Romans 7 and 8

[Mimi]

we may receive the mind of Christ. When we receive that mind, we can no more sin than did Christ while in the likeness of sinful flesh. With Christ dwelling within our soul-temple, we will work the works of God, in Love; to God, and to mankind.

Your posts beg further consideration as I look at my life today in its stark reality, examining it from the directive to do so found in Scripture.

1Corinthians 11:28-32  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

2Corinthians 13:5-10  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

I must ask the question, how is it with me?

As a student of Scripture, growing in grace, clinging to Christ in all of my frailty, I occasionally teach and sometimes preach when instead I should be sitting in the congregation as one humble, apt to hear instruction in righteousness. Trials are given for me to bear – do I endure them with grace?; temptations abound for me to resist – do I always turn away from them?; a witness of King Jesus is mine to portray before everyone with whom I come in contact – am I always representative of Him? 

Knowing all this coupled with knowledge of myself, I must ask: By my presence, my witness, what is it that they see? and not only those closest to me, my church, my neighbors, and the world, but also holy angels, the recording angels, and Jesus Himself? They all see something and they make an immediate judgment as to what it is I represent. It is a weighty question, a necessary question that has attached to it eternal consequences. God help me!

Self examination is not an easy thing when we measure ourselves against the great and awful Standard of righteousness. It is easy to measure ourselves to others. We have that perfected. Yet the very verses shown above tell us one thing if nothing else is comprehended: we must measure up else we be reprobates. Power through the Spirit, also known as grace, is the very power needed to meet the standard. Without it, we are all reprobates who fail in our mission to be transformed anew each day and be converted and stay converted so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus did not live a perfect life on this earth and then pay the price for sin that we should have paid and leave us as powerless orphans without a road map to righteousness. Through Him, it is possible to measure up, but He must first have our entire heart, not just part of it.   

Lastly, words of wisdom from one with experience: 

We are to compare our characters with the infallible standard of God's law. In order to do this, we must search the Scriptures, measuring our attainments by the word of God. Through the grace of Christ, the highest attainments in character are possible; for every soul who comes under the molding influence of the Spirit of God, may be transformed in mind and heart. In order to understand your condition, it is necessary to study the Bible, and to watch unto prayer. The apostle says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" Let not those who are ignorant remain in ignorance. They cannot remain in ignorance, and meet the mind of God. They are to look to the cross of Calvary, and estimate the soul by the value of the offering there made. Jesus says to all believers, "Ye are My witnesses." "Ye are laborers together with God." This being true, how earnestly should each one strive to make use of every power to improve every opportunity for becoming efficient that he may be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."   
     Every talent that has been given to men is to be exercised that it may increase in value, and all the improvement must be rendered back to God. If you are defective in manner, in voice, in education, you need not always remain in this condition. You must continually strive that you may reach a higher standard both in education and in religious experience, that you may become teachers of good things. As servants of the great King, you should individually realize that you are under obligation to improve yourselves by observation, study, and by communion with God. The word of God is able to make you wise, to guide and make you perfect in Christ. The blessed Saviour was a faultless pattern for all His followers to imitate. It is the privilege of the child of God to understand spiritual things, to be able wisely to manage that which may be intrusted to his charge. God does not provide a way whereby any one may have an excuse for doing slipshod work; and yet a great deal of this kind of work has been offered to Him by those who work in His cause, but it is not acceptable unto Him.        

[Glen]

....Jesus did not live a perfect life on this earth and then pay the price for sin that we should have paid and leave us as powerless orphans without a road map to righteousness. Through Him, it is possible to measure up, but He must first have our entire heart, not just part of it....    Let not those who are ignorant remain in ignorance....

Amen! I appreciate your post, Sybil! While many may expound with rebuke, judging that the Christian is claiming to have holy flesh, Christ is our only example, the Door to Eternal Life!

....a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh: Hebrews 10:20 The WAY for the penitent sinner is IN CHRIST, henceforth, through our sojourn on this earth, until our vile bodies are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of the eye.

In the context that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), both those who "know THE Law" and those who do not know THE LAW, must no longer "remain in ignorance" of the Truth AS IT IS in Jesus while in the "likeness of sinful flesh" (Romans 8:3). This is the main point of the counsel of the True Witness of Revelations and His emploring directive for us to anoint our eyes with eyesalve, that we may see. For all who abide in Christ, within Whom dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, bodily (Colossians 2:9), and in whom Christ dwells, ....he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. John 7:18 All mankind may, if they would receive Christ, work the righteousness of the Godhead. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.... 1 John 5:3

