is joined to idols, let him alone" (Hosea 4:17). Oh, how dark, how sullen, how obstinate, is his independence! It seems that the insensibility of death is upon his heart. This is the process through which the soul passes that rejects the working of the Holy Spirit.--Review and Herald, June 29, 1897. {YRP 32.4}

2.1.16 The Spirit Can Be Grieved

 “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30.  {YRP 33.1} 

I would that all my brethren and sisters would remember that it is a serious thing to grievethe Holy Spirit; and it is grievedwhen the human agent seeks to work himself, and refuses to enter the service of the Lord because the cross is too heavy or the self-denial too great. The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete in Christ; the good work begun will be finished; and holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and rebellious acts. {YRP 33.2} 

2.1.16.1 The Spirit May Depart

“ Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:29.  {YRP 34.1} 

Those who resist the Spirit of God, and provoke Him to depart, know not to what lengths Satan will lead them. When the Holy Spirit departs from the man, he will imperceptibly do those things which once he viewed, in a correct light, to be decided sin. Unless he heeds the warnings, he will wrap himself in a deception that, as in the case of Judas, will cause him to become a traitor and blind. He will follow step by step in the footsteps of Satan. Who, then, can strive with him to any purpose? Will the ministers plead with him and for him? All their words are as idle tales. Such souls have Satan as their chosen companion, to misconstrue the word spoken, and bring it to their understanding in a perverted light. {YRP 34.2} (Consider the warning message for those engaged in speculating on the personality of the Holy Spirit.)  

When the Spirit of God is grieved away, every appeal made through the Lord's servants is meaningless to them. They will misconstrue every word. They will laugh at and turn into ridicule the most solemn words of Scripture warnings, which, if they were not bewitched by satanic agencies, would make them tremble. Every appeal made to them is in vain. They will not hear reproof or counsel. They despise all the entreaties of the Spirit, and disobey the commandments of God which they once vindicated and exalted(as God’s servant). Well may the words of the apostle come home to such souls, "Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?" (Galatians 3:1). They follow the counsel of their own heart until truth is no more truth to them. Barabbas is chosen, Christ is rejected. {YRP 34.3} 

It is essential to live by every word of God, else our old nature will constantly reassert itself. It is the Holy Spirit, the redeeming grace of truth in the soul, that makes the followers of Christ one with one another, and one with God. He alone can expel enmity, envy, and unbelief. He sanctifies the entire affections. He restores the willing, desirous soul from the power of Satan unto God. This is the power of grace. It is a divine power. Under its influence there is a change from the old habits, customs, and practices which, when cherished, separate the soul from God; and the work of sanctification goes on in the soul, constantly progressing and enlarging.--Review and Herald, Oct. 12, 1897. {YRP 34.4}

2.1.16.2 The Sin Against the Spirit

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” Matthew 12:31.  {YRP 35.1} 

I will address these lines to those who have had light, those who have had privileges, those who have had warnings and entreaties, who have made no determined effort to yield themselves in full surrender to God. I would warn you to fear lest you sin against the Holy Ghost, and be left to your own course, sunk in moral lethargy, and never obtain forgiveness. Why allow yourselves to be longer educated in the school of Satan, and pursue a course of action that will make repentance and reformation impossible? Why resist the overtures of mercy? Why say, "Let me alone," until God shall be compelled to give you your desire, since you will have it so? {YRP 35.2} 

Those who resist the Spirit of God think that they will repent at some future day, when they get ready to take a decided step toward reformation; but repentance will then be beyond their power. According to the light and privileges given will be the darkness of those who refuse to walk in the light while they have the light. {YRP 35.3} 

No one need look upon the sin against the Holy Ghost as something mysterious and indefinable. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of persistent refusal to respond to the invitation to repent. If you refuse to believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, you love darkness rather than light, you love the atmosphere that surrounded the first great apostate. You choose this atmosphere rather than the atmosphere that surrounds the Father and the Son, and God allows you to have your choice. But let no soul be discouraged by this presentation of the matter. Let no one who is striving to do the will of the Master be cast down. Hope thou in God. The Lord Jesus has made it manifest that He regards you at an infinite estimation. He left His royal throne, He left His royal courts, He clothed His divinity with humanity, and died a shameful death upon the cross of Calvary, that you might be saved.--Review and Herald, June 29, 1897. {YRP 35.4}

2.1.16.3 Willfully Rejecting the Spirit

“And whosever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:32.  {YRP 36.1} 

