Conversion & Righteousness by Faith

CONVERSION &
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17
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Table of Contents
CONVERSION & RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH............................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................................. ii
Purpose of God in the Creation of Man....................................................................................................................... 1
Supplement ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
The Hope of Glory (What happened to man)........................................................................................................... 9
Supplement ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
What Is Righteousness? .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Defining Righteousness .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Truth and the Word ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Light and Love ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Glory and Righteousness ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Life and Righteousness ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Jesus our Righteousness ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Righteousness obtained by faith ............................................................................................................................ 24
The Fall of Man ................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Before Fall ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26
After Fall ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Higher Power and Lower Power ............................................................................................................................ 27
Conversion supplement ............................................................................................................................................. 28
The Mind of Man ................................................................................................................................................................ 30
The Transformation of the Mind ............................................................................................................................ 30
Habits ................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
The Plan of Salvation ....................................................................................................................................................... 33
The Science of Faith.......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Characteristics of Faith............................................................................................................................................... 38
Faith and Love ................................................................................................................................................................ 39
Faith and Trust............................................................................................................................................................... 39
Faith is a Gift ................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Faith and Salvation....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Faith and Self-Surrender ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Faith and Feelings......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Invitation and Repentance ............................................................................................................................................ 45
Faith and Repentance ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Repentance as a Gift..................................................................................................................................................... 45
Repentance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Repentance and Salvation ......................................................................................................................................... 47
Repentance and Sin...................................................................................................................................................... 48
Romans 6 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Conversion ....................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Qualifications to enter into the kingdom of God .............................................................................................. 51
Justification by Faith ........................................................................................................................................................ 58
Definition of Justification ........................................................................................................................................... 58
Other words connected to “Justify” ....................................................................................................................... 58
Conditions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Remission of Sins supplement................................................................................................................................. 63
Sanctification by Faith ..................................................................................................................................................... 65
Definition of Sanctification ....................................................................................................................................... 65
True Sanctification ....................................................................................................................................................... 69
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Sanctification Not Based on Feelings.................................................................................................................... 69
Sanctification as a Life-Time .................................................................................................................................... 70
Justification & the Blotting Out of Sin ....................................................................................................................... 71
Romans 7 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Romans 8 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 81
Victory Over Sin ................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Promises ........................................................................................................................................................................... 87
What If I Sin? ....................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Mistakes ............................................................................................................................................................................ 89
Human Nature of Christ.................................................................................................................................................. 93
Fallen Human Nature .................................................................................................................................................. 94
The Only and the First Begotten .............................................................................................................................. 100
Original Sin and the Faith of Jesus........................................................................................................................... 104
Original Sin ................................................................................................................................................................... 104
What is the faith of Jesus?....................................................................................................................................... 104
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Purpose of God in the Creation of Man
God's purpose for the earth:
AH 540 God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal abode
of the redeemed. "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever." The time has come
to which holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first pair from Eden-
-the time for "the redemption of the purchased possession." The earth originally given to man as
his kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been
brought back by the great plan of redemption….All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by
the second. The prophet says, "O Tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto
Thee shall it come, even the first dominion." And Paul points forward to the "redemption of the
purchased possession. God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. That purpose will
be fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the
eternal home of the redeemed.
ED 173 In the creation it was His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings whose existence
should be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will
may identify themselves with this purpose.
This quote sums up why God created the earth:
1. It was to be the kingdom of man.