....With ruthless hands many have sought to remove the landmarks, to tear down God’s great moral standard, and to erect one of their own. In claiming holiness they measure themselves by their own standard. They do not test their actions and character by the law of God. It was by his own standard that Satan measured his actions, he represented himself before men as an angel of light; but his pretension does not make him such, by any means. There is a class of persons who are not following the example of Christ in keeping God’s law, yet they claim to be holy. They are ready to appropriate the promises of God without fulfilling the conditions upon which they are given. But their faith has no foundation; it is like sliding sand. There is another class who see the claims of the law of God, and, although it involves a cross, they choose the path of obedience, coming out and separating themselves from the world. They do not consult convenience, nor shrink from accepting the truth for fear of reproach. They step out from the path of transgression, and place their feet in the way of God’s commandments. The promises of God, which are given on condition of obedience, are for those who walk in the light of his holy word. Those who do his will may claim all the benefits the Lord has promised. The obedient do not simply cry, “Believe, all you have to do is believe in Christ;” but their faith is like Noah’s and Abraham’s, which led them to keep the commandments. They follow the example of Christ, they listen and wait to catch every word of direction from the Captain of their salvation. They respond to the voice that says, “This is the way, to walk ye in it.” Every step that Noah and Abraham took in obedience to God’s word was a step of victory. A “Thus saith the Lord” fortified Noah in doing his work of warning the world. The testimony in regard to Noah is, “And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him.” The path of obedience is the path in which our safety lies; for it is the willing and obedient that shall eat the good of the land. If we keep the commandments of God, we may claim his recorded promises in all their fullness. Many feel so unworthy that like the poor publican they dare not lift up so much as their eyes to heaven. They should encourage faith. We may have an intelligent faith; we may not only say we believe, but we may in meekness and confidence be able to define what we believe, and why we believe as we do. We should exercise living faith, not a blind credulity. All heaven is at the command of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.
We need to come up to a higher standard, to go forward and claim our exalted privileges. We should walk humbly with God, make no proud boasts of perfection of character, but in simple faith claim every promise in the word of God; for they are for the obedient, not for the transgressors of God’s law. We are simply to believe the testimony of God, and have entire dependence on him, and all possibility of self-glory or pride will be removed. We are indeed saved by faith, not by a passive faith, but by the faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. The hand of Christ can reach the veriest sinner, and bring him back from transgression to obedience; but no Christianity is so lofty that it can soar above the requirements of God’s holy law.... The Signs of the Times March 31, 1890

[Peter L]

I still do not believe that the man of Romans 7 is an unconverted person as in a unconverted worldly person but, it is not someone fully converted. It is speaking about Paul the Pharisee.

[Richard Myers]

It is good that you see Romans seven is not a fully converted person, but it is a little worrisome that you may have created a new category of conversion.  I think we agree on the basics, but let's make sure so we do not lead others astray on this most important point of conversion. We are either converted or we are not. There is no in between. This is the problem Christianity faces today. There are many who want to allow some to have spiritual life when they are not abiding in Christ, converted. It is the predominant teaching that allows the unconverted to stay unconverted believing they have salvation when they do not.

The Romans seven man is not converted, he has not fully surrendered to Jesus. He is not abiding in Christ, he does not have salvation. I believe we agree on this, Peter. If so, we are leading the lost in the right direction. Most professing Christians will disagree with us. This is where the battle must be fought. The lost have been taught they are rich and increased with goods and are in need of nothing. It is the Laodicean condition.

Now, let's look at this intermediary position that some want to call conversion, but is not. It is the work of the law in the sinner's life. Saul the Pharisee had to understand that he was not converted, that he did not have spiritual life, salvation. He thought he did and that he was keeping the law. He was not, not in the way Jesus requires. The law is a law of love and Saul had not love for God nor his neighbor, not the kind that God has and requires for salvation. Let's stop here for a moment and answer the concern some have from what I have said.  Love does not earn salvation, but it is the evidence that one has Christ in their heart, thus it is evidence of salvation. When one does not have this love which is of God, it is evidence that one is not truly walking in a converted state. Salvation requires a death to self, and a connection with Christ, reconciliation with God. If we have Christ, we have life. If we are not filled with His Spirit, we are none of His (Romans 8:9).

So, what about Saul the Pharisee? He tells us exactly what happened to him before his conversion in Romans seven. While this has been expressed numerous times in this thread, let's do it one more time so that through repetition others might understand a truth that has been perverted and serves to keep many from making a fully heartfelt surrender to Jesus.

Romans Chapter Seven (part 1 of 2)

                7:5 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were
                by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit
                unto death."
 
                When we were unconverted, sin, which is known by the law, was
                done by our flesh which brings us under the condemnation of the
                broken law.

                7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein
                we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in
                the oldness of the letter."

                Now we delivered from the bondage of the law (the law cannot
                save, only condemn),being spiritually dead in that bondage (wages
                of sin is death); that NOW being converted we should serve in the
                (HOLY) Spirit, and not in outward appearance only (whited sepulchar).

                7:7 "What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid.Nay, I had
                not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the
                law had said, Thou shalt not covet."

                Shall we say the law is wrong? God forbid!!
                I would not have known I was sinning and lost and condemned if it
                was not for the law: I would not have known I was lusting if I did
                not know the law that says, thou shalt not covet.