It was just before this that Jesus had a second time performed the miracle of healing a man possessed, blind and dumb, and the Pharisees had reiterated the charge, "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils" (Matthew 9:34). Christ told them plainly that in attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off from the fountain of blessing. Those who had spoken against Jesus Himself, not discerning His divine character, might receive forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might be brought to see their error and repent. Whatever the sin, if the soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away in the blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith cannot come to him. {YRP 36.2} 

It is by the Spirit that God works upon the heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare Him to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them. When the Spirit is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the soul. . . . {YRP 36.3} 

It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's Word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul. Thus it had been with these Jewish leaders. They were convinced that a divine power attended Christ, but in order to resist the truth, they attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. In doing this they deliberately chose deception; they yielded themselves to Satan, and henceforth they were controlled by his power.--The Desire of Ages, pp. 321-323. {YRP 36.4}

2.1.17 Holy Spirit A Divine Teacher

If we will heed its lessons, we shall become wise unto salvation. But we need to guard well our hearts; for too often we forget the heavenly instruction we have received, and seek to act out the natural inclinations of our unconsecrated minds. Each one must fight his own battle against self. Heed the teachings of the Holy Spirit. If this is done, they will be repeated again and again until the impressions are as it were lead on the rock forever. {YRP 33.3} 

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God's service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37). "This do, and thou shalt live" (Luke 10:28).--Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, pp. 47, 48. {YRP 33.4}

2.1.17.1The Spirit Patiently Waits

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.  {YRP 38.1} 

 All, from the oldest to the youngest, need to be taught of God. We may be taught by man to see the truth clearly, but God alone can teach the heart to receive the truth savingly, which means to receive the words of eternal life into good and honest hearts. The Lord is waiting patiently to instruct every willing soul who will be taught. The fault is not with the willing Instructor, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, but it is with the learner who holds to his own impressions and ideas, and will not give up his human theories and come in humility to be taught. He will not allow his conscience and his heart to be educated, disciplined, and trained--worked as the husbandman works the earth, and as the architect constructs the building. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). {YRP 38.2} 

Everyone needs to be worked, molded, and fashioned after the divine similitude. Christ tells you, my dear friends, young and old, the everlasting truth, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. [If you do not take Christ's word as the man of your counsel, you will not reveal His wisdom or His spiritual life.] Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; . . . For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him" (John 6:53-56). Said Christ, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (verse 63). {YRP 38.3} 

Those who search the Scriptures, and most earnestly seek to understand them, will reveal the sanctification of the Spirit through the belief of the truth, for they take into their very heart the truth, and have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. All their spiritual sinew and muscle are nourished by the Bread of Life which they eat.--Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, pp. 162, 163. {YRP 38.4}

2.1.17.2 The Spirit Is Ever Waiting

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26.  {YRP 39.1} 

The Holy Spirit is ever waiting to do His office work upon the human heart. Those who desire to learn can place themselves in close connection with God, and the promise that the Comforter shall teach them all things, and bring all things to their remembrance, whatever Christ had said to His disciples when He was upon the earth will be fulfilled. But if we disconnect from God, we can be no longer students in the school of Christ. Then we shall feel no special burden for the souls for whom Christ has died. {YRP 39.2} 

It was most difficult for the disciples of Christ to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions and maxims of the rabbis, the scribes, and pharisees. The teachings which the disciples had been educated to respect as the voice of God held a power over their minds and molded their sentiments. The disciples could not be a living and shining light until they were freed from the influence of the sayings and commandments of men, and the words of Christ were deeply impressed upon their minds and hearts as distinct truths, as precious jewels, to be appreciated, loved, and acted upon. {YRP 39.3} 

Jesus came to the world, lived a holy life, and died, to leave to the church His legacy in the valuable treasures He entrusted to them. He made His disciples the depositaries of most precious doctrines, to be placed in the hands of His church unmixed with the errors and traditions of men. He revealed Himself to them as the light of the world, the Sun of righteousness. And He promised them the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father was to send in His name.--Signs of the Times, Nov. 16, 1891. {YRP 39.4}  

"I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you" (John 14:18). The divine Spirit that the world's Redeemer promised to send is the presence and power of God. He will not leave His people in the world destitute of His grace, to be buffeted by the enemy of God, and harassed by the oppression of the world; but He will come to them.--Ibid., Nov. 23, 1891. {YRP 39.5}

