The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers and sister! This is the greatest sermon ever preached! How hard it is to only share one thought!

       The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character.........All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” DA 301,302.

[Beacon]

"The fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character."

"Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul."

"And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ."

"Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life."

"To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words.

"By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character."

The BIG Question is Are "WE" willing??

=========================
1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

[Dorine]

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ. {DA 314.2}

Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words. {DA 314.3}

“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25, R.V. {DA 314.4}

My soul has been refreshed this morning. What an amazing chapter. It cuts to the heart of every believer in Christ. We are not left to wonder what it all means. Christ speaks clearly to all of the conditions of citizenship in His kingdom. What a privilege is ours for we belong to the Royal Family of heaven.

[Richard Myers]

My dear Sister and Brother, I cannot express the joy that reading your posts every day gives me.  The greatest sermon ever preached, 48 mins long provides so very much to want to share. Yet the Holy Spirit has impressed us to share the very same truth.

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ. {DA 314.2}

This morning I was burdened with a particular teaching that leads away from this truth. As I was reading this morning, it became even clearer had deadly this false teaching is. After three or four years of listening to it and seeing it spread, I fear for those who do not listen, believing they are teaching truth. It is nothing new, but it hurts to see it spreading around me.  Again, it is nothing new, but as it takes root in my sphere, you can understand my concern.

We continue to teach and live the truth is the answer. The sermon on the mount addresses the issue, it is so very clear. It is the gospel message which points to our continual need of Christ. The road is narrow, but all can make it if they will open their mind and eyes to hear what Jesus says. Day by day we hear the same truth which is the power of God's love to transform sinners into saints. That by beholding His glory, His character, we are changed into His image, His character. A Laodicean church rises up against this truth. As we share the truth that the foundation of our faith rests upon His justice and mercy, so very many want to separate the two. Satan cares not which path we choose, as long as we take one of the roads instead of presenting both together. At the cross we see both.

Let me ask a question that I believe needs to be answered.  What are imputed and imparted righteousness?

[Richard Myers]

The world’s Redeemer endured sufferings commensurate to the guilt of a lost world. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary’s cross fulfilled the demands of the law, and when a sense of sin presses upon the heart, and the burden seems intolerable, Jesus invites the sinner to look to Him and live. There is power in Christ to cleanse the soul. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The gift of life has been freely, graciously, joyously offered to fallen man. Encircling the throne of God is the rainbow of promise, that God will receive every sinner who gives up all hope of eternal life on the ground of his own righteousness, and accepts the righteousness of the world’s Redeemer, believing in Christ as his personal Saviour. It is when the sinner realises that he is without hope, lost, condemned to eternal death, incapable of doing anything to redeem himself, but accepting of Christ as his complete Saviour, that the word of God is fulfilled, when He says, “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

Under the covenant of grace, the conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in Eden. The believing sinner, through his divine substitute and surety, renders obedience to the law of God. Mercy granted to man is the reward of the merit of Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and “purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with good works, release us from our obligation to keep the law, nor lessen in the least its holy claim. Christ came to exalt the law and make it honourable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace is the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a way of salvation through obedience to the law of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Christ must be the ground of our hope; for only through Him can we be heirs to eternal life. An immortal inheritance is presented to us on certain conditions. We cannot inherit a possession in this world unless we have a title that is without a flaw, and our right to an inheritance in the world to come, must also be clearly proved through a faultless title. The line through which the heavenly inheritance is to come is plainly revealed in the Word of God. We must come under the provisions of the Abrahamic covenant, and the requirements are, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” If we are Christ’s, our title to the heavenly inheritance is without a flaw, and in harmony with the provisions of the covenant of grace. Through grace we shall be able to make our calling and election sure, putting on the excellency of Christ in spirit and character. No one will be entitled to the heavenly inheritance who has not been purified, refined, ennobled, and sanctified. Then let us be diligent to make our calling and election sure, that an entrance may be administered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. { Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 3 }

