Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore HE IS CONSTANTLY SEEKING TO DECEIVE THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST WITH HIS FATAL SOPHISTRY THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO OVERCOME. Great Controversy, p. 489

The great majority of professed Christians today have believed Satan’s lie, and to comfort themselves in their deception have sought their “own bread” and their “own apparel,” all the while claiming the name Christian. To such Christ must one day sadly say, “I never knew you.” (See Isaiah 4:1; Matthew 7:23). Many who profess the name of Christ have chosen, as did Adam and Eve to disbelieve and doubt God’s word, and have come to possess merely “a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” 1 Timothy 3:5. God says to the churches of our day, “how long will ye turn My glory to shame seeking after leasing”—“seeking in worship that which is false.” Psalm 4:2. 

In contrast, God has raised up the Remnant to be the people that are represented in Scripture as those who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. However, we too, have succumbed to the deceptions of the adversary. Multitudes of false gospels and theories abound even among us claiming, in one form or another, that we are saved in sin rather than from it. This is Satan’s doctrine, and who is Satan that we should believe him? “He is a liar and the father of it,” “for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” (See John 8:44; 1 John 3:8). 

Therefore, the father of lies says we cannot overcome. Nevertheless, we can overcome! Yes, entirely, through the merits of Him who “was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. God has the power to give us victory. Do we believe He does? Or do we, as our first parents, doubt the word of our Father?

Exact obedience is required, and those who say that it is not possible to live a perfect life throw upon God the imputation of injustice and untruth. Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 519 (2)

When we believe and teach that we cannot overcome, we are knowingly or unknowingly echoing the voice of the adversary and that of our first parents in accusing God. May we not be guilty of so terrible a sin; but rather, let us accept the promise of Christ:

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21

Would our Saviour, who came to “save His people from their sins,” leave us helpless and powerless to overcome? No, no! Such is not the character of our God, neither is it the gospel of good news He has given to us. We serve a living Saviour to whom “all power is given.” That power is for us if we will receive it, “for as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” See Matthew 1:21; John 1:12.

By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, HE GIVES US POWER TO OBEY. Desire of Ages, p. 24

What a glorious thought to meditate upon, that He who created all things tabernacled among us, showing us the way to the heavenly Canaan, showing us the narrow way to the Father’s throne and how to walk in that pathway. He has given us power from on high. Truly He has not left us alone.

Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. HE TOOK OUR NATURE AND OVERCAME, THAT WE THROUGH TAKING HIS NATURE MIGHT OVERCOME. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Desire of Ages, p. 312

Christ’s Victory Is For Us Today

Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations, but he was repulsed in every conflict. Those battles were fought in our behalf; those victories make it possible for us to conquer. Christ will give strength to all who seek it. No man without his own consent can be overcome by Satan. The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin. He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can cause agony, but not defilement. THE FACT THAT CHRIST HAS CONQUERED SHOULD INSPIRE HIS FOLLOWERS WITH COURAGE TO FIGHT MANFULLY THE BATTLE AGAINST SIN AND SATAN. Great Controversy, p. 510

Christianity is to be a life of overcoming, as we are “transformed by the renewing of” our “mind.” Romans 12:2. For many, however, the thought of victory is as a rope of sand, intellectually accepted but never experienced. Then there are others who do not believe in victory and have never seen a clear demonstration of God’s power to save. They have concluded that Jesus will, at His second coming, miraculously give us the victory over sin. However, the miracle of victory is for today and every day, that we might be a spectacle both to men and to angels as the gospel is revealed in us, as “the power of God unto salvation.” Romans 1:16, 17.

It is the purpose of this study to show that we can overcome, and more importantly, “how to perform that which is right.” These inspired, eternal principles will, if carried out in the life in cooperation with, and dependence upon Divine power, “give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The work of overcoming is to be the study of every soul who enters the kingdom of God. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 70 (1)

This is the will of God, even your sanctification.… That every one of you SHOULD KNOW HOW to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4

With this admonition before us, let us enter the classroom of the Lord as we study and contemplate the great principles of righteousness and victory. Let us not, however, be satisfied with an intellectual knowledge of these principles, for “the greatest deception of the human mind” is “that a mere assent to truth constitutes righteousness.” Desire of Ages, p. 309. We must be doers of the word lest we be found as foolish virgins, rich in intellectual knowledge of the truth but lacking in the essential oil of Christlike character and the graces of the Holy Spirit.

The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God. Education, p. 126

What an overwhelming thought! At our finger tips, within the pages of Holy Scripture, fallen human beings can hear God’s voice, His very word. “For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. As God spoke light into existence on the first day of creation, so His “word giveth light” unto those who “sit in darkness and the shadow of death.” As God’s words shine into our minds, Christ says to us: “Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3.

Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ’s word of power. God is saying to all who are dead in sin, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.” Ephesians 5:14. That word is eternal life. As the word of God which bade the first man live, still gives us life; as Christ’s word, “Young man, I say unto thee Arise,” gave life to the youth of Nain, so that word, “Arise from the dead,” is life to the soul that receives it. God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. It is all offered us in His word. If we receive the word, we have the deliverance. Desire of Ages, p. 320

Jesus is our example in all things, and He tells us “the disciple is not above his master, but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Luke 6:40. We are to be like Jesus “who was tempted in all points yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. How did He overcome? What example has He left His disciples to follow? 

Christ—Our Example

And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3, 4

Many look on this conflict between Christ and Satan as having no special bearing on their own life; and for them it has little interest. But within the domain of every human heart this controversy is repeated. Never does one leave the ranks of evil for the service of God without encountering the assaults of Satan. The enticements which Christ resisted were those that we find it so difficult to withstand. They were urged upon Him in as much greater degree as His character is superior to ours. With the terrible weight of the sins of the world upon Him, Christ withstood the test upon appetite, upon the love of the world, and upon that love of display which leads to presumption. These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily overcome us. Desire of Ages, pp. 116, 117

As this controversy is repeated in our own experience, how can we be victorious even as Christ was?

When He was faint and hungry from His long fast, Satan appeared to Him as an angel of light, tempting Him to employ His divine power in His own behalf. He urged Him to command the stones to become bread; but Jesus met him with the word of God, THE ONLY WEAPON THAT COULD DEFEAT HIM, THE WEAPON THAT EACH ONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS MUST USE IF THEY WOULD OBTAIN THE VICTORY. Signs of the Times, vol. 2, p. 399 (2)

“The prince of this world cometh,” said Jesus, “and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.

And how is this accomplished? Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. “It is written,” He said. And unto us are given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

Every promise in God’s word is ours. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4. Desire of Ages, p. 123

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—THE POWER OF THE WORD. Desire of Ages, p. 258

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11. Can we do any less and expect to be victorious? No! Often believers lament the fact that they are not overcoming, and with tears and despair confess that they must have victory, but there is no victory. Why? Has God failed? No, for it is usually the case that the one in despair, upon close examination, must freely admit that personal study has waned, and with this neglect, the light grows dim. We are left with a flickering candle that does not bring light, peace, and conscious victory to the soul.

The Word—Our Weapon of Resistance

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. Great Controversy, p. 600

We must be better acquainted with our Bibles. We might close the door to many temptations, if we would commit to memory passages of Scripture. Let us hedge up the way to Satan’s temptations with “It is written.” We shall meet with conflicts to test our faith and courage, but they will make us strong if we conquer through the grace Jesus is willing to give. But we must believe; we must grasp the promises without a doubt. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 425 (2)

When Satan comes in like a flood, we must meet his temptations with the sword of the Spirit, and Jesus will be our helper and will lift up for us a standard against him. The father of lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is thrown in his face. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 426

Wherewithal [how] shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:9–11

If we would not be misled by error and falsehood, the heart must be preoccupied with the truth. The word of God will furnish the mind with weapons of divine power, to vanquish the enemy. Happy is the man, who, when tempted, finds his soul rich in the knowledge of the Scriptures, who finds shelter beneath the promises of God. “Thy word,” said the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” The Faith I Live By, p. 8

The Law of Sowing

We all rejoice as spring arrives, and the seeds for food and flowers are placed in the soil of the warming earth. And shortly those tiny seeds bring forth fruit to feed the soul with beauty and the body with nourishment. Therefore, in the spiritual realm seed sowing must take place, to beautify the soul with the graces of our Saviour and to nourish us unto life eternal. Without the reception on our part of the divine seed, we will remain barren, and the unsightly weeds of worldly conformity and rebellion will naturally spring up. Let us then “break up our fallow ground” and “seek the Lord.” Hosea 10:12.

The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. Sow the seed under the right conditions, and it will develop its own life in the plant. Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38

Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:18

The Father is the husbandman. Through His “word of truth,” that “good seed,” He generates and produces within us a being similar to the parent; an image of Himself. This is the purpose of God’s word. “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17. God’s word of truth will sanctify those who hear and do it. This is the incorruptible seed of the word whereby we “are born again.” (See 1 Peter 1:23).

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

With meekness, which is humble submission to the divine will, we are to have the word grafted into our lives so that it becomes a part of us. By its principles and teachings planted within us by God, through our willing study and acceptance of what we study, we experience growth as real as the seeds planted in springtime, which burst forth and bear fruit. “It is the word of God that creates the flowers, and the same word will produce in you the graces of His Spirit.” Mount of Blessing, p. 97.

God’s word is able to save our souls, to deliver and rescue us from the power and pollution of sin.