                7:8 "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all
                manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was
                dead."

                Sin (transgression of the law), now that the law is known, revealed
                all manner of evil in me. Before I knew the law, I did not know sin.

                7:9 "For I was alive without the law once: but when the
                commandment came, sin revived, and I died."

                I did not know I was under condemnation (death sentence) without
                a knowledge of the depth of the law: but when I found out about the
                depth of the law, that it reaches to the intents of the heart, then I
                became guilty [saw my guilt] and saw myself spiritually dead (the law slayed me).

                7:10 "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to
                be unto death."

                And the commandments which are Holy and just, and given for our
                good, I found to cause my spiritual death (under the condemnation
                of the bronken law).

                Poor Saul, he is really confused. He was brought under condemnation
                by the law of God and knows not how to get out from under the
                death sentence. He, like most other Pharisees, prided themselves in
                keeping the law, so it was quite a shock to him to find himself a law
                breaker. The Holy Spirit began to convince him of his sins after he
                participated in the stoning of Stephen.

                7:11 "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me,
                and by it slew me."

                For breaking the commandments that I then had knowledge of, I
                came under condemnation. I knew I was walking after the flesh.

                7:12 "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and
                just, and good."

                I see the law is good.

                7:13 "Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid.
                But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which
                is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding
                sinful."

                Was the good law causing me to die? God forbid!!! The
                commandments showed me I was under condemnation and then I
                could see the great evil of breaking the commandments.

                7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold
                under sin."

                We know the Ten Commandments are of God, but I am unholy, and
                cannot help but sin. I am a slave to sin and cannot help myself. I
                cannot stop sinning. I have no good fruit in my life. I manifest the
                works of the flesh for I am carnal, of the flesh.

                7:15 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not;
                but what I hate, that do I."

                Really, I cannot do good even though I really want to. I want to quit
                stealing, but I cannot. I want to love my neighbor, but I cannot. I
                hate taking the Lord's name in vain, but I do it. [let's use the sins that Saul knew he was guilty of. Anger, murder, not loving his enemy, and pride]

Paul was not converted, but he was learning of his need of a Saviour. Where are we today? Do we find ourselves in this situation, not being able to quit sinning? Not knowing how to walk in the Spirit? There is a solution to the problem. Paul will reveal the solution as we continue listening to his testimony.

I added the red portion today. Peter, you understand that Romans seven was Saul, not Paul. That is far different from what most teach. It is true that there has been a change in Saul's life with the coming of the law to his understanding. There is no peace that he had before the law came home to his heart. Now, there is only guilt. And, there is no way to be relieved of his guilt because he has not found Jesus. He believed that Jesus was an imposter until he met Him on the road to Damascus. It was then that he found the solution to his sin problem. It was then that his prayer was answered. "who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Jesus is the only answer. Saul did not know that he needed a Saviour, but he knew in Romans seven that he needed something from outside of himself. That he knew for sure and that is the lesson in Romans seven. We are created evil and in need of a Savior. We need to be reconciled to God through Jesus. We need to be filled with His Spirit. And, until that happens we do not have salvation. We may be on our way, as was Saul in discovering he was not converted and could not keep the law in and of himself. That must happen before we can be converted. The one who does not see himself as sick, will not seek out a physician.

Listen to the words of Jesus. He gives us the principle laid out by Paul in Romans seven: "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17. We must see we are sick sinners before we can be saved.

God's holy law is the only standard of righteousness. It is the sin detector.  We see our sins in the light of the law. We must meet its requirements. It is the only standard of righteousness; it measures our life and our character.  Practical faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that will save us; the precious blood of Jesus alone will cleanse from every spot and stain of sin.

[Peter L]

I would not say it is different categories of conversion but, different categories of not being converted. You are right about it being Saul not Paul, I am just used to calling him Paul. Remember the parable of the sower that it fell on 4 different types of people. Maybe the equivalent to Saul the Pharisee today would be someone who goes to church, loves God, outwardly appear Christians but, inwardly they are not, they have a form of godliness but, deny the power.   

[Peter L]

There can only be one category of conversion but, not being converted there are different types, the way is broad that leads to destruction and narrow that leads to life. I did not grow up in church, I gave my life to God at 20 years old. Before that I had a few years after I left school where I had no desire to follow God. Romans 7 while it is still not a converted person is someone who loves God and the law, because it is a Pharisee it is someone who outwardly appear to follow God but, inwardly they do not.

[Richard Myers]

Amen!  But, let's define the Romans seven man a little more clearly. Saul was a Pharisee before the Romans seven experience. Paul mentions it in Romans seven, though.  "For I was alive without the law once: but when the  commandment came, sin revived, and I died."  Saul before the commandment came, thought all was well. He did not know he was condemned. Romans seven is Paul telling us about this new experience when the commandment came home to his understanding. Then he knew he was condemned and lost. This is the first step towards conversion. We must know we need a Savior. Saul knew he needed something, but he did not know it was Jesus until he met Him. He knew he was a very sick man and he despaired as we read in  7:24   "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

There was the proud Pharisee and then came the broken Pharisee. Neither kept the law from the heart as God requires.  They kept the law only outwardly, and even then it became apparent to Saul that he was guilty of murder as the commandment came home to his heart. There is the change in the Romans seven man. He knows his condition and does not know what to do. He comes to see he is condemned and that he has no power to keep the law because his flesh is the problem.

