Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"  (Read 17738 times)

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Mimi

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The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« on: April 01, 2007, 01:16:00 PM »
"The Fullness of the Time"


Listen to    "The Fullness of the Time"

 





     "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4, 5. 
     The Saviour's coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their first-born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping alive the hope of His appearing, and yet He came not. The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all rightly interpreted the message. Century after century passed away; the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezekiel 12:22. 
     But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. "Afterward," He said, "shall they come out with great substance." Genesis 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaoh's proud empire battled in vain. On "the self-same day" appointed in the divine promise, "it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:41. So in heaven's council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 
     "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah's coming.
     At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave. 
     As the Jews had departed from God, faith had grown dim, and hope had well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended. To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom. It was not alone the wailing of the mothers of Bethlehem, but the cry from the great heart of humanity, that was borne to the prophet across the centuries,--the voice heard in Ramah, "lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Matthew 2:18. In "the region and shadow of death," men sat unsolaced. With longing eyes they looked for the coming of the Deliverer, when the darkness should be dispelled, and the mystery of the future should be made plain. 
     Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted. One after another, like stars in the darkened heavens, such teachers had arisen. Their words of prophecy had kindled hope in the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world. 
     For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greek language, then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The Jews were scattered everywhere, and their expectation of the Messiah's coming was to some extent shared by the Gentiles. Among those whom the Jews styled heathen were men who had a better understanding of the Scripture prophecies concerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel. There were some who hoped for His coming as a deliverer from sin. Philosophers endeavored to study into the mystery of the Hebrew economy. But the bigotry of the Jews hindered the spread of the light. Intent on maintaining the separation between themselves and other nations, they were unwilling to impart the knowledge they still possessed concerning the symbolic service. The true Interpreter must come. The One whom all these types prefigured must explain their significance. 
     Through nature, through types and symbols, through patriarchs and prophets, God had spoken to the world. Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men.   
     Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22. Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One "to preach good tidings unto the meek," "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives," and to declare the "acceptable year of the Lord." Isaiah 61:1, 2. They read how He would "set judgment in the earth," how the isles should "wait for His law," how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isaiah 42:4; 60:3. 
     The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." Genesis 49:10. The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms; and, said the prophet, "It shall stand forever." Daniel 2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations. 
     The fullness of the time had come. Humanity, becoming more degraded through ages of transgression, called for the coming of the Redeemer. Satan had been working to make the gulf deep and impassable between earth and heaven. By his falsehoods he had emboldened men in sin. It was his purpose to wear out the forbearance of God, and to extinguish His love for man, so that He would abandon the world to satanic jurisdiction. 
     Satan was seeking to shut out from men a knowledge of God, to turn their attention from the temple of God, and to establish his own kingdom. His strife for supremacy had seemed to be almost wholly successful. It is true that in every generation God had His agencies. Even among the heathen there were men through whom Christ was working to uplift the people from their sin and degradation. But these men were despised and hated. Many of them suffered a violent death. The dark shadow that Satan had cast over the world grew deeper and deeper. 
     Through heathenism, Satan had for ages turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel. By contemplating and worshiping their own conceptions, the heathen had lost a knowledge of God, and had become more and more corrupt. So it was with Israel. The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion; it had now become the principle of the Jewish religion. Satan had implanted this principle. Wherever it is held, men have no barrier against sin. 
     The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction. 
     The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away. 
     The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold! 
     Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world. 
     With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it. Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled. 
     Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory. 
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2007, 01:22:00 PM »
"Hope had well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended. To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom."

Do we see this today? I do - even in our congregations.

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2007, 01:35:00 PM »
Parallel the sentiments of 2007 and this statement:

quote:
At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave.

As the Jews had departed from God, faith had grown dim, and hope had well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended. To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom. It was not alone the wailing of the mothers of Bethlehem, but the cry from the great heart of humanity, that was borne to the prophet across the centuries,--the voice heard in Ramah, "lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Matt. 2:18. In "the region and shadow of death," men sat unsolaced. With longing eyes they looked for the                                                                                    coming of the Deliverer, when the darkness should be dispelled, and the mystery of the future should be made plain.  {DA 32.4}


  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2007, 03:51:00 PM »
In re-reading the ensuing paragraphs, we see how ready Satan was at every turn to further erode a belief in God and how he moved upon minds to forget the prophecies. Israel had been without the voice of prophets for about 400 years; however, there were prophets among the heathen!

Imagine that!  :) The Holy Spirit works with those who are spiritually minded - who seek these things.

Consider the circumstances surrounding us these days and read what was also occurring in the time leading up to Jesus' birth. Quite similar, wouldn't you say? Exceedingly so, in my mind!

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2007, 03:55:00 PM »
The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold!
   
Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.  
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2007, 04:42:00 PM »
 
quote:
With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it.

The inhabitants of other worlds wholly expected God to destroy the earth! But instead ... He sent His Son to save it! Praise the Lord for His mercy!

Thinking back on the events leading up to Noah and the heavenly life boat, we are told God was sorry He had created man on the earth - "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart." Gen. 6:5.

Imagine, if you will, the inhabitants of other worlds looking on at that time in earth's history. They witnessed the acts of the antedeluvians - those same acts that are to be reinacted before the great Second Coming. Were they thinking the same thing? Probably. They were present at a council recorded in Job 1:6 when Satan "also came among them." Are there regular meetings in heaven? Sounds like it is very likely! Ellen White tells us they certainly were watching with great interest just prior to Jesus' birth.

Won't we be glad to visit their worlds, to testify of God's saving grace amid the trials and temptations of this little fallen world, this testing, proving ground?  :)

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2007, 04:51:00 PM »
The whole of this chapter should be posted for upclose scrutiny. It is full of language for our day.

"Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace."

This is very familiar language. It echos some  end-time verbage to describe the deliverance of the saints prior to the Second Coming. We are not without a Redeemer!

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2007, 05:07:00 PM »
And so ...

Jesus was sent!


    * to restore in man the image of his Maker                                                                  * to fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin
    * to expel the demons that had controlled the will
    * to lift us up from the dust
    * to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character
    * to make it beautiful with His own glory

Character, character, character! That is what we will take with us to heaven - and only that!

[This message has been edited by Sybil (edited 04-17-2007).]

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2007, 10:47:00 PM »
Amen, amen, amen! It kind of changes the common theology being taught throughout Christian churches!  The gospel message is simple until "teachers" begin to do their corrupt work. If only our people would go to Jesus and learn of Him they would not be deceived.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Sister Marie

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2007, 07:17:00 AM »
Amen to both of you. Charactor is all that we will take to heaven. And that has to be made Christ-like here. We are not going to desire the world here (not one little bit) and be happy in heaven without it. Charactor has so much to do with Attitude. Our attitude needs great ajustments NOW, so we will be ready for Jesus coming. He came to teach us the attitude of His Father that we may have the same attitude with a Christ-like mind NOW. Jesus can and will do this in us when we surrender ALL and pray that He take us and make us like unto Himself.

------------------
With Christian Love,
Sister Marie

With Christian Love,
Marie

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2013, 05:22:30 AM »
The Fullness of the time. And so ...

Jesus was sent!


    * to restore in man the image of his Maker
    * to fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin
    * to expel the demons that had controlled the will
    * to lift us up from the dust
    * to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character
    * to make it beautiful with His own glory

Character, character, character! That is what we will take with us to heaven - and only that!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2013, 11:25:20 AM »
Amen, Mimi!!

"The fullness of the time" has come again.

Through nature, through types and symbols, through patriarchs and prophets, God had spoken to the world. Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men. DA 34


So it is today. Satan has perverted the gospel truth no less today than then.

Through heathenism, Satan had for ages turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel. By contemplating and worshiping their own conceptions, the heathen had lost a knowledge of God, and had become more and more corrupt. So it was with Israel....They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction.  DA 36 


How is it today? Where has Satan concentrated his efforts? He has the world, but what about professing Christian churches? What about His chosen people? Laodicea?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2013, 11:57:14 AM »
Where has Satan concentrated his efforts? He has the world, but what about professing Christian churches? What about His chosen people? Laodicea?

It is as you say and as the SOP has written: They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel.

I know of 4 variations of the gospel preached within my local church. It is no wonder the saints are confused and many times give up. The importance of studying for ourselves is crucial to discover what was "once delivered" to the saints, the gospel of Christ Jesus.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

wigina

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2013, 07:44:16 PM »
Amen Mimi and Richard.
As The leaders engaged in meaningless ritual, the heralds wondered what was happening they were perplexed! But finally they fiund a group of humble shepherds wondering about the promise! To The was the glory shown and magnified! Fast Foward to 2013 are modern day priests waiting and reading and guiding the flock to be ready for the coming of the Lord! So The rabble of the earth must read for themslves, discuss among themselves and testify to the world that the hour of judgement is at hand. I Know like the shepherds I maybe a triffle scared at the site! Yet I know that the Lord Jesus will have prepared me for the site and I will here the voice of God announcing the hour and date of His coming.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #14 on: January 22, 2016, 08:45:21 AM »
"The fullness of time".  We understand what this meant in their day, but does it have a secondary fulfillment in our day? Yes, it does. "For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." Romans 9:28. As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be just before the second coming of Christ. We have reached that fullness of time....just about.

