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Richard Myers

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1888
« on: October 01, 2015, 02:26:26 PM »
Is the message given in 1888 in the Bible? If so, where do we find it? And, did the church ever accept it? And, where can we hear it being given today?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: 1888
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2015, 11:09:59 PM »
 The present message--justification by faith--is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear did not receive its benefit. They did not open the door of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest, and they have suffered great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which we must walk; the cross is presented at every step. We must learn to live by faith; then the darkest hours will be brightened by the blessed beams of the Sun of Righteousness. 
     We are not safe if we neglect to search the Scriptures daily for light and knowledge. Earthly blessings cannot be obtained without toil, and can we expect that spiritual and heavenly blessings will come without earnest effort on our part? The mines of truth are to be worked. Says the psalmist, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalm 119:130). The Word of God must not be kept apart from our life. It must be entertained in the mind, welcomed in the heart, and be cherished, loved, and obeyed. We need also much more knowledge; we need to be enlightened in regard to the plan of salvation. There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare. When light begins to shine forth to make clear the plan of redemption to the people, the enemy works with all diligence that the light may be shut away from the hearts of men. If we come to the Word of God with a teachable, humble spirit, the rubbish of error will be swept away, and gems of truth, long hidden from our eyes, will be discovered. 
     There is great need that Christ should be preached as the only hope and salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented at the Rome meeting, it came to many as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought. 1SM 360
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2016, 02:37:18 PM »
These links show the online documents found in the GC Online Archives. 

The GC Archives http://documents.adventistarchives.org/default.aspx

The published books with the 1888 messages reproduced in them are named in part 1

part-1     http://www.sdadefend.com/Defend-foundation/righteoua.htm 

part - 2   http://www.sdadefend.com/Defend-foundation/righteoub.htm 

18 point reply by A.T. Jones & E.J. Waggoner alternately reading as their summation – given without comment, the texts taken down by reporters present and put in history.  I have the non EGW history that was published in a large book. 
 
e j waggoner / a t jones 18 point reply
 
EJW Jeremiah 23: 5-7
 
ATJ Ephesians 2:4-8
 
EJW Galatians 2: 16 -21
 
ATJ Romans 11:1-33
 
EJW Romans 1:14 -17
 
ATJ Romans 2: 12 - 29
 
EJW Galatians 3 entire
 
ATJ Romans 3 entire
 
EJW Galatians 5: 1 - 6
 
ATJ Romans 9: 7 - 33
 
EJW Galatians 2 entire
 
ATJ Romans 4: 1 - 11
 
EJW Romans 5 entire
 
ATJ Romans 4: 13 - 25
 
EJW Romans 6 entire
 
ATJ Romans 1:15 - 17
 
EJW Romans 8;14 - 39
 
ATJ 1st John 5: 1-4

EGW faith and works   http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/faith-and-works/   

EGW steps to Christ    http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/steps-to-christ/   

ATJ & EJW - Lessons on Faith   http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/lessons-on-faith/ 

ATJ   The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection       http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/the-consecrated-way-to-christian-perfection/

ATJ-The Third Angel’s Message (1893)    http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/the-third-angels-message-1893/ 
The Third Angel’s Message (1895)      http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/the-third-angels-message-1895/   
The Third Angel’s Message (1897)        http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/the-third-angels-message-1897/ 


EJW    - Christ and His Righteousness       http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/christ-and-his-righteousness/ 
Everlasting Covenant          http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/everlasting-covenant/ 
Lessons on Faith        http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/lessons-on-faith/   


Fred Bischoff -  Ellen G. White and the Loud Cry      http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/ellen-g-white-and-the-loud-cry/


Ron Duffield - The Return of the Latter Rain    (excellent history of the 1888 message and aftermath - great footnotes for research - data showing if accepted or rejected from their own publications and history.)
  http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/the-return-of-the-latter-rain/   

Wounded in the House of His Friends  -      http://ellenwhiteaudio.org/wounded-in-the-house-of-his-friends/   
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2016, 04:03:08 PM »
Quote
Is the message given in 1888 in the Bible? Yes it is

If so, where do we find it? The books spoken of in part 1 of the SDADEFEND link I posted on righteousness by faith, outline where it is found in Scripture, and the 18 point reply I supplied.