2.1.18 Now Is the Time for Repentance

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2.  {YRP 37.1

Brother P, you ask if you have committed the sin which has no forgiveness in this life or in the life to come. I answer: I do not see the slightest evidence that this is the case. What constitutes the sin against the Holy Ghost?It is willfully attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, suppose that one is a witness of the special work of the Spirit of God. He has convincing evidence that the work is in harmony with the Scriptures, the Spirit witnesses with his spirit that it is of God. Afterward, however, he falls under temptation; pride, self-sufficiency, or some other evil trait controls him; and rejecting all the evidence of its divine character, he declares that which he had before acknowledged to be the power of the Holy Spirit was the power of Satan. {YRP 37.2} 

It is through the medium of His Spirit that God works upon the human heart; and when men willfully reject the Spirit and declare it to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them.By denying the evidence which God has been pleased to give them, they shut out the light which had been shining in their hearts, and as the result are left in darkness. Thus the words of Christ are verified: "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23). For a time, persons who have committed this sin may appear to be children of God; but when circumstances arise to develop character and show what manner of spirit they are of, it will be found that they are on the enemy's ground, standing under his black banner. {YRP 37.3} 

My brother, the Spirit invites you today. Come with your whole heart to Jesus. Repent of your sins, make confession to God, forsake all iniquity, and you may appropriate to yourself all His promises. "Look unto me, and be ye saved" (Isaiah 45:22) is His gracious invitation.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 634. {YRP 37.4} (End of January section)

(This is the first portion of the devotional for the month of January which stretches over the whole year as shown in the Table of Contents.)

2.2 Transformed by the Spirit (February –YRP)

This section must be share as the individual who heeds and allows the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, to be his personal guide and tutor in life to transform his character to be fit for the heavenly home.

2.2.1 Born Again

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.  {YRP 40.1} 

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The whole life of Christ upon earth was lived for the purpose of manifesting the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. Said Christ, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:3-6). {YRP 40.2} 

 Christ does not acknowledge any caste, color, or grade as necessary to become a subject of His kingdom. Admittance to His kingdom does not depend upon wealth or a superior heredity.But those who are born of the Spirit are the subjects of His kingdom. Spiritual character is that which will be recognized by Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And this grace is given them of God. {YRP 40.3} 

Christ does not find His subjects fitted for His kingdom, but He qualifies them by His divine power. Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to spiritual life. The faculties which God has given them for holy purposes are refined, purified, and exalted, and they are led to form characters after the divine similitude. Though they have misapplied their talents and made them serve sin; though Christ has been to them a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, because they stumbled at the Word, being disobedient, yet by the drawing of His love they are led at last into the path of duty. Christ said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). {YRP 40.4} 

Christ draws them to Himself by an unseen power. He is the light of life, and He imbues them with His own Spirit. As they are drawn into the spiritual atmosphere, they see that they have been made the sport of Satan's temptations, and that they have been under his dominion; but they break the yoke of fleshly lusts, and refuse to be the servants of sin. Satan strives to hold them. He assails them with various temptations; but the Spirit works to renew them after the image of Him who created them.--Review and Herald, March 26, 1895. {YRP 40.5}

2.2.2 Chosen to Be Saved

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4.  {YRP 41.1} 

We are to believe that we are chosen of God to be saved by the exercise of faith, through the grace of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit; and we are to praise and glorify God for such a marvelous manifestation of His unmerited favor. It is the love of God that draws the soul to Christ to be graciously received and presented to His Father. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the divine relationship between God and the sinner is renewed. Our heavenly Father says, "I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. I will exercise forgiving love toward them, and bestow upon them My joy. They shall be to Me a peculiar treasure; for this people whom I have formed for Myself shall show forth My praise" (see: Jeremiah 30:22; 31:1, 33; Exodus 19:5). {YRP 41.2} 

Christ is calling souls to come unto Him, and it is for our present and eternal interest to hear and respond to the call. Jesus says, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you" (John 15:16). Then let all who would be called children of God respond to the invitation of Christ, and place themselves where the light of heaven will shine upon them, where they will realize what it is to be hearers and doers of the words of Christ, what it is to follow the Light of the world, and be accepted in the Beloved. {YRP 41.3} 

Everything that God could do has been done for the salvation of man. In one rich gift He poured out the treasures of heaven. He invites, He pleads, He urges; but He will not compel men to come unto Him. He waits for their cooperation. He waits for the consent of the will, that He may bestow upon the sinner the riches of His grace, reserved for him from the foundation of the world. . . . The Lord does not design that human power should be paralyzed; but that by cooperation with God, man may become a more efficient agent in His hands. . . . The Lord holds out to man the privilege of copartnership with Himself.--The Messenger, Apr. 26, 1893. {YRP 41.4}