The word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character. Desire of Ages, p. 391

By partaking of this word our spiritual strength is increased; we grow in grace and in a knowledge of the truth. Habits of self-control are formed and strengthened. The infirmities of childhood— fretfulness, willfulness, selfishness, hasty words, passionate acts— disappear, and in their place are developed the graces of Christian manhood and womanhood. The Faith I Live By, p. 21

The word of God, studied carefully and obeyed, is the only thing that will make man pure and keep him pure. This alone can save him from meddling with all the iniquities that prevail. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 335

The Word in Song—The Power of Life, The Power of God

Be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:18, 19

With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation. Often when sharp, stinging words were spoken, often when the atmosphere about Him was heavy with gloom, with dissatisfaction, distrust, or oppressive fear, was heard His song of faith and holy cheer. Education, p. 166

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. WHEN TEMPTED, INSTEAD OF GIVING UTTERANCE TO OUR FEELINGS, LET US BY FAITH LIFT UP A SONG OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD. Ministry of Healing, p. 254

This is not a system of works, but rather, a God-ordained aid to overcoming. For with songs of praise upon our lips and thoughts of heavenly themes upon our minds, it is impossible to give heed to the deceiver’s voice. And the light of God’s word upon the mind and in song dispels the darkness of doubt, discouragement, and weakness.

In requiring obedience to the laws of His kingdom, God gives His people health and happiness, peace and joy. HE TEACHES THEM THAT THE PERFECTION OF CHARACTER HE REQUIRES CAN BE ATTAINED ONLY BY BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH HIS WORD. Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 454

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32
 

“Believe, believe, only have faith” is the cry today. But where today is that “faith which worketh by love” sanctifying the soul, giving us “the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ?” What exactly is faith and where does it come from? By defining what faith is, we can know what it is not, and learn how, through faith, we can overcome.

Faith Defined

What is faith?—“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. It is an assent of the understanding to God’s words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, who gave the understanding, who moved on the heart, who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. FAITH IS RENDERING TO GOD THE INTELLECTUAL POWERS, ABANDONMENT OF THE MIND AND WILL TO GOD, AND MAKING CHRIST THE ONLY DOOR TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 1888 Materials, vol. 2, p. 818

Faith is an entire confidence or trust in God’s character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to His guidance, and dependence on His merits for salvation. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

The Source of Faith

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

AS FAITH THUS RECEIVES AND ASSIMILATES THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH, THEY BECOME A PART OF THE BEING AND THE MOTIVE POWER OF THE LIFE. The word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character. Desire of Ages, pp. 390, 391

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3

This limited measure of faith given us of God, will grow as the soul responds in obedience to the word of God. Hence our experience blossoms “from faith to faith.” In practical terms, this is to be walking in obedience to revealed truth, and as we do this faith is exercised. As faith is thus exercised, the small seed (measure) of faith will grow. From the beginnings of the first responses of the heart to God’s wooing Spirit, to that glorious translation day, faith is to be ever increasing in the love and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The Law of Faith

Many today claim to be living by faith, but what is the fruit of such a claim? What are the workings of the law of faith in the life?

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:31

We find that the law of faith will uphold the law of God, not merely outwardly but as a heart experience as well. In addition, faith will experience that which the prophet Ezekiel spoke of as a new heart, wherein the law is written on the human soul.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20.

We see here that the law of faith will have Christ revealed in the life. Therefore, instead of our weakness and failings, it will be His strength and power. How? Through the law of faith.

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:6

The law of faith is activated and has its power only as it is motivated by love. For merely seeking to obey the word without the faith of love will be a fruitless endeavor in the end.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

The law of faith has as its source the word of God. But this faith, if it is true, will cause us to be wise in the things of redemption,—wise in knowledge and in experience,—as the Spirit within us searches the deep things of God revealing to us that which the eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard. (See 1 Corinthians 2:9).

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:14–20, 26

We find here that in the law of faith there is a work. This work is not the source of faith; neither is the work saving in itself. Rather the workings of the law of faith bring about the works that are an evidence of true faith. As Inspiration has told us, we will live out all the faith we in actuality possess. 

Examples of Overcoming Faith

And they came to Jericho: and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto Him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole [or saved thee]. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. Mark 10:46–52

Faith recognizes its need; faith responds to Christ’s call; faith surrenders and casts away its garment of self-righteousness; faith asks for healing of soul; faith receives power from God, and is made whole. Then faith follows Jesus in the way.

But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:22

The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him.

THE ONLY FAITH THAT WILL BENEFIT US IS THAT WHICH EMBRACES HIM AS A PERSONAL SAVIOUR; WHICH APPROPRIATES HIS MERITS TO OURSELVES. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. Desire of Ages, p. 347

As we look at this story of faith, we can easily see the steps of faith that led to this woman’s healing. We find here again a recognition of need. Because of this woman’s great need she gladly heard the good news of Christ’s healing virtue. Faith’s workings did not stop here. Faith’s next steps were to act in seeking out the Saviour, and then touching Him for a living experience. Not until faith saw its need, faith heard, faith sought for and then touched the Saviour, was the power of faith unlocked in healing of body. The steps of faith in the experience of this woman and of Bartimaeus are the same, for each one who will live the life of faith.

Let us turn to the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had not used his limbs for thirty-eight years.

Yet Jesus bade him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” The sick man might have said, “Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy word.” But, no, he believed Christ’s word, believed that he was made whole, and he made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk. HE ACTED ON THE WORD OF CHRIST, AND GOD GAVE THE POWER. He was made whole. Steps to Christ, p. 50

How was faith activated in each of these cases?—by believing God’s word through Christ, then acting upon that word. It was at the point when belief was united to action that the healing virtue went forth from Christ. So for us the path is the same, believe then act.

This is faith, to hear and by God’s grace to do His word. For as we will, God gives the power to do. “Feeling is not faith, faith is simply to take God at His word.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 620 

The Substance of Faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Substance is something that is real, something that can be experienced. The thing hoped for is “Christ within, the hope of glory.” What shall bring about this most blessed experience that seems to be beyond reach? It is faith! The fact that God’s word contains such commands and promises as being conformed to the image of Christ, of righteousness, and holiness, is the proof that it can be experienced.

Hebrews chapter Eleven:

Verse 4 Able offered a better sacrifice

Verse 5 Enoch was translated

Verse 6 Without it, impossible to please God

Verse 7 By faith Noah prepared an ark

Verse 8 By faith Abraham moved

Verse 17 By faith Abraham offered Isaac

Verse 24 By faith Moses refused to be Pharaoh’s son; chose to suffer with God’s people

Verse 29 By faith Red Sea parted

Verse 30 Walls of Jericho fell down

Let us note some of the aspects of a faith of substance in holy men of old. Noah obeyed God’s word despite all the evidence that spoke to the contrary, and he became a preacher of righteousness. His faith moved, built, and preached. Abel also obeyed and followed God’s will perfectly, trusting in the Lamb to come. Cain also had a form of worship but set his feelings above the plainly revealed commands of God. He had presumption while Abel had a faith of substance.

We read, by faith Abraham moved. He had no evidence except the word of God, but he acted upon the word and not by sight, he had a faith of substance. As the children of Israel marched around the walls of Jericho, it was the most ridiculous way to conduct a war. Yet, it was the word of God. Israel had a faith at this time that was of substance that took the word of God and followed promptly in it. And what was the result in all the above acts of faith? God did that which to human eyes seemed improbable or in some cases impossible. And to those who refused God’s word, there was only disaster and great loss.

We need a faith of substance that brings obedience and trust of what God has said to a blessed reality. For remember, the word itself is the proof that faith can accomplish that which is hoped for. What is the fruit of such a life of faith? “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:9.

Scripture teaches that the working of faith in the life is sanctification, the purifying of the heart, and righteousness motivated by love. (See Acts 26:18; Acts 15:9; Galatians 5:6; Romans 9:30). Accordingly “faith IS the victory that overcometh the world,” and all that is in the world, “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.” (1 John 2:15–17). 
 

PROMISES OF VICTORY

It is through bringing God’s word into our life, and surrendering our will to its principles that we have the victory of faith. With a heart yielded to God, faith lays hold on God’s promises as the tree of life, as a source of strength and power.

For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Let God be magnified and all men proved to be liars. For all God’s promises to the person yielded to Christ are yes! In Christ they are true, that God may be glorified thereby. Truly we can testify:

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

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

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2:9

Our Great Need—An Assurance of God’s Grace

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

We are to come unto God confidently and with assurance for that Divine power to resist the evil within and without in our time of need and temptation. Our great need is our recommendation to God, and He will not fail us, “for all the promises of God in Him” [Christ] are yes! And with grace comes the power “of the Spirit in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this— never. Ministry of Healing, pp. 65, 66

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24, 25

This is where faith comes in. Are we willing to believe the promises of God in His word which tell us these things? When the battle rages, when doubts or discouragements assail us, when the weaknesses of the flesh seek to disturb our union with Christ, these promises are our lifeline. For they are God’s voice speaking to us, saying “child look up.” God is able and longs to deliver us. “He is not a man that He should lie.” He will perform the good pleasure of His word, even our sanctification.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

And what promises was the apostle referring to? That God would shine the light of the knowledge and character of Jesus into our minds and lives as by faith we receive it. It is the power He used when He spoke light into existence in Genesis 1:3. (See 2 Corinthians 4:6). This is the power of creation, the word of God. He has promised it to us if we will believe. He has told us that we could become a new creature, in which old things have passed away and all things are of God. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Christ has assured us that He has been made sin for us so that we could live His life and have His righteousness. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21). Truly if “God be for us who can be against us?” Let us not grieve our Saviour as the children of Israel did with unbelief and hardness of heart, but rather “believe, for all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin. Desire of Ages, p. 258

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things. Romans 8:32

What are the “all things” and “spiritual blessings” of Christ?

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you [how?] through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:2, 3

But how can these things be? We are sinful and unholy. The answer is in the promise of the word.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, [how?] according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

We see then that in Christ Jesus all the promises of God are “yea.” May we yield our unbelief, and believe that He is able to do “abundantly above all that we ask or think.” 

The Sure Words of Promise

You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If ye believe the promise,—believe that you are forgiven and cleansed,—God supplies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it.