And, did the church ever accept it? The Links to Return of the Latter Rain & Wounded in the House of His Friends gives history pro and con and names names.

And, where can we hear it being given today? The books spoken of in part 1 of the SDADEFEND link I posted on righteousness by faith, tell the books and periodical articles that have it in print, and some of the links I posted, so you can read and share it.


Quote
   (1) The Shorthand Reports of E. J. Waggoner, taken down by Jessie F. Moser-Waggoner, and later edited by Waggoner, himself, to confirm their accuracy, and then put into book form by himself: "Christ and His Righteousness," 96 pages. 1890; "The Gospel in Creation," 176 pages. 1893; and "The Glad Tidings," 265 pages, 1900. All three of these books were based on his 1888 shorthand notes.


The Gospel in Creation EJW   http://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/1390.2   

The Glad Tidings      https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/1391.0 

Christ and His Righteousness     https://whitehorsemedia.com/docs/CHRIST_AND_HIS_RIGHTEOUSNESS.pdf     &        http://www.1888mpm.org/book/christ-and-his-righteousness   
...................
(2) Elder A.T. Jones studies preached at the General Conference session of 1893. These 24 sermons were a repetition of his 1888 messages and are recorded in the General Conference Daily Bulletins which were published at the time. [/color] 

The A T Jones articles they can be located here

http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Search/Pages/results.aspx?k=a%20t%20jones&u=http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/GCSessionBulletins&s=Entire%20Online%20Archives    
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2016, 03:58:32 AM »
Notice the message Scripture aligns with God's prophetic remnant movement .......   Commandments of God....... yes those are understood somewhat, then something that is much less understood and even less applied yet is of equal and sometimes more importance due to the needs caused by it's lack.    "The Faith of Jesus"  often reinterpreted by various speakers concepts of it, and always suffering by such dilutation because of lack of understanding and personal application of it, giving it less weight that human efforts to obey, when it is the source and nature of all true obedience.   Notice "he does not obey"  and why. 

Quote
    As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart.  {COL 97.1}
 
    A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the soul are two different things. The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The heart must be converted and sanctified.  {COL 97.2} 

     The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely--because he is required to do so--will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right--because right doing is pleasing to God.  {COL 97.3} 

     The great truth of the conversion of the heart by the Holy Spirit is presented in Christ's words to Nicodemus: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God. . . . That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth. So is every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:3-8, margin.  {COL 98.1} 

     The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:4-8.  {COL 98.2} 

     The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up--the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do service for God.  {COL 98.3} 

     Often the question arises, Why, then, are there so many, claiming to believe God's word, in whom there is not seen a reformation in words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who cannot bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate? There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life of the worldling. There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same perversity of character, as if the truth were wholly unknown to them. The reason is that they are not converted. They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It has not had opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil have not been submitted to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character.  {COL 99.1} 

     "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17. The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth." John 17:17. If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.  {COL 100.1}
 
     The truths of the word of God meet man's great practical necessity--the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.  {COL 100.2} 

     Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving.  {COL 101.1} 

     The world regards as a mystery the man who is imbued with this principle. The selfish, money-loving man lives only to secure for himself the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world. He loses the eternal world from his reckoning. But with the follower of Christ these things will not be all-absorbing. For Christ's sake he will labor and deny self, that he may aid in the great work of saving souls who are without Christ and without hope in the world. Such a man the world cannot understand; for he is keeping in view eternal realities. The love of Christ with its redeeming power has come into the heart. This love masters every other motive, and raises its possessor above the corrupting influence of the world.  {COL 101.2}     

But EGW & Scripture give better explanations.  Is is obviously part of the A.T.Jones   E.J.Waggoner   presentations of 1888 because EGW so links it in this quote.    (   "is the faith of Jesus" = 3 SOP hits )