So, we need to better understand what happened 2,000 years ago and learn from that history lesson.

     "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah's coming.   
     At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave.   


Do we see a parallel here?  I think so. We do not know the day nor the hour, but we can know the season and the nearness of the second coming. As it was then, so it is today, many are called, but few will choose to follow Christ fully. It is our privilege to find those who are thirsting for the truth. Jesus looked for those who were seeking the truth. That is our mission also. They are out there and we must do all we can to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ and His grace.

Has the Spirit of God touched your heart with something in this chapter on the life of Christ?
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: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #15 on: January 22, 2016, 08:59:07 AM »
Does this match up with today, also?

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory. 

Amazing truth!
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: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #16 on: April 20, 2016, 08:14:50 AM »
Today, as in the past, the chaff of man's utterances have made of no effect both the Old and the New Testament truths. How has God been able to reach the world and His church to sweep away the chaff that His mercy and justice may be clearly seen? He has done what He always has done, He sends prophets to speak "present truth" so simple a child might understand, if he wants know the truth.

So God has done to today. Anyone who wants to know the truth, that He might walk in it will know it. It is both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. But, since man has perverted the truth as in the days of Israel, it is necessary to separate the truth from the chaff. As we read this most beautiful revelation of Christ, the plan of salvation and even more is so simply and clearly presented, a child can understand what he must do in order to be saved.

     Through nature, through types and symbols, through patriarchs and prophets, God had spoken to the world. Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men. pg 34. 

In their day, the lie was legalism, in our day it is more deceptive in that now Satan has continued with legalism, but has added salvation in known sin. Many are so deceived they believe they have the Son when they sin a known sin, when they misrepresent the character of God. They believe they can sin and retain salvation. They do not believe when they have Christ enthroned upon the heart, they will not be tempted beyond what they can bear. They deny the promise, not understanding it is conditioned upon being in a converted state.

God speaks clearly on this subject as we read the last paragraph in this chapter. As with the Jews in ages past, so it is today, Satan rejoices that he has deceived even God's own people.

  Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory. 

This is not restricted to the 144,000 as many have been taught, but all who make a full surrender to Christ have imparted to them His righteousness and manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit when the Son of God takes possession of the heart. It was indeed a new heart the thief on the cross possessed. The law of God was written therein, meaning he would keep the law from his heart. Such a simple truth, yet with such profound meaning! Today is the day of salvation, today we can walk in the light of His love and grace if we will take time to behold it and be transformed in character (2 Cor 3:18).

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: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #17 on: July 17, 2016, 06:34:58 AM »
  "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4, 5. 

It is very interesting and informative to understand that when "the fullness of time" had come, there was one language that was understood by those in many nations. This enabled the gospel message to spread widely very quickly. So it is today. English has become the language through which most nations are able to communicate widely around the world.

The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah's coming.


There is a great blessing in having both the KJV Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy written in English. Many have learned the language throughout the world. But, those who have English as their native language surely have a greater responsibility for understanding what is written and to spread the truth as best they can. It is not lost upon us that not only can we reach many nations with a common language, but God has provided a vehicle for us to do this. It is the internet that we are now using to share the blessings found in this most beautiful revelation of Jesus Christ. God will bless our effort.

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

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #18 on: July 17, 2016, 07:18:21 AM »
I agree, Richard! English has become much like what Greek was in the diaspora of the Jews and the time of the spread of culture. English is today the "lingua franca" of business in the world.

We can pray that as the fulness of time for Jesus to come the second time, that souls will be brought to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and the powerful promises of salvation found in Him.

Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22. Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One "to preach good tidings unto the meek," "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives," and to declare the "acceptable year of the Lord." Isaiah 61:1, 2. They read how He would "set judgment in the earth," how the isles should "wait for His law," how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isaiah 42:4; 60:3. 

May there be among us, Seventh-day Adventists, those who are revealing the light of Christ as "steadfast souls." We know that the wheat and the tares grow together, but let us pray that each day we may behold Jesus Christ and reflect Him to others, for "by beholding we become changed" {GC 555.2}
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #19 on: October 12, 2016, 06:28:27 AM »
Amen, Pastor Sean!  God will not let His truth be hidden from those seeking to know Him and the Truth. As it was at the time of Christ's first coming, so it is today. Satan has debased the image of God in humanity. The truth has been covered with lies hatched from below. But, the Holy Spirit is being poured out upon His church, and the Truth is being separated from the chaff of man's utterance, which has made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. It is slowly happening in His church today.

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.
 

Do we believe "Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin"? Do we believe "He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will"? Did He indeed come "to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character"? If you believe these truths, then this is evidence that the Holy Spirit is moving upon His church with divine grace, and the latter rain will soon fall upon all who have received the former rain.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.