2.2.3 Clay in the Hands of the Potter

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:4-6.  {YRP 44.1} 

I lay down my pen and lift up my soul in prayer, that the Lord would breathe upon His backslidden people, which are as dry bones, that they may live. The end is near, stealing upon us so stealthily, so imperceptibly, so noiselessly, like the muffled tread of the thief in the night to surprise the sleepers off guard and unready. May the Lord grant to bring His Holy Spirit upon hearts that are now at ease, that they may no longer sleep as do others, but watch and be sober. {YRP 44.2} 

Who will consent even now, after wasting much of his lifetime, to give his will as clay into the hands of the Potter, and cooperate with God in becoming in His hands molded a vessel unto honor? Oh, how must the clay be in the hands of the Potter, how susceptible to receive divine impressions, standing in the bright beams of righteousness. No earthly, no selfish motives should be suffered to live, for if you give them place, you cannot be hewn into the divine image. The spirit of truth sanctifies the soul. {YRP 44.3} 

When the greatness of this work is comprehended, it will bring even the thoughts into captivity to Christ. This is beyond our private comprehension, but thus it will be. Then is it wisdom on our part to put dependence on our own works? We must let God work for us. Is there any excellency that appears in our characters or our conduct? Does it originate with finite human beings? No; it is all from God, the great center or expression of the power of the potter over the clay. {YRP 44.4} 

Oh, that those whom the Lord has blessed with the treasures of truth would awake and say from the heart, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6). Light is increasing to enlighten every soul who will diffuse the light to others.--General Conference Bulletin, Feb. 4, 1893. {YRP 44.5}

2.2.4 A Temple for the Spirit

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.  {YRP 42.1} 

A power above and outside of man is to work upon him, that solid timbers may be brought into his character building. In the inner sanctuary of the soul the presence of God is to abide. "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" (2 Corinthians 6:16). "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). . . . {YRP 42.2} 

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord; . . . in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:18-22). {YRP 42.3} 

Man does not build himself into a habitation for the Spirit, but unless there is a cooperation of man's will with God's will, the Lord can do nothing for him. The Lord is the great Master Worker, and yet the human agent must cooperate with the Divine Worker, or the heavenly building cannot be completed. All the power is of God, and all the glory is to redound to God, and yet all the responsibility rests with the human agent; for God can do nothing without the cooperation of man.--Review and Herald, Oct. 25, 1892. {YRP 42.4}

2.2.5 Partakers of the Divine Nature

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.  {YRP 43.1} 

A healthy Christian is one who has Christ formed within, the hope of glory. He loves truth, purity, and holiness, and will manifest spiritual vitality, having love for the Word of God, and seeking communion with those who are acquainted with the Word, in order that he may catch every ray of light that God has communicated to them, which reveals Christ and makes Him more precious to the soul. He who has sound faith finds that Christ is the life of the soul, that He is in him as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life, and he delights to conform every power of the soul to the obedience of his Lord. The Holy Spirit with its vivifying influence ever keeps such a soul in the love of God. {YRP 43.2} 

To the Christian it is written: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:2-11).--Review and Herald, Dec. 11, 1894. {YRP 43.3}

2.3 Reason for Hope in Christ: Focus on God in Heaven

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Tit 2:13,14.   

We are in the home run to arrive at the reason for the hope of the glory of Jesus in spending quality time in heaven. The events following from our character transformation will be the need to stay the course during the trying and difficult transition time from the militant church to the Church Triumphant. The  final roundup will give an account of the manifestation of God’s love in the three dispensations of His plan of salvation in this earth’s history..

2.3.1 Homeward Bound

We are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. There is never time to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression, but in a special sense is this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now let every person search his own heart and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement.  {Hvn 188.3} (Ellen White Devotional “Heaven” (2003))

To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come—events for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God’s children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!  {Hvn 189.1}

Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities, but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter, as pictured by the hand of God.—AH 549, 550.  {Hvn 189.2} The messenger of God, Ellen White, urge us to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the judgment, that when Christ shall come to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet Him in peace.—9T 285.  {Hvn 189.3}

We are still amidst the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities. Let us consider most earnestly the blessed hereafter. Let our faith pierce through every cloud of darkness and behold Him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of paradise to all who receive and believe on Him. To them He gives power to become the sons and daughters of God. Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Let this hope gladden our hearts. “Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37. Blessed are those servants who, when their Lord comes, shall be found watching.  {Hvn 189.4}