Quote
  When I stated before my brethren that I had heard for the first time the views of Elder E. J. Waggoner, some did not believe me. I stated that I had heard precious truths uttered that I could respond to with all my heart, for had not these great and glorious truths, the righteousness of Christ and the entire sacrifice made in behalf of man, been imprinted indelibly on my mind by the Spirit of God? Has not this subject been presented in the testimonies again and again? When the Lord had given to my brethren the burden to proclaim this message I felt inexpressibly grateful to God, for I knew it was the message for this time.  {3SM 172.1} 

     The third angel's message is the proclamation  of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness.  {3SM 172.2} 

     "The faith of Jesus." It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel's message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. And faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the faith of Jesus. {3SM 172.3} {12MR 193.4}   {1888 217.4}   

This is part of the Loud Cry - God's final message of complete salvation - because :  EGW defined the Loud Cry and this rests within such a message.   ( loud cry types = 3 hits )  each hit adds details in the quote or in context around the quote .

 
Quote
The Beginning of the Loud Cry

     Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of Him. {1SM 362.4} 

     If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputes to the repentant sinner.--The Review and Herald, Nov. 22, 1892.  {1SM 363.1}




 
Quote
......repeated in 1888 quote below {RH, November 22, 1892 par. 9} 


13K  - posted below  to retain continuity of explanation from SOP.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2016, 03:58:58 AM »
more context given
Quote
  To the early church the hope of Christ's coming was a blessed hope, and they were represented by the apostle as waiting for his Son from heaven, as loving his appearing. As long as this hope was cherished by the professed followers of Christ, they were a light to the world. But it was not the design of Satan that they should be a light to the world; and because iniquity abounded, the love of many waxed cold, and the unfaithful servant is represented as saying, "My Lord delayeth his coming." As a result of loss of faith in the appearing of Jesus, the unfaithful servant begins to smite his fellow-servant, and to eat and drink with the drunken. Satan was at work to cause apostasy in the early church; and in accomplishing his purpose, doctrines were introduced through which the church was leavened with unbelief in Christ and his coming. The adversary of God and man cast his hellish shadow athwart the path of the believers, and dimmed their star of hope, even their faith in the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  {1888 1073.2} 

     The hope which had been so precious to them lost its attractions; for the specious delusions of Satan almost wholly extinguished the light of salvation through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, and men were led to seek to make an atonement through works of their own,--by fasts and penances, and through the payment of money to the church. It was more agreeable to the natural heart thus to seek justification than to seek it through repentance and faith, through belief in, and obedience to, the truth. During the ages of apostasy, darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Reformation aroused the inhabitants of earth from their death-like slumber, and many turned away from their vanities and superstitions, from priests and penances, to serve the living God, to search in his holy word for truth as for hidden treasure. They began diligently to work the mine of truth, to clear away the rubbish of human opinion that had buried up the precious jewels of light. But as soon as the work of reformation began. Satan with determined purpose sought the more zealously to bind the minds of men in superstition and error. When he found that he could not prevent them from investigating the word of God, or deter them from accepting the truth, through forcing erroneous doctrines upon their attention, he thought to intimidate them by threatening and persecution, and thus to quench the heavenly light that was shining upon men, revealing the character of God, and making manifest the malignity of the arch deceiver.  {1888 1073.3} 

     That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if possible lead them to do again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and today, unless the people of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of Satan. Among those who claim to believe in the near coming of the Saviour, how many are back-slidden, how many have lost their first love, and come under the description written of the Laodicean church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost to keep them in a state of indifference and stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that are before them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim their lamps, and be found watching for the Bridegroom when he shall return from the wedding. {1888 1073.4}

     The days in which we live are eventful and full of peril. The signs of the coming of the end are thickening around us, and events are to come to pass that will be of a more terrible character than any the world has yet witnessed. "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them." But to those who have the light of truth, it has been written, "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping."  {1888 1073.5} 

     There is great need that our weakening faith should be quickened, and that we should ever keep before the mind the evidences that our Lord is soon coming, that we may ever be found not only waiting, but watching and working. We are not to be found in idle expectancy; for this leads to carelessness of life, and deficiency of character. We are to realize that the judgments of God are about to fall upon the earth, and we should most earnestly present before the people the warning that the Lord has commissioned us to give: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."  {1888 1073.6} 

     Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to his disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of him.  {1888 1073.7} 