Most who teach that Romans seven is the experience of the converted Christian, give life to those who are separated from God. Sadly, in many cases they themselves are not keeping the law and believe they have salvation when they are sinning.

[Mimi]

There is a magnificent book most of us are familiar with - The Ministry of Healing. In chapter five there is a beautiful account of the sinner's need and the divine solution. The setting is the pool of Bethesda and the paralytic. 

By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain. In despair they cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, "Wilt thou be made whole?" He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour's word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is "dead in trespasses." Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.  {MH 84.4}
     The sense of sin has poisoned the springs of life. But Christ says, "I will take your sins; I will give you peace. I have bought you with My blood. You are Mine. My grace shall strengthen your weakened will; your remorse for sin I will remove." When temptations assail you, when care and perplexity surround you, when, depressed and discouraged, you are ready to yield to despair, look to Jesus, and the darkness that encompasses you will be dispelled by the bright shining of His presence. When sin struggles for the mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, look to the Saviour. His grace is sufficient to subdue sin. Let your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, turn to Him. Lay hold on the hope set before you. Christ waits to adopt you into His family. His strength will help your weakness; He will lead you step by step. Place your hand in His, and let Him guide you.  {MH 85.1} 

[Glen]

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost... Titus 3:5

Only the merit of Christ's life, the impartation of the life of Christ received into the developing character of the Believer and wrought out in the character of the Believer, will save that Believer. The doing of any righteous work in the Believer is the Believer, yet not the Believer, but Christ. (Galatians 2:20)

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh... Ephesians 2:1-11

[Richard Myers]

Amen!

In my studies this morning, I read something that put the gospel into very simple terms.  It is the misunderstanding of the gospel that leads to the perversion of Scripture such as we have seen in Romans chapter seven.

Few, very few, really believe this following statement:  "When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end."

It is Christ, not I. "It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan."

Now, if this be true, and it is, then how can a man who is filled with the Holy Spirit, an impregnable fortress, sin? He can't, he won't. Not as long as he is abiding in Christ and Christ in Him.  Can a man sin after conversion? Absolutely. Is a man filled with the Spirit of God if he sins? Absolutely not! Why does the promise of God fail that promises us we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear? It does not fail. It was never a promise to the Romans seven man who has never had the Savior within. And, it is not a promise to the Romans eight man when he separates from Jesus.

We do not believe in once saved always saved. Let go of Jesus and there is no power to resist the smallest temptation. Not for the right reason. One may not steal, because he does not want to suffer the consequences, but he does not refrain from stealing because his heart is right, but out of fear. This is not the victory over sin that the Bible teaches. No, it is a new heart that the sinner needs. It is given to all who will come to Jesus just as they are and let Him take possession of the heart. Then there is supernatural power that is seen in a new life.

[Glen]

We do not believe in once saved always saved. Let go of Jesus and there is no power to resist the smallest temptation...it is a new heart that the sinner needs. It is given to all who will come to Jesus just as they are and let Him take possession of the heart. Then there is supernatural power that is seen in a new life.

I concur with you, Brother Richard,  "Let go of Jesus and there is no power to resist the smallest temptation...a new heart...is given to all who will come to Jesus just as they are and let Him take possession of the heart. Then there is supernatural power that is seen in a new life."

...no authority shall be known in the soul surrendered to Christ but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. The Desire of Ages 324.1

2 Timothy 2:
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

...Christ in you... Colossians 1:27 ...abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself 2 Timothy 2:12, whenEVER the Penitent Sinner, within whom He abides through His imparted Holy Spirit, is tempted.

Romans 13:
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and cooperates with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory, and the believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ. It is by CONTINUAL SURRENDER of the will, by CONTINUAL OBEDIENCE, that the blessing of justification is retained. A New Life (Revival and Beyond), Page 27.1

Those who are justified by faith must have a heart to KEEP the way of the Lord. It is an evidence that a man is not justified by faith when his works do not correspond to his profession. James says, “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was his faith made perfect?” (James 2:22). A New Life (Revival and Beyond), Page 27.2

The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul. “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). A New Life (Revival and Beyond), Page 27.3

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. Lift Him Up 178.4

As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength... Lift Him Up 178.5

Those who are one with Christ, in Christ, maintaining that oneness by the faith of Christ, are safe to save; "by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience...the blessing of justification is retained...

Consecrate yourselves wholly to the work of God. He is your strength, and He will be at your right hand, helping you to carry on His merciful designs.—Testimonies for the Church 9:41.

The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To every one engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 332.