We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.  {Hvn 190.1}

It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Verses 35-37. Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8.—9T 286-288.  {Hvn 190.2}

2.3.1.1 The Great Controversy is Ended : Sin is No More

And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.  {Hvn 191.1}

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13.  {Hvn 191.2}

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.—GC 678.  {Hvn 191.3} {There is no “reset” with an new world order, as the world leaders who have separated from God, is insisting on a reset after Covid-19 crisis. We are to return to the old way, back to the Garden of Eden., the true an narrow way of righteousness with the free will of choice May the leaders of the world come to their senses and be like King Nebuchadnezzar, of ancient Babylon did as a lesson for them to follow .)

2.3.1.2 The Church Militant Is Imperfect

The church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated, for this life and for the future, immortal life.--ST Jan. 4, 1883.  {LDE 61.2}  (There will be tares in the church that is sown by the devil and not weeded out as this might also weed out the premature wheat. All are to be harvested together in the harvest and be separated at the second coming of Jesus.).

2.3.1.2.1The Church Triumphant Will Be Faithful and Christ-like

The work is soon to close! The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant.--Ev 707 (1892).  {LDE 62.1} 

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant.--FE 179 (1891)  {LDE 62.2} 

Here are excerpts from Ellen White’s devotional on “Last Day Events –LDE (2005) which also deals with the fulfillment of Last-day Bible prophecies

God has a church on earth who are lifting up the downtrodden law, and presenting to the world the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. . . {LDE 43.1}

There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places. . . .  {LDE 43.2} 

Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people, who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus. . . . God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. . . . My brother, if you are teaching that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, you are wrong.--TM 50, 58, 59 (1893). [{LDE 43.3}

The Lord has not given you a message to call the Seventh-day Adventists Babylon, and to call the people of God to come out of her. {LDE 51.2}  (There is no need to change denomination.)

Exhibit of HER POSITIVE TEACHING

THAT GOD WOULD NOT PERMIT THIS DENOMINATION TO SO FULLY APOSTATIZE THAT THERE WOULD BE THE COMING OUT OF ANOTHER CHURCH.--W. C. White to E. E. Andross, May 23, 1915, White Estate Correspondence File.  {LDE 56.4} 

We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit.--2SM 396 (1902).  {LDE 58.3}

2.3.1.3The Church Triumphant: Focus on God’s Love, Care and Protection

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7, 8.  {YRP 372.1} 

God's way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the triumph of truth and righteousness. For this reason none need be elated by a prosperous beginning, nor cast down by apparent feebleness. God is to His people riches, fullness, and power. His purposes for His chosen people are, like the eternal hills, firm and immovable. {YRP 372.2} 

Remember that human might did not establish the church of God, neither can human might destroy it. From age to age the Holy Spirit is an overflowing fountain of life. . . . There is victory for all who strive lawfully, in perfect harmony with the law of God. They will triumph over all opposition. As they carry forward God's work in the face of all foes, they will be given the guardianship of holy angels. {YRP 372.3} 

Christ has pledged Himself to help all who join His army, to cooperate with Him in fighting against visible and invisible foes. He has promised that they shall be joint heirs with Him to an immortal inheritance, that they shall reign as kings and priests before God. Those who are willing to share in this life the humiliation of the Saviour will share with Him in His glory. Those who choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season will be given a place with Christ on His throne. {YRP 372.4} 

Hold fast the Word of life.The tempest of opposition will spend itself by its own fury. The clamor will die away. Carry forward the Master's work bravely and cheerfully. The Father above, who watches over His chosen ones with the tenderest solicitude, will bless the efforts made in His name. His work will never cease until its completion amid the triumphant shout, "Grace, grace unto it."--Signs of the Times, Nov. 14, 1900. {YRP 372.5}

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7.  {YRP 373.1} 

Be not discouraged; be not fainthearted. Although you may have temptations; although you may be beset by the wily foe; yet, if you have the fear of God before you, angels that excel in strength will be sent to your help, and you can be more than a match for the powers of darkness. Jesus lives. He has died to make a way of escape for the fallen race; and He lives today to make intercession for us, that we may be exalted to His own right hand. Have hope in God. The world is traveling the broad way; and as you travel in the narrow way, and have principalities and powers to contend with, and the opposition of foes to meet, remember that there is provision made for you. Help has been laid upon One that is mighty; and through Him you can conquer. {YRP 373.2} 