     If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of his righteousness, which he imputes to the repentant sinner. Human wisdom will not avail to devise a plan of salvation. Human philosophy is vain, the fruits of the loftiest powers of man are worthless, aside from the great plan of the divine Teacher. No glory is to redound to man; all human help and glory lies in the dust; for the truth as it is in Jesus is the only available agent by which man may be saved. Man is privileged to connect with Christ, and then the divine and the human combine; and in this union the hope of man must rest alone; for it is as the Spirit of God touches the soul that the powers of the soul are quickened and man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. He was manifested to bring life and immortality to light. He says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." The psalmist declares, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."  {1888 1073.8} 

     Then let us study the word of God, that we may know him in whom there is no darkness at all. Jesus says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ, and him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the world in unparalleled love. Present him thus to the hungering multitudes, and the light of his love will win men from darkness to light, from transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding Jesus upon the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to the heinous character of sin as nothing else can do. It was sin that caused the death of God's dear Son, and sin is the transgression of the law. On him was laid the iniquities of us all. The sinner then consents unto the law that it is good; for he realizes that it condemns his evil deeds, while he magnifies the matchless love of God in providing for him salvation through the imputed righteousness of Him who knew no sin, in whose mouth there was found no guile.
                         (Concluded next week.)
 {1888 1074.1}
     
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Richard Myers

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Re: 1888
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2016, 08:13:00 AM »
Amen!  Thank you, Ed.   

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God. . . . That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

"Our first work is with the heart."

"The tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The heart must be converted and sanctified."

"It was more agreeable to the natural heart thus to seek justification than to seek it through repentance and faith, through belief in, and obedience to, the truth."

"Their lives reveal the absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character."

It is time the church understands the simplicity of the gospel and what was presented in 1888 and long before. This is not "meat", but "milk". It is the foundation of our faith and much needed because the deceptions run deep.

The truth of our continual need of Jesus has been perverted to allow for man to be saved apart from Christ. There are many "gospels" that have perverted the true gospel where law and faith are combined to present that which reveals the power of grace to transform the character at conversion. It is the loveliness of Jesus we need to see......daily. For by beholding this great love we shall then be changed into His image (character) by His Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).

Was the message accepted in 1888? Was it accepted by the leadership of the church anytime after 1888?  Where can we go to hear being proclaimed in the church today?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: 1888
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2016, 10:15:21 AM »
The message of "justification by faith" was not accepted by the church in 1888 or in any time thereafter. Yes, some accepted it and were converted as a result. But, today we are far from understanding the very foundation of our faith. Justification by faith does not do away with the need to keep the commandments of God. Nether does it grant salvation to one for keeping the commandments of God.

What evidence can we present to show the message has never been accepted by the church? If it had, Jesus would have come. He has not come because we have not prepared the church to receive those seeking truth.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

colporteur

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Re: 1888
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2016, 11:46:44 AM »
Yes, Richard the evidence that "justification by faith" has not been received is the extent who which sanctification is so lacking among the people of God. We are largely sitting on our hands and asking God to do that which we are called to do. The other day pastor Victor Melendez said in response to the question, " if a lady was often leading out up front with a mini skirt or if an elder were standing up front in dirty, sloppy clothing, with his hair standing on end and looking like a bum on the street should that be addressed from church leadership ?", his answer was "no, .... God can handle that !"

Well, God can handle it but His handling it may include putting another in charge and stating to you, " you are weighed in the balance and found wanting." God can handle evangelism without us as well, but has He chosen to do that ? If we ignore what God has called us to do and say, " God can handle that". how will He handle US ?

Many have chosen to be weak kneed introverts when it comes to doing something that cuts across inclination.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2016, 06:57:31 PM »
1888 was a spiritual litmus test, of SDA physical and spiritual obedience and surrender to Christ, verses the self righteousness induced by Satan at the foot of Sinai and Jerusalem's halls of power AD 31. 

The I-J requires proof of such surrender and obedience, to be introduced into Heaven's court records RE the SDA Church at large, and the individuals it touches.

The Parable / prophecy of the sheep / goats with the physical litmus test that uncovered the mental / spiritual conditions of the persons, and the evidence of their union with God or lack thereof ; is running along the same principles.   Like what Book of James says >  showing actual faith by actual works.