Do not wait to feel that you are whole, but say, “I believe it; it is so, not because I feel it, but because God has promised.” Jesus says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Steps to Christ, p. 51

God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart. Ministry of Healing, pp. 174–176

ALL THAT JESUS HAS PROMISED, HE WILL FULFILL; AND IT IS GREATLY DISHONORING TO HIM FOR US TO DOUBT HIM. ALL HIS WORDS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE. ACCEPTED AND OBEYED, THEY GIVE PEACE AND HAPPINESS AND ASSURANCE FOREVER. “Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” Christ declares that He has given us peace; it belongs to us. And He has spoken these things, that in Him we may have that which through infinite sacrifice He has purchased for us,— what He holds as ours. This peace we need not seek in the world, for the world has it not to bestow. It is in Christ. He will give it, in spite of the world, not withstanding its threats and decrees, its alluring, deceiving promises. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 560 (2)

 —PRAYER—

Another key to overcoming is the avenue through which the previous principles of the word, faith, and promises find their release and power in the life. This key is—prayer. The oneness of each of these areas of Christian experience is outlined in the following statement:

Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal.

For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received.

We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess, will be realized when we need it most.

To live thus by the word of God means the surrender to Him of the whole life. There will be felt a continual sense of need and dependence, a drawing out of the heart after God. Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the soul.… It is secret communion with God that sustains the soul life. Education, pp. 257, 258

Asking According to God’s Will

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14, 15

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 

It is clear that to ask according to the will of God is to ask for that which would bring about our sanctification.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, [rejecteth, margin], despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8

Jesus says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. There is a condition to this promise—that we pray according to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank God that we have received them. It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand before the law without shame or remorse. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1. Steps to Christ, p. 51

“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as unto a friend.” Steps to Christ, p. 93.

In coming to know God through His word, and by faith following His word and claiming His promises, we become acquainted with God and then through prayer, God becomes our trusted companion and friend. If we would avoid falling into sin, we must ever be in contact with our God and Friend. Realizing our own weakness, we shall be in constant communication for light, wisdom, and strength. Victory is assured only through unceasing prayer. 

A Continual Prayer Life

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

That is, keep the mind uplifted to God, the source of all power and efficiency. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 444 (1)

Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. Steps to Christ, p. 98

Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7

A constant communication with Christ means to pray for everything from the smallest decisions of the day to the largest, praying constantly for the needs of others, and with thanksgiving for the delights and blessings we receive hour by hour throughout the day. In thus communicating with God, we shall find that prayer keeps and hedges our mind, our thoughts and our feelings within the boundaries of God’s grace and power. We shall then know the peace of victory and assurance. This is how we are to develop a prayer life, by praying for everything, and with practice our communication will become habitual and as natural as breathing.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. Steps to Christ, pp. 98, 99

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12

“Continuing instant in prayer” is to “keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.” Steps to Christ, pp. 99, 100

And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1

Prayer is the Victory

Prayer and watching thereunto are necessary for advancement in the divine life.… Your only safety is to live like a watchman. Watch and pray always. Oh, what a prevenitive against yielding to temptation and falling into the snares of the world! The Faith I Live By, p. 224

The life of a true Christian is a life of constant prayer. He knows that the light and strength of one day is not sufficient for the trials and conflicts of the next. Satan is continually changing his temptations. Every day we shall be placed in different circumstances; and in the untried scenes that await us we shall be surrounded by fresh dangers, and constantly assailed by new and unexpected temptations. It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties before us. Gospel Workers, pp. 257, 258

If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions which He has Himself laid down. Messages to Young People, pp. 114, 115

PRAYER IS HEAVEN’S ORDAINED MEANS OF SUCCESS IN THE CONFLICT WITH SIN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall receive.” Acts of the Apostles, p. 564

We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 99

The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares the person for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge....

The soul that turns to God for its strength, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 459, 460

By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act before passion can dominate over reason or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” CRY UNTO THE LORD, TEMPTED SOUL. CAST YOURSELF, HELPLESS, UNWORTHY, UPON JESUS, AND CLAIM HIS VERY PROMISE. THE LORD WILL HEAR. HE KNOWS HOW STRONG ARE THE INCLINATIONS OF THE NATURAL HEART, AND HE WILL HELP IN EVERY TIME OF TEMPTATION. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 177

It is not in man to direct His steps. For there is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the ways thereof are the ways of death. Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:2

Apart from God, our morality and knowledge are useless in overcoming sin and living the Christian life. As the body would die apart from breathing, so we too will die apart from a living, active, constant prayer life which is to be the breath of the soul. 

Promises and Warnings

Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength, and opens the door to temptation. Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 352

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. Steps to Christ, pp. 94, 95

When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness and your need of strength from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.

If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in the trying day. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 363, 364

The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Ministry of Healing, p. 510

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7
 

It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence. Man will never rise higher than his standard of purity or goodness or truth. If self is his loftiest ideal, he will never attain to anything more exalted. Rather, he will constantly sink lower and lower. The grace of God alone has power to exalt man. Left to himself, his course must inevitably be downward. Great Controversy, p. 555

It is an impossibility to live the life of an overcomer while we watch, read, or listen to, that which is contrary to the word and principles of God. Too many of us are double-minded. We take pleasure in the things of this world while professing to follow Christ. The double-minded man cannot hear the call or experience the invitation of Christ “be thou holy, holier still.”

Those who would not fall prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 460

To look upon Jesus and live, to behold Him and be changed, this is our greatest need. In a world where our senses are bombarded by the teachings and principles of the god of this world, we must “look diligently unto Jesus.” And in beholding we have the assurance that we shall assimilate the principles of His character, the chiefest among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely. For “assimilation is a law of human nature…ordained by God to be a power for good.” Upward Look, p. 123

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory [character] of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

By beholding Christ, by talking of Him, by beholding the loveliness of His character we become changed. Changed from glory to glory. AND WHAT IS GLORY? CHARACTER,—AND HE BECOMES CHANGED FROM CHARACTER TO CHARACTER. Thus we see that there is a work of purification that goes on by beholding Jesus. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 337

The more we behold Christ’s character, the more our characters will be changed from glory to glory.

As the mind dwells upon Christ, the character is molded after the divine similitude. The thoughts are pervaded with a sense of His goodness, His love. We contemplate His character, and thus He is in all our thoughts. His love encloses us. If we gaze even a moment upon the sun in its meridian glory, when we turn away our eyes, the image of the sun will appear in everything upon which we look. Thus it is when we behold Jesus; everything we look upon reflects His image, the Sun of Righteousness. We cannot see anything else or talk of anything else. His image is imprinted upon the eye of the soul and affects every portion of our daily life, softening and subduing our whole nature. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 388, 389

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1–3

After we have risen to newness of life, there is a work for us to do. We are to seek after God, setting our minds upon themes of heavenly origin. And not only our thoughts but also our lives are to be taken up with God, His kingdom, and His work. This is beholding Him in practice as well as in theory. Yes, we are dead. “This means more than we think it does, dead to worldly interests, dead to worldly ambitions.” Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 539 (3)

By contemplation of God’s matchless love, we take upon us His nature. Christ was a representative before men and before angels, of the character of the God of heaven. He demonstrated the fact that when humanity depends wholly upon God, men may keep God’s commandments and live, and His law as the apple of the eye. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 226

Man, who has defaced the image of God in his soul by a corrupt life, cannot, by mere human effort, effect a radical change in himself. He must accept the provisions of the gospel; he must be reconciled to God through obedience to His law and faith in Jesus Christ. His life from thenceforth must be governed by a new principle. Through repentance, faith and good works he may perfect a righteous character, and claim, through the merits of Christ, the privileges of the sons of God. The principles of divine truth, received and cherished in the heart, will carry us to a height of moral excellence that we had not deemed possible for us to reach. “And it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 294

Through the merits of Christ, through His righteousness, which by faith is imputed unto us, we are to attain to the perfection of Christian character. OUR DAILY AND HOURLY WORK IS SET FORTH IN THE WORDS OF THE APOSTLE: “LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.” Hebrews 12:2. While doing this our minds become clearer and our faith stronger, and our hope is confirmed; we are so engrossed with the view of His purity and loveliness, and the sacrifice He has made to bring us into agreement with God, that we have no disposition to speak of doubts and discouragements. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 744

“It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed.” What is the fruit of looking upon Him who “spake as never man spake,” who did no sin, who was bruised for my iniquities?

Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. Desire of Ages, p. 668

The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. BUT WHEN WE BEHOLD THE GREAT LOVE OF GOD, SELFISHNESS APPEARS TO US IN ITS HIDEOUS AND REPULSIVE CHARACTER, AND WE DESIRE TO HAVE IT EXPELLED FROM THE SOUL. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character. Mount of Blessing, p. 118

By beholding Christ, you will become changed, until you will hate your former pride, your former vanity and self-esteem, your self-righteousness and unbelief. You will cast these sins aside as a worthless burden, and walk humbly, meekly, trustfully, before God.

You will practice love, patience, gentleness, goodness, mercy, and every grace that dwells in the child of God, and will at last find a place among the sanctified and holy. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 388

How do we behold Him who is in heaven whom we have never seen? How can beholding Christ be more than a heartless expression, with no reality? How can we look upon Him who is our Life, our Friend, our Redeemer, Judge and King?

If we would enter the city of God, and look upon Jesus in His glory, we must become accustomed to beholding Him with the eye of faith here. THE WORDS AND THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST SHOULD BE OFTEN THE SUBJECT OF OUR THOUGHTS AND OF OUR CONVERSATION; AND EACH DAY SOME TIME SHOULD BE ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO PRAYERFUL MEDITATION UPON THESE SACRED THEMES. Messages to Young People, p. 114

BEHOLDING CHRIST MEANS STUDYING HIS LIFE AS GIVEN IN HIS WORD. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix our eyes upon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives us boldness to approach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed, morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being. SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1098

The love and honor and perfection revealed in the gospel are a revelation to man of the character of God. The justice and goodness and benevolence that were seen in the character of Christ are to be repeated in the lives of those who accept the privileges of the gospel.