“Come out from among them and be separate, says God, and I will receive you, and ye shall be sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty.” What a promise is this! It is a pledge to you that you shall become members of the royal family, heirs of the heavenly kingdom. If a person is honored by, or becomes connected with, any of the monarchs of earth, how it goes the rounds of the periodicals of the day, and excites the envy of those who do not think themselves so fortunate. But here is One who is king over all, the monarch of the universe, the originator of every good thing; and He says to us, I will make you My sons and daughters; I will unite you to Myself; you shall become members of the royal family, and children of the heavenly King. {YRP 373.3} 

And then says Paul, "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). Why should we not do this, when we have such an inducement, the privilege of becoming children of the Most High God, the privilege of calling the God of heaven our Father?--Review and Herald, May 31, 1870. {YRP 373.4} 

Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:7, 8). {YRP 374.3} 

The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.--Review and Herald, July 1, 1915. {YRP 374.4} 

(By providence, the  SDA Sabbath Bible School  for the third Quarter (June 25-Sep 23 ) is “In the Crucible with Christ” –Taking Up the Cross. The week’s lessons (available at https://absg.adventist.org/pdf.php?file=2022:3Q:SE:PDFs:EAQ322_01.pdf  are individually studied for discussion in Sabbath Bible Study on July 2.2022.

In this study is posed: Think about the last hours of Christ’s life, as He entered into the crucible. From what you can tell, either from the Bible or Ellen G. White (The Desire of Ages is a great source), how was Jesus, in His humanity, able to endure? What can we take fromHis example for ourselves in whatever crucibles we face, as well?

To be able to to endure through the crises by not giving up on the true church turned militant is our trials exercising our faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12) It is having Jesus as “my Shepherd I shall not want” Ps 23:3. This gives us the motivation in knowing of Church Triumphant to remain steadfast to the end even in losing our life. Jesus is our Shepherd, the true leader of the flock. He is also the sacrificial Lamb who taketh all the sins of the world. Our Creator, the One in whom “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28), suffered in humanity in ways that none of us ever could.

It is through Jesus and the hope He offers, we can find meaning and purpose in what seems meaningless and purposeless and that somehow, even if we can’t imagine how, we can trust the promise that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28, NKJV)—the God who, though He made all things, suffered all things, too and that’s why we love Him.

With that background (that of the crucified God lifted up before us), the Bible study for the next few months seek to better comprehend the incomprehensible—our own suffering, the sufferings of Christians, of those who have committed their lives to Christ. We make no claims to have all the answers or even many; we’re claimingonly that “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that although bad things happen, we can trust God despite them and, indeed, grow in grace through them, no matter how painful the process.  

(One of the U-Tube clip is the Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN  att https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoDMbMiWH1w  “The Shepherd’s Crucible”” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 1 Q3 2022 Jun 27, 2022- Lesson 1 Q3 2022Jun 27, 2022Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN))

Another very good panel discussion is Worship Service  Sumtv weekly  clip by secretsunsealed,  Eg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-llxBfyYmU  for 7/2/22.

2.3.2 Understanding Hope in Christ in Earth’s Destruction

This is the final section to discuss and address the deadly obstruction from Satan in removing the Holy Spirit, third primary structural member of the Godhead of infinite Agape Love.  Symbolically, the triangle, with each member of the same kind, connected one to another form the cycle of love and the basis in the cycle of life. It is through continuous flow in intimate relationship with no stagnation in dispensing the Father’s love emamation from God; Jesus, the Son’s brotherly love; and the loving guiding hand of the Holy Spirit.

The three arms represent the three dispensations of God’s love in the history of humanity. In using the term trinity as one of SDA fundamental belief in the 1980 revision has caused some confusion because this word was first coined by Satan in anticipation of the eventuality of the truth that will come to SDA.Through the Papacy, trinity means God, the father is the one God that emanates the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The SDA conception of trinity is “Our God is one God” Deut 6:4; but there are three persons in the one Godhead. Our main confusion arises from trying to conceive of spiritual beings in terms of the physical. As a crude earthly illustration of the triune God is a triangle, one figure with three sides.