Becoming and developing as SDA, the subject of 1888, I was never told of it as a part of that evangelism, or developmental training, then when hearing a little about 1888, it was minimized, marginalized, distorted as being unimportant, and Jones & Waggoner demonized as dissidents causing problems, and law keeping works enshrined on pedestals as all important with the implied message being obedience doing the saving.   The imputed imparted righteousness of Christ given little lip service.  Then the QOD book is given to me.    Satan working IN the SDA Church to put Christ in the shade and himself in the sunlight and main view.

( "is the faith of Jesus" = 3 SOP hits )
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   When I stated before my brethren that I had heard for the first time the views of Elder E. J. Waggoner, some did not believe me. I stated that I had heard precious truths uttered that I could respond to with all my heart, for had not these great and glorious truths, the righteousness of Christ and the entire sacrifice made in behalf of man, been imprinted indelibly on my mind by the Spirit of God? Has not this subject been presented in the testimonies again and again? When the Lord had given to my brethren the burden to proclaim this message I felt inexpressibly grateful to God, for I knew it was the message for this time.  {3SM 172.1} 
     The third angel's message is the proclamation  of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness.  {3SM 172.2} 
     "The faith of Jesus." It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel's message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. And faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the faith of Jesus. {3SM 172.3} 
     The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13). All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts  would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin. The man with a cultivated intellect may have vast stores of knowledge, he may engage in theological speculations, he may be great and honored of men and be considered the repository of knowledge, but unless he has a saving knowledge of Christ crucified for him, and by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, he is lost. Christ "was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). "Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ," will be our only hope for time and our song throughout eternity.  {3SM 172.4}    {12MR 193.2 - 194.1}   {1888 217.2 - 218.1}   


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     I ask, How can I present this matter as it is? The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the penitence, all the inclination, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by living faith--which is also the gift of God. If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason. Standing in the presence of their Creator and looking upon the unsurpassed glory which enshrouds His person, they are looking upon the Lamb of God given from the foundation of the world to a life of humiliation, to be rejected of sinful men, to be despised, to be crucified. Who can measure the infinity of the sacrifice!  {FW 24.1} repeated from the source document at - 1888 - The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials (1987) Chap. 104 - Danger of False Ideas on Justification by Faith {1888 816.1}   

Can it be that the 1888 message was saying that the righteousness of Jesus, the life of Jesus that Romans 5:10  speaks of, which must be laid hold of, claimed, applied into the heart and lived out, removes and replaces the mind and heart of the first fallen Adam ?

The first Adam who set himself us as his own god, his own ruler, his own righteousness to obey thus humanly entering the great war between Christ and Satan, and on Satan's side at that .

Could this be the reason for the intense reaction and rejection of 1888 by leaders who set themselves as the theologian rabbi model of right, truth, and life to be molded by laity who were to in essence worship them  ?

This is the Jewish leadership rejection of Jesus, and the Churches of 1843-44 onward rejection of Millerite Message revisited with a still closer heart application IN the SDA Church.

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   God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: "God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people." Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: "They are joined to their idols, let them alone," and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.
                                                                           188
 {1T 187.1} 
     God proves His people in this world. This is the fitting-up place to appear in His presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, persons will show what power affects their hearts and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him noblehearted and generous, like his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions.  {1T 188.1} 
     The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith; and it is a fearful fact that many are leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an old experience which they had years ago; but when brought down to this heart-searching time, when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate. They seem to think that a profession of the truth will save them. When they subdue those sins which God hates, Jesus will come in and sup with them and they with Him. They will then draw divine strength from Jesus, and will grow up in Him, and be able with holy triumph to say: "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors of religion had never named His name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers of Jesus. They are a stumbling block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips, while their heart is far from Him.  {1T 188.2}   

Jesus is winnowing, sifting, fanning us,Matthew 3:12 & Luke 3:17  He wants us to cling to Him from the heart and has provided Bible & SOP & godly SDA literary works to strengthen us to do so, and endure to the end, and be saved.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

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Re: 1888
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2016, 09:57:14 AM »
There is a statement you have quoted, Ed, that is important for us to understand. Satan twists it to say something it does not. He therefore keeps sinners in their sin thinking they are just fine. Let's uncover his deception that others might live.