By a study of the Word, we are to see Him as He is, and, charmed with the view of His divine perfection, we are to grow into the same image. We need to understand that the gospel fully reveals the glory of the Lord. It is the mirror that reveals the character of God to the converted soul. The likeness of God is revealed in the perfect character of His Son, that we may understand what it means to be made in the likeness of the image of God, and what we may become if by constantly beholding we allow ourselves to be changed from “glory to glory.”

It is our privilege, by an earnest study of the Word, to learn wherein we are not manifesting the principles of that word in our lives. And as the mirror reveals to us our defects, we are to seek by earnest prayer and faith to put them away. As we strive to meet the perfection that God requires, insensibly to us the human will becomes molded to the Divine. Christ’s nature will be revealed in human nature; the words will become gentle and courteous, the ways kind and helpful. THOUGH WE MAY BE LARGELY UNCONSCIOUS OF THE CHANGE, YET THE TRANSFORMATION IS BEING SURELY WROUGHT. BEHOLDING DAY BY DAY THE GLORY OF THE LORD, WE ARE MOLDED INTO CONFORMITY TO HIS SPIRIT AND WILL. Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 478 (2, 3)

We may have much knowledge, knowledge that is good and right. However, we have often neglected that essential knowledge which is life eternal to know God and Jesus Christ. (See John 17:3). We may understand all prophecy, but they shall cease. We can understand and practice all manner of reforms, and this is good and right, but reform in itself is not our salvation. Above all, we must know our Saviour. We must be “found in Him not having” our “own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9. Through study and meditation in the Gospels and books like Desire of Ages, the cutting truths of His life and teachings will bring us to the point of casting ourselves at His feet. This is the place where all the Holy men and women of God have found victory.

Beholding Him in the study of His word, we learn to love and practice His virtues; and living the word of God before a world fallen through sin, we are changed into the same Divine image. Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 471 (3)

Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are transformed into His likeness. Steps to Christ, pp. 70, 71

The admonition for us today, if we would know victory over sin, is to “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

We may rest upon God, not because of our own merit, but because the righteousness of Christ will be imputed to us. We must look away from self to the spotless Lamb of God, who did no sin; and by looking to Him in living faith, we shall become like Him. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 416 (1)

We read that it is “God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. This is the key to victory, the combining of the human will with the power of Omnipotence. Together we shall perform “all His good pleasure,” for we will say, “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” Psalm 40:8.

This surrender is a continual and deepening experience, for surrender today is not adequate for tomorrow. The surrender of the soul to God must go deeper and deeper until we come to the point that, like Christ we will say “not my will but thine be done” even to the point of death.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:7, 8

My son, give [yield] Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways. Proverbs 23:26

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27, 33

But what do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it. Steps to Christ, p. 46

Often we will have to fall upon our knees in despair, saying, “Father help my unbelief,” and make me willing to be willing. In this prayer of helpless submission is power as the human recognizes his own weakness and cries out to the living God. We can then experience God’s grace, which we will find to be “sufficient” for all things, for God says, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” With Paul we shall recognize that when I am “weak then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. “Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God.” Prophets and Kings, p. 175

We can rise no higher or be no stronger than when, in recognition of our need, we say, “take my heart Lord for I cannot give it, it is Thy property.” To be in the position where we can “receive God’s help, man must realize his weakness and deficiency.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 248

God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and cooperation. The divine spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are “willing to be made willing,” the Saviour will accomplish this for us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings. Acts of the Apostles, pp. 482, 483

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus THROUGH CONSTANT SURRENDER to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith. Steps to Christ, p. 48. See (Temperance, p. 113).

The only hope for us if we would overcome is to unite our will to God’s will and work in cooperation with Him, hour by hour and day by day. We cannot retain self and yet enter the kingdom of God. If we ever attain unto holiness, it will be through the renunciation of self and the reception of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified. Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God? UNTIL WE ARE WILLING, THE TRANSFORMING GRACE OF GOD CANNOT BE MANIFEST UPON US. Mount of Blessing, p. 143. (See all of pp. 142, 143)

Christ, our example, knew the meaning of surrender, and He says to us, “walk even as I have walked.” He walked in heart submission to His Father, even as we have the privilege of walking.

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. Desire of Ages, p. 668

There are honest souls who love the Lord, but who have not learned the lesson of a continual, deepening surrender, to be renewed day by day, and hence they do not know victory. To such God says:

Some who come to God by repentance and confession, and even believe that their sins are forgiven, still fail of claiming, as they should, the promises of God. They do not see that Jesus is an ever-present Saviour; and they are not ready to commit the keeping of their souls to Him, relying upon Him to perfect the work of grace begun in their hearts. While they think they are committing themselves to God, there is a great deal of self-dependence. There are conscientious souls that trust partly to God, to be kept by His power, BUT DEPEND UPON WATCHFULNESS AGAINST TEMPTATION, AND THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN DUTIES FOR ACCEPTANCE WITH HIM. There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the feet of Jesus. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 353

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “without Me ye can do nothing.” Steps to Christ, p. 69

Our only hope is in surrendering to God. What exactly does this mean? How am I to surrender?

Do you ask, “how am I to abide in Christ?”—in the same way as you received Him at first. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” “The just shall live by faith.” Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38. You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ’s sake did all this for you. By faith you became Christ’s, and by faith you are to grow up in Him—by giving and taking. YOU ARE TO GIVE ALL,—YOUR HEART, YOUR WILL, YOUR SERVICE,—GIVE YOURSELF TO OBEY HIM TO OBEY ALL HIS REQUIREMENTS; AND YOU MUST TAKE ALL,—CHRIST, THE FULLNESS OF ALL BLESSING, TO ABIDE IN YOUR HEART, TO BE YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, YOUR EVERLASTING HELPER,—TO GIVE YOU POWER TO OBEY. Steps to Christ, pp. 69, 70

Many are inquiring, “How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?” You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON THE RIGHT ACTION OF THE WILL. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him. Steps to Christ, p. 47

Your part is to put your will on the side of Christ. When you yield your will to His, He immediately takes possession of you, and works in you to will and to do His good pleasure. My Life Today, p. 318. (See Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 514.)

If we will choose to be Christians today and every day, we are assured:

In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 157

The voice of conscience is the voice of God, and the Holy Spirit is God’s voice saying, “this is the way, walk ye in it.” The Holy Spirit’s sword is the word of God. Through it He convicts of sin and the truth. He then provides for us the enabling power to obey. But we must yield to His promptings and leadings. The fruit of such surrender is more fully described in the following statement:

Those who are open to the influence of the Spirit of God will receive strength to withstand the evils of this degenerate age. Signs of the Times, vol. 2, p. 175 (1).

Our only security against falling into sin is to keep ourselves constantly under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, at the same time engaging actively in the cause of truth and righteousness, discharging every God-given duty, but taking no burden that God has not laid upon us. Counsels to Teachers, p. 488

The Work and Fruit of the Spirit

Can we know whether we are being led of the Spirit? What are the evidences of His presence?

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

This regeneration is that experience whereby the will of man and the natural enmity of man towards God and His law are subdued. Then the principle of love for God and His law and holy affections are implanted in the heart of man. Not by our works of righteousness but by the Divine power of the Spirit of God does regeneration take place.

To the elect…who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated [sanctified, made holy] by the Spirit TO BE OBEDIENT TO JESUS CHRIST. 1 Peter 1:2, The Amplified Bible

But I say, walk and live habitually in the (Holy Spirit) responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh —of human nature. For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the (Holy) Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. Galatians 5:16, 17, The Amplified Bible

This is a beautiful promise from the Lord, that if we yield ourselves to the Spirit of God we cannot do those things of the flesh that we are inclined to do, or as it says in the above verse, we are prevented from doing our carnal desire. This is not force, but the promptings of the Spirit in the heart made submissive by love. This is the out-working of the Spirit’s control, to place within us enmity against sin. “For the Spirit that does not cause us to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world is not the Spirit of God.” Great Controversy, p. 397

Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness.… If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein. Acts of the Apostles, pp. 52, 53

The Holy Spirit brings power that enables man to overcome.… It is the Spirit that convinces of sin and with the consent of the human being, expels sin from the heart. Our High Calling, p. 152 

Let us note the key evidences of the Holy Spirit’s work and the fruit in the Christian experience. 

1. The Work of the Spirit
Brings conviction of sin, and presents before the mind the standard of righteousness.

The Fruit of the Work
Withdraws the affections from the things of earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. 

2. The Work of the Spirit
Brings power.

The Fruit of the Work
Enables man to overcome.

3. The Work of the Spirit
Washing of regeneration and renewing.

The Fruit of the Work
Sanctification unto obedience.

Does man have a part to act in this union of the Divine and human?

4. Man’s part
If men are willing to be molded.
 
Holy Spirit’s Working
There will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being.

5. Man’s Part
Yielded to the Spirit.
 
Holy Spirit’s Working
Spirit wars against the flesh and subdues it.

6. Man’s Part
With the consent of the whole being.

Holy Spirit’s Working
The Holy Spirit brings power that enables man to overcome and expels’s sin from the heart. 

The Spirit of God—Our Teacher and Guide

Through the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.…

It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given the Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon the church. Desire of Ages, p. 671

With the power of God at our side to strengthen and guide us, we must confess, “If God be for us who can be against us.” In Acts 5:32, we are told that the Holy Spirit is given to them that obey God. This obedience is a progressive experience. Beginning from the first dawning in the human soul to seek after God, through the experience of repentance, confession, conversion and the daily work of sanctification, the work in our hearts continually progresses until there is no more offering for sins. Through all these experiences the Holy Spirit prompts and leads to obedience, and the continual outpouring is dependent on continual obedience at each step of the way. The fruit of this continual work is that we are kept from sin.