As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command, may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 333

...Enoch lived a life of such close communion with God that he was not permitted to fall under the power of death. The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be “redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3) at the time of Christ’s second advent. Patriarchs and Prophets 88.3

How can we reach the perfection specified by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—our Great Teacher? Can we meet His requirement and attain to so lofty a standard? We can, else Christ would not have enjoined us to do so. He is our righteousness. In His humanity He has gone before us and wrought out for us perfection of character. We are to have the faith in Him that works by love and purifies the soul. Perfection of character is based upon that which Christ is to us. If we have constant dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure and undefiled. That I May Know Him 130.2

Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege. He has assured us that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. That I May Know Him 130.3

[Richard Myers]

Coming back to this topic, because it is one of the great deceptions within professing Christian churches today. The false interpretations give license to sin and allows a professor of religion to believe he is saved apart from Christ.

For the last thirteen years in this topic, we have used the Bible to support the fact that in Romans seven Paul is speaking about his experience before he was converted, and in Romans eight he is revealing what is the true converted state of a Christian who is abiding in Christ. Today, I am going to share a thought from the Desire of Ages. It clearly points to the correct interpretation for verses 23 and 24 in chapter seven and verse 2 in chapter eight.  We have pointed to Romans 7:23 as evidence that the chapter cannot be after conversion, for it reveals the person is still a captive to sin. When a person is truly converted, he is set free from sin. It is the power of grace and the indwelling presence of the Spirit that sets us free from sin, even though it remains in our flesh. It is kept under by the power of God.

Prayerfully read the following if you are not thoroughly grounded in this truth. I am sharing enough so that the context can be understood.  Jesus is speaking before the Sanhedrin to those who wish to murder Him.

Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God's indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God's ideal. He said, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:8. So our characters are to be builded "for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:22. And we are to "make all things according to the pattern," even Him who "suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." Hebrews 8:5; 1 Peter 2:21.

The words of Christ teach that we should regard ourselves as inseparably bound to our Father in heaven. Whatever our position, we are dependent upon God, who holds all destinies in His hands. He has appointed us our work, and has endowed us with faculties and means for that work. So long as we surrender the will to God, and trust in His strength and wisdom, we shall be guided in safe paths, to fulfill our appointed part in His great plan. But the one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself from God. Instead of working in unison with Christ, he is fulfilling the purpose of the enemy of God and man. 

The Saviour continued: "What things soever He [the Father] doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. . . . As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will." The Sadducees held that there would be no resurrection of the body; but Jesus tells them that one of the greatest works of His Father is raising the dead, and that He Himself has power to do the same work. "The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead. Christ declares that even now the power which gives life to the dead is among them, and they are to behold its manifestation. This same resurrection power is that which gives life to the soul "dead in trespasses and sins." Ephesians 2:1. That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, "the power of His resurrection," sets men "free from the law of sin and death." Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:2. The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave.  DA 209, 210.

Romans 8:2 says "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."  And, the interpretation is just that. Those who are truly converted are not captive to the law of sin. They are set free from it.

In the Desire of Ages we read two important truths perverted by the false teaching of Romans seven. First, we see that man can be set free from sin even though it remains in his flesh. This is made very clear throughout the Bible. Most professing Christians reject this and believe that because we have to live in these vile bodies of death, that we must therefore sin.  That is a most ridiculous and absurd thought. The wages of sin is death. The reason for a period of probation is to see if we will allow Christ to give us enmity towards Satan and sin. A period of time to learn of God and to allow Him to come into our hearts and purify them and cleanse us from all sin. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:7-9.

The very same thing is said in Desire of Ages.  That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, "the power of His resurrection," sets men "free from the law of sin and death." Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:2. The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave.

Why it is that Paul used  the phrase in 8:2, let's go back a few verses to 7:23.  "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." 

In Romans seven, Paul says that he was in "captivity to the law of sin". One cannot be both captive and free at the same time. One is either converted and set free from the law of sin, or he is not converted and still captive to the law of sin.  Ellen White made it very clear that Christ sets us free from the law of sin. She says "The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin.

We also are given the correct interpretation of Romans 7:24.  " O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" The false teaching claims this to be the experience of the converted Christian, that he remains captive to sin and retains his wretched condition because he has not been delivered "from the body of this death."  The truth is that Paul has tried to keep the law, but was unable to because he did not know Jesus as Saviour. He was attempting to keep the law in his own strength as a good Pharisee always did. He then saw that it was his flesh that was the problem and he could not get away from it.

What do we read in the Desire of Ages where this verse is quoted? The context, Jesus has just healed the paralytic.

Jesus had given him no assurance of divine help. The man might have stopped to doubt, and lost his one chance of healing. But he believed Christ's word, and in acting upon it he received strength. 

Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, "Wilt thou be made whole?" He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is "dead in trespasses." Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.  DA 203

Here Ellen White clearly reveals that the words uttered at 7:24 are the words of one who is not converted, who longs to be set free from sin. She goes on to say that it is indeed not only possible to be set free from sin, but it is the result of our faith in Christ to deliver us from sin. "Christ is able and longs to deliver" us. "He will impart life to the soul that is dead in trespasses" and sins.

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. If we want to know truth and are willing to walk in the light, then God will open our minds to the truth. If this were not a major doctrine perverted by Satan, we would not labor so long and hard to set the truth plainly before the church. It is important that Romans seven and eight be understood correctly, or else we will continue to have multitudes who believe they are rich and increased with goods when in fact they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

[Glen]

Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God's indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God's ideal. He said, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:8. So our characters are to be builded "for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:22. And we are to "make all things according to the pattern," even Him who "suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." Hebrews 8:5; 1 Peter 2:21.

"So our characters are to be builded "for an habitation of God through the Spirit." "

Those who believe they cannot overcome sin, do not have the spiritual eyesight to comprehend the work of the Believer who is hid in Christ; and, subsequently; though they have a body of flesh and bones (-are dead- ...she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 1 Timothy 5:6), they have no "inner court" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. Thus...the life also of Jesus is not made manifest in their body. 2 Corinthians 4:10

...The glorious, sanctifying truths of the Bible have been left in the outer court. The truths of eternal interest that should govern and control the life, are considered by many altogether too sublime for common life. But it is essential that the great and grand truth,—the imparting of the Holy Spirit, should be brought into contact with, and impregnate little things, and supply the powerful motive to holiness, and lay out in clear lines, broad principles for the regulation of the character and conduct of every day, revealing Christ to the world...
Appeal and Suggestions to Conference Officers, p. 25.1

We may, like the Jews in Christ’s day, manifest the greatest outward reverence for God, and yet profane His name continually. “The name of the Lord” is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:5-7). Of the church of Christ it is written, “This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16). This name is put upon every follower of Christ. It is the heritage of the child of God. The family are called after the Father. The prophet Jeremiah, in the time of Israel’s sore distress and tribulation, prayed, “We are called by thy name; leave us not” (Jeremiah 14:9).

The Believer doesn't become Christ, but is a member of His Body, His Bride; to adore and adorn Him in every way: This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness. Jeremiah 33:16

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:27

This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, “Hallowed be thy name,” you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the “worthy name by the which ye are called” (James 2:7). God sends you into the world as His representative. In every act of life you are to make manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character. You cannot hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the world, unless in life and character you represent the very life and character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of the grace and righteousness of Christ.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 106, 107.

Exodus 34:
6 ...The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty...

Hebrews 5:
So also Christ glorified not himself...
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him...

Malachi 3:
16 ...they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Glen.

In my devotions this morning, I was reminded that the greatest miracle that God can do is to change a sinner into a saint. I remember a time when I was sick, very sick. I was being tested. After the test, I passed it by God's grace, I thought it appropriate to ask God to work a miracle. The Holy Spirit revealed to me right then, that I had just witnessed the greatest of all miracles, I had trusted fully in Jesus with my life.

The Christian's life is a life dedicated to God. Not just in profession, but in doing. Here, we find Satan at work. He comes in with a lie, that it is impossible to do what God asks of us, that we are fallen by nature and cannot obey the law of God. Those who teach Romans seven to be the Christian experience, often believe this. It is why they insist that Romans seven is the converted Christian that does what he does not want to do, and does not do that which he knows he ought to do. They believe and teach that it is our nature and at our best we are failures when it comes to doing that which God commands. There are influences put forward today in an attempt to make the law of God conform to the practices of those who do not keep the law. These teachers do not attack the law openly, but put forward theories that undermine its principles. They explain it so as to destroy its force.

It is impossible to give glory to God when self is alive. When one receives Christ through the Holy Spirit, there is implanted a zeal for God's glory. When the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense, when it leads us to seek God's glory and not our own, we may know that it is real faith. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3,4. "Father, glorify Thy name" (John 12:28), was the keynote of Christ's life, and if we follow Him, this will be the keynote of our life. We are commanded to "walk, even as He walked;" and "hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:6, 3. None are saved while knowingly transgressing the law of God.

[Richard Myers]

Many are deceived in regards to Romans seven. They believe it to be the Christian experience after conversion. They give salvation to those who do that which they do not want to do and don't do that which they ought to do. The apostle Paul writes “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” The law which promised life to the obedient pronounced death upon the transgressor. “Wherefore,” he says, “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” How wide the contrast between these words of Paul and those that come from many of the pulpits of today. The people are taught that obedience to God’s law is not necessary to salvation; that they have only to believe in Jesus, and they are safe. Without the law, human beings have no conviction of sin, and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God’s law, they do not feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ as their only hope of salvation.

The law of God is an agent in every genuine conversion. There can be no true repentance without conviction of sin. The Scriptures declare that “sin is the transgression of the law,” and that “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” In order to see their guilt, sinners must test their character by God’s great standard of righteousness. To discover their defects, they must look into the mirror of the divine statutes. But while the law reveals their sins, it provides no remedy. The gospel of Christ alone can offer pardon. In order to stand forgiven, sinners must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed, and faith in Christ, their atoning sacrifice.