"God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart."

What is being said here?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: 1888
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2016, 12:36:40 PM »
To me it says ......

Jesus is not in the heart just because of an ascent to the "28" doctrines, until born again, the 28 doctrines still reside, in the person with the heart of a rebel.

"If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord."

Said the angel: "God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people."

 "Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol."
 
"Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus."

Once they get to that point, the journey to conversion begins, if they will pray through each opposing hurdle, unless they cause Jesus to stop interceding for them, by settling their hearts to join their idols, and refuse to listen to His knocking on their heart door, till they burn out their conscience. 

That is the danger, trusting to the "28", and hardening the heart in the self delusion trusting that God accepts works of merits, instead of Jesus perfect merits as propitiation covering sins that are past, and presently cleansing to the uttermost and removing darkness from the character and implanting His own character. 

Sanctification is Christ implanting His character ( perfected, surrendered, human mind, thoughts, feelings) and righteousness (His right doing ) within a surrendered "Peter's ladder climbing" person - the ladders starts and continues and ends with God & Christ's righteousness, not our own.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

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Re: 1888
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2016, 08:21:02 PM »
To me it says ......


"Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus."

Once they get to that point, the journey to conversion begins, if they will pray through each opposing hurdle, unless they cause Jesus to stop interceding for them, by settling their hearts to join their idols, and refuse to listen to His knocking on their heart door, till they burn out their conscience. 

This is not easy for some to understand. Ed, you may not have realized what you said, but it is correct.

The problem is in the sentences before. "He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer." First, inspiration is talking about how God is dealing with Laodiceans. Laodiceans are in a lost condition. What does God do about it? He speaks the words in chapter three of Revelation. Then He tests the Laodicean that he might understand what shuts Jesus out of his heart.

Now, some will pass a test, but this does not mean he is not in a Laodicean condition. It does not mean he is in a converted state. Has the whole heart been given to God? We will see as the testing progresses. There may be something hidden in the heart that the sinner does not know about. A sin he refuses to acknowledge. Maybe there is pride in his heart he hides from himself. Paul when he was Saul did not know about the sin in his heart. God tested him. He sent Stephen to ask God to "lay not this sin to their charge" after they stoned him. Saul did not acknowledge his sin then. His heart was full of self.

So, one may give up coffee, or cease working on the Sabbath. But, this does not mean his heart is fully given to God. As the testing continues, it will be revealed what it is that shuts out Jesus from the heart.

So, what has Satan done with this inspired statement to make it of no effect?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: 1888
« Reply #13 on: February 13, 2016, 06:01:27 AM »
I did understand. There is a reason I said what I said.  Also a very significant reason how I said it, because the human mind and heart and physical body can only take so much stress, before it collapses from the force upon it. 

God remembers we are dust.  We have the inspired record of Daniel being overwhelmed by the stress of the revelations in the vision, and time of recuperation had to pass, till Gabriel could complete the instruction.   That happened that we should learn lessons from it - the science and art of conversion is part of that lesson. 

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    Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day's work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities. May you so improve every day given you of God, that at last you may hear the Master say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."  {Mar 84.5}   

Conversion is a process not a destination.   The whole heart next month is more involved than last month because God has dug deeper, and thus more human surrender and dependence upon Jesus to work in partnership in the heart and mind to will and to do His good pleasure is required, until there are no more depths of the human mind & heart to surrender to God in obedience of giving the will, the thoughts, feelings, behavior, self perceptions (identity), goals, plans, personal rights, loves, hates, preferences, your past, your present, your supposed cherished future paths all laid out in your heart, everything in you, about you, sought by you, giving everything to buy the field and purchase the treasure and also the pearl of great price.

You will find upon study that Jesus Christ did the same thing in principle, to buy back humanity, and each individual as His pearl of great price, He is the merchant man seeking goodly pearls, and our process of conversion is in giving up ourselves and sins and all such and taking into ourselves everything God sends.