Ellen White amplifies:

Jesus in the bible passage says: "If ye had known Me," Christ said, "ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." But not yet did the disciples understand. "Lord, show us the Father," exclaimed Philip, "and it sufficeth us."  {DA 663.4} 

Amazed at his dullness of comprehension, Christ asked with pained surprise, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?" Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father? "How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.  {DA 663.5}

Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit: Jn 14:16-28 and 23, 

So the presence of the Holy Spirit involves the presence of Jesus and the Father. In other words, the fullness of the Godhead is operative and present in the world in this third and final dispensation by the Holy Spirit. Thus,The Holy Spirit is, as it were, Jesus’ other half. And Jesus thus makes His universal and abiding presence in all His People.

“Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.“ {DA 388.1}.

2.3.2.1 Discernment of God’s Dispensations

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Col1:25-28 

The dispensation (‘oikonomia’) of God refers to the administration of divine grace. It is the administration of God’s saving purpose pertaining to the fullness of times in fulfillment of God’s will, the salvation of man. Christians are called stewards (oikonomos) as they have been entrusted with the mysteries of God which is the gospel message. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to pray for the gentiles that they may receive a clearer understanding of God’s will.

The approach is In the broadest fundamental sweep covering the revealed mysteries in Bible prophecies covering the time frame from the past, the present and the future. This is in the realm of the integrated nature and structure of the Godhead, the three-in-one concept of the Godhead. This is also the format in the giving of the threefold God’s last warning message  contained in the three angels’ messages.  

“It was God's design that the whole earth be prepared for the first advent of Christ, even as today the way is preparing for His second coming…. {PK 703.2}

"The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel" through Malachi (the last of the Old Testament prophets) was that the lessons of the past be not forgotten and that the covenant made by Jehovah with the house of Israel be kept with fidelity. Only by heartfelt repentance could the blessing of God be realized. "I pray you," the prophet pleaded, "beseech God that He will be gracious unto us." Malachi 1:1, 9.  {PK 705.2} 

Not by any temporary failure of Israel, however, was the plan of the ages for the redemption of mankind to be frustrated. Those to whom the prophet was speaking might not heed the message given, but the purposes of Jehovah were nevertheless to move steadily forward to their complete fulfillment.

How sad the record, that in Malachi's day the Israelites hesitated to yield their proud hearts in prompt and loving obedience and hearty co-operation! Self-vindication is apparent in their response, "Wherein shall we return?"  {PK 707.1}

As a nation, the people of Israel, while desiring the advent of the Messiah, were so far separated from God in heart and life that they could have no true conception of the character or mission of the promised Redeemer. Instead of desiring redemption from sin, and the glory and peace of holiness, their hearts were fixed upon deliverance from their national foes, and restoration to worldly power. They looked for Messiah to come as a conqueror, to break every yoke, and exalt Israel to dominion over all nations. Thus Satan had succeeded in preparing the hearts of the people to reject the Saviour when He should appear. Their own pride of heart, and their false conceptions of His character and mission, would prevent them from honestly weighing the evidences of His Messiahship.  {PK 709.2}  (Israel blasphemed the Holy Spirit and eventually rejected God as a nation. Thus God gave them up corporately, but not as individual. Paul became the apostle to the gentile as the spiritual Israelites.)

Today the church of God is free to carry forward to completion the divine plan for the salvation of a lost race. …{PK 714.1}

In the third dispensation, the Laodicean Church is afflicted with the Covid-19 crisis and given the shutdown period to wake up to their helplessness just as Joseph felt as a slave on the way to Egypt. (He recalled the precious lessons from his father of the love of God in providing for men a Redeemer. He then and there gave himself fully to the Lord, and he prayed that the Keeper of Israel would be with him in the land of his exile.  {PP 213.3}) Similarly, in the isolation time of the shutdown, we are to realise in our helplessness the need of a saviour and redeemer. As followers of Christ we are to give the three angels’ messages to the whole world. Jesus is waiting for this to be done and then He will come to deliver us. (Mat 24:14)  

Therefore, we can broadly classify God’s dealing with the problem of sin in His plan of salvation in three consecutive dispensations. Centered on Christ who came in the flesh, sent by the Father, to reveal the love of the Father. God, the Father, was the most prominent divine personality of the Godhead in the Old Testament period. In the New testament is the account of Jesus as the Shepherd, the great leader of the helpless flock of sheep that has gone astray , who only by offering Himself as the self sacrificial lamb is able to redeem the fallen souls from the second death. When Jesus returns to Heaven to be at the right hand of the Father, The Holy Spirit, the third personality of the Godhead is sent for the culmination of the fulfilment of the plan of salvation.starting with the dying of the old self and to be born again in the righteous of Jesus by faith.