The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. Desire of Ages, p. 311 
 

For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth…that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:6, 10, 11

We must recognize that trials are one of God’s means in the perfection of our characters. If we would only realize “that all things work together for good to them that love God,” then we would “rejoice in tribulations,” realizing God is strengthening us, and in mercy showing us areas of weakness that we may turn into areas of strength. These trials are also for God’s glory that He may show to others the power of the gospel as we respond to these trials with the same meekness and strength of Jesus. “The very object of the trial is to prepare” us “to resist all the allurements of evil.” (See Great Controversy, p. 528).

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2–4

Christ, our perfect example, walked the road of trial to perfection; and He bids us, “follow Me.”

Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:8

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

IN THIS LIFE WE MUST MEET FIERY TRIALS AND MAKE COSTLY SACRIFICES, BUT THE PEACE OF CHRIST IS THE REWARD. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ’s sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. SO LONG AS WE CHOOSE THE EASY PATH OF SELF-INDULGENCE AND ARE FRIGHTENED AT SELF-DENIAL, OUR FAITH WILL NEVER BECOME FIRM, AND WE CANNOT KNOW THE PEACE OF JESUS NOR THE JOY THAT COMES THROUGH CONSCIOUS VICTORY. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 215

The world is seeking peace and finding none, while those within the churches know not “the peace that passes all understanding.” Why is this, because God’s ways are a total contradiction to human understanding. God leads in “the way of righteousness in the midst of the paths of judgment.” Proverbs 8:20. But, oh, the reward of such a life! It is the peace of Jesus, a firm faith and conscious victory. So then, “think it not strange concerning the fiery [smelting, refining] trial,…but rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13. And if partakers of His suffering, we shall also be partakers of His glory [character]. (See Romans 8:17).

Conflicts and trials are the very means ordained or suffered of God to perfect the Christian character unto eternal life. 1888 Materials, vol. 2, p. 489

The Cross—The Power of God

Let no one seek to evade the cross. It is through the cross that we are enabled to overcome. It is through affliction and trial that divine agencies can carry on a work in our lives that will result in the love and peace and kindness of Christ. Review and Herald, vol. 5, p. 492 (1)

What is the cross spoken of here?

It is never difficult to do what we love to do; but to take a course directly against our inclinations, is lifting a cross. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 94

To bear the cross of Christ is to control our sinful passions, to practice Christian courtesy even when it is inconvenient to do so, to see the wants of the needy and distressed and deny ourselves in order to relieve them.

Brethren, for Christ’s sake fill up your lives with good works, even though the world does not appreciate your efforts and gives you no credit. This is self-denial. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 627

To go against our natural ways and inclinations and choose the way of the Lord is the heaven-ordained means to victory. As self is crucified and the goodness and mercy of God comes into our lives, we gain a most precious victory, and then truly we can say, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Galatians 2:20.

THE STERN DICTATES OF CONSCIENCE MUST BE OBEYED, EVEN THOUGH IT BE DIFFICULT; AND IT WILL HELP YOU TO GAIN IN MORAL POWER. Duties are often crosses which we must lift. Prayer and praise to God are not always offered without a struggle. Self-denial and cross bearing lie directly in the path we must travel if we reach the gates of the city of God. Jesus has led the way; will we follow? Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 548

Is this cross to be born grudgingly? No. But like Christ, we must submit our wills to God, daily and hourly. In this submission is “fullness of joy.” And with Christ we say, “for the joy that was set before” me, I “endure the cross” counting “the reproach of Christ greater riches” than “the pleasures of sin.” “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” Hebrews 11:25; Romans 8:18. 
 

The truth that there is a part for the human agent to act out in his salvation has been twisted by the usurper into a false doctrine. Nevertheless, the human being is doomed to a life of sinning and, in the end, eternal loss, unless he makes an effort to help himself through the enabling power of God.

But those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin, will be disappointed. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 336

The call of God through Inspiration is that we must strive continually with all our being for the victories of the cross.

Mortify [subdue] therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Colossians 3:5, 8

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. Acts of the Apostles, p. 312

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

“Gird up the loins of your mind.” The thoughts and feelings must be restrained with a firm hand, lest they lead us into sin. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 11

You should control your thoughts. This will not be an easy task; you cannot accomplish it without a close and even severe effort. Yet God requires this of you; it is a duty resting upon every accountable being. You are responsible to God for your thoughts. Messages to Young People, pp. 75, 76

Continual Effort—The Means of Victory

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Resistance is success. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resistance must be firm and steadfast. We lose all we gain if we resist today only to yield tomorrow. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 483

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

No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles. Individually we are responsible for the issues of the struggle; though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness. Ministry of Healing, p. 453

Let no one imagine that it is an easy thing to overcome the enemy and that he can be borne aloft to an incorruptible inheritance without effort on his part. To look back is to grow dizzy; to let go the hold is to perish. FEW APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE OF STRIVING CONSTANTLY TO OVERCOME. They relax their diligence and as a result, become selfish and self-indulgent. Spiritual vigilance is not thought to be essential. Earnestness in human effort is not brought into the Christian life. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 539, 540

Wrongs cannot be righted, nor can reformations in conduct be made by a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Character building is the work, not of a day, nor of a year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown. Ministry of Healing, p. 452

There is earnest work before each one of us. Right thoughts, pure and holy purposes, do not come to us naturally. We shall have to strive for them. Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 121 (3) 

Effort Combined With Christ

God has made it clear that we are to engage in continual effort for the victories of the cross. But is this merely human effort and salvation by works? No! For God must be the motivating force behind the effort, and indeed, He is the one who places within us the desire to strive to obtain that crown of righteousness given only to the overcomer. It is love for Him and the principles of righteousness that gives us the desire to do His will. Combined with that desire He gives the power as soon as the human agent makes the effort to do right.

In order to be partakers of the divine nature, we must co-operate with God. Man is no passive being, to be saved in indolence. Let no one think that men and women are going to be taken to heaven without engaging in the struggle here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to gain. God says to us, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” How?—“for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Man works, and God works.

Man is called upon to strain every muscle and to exercise every faculty in the struggle for immortality; BUT IT IS GOD WHO SUPPLIES THE EFFICIENCY. Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 342 (2, 3)

“All things are of God,” and “of His own have we freely received.” He has given us: 1. Desire 2. Willingness 3. Power 4. Ability 5. Choice. These are all seen and experienced by man, “but it is God who supplies the efficiency.” Let us ever remember that without Christ, we can do nothing.

IN ORDER TO RECEIVE GOD’S HELP, MAN MUST REALIZE HIS WEAKNESS AND DEFICIENCY; he must apply his own mind to the great change to be wrought in himself; he must be aroused to earnest and persevering prayer and effort. Wrong habits and customs must be shaken off; and it is only by determined endeavor to correct these errors, and to conform to right principles, that the victory can be gained. Many never attain to the position that they might occupy, because they wait for God to do for them that which he has given them power to do for themselves. All who are fitted for usefulness must be trained by the severest mental and moral discipline; and GOD WILL ASSIST THEM BY UNITING DIVINE POWER WITH HUMAN EFFORT. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 248

The example of Christ shows us that our only hope of victory is in continual resistance of Satan’s attacks. He who triumphed over the adversary of souls in the conflict of temptation understands Satan’s power over the race and has conquered him in our behalf. As an overcomer He has given us the advantage of His victory, that in our efforts to resist the temptations of Satan we may unite our weakness to His strength, our worthlessness to His merits. And, sustained by His enduring might under strong temptation, we may resist in His all-powerful name and overcome as He overcame. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 480

Christ is cleansing the temple in heaven from the sins of the people, and WE MUST WORK IN HARMONY WITH HIM UPON THE EARTH, CLEANSING THE SOUL TEMPLE FROM ITS MORAL DEFILEMENT. If we will work thus, we shall find that the sweet influence of God’s spirit will be wrought into our life. Grace and peace and strength will take the place of strife and weakness, and instead of talking of discouragement and gloom, we shall speak of God’s light and love and joy. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 365 (2)

Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and perseverance resist Satan as Christ has given him example in His conflict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man, against His will, from the power of Satan’s artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short man must overcome as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory which it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ.

This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part. Man must be victor on his own account, THROUGH THE STRENGTH AND GRACE THAT JESUS GIVES HIM. MAN MUST BE A CO-WORKER WITH CHRIST IN THE LABOR OF OVERCOMING, AND THEN HE WILL BE PARTAKER WITH CHRIST OF HIS GLORY. IT IS A SACRED WORK IN WHICH WE ARE ENGAGED. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 341 (2)
 

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God;—as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them; and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 2 Corinthians 6:14–17

This does not mean that the called of God shall not mingle with the unbelieving, with the idolater, with the worldling; it is our work, our duty, and our privilege to remain in this world for a season, among the people of the world. We are called to be a light shining in a dark place, “a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 3:9. We are to be motivated by a different spirit, different aims, and purposes, even the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Many Christians claim that their intimate association and friendships with the worldly are a means of witnessing to them. Too often, we end up compromising God’s principles of righteousness and truth, so as not to offend friends, relatives and associates. Our compromise in this area deadens our own moral perceptions of sin and righteousness. So then, God says to us:

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33

This verse teaches us that evil associations and companionship will corrupt good “moral habits.”

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Ephesians 4:22

This verse is particularly applicable to those newly come to Christ and those of younger years. In my own experience, and noticing the experience of contemporaries, it takes a clean break from former friendships to truly follow on to know the Lord.

We are here admonished to put away the keeping of company and associating with old friends who choose not to follow God but instead have chosen the god of this world. For some this will be equal to Paul’s three years in the Arabian desert, or John’s stay in the wilderness, or Joseph’s stay in the jails of Egypt. It is this cutting off of ungodly friendships while we commune with God through study and prayer that will prepare us in future days to be like Paul, Joseph and John to minister to the ungodly without partaking in their sins or being weakened by their influence. But can we not have an influence with unbelievers by partaking with them in some things? After all, we should not be so “holier than thou.”