Jesus emptied Himself, as much as He could and still be fully God, for us, and took the nature of the seed of Abraham, to suffer and conquer it.   Though personally sinless He traveled conversion's & sanctification's & holiness's path to us, and as example for us.

************
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So, what has Satan done with this inspired statement to make it of no effect?

We humans often say - Oh I made it, I feel converted, I can stop and sin a little, I miss it so.  We listen to our feelings, instead of Scripture, SOP, the example and standard of Jesus perfected humanity, that focused on finishing God's work on Earth, and entered Heaven to tirelessly complete the mission.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

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Re: 1888
« Reply #14 on: February 13, 2016, 07:31:51 AM »
Is the whole heart purified or just a part of it? Does Jesus require the whole heart for salvation or just part of it? At conversion, are we cleansed from all sin or just some sin?  I am not asking about the flesh, but the heart and mind.

Can we retain pride and be sanctified, converted? When one is born of the Spirit, does he walk in the flesh?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Ed Sutton

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Re: 1888
« Reply #15 on: February 13, 2016, 12:26:24 PM »
( " I die daily" = 27 SOP hits )    conversion - John 3:1-16, ( "this is the new birth"  = 1 SOP hit )

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   By looking constantly to Jesus, from morn till eve, with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Savior. They feed upon His word, for it is spirit and life. This word kills the natural, earthly nature, and a new life in Christ Jesus is created. The Holy Spirit comes as a Comforter to them. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the mold of the divine similitude. The image of Christ is reproduced in the human agent, and by the transforming efficacy of the grace of Christ he becomes a new creature. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12, 13). This is the new birth.  {10MR 166.1} 

Today's conversion turns today's heart back to God, God cleanses today's heart and mind for today.  Each day is a day of free will, to choose leaders, to walk the path of new conversion for that new day. 


God does not show us everything about ourselves in one day, conversion is humanly recognized as starting at one point, ( but actually was under way long beforehand but human perception did not recognize the Holy Spirit's working inside ).   

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   None are living Christians unless they have a daily experience in the things of God and daily practice self-denial, cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality. . . .  {AG 291.4} 
     Religion is not merely an emotion, a feeling. It is a principle which is interwoven with all the daily duties and transactions of life. . . . It is continuance in well-doing that will form characters for heaven.  {AG 291.5} 
     We must live for Christ minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day; then Christ will dwell in us, and when we meet together, His love will be in our hearts, welling up like a spring in the desert, refreshing all, and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the waters of life.  {AG 291.6}   

Conversion on xyz day does not change every facet of a person's mind and heart for the rest of their life UNLESS xyz  day's conversion continues unbroken each new day till they are sealed with the Seal of The Living God. 

Paul said "I die daily"   

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  Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. This conversion brings a man into new relation with God. Old things, his natural temper, natural passions, and hereditary traits of character pass away, and the man is renewed, converted, sanctified. His heart needs to be barricaded by faithful watchfulness and unceasing prayer, else the embankment will give way, and like a mill stream, the undercurrent of natural and cultivated tendencies will sweep away the safeguard. Then the old objectionable traits of character will assert their sway. No renewed heart can keep in a condition of sweetness and grace without the application of the salt of the word. Divine grace must be applied daily, else no man will stay converted.  {PC 359.2}   

The whole heart - TODAY - is not the whole heart of tomorrow, new things come to the person, both good and bad, and God shows the person more of their heart in the tomorrow's as soon as they can endure it, so another conversion is needed tomorrow, as God goes deeper, but the conversion of today, cleanses what God requires of today.

If a onetime conversion fixed it all for the rest of probation, "once saved always saved" would have validity, and ATJ, EJW, and John Kellogg would not have fallen away, and the words in this Scripture would not be true. 

Ezekiel 18:
 20  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
21 ¶  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
22  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
23  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
24  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Ezekiel 33:
10 ¶  Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?
11  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
12  Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
13  When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
14  Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
15  If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
16  None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.