God provides a way to be saved. It is through an indwelling Spirit that we are enabled to be sanctified, made holy. As we obey the truth because we are enabled by the Holy Spirit, we are continually being sanctified to a higher level of character. This is the "imparted" righteousness of Christ. When we do not cling to Jesus, we then can do no good thing apart from Christ. The Holy Spirit does not remain in the heart and mind. When we surrender the whole heart again, then the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us that we are no longer condemned and are empowered to reflect His character of obedience (imparted righteousness). Then our character is a reflection of His character. Our righteousness then is not as filthy rags. It is when we are not connected to Christ (filled with the Holy Spirit), what we do is as filthy rags. All the good we do then is selfishness. In Christ the work we do is not as filthy rags. Sadly, ina Laodicean Church it is still rare to find those who understand. It is our work to be kind and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Many are in need of the milk Paul speaks of. There will be revival in His church.

We are saved when we surrender the whole heart. This is the imputed righteousness of Christ. We are forgiven our sins and the heart and mind are cleansed from all sin. More than this the righteousness of Christ is imparted to the repentant sinner. His righteousness is given to us and we are empowered to keep the law. As we keep the law habits are being formed in OUR character. These habits of walking in the Spirit, revealing all of the fruits of the Spirit make up our character. The power of Christ is the power to obey, to love as He loves. This is not "filthy rags" and to say it is, is to teach another gospel and to block in many minds the truth that God has power to transform sinners into saints. We must become saints on this Earth before we can be saints in heaven.

He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience. All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength.  DA 668.

It would be well to study the sermon on the mount that we understand none will enter heaven unless they have been purified and their characters a reflection of our Savior.  From His great sermon:


The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. {DA 301.3}

All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” {DA 302.1}

The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world. {DA 307.1}

 The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop...... No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven. {DA 308.4}

The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian’s internal purity. {DA 310.1}

 God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin.  {DA 311.2}

The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. {DA 311.3}

If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness. {DA 313.1}

He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character. {DA 313.2}

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. {DA 314.2}

It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character.  {DA 314.3}

[Richard Myers]

The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives. {DA 306.1}

Thus strife is created, and Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men. {DA 306.2}

[JimB]

All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. “Are not ye of much more value than they?” He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character. {DA 313.2}

I must admit that this is where I fail sometimes. Its easy (for me anyway) to get caught up in attempting to do things myself but its then that I realize that I must have Christ's strength through the indwelling of the Spirit to accomplish this.

[Dorine]

The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ’s joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master’s use; they are trusted to do His work in His name. {DA 312.2}

What a powerful chapter. As I read it through again I truly feel that I am in the atmosphere of heaven; pointing out my weak spots but giving counsel and encouragement to keep me pressing on. It's not my battle but God's in that He is the one contending with the devil who is after my soul. My part is to keep my hand tight in His and my eyes on Him, following His commands and counsel.

[Richard Myers]

It is interesting that from a long reading today with so much truth, I chose the same as I did last time we read this chapter.  What was so important?  There are so many who believe they are saved in sin and when they hear otherwise, there is trouble. Teach the truth that when one sins he supports Satan charge that we cannot keep His commandments, and there will indeed be trouble.

The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.

Thus strife is created, and Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men. {DA 306.2}


Satan has succeeded again in perverting the gospel of grace. There is great deception in Babylon, and that deception has entered into God's church.  "Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God."DA 311.

Who has heard these verses quoted from the pulpit or printed on our presses? "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."  1 John 3:7-10. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Richard!

Are we all hungry for something that will truly satisfy?

"'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.' The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. 'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 302, paragraph 1}

Praise God for the gift of righteousness, which is right doing! Apart from Christ, we can do no good thing. But when we have Christ abiding in our hearts through a living faith surrender, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in our lives without one missing and we are enabled to do what pleases the Lord! What a blessing to have the fullness of Christ in us, the hope of glory! He makes it possible to be cleansed from sin, and through constant connection with the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in true obedience, being kept by the divine nature from falling back into sin. We always have a choice. We can let our minds wander away from Christ, and thus go back to the works of the flesh and the ways of sin. But let us be so filled with His word that we live fully in harmony God's ways! God always has the better path for us than what Satan tempts us with! Praise God for His ways that are high, holy, and elevating, preparing us for heaven and making us true missionaries here in this world!