Many who imitate the customs and fashions of the world claim that they do this in order to have an influence with worldling. BUT HERE THEY MAKE A SAD AND FATAL MISTAKE. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them live out their profession, show their faith by their righteous works, and make wide the distinction between the Christian and the world. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 344 (3)

It is this refusal to separate from the ungodly and their ways that brings a reproach upon Christianity. This is the means Satan uses to cause men to stay away from Christ and causes defeat instead of victory. If we become so much like the world that there is seen no difference, unbelievers will see this readily and mock Christianity. True love for souls, on the other hand, will lead us to the experience of victory, an experience like that of our beloved Master.

If compelled to be in the society of those who are evil, you are not compelled to enter into or engage in their evil. You can, by prayer and watching, remain unsullied by the evil manifested about you. Our High Calling, p. 132

While the Christian will be ever kind, compassionate, and forgiving, he can feel no harmony with sin. He will abhor evil and cling to that which is good, at the sacrifice of association or friendship with the ungodly. The spirit of Christ will lead us to hate sin, while we are willing to make any sacrifice to save the sinner. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 171

It was by associating with idolaters and joining in their festivities that the Hebrews were led to transgress God’s law and bring His judgments upon the nation. So now it is by leading the followers of Christ to associate with the ungodly and unite in their amusements that Satan is most successful in alluring them into sin. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.” 2 Corinthians 6:17.

God requires of His people now as great a distinction from the world, in customs, habits, and principles as He required of Israel anciently. If they faithfully follow the teachings of His Word, this distinction will exist: it cannot be otherwise. The warnings given to the Hebrews against assimilating with the heathen were not more direct or explicit than are those forbidding Christians to conform to the spirit and customs of the ungodly. Christ speaks to us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. “The friendship of the world is enmity with God; whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, choosing their society only when there is opportunity to do them good. We cannot be too decided in shunning the company of those who exert an influence to draw us away from God. Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 458, 459. (See Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 240)

The Law of Assimilation

We must comply with the conditions laid down in the word of God, if we would be strong in the strength of the Mighty One. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” There are many of the professed followers of Christ who may be represented by the vine that is trailing on the ground, its tendrils entwining about whatever chances to lie in its way. The heart’s affections must be fixed upon God, separated from everything which would hinder this divine union. We are exhorted, “Touch not the unclean.” Those who associate with the impure, themselves become impure. If we choose the society of the ungodly we shall be affected by their ungodliness. “What communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial?” Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 255 (2). (See also Messages to Young People, p. 81).

Conformity to the world and harmony with Christ cannot be maintained. Worldly maxims and worldly practices sap spirituality from heart and life. Conformity to the world means resemblance to the world in meeting the world’s standard. The Faith I Live By, p. 117

Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner are modern Israel led astray. “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin, and determined resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation.

Satan conceals himself from view, and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.

Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king’s court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under temptation, we shall fall sooner or later. Great Controversy, pp. 508, 509

Our faith requires us to elevate the standard of reform, and take advance steps. THE CONDITION OF OUR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD IS A PRACTICAL SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD. The Lord calls upon us as a people, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate,…and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” The world may despise you because you do not meet their standard, engage in their dissipating amusements, and follow their pernicious ways; but the God of heaven promises to receive you, and to be a Father unto you. “Ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. Counsels on Health, p. 51
 

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5, 6, 8

Scripture here teaches us that, in order to gain the victory, we must be temperate. It is through the knowledge of God that we become partakers of the Divine nature (See 2 Peter 1:3, 4); and temperance is necessary to the achievement of this experience.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuches that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

The apostle charges us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust.

Appetite indulged to the injury of physical strength causes disease of the soul. The lust which the apostle mentions is not confined to the violation of the seventh commandment, but every indulgence of the taste which lessens physical vigor is a warring lust. THE APOSTLE DECLARES THAT HE WHO WOULD GAIN SPECIAL VICTORIES AND MAKE HIGHER ATTAINMENTS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE “TEMPERATE IN ALL THINGS.” Temperance in eating and drinking at our tables, as well as the exercise of temperance in every other respect, is essential if we would overcome as Christ overcame. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 215

Is this dietary salvation by works? Does what we eat or drink and how we treat our physical being recommend us to God? How does health reform aid us in perfecting Christian characters? Are there not many new age teachings that also stress health principles? The key here is that man, through an appreciation of his Creator, and recognizing that he is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” will yield in submission to the laws of his being as outlined by God’s word. The motivating principle will be “faith which worketh by love.” So then, we eat by faith according to the words of God that say, “whatsoever ye eat or drink do all to the glory of God.”

Most of humanity, through the indulgence of appetite, “whose god is their belly,” have become confused, and because of clouded vision cannot discern the truths of God’s word or see the folly of trusting to the institutions and frailties of men. This is, as Satan would have it. He knows that the mind, which is to be the temple of the Holy Ghost, will become defiled through the mistreatment of the physical frame, and is less likely to acknowledge the claims of the Creator.

The body is a most important medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers. His success here often means the surrender of the whole being to evil. The tendencies of the physical nature, unless under the dominion of a higher power, will surely work ruin and death. The body is to be brought into subjection to the higher powers of the being. The passions are to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in the life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, of “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” and of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. Prophets and Kings, pp. 488, 489

Why Health Reform?

The following statements will show us the eternal consequences that temperance in all things has in our lives. It is no light thing to be cast aside as optional or unimportant.

All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God’s word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ’s second coming. Desire of Ages, p. 101

The better you observe the laws of health, the more clearly can you discern temptations, and resist them, and the more clearly can you discern the value of eternal things. May the Lord help you to make the most of your present opportunities and privileges, that you may gain new victories, and finally enter the city of God, as those who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. My Life Today, p. 141

He who cherishes the light which God has given him upon health reform, HAS AN IMPORTANT AID IN THE WORK OF BECOMING SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE TRUTH, AND FITTED FOR IMMORTALITY. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 10

UNLESS [WE] PRACTICE TRUE TEMPERANCE, THEY WILL NOT, THEY CANNOT, BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE SANCTIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE TRUTH. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 117

IT SHOULD EVER BE KEPT PROMINENT THAT THE GREAT OBJECT TO BE ATTAINED THROUGH THIS CHANNEL IS NOT ONLY HEALTH, BUT PERFECTION AND THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, WHICH CANNOT BE ATTAINED WITH DISEASED BODIES AND MINDS. This object cannot be secured by working merely from the worldling’s standpoint. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 554

This is a key thought that differentiates our health message from that of man centered and new age practices of health reform. Theirs is to seek a higher state of consciousness or physical fitness in the exaltation of self, while we seek through obedience to the laws of health to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirit, which are God’s. 

Intemperance Leads To Moral Weakness

THE CONTROLLING POWER OF APPETITE WILL PROVE THE RUIN OF THOUSANDS, WHEN IF THEY HAD CONQUERED ON THIS POINT, THEY WOULD HAVE HAD MORAL POWER TO GAIN THE VICTORY OVER EVERY OTHER TEMPTATION OF SATAN. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain and death as its fruits. And as we near the close of time, Satan’s temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 491, 492

The victory of our triumphant Head over the most subtle temptations during His forty days fast, and the glorious promise of reigning with Him in His throne, on condition that we overcome as He overcame, established the fact that one of THE HIGHEST ATTAINMENTS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TO CONTROL APPETITE AND THAT WITHOUT THIS VICTORY ALL HOPE OF HEAVEN IS VAIN. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 206

BY THE INDULGENCE OF PERVERTED APPETITE, MAN LOSES HIS POWER TO RESIST TEMPTATION. Ministry of Healing, p. 335

God has clearly shown us that health reform is a blessing that promotes a sound body and mind. It is not a hindrance or yoke to be borne unpleasantly. We can all recognize the relationship between the body and spirituality by using a few common examples that, in times past or presently, we have experienced. In recognition of these examples, we can forever do away with the idea that health reform is not important to sanctification.

If we overeat, we have felt the mind-benumbing effect and the lessening of desire that accompanies it to appreciate spiritual truths. In addition, how easy it is to be more easily irritated and impatient. If we have consulted our taste buds but not our intellect and have eaten things we know are harmful and become sick thereby, (and while sick, irritable or impatient) the cause lies at our tables. “Indulgence of appetite is the cause of dissension, strife, discord, and many other evils. Impatient words are spoken and unkind deeds are done, dishonest practices are followed and passion is manifested, and all because the nerves of the brain are diseased by the abuse heaped upon the stomach.” Counsels on Diet and Food, p. 53

Through a disregard of balanced sleep habits, we can see how carelessness and neglect of early morning study weakens our ability to resist temptation.

These are just a few examples of how God’s health principles are important to our spiritual growth and health, and do effect our spiritual being. Why is this? What is the relationship between the body and the mind, and spirituality? “The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 347

Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference the health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is not sin, and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits. Excessive eating of the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. And if the food is not the most healthful, the effects will be still more injurious. Any habit which does not promote healthful action in the human system degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendency over the mental, and spiritual powers. Counsels on Diets and Food, p. 62

If we find ourselves struggling in this area, there is grace in Christ, because His victories are ours. 

Victory in Christ

In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us. Christ knew that the enemy would come to every human being, to take advantage of hereditary weakness, and by his false insinuations to ensnare all whose trust is not in God. And by passing over the ground which man must travel, OUR LORD HAS PREPARED THE WAY FOR US TO OVERCOME.

Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, “I thirst.” He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. HIS VICTORY IS OURS. Desire of Ages, pp. 122, 123

Adam and Eve fell through intemperate appetite. Christ came and withstood the fiercest temptation of Satan and, in behalf of the race, overcame appetite, showing that man may overcome. As Adam fell through appetite and lost blissful Eden, the children of Adam may through Christ, overcome appetite and through temperance in all things regain Eden. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 161, 162 

But thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13 
 

Peace comes with dependence on divine power. As fast as the soul resolves to act in accordance with the light given, the Holy Spirit gives more light and strength. The grace of the Spirit is supplied to cooperate with the soul’s resolve, but it is not a substitute for the individual exercise of faith. Success in the Christian life depends upon the appropriation of the light that God has given. It is not an abundance of light and evidence that makes the soul free in Christ; it is the rising of the powers and the will and the energies of the soul to cry out sincerely, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 518

Appropriation of the light and knowledge of God is not to be viewed as a rigid adherence to proscribed rules and counsel, but rather is a spontaneous relationship with our Father. So that we say “I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” Psalm 40:8; 119:24.

It is through the light of the word received, believed and acted upon that we are infused with Divine power to perform that which is right and well-pleasing in His sight. Living up to all the revealed truth will bring us cleansing from all unrighteousness. This cleansing from unrighteousness is freedom from all moral defects of character thoughts, and actions.

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 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

Walking in the light is walking in obedience to the word of God. “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light.” Proverbs 6:23. It is walking with Christ by faith, who is the “True Light.” The light of God’s word discovers and makes plain our defects so that we can confess them and know the cleansing of the blood of Christ. “But all things that are reproved [discovered] are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:13.

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. Philippians 1:10

How are we to be found sincere before the day of the Lord? Sincere is defined in the Strong’s Concordance as “judged by sunlight, i.e., tested as genuine.” It is the word of truth, the “two-edged sword,” that cuts to the bone and marrow and is a discerner (judge) of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The truth cuts that we may be found “without offense,” faultless, not led into sin or leading others into sin. This experience is to be gained before the door of mercy shuts. The light therefore purifies and cleanses that we may be a “glorious church without spot or wrinkle” before the Lord at His coming.

The light of truth, sanctifying the life, will discover to the receiver the sinful passions in his heart, which are striving for the mastery, making it necessary for him to stretch every nerve and exert all His powers to resist Satan, that he may conquer through the merits of Christ. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 286

Christ commands His followers to walk in the light. Walking means moving onward, exerting ourselves, exercising our ability, being actively engaged. Unless we exercise ourselves in the good work to which our Saviour has called us, and feel the importance of personal effort in this work, we shall have a sickly, stunted religion. We gain new victories by our experience in working. WE GAIN ACTIVITY AND STRENGTH BY WALKING IN THE LIGHT, THAT WE MAY HAVE ENERGY TO RUN THE WAY OF GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 436

Jesus says, “walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” Gather up every ray, pass not one by. Walk in the light. Practice every precept of truth presented to you. Live by every word that procedeeth out of the mouth of God, and you will then follow Jesus wherever He goeth. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 477 (2)

To us upon whom the ends of the world are come, God has reserved special light which streams down from the Holy of Holies. May we pray the prayer of the psalmist, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles.” Psalm 43:3. Moreover, as we come to the hill of the Lord, our steps shall be “ordered in Thy word” then “iniquity” shall not have dominion over me (See, Psalm 119:133). 

The true Light that lighteth every man that comes into the world brings us to the following experience:

The life we live is to be one of continual repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we may be constantly victorious.

When we have true humility we have victory. The enemy never can take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlighting the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ Jesus! SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 959

How can it be that continual repentance is part of continual victory? It is through walking in the light that new areas of duty and hidden things are discovered. If we, in submission, confess our wrongs, asking for strength, we are not weakened thereby. For the repentance here spoken of is not one of a cycle of continued sin and repentance, but is having unseen sins revealed, and in humility, putting them away. For the true experience is outlined in the following statement. “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” Steps to Christ, p. 23

The second area of repentance, which is to be the special experience of those who live in these last days, was prophesied by Zechariah.

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10.

By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. Desire of Ages, p. 300

It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely. Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 159, 160

At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160

Does this mean that at every advanced step we are still sinning and repenting in an endless cycle with no victory? No! For repentance is “a resolute turning from evil.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 557. This deepening repentance is a fuller understanding “of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God.” Education, p. 263. “A true sense of repentance before God does not hold us in bondage, causing us to feel like persons in a funeral procession. We are to be cheerful, not sorrowful. But all the time we are to be sorry that after Christ has given His precious life for us, we gave so many years of our life to the powers of darkness.” SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 960. As this experience widens and grows, our mourning in repentance will continue and deepen and will be a means of bringing us to a deeper hatred of sin. It is part of that “spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” spoken of in Isaiah 4:4. When we love nothing but God and what He loves and hate nothing but sin, God will be able to finish the work in righteousness. 

It is the spirit of heaven to give. As we partake of this spirit, we find that our own souls are strengthened. In making God’s work our own by a daily experience, we shall find ourselves too busy to sin. We shall find ourselves more often in the word of God, more often involved in intercessory prayer for the needs of others. This experience draws us away from the lowlands of earth to the courts above, and makes us partakers of the sufferings of Christ as we enter into fellowship with God for this fallen world.

Blessed are they also who weep with Jesus in sympathy with the world’s sorrow and in sorrow for its sin. In such mourning there is intermingled no thought of self. Jesus was the Man of Sorrows, enduring heart anguish such as no language can portray. His spirit was torn and bruised by the transgressions of men. He toiled with self-consuming zeal to relieve the wants and woes of humanity, and His heart was heavy with sorrow as He saw multitudes refuse to come to Him that they might have life. All who are followers of Christ will share in this experience. Mount of Blessing, pp. 12, 13

And what will result in entering into such an experience as this? “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” 1 Peter 4:1

Growing in Grace

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

We become overcomers by helping others to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The keeping of the commandments of God will yield in us an obedient spirit, and the service that is the offspring of such a spirit, God can accept. SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 974

THE ONLY WAY TO GROW IN GRACE is to be interestedly doing the very work Christ has enjoined upon us to do,—interestedly engaged to the very extent of our ability to be helping and blessing those who need the help we can give them. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN GROW IN GRACE AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST. Christians who are constantly growing in earnestness, in zeal, in fervor, in love,—such Christians never backslide. They are becoming more closely identified with the Saviour in all His plans. They are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their wisdom is increasing their ability how to work. They seem to comprehend the largest plans. They are ready to engage in the most stirring enterprises, and they have no room for slothfulness; they cannot find a place for stagnation. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 143 (3)

The work of the apostles of Christ was to educate and train men and women to publish the good tidings of the crucified and risen Saviour. Every soul converted to the gospel felt under solemn obligation to the Lord Jesus, to teach others the way of salvation. THIS IS THE SPIRIT THAT SHOULD ANIMATE US; BUT THERE IS A MARKED INDIFFERENCE UPON THIS POINT IN OUR CHURCHES, AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY THERE IS NOT MORE SPIRITUALITY AND VIGOR IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE. If you would go to work as Christ designed that His disciples should, and win souls to the truth, you would feel the need of a deeper experience and greater knowledge in divine things, and would hunger and thirst after righteousness. You would plead with God, and your faith would be strengthened, and your soul would drink deeper draughts at the well of salvation. Encountering opposition and trials would drive you to the Bible and to prayer, and then you would go forth as laborers together with God, to open the Scriptures to the people. You would grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth, and your experience would be rich and fragrant. Upon every converted soul rests the responsibility of laboring for the salvation of men. It is your privilege to visit your neighbors and become light-bearers to your community. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 193 (2). 
 

There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall become acquainted with his devices. Great Controversy, p. 516

With this warning before us, let us give heed to the words of inspiration to see how Satan would seek to divert us from the life of victory, setting before us stones of stumbling. We are to recognize these stones of stumbling that come upon our pathway and, by the grace of God, we are to “gather out the stones” and “lift up a standard for the people,” so that God may call us “the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord,” “that He might be glorified.” (See Isaiah 62:10, 12; 61:3; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7. p. 239)

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD, LIFE’S CARES AND PERPLEXITIES AND SORROWS, THE FAULTS OF OTHERS, OR YOUR OWN FAULTS AND IMPERFECTIONS—to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. Steps to Christ, pp. 71, 72

Satan does not want anyone to see the necessity of an entire surrender to God. When the soul fails to make this surrender, sin is not forsaken; the appetites and passions are striving for the mastery; temptations confuse the conscience so that true conversion does not take place. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 92

What is our condition if we do not make the full surrender to Christ? Are we still Christians? “Half-and-half service places the human agent on the side of the enemy as a successful ally of the hosts of darkness.” Mount of Blessing, p. 94

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. Desire of Ages, p. 311

The law of beholding is the law of becoming what we think upon. If we would believe faith, talk faith, and live faith, we would mourn for sin, not excuse it. And if excuses make Satan happy, what must these excuses do to our Lord, who has offered us salvation and grace full and complete?

Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His Word. But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely. Desire of Ages, p. 382

The church of Christ may be fitly compared to an army. The life of every soldier is one of toil, hardship, and danger. On every hand are vigilant foes, led on by the prince of the powers of darkness, who never slumbers and never deserts his post. Whenever a Christian is off his guard, this powerful adversary makes a sudden and violent attack.

Unless the members of the church are active and vigilant, they will be overcome by his devices. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 394

This is why we are given the admonition to “pray without ceasing.” If we are constantly dwelling upon God, we shall ever be ready for Satan’s attacks. Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world. Great Controversy, p. 508

Satan is too smart to present the allurements of the world all at once. He seeks little by little to cause us to lower our standards. We must recognize that one standard lowered, one principle compromised, may start a train of compromise that is calculated to separate us from God, and which will lead to a false hope represented in Scripture as a Christian who builds his house upon the sand. (See Matthew 7:26, 27).