Without true repentance, there can be no true conversion. Many are deceived here, and too often their entire experience proves to be a deception. This is why so many who are joined to the church have never been joined to Christ. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” In the new birth, the heart is renewed by divine grace, and brought into harmony with God as it is brought into subjection to His law. When this mighty change has taken place, the sinner has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then will “the righteousness of the law” “be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

[Glen]

The Law provides no remedy for the transgressor who still needs to look to the Law of Liberty:

...sinners must test their character by God’s great standard of righteousness. To discover their defects, they must look into the mirror of the divine statutes. But while the law reveals their sins, it provides no remedy...

The Law of God, received by the Penitent; who, is "free indeed" (John 8:36),  "works in us purity of character:
...As received in Christ, it (God's Law) works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages... S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 6, Page 1110.4

We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.
S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 6, p. 1085.6

The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it (God's Law) in Christ, it (God's Law) becomes our idea. It (God's Law) lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin.
Manuscript 23a, 1896

[Al]

It is true that some are deceived and use Romans 7 as an excuse for sin but  to excuse it is to defend it. We make our sin bigger than the power of God. The experience of the man in Romans 7 is not one of someone struggling and having victory but of someone who is not having any measure of success in growing in Christ. If the life of the Christian is one of constant failure and never being able to do good what would be the point in becoming a Christian?

While we might even have the correct understanding of Romans 7 have we really entered into this Saul's experience. Jesus gives a parable of those who come into the sheepfold by some other way rather than through the sheep gate. He says they are thief's and robbers.  Why are they thief's and robbers because they never truly felt their need of a savior. They were never poor, wretched, blind or naked. I have meet people who can say yes I am all of this but only say it because they know it is the correct thing to say but it is still quite another thing to really know it by experience. Paul or Saul is sharing how he came to see his complete helplessness and nothingness then he was able to grab hold of the right hand of God which is recorded in Romans 8:1  When Paul saw the law of God in its correct light he then knew that his heart was selfish and wicked. Before this experience he was very proud of his self righteous life. He keep the law outwardly to the T.

     "The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory. 
     The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.  {DA 309.3} 
 

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Al!  When one is truly converted and abiding in Christ, every one of the fruits of His Spirit are in the life, not one is missing.  We may keep the wrong day, eat the wrong food, dress the wrong way, all in ignorance, but if we are filled with His Spirit, we shall manifest the character of our Lord when it comes to the the fruits of the Spirit. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

And, yes Glen, to the convert abiding in Christ, the law is a delight. By walking in the light, the character is made strong by habit.  Abiding in Christ, when trials come, we grow in our patience, and we grow in our faith. Jesus delivers us in the middle of the fire. Nothing like experience to move us forward! Experience in trust in Jesus.

[Glen]

Concerning God's Law and it's efficacy to save the sinner, I understand that the words: "...while the law reveals their sins, it provides no remedy." --may be found in To Be Like Jesus, p. 381.5  I agree with that.

I'm interested in what is available to the Believer, going onward from victory to victory, resting from his own works (Hebrews 4:10), relying upon God alone as his faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19), acting upon His Word, (spiritually) as did each individual in Scripture who was healed, (physically) for instance. This is truly resting in Christ, the essence of the 4th Commandment Sabbath, that "rest to the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). This "rest" may take one onward, not only toward, but to perfection in this life, especially exhibited by those who are translated without seeing death. The scales have fallen from their eyes, they know their wretchedness, their blindness, their poverty, their nakedness apart from Christ; yet they by faith grasp the promises of God, are made partaker of the divine nature, overcoming "in the nature we have, that has been redeemed by the Son of God"
(S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5, p. 1142.5)

God's Word, magnified through our faithful Creator, was made flesh; manifested as Jesus Christ on this Earth; representing simultaneously, humanity inhabited by divinity; Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23), as our example of what we are to become.

If the heart is living, it will send the lifeblood to every part of the body. Those whose hearts are filled with spiritual life will not need to be urged to reveal this life. The divine life will flow forth from them in rich currents of grace. As they pray, and as they speak, God is glorified. Reflecting Christ, p. 197.5

The Believer, in receiving Jesus Christ through the impartation of His Spirit (Gods Amazing Grace, p. 212.4), represents Jesus, as He represented the Father; humanity united to, and inhabited by, divinity (Gods Amazing Grace, p. 14.4). It is God the Father that works; as Christ works; the Believer works. This WORK is integral to the Gospel of Faith; FAITH that works. God the Father “first trusted in Christ” (Ephesians 1:12); Christ could do nothing of Himself (John 5:30); neither, will the Believer, without Him (John 15:5). The Believer works, but not he, but Christ works (Galatians 3:20). As the Believer humbles himself as Christ did, the Believer will work as Christ works; this is called the work of God.