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    The Lord requires us to be submissive to His will, subdued by His Spirit, and sanctified to His service. Selfishness must be put away, and we must overcome every defect in our characters as Christ overcame. In order to accomplish this work, we must die daily to self. Said Paul: "I die daily." He had a new conversion every day, took an advance step toward heaven. To gain daily victories in the divine life is the only course that God approves. The Lord is gracious, of tender pity, and plenteous in mercy. He knows our needs and weaknesses, and He will help our infirmities if we only trust in Him and believe that He will bless us and do great things for us. {4T 66.4}     


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   There is no such thing as an instantaneous sanctification. It is an every-day work. Says Paul, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). He received a conversion daily to God. As the truth and Spirit of God revealed to him the defects in his character, he put away his wrong, died to self, and cleansed himself "from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). . . .  {UL 231.3}     
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

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Re: 1888
« Reply #16 on: February 13, 2016, 01:00:21 PM »
Yes, Ed, man must die daily. It is a continual connection to Christ we must maintain. We do not know all, nor are we mature when converted, but we do have a new heart that Christ has purified. If we retain pride in the heart, then we are not converted and Christ does not reside in it. When we die daily, selfishness has been banished.

The thief on the cross was converted on the cross. His heart did not retain any pride or selfishness. He had all of the fruits of the Spirit when converted. Maturity ceased for him, but his character was morally perfect because his heart had been purified and his motives were pure and holy.

When we are converted, we do not possess as much fruit as we shall if we continue on in the faith, bu we do possess all of the fruits, not one is missing. None of the works of the flesh appear in the life of all who are truly converted.

The new convert is perfect in that he has a title for heaven. He is perfect at each stage of development, just as Jesus was perfect at each stage of His development. We mature in the same manner as He did.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: 1888
« Reply #17 on: February 13, 2016, 01:05:43 PM »
Amen.    To that.      Conversion is not less darkness, or known darkness cherished, in the heart and mind, in that day of conversion.   Conversion is becoming a new creature in Christ that day.    Sanctification as far as length, is unbroken days of conversion strung together, like unbroken links of a chain, that keep on going.
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Richard Myers

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Re: 1888
« Reply #18 on: February 14, 2016, 08:35:30 AM »
Sadly, there are those who do not agree.

We mature as did Jesus. The Bible says "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." Hebrews 5:8, 9.

Here is our example of what it means to be "perfect" in Christ and yet be able to grow in grace, to develop a further growth in the fruits of His Spirit. All of the fruits of the Spirit come at conversion, not one is missing, but as we learn more and are strengthened by our obedience to the truth, the fruits become more abundant. I think this is what your trying to say, Ed. There is continual growth in grace, sanctification as we maintain our conversion experience, justification.

Jesus was always perfect, yet He grew in both knowledge and strength of character. He was not ready for Gethsemane at age 12. So it is with the convert who is truly converted. His heart has been purified by the blood of the Lamb, but there is much more he can learn and his character, while holy, can become more able to endure trials as he matures.

Thank you, Ed for helping to clarify this process of growth in the believer.  As we see in the 1888 message, it takes an understanding of "Christ in the law" in order to gain this experience. They go hand in hand and cannot be separated. Our God is both just and merciful willing to forgive all who will come to Christ just as they are and learn of Him. Love begets love. As we are drawn to Him, as we behold Him, we will be changed into His image from glory unto glory by His Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). It is His promise!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: 1888
« Reply #19 on: December 14, 2016, 08:52:13 AM »

Quote
   By looking constantly to Jesus, from morn till eve, with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Savior. They feed upon His word, for it is spirit and life. This word kills the natural, earthly nature, and a new life in Christ Jesus is created. The Holy Spirit comes as a Comforter to them. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the mold of the divine similitude. The image of Christ is reproduced in the human agent, and by the transforming efficacy of the grace of Christ he becomes a new creature. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12, 13). This is the new birth.  {10MR 166.1} 

Yes, Ed, this is the subject involved in the 1888 message. We need to obey the law of God, but unless we have Jesus in our hearts, we are destitute of His love and power to do any good thing. We must be born again of His Spirit daily, even moment by moment. Jesus "taught that both for man's temporal and for his eternal good, God moves upon the heart by the Holy Spirit. He showed the error of trusting to human power for that transformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God."

In 1888, many were like Pharisees, thinking they were keeping the law in their own strength. Jesus was left out of their reasoning when it came to keeping the commandments of God.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.