SATAN INVENTS UNNUMBERED SCHEMES TO OCCUPY OUR MINDS, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth. Great Controversy, p. 488

Beware of this danger. Anything, even good things that take our time and energy away from understanding this truth of the atonement and of Jesus power to save, is the devisings of the evil one. For “he knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth.”

Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. THEREFORE HE INVENTS EVERY POSSIBLE DEVICE TO ENGROSS THE MIND. Great Controversy, p. 519

This is the reason there is such a lack of understanding among us as a people in regard to the Christian experience. As our lives and minds are taken up by the multitude of cares, eternal realities lose their significance, and we float along with the world satisfied with a false hope.

My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually and let them crowd out worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie down and when you rise up, let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure. Early Writings, p. 58 

By God’s grace, I have sought to outline the “Waymarks of Salvation,” the “work of overcoming” which is to be “the study of every soul who enters the kingdom of God.” Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 70. While divided into sections, these principles are in reality a divine whole, all part of the true “born again” experience. However, that we may be left without excuse before God, let us see why we may find ourselves failing, and then “looking unto Jesus” put away the sins that “so easily beset us.”

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things, and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Great Controversy, p. 600

IT IS BECAUSE SELFISHNESS EXISTS IN OUR HEARTS THAT TEMPTATION HAS POWER OVER US. Mount of Blessing, p. 118

Many never attain to the position that they might occupy, BECAUSE THEY WAIT FOR GOD TO DO FOR THEM THAT WHICH HE HAS GIVEN THEM POWER TO DO FOR THEMSELVES. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 248

Why is it that our youth, and even those of maturer years, are so easily led into temptation and sin? It is because the word of God is not studied and meditated upon as it should be. If it were appreciated, there would be an inward rectitude, a strength of spirit, that would resist the temptations of Satan to do evil. A firm, decided will-power is not brought into the life and character because the sacred instruction of God is not made the study, and the subject of meditation. There is not the effort put forth that there should be to associate the mind with pure, holy thoughts and to divert it from what is impure and untrue. There is not the choosing of the better part, the sitting at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn the most sacred lessons of the divine Teacher, that they may be laid up in the heart, and practiced in the daily life. Meditation upon holy things will elevate and refine the
mind, and will develop Christian ladies and gentleman. Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 132

There never was a time when it was so important that followers of Christ should study the Bible as now. Deceptive influences are upon all sides, and it is essential that you counsel with Jesus, your best friend…. David declares, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” How many are betrayed into sin, because they have not, through prayerful study of the word of God, realized the sinfulness of sin, and found out how they may steadfastly resist it. When temptation comes upon them, they seem to be off guard, and ignorant of the devices of the enemy. WE ARE LIVING IN PERILOUS TIMES, AND AS WE DRAW NEAR THE CLOSE OF EARTH’S HISTORY, THERE WILL BE NO SAFETY FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 190 or Youth’s Instructor, May 18, 1893

 The means is provided, and no one will have any excuse for sin. If you fail of overcoming, there are reasons for this. Ye will not obey God’s revealed will; ye will not pray; ye will not strive; ye will not fight evil habits and unholy thoughts. Are ye stronger than God? Can ye, dare ye, contend with the Eternal? If you are not proof against God’s judgments, proof against His vengeance, then go on no longer in your evil ways. Arise and make a stand against Satan. Be doing something and do it now. Repent now, confess, forsake. A day of fire and storm is about to burst on our world. Conform your life to the simple prescriptions of the word of God. Seek the aid of God’s Spirit by prayer, by watching thereunto, and ye will come off more than conquerors through Him who hath loved us. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 455, 456

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. THE IMPOSSIBILITY LIES IN YOUR OWN WILL. IF YOU WILL NOT, THEN YOU CANNOT OVERCOME. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 331

THE MORAL POWERS ARE WEAKENED BECAUSE MEN AND WOMEN WILL NOT LIVE IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LAWS OF HEALTH, and make this great subject a personal duty. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 140

The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to God’s will. These have no conflicts with self. There are others who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it. Acts of the Apostles, p. 565

The uncertain experience of many professed Christians—sinning and repenting and continuing in the same dwarfed spiritual condition—IS THE RESULT OF WORLDLINESS AND UNHOLINESS OF LIFE. The Upward Look, p. 22 

Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness—sin in all its forms—must be overcome if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is that they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 231

There are conscientious souls that trust partly to God, and partly to themselves. They do not look to God, to be kept by His power, but depend upon watchfulness against temptation, and the performance of certain duties for acceptance with Him. There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the feet of Jesus. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 353

Our Heavenly Father measures and weighs every trial before He permits it to come upon the believer. He considers the circumstances and the strength of the one who is to stand under the proving and test of God, and He never permits the temptations to be greater than the capacity of resistance. If the soul is overborne, the person overpowered, this can never be charged to God as failing to give strength in grace, BUT THE ONE TEMPTED WAS NOT VIGILANT AND PRAYERFUL AND DID NOT APPROPRIATE BY FAITH THE PROVISIONS GOD HAD ABUNDANTLY IN STORE FOR HIM. Christ never failed a believer in His hour of combat. The believer must claim the promise and meet the foe in the name of the Lord, and he will not know anything like failure. 1888 Materials, vol. 2, p. 491

Christ has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. He says, “Walk even as I have walked.” Let us look to His example and gain courage and strength to overcome even as He did.

1. Christ:

God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. And how is this accomplished? CHRIST HAS SHOWN US. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. Desire of Ages, p. 123

The Believer:

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—the power of the WORD. Desire of Ages, p. 258

2. Christ:

With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation. Often when sharp, stinging words were spoken, often when the atmosphere about Him was heavy with gloom, with dissatisfaction, distrust, or oppressive fear, was heard His song of faith and holy cheer. Education, p. 166

The Believer:

Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. WHEN TEMPTED, INSTEAD OF GIVING UTTERANCE TO OUR FEELINGS, LET US BY FAITH LIFT UP A SONG OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD. Ministry of Healing, p. 254 

3. Christ:

“The prince of this world cometh,” said Jesus, “and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry…. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; HE WAS FITTED FOR THE CONFLICT BY THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Desire of Ages, p. 123

The Believer:

Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the Divine nature. CHRIST HAS GIVEN HIS SPIRIT AS A DIVINE POWER TO OVERCOME ALL HEREDITARY AND CULTIVATED TENDENCIES TO EVIL, and to impress His own character upon His church. Desire of Ages, p. 671

4. Christ:

“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. Desire of Ages, p. 679

Christ proved that it is possible for man to lay hold by faith on the power of God. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 224

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him.… By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey.... By faith, Christ was victor. Desire of Ages, p. 756

The Believer:

Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. Education, p. 257

Today Satan presents the same temptations that he presented to Christ, offering us the kingdoms of the world in return for our allegiance. But upon him who looks to Jesus as the author and finisher of his faith, Satan’s temptations have no power. He cannot cause to sin the one who will accept by faith the virtues of Him who was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 224

5. Christ:

For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. John 6:38

The Believer:

By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus THROUGH CONSTANT SURRENDER to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith. Steps to Christ, p. 48. (See Temperance, p. 113). 

6. Christ:

Jesus rested upon the wisdom and strength of His heavenly Father. He declares, “The Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded:…and I know that I shall not be ashamed… Behold, the Lord will help Me.” Pointing to His own example, He says to us, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord,…that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” Isaiah 50:7–10. Desire of Ages, p. 123

The Believer:

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Through faith in these promises every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin. Desire of Ages, p. 258 

7. Christ:

As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin, Jesus endured struggles, and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort and joy. Desire of Ages, p. 363 

The Believer:

Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. Acts of the Apostles, p. 564

We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 99

Christ—Believer
1. Word— Word
2. Song— Song
3. Holy Spirit— Holy Spirit
4. Faith— Faith
5. Surrender— Surrender
6. Promises— Promises
7. Prayer— Prayer

In the outline above, we can see that the believer has available to him the same opportunities as Christ had. We have the privilege to accept and practice these eternal principles of strength. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, “MUCH MORE, being reconciled, WE SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE.” Romans 5:10. We are to lay hold by FAITH upon the WORD. With the WORD upon our mind, and in SONG making melody in hearts unto God, our spirits dwell in heavenly places with Christ. Surrendering our WILL to the words and counsels of Scripture, we are strengthened by the HOLY SPIRIT who with our consent uses the Scriptures to expel sin from the soul. By FAITH, we cling to the PROMISES of victory and perfection of character. This is the life of Christ; “how thankful ought we to be for the gift of Christ’s example.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 224
 

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE THE SURRENDER NOW? You are to put away your sin right now when you see it.… Do not make leeway [that] you are going to overcome by degrees; you are going to try little by little to give up sin. Now, while it is called today, heed the invitation and harden not your hearts.

Oh, my soul, why not leave the cursed thing today? Sin crucified my Lord. Why not turn from it with loathing? Why not love the things that Christ loved, and hate the things that Christ hated? HE HAS MADE PROVISION AMPLE ENOUGH FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN, THROUGH HIM, BE MORE, YEA, MORE THAN OVERCOMERS. The Upward Look, p. 283

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” WE CAN OVERCOME. YES; FULLY, ENTIRELY. JESUS DIED TO MAKE A WAY OF ESCAPE FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT OVERCOME EVERY EVIL TEMPER, EVERY SIN, EVERY TEMPTATION, AND SIT DOWN AT LAST WITH HIM. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 144

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him, My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Corinthians 12:9. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30. LET NONE, THEN, REGARD THEIR DEFECTS AS INCURABLE. GOD WILL GIVE FAITH AND GRACE TO OVERCOME THEM. Great Controversy, p. 489

Through all ages and in every nation those that believe that Jesus can and will save them personally from sin, are the elect and chosen of God, they are His peculiar treasure. They obey His call, and come out of the world and separate themselves from every unclean thought and unholy practice. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 69 (1)

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24, 25