2. It was to be the eternal home of holy, happy beings.
It also shows in order for that purpose to be fulfilled man must be renewed through the power of
God, and freed from sin. From here you can cross reference to what is the power of God in the Bible.
Before we can talk about righteousness by faith we need to talk about the reason why man exist.
Why did God create man, what is the purpose of creation. First of all, how did God crate all things?
He spoke…
Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of
his mouth.
So from this text what is clear about creation? All things were made by His Word. That’s pretty
incredible. If we say let there be light, or birds, or anything else, what happens? Nothing, our word
is nothing. We have to prove our words when we speak, but God doesn’t have to, He speaks and the
Words prove themselves, so here you need to understand, that is the big difference. So God creates
all thing, mountain stars, trees and flowers. Everything was created by the Word of God.
As we study this topic we will learn that Righteousness by Faith has a lot to do with creation and re-
creation. Whenever you give a Bible study try to always, mention the principle of things, the very
beginning, when you tell a story some people say “well I don’t know where to start” people
normally tell you to start from the beginning. From the beginning of the story go step by step, step
1, step 2, step 3. So the very beginning is the creation of man.
Matt 12:34 …out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh
In other words whatever you have in your heart, what happens? The mouth speaketh. This is a very
important principle and you can’t forget this. Your words are the expression of your heart, and your
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heart is your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, never forget this. So when you speak you express
your thoughts and feelings. Your character is made up of your thoughts and your feelings says Ellen
G White. Your words express character or your thoughts and feelings. So words express character.
So God created all things by His word, now do you think God’s words express His character? Yes,
God’s words also express His character. Because all things were created by God's Word, then all of
creation should express God's Character, isn’t that right? Now when you look at a flower how do
you feel? You feel peaceful, something beautiful, that tells you that God is peaceful and that God is
beautiful, when you look at a flower do you feel angry? No Gods creation reveals His character.
What about when you look at a mountain, or a blue ocean, stars, green trees, animals. We must
remember that the creation today is imperfect because of sin. However what you see is still
beautiful and it reveals God’s character. Do you think that even non-Christians can understand this?
When Non-Christians look at flowers, what do they think, and how do you think they feel? So we see
thoughts and feelings also. Do these creations have a message from God? Yes, they reveal God's
power, glory, majesty, character, Name, love. When is the last time you have looked at a butterfly,
how unique and beautiful, they are, you can even see incredible things in cockroaches. We may not
know why they exist, but there has to be a purpose, there is another aspect seen in the cockroaches.
God's character is an infinite character, you have to spend eternity to know everything about God’s
character, so every creation shows something unique about God’s character. Flowers may emphasis
God’s peace and beauty, mountains show God’s strength and power, and oceans show the vastness
the greatness of God, and stars may show the wisdom of God. Everything testifies of God.
Some people say that we are seeking for God, as though He is hiding from us, but did you know that
reality God is seeking after us. God is always trying to reveal Himself to you. How far can you escape
from nature, nature is always speaking to us, unless you live in the center of a city. So God is always
trying to tell you about Himself, even in a tiny blade of grass, like how they come out of the cracks of
cement, and then a flower is formed. Another example is when you want to plant something, like
tomatoes but you don’t have any. A compose pile, where remnants of spoiled food are kept, can
even produce plants, so even out of death there is life. God is always trying to tell us that He can
create beautiful things out of garbage. Pagan religions teach that you have to seek after God because
He is running away from you, for example in a Buddhist temple. Those who come to temple when
giving offerings, have to throw the money into the collection plate to wake Buddhi up. We don’t
serve God like this, and the reason I am explaining it like this, is because we have to know how to
explain this concept of God to non-Adventists, non-Christians. They need to understand that God is
trying to reveal Himself, and that His main message is His character.
Now let’s ask a question. God’s character is infinite right? If God were to reveal Himself through
creation, how much more or how long does he have to create? If God were to reveal Himself only
through creation, how long would He take? For eternity, God would have to continually create to
reveal His infinite character. However, instead, God created man. Instead of God just choosing to
reveal Himself through nature, in a better way God created man. Why did He do this? Because God
can reveal Himself through man, now let’s study this topic of man. This is the kind of text to use
when talking to non-Adventist, because it asks the question for you.
Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
“what is man” – That’s many people’s question. The answer is given in the very next text.
Ps 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and
honour.
God made man a little lower than the angels, but notice the marginal reference. In Hebrew 2
it gives the same text that we just read.
Heb 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour,
and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
That word "lower" means "while inferior to." What does that mean. If I say “I will be here for
awhile.” Am I going to be there forever? No. So when the Bible says God made man a little lower
than angels, it means that we will be lower than the angels only for awhile. God made man lower
than the angels for a while. So after a short time is over, man will go up higher than the angels.
You think Lucifer knew about this. Do you think that Lucifer was perhaps jealous of man? Now
concepts like these are pretty deep for non-Adventist, you may share these to Adventist people,
who are familiar with Ellen White who supports this idea. However with non-Adventist, be careful
to explain this concept Biblically. You may go into this depth, but Adventist people especially need
to understand this. We were made for a special reason. We can go up higher than the angels. So
Satan things that through sin and temptation that He could destroy the purpose of God in the
creation of man, but through redemption, through the death of Jesus, Jesus new plan is even greater
then His original purpose and we still study about that later. So Satan is thinking that through sin
he can bring down man a little lower, but yet through Christ we can become even higher than
before, even better then Adam and Eve before they sinned, its an incredible idea. This is the
foundation, so you must understand this concept.
Is 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed
him; yea, I have made him.
So tell me from the Bible. Many times I ask this question. BSM: Always try to have the audience
answer back to you from their Bible. So say tell me from your Bible, why did God create man? God
created man for His Glory. Now what is the meaning of God’s glory? His character, we know this
from the following verse. Can you see that all these verses are kind of linked together it tells a story
as we go, this is one of styles you can use when you give a Bible study, every text explains the
previous text before, they are all linked. Sometimes when we give Bible study the texts may seems
scattered, but one of the ways to give Bible studies is to link the text together, so that the study
flows, and the person can follow you.
Ex 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
Many people think that glory just refers to light. Moses ask for God’s glory to be shown, but the
deeper meaning is His character.
Ex 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of
the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom
I will shew mercy.
So the very first thing that is mentioned is God’s goodness, then the name, grace and mercy. So what
is God's glory? Goodness, Name, grace, mercy or in two words…God's character, and more
explanation is given about the character of God in the following verses.
Ex 34:6, 7 [6] And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God,
merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] Keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third
and to the fourth generation.
"visiting the iniquity" - judgment of God.
This is God’s character. Now don’t get confused by the phrase “visiting the iniquity.” That means,
God created you to reflect His character goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment,
justice, all put together this is God’s character. The Bible says that God created us for His glory, and
what is His glory, its His character. That means that these are the things that we should possess as
men and women, God’s goodness, mercy, grace, longsuffering patience, judgment. This was God’s
original plan, God made man to reflect His character. Now you may ask, what’s the difference, then
between man, and plants, since they both can reflect God’s character. A flower can reflect God's
character, but it is limited. Stars cannot show what flower can show. Mountain cannot show what a
little butterfly can show. There all different, God is fun in terms of variety and diversity, but what
about man? All these other things reflect God’s character but are limited. But man can reflect God's
character, and man can reflect God's character MORE. Man has this capability of development. We
can grow, we can receive and reflect more. We are the CONTINUAL creation of God, and we
continue to grow into the “stature of the fullness of Christ” Eph 4:13. It was God’s plan that man
should not die. Do you think that we would some day become equal to God? Perhaps after 300
million years, but its not possible, because in order to reflect God’s character fully, you have infinity,
to be equal with Him. So all other ` can see Gods character unfolding in the life of man. This is how
we become the continual creation of God so to speak, the continual reflection of God’s character,
this was the reason God created man. This development, this ability to develop, is God making us in
the image of Himself.
1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after
that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
"eternal glory" – What kind of glory? Eternal glory. That is the reason why God made us. Do you
sometimes feel like your potential is so little? You try to keep up with the world but you can’t make
it? Have you felt that way before? When God sees you He you with an infinite potential that you can
become so much better. This is our great hope, how powerful, this is why we are very special in the
eyes of God. All that I am sharing with you, you can read it in the book of Education chapter 1. Now
let’s go a little deeper.
God made man physically, mentally and spiritually in the image of God. For six days God created all
things by His what? By His word. God said let there be light, birds, fruit trees, animals, and they
were all so. Did God say let there be man and there was man? No, God spoke and all was created.
Why didn’t God just speak Adam and Eve into existence, this is a point that you need to explain. It
doesn’t matter if they are atheist, deist, it doesn’t matter who they are. But when you share this
aspect, this special aspect of the creation of man, they are all interested. It’s interesting to them, God
created all things by His Word, and then when it comes to man, God formed man, but why? Do I
make you wonder why as I explain? A couple of things are being done right now, convincing you,
convicting you, and teaching you and teaching you how to teach others. You have to present in such
a way that makes them think. Why did God create man like that, so how did create man? He formed
man out of dust; now let them say Gen. 2:7, let them read it, then ask a simple and logical question.
Is it easy to form something out of the dust? No, so what do you have to do? You have to have a lot
of form, that’s the word the Bible used, so you have the idea that God made man by touching a lot,
you have to touch dust to make it form. Then ask the person what does it mean in this world, when
we touch someone? Of course there are many wrong ways, but in the pure sense, it means we care
about them and we love them. So God made man with love, now like in distance with a command
from God like when he created day 1 through 5, but personally, even evolutionist will understand
this. God came down on earth and touched man, we are not like other creations, you must get the
people to think, so hands are involved. Next God breathed into man, where? In the nostrils, why did
God breath into man? We know that animals have the breath of God, but we have no picture or text
that tells us this. However the Bible says that God breathed into Adam’s nostrils, now imagine this.
God standing far away from Adam and blowing air, and somehow it ends up in Adam’s nostrils?
What do you see, intimacy, you see God putting His lips right next to Adam’s mouth and breathing
into Him. So you see that God is very close God made man to be very close to Him. Do you know why
many people are sad and depressed? Because they lost the character of God, there not close to God,
and they are not being touched by God. That’s why many people are unhappy, and they don’t know
this, that why they think they need more money, more clothes, entertainment, have a boyfriend or
girlfriend to be more happy. Whenever to you think that you need something else to be happy, that
happiness is counterfeit. When you have to have things to be happy or another person, that
happiness isn’t true its not real happiness. True happiness is what God put in you. God's presence
within you, but the concept is even deeper than this.
God breathed into man the breath of life or the breath of God. We can also says God breathed into
man the life of God. That He actually gave part of Himself to us. Not that we are God, but we are
connected to Him by His breath. But why His breath? Because we can’t live without His breath. God
wants you to feel that as much as you cannot live without air, you can't live without God. Try to hold
your breath for five minutes, how do you feel. How do you feel when your out of breath, for example
when your swimming. That's how much God wants you to depend on Him, if we are without breath
we have no life.
But today many people walk, live, work, then dead. They are so used to not breathing and they think
they are surviving but actually they are dead. I’m sure you heard the creation story before but what
about breathing, what am I bringing out. God made man in the image of God, in the character of God,
but much more than that, God made man with intimacy, relationship and love people need to
understand that.
In this world, there are so many topics that people like to talk about. But there is one topic that
always out wins all others, and that is LOVE! You can see it in entertainment in movies, in stories,
everywhere because everyone is looking for love, even if you are new ageagan, Christian, wiccan.
Even if you say you aren't looking for love, you really are, because you are made that way. So do you
have something to offer anyone? Yes, you can love them. So does it all make sense? So what is
righteousness by faith? Breaking it down in a practical way, righteousness means love.
Righteousness means love. Love by faith.
Now let’s go a little deeper. How did God create woman? Think about this, this is very interesting.
You know what God did to Adam? God asked Adam to name all the animals. When Adam opened his
eyes he saw the flowers, fruit trees, all the different mammals roaming the earth, no mosquitoes to
catch, and then God tells Adam to name the names. Then Adam proceeds, giraffe, elephant, etc....,but
he noticed that they all were in pairs, the lions female and male, or the cows, Adam noticed the
pairs, two. Do you think that God purposely made Adam to feel a need for companionship for what?
The reason that God made Eve is to make the love experience complete in man, because love is two
ways, not one way. Some people say they can live without the opposite sex, so do you understand?
The Baptist, Methodist, or anyone else can understand this. To make the love to be complete. It is a
two way love. But what causes the world to be like it is? Its in the home, when families don’t have
God in their homes. So this is the purpose of God in the creation of man, but more than that. God
created Eve out of Adam's rib. What’s interesting is that when God created from day 1 through 5
everything was declared as good, but on day 6 God says that it’s not “good” for man to be alone. To
make that good God created woman, why? What’s very good? Love and character, and after the
creation in six does God says that it is very good. So its good the first through the sixth, but it wasn’t
very good until God created man, so you can tell someone, it wasn’t “very” good until God created
you, “you are very good because God created you.”
The first man Adam was very taller perhaps 15 feet high, you can imagine his stature, and his face
perfect, mind perhaps like a computer, reading a book and then re writing it. There pure mind and
joy to do God’s will and happiness to do His bidding. But what happened, how come we are so short,
so week, are faces aren’t symmetrical, why are we unhappy when we have to do God’s will, why do
we feel no joy in the presence of God why? We are going to answer this in the next chapter, but do
you understand the very first step? This is the principle of things. Do try to reorganize this. This is
why I am sharing this with you so you can digest it and share with others. This is something that
you can share with others at anytime.
Supplement
God created all things by His Word.
his mouth.
God creates all things by His word. God created man with His hands
Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living soul.
God formed man with His own hands.
Gen 1:26-27 [26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the
earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his
own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Man created in the image of God. “Let us” Eloheeym plural. All 3 members have an image. A physical
body. Man created in the physical, mental, and moral (spiritual) image of God.
MENTAL REFLECTION
Gen 2:19 …to see what he would call them…
MORAL
Eccl 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many
inventions.
Man made upright (Ps 25:8 upright is the Lord).
Ps 104:2 God covered with light. Must follow that man was covered with light.
Prov 6:23 ….the law [is] light….
Light – Shows that they were completely in harmony with the law of God.
PP 45 The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and
glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued
to enshroud them.
Ps 8:4-5 [4] What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[5] For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and
honour.
Crowing act
Is 43:7 …for I have created him for my character…
Other creatures are limited in their progression, but man can grow more and more without ceasing.
EGW
SC 10 Nature imperfectly represents God’s love Through the things of nature, and the deepest and
tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet these
but imperfectly represent His love.
SC 17 Powers of the mind Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind.
He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But
through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love.
ED 15 The Longer Adam lived the more he would reflect – “When Adam came from the Creator's hand,
he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to his Maker. "God created man in His
own image" (Genesis 1:27), and it was His purpose that the longer man lived the more fully he
should reveal this image--the more fully reflect the glory of the Creator. All his faculties were
capable of development; their capacity and vigor were continually to increase… Had he remained
loyal to God, all this would have been his forever. Throughout eternal ages he would have continued
to gain new treasures of knowledge, to discover fresh springs of happiness, and to obtain clearer and
yet clearer conceptions of the wisdom, the power, and the love of God. More and more fully would he
have fulfilled the object of his creation, more and more fully have reflected the Creator's glory.
ED 16 (After the fall) Disobedience caused forfeit (of above) – “But by disobedience this was forfeited.
Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-nigh obliterated. Man's physical powers were
weakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject to
death. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation had
been devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring
him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and
soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized--this was to be the work of redemption.
Con 11 Adam’s mind was capable of continual expansion – “Adam could take in the grand idea that he
was created in the image of God, to be like Him in righteousness and holiness. His mind was capable
of continual cultivation, expansion, refinement, and noble elevation; for God was his teacher,
and angels were his companions.
Con 12 Mental powers little lower than the angels – “He had endowed Adam with powers of mind
superior to any other creature that He had made. His mental powers were but little lower than
those of the angels.
SC 21 Mental powers to extend through eternity – “Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that
Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost…Motives stronger…could never be brought into operation;
the exceeding rewards for right-doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the society of the angels, the
communion and love of God and His Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers
throughout eternal ages--are these not mighty incentives and encouragements to urge us to give
the heart's loving service to our Creator and Redeemer? Note: What are those powers? See SC 17 (b)
CT 55 Man to advance through ages -- To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body,
and spirit, not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect likeness of our Creator, and
through ceaseless ages to advance in wisdom, in knowledge, and in holiness, ever exploring new
fields of thought, ever finding new wonders and new glories, ever increasing in capacity to know and
to enjoy and to love, and knowing that there is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite--such
is the object to which the Christian's hope is pointing, for which Christian education is preparing.
CT 51 Advancement to continue -- Those who give heed to the instructions of the divine Teacher
constantly advance in wisdom, refinement, and nobility of soul, and thus they are prepared to enter
that higher school where advancement will continue throughout eternity.
The Hope of Glory (What happened to man)
Let’s continue with the topic we were studying. Let’s begin with a question, what happened to man?
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
We all know that glory means character of God and because of sin; the result is that we come short
of the glory of God. We lost the character of God because of sin. So there connection between the
purpose of God in the creation of man and the hope of glory, the gospel. The connection between
the character of God and the gospel is sin. Because of sin, men are not able to reflect God’s character
is because of sin. This conclusion has to very very clear. Sin is the main problem. Why? Because
people will give many reasons why they are not happy. People will tell you because they don’t have
a certain thing, they give you all kinds of excuses. But the reason man does not reflect God’s
character, is because of sin. It’s not because of their genetic traits from there parents. Sin is the main
problem, that why we don’t reflect God’s character. Now let’s go through some Bible text. This will
take us to the question, what is sin? People may give you a lot of definitions, but there is one simple
definition.
1 John 3:4 …sin is transgression of God’s law.
Breaking God’s law is sin, and sin causes us to come short. Notice the Bible says short but the
“short” is actually very long. So do you see the connection with being made in the image of God, but
because of sin or breaking God’s law, that we lost God’s glory? So that means to restore to the image
of God, there has to be some involvement of obedience to God’s law. If God is going to restore you
back to the image of God then is there obedience to God’s law? Yes. This is how you can bring in the
law of God and obedience concept. Many Christ are skeptical and look at you as a legalist, or a
fanatic if you only talk about the law or obedience. This may lead people to think religion is such a
heavy yoke, burdensome, that it’s just about obeying and not doing the wrong things. This is why
you have to give the reasons why God’s wants obedience. So what is the law of God?
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
So what are the characteristics of God’s law? It’s holy, just, and good, which are the similar
characteristics that God has. The law of God also reveals God’s character – holy, just and good. So it
makes sense the attributes of God’s character are in His law. So when we go against the law of God,
we are actually going against the character of God. People need to understand this, somehow people
try to separate obedience and love. That doesn’t make sense though, we can’t just love God, because
love is obedience (Gal 5:6-7). In the last days, Satan will emphasize love that denies obedience, this
is Satan’s new way of using spiritualism. We may go into detail a little later. So remember the
connection clearly, you have to see this. We are made in the image of the glory of God, but because
of sin we have fallen short of the glory of God. What is sin? Breaking God’s law what does the law
do? It reveals God’s character, which is His glory (Ex 33:18-21; 34:6-7). So then what is God’s plan?
God’s plan is very simple.
2 Thes 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
“gospel” means good news, or the plan of salvation. So God is “calling” or inviting you. The Bible
says Jesus was lifted up, to draw all men to Him. Jesus is calling us, we especially see this in
Revelation.
Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Jesus is inviting you and me. What is the purpose of God’s invitation? To obtain the glory of our
Lord Jesus Christ. So what is the purpose of the gospel? So that we may obtain the glory of our Lord
Jesus Christ, is in essence His character. So from the Bible what is the purpose of the gospel, that we
may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we know to mean the character of Jesus Christ.
Now Hindus have many gods, so if you introduce Christ to them they may consider Him to be
another God. How do you reach someone with that mentality? We must realize that human beings
have that problem, the character. Everyone in their daily lives face this one problem, of what their
character is like. Almost everyone can relate to the issue of character. This verse is saying the
purpose of the gospel is to help us attain the character of Jesus. Now lets study the name of Jesus.
Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his
people from their sins.
This verse tells us the meaning of the name Jesus, Saviour from our sin. So if Christ is going to save
us from our sin, the name of Jesus refers to being restored back to the image of God, the glory of
God. Now lets notice a description of Jesus in John 1:14.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as
of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
This concept: what Jesus did there this experience represents the name Immanuel, God with us.
Remember this: These 2 names have a direct connection to restoring us back to the image of God.
Jesus separates us from our sin so that He can dwell with us. So when you give a Bible study you
can begin with the name Jesus, not many people will go against the name Jesus, and many people
use the name “Jesus” so often.
If you go to a Sunday church and you say the name of Jesus people will say Amen. If you emphasize
that it is only by His name that we have power, salvation, grace and can be saved, everyone will get
excited, then ask what the name of Jesus mean? Some people will say Savior!!! You say that’s right,
but a Savior from what? What does the Bible say Jesus will save us from? The Bible says Jesus will
save us from sin, but what is sin? Its breaking God’s law, and the law reflects God’s character, but
what kind of character trait God’s love, then ask the people do you want to go against love? Ask “Do
you want to have true love?” They will say no, they cannot say no. So ask “Do you want to have true
love?” Everyone will raise their hand. Then say “Do you know that sin goes against true love?”
They will nod their head, and then ask if they are burdened with sin, and their heads will go down.
Then ask “but do you believe in the name of Jesus?” Then show them what the name of Jesus really
means in Matt. 1:21. Jesus is the Savior from sin, and the light will turn out, they may have heard the
verse before but you much bring this point home. They are shaken by the thought and light begins
to penetrate their mind, don’t just learn as you read, but be prepared to present this, all these text
are linked together. Jesus doesn’t save you alone but the Bible says that Jesus will be with us.
Why does Jesus want to dwell amongst us? What does the Bible say about that, let the Bible answer?
Be sure to emphasize the importance of going by the Word of God and not our opinions. The reason
is that we may behold His glory, His character. This joins the name Emmanuel and Jesus.
“grace and truth” – remember when Moses as God to show him His glory? God showed Moses His
goodness, Name, and His mercy, so the name of Emmanuel means to behold God’s glory or His
character. So can you see the name Emmanuel and Jesus, how they are closely locked. The reason I
am emphasizing this is because there are many Christian even in our church, that go to church
weekend after weekend but they don’t understand what it means to reflect God’s character.
Sometimes we come to church but at home we have lifestyles similar to devils, and we think we are
Christians, but we are really deceived by Satan, so we must let the Bible speak. So God’s purpose to
dwell with us is that we might behold Him. So what happens when you behold something? (all these
texts are connected to Jesus Christ). There is a change. People know these texts but when you put it
together the study becomes so powerful.
2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into
the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
By beholding we “are changed,” that’s the result beholding God’s glory. So if you aren’t changed
that means you aren’t beholding, if you aren’t beholding that means you aren’t experiencing the
name of Emmanuel. Then say can you be saved without Jesus or Emmanuel? They will say no, so we
better live with Emmanuel. The Bible is clear, we are changed into the same image of Jesus Christ,
from glory to glory. So notice the process of beholding God’s character, it’s from glory to glory.
“into the same image” – Notice the progress of reflecting God’s character. God’s character from
one stage to another, from glory to glory. So when you present things like these the Bible is revealed
to be a living book. We must read and also have an experience of what we are reading, we can’t just
go through the routine but we must understand the word of God. Now let’s go to 2 Cor. 4:6, now we
have made a full circle. When you know the Bible text you can go wherever God leads along they are
connected, you know how to present the message.
2 Cor 4:6 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.
Sometimes when you are giving a Bible study, you read the text and stop, and ask this question.
When did God shine light out of darkness? In the Creation, notice the first comma, It’s describing
the attribute of God.
“who” – it is describing what kind of God He is the Creator.
“the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” – God’s character is revealed in Jesus and we
have to behold that face. Why then did Paul mention “shined in our hearts?” The God who is the
Creator., shines into our heart is dark. This is saying that, the same power that God create the light,
with the same power He will shine into your heart. When God said let there be light, there was light.
Through Jesus Christ, He is speaking to your heart. When He says that, there will be a light there. It
is Restoration. Redeeming man back to God. It’s important to believe that God is the Creator
because only the Creator can recreate a new heart. So as you present this think of the other topics
that are similar. Leads to other messages: Sabbath message (because we are talking about the
Creator), Obedience, the Gospel, Forgiveness. Continuing.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
All these texts are connecting Jesus Christ with glory. When you present the message help the
people recognize that many people will cry Lord, Lord, but they will not enter into the Heavenly
Kingdom (Matt 7:21-23), because they do not possess the character of God, the image of God, that’s
the very important point here. Those who you know need to know these concepts. Can you see how
unlocking the word glory brings about many texts. So Christ has to be in you in order for you to
have hope for you to reflect His character. To invite Jesus into your heart means to reflect His
character – love patience, meekness, forgiving spirit, solemnity, happiness, this is what it means to
reflect God’s character. Let’s connect this with the first angel’s message.
Rev 14:6, 7 [6] And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
[7] Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:
and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
So in verse 6, an angel flying with everlasting gospel that means that there is only one gospel.
People call Adventist legalist because they keep the Sabbath but later on I will show how Sabbath
keeping will help you to reflect God’s character. And how keeping the Sabbath is actually will help
you to fulfill the new covenant experience. Most people know about the gospel. So what is the
gospel? Reflecting God’s character, We are called to reflect God’s character, and in the judgment, we
shall be judged by our character, by what kind of character we are presenting. So we are to live by
faith but we are judged by our character. Is it good enough to live by faith? Can we reflect God’s
character by living in faith? Yes, so if we live by faith, then we should not be so fearful about the
judgment of God. So really the judgment answer the question of whether you are living by faith or
not. So the faith concept comes into play, we will talk about that later in the chapter entitled “the
Science of Faith,” now I am giving you the overall picture, continuing.
“worship him that made” – pointing to creator again. Only the Creator can create a new heart.
We understand the interpretation of the mark of the beast but lets look at this more spiritually, the
3rd angels message, just the sound one thing is interesting it that later we will discover that if we
don’t reflect the character of God and have the image of God restored in us, we are no better than
beast ion this world, so you have to bring these things out. You have to talk about more than just the
Sabbath versus the wrong day of worship, but we should go further than just these two things.
Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power;
and the earth was lightened with his glory.
The very last message before the close of probation.
“earth was lightened with his glory” – Rev 12:1 talks about God’s church, it talks about woman
clothed with sun, moon and stars, notice they all these give light. The very last message is that we
are able to preach the message because we live according to the character of Jesus. You know how
important that is. Let’s go a little deeper.
Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven.
A good bible study helps everything make sense.
“let your light so shine before men” – This is a very popular text, this means to reflect God’s
character. Why? So that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So how do you give glory to God? We give glory to God when we let men see our good works. Some
think too much about doing good words, but not our works. We will get discouraged because we are
not capable of that, we can’t depend on ourselves, a carnal man cannot produce good works. So how
do we produce good works? That’s where faith comes in and the Grace of God. Please make it a
priority to understand this and share it, don’t just learn it.
Eph 2:8-9 [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
“gift of God” – so what is the gift of God? Grace is the gift of God received through faith to a person
not deserving. Grace is a gift of pardon to a sinner who deserves death. The character of God is
packaged into the grace we receive from God. It is a gift of character (when Moses asked God so see
His glory, God said He would show him Grace). This is the conclusion if you study the Bible
carefully, you will see that one of the purposes of the Bible is to restore the image of God in us. As
we study God’s word we should come to the conclusion that we need the image of God restored in
us. Notice what the Bible says, if it is a gift of God, then we have to receive it. Verse 9
“not of works” – So we are saved by grace and not by works
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should walk in them.
“created in Christ Jesus unto good works” – Remember Matt. 5:16
Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven.
Show good works. We show we have good works by Christ, when we are created in Christ Jesus for
good works, “recreation”, then the good works will come. We have to be in Jesus.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.
Definition of being in Christ. Glory, gospel, grace, all deal with restoring man back to the image of
God. That is the bottom line. God performs this miracle through the merits of Christ. You notice a
change in your actions after God has come into your life. Don’t you think this will bring power to
our churches? People will be able to see our hearts and contrast theirs. This will bring revival to all
who are diligently searching for the character of God. We may not feel that bad among Laodicea’s,
but someone who is truly converted presents a power that the common person does not have. It’s
not that your trying to put anyone down, but that God is revealing Himself through you. This is what
it means to give glory to God. We give glory to God by us showing man His character, by our
obedience. When you present this, underneath this must be presented the following: repentance,
forgiveness, confession, faith, dependence etc... Because it can only be received by faith, if you
present this wrong people may over emphasize their own merits instead of the power of God to
transform us. So you must teach them to exercise faith.
Supplement
NATURE OF MAN
Conscience Greek 4893 – The soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad,
prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.
Merriam Web - the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own
conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.
Amer HD - con·science (k¼n“sh…ns) n. 1.a. The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one's
conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong:
Note: Conscience prompts the conduct, what I’m about to do is it right or wrong?
Reason Heb 3198 – to prove, decide, convince; Greek 1260 to bring together different reasons,
revolve in one’s mind, deliberate.
American Heritage Dict - rea·son (r¶“z…n) n. 1. The basis or motive for an action, a decision, or a
conviction.An underlying fact or cause that provides logical sense for a premise or an occurrence: 1.
To use the faculty of reason; think logically.
Note: Reason brings together different ideas in order to sustain the conduct. Why do I want to do this?
It deals with the motive. The process of rationally thinking.
Judgment Heb 4941 – Decision
AHD - judg·ment (j¾j“m…nt) n. 1. The act or process of judging; the formation of an opinion after
consideration or deliberation. b. The capacity to form an opinion by distinguishing and evaluating
(discernment)
Note: Judgment is used to make the final decision. I will do this, whether right or wrong. You make the
decision.
Mind Change – From the Bible. Conscience, reason, and Judgment must be surrendered to God.
Is 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Reason together (God’s reason)
Job 13:3 …I desire to reason with God…
Is 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye
turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Conscience (walk ye in it)
1 Tim 1:19 …good conscience…
Heb 13:18 …good conscience…willing to live honestly…
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use
have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Discern between good and evil (judgment).
Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
Discern perverse things.
Ezek 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause
them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Discern between holy and profane.
Miscellaneous: Web 1828
Conscience = the faculty, power or principle within us, which decides on the lawfulness or
unlawfulness of our own actions and affections, and instantly approves or condemns
them…Conscience is first occupied in ascertaining our duty, before we proceed to action; then in
judging of our actions when performed.
Reason = The cause, ground, principle or motive of any thing said or done; that which supports or
justifies a determination, plan or measure.
Judgment = The act of judging; the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their
agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth; or the process of examining facts and
arguments, to ascertain propriety and justice;
In Scripture, the spirit of wisdom and prudence, enabling a person to discern right and wrong, good
and evil.
Give the king thy judgments, O God. Ps.72
Nature:
1.) The essence, essential qualities or attributes of a thing, which constitute it what it is; as the
nature of the soul; the nature of blood; the nature of a fluid; the nature of plants, or of a metal; the
nature of a circle or an angle. When we speak of the nature of man, we understand the
peculiar constitution of his body or mind, or the qualities of the species which distinguish
him from other animals. When we speak of the nature of a man, or an individual of the race, we
mean his particular qualities or constitution; either the peculiar temperament of his body, or the
affections of his mind, his natural appetites, passions, disposition or temper. So of irrational
animals.
Before Fall
Te 11 Adam's will was in harmony with God -- Adam was a noble being, with a powerful mind, a will
in harmony with the will of God, and affections that centered upon heaven.
AH 26 Adam was in the perfection of manhood - Adam was surrounded with everything his heart
could wish. Every want was supplied… Adam was in the perfection of manhood, the noblest of the
Creator's work. Not a shadow interposed between them and their Creator. They knew God as their
beneficent Father, and in all things their will was conformed to the will of God.
PP 45 Adam's appetites and passions were controlled -- His nature was in harmony with the will of
God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites
and passions were under the control of reason.
AG 344 Adam had no corrupt propensities - God made Adam after His own character, pure and
upright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities or
tendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne. (Read whole chapter)
1BC 1083 Adam's Fall Inexplainable.--In what consisted the strength of the assault made upon Adam,
which caused his fall? It was not indwelling sin; for God made Adam after His own character, pure
and upright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities or
tendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne.
Adam could have formed righteous character -- It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a
righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our
natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. SC 62
1 SM 279 Adam could have resisted Satan's temptations -- Christ knew that Adam in Eden, with his
superior advantages, might have withstood the temptations of Satan, and conquered him.
After Fall
Hosea 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me:
Psa 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Psa 141:4 Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that
work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties
Incline Heb 5186 = turn, pervert, incline, bend (see dict definition for propensity)
1SM 279 Adam couldn't resist after fall -- He also knew that it was not possible for man, out of Eden,
separated from the light and love of God since the Fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his own
strength.
5T 294 Man cannot resist evil - Man is Satan's captive and is naturally inclined to follow his
suggestions and do his bidding. He has in himself no power to oppose effectual resistance to
evil. It is only as Christ abides in him by living faith, influencing his desires and strengthening him
with strength from above, that man may venture to face so terrible a foe. Every other means of
defense is utterly vain. It is only through Christ that Satan's power is limited. This is a momentous
truth that all should understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and down
in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of faith will baffle his strongest
efforts. Then take "the shield of faith," brethren, "wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked."
1MCP 29 Transgression Brought No New Order of Energies and Passions.--We are not to suppose that
since the transgression of Adam, God has given to human beings a new order of energies and
passions, for then it would appear that God had interfered to implant in the human race sinful
propensities. Christ began His work of conversion as soon as man transgressed, that through
obedience to the law of God and faith in Christ they might regain the lost image of God.--MS 60, 1905.
RC 56 Fall Broke Golden Chain of Obedience.--Adam yielded to temptation and as we have the matter
of sin and its consequence laid so distinctly before us, we can read from cause to effect and see the
greatness of the act is not that which constitutes sin; but the disobedience of God's expressed
will…The fall of our first parents broke the golden chain of implicit obedience of the human will to
the divine.
5BC 1128 Adam's descendent's born with propensities of disobedience -- The first Adam was created a
pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he
did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities of
disobedience.
7 BC 943 We need not retain one sinful propensity -- We must learn of Christ. We must know what He
is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be
partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Then
we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity. . . .
[Eph. 2:1-6 quoted.] . . . As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies
to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good.
Note: propensity is connected with tendencies. (See Definitions)
in·her·ent (¹n-hîr“…nt, -hµr“-) adj. Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic.
Thesaurus
2. (adj.) Possessed at birth:
 Innate
 Genetic
 Inborn
 inherited
in·nate adj. 1. Possessed at birth; inborn.
in·born adj. 1. Possessed by an organism at birth. See Synonyms at innate. 2. Inherited or

hereditary.
in·trin·sic adj. 1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
Web 1828
INHE'RENT, a. Existing in something else, so as to be inseparable from it.

Inherent baseness.
1. Innate; naturally pertaining to; as the inherent qualities of the magnet; the inherent right of
men to life, liberty and protection.
PROPENS'ITY, n. [L. propensio.]
1. Bent of mind, natural or acquired; inclination; in a moral sense; disposition to any thing good or
evil, particularly to evil; as a propensity to sin; the corrupt propensity of the will.
It requires critical nicety to find out the genius or propensions of a child.
2. Natural tendency; as the propension of bodies to a particular place.
[In a moral sense, propensity is now chiefly used.]
pro·pen·si·ty n., pl. pro·pen·si·ties. An innate inclination; a tendency.

.
2. (n.) A leaning in a certain direction:
• inclination
• bent
ten·den·cy (tµn“d…n-s¶) n., pl. ten·den·cies. 1. Movement or prevailing movement in a given

direction:
3. A predisposition to think, act, behave, or proceed in a particular way.
pre·dis·po·si·tion (pr¶”d¹s-p…-z¹sh“…n) n. The state of being predisposed; tendency, inclination,

or susceptibility.
IN'NATE, a. [L. innatus,from innascor; in and nascor, to be born.]

Inborn; native; natural. Innate ideas are such as are supposed to be stamped on the mind, at the
moment when existence begins. Mr. Locke has taken great pains to prove that no such ideas exist.
What Is Righteousness?
Result of Righteousness is Conversion. After this chapter try to make a Bible study on Conversion,
explaining what it is. Explaining Conversion is the primary goal, always remember to tell the
definition when you are teaching or preaching. You can start by looking up the word “conversion,”
after that look up similar words like “changed” and “turned” taking note of the context, also use the
English definition of the word, and go from there.
Defining Righteousness
Ps 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
What does this verse mean? All thy commandments are righteousness. Commandments are the law
of God. How does it apply to us? If we are experiencing righteousness by faith (not by works), there
should be an experience of obedience to God’s law.
Rom 3:10-12 [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are
together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
When you see verses like this you have to remember that sometimes Bible writers use repetition of
they use different words to explain the same thing. It’s very simple atleast the concept, but always
remember to let the Bible explain itself.
“There is none righteous, no, not one” = “there is none that doeth good, no, not one”
Righteousness means doing good. Righteousness by faith = doing good by faith, NOT by works
(that’s where there is many, many problems and confusion). So you can’t experience faith without
having fruits of obedience to God’s law.What is unrighteousness?
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
“Unrighteousness” – sinning. It the word sin a noun or a verb? Is it a thing or an action? You can
use it as a noun but the word is more of an action. So what is unrighteousness? It is sinning. So what
is sin?
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the
law.
Unrighteousness is sin and sin is breaking God’s law. So Righteousness is not breaking God’s law
but keeping God’s law. The concept is simple but you have to explain the concept to people step by
step. It’s a good idea to use Ellen White after showing something from the Bible to proof the
accuracy of Ellen White. Teachers of the Bible use that method.
FW 101 Righteousness is obedience to the law.
Some people say we don’t need to obey God, but that all we need is faith.
1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as
he is righteous.
Righteousness is obedience to God’s law, and is accomplished by faith not works.
COL Righteousness is right doing.
When studying Ellen White’s writings look for phrases like “conversion is…” because that word is gives the
definition. So make sure to notice the harmony between the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.
Greek word for “Righteousness,” Strongs Concordance – 1343. Means: Integrity, Virtue, purity of
life, Correctness of thinking, feeling and acting. Remember, thoughts and feelings put together is
moral character. Therefore, righteousness is really character, and people can comprehend easier
when they know that righteousness is character.
Conclusion: Righteousness is right doing, obedience to the law of God, having a pure character.
1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak
this to your shame.
Obedience to God’s law. So righteousness by faith = It is God that will help you to obey Him.
Truth and the Word

Ps 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
A = B and B = C, then A = C. This is always true in a mathematical format but not always true in Biblical
interpretation, but true when contextual interpretation is applied. Let’s explain, this formula is useful when
studying the Bible but be careful. Just because certain words are the same doesn’t mean it has the same
meaning so always study the word within the context, the contextual interpretation. When you find a word in
a chapter you must always understand the context that it is in. When the words have the same meaning then
you can put them together, you will understand the formula better as we put it to practice. Now lets give a
example of the same word but different context.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
“after the flesh” means carnal.
Gal 2:20 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.
“in the flesh” is referring to new life in Christ. If you say that this is living carnal, that means we live carnal
by the faith of Jesus, but we don’t need the faith of Jesus to live carnal.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness,
“works of the flesh” – this verse matches with Rom 8:1 because of the context and what is being discussed.
So this is what is mean, when I say you have to know contextually the definition of these words.
“Righteousness” – commandments = truth. Therefore, righteousness = truth. Thus, when it is

talking about truth, it is talking about righteousness and the commandments of God. The concepts
are the same but are just being spoken from looking at different angels.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Righteousness = commandments = truth = Word. Therefore righteousness = Word.
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Thy truth have you hid in your heart, because the Word is truth. Jesus says what will make you free?
The truth will make you free, so notice the linkage in the Bible.
3T 69 The truth…righteousness.
1895 ….faith in the word of God…command.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness:
“All scriptures” can be replaced by “Word,” it is all connected. So why do we study the Bible? To
experience righteousness, obedience to the law of God, to know the truth and to have God’s
character. Then the Bible becomes easy for us to understand, whether it comes to the word truth,
righteousness, its all discussing the character of God, its all connected.
Eph 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;
Light and Love

Ps 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Righteousness = Commandments = Truth = Word = Light. Therefore Righteousness = Light. So we

can be the light of the world because you are experiencing righteousness, obedience to God’s law,
have the word of God in your life, and your obeying the truth. So it makes sense, all the verses give a
brighter clearer understanding as you study.
Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Ps 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Prov 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the
way of life:
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Therefore, Righteousness = Commandments = Love. Therefore Righteousness = Love.
TMB 18 Righteousness is love.. by receiving Him.
Glory and Righteousness

Ps 97:6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
“Righteousness” = Glory and glory = Character. Therefore Righteousness = Character. Hebrew

writers use Hebrew way of writing poetry, that’s why they normally have two lines, writing the
same thought in different ways.
ST Sep 5 1885 Christ found Himself…represented in the standard…the ten moral precepts.
Commandment is holy, just and good
Life and Righteousness

Prov 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
“Life” = death. Therefore it is referring to eternal life. Therefore Righteousness = Eternal life.
Righteousness = Commandments = Truth = Word = Light = Love = Glory = Eternal Life. The text can
be found by looking up “righteousness is” or “righteousness are.”
“eternal life is not just…love/life”
Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.
Many people love to seek the kingdom of God, but not His righteousness. What does it mean to seek
His righteousness? Commandments, etc
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Whoever believe in Him…
John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at
the last day.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
So what is the gift? Eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is usually equated to living a
long time (duration). However eternal life reflects a quality of life. You can have eternal life now –
have that quality of life. Suppose you told someone who smoked that they had eternal life, that’s not
heaven but hell. Eternal life is the quality of life also, not just duration. That’s why Jesus said you can
have eternal life now, you can have the quality of life now.
1 John 1:1, 2 [1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with
our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (For the
life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which
was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Who is the Word of Life? John just said that he has seen eternal life. We have seen eternal life.. John
just said that he saw eternal life, now if eternal life is duration how can you see it? For you to see
eternal life in duration you would need eternity. If it is only a duration, how do you see it? We have
heard Jesus, seen Him, looked upon His character, etc. So if you want to have eternal life, look at
Jesus and live like Him.
Many people quote this verse, but most don’t understand what this means. Now let’s show that all
these characteristics are found in Jesus Christ. What’s easier to by the parts of a computer
separately are to purchase it all in one package? So if we try to get righteousness, truth, obey the
commandments etc.. on our own it will be impossible, but its all in Jesus. He is the source of truth
for all of us and He gives us the power to yield an obedient fruit filled life.
Jesus our Righteousness
COMMANDMENTS
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love.
TRUTH
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.
WORD
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
LIGHT
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
LOVE
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
GLORY
ETERNAL LIFE
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Jesus is the fullness of God. That is why we can call Him the following
Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby
he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
He will help us experience all these things. So when we say we want Jesus to come in our hearts, we
truly get all the blessings from above. This is righteousness by faith, and I hope you have a bigger
picture of this concept. By faith we can obtain these characteristics.
Righteousness obtained by faith
GLORY
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
TRUTH
2 Cor 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of
Achaia.
COMMANDMENTS
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we
know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
So if we abide in Christ, and He abides in us, we will keep His commandments. Christ in us is the hope of glory.
WORD
Col 3:16 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.
LOVE
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
LIGHT
2 Cor 4:6 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.
ETERNAL LIFE
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
The concepts are repeated over and over, so you can’t miss this point. So if you are in Jesus, you can
have all these characteristics. Now you can explain what righteousness is. Now open up to any
place in the Bible and you will probably notice similar words. They aren’t in every text, but you will
notice them.
Psa 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
So it all points to one thing – the image of God restored in man. The study isn’t finished however,
there are more words connected to righteousness, like the sanctuary, or confession, baptism,
second coming, but Christ is in the center. Jesus is truly the LORD our righteousness.
The Fall of Man
To understand the plan of salvation, we need to understand the fall of man.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.
And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
The serpent was more subtle than any other beast. The serpent was a very beautiful animal (SPIRIT
OF PROPHECY). It had wings.
“Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” – This was when the
deception started. It puts feelings of doubt into your mind. Doubting upon God’s Word. So Satan’s
first attack is to doubt on God’s Word because the power of life and righteousness is on God’s Word.
Satan was not able to force Eve to eat the fruit, but needed her consent, her choice. Satan was trying
to change her mind by first putting doubt. Cause her to consent and follow the biddings of Satan.
Animals can speak – Eve became curious. Her mind was caught up. That is why many bad things in
the world are very attractive. It is hypnotic. She must have asked what made this snake able to
speak
Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
It’s like she was saying, I know what God said. Her first mistake was here – communicating and
talking with Satan. Your attitude then means that you are open for response. Communication is
always two ways. And by doing that, that means you are opening your mind to Satan. Before and
after sin, what changed? You’ll begin to see the mind of man changed.
Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat
of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
I know what God said, that you shall not eat of the fruit or touch it. She added “neither shall ye
touch it” – misquoted the Word of God. Gen 2:16, 17. God never said it. So the serpent plucks the
fruit and shows her that he’s not dead yet. So since she said “neither shall ye touch it”, then she is
thinking that God said it. Spirit of Prophecy says – the serpent drops the fruit into her hands. Her
visual, audible and touch evidences are giving her clear proof that Satan’s Words are true.
Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Satan always starts with a doubt and begins with a blatant lie. Totally opposite to God’s Word.
Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye
shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Basically saying that God doesn’t want you to become like God. So he begins with a doubt, then a lie
and then cause you to go against God by doubting His love. Attacking God’s character, saying that
God is not just and is selfish. Satan is attacking 3 things, the physical, what we eat. Spiritual, the
desire be like God’s and mental knowing good and evil.
“knowing good and evil” – mixing up good and evil. This is the basis of Paganism. When you mix
good and evil, it becomes confusion. It is the foundation of Babylon. It becomes deception.
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the
eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave
also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
“saw that the tree was good for food” – lust of the flesh – appetite.
“pleasant to the eyes” – lust of the eyes – sight.
“make one wise” – mental and when she did take to eat, she lost her spiritual power.So the very
first reason was that it was good for food. SPIRIT OF PROPHECY says that Eve felt different (the
book Confrontation). Sin feels good, but only for a short time. Adam’s fall was because of passion,
two reasons why they ate the fruit – appetite and passion. Nature of Man
American Heritage Dictionary Definition:
Nature:
1.) The essential characteristics and qualities of a person or thing: “She was only strong and sweet
and in her nature when she was really deep in trouble” (Gertrude Stein).
2.) The fundamental character or disposition of a person; temperament:
Disposition
1.) One's usual mood; temperament: a sweet disposition.
2.) A habitual inclination; a tendency: a disposition to disagree.
Websters 1828 Dictionary
Nature:
1.) The essence, essential qualities or attributes of a thing, which constitute it what it is; as the
nature of the soul; the nature of blood; the nature of a fluid; the nature of plants, or of a metal; the
nature of a circle or an angle. When we speak of the nature of man, we understand the
peculiar constitution of his body or mind, or the qualities of the species which distinguish
him from other animals. When we speak of the nature of a man, or an individual of the race, we
mean his particular qualities or constitution; either the peculiar temperament of his body, or the
affections of his mind, his natural appetites, passions, disposition or temper. So of irrational
animals.
Before Fall
Te 11 Adam's will was in harmony with God -- Adam was a noble being, with a powerful mind, a will
in harmony with the will of God, and affections that centered upon heaven.
PP 45 Adam's appetites and passions were controlled -- His nature was in harmony with the will of
God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites
and passions were under the control of reason.
Adam had no corrupt propensities - God made Adam after His own character, pure and upright. There
were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities or tendencies to evil.
Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne. {AG 344.3} (Read whole chapter)
1BC 1083 Adam's Fall Inexplainable.--In what consisted the strength of the assault made upon Adam,
which caused his fall? It was not indwelling sin; for God made Adam after His own character, pure
and upright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities or
tendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne.
SC 62 Adam could have formed righteous character -- It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to
form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin
our natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous.
1 SM 279 Adam could have resisted Satan's temptations -- Christ knew that Adam in Eden, with his
superior advantages, might have withstood the temptations of Satan, and conquered him.
After Fall
1 SM 279 Adam couldn't resist after fall -- He also knew that it was not possible for man, out
of Eden, separated from the light and love of God since the Fall, to resist the temptations of
Satan in his own strength.
1MCP 29 Transgression Brought No New Order of Energies and Passions.--We are not to
suppose that since the transgression of Adam, God has given to human beings a new order
of energies and passions, for then it would appear that God had interfered to implant in the
human race sinful propensities. Christ began His work of conversion as soon as man
transgressed, that through obedience to the law of God and faith in Christ they might regain
the lost image of God.--MS 60, 1905.
Fall Broke Golden Chain of Obedience.--Adam yielded to temptation and as we have the
matter of sin and its consequence laid so distinctly before us, we can read from cause to
effect and see the greatness of the act is not that which constitutes sin; but the disobedience
of God's expressed will…The fall of our first parents broke the golden chain of implicit
obedience of the human will to the divine.
5BC 1128 Adam's descendents born with propensities of disobedience -- The first Adam was
created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He
could fall, and he did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with
inherent propensities of disobedience.
We need not retain one sinful propensity -- We must learn of Christ. We must know what He
is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to
be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through
lust. Then we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one
sinful propensity. . . . [Eph. 2:1-6 quoted.] . . .
As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are
cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. 7 BC 943
Note: propensity is connected with tendencies.
Higher Power and Lower Power
Ed 14, 15
PP 45
MCP2 77
The lower propensities are to be kept under the control by the higher powers.
2T 348
COL 114
“true education” – higher power – conscience, judgment and reason. The frontal lobe is where
reason, judgment and conscience take place. The will is in the center of the brain. The lower part of
the brain is appetite and passion.
Illustration
 Sees the fruit – looks good
 Touches it – feels good
 Smells it – smells good
Appetite says eat but reason says you just had your lunch and judgment says that if you eat that
fruit, it will affect your mental power. Conscience says God does not want to destroy your body.
After sin, we listen more to appetite and passion (eg. Smoking, drinking). Can God give us the power
to change our mind from submitting to our lower powers? Of course He can! Let this mind be in you
as it was in Christ Jesus. Being under the control of appetite and passion means we are nothing
more than animals (ie. Dog, monkey). When we strengthen our lower passion, we are basically
destroying our higher power. We are basically slaves to sin.
Conversion supplement
Conversion of the will
Rom 6:6 …old man…
What is the old man?
Eph 4:22-24 (show line upon line) old man is conversion.
1 Pet 2:11 …abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul…
PHJ February 1, 1902 By the fall, man was brought into bondage to sin. He lost his moral
uprightness and his physical perfection. The appetites and passions that were given to him as
blessings were perverted, and became warring lusts, the ministers of death
The Holy Spirit
His Role
Works in Harmony with the word – AA 284 The Author of this spiritual life is unseen, and the exact
method by which that life is imparted and sustained, it is beyond the power of human philosophy to
explain. Yet the operations of the Spirit are always in harmony with the written word.
Imbues Power – DA 466 Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of
another power…In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No external force is
employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will
serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of
freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves
from Satan's control; but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a
power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of
the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.
Christ's Nature Implanted in Us – 3SM 198 Truth, precious truth, is sanctifying in its influence. The
sanctification of the soul by the operation of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ's nature
in humanity.
Works come by the Holy Spirit – 1SM 397 "Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good
works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and
cooperates with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is
harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life.
Moral Image of God Perfected – TM 506 The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the
work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and
then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the
process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's
grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in
the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.
What is another term that describes the process of spiritual growth from one phase to another?
Sanctification.
Makes us Complete in Christ – LDE 187 The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is
welcomed as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete in Christ. The good
work begun will be finished; the holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike actions will
take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and rebellious acts.
DA 671 Sin Can Only be Resisted by – " The Comforter is called "the Spirit of truth." His work is to
define and maintain the truth…The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this
the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for
centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted
and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would
come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes
effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. 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 His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to
impress His own character upon His church.
False Views Concerning Him
LS 88He doesn't exist – "In the midst of my experiences in meeting fanaticism, I was subjected to a
severe trial. If the Spirit of God rested upon any one in meeting, and he glorified God by praising Him,
some raised the cry of mesmerism; and if it pleased the Lord to give me a vision in meeting, some
would say that it was the effect of excitement and mesmerism…Some would have had me believe
that there was no Holy Spirit, and that all the exercises that holy men of God experienced,
were only the effect of mesmerism or the deception of Satan.
The Mind of Man
Continuation from last study
When we are controlled by lower powers of the mind, we are no better than animals (illustration of
dog). We need to be controlled by the Holy Spirit at all times. Why do you think Jesus was tempted
by appetite when he was so weary and hungry? Satan will tempt you at your lowest point and
highest point. Before sin, appetites and passions were pure and holy. But after sin, it has become
perverted.
AA 327 Those who have not brought the lower…
COH 105 Intemperance of any kind…
To have spiritual power, we have to keep our body fit.
MCP 406 The tendencies of the physical nature…
Passions to be controlled by will, which should be under the control of God. God will strengthen our
will, not take over our will. If we cannot make our own choices, then we are not individuals.
Animals don’t have wills, that’s why they are controlled by humans. Gospel restores your choice.
What needs to be changed? – The mind.
Health Reformer March 1, 1878 God gives man no permission to violate the laws of his being. But
man, through yielding to Satan's temptations to indulge intemperance, brings the higher faculties in
subjection to the animal appetites and passions, and when these gain the ascendency, man, who was
created a little lower than the angels, with faculties susceptible of the highest cultivation, surrenders
to the control of Satan. And he gains easy access to those who are in bondage to appetite. Through
intemperance, some sacrifice one-half, and others two-thirds, of their physical, mental, and moral
powers. Those who would have clear minds to discern Satan's devices, must have their physical
appetites under the control of reason and conscience. The moral and vigorous action of the higher
powers of the mind is essential to the perfection of Christian character.
Matt 24:37-38 [37] But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38]
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in
marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
The conditions of the last days will be like the days of Noah. History repeats itself. What does it say
about the condition?
“Eating and drinking” – intemperance (appetite).
“Marrying and giving in marriage” – fornication (passion). People will be under the control and
slavery of appetite and passion in the last days.
The Transformation of the Mind

What does it mean to have a new mind – restoration back to the original.
Is 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in
thee.
Who will have perfect peace? Whose mind is stayed on Jesus Christ. Freedom from guilt. Mind is
renewed. Repentance means to change your thoughts and mind
Matt 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind.
“heart” – emotional part.
“soul” – spiritual part.
“mind” – intellectual part.
This is the new commandment that Jesus gave. Summarizes the first 4 commandments. We must
love God with everything that we have. We can’t just give God our mind and not our body.
Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Originally there was doubt in Eden.
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing
me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
1 Pet 4:1 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;
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put
my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
So when we talk about conversion, it is the mind that changes. By the grace of God, new thought,
feelings, motives, and tastes arise for God. But we have to talk about temptation. What is the reason
that God destroyed the world by water?
Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination
of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Thoughts were evil continually.
“Imagination of the thoughts” – this takes place in the mind, but it said heart. This leads on to
talking about habit.
Habits
Things that you do with very little thinking. Using chopsticks, tying shoe laces, riding bicycle, etc.
Many times people are yielding to passions and appetites without even thinking about it. Only
afterward do people usually think about it. Pulled by temptation by the things that we have
cultivated and developed. Do slaves have their own choice? They only do what the master bids
them to do. Are we slaves to our passions and appetites or are they slaves to us? But do not depend
on your own strength. We have to depend on God. New year resolutions are made every year.
Matt 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodomride, fulness of bread, and abundance of
idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
So when we talk about the fall of man, we are talking about how we became slaves to the lower
passions of the mind. As we continue to talk about this topic, this is the area that God is trying to
change. By beholding we become changed.
Phi 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
Ps 119:11 Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.
Mark of the beast is in the forehead. If you are yielding to your lower powers then what do you
think you would be preparing yourself for? It is interesting how the Bible portrays it as “mark of the
beast” – an animal.
The Plan of Salvation
Before sin everything was “very good”
Gen 1:27-31 [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [29] And God said, Behold,
I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the
which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat, [30] And to every beast of the
earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is
life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. [31] And God saw every thing that he had
made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen 3:23-24 [23] Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground
from whence he was taken. [24] So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of
Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
In the beginning God created everything “very good,” but because of man’s sin, he was driven out
from the garden of Eden. He was driven out from the presence of God. Not that God wants to drive
us away, but there is a scene of departure because of sin. Everything was very good because there
was no sin. Now, salvation is to restore this.
Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
This was the first symbol of salvation. Skin was from animals so there was killing. The skin was to
cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve. So to symbolize the death of Christ in the future.
Matt 1:21, 23 [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall
save his people from their sins. [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Salvation means to save us from our sin and God with us. In the light of the Sanctuary: Adam and
Eve were in the Most Holy Place but they were driven out. The word Sanctuary means Holy Place
(no sin) Jesus. Tabernacle means dwelling place Immanuel. But we have to make this practical
somehow. Righteousness by faith means: how to be delivered from sin and how to walk with God.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.
Those names are Jesus and Immanuel. Saved from sin.
Ps 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous
redemption.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Free from sin
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.
Truth shall make us free who is Jesus
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the
servant of sin.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto
holiness, and the end everlasting life.
When you sin, you are servants to sin.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death.
Salvation is freedom from sin. Definitions of redemption (ransom) and salvation (deliverance):
Ransom means there is a price attached to it. So redeeming means you are buying back what is
yours. Deliverance means “by Grace are ye saved,” but from what?
Characteristics of Salvation:
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our
salvation nearer than when we believed.
Salvation is “now”
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Salvation is the “power of God”
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
“remission of their sins”
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of his grace;
Redemption is connected to forgiveness of sins
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Redemption is connected to forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus
2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow
of the world worketh death.
“repentance”
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the
kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which
accused them before our God day and night.
“strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ”
2 Thess 2:13-14 [13] But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the
Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the
Spirit and belief of the truth: [14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the
glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“sanctification of the Spirit” – meaning to obtain the character of Christ
Isa 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of
Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Second coming is also salvation – “cometh” and “reward is with him”
Isa 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save
us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Those who are free from the power of sin will be saved.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall
he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Salvation means to be without sin. He is not coming back to bear (intercede) the sins anymore.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for
your redemption draweth nigh.
“Redemption” – to be saved from the presence of sin
Salvation from guilt, sin, and death, that is salvation. Everyone always thinks about these 3 things,
but let us look at Jesus:
Rev 1:8 …which is, and which was, and which is to come
“Which was” – past – Jesus took our guilt
Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,
crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Jesus has experienced the penalty of sin and the power to forgive our guilt
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is
written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Really meaning free from the condemnation of sin, from the guilt of sin, APPEAL!
“Which is” – present – Jesus will help us with our sin
Heb 2:17, 18 [17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he
might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people. [18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them
that are tempted.
God will help us with our temptations NOW!
Jude 24 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,
He is able to keep us from falling NOW!
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
“Which is to come” – future – Jesus will help us with our future death
Heb 2:14, 15 [14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death,
that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage.
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more
dominion over him.
Christ can help us so that death will not have dominion over us.
John 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the
voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection:
FE 135 There are but few who have an appreciation of the grievous character of sin, and who
comprehend the greatness of the ruin that has resulted from the transgression of God's law. By
examining the wonderful plan of redemption to restore the sinner to the moral image of God, we see
that the only means for man's deliverance was wrought out by the self-sacrifice, and the unparalleled
condescension and love of the Son of God. He alone had the strength to fight the battles with the great
Adversary of God and man, and, as our substitute and surety, He has given power to those who lay
hold of Him by faith, to become victors in His name, and through His merits.
RH Sept 21, 1886 “Christ our Sacrifice” The plan of redemption is not merely a way of escape from
the penalty of transgression, but through it the sinner is forgiven his sins, and will be finally received
into heaven,--not as a forgiven culprit pardoned and released from captivity, yet looked upon with
suspicion and not admitted to friendship and trust; but welcomed as a child, and taken back into
fullest confidence.”
“Forgiveness” – forgiving your sin.
“Justification” – just as if you never sinned.
The Science of Faith
The practical aspect of this theme (righteousness by faith) is really how to have faith. We cannot
know faith intellectually. It must be experienced.
Definition of faith – In the New Testament the word faith is used more. The Old Testament word
on faith has more meaning. Believe, assurance, faithful, sure, established, trust, steadfast,
continuance, father, nurse, bring up, be nursed, trusting. Assurance, sure and steadfast will be the
ones highlighted. Stability, steady, truly, verily, fidelity, steadfastness.
The picture that is portrayed is stability. The world needs stability today, a good foundation. Too
many are easily tossed about to and fro with winds of doctrine and trials. So the concept of faith must
have the understanding that it will establish you. It is not playing with lucky chance or some
emotional high (feelings). Faith does not know any failures because it can help a person who is
failing.
Characteristics of Faith
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The source of our faith is in the Word. So we must understand the characteristics of Word to
understand the characteristics of faith. So what are the characteristics of the Word?
his mouth.
Faith has creative power
Is 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it
shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
When God’s Word goes out, it means that it will do something. The Word of God will accomplish
something in you which pleases God. It is not you that tries to please God, but all you have to do is
to put your faith in God and believe that the Word of God is able to accomplish what it will say. It is
not easy to live a righteous life in a wicked world with your own strength. Faith has self fulfilling
power, but there is something that you have to do. You have free choice.
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all
things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand
of the Majesty on high;
Faith has upholding power, or maintaining power. Eg. The Word created the sun, and it will also
maintain it. The sun will not burn out, neither does God have to continue to say to the sun to
continue to burn. Self-maintaining power.
1 Pet 1:24-25 [24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass
withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And
this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
The Word alone is able to uphold you and make you endure forever. It is the Word alone which has
eternal enduring power. Enduring power. Faith is the Word only and not you. (eg. The centurion –
just speak the word).
Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith
which worketh by love.
Faith worketh by love. It comes from the Word of God, but it works by love.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
We establish the law by faith. Faith cometh from where – Word of God. It worketh by love but in the
end it establishes the law, so it is obedient. So there are three characteristics, faith comes from the
Word, works with love and obeys God’s law. These are found in the characteristics of righteousness.
We are studying righteousness by faith.
Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
“love with faith” – when you exercise faith, you love, and when you love, you have faith.
1 Thes 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and
for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Breastplate of love and faith
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness;
Breastplate of righteousness. So righteousness and love and faith are the same thing.
Faith and Love

1 Tim 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ
Jesus.
2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus.
Phil 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
1 Cor 13
Faith is long suffering, kind, not puffed up, seek not your own, is not easily provoked, etc. God is the
source of love and has the power to create love in us.
Faith and Trust

Ps 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou
defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
When young people have hard time to trust in God, they have a hard time to love God or do not
realise how much God loves them. We think to create or inspire faith in a person, all we need to do
is present the Word of God. But if you don’t add the ingredient of love, it is not complete. When you
cannot love, you cannot trust. If you want to inspire faith in them, you have to show them how
much God loves them and how they can love God. This MUST be established, side by side with faith.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Ps 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto
me.
When you trust, you do no have fear of what man can do to you. Faith does not fear man, because
faith trusts in God.
Ps 64:10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart
shall glory.
Ps 125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth
for ever.
Enduring power
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
When you exercise faith, you cannot lean on your own understanding.
1 Tim 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God,
who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
GW 259 True faith and true prayer -- how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the
human suppliant lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love. Faith is trusting in God,--believing
that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us
to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His
strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith
acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Truth, uprightnessurity, are pointed out as
secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or
aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth and
efficiency.”
Faith and Obedience
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Faith comes from the Word, and it produces love, and if you love God, you will keep His commandments.
Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
A spirit cannot exist without the body. Faith cannot exist without works.
1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience,
and of faith unfeigned:
Faith establishes commandment keeping. Charityure heart, good conscience.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.
Obedience and faith go hand in hand. Quotations from the Spirit of Prophecy to understand what
faith is.
Faith is a Gift
7BC 940 Under the inspiration of the Spirit, the apostle Peter represents Christians as those
who have purified their souls in obeying the truth. Just in accordance with the faith and love
we bring into our work will be the power brought into it. No man can create faith. The
Spirit operating upon and enlightening the human mind, creates faith in God. In the
Scriptures faith is stated to be the gift of Godowerful unto salvation, enlightening the hearts
of those who search for truth as for hidden treasure. The Spirit of God impresses the truth
on the heart. The gospel is called the power of God unto salvation because God alone
can make the truth a power which sanctifies the soul. He alone can render the cross of
Christ triumphant”
PP 431 While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure
salvation. "Him that cometh to Me," says Christ, "I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. But
we must come to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and
pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand
by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.
So there are three things we must do, come to Him, repent and believe, but we MUST make the
decision on all those 3 points.
Faith and Salvation

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
1 Pet 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Faith is not salvation. But in order to receive salvation, it is through faith.
6BC 1073 Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing--the eye that
sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end. If
Christ gave His life to save sinners, why shall I not take that blessing? My faith grasps it, and
thus my faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Thus re
sting and believing, I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ
“Faith” – the way to receive salvation
“Salvation” – a gift
Faith and Self-Surrender

If you do not surrender yourself, you cannot exercise faith.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, not I but Christ that liveth in me.
This involves self-surrender.
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Have faith in the Lord with all thine heart. We have to give up leaning upon your own
understanding.
Hos 13:2 And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and
idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let
the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
Idols are made according to their own understanding. Therefore, if you lean upon your own
understanding, you have idols. What are idols?
Ps 115:4-8 [4] Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. [5] They have mouths, but
they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: [6] They have ears, but they hear not: noses have
they, but they smell not: [7] They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not:
neither speak they through their throat. [8] They that make them are like unto them; so is every one
that trusteth in them.
If you trust in your own idols, you become like your own idols. They have eyes, ears, hands, feet, but
they cannot see, smell, hear, handle or walk. It means that if you have idols in your life, it will stifle
the spiritual power from your life. You have mouth, but you can’t speak spiritual things, etc. Many
people cannot exercise faith, because they have idols in their lives. The greatest idol is – my own
understanding greater than God’s understanding. Who is the greatest example of faith? Abraham
Rom 4:20-21 …fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform…
COL 159 The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay
hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all
who seek God. By faith--faith that renounces all self-trust--the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon
infinite power.
2MCP 539 I find that I have to fight the good fight of faith every day. I have to exercise all my faith
and not rely upon feeling; I have to act as though I knew the Lord heard me and would answer me
and bless me. Faith is not a happy flight of feeling; it is simply taking God at His word--believing
that He will fulfill His promises because He said He would.
Faith is not complete unless you act upon the Word of God. Faith does not wait for good feelings to
come. It goes into action before anything. It moves on. Faith does not wait for the river to be
divided, to be dry. It marches into the water. It does not wait for your senses to feel something
fantastic.
FW 25 There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you
take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of
Christ. 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.
The merit is not in your faith. The merit is in the blood of Jesus. Giving back to God what is his – our
intellect, etc… To renounce yourself and let God take your self.
Faith and Feelings

5MR I had great freedom in talking upon faith, that faith and feeling should not be confounded
together. They are distinct as the east is from the west. In the darkest hours it is then we should
exercise faith, and not suffer our feelings to govern us, but press our faith through the dark clouds to
the throne of God and claim the blessing of heaven. When our faith grasps the blessing, then the
blessing is ours, for our faith has got hold of it, and when our faith brings the blessing down to us--
when the dark clouds scatter and divine rays of light from Jesus illumine our darkness--then it is no
more faith, it is feeling. The evidence has come and it is feeling that has swallowed up the faith. This
view of faith and feeling seemed to enlighten some minds and we had a most powerful conference
meeting.
We must exercise faith and then we get the feelings. Sometimes temptations get so strong that our
feelings become your temptation – anger, temper. But in those moments you must exercise faith
and act upon it. Adam and Eve sinned because they depended on appetite and passion which
depends upon feelings.
10MR 309 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Now faith
walks the narrow plank, and walks till it comes to the end, then steps right off onto nothing, as
it were. Yet it is everything. It is a mighty upholder. You walk the plank of faith and you cannot see
another step to go. You need not consult how you feel. Feeling has nothing to do with it. Do I
believe in God, that He is my God, and that His promises will be verified to me? Then I go right about
my work. I never look or examine whether I have feeling or have no feeling. I know what my duty is
from the expressed will of God, and it is for me to do it and do it intelligently.”
Give illustration of father and son, where father asks son to dive off the board. Never counsel with
your feelings. It has NOTHING to do with your faith.
MYP 111 At times a deep sense of our unworthiness will send a thrill of terror through the soul; but
this is no evidence that God has changed toward us, or we toward God. No effort should be made to
rein the mind up to a certain intensity of emotion. We may not feel today the peace and joy which we
felt yesterday; but we should by faith grasp the hand of Christ, and trust Him as fully in the darkness
as in the light.
EW 71 I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret
prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege
and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not
faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God's to
give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is
in our power to exercise.
Prayer is important for faith.
FLB 9 How I wish that we might all believe in the promises of God. . . . We are not to look into our
hearts for a joyful emotion as an evidence of our acceptance with Heaven, but we are to take
God's promises and say, "They are mine. The Lord is letting His Holy Spirit rest upon me. I am
receiving the light; for the promise is, 'Believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have
them.' By faith I reach within the veil and lay hold of Christ, my strength. I thank God that I have a
Saviour.
We can grasp unto Christ that Faith
AG 266 We are too faithless. Oh, how I wish that I could lead our people to have faith in God!
They need not feel that in order to exercise faith they must be wrought up into a high state of
excitement. All they have to do is to believe God's Word, just as they believe one another's word. He
hath said it, and He will perform His Word. Calmly rely on His promise, because He means all that He
says. Say, He has spoken to me in His Word, and He will fulfill every promise that He has made. Do
not become restless. Be trustful. God's Word is true. Act as if your heavenly Father could be trusted.
Faith is not a feeling. That is why contemporary music is so popular. How did Noah feel when he
didn’t see any rain? How did Abraham feel when he saw Sarah with wrinkles on her face? How did
the 3 Hebrew boys feel when they saw the fiery furnace? How did John the Baptist feel when he was
in prison? How did Jesus feel when He as on the cross dying for the whole world when everyone
else was mocking Him? The story of the cripple at the pool of Bethesda.
DA 202-203 But he believed Christ's word, and in acting upon it he received strength…Put your will
on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength.”
Invitation and Repentance
Faith and Repentance
COL 112 Faith in Christ as the world's Redeemer calls for an acknowledgment of the enlightened
intellect controlled by a heart that can discern and appreciate the heavenly treasure. This faith is
inseparable from repentance and transformation of character. To have faith means to find and accept
the gospel treasure, with all the obligations which it imposes.
So faith is inseparable from repentance and transformation of character (conversion). Do you think
that God invites everyone to repentance? How do you explain this to a non-religious person? When
and how did they hear an invitation from God?
Titus 2:11…it has appeared to all men…
It doesn’t have to be done through a preacher. But how do you explain it to them? That there was an
invitation from God. Here is how: Have you ever felt that you hate sin? That hatred was put in you
by God. Gen 3:15. If God does not intervene, man will totally unite with Satan. All humanity does feel
that there is something wrong with sin. The Great Controversy shows how Adam and Eve sinned
and God intervened between them. The feeling of wanting something better than living in sin, is an
invitation from God.
Repentance as a Gift
RH April 1, 1890 The living oracles do not teach that the sinner must repent before he can
heed the invitation of Christ: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest." Men must come to Christ because they see him as their Saviour, their only helper,
that they may be enabled to repent; for if they could repent without coming to Christ, they could
also be saved without Christ. It is the virtue that goes forth from Christ that leads to genuine
repentance. Peter makes the matter clear in his statement to the Israelites, when he says, "Him hath
God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and
forgiveness of sins." Repentance is as much the gift of Christ as is forgiveness, and it cannot be
found in the heart where Jesus has not been at work. We can no more repent without the Spirit of
Christ to awaken the conscience, than we can be pardoned without Christ. Christ draws the sinner by
the exhibition of his love upon the cross, and this softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires
contrition and repentance in the soul.
God’s invitation to man:
Is 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Is 55:1, 3 [1] Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come
ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. [3] Incline your ear,
and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
even the sure mercies of David.
Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him
that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
What gave Jesus the right to invite us? He died for us. What about the Old Testament? – The
promise that He will die for us.
SC 28 You who in heart long for something better than this world can give, recognize this
longing as the voice of God to your soul. Ask Him to give you repentance, to reveal Christ to you in
His infinite love, in His perfect purity. In the Saviour's life the principles of God's law--love to God and
man--were perfectly exemplified. Benevolence, unselfish love, was the life of His soul. It is as we
behold Him, as the light from our Saviour falls upon us, that we see the sinfulness of our own hearts.”
Everyone has felt this way before. What can increase and intensify the love of God to others? Your
example. Your life. They see your life and they feel something missing in their life.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the
physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
God is calling the sinners to repentance.
SC 26 Jesus has said, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32. Christ
must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as we behold the
Lamb of God upon the cross of Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold to our minds and
the goodness of God leads us to repentance. In dying for sinners, Christ manifested a love that is
incomprehensible; and as the sinner beholds this love, it softens the heart, impresses the
mind, and inspires contrition in the soul.
Christ’s sacrifice will inspire those who see to Christ. What is our part when God invites us?
Respond by coming to Him and then repent.
Repentance
Definition in Strong’s concordance, is to be sorry.(7725) return again, recompenseut, withdraw.
Sounds like conversion. It is part of the process of conversion(3340) to change ones mind for better,
to amend with abhorrence with ones past sin. Sorrow for sin and turn away from sin. This means
our mind has to be changed because we used to love sin, but now we have sorrow. Turning away
meaning we don’t do it again and our mind also has to be changed. So how do we keep turning away
from sin? That is the power of sanctification.
Ezek 14:6 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn
yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Turn away from your idols.
Ezek 18:30-32 [30] Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,
saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be
your ruin. [31] ¶ Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and
make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? [32] For I have no
pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Matt 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe
the gospel.
What is the popular understanding of repentance? Say you’re sorry but not turning away. True
repentance is to have sorrow for sin AND turn away from it.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
So we know that repentance is a prerequisite for baptism.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times
of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
So we know that repentance is a prerequisite for conversion and sins being blotted out.
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give
repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
For repentance we have to go to Christ.
Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not
knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
God will give us those gifts without repentance.
2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow
of the world worketh death.
True repentance is Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow is it hates sin because it caused Jesus to be put on the cross.
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Invitation and repentance.
Repentance and Salvation

FW 99 Repentance is associated with faith and is urged in the gospel as essential to salvation. Paul
preached repentance. He said, "I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed
you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to
the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:20, 21). There is
no salvation without repentance. No impenitent sinner can believe with his heart unto righteousness,
Repentance is described by Paul as a godly sorrow for sin that "worketh repentance to salvation not
to be repented of" (2 Corinthians 7:10). This repentance has in it nothing of the nature of merit,
but it prepares the heart for the acceptance of Christ as the only Saviour, the only hope of the
lost sinner.
You can’t earn salvation through repentance. Repentance prepares the heart to embrace Christ, it is
a means, not the end. But can there be salvation without repentance? NO Jesus will help us to
repent and to prepare our heart to accept Christ as the only Saviour and the only hope.
4SP 297 The law of God is an agent in every genuine conversion. There can be no true repentance
without conviction of sin. The Scriptures declare that "sin is the transgression of the law," [1 JOHN
3:4.] and that "by the law is the knowledge of sin." [ROM. 3:20.] In order to see his guilt, the sinner
must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness. To discover his defects, he must
look into the mirror of the divine statutes. But while the law reveals his sins, it provides no remedy.
The gospel of Christ alone can offer pardon. In order to stand forgiven, the sinner must exercise
repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed, and faith in Christ, his atoning sacrifice.
Without true repentance, there can be no true conversion. Many are deceived here, and too
often their entire experience proves to be a deception. This is why so many who are joined to
the church have never been joined to Christ.
PP 519 Repentance is the first step that must be taken by all who would return to God. No one
can do this work for another. We must individually humble our souls before God and put away our
idols. When we have done all that we can do, the Lord will manifest to us His salvation.”
ST Aug 11, 1890 Repentance comes from Christ just as much as does pardon for transgression. That
repentance is a work which man must do without any special help from Christ, is a false theory. The
sinner cannot take the first step in repentance, without the help of Christ.
1SM 108 At times you may have a desire to repent. But unless you decidedly reform and put into
practice the truths you have learned, unless you have an active, working faith, a faith that is
constantly increasing in strength, your repentance is as the morning dew. It will give no
permanent relief to the soul. A repentance caused by a spasmodic exercise of the feelings is a
repentance that needs to be repented of; for it is delusive. A violent exercise of the feelings,
which does not produce in you the peaceable fruits of righteousness, leaves you in a worse state than
you were in before.
Repentance must be followed by revival which must be followed by reformation meeting. Problem
here is you are trying to repent on your own when you repent by feelings.
Repentance and Sin

AA 324 That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead
to confession and forsaking of sin.
SC 23 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.
MB 87 It will avail nothing for us to do penance or to flatter ourselves that by our own works we
shall merit or purchase an inheritance among the saints. When the question was asked Christ, "What
shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" He answered, "This is the work of God, that ye
believe on Him whom He hath sent." John 6:28, 29. Repentance is turning from self to Christ; and
when we receive Christ so that through faith He can live His life in us, good works will be manifest.
ST August 11, 1890 The repentance required of those who seek God is that repentance that
needeth not to be repented of,-a repentance manifested in a radical change of mind and heart.
The heart must be brought in subjection to Christ, and a repentance that works such a result can
never be brought about by man; it can only proceed from Christ, who has ascended on high, and has
imparted gifts unto men. Christ said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
me." When the heart and mind submit to the drawing power of Christ, the love of Jesus will lead the
sinner to repentance, and as he earnestly seeks help from Godower from on high will be given him.
The Saviour says, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall
make peace with me.
Not only your behaviour but your mind and your heart. What is the difference between confession
and repentance? Confession – acknowledging that you have committed this wrong. There are 3
ways for confession: acknowledge your sin before God, acknowledge your sin before God and with
your brother, and acknowledge your sin before God and the congregation. Repentance it is a heart
change.
Romans 6
Conversion
Conversion, what is it? (7725) Repentance and Conversion are very similar. To return again, render,
recompense, deliver, required, etc. (1994) Turn, be converted, turn about, turn again. There is a
very close relationship between repentance and conversion. Repentance is the beginning and
conversion completes that conversion of repentance. So conversion simply means to be born again.
DA 172 The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of
nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about
only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.
DA 173 While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the
work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving
power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life.
Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take
the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance
reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light
descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders
itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the
image of God.”
There is a character transformation. Surrender = death to self and sin. What happens when you are
born again?
1SM 336 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). Nothing but divine power can regenerate the
human heart and imbue souls with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself with
love for those for whom He died. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joyeace, long-suffering,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When a man is converted to God, a new moral
taste is supplied, a new motive power is given, and he loves the things that God loves;
for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises to the life of
Jesus. Love, joyeace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of
him who is blessed will be, "Thy gentleness hath made me great" (Ps. 18: 35).”
“new creature” – your desires and character is changed.
SC 18 The Saviour said, "Except a man be born from above," unless he shall receive a new
heart, new desiresurposes, and motives, leading to a new life, "he cannot see the
kingdom of God." John 3:3
Old heart, desire surposes and motives have to be put away first
1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever.
Born again with the Word of God. What does it mean that we are born again with the Word of God?
Matt 4:4 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.
Word of God provides life.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Word of God can discern thoughts and intents of the heart (motives). Word of God is two-fold.
It will cut and kill – destroys sin. Also provides life – provides new desires, taste, motives, etc.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
again, he can not see the kingdom of God.
To be born again, you have to first die. Death to self and sin, brings forth new desires, motives, etc.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God.
“Born of water” – cleansing. Repentance, confession.
“Born of Spirit” – life. Baptism there is aspects of dying to self. How do we know that Spirit means
life? When God created Adam, He breathed into him life – the Spirit.
Qualifications to enter into the kingdom of God

Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
When you are born again, you will have the desire to do the will of God.
Matt 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Conversion will result in you becoming like little children (you are simple and pure).
Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all
that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow
me.
True conversion leads you to self sacrifice.
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of
God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
If you are truly converted, you are willing to sacrifice anything which will hinder you to know God.
Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith
unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
If you are truly converted, you will not trust in wealth or earthly things.
Gal 5:19-21 [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell
you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of God.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
If you are the worst sinner, God’s grace will still cover you.
Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
“dead to sin” is very different to “dead in sin” – totally different from each other.
1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
“dead to sin”– you can live unto righteousness.
Eph 2:1-2 [1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in
time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the
air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
“dead in sin” –
Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death?
Baptism represents burial service for your old man. Your old self, desire, motives, etc, is being
buried in the water. When you come out from the water, you leave that behind and you come out
with new desires, purposes, motives, etc. Israelites crossed the red sea and they left behind in the
water the Egyptians. They were free! There are 3 things that are very important in your life.
Birthday, Marriage, and the Funeral. This is similar to baptism: Birthday of a new man, Marriage to
Jesus, and the Funeral, death of old man.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
When you put on Christ, what are you wearing? You are wearing the Lord our righteousness. But
before you can put on the righteousness of Jesus, you have to be baptized. But the baptism is a
symbol that teaches us that we are burying the old man. In other words, you old man cannot wear
the robe of righteousness of Chris. That old man has to be put to death and left in the water. You
cannot serve 2 masters.
Col 2:12, 13 [12] Buried with him in baptism, where in also ye are risen with him through the faith of
the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and
the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses;
What kind of people do you bury? – dead people. If we baptize someone who is not dead to self and
sin, we are committing spiritual murder. Can you bury by yourself? No, you have to be buried with
Christ and you must also rise with Christ. Basically, we need Jesus Christ.
“operation of God” – heart change. This operation is circumcision. It is taking away the old man
and giving new life. God wants to take away your old flesh and give you a new heart. It is a sign/seal
of righteousness (Old Testament). For now, sign/seal of righteousness is Sabbath.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
“walk” = live. We can only live a new life when we buried the old man.
How can you be in Christ? By putting on Christ. You surrender and let Jesus crucify your old man.
Through baptism you put on Christ. You are in Christ. You are a new creature.
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
“old man”
Eph 4:22-24 [22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put
on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
“renewed in the spirit of your mind” – changing your mind. Lusts, corruption. Put off old man,
and put on new man – righteousness and true holiness. Old man is carnal nature. How do you put
off the old man? – Rom 6:6 – crucify it on the cross. There are many ways to kill a man. Shootush
him off the cliff, beat him, cut himoison, drown, etc. But there is only one way to kill the “old man” –
at the cross.
Col 3:9-10 [9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds; [10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image
of him that created him:
Gal 2:20 …Christ liveth in me.
When you are baptized, you put on Christ. Meaning that you are in Christ. But baptism is also a
symbol of being crucified with Christ. Therefore, when you are crucified, you do two things. You put
on Christ (new man) and the new man lives in you. Christ in you, you in Christ.
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we
know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Crucifying the lower power of the mind (affections and lusts).
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be.
The old man is enmity against God. The old man will not obey God’s law. You can’t improve that old
man.
FE 182 But the heart that is surrendered to God, loves the truth of God's word; for through the truth
the soul is regenerated. The carnal mind finds no pleasure in contemplating the word of God, but he
who is renewed in the spirit of his mind, sees new charms in the living oracles; for divine beauty and
celestial light seem to shine in every passage. That which was to the carnal mind a desolate
wilderness, to the spiritual mind becomes a land of living streams. That which to the unrenewed
heart appeared a barren waste, to the converted soul becomes the garden of God, covered with
fragrant buds and blooming flowers.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned and earthly things and earthly discerned.
1T 162 Every truly converted soul will carry the unmistakable marks that the carnal mind is
subdued.
YI November 1, 1857 Look to the rock that is higher than youlead with God in secret prayer for
grace. All these "natural" infirmities can be overcome by grace. But the "natural," carnal, heart is
not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. If the carnal mind is subdued, your will not
hear so frequently, "It's natural." Satan loves to hear this. His angels rejoice that you have not
grace sufficient to overcome "natural" infirmities. They triumph at these words, "It's natural." But
Jesus says, "my grace is sufficient for you." Yes it is sufficient to overcome and subdue the
"natural," carnal, heart.
Carnal mind and heart = the natural tendencies and cultivated tendencies to sin.
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
When you serve someone, you are a slave. A slave does not have a will and will do it automatically
when the master tells us to do whatever.
“Habitual sin” – you do it without thinking about it. That must be crucified – habit.
RH Feb 17, 1891 But the sinner who refuses to give himself to God, is under the control of
another power, listening to another voice, whose suggestions are of an entirely different character.
Passion controls him, his judgment is blinded, reason is dethroned, and impetuous desires
sway him, now here, now there. The truth will have but little influence over him, for there is in
human nature, when separated from the Source of truth, a continual opposition to God's will
and ways. The physical, mental, and moral being are all under the control of rash impulses. The
affections are depraved, and every faculty intrusted to man for wise improvement is demoralized.
The man is dead in trespasses and sins. Inclination movesassion holds the control, and his appetites
are under the sway of a power of which he is not aware. He talks of liberty, of freedom of action,
while he is in most abject slavery. He is not his own. He is not allowed to see the beauty of the
truth; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, and not subject to his law. He views truth as
falsehood, and falsehood as truth. The mind controlled by Satan is weak in moral power. Can such a
one without change be taken into a holy heaven?--Oh, no; it would be no mercy to the impenitent
sinner to place him in the society of the angels.
Whether we like it or not, we all are slaves/servants. Servants to God or to Satan. Then what is
conversion? To have control over this carnal mind.
Signs of the Times, Feb 24, 1887 There are but few in this age of the world who have moral courage
to take their position on the side of unpopular truth. Its principles are the principles of Heaven.
Hence it conflicts with every wrong habit and sinful desire. Those who accept and obey the truth,
must deny self, bear the cross daily, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. "The carnal mind is
enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Therefore there is
a constant warfare between inclination and duty. Inclination too often prevails, and silences the
convictions of the Holy Spirit.”
Signs of the Times, April 1, 1897 If you would work as Christ worked, if you would overcome as he
overcame, go straight to him for help needed to subdue the inclinations of the carnal mind and the
passions of the natural heart. Resist every sinful indulgence, every inclination to gratify wrong
desires, remembering that Christ is all and in all, and that he is able to do "exceeding abundantly,
above all that we ask or think.
We must die to be free from sin. What does it mean to die?
Eccl 9:5, 6 [5] For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have
they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. [6] Also their love, and their hatred,
and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is
done under the sun.
Dead people know not anything. So if you are dead, then your old man is dead and your old man
cannot react. It cannot have any love, hate, etc. How are we able to deny these temptations? Not by
sight, but by faith we deny them. By faith we treat ourselves as though we are dead. Our dead body
is in the water of the baptismal pool. How did Jesus respond to all these temptations? – forgive, for
they know not what they do. So now who is living? Gal 2:20.
Rom 6:10-11 [10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
[11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
“reckon” – consider
“likewise consider yourself to be dead to sin” by faith! He that is dead, when the old man is dead,
he is free. Meaning that he is justified. When do you become a just man? When you die with Jesus.
Gal 3:11 …the just shall live by faith.
me.
“the life which I now live in the flesh” – The old man is dead and the new man is living in you. But
the flesh is still the same – same sinful flesh. We can still be tempted by the old man, but by faith,
the old man is dead. Not by feelings.
“I live by the faith of the Son of God” – The just shall live by faith of the Son of God. That’s what it
means that the just shall live by faith.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve the old man and Jesus Christ at the same time.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield
yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of
righteousness unto God.
To yield to something, it involves choice, will. God wants you to live like you’re living in Heaven on
earth.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What does it mean that you are not under the law but under grace. It does not mean that you are
not under the obligation of the law. It will be explained in Romans chapter 7. It means that you are
not under the condemnation of the law but under grace. Why? The law of God, it requires 2 things:
Perfect obedience and if you break the law, it requires death. What is our relationship with the law
of God? It condemns us because we broke the law of God and now the law is requesting that we
should die. So when we are not under the law, then we are not under the condemnation, not under
the law which is requiring death. We don’t have perfect obedience in our past life, but we can have
it in the life of Christ who liveth in us. So it is simply saying that by grace you can have power and
dominion over sin.
Rom 6:15-16 [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God
forbid. [16] Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
So you have a choice, you can exercise your will.
Rom 6:17-19 [17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the
heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. [18] Being then made free from sin, ye became
the servants of righteousness. [19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your
flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity;
even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
How do we yield ourselves to temptation and sin? By choice. In the likewise, we yield ourselves to
righteousness.
Rom 6:20-22 [20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. [21] What
fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
[22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life.
We have five steps to salvation: Die with Christ, Free from sin, Servants to God, Fruit unto holiness,
The end, everlasting life. So the beginning is at the cross and the end is everlasting life.
Phi 3:9-11 [9] Be found in Him not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but which is
through the faith of Christ but by the righteousness which is of God by faith. [10] That I may know
him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death; [11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Righteousness by faith is: That I may know him – Jesus Christ, Father and H.S.
“know the power of His resurrection” – the power of new life.
“know the fellowship of His sufferings” – know what it means to suffer but yet resist temptations.
1 Pet 4:1 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;
We should know the fellowship of suffering, for he that has suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are
tempted.
He suffered being tempted. But when Jesus was tempted what happened?
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
He overcame! So we know that Jesus can help us!
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it
abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
There has to be death before there is life.
“being made conformable to his death” – to die with Him.
“attain the resurrection of the dead” – attain everlasting life.
16MR No. 1226 My brethren, we want self and pride in us to die. Self will struggle hard for an
existence and for the mastery, but nevertheless it must die and we become as little children, or we
shall never see the kingdom of heaven. We want to be imbued with the Spirit of Christ.
We must die with Christ that Christ may live in you by faith.
Justification by Faith
Definition of Justification
Hebrews: Justified, righteous, just, cleansed, clear ourselves, righteousness.
Greek: Justified, be freed, be righteous, justifier, want to be righteous.
Justification is to declare someone to be righteous. It is a combination of justification and

forgiveness. That means he/she was convicted of a crime/sin. But yet, he/she is not proven guilty.
And then when they examine/research the situation/case, then they will pronounce that this
person has not done anything wrong. Therefore, this person is declared just. When you forgive
someone, you are acknowledging that that person has done something wrong. But when God
forgives you, He treats you as if you had never done anything wrong before.
Other words connected to “Justify”
Job 25:4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
“Justification” – clean. Thus, when you come across the word clean or cleanse, it has the similar
idea to justification.
Ps 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Justification = cleanse = wash
Is 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to
do evil;
Wash you, make you clean = justification. Cease to do evil = no more sin = sanctification
Jer 33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I
will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed
against me.
Justification = pardon
Num 14:19
Pardon = forgiveness. Hebrew word for pardon (5545) forgive, forgiven Pardon, spare.
Job 7:21
“Pardon” – take away mine iniquity. Spiritually speakingardon has 2 fold meaning: Just to forgive.
Literally take away from the record of your life (justification). Hebrew for the word forgivenTake,
bare, carry, take away, forgive, accept, exalt, etc. Hebrew for the word forgiveness. Remission,
release from bondage, letting them go as if they have never been committed from remission of
penalty.
FW 103 Pardon and justification are one and the same thing. Through faith, the believer passes
from the position of a rebel, a child of sin and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject of Christ Jesus,
not because of an inherent goodness, but because Christ receives him as His child by adoption. The
sinner receives the forgiveness of his sins, because these sins are borne by his Substitute and Surety.
The Lord speaks to His heavenly Father, saying: "This is My child, I reprieve him from the
condemnation of death, giving him My life insurance policy--eternal life--because I have taken his
place and have suffered for his sins. He is even My beloved son." Thus manardoned, and clothed with
the beautiful garments of Christ's righteousness, stands faultless before God.”
FW 104 Justification is the opposite of condemnation. God's boundless mercy is exercised toward
those who are wholly undeserving. He forgives transgressions and sins for the sake of Jesus, who has
become the propitiation for our sins. Through faith in Christ, the guilty transgressor is brought into
favor with God and into the strong hope of life eternal.”
Sc 62 It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to
God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make
ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no
righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a
way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived
a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If
you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been,
for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and
you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.
For us to obey it takes struggle. For us to resist sin, it takes struggle. Before Christ can give us His
righteousness, we must allow Him to take our sin. But we must allow God to take our mind and
heart as well. You must give your sin and yourself to Christ.
Conditions
1. Rom 5:1 – justified by faith to have peace with God.
2. Gal 2:16 – no man can be justified by the works of the law.
Why is that? Law of God demands perfect obedience from your whole life. Because of your
past life, you can never be justified through the obedience to the law because everyone has
fallen.
3. Is 55:7 – repent (return).
Faith – not by works but by repentance.
4. Rom 6:7 – Total surrender.
5. 2 Cor 5:21 – shows that there is an exchange between Christ and the sinner.
6. FW 111 I was attending a meeting, and a large congregation were present. In my dream you
were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. You
repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no
conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be confused and
would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works, and I decided to
write to you. You state this matter too strongly. There are conditions to our receiving
justification and sanctification, and the righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning,
but you leave a wrong impression upon many minds. While good works will not save even
one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. God
saves us under a law, that we must ask if we would receive, seek if we would find, and knock
if we would have the door opened unto us.”
7. Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 6 107 Faith is the condition upon
which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the
remedy provided for sin. Faith can present Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's
transgression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour,
then according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin and justifies him freely. The
repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute
and surety, has died for him, is his atonement and righteousness.”
Jesus took our sin upon Himself and now His righteousness is upon us (substitute and
surety).
8. Rom 5:18 – free gift came to all, justification is a free gift. But there is condition to receive it.
In order for me to give you a free gift, you have to take it. That is a condition.
9. Selected Message Volume 1 360 There is great need that Christ should be preached as the
only hope and salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented at the
Rome meeting, it came to many as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The thought that the
righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a
free gift from God, seemed a precious thought.”
Condition is simply submitting.
10. The Signs of Times, May 19 1898 Here the truth is laid out in plain lines. This mercy and
goodness is wholly undeserved. The grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without
merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a
sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned. The righteousness of
Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt God's forgiving grace.
The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, it is that moment that that person is justified.
11. Our High Calling 52 Justification by faith is to many a mystery. A sinner is justified by
God when he repents of his sins. He sees Jesus upon the cross of Calvary.... He looks to the
atoning Sacrifice as his only hope, through repentance toward God--because the laws of His
government have been broken--and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ as the One who can
save and cleanse the sinner from every transgression.
The condition for justification is repentance.
12. FW 100 But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of
Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender of
the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification,
there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by love and
purifies the soul.”
We must not be practicing known sin. He requires total surrender. For you to receive
justification there has to be total surrender. For you to retain your justification there must be
continual obedience. Obedience is a result of true justification. It is because you are living a
sanctified life. Therefore, there cannot be sanctification without justification. And there
cannot be justification without sanctification. Sanctification is evidence that you are justified.
These two cannot be separated.
13. The Youth Instructor, Jan 3, 1895 You will put away all self,--self-importance, self-love,
self-esteem, envy, evil-surmising, and jealousy, and plead for the Holy Spirit to come
into your hearts and abide with you. As you taste and see that the Lord is good, you
will hunger and thirst after more of the Holy Spirit, and will make an entire surrender
of your will and your way, your plans and ideas, to God, and will keep the way of the
Lord. Your words and deportment must be guarded.”
Schools are now encouraging self-esteem. When you are trained with that mindset, when you
listen to the gospel to give up self, it is easier to reject the gospel. People nowadays think,
when they give up self, they lose their identity. But the truth is, sin takes away identity
because you are slaves to sin.
When were you surrendered to God entirely? You have to taste and see how good God is.
Compare life on earth to life in eternity. Like taking $100 and giving back $1000.
14. Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol. 6 1071 ”Justification by faith in Christ
will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the
truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the
fact that we are practicing the Word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent
Christian action.”
How do we be witnesses and living testimony? – consistent Christian action by

transformation of character.
15. Luke 18:13, 14 – Justification requires humility by recognizing your sinfulness.
Meekness is not humility. There is connection, but it is not humility. Meekness is the ability
to endure abuse with humility.
16. The Faith I live by 111 What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the
glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for
himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with
the righteousness of Christ.”
We must become dust again. God cannot mould stones or rocks. This can be likened to
humility and self-surrender. To be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we must see that
we are nothing.
17. Selected Message Vol 1 389 When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he
deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and
justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness.
18. Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 6 1070
”This Is Justification by Faith."--As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns
Christ's atonement in his behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this
life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. Every
believing soul is to conform his will entirely to God's will, and keep in a state of repentance
and contrition, exercising faith in the atoning merits of the Redeemer and advancing from
strength to strength, from glory to glory.”
Penitent sinner – sorrowful – characteristics of repentance.

Contrite – broken – humility.
You see you sinfulness, and then you sorrow, and you are broken and you see that Christ is
the only one that can save you.
Repentance is not just a state, it is a lifestyle. You always feel sorrow for sin and you always
turn away from sin.
19. Rom 2:13 – How can you do/obey the law of God? – there must be total self surrender. To
maintain repentance, we must obey the law of God.
20. Selected Message Volume 1 366 ”But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner
through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's
righteousness while practicing known sins, or neglecting known duties. God requires
the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to
retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works
by love and purifies the soul.”
21. Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 7 908 ”Justification means the saving of
a soul from perdition, that he may obtain sanctification, and through sanctification,
the life of heaven. Justification means that the conscienceurged from dead works, is
placed where it can receive the blessings of sanctification”
This is where we have the connection between justification and sanctification. Justification
leads to sanctification. Justification and Sanctification are both conditions for salvation.
When you are surrendered to God, the fruit will be sanctification. And that will prove that
you are justified. EG. Putting yeast in bread. By the rising of the bread proves that there is
yeast in the bread.
Therefore, sanctification is a condition for heaven because sanctification proves that you are
justified. False sanctification is legalism. False justification is to say that God forgives you
without entire surrender or you are trying to justify yourself with good works.
22. Gal 2:16 – we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. But to have the faith of Jesus, we must
have the experience of Gal 2:20.
Faith of Jesus is entirely and totally believing what God says.
23. Titus 3:7 – justification leads to eternal life.
24. 1 Pet 5:5 – God giveth grace to the humble (surrender).
25. 2 Cor 7:1 – both justification and sanctification is both seen there. But contextually speaking,
cleanse is relating to sanctification because we are perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
To retain that justified state it is called sanctification.
26. Eph 5:25, 26 – cleanse and sanctification is put together.
Jesus died for the church so that we might have sanctification.
27. James 4:8 – repentance and conversion, then asks us to cleanse our hands (sanctification).
28. 1 John 1:9 – Justification and sanctification put together
Remission of Sins supplement

Remission of Sins
Matt 26:27-28 [27] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of
it; [28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Remission Greek = 859  { af’-es-is}. Release from bondage or imprisonment.

Forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed),
remission of the penalty.
17 Hits in KJV that use the Greek word aphesis
Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of
sins.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission
of sins.
Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in
danger of eternal damnation:
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the
remission of sins;
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the
poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him
shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached
unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of his grace;
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his
righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is
no remission.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.
Remission of Sins, possible through Repentance and Baptism
Lk 3:3 …the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Lk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem
How to receive repentance for remission of sins?
Acts 10:43 …Believe in His name for remission of sins.
Acts 13:38 Through Jesus you receive forgiveness of sins.
Note: POWERFUL text. The next verse. V.39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things,
from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Justified according to these two verses is
forgiveness of sins (Greek 859 forgiveness, pardon, letting them go as if they had never been
committed. Remission of penalty).
Sanctification by Faith
Can sanctification merit salvation? No But can sanctification be a condition for salvation? Yes,
because it is evidence that your character is reflecting God. We are saved by grace through faith.
What is the righteousness of Christ? It is His perfect obedient life on earth. When we repent, confess
and surrender by faith, that same righteousness is able to keep us from falling because Christ
knows the temptations that we face, so He is able to help us. So righteousness is both justification
and sanctification. So sanctification is just an evidence that we received justification, and His
righteousness. So in that sense, it is a condition. When Jesus justifies you, He is declaring you as a
righteous person and looks at you as if you never sinned before. But now, how about for the future?
Sanctification.
Definition of Sanctification
Look up Sanctification in Strong’s concordance. Separate from every profane thing.
1 Pet 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit,
unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
A sanctified life is an obedient life.
Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is
not ashamed to call them brethren,
Sanctification brings about unity. Obedience brings about unity.
1 Thes 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication:
Jesus’ brothers are those who are sanctified. The will of the Father is our sanctification.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified,
and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Prepare us unto every good work.
1 Thes 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and
soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“preserved blameless” – to maintain in a blameless state. God wants to sanctify us wholly. God
wants to keep us from falling until His second coming.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
God will sanctify by the Word of God.
You have to have the truth to be sanctified.
Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of
God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
You are sanctified by the Holy Ghost. In the story of the 10 virgin, lamps represent the word of God,
oil represents the Holy Spirit. So when you have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, you have a
sanctified life. You have to have to have both to be the light of the world.
“forgiveness of sins” – justification. You are justified and sanctified by the faith of Jesus Christ. Not
justified by faith and sanctified by works. That is why many get discouraged. That is why we are no
sanctified by emotions or feelings.
COL 384 The sanctification of the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit is the
implanting of Christ's nature in humanity. Gospel religion is Christ in the life--a living,
active principle. It is the grace of Christ revealed in character and wrought out in good
works. The principles of the gospel cannot be disconnected from any department of
practical life. Every line of Christian experience and labor is to be a representation of the life
of Christ.
Sanctification can be simply said that we are living the life of Christ.
Our High Calling 212 What is sanctification? It is to give one's self wholly and without
reserve--soul, body, and spirit--to God; to deal justly; to love mercy, and to walk humbly
with God; to know and to do the will of God without regard to self or self-interest; to be
heavenly-mindedure, unselfish, holy, and without spot or stain.
But that first condition took place at justification. So the condition for justification and
sanctification are exactly the same and will begin at the same time. How about faith, what does faith
require? Whole surrender.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 7 908 Sanctification and Communion.--

Sanctification means habitual communion with God
Prayer and Bible study with God. Sanctuary service – shew bread, candlesticks and alter of incense
– prayer, holy spirit and word of God.
My Life Today 257 John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence
of the love of Christ, he became meek and lowly of heart. Self was hid in Jesus. He was
closely united to the Living Vine, and thus became a partaker of the divine nature. Such
will ever be the result of communion with Christ. This is true sanctification.
True sanctification is to become like Jesus and live the life of Christ – meek and lowly in heart, have
the love of Christ, self is hid, closely united to the Living Vine – holding communion with God. You
cannot produce fruit of good works unless you are connected to Christ. Not I but Christ. In a true
relationship there is a commitment. To be connected with God it is through prayer, bible study and
the Holy Spirit.
Our High Calling 214 Sanctification is a state of holiness, without and within, being holy
and without reserve the Lord's, not in form, but in truth. Every impurity of thought, every
lustful passion, separates the soul from God; for Christ can never put His robe of
righteousness upon a sinner, to hide his deformity. . . . There must be a progressive
work of triumph over evil, of sympathy with good, a reflection of the character of Jesus. We
must walk in the light, which will increase and grow brighter unto the perfect day. This is
real, substantial growth, which will finally attain to the full stature of men and women in
Jesus Christ. . . .”
God cannot cover a knowingly performed sin with His robe of righteousness. But He will cover
those that have been repented of and turned away from.
5BC 1147 Obey God's Requirements.--The truth as it is in Jesus is obedience to every

precept of Jehovah. It is heart work. Bible sanctification is not the spurious sanctification
of today, which will not search the Scriptures, but trusts to good feelings and impulses
rather than to the seeking for truth as for hidden treasure. Bible sanctification is to know
the requirements of God and to obey them. There is a pure and holy heaven in store for
those who keep God's commandments. It is worth lifelongersevering, untiring effort.
Satan is on your right hand and on your left; he is before and behind; he has a dish of fables
cooked up for every soul who is not cherishing the truth as it is in Jesus. The destroyer is
upon you to palsy your every effort. But there is a crown of life to be won, a life that
measures with the life of God (MS 58, 1897).”
It takes a life time to keep you in that justified state. Sinning itself it not part of sanctification,
because you can still learn things without sinning.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 7 908The True Sign of Sanctification.--

Those who dishonor God by transgressing His law may talk sanctification, but it is of
that value, and just as acceptable, as was the offering of Cain. Obedience to all the
commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification. Disobedience is the sign of
disloyalty and apostasy (MS 41, 1897).
Sanctified Life 9 True sanctification is an entire conformity to the will of God.

Rebellious thoughts and feelings are overcome, and the voice of Jesus awakens a new
life, which pervades the entire being. Those who are truly sanctified will not set up their
own opinion as a standard of right and wrong. They are not bigoted or self-
righteousness; but they are jealous of self, ever fearing lest, a promise being left them, they
should come short of complying with the conditions upon which the promises are based.
We can only overcome by surrendering and submitting to God. You cannot choose to change
yourself, but you can choose to surrender yourself to God.
ST May 19 1890 True sanctification is nothing more or less than to love God with all
the heart, to walk in his commandments and ordinances blameless. Sanctification is
not an emotion, but a heaven-born principle that brings all the passions and desires
under the control of the Spirit of God; and this work is done through our Lord and
Saviour.
Sanctification is obedience is obedience and love put together. To be under the control of the Holy
Spirit is to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit to control our passions and desires.
CH 372 Not only will the student himself be benefited by a study of the word of God. His
study is life and salvation to all with whom he associates. He will feel a sacred responsibility
to impart the knowledge that he receives. His life will reveal the help and strength that he
receives from communion with the word. The sanctification of the Spirit will be seen in
thought, word, and deed. All that he says and does will proclaim that God is light and in
Him is no darkness at all. Of such ones the Lord Jesus can indeed say, "Ye are laborers
together with God."
Is sanctification good thoughts, good words, and good deeds? No. It is a result of the Spirit
AA 560 Those who would gain the blessing of sanctification must first learn the
meaning of self-sacrifice. The cross of Christ is the central pillar on which hangs the "far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." "If any man will come after Me," Christ says,
"let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." 2 Corinthians 4:17; Matthew
16:24. It is the fragrance of our love for our fellow men that reveals our love for God. It is
patience in service that brings rest to the soul. It is through humble, diligent, faithful toil
that the welfare of Israel is promoted. God upholds and strengthens the one who is willing
to follow in Christ's way.
Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 299 On another occasion I spoke in reference to
genuine sanctification, which is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily
conformity to the will of God. While in Oregon I was shown that some of the young
churches of the New England Conference were in danger through the blighting influence of
what is called sanctification. Some would become deceived by this doctrine, while others,
knowing its deceptive influence, would realize their danger and turn from it. Paul's
sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he: "I die daily." His will and his
desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following
inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.
Even Jesus had to fight with himself – if possible, let this cup pass from me. We must embrace
ourselves with faithrayer and the Word of God. EVERYDAY Paul’s will conflicted with the duty and
will of God. We can say Amen to that. Why? Because sometimes we are deceived by the enemy that
we are not sanctified because we are fighting with these temptations and facing all these conflicts.
We must consider ourselves dead by faith. Sometimes it is painful to do something or give up
something, but we do it by faith and ask help from God. So we arise over our desires and our
feelings. Don’t wait for feelings to change your action, but change your action to have your
feelings by faith.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that
was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God.
Did Jesus see joy on the cross? – No. But he saw joy by Faith. Why? Because Jesus loves His Father.
When you truly love someone, you are able to endure a lot more mental and physical pain despite
how unpleasant it is. If you do it if you HAVE to, then it is different. “Charity suffers long”.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary volume 7 959 "And repent." 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, enlightening the understanding. What privileges we have in
Christ Jesus!
This repentance is talking about continual sorrow for sin.
True Sanctification
Testimonies to the Churches Volume 6 350True sanctification is harmony with God,
oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that
are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from
the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through
obedience.”
AA 561 True sanctification comes through the working out of the principle of love.
RH October 5 1886 True sanctification will be evidenced by a conscientious regard for

all the commandments of God, by a careful improvement of every talent, by a
circumspect conversation, by revealing in every act the meekness of Christ.
Fundamentals of Christian Education 432 There is no sanctification aside from the

truth,-- the word. Then how essential that it should be understood by every one!
There must be truth in the church to have sanctified people. We must have truth in Bible teachings
and Bible principles.
FW 30 Every transgressor of God's law is a sinner, and none can be sanctified while
living in known sin.
Great Controversy 467 It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile

men to God, by bringing them into accord with the principles of his law.”
There must be conversion and sanctification to be reconciled to God.
Sanctification Not Based on Feelings

FW 87 Sanctification is not an emotion but a heaven-born principle that brings all the
passions and desires under the control of the Spirit of God; and this work is done
through our Lord and Saviour.
AA 51 Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by

every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father;
it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by
sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.”
FW 121 Excitement is not sanctification.
2SM 35 Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of the descent of
the Holy Spirit. Your wild demonstrations create only disgust in the minds of unbelievers.
The fewer of such demonstrations there are, the better it will be for the actors and for the
people in general.
Review and Herald, January 18, 1881 Happy feelings or the absence of joy is no evidence
that a person is or is not sanctified.
Sanctification as a Life-Time
The Faith I Live By 116 There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True
sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last.
Christ’s Object Lessons 65 Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.
Testimonies for the Church Volume One 340 Sanctification is not the work of a moment,
an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace.
AA 532-533 The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one.

Day by day God labors for man's sanctification, and man is to co-operate with Himutting
forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits.
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume Four 301-302 The successive steps in the attainment of
Bible sanctification are set before us in the words of Peter: "Giving all diligence, add to
your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to
temperanceatience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, charity." "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to
make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." [2 PET. 1:5-
7, 10.] This is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last.
It takes a life time to climb to the very top of the ladder. Faith works by love, and in between you
have to know something about virtue, knowledge, temperance patience, etc.
There is steps in sanctification:
Mark 4:25-29 [25] For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be
taken even that which he hath. [26] ¶ And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast
seed into the ground; [27]And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and
grow up, he knoweth not how. [28] For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then
the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. [29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he
putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
1. First the blade

2. Then the ear
3. Then the full corn
4. Then brought forth (ripe)
Perfection – living up to the light that you have. You can be perfect at every stage. Do you call a first
grade student because he/she does not know how to solve calculus? There is development. You
have to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. Let the mercies of God motivate them to
obey and entirely surrender themselves to God.
Justification & the Blotting Out of Sin
This topic is very exciting and very important. If you understand this very carefully and clearly you
will be able to destroy basically all New Theology. But don't share it until you understand it fully. If
you express this the wrong way you will get yourself in trouble. But listen carefully.
(BSM: When you are taking notes you must understand how your teacher is thinking. Observe the
logical sequential explanation. You can take notes on Bible texts and key words. You don't need to
write every word. Listen, and figure things out in your mind.)
This chapters topic is on justification. The word forgiveness and the word justification in the Bible
mean the same thing. But if you look at these words (in the real world) by themselves in many ways
they are not the same word.
If I forgive you that means I am acknowledging that you have sinned, that you have done
something wrong.
If I pardon you that means I am acknowledging that you have guilt.
So if you are forgiven you walk away forgiven, but you are a forgiven sinner.
The word Justification or justify. That word means what? It means I am declaring that you are
innocent. And when I declare that you are innocent. It means that you have not done anything
wrong in the past.
Can you see the difference between these words: forgiveness, pardon, and justification.
Some how when you confess and repent He forgives you so you can walk away as a forgiven sinner,
but He does more than that for you. You can walk away as if you are guilt free, meaning you can
walk away as if you have not done anything wrong. Can you see the difference?
This is the reason why the judgment is very important. In order to be justified (catch this)
there has to be a judgment. Because justify means declaring that you are innocent. But
before the declaration of your innocence can be made there has to be an investigation. (Here
he lost 80% of the students).
Let's see what the Bible says. Go to Deuteronomy 25:1. There are other Bible texts, but I want to
give you the crucial Bible texts. (Finding the supporting texts is your homework) But here is the key
text. And all this Bible text does is let you know that there must be a judgment in order for
you to be justified.
Deut 25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that [the judges]
may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
“If there be a controversy between men” – Between who? Men
“and they come unto judgment” – Unto what? Judgment
“that [the judges] may judge them” – Judges may what? Judge them. What is the next word?
"Then" Stop right there. The phrase 'judge them', what does that mean? Investigate them. Note: If
you know how to present this you will be able to talk about the 3 Angel's messages more
powerfully.
“then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked” – They shall? Justify the
righteous and condemn the wicked.
That means that there is no justification if there is no judgment. Note: Do you remember the
definition that is in Steps to Christ for justification? Justify means just as if you have not sinned. "If
you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been,
for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your
character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned."
So justification means accepting you as if you have not sinned. (And that is only possible….if there is
no record. PO: He didn't say this I filled in the blanks) When you are being investigated, what are they