In the dispensation of the Father the standard of the law is paramount. In the dispensation of the Son, reconciliation and redemption is assured The final third dispensation of the Holy Spirit  provides sanctifying and equipped power, Thus they are cumulative, each reinforcing and supplementing the other as a cohesive whole.

The mystery of godliness consists of the three tests of faith:

1. In the period before incarnation, the test of One God” versus polytheism, and God’s right to rule, with the laws the standard and the Sabbath as the sign of creation;

2. The response to Christ’s  first advent by those who had met the first test, faithful acceptance of Jesus as the divine Son and Redeemer;

3. Having accepted the first two, whether we will submit fully to the Holy Spirit to make efficacious in us all that has been wrought out for us. On the third test is what we in the end time of this earth’s history must pass. In a sacred sense it is a decision that hangs the individual’s eternal destiny. ( By the way: the number ”3” in numerology, is completeness as three lines completes a 2-D figure. Hence “Three” is significant of divine perfection. “One” denotes unity and commencement.) 

2.3.3 Assured Invincible Hope in Christ

(Source: https://absg.adventist.org/pdf.php?file=2022:3Q:TE:PDFs:ETQ322_07.pdf )

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5, NKJV).

This passage looks at hope from the perspective of the biblical truth about God, who is the Source of real hope. In times of crises, the hope we need is not a self-generated desire, but a solidly grounded trust in God’s promises. But  the majority of the world populace do not know nor desire to find outthe reality of the True Godrevealed in the Bible. Christianity grew to be the world’s largest religious group is testimony of its authenticity. It was the works of the 12 apostles after Christ returned to heaven and bestowing to them the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. All but one of the Apostles together with Paul died horribly to testify  in defence of the truth in the gospel. John was the remnant preserved to give the word the book of Revelation, the relevation of Jesus. Unfortunately, we are all aware that the one true genuine church of the apostles where Christ is the head  have broken up into thousands of denominations today. Even some members among the SDA Church who has the gift of prophecy, have been influenced by Satan with his evils angels and deluded earth agents to question the rightful role of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Godhead.

The biblical source of hope lies in understanding who God is; that He is with us; and that He has plans for, and with, us.Understanding the larger framework of the plan of salvation and prophetic events plays a crucial role in helping us to cultivate the hope that helps us overcome the many crises (crucibles) of life.

2.3.3.1 Revealed Answer to Suffering on Earth

The Covid-19 global long drawn crises is God’s wake up call to remind the whole world that suffering and the unconquerable death in this world is the works of Satan.Satan started the rebellion in Heaven and was cast out. The great controversy between Jesus and Satan was continued on earth where we are all involved as God’s instruments to vindicate that obeying  God’s law is the best and only right way to conquer death and have everlasting life in God’ kingdom of glory. This earth is God’s theater to the universe to allow sin to run its full course and condemning Satan when the cup of iniquity is full to condemn Satan and sin is forever eradicated.

2.3.3.1.1Job’s Suffering under Satan’s Persecution

This is a review of the true story of Job*by Moses (as a fugitive in Median, probably written before Genesis inspired by the Holy Spirit) on the great personal tragedy for Job. Job loses everything, property and children andafflicted with painful sores – Job 1;15-19) except his lifeand his wife,( and she suggests that he “ ‘curse God and die!’ ” (Job 2:9, NIV).

Job* is God’s showcase of the “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”Job1:1,22. This was spoken to Satan who questioned Job’s loyalty was rewards’ based, saying, ”But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” So God gave permission for Satan to afflict Job, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” Job 1:12,13-19;2:10,17. This explains the suffering and pain on earth is the works of Satan. God permits them as our education in the school of Christ to transform our character necessary for our eventual home in heaven.

From this account, the whole world should know that Satan afflicts the whole world with Covid-19. Thus he is also capable of providing the vaccine and the whole world is thankful. He influenced the leaders to make the remedy mandatory to facilitate subjugating  the will of everyone to compulsory worship. That is what we have undergone in foregoing the divine mastery healer, Jesus Christ, 

What follows is a discussion in which his friends try to work out why it has all happened. Throughout all of these discussions, God remains silent. Then suddenly in Job 38, God appears and speaks: “ ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?’ ” (Job 38:2, NIV). Without pausing, God asks Job some 60 jaw-dropping questions. Open your Bible and scan through these in Job 38 and 39. After the last question, Job replies, “ ‘I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more’ ” (Job 40:4, 5, NIV). But God is not finished. He then begins again and asks another set of “big” questions in succession.