God will work through us [to do] the good pleasure of His will. But He cannot work through us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal life, we must work, and work earnestly.... Let us not be deceived by the oft-repeated assertion, “All you have to do is to believe.” Faith and works are two oars which we must use equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The Christian is a man of thought and practice. His faith fixes its roots firmly in Christ. By faith and good works he keeps his spirituality strong and healthy, and his spiritual strength increases as he strives to work the works of God.—The Review and Herald, June 11, 1901.

The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven.
Christ’s Object Lessons, Page 158

“He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” Verse 12. Christ did not mean that the disciples would make more exalted exertions than He had made, but that their work would have greater magnitude. He referred to all that would take place under the agency of the Holy Spirit. 
From Trials to Triumph, p. 14.2

Wonderfully were these words fulfilled. After the descent of the Spirit, the disciples were so filled with love that hearts were melted by the words they spoke and the prayers they offered. Under the influence of the Spirit thousands were converted.  From Trials to Triumph, p. 14.3

As Christ’s representatives the apostles were to make a decided impression on the world. Their words of courage and trust would assure all that it was not in their own power that they worked, but in the power of Christ. They would declare that He whom the Jews had crucified was the Prince of life and that in His name they did the works that He had done.  From Trials to Triumph, p. 14.4

No requirement is laid upon man that Christ has not obeyed. We can overcome as He overcame, if we will avail ourselves of the help of the three great powers of heaven, who are waiting to answer the demand made upon them by God’s people for power to defeat satanic agencies. Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library Vol. 1, p. 124.1

As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived. Testimonies For The Church 8:286, 289.

What speech is to thought, so is Christ to the invisible Father. He is the manifestation of the Father, and is called the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity clothed with humanity, that man might bear the image of the invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His character (Manuscript 77, 1899).

When we individually rest upon Christ, with full assurance of faith, trusting alone to the efficacy of his blood to cleanse from all sin, we shall have peace in believing that what God has promised he is able to perform. As Christ represented the Father, so we are to represent Christ to the world. We cannot transfer our obligation to others. God desires to make known to you what is the richness of his glory, that you may preach the mystery of salvation to those around you,—Christ in you the hope of glory. RH March 5, 1889, par. 6

God can and will do a great work for every human being who will open the heart to the word of God, and let it enter the soul-temple and expel every idol. Summoned to the effort, mind and heart take in the wonderful disclosures of the revealed will of God. The soul that is converted will be made stronger to resist evil. In the study of the Bible the converted soul eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God, which He himself interprets as the receiving and doing of His words, that are spirit and life. The Word is made flesh, and dwells among us, in those who receive the holy precepts of the word of God. The Saviour of the world has left a holy, pure example for all men. It illuminates, uplifts, and brings immortality to all who obey the divine requirements. Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 378.1

They will follow Christ’s way of managing difficulties, remembering that he is the Finisher as well as the Author of their faith. They will remember that if they are to wear Christ’s yoke, they must do as he did. They will leave in God’s hands the things to be done and the things to be suffered, remembering that they are not under the control of self, but that they have given themselves up to be laborers together with Christ, and that they are to learn from him the way to overcome evil with good in all that they are called upon to suffer. SW January 29, 1903, par. 5

Let those who are tried and tempted consider these questions, How do you deal with your difficulties? Do you harness yourself for an encounter with trial and temptation? And then do you lay hold on these temptations, as you suppose you must, while your spirit is hot within you, and wrestle with them, quite sure that this is what you ought to do? As you battle with your covetousness and uncharitableness on their own ground, do you come out victor?—No; you come out discouraged, bruised, and wounded, bound, and enfeebled spiritually. SW January 29, 1903, par. 6

What should you do?—Simply put your whole trust in the One who understands your temptations and trials, the One who alone can master temptation. If you had not been premature in your efforts, you need not have fought so terrible a battle; for the Captain of your salvation was at work for you, ready to do for you that which you can not do for yourself, and to leave you free to do that which he has told you to do,—learn of him his meekness and lowliness. He has been tempted in all points “like as we are,” and he knows how to succor those who are tempted. Had you first talked with God in prayer, by faith grasping his promises, you would have received strength for the conflict. SW January 29, 1903, par. 7

When we believe the promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” we shall be strong to endure. We need a constant sense of the abiding presence of Christ. He is our righteousness. SW January 29, 1903, par. 8

2 Corinthians 4:
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

...dedicated to the work of making known the gospel of salvation. Heaven’s perfection is to be your power.
Testimony Treasures Volume 3, p. 289.2

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Glen!!

We try very hard to point all to Jesus and His Word. Too many look to man rather than to God. But, God does send teachers (that point all to Christ and His Word). We have not pointed to others as a reason to believe the Truth. But, it is a blessing to listen to truth come from human lips. Here is a short video on Romans 7. Take a little time to listen to what this pastor has to say about the subject.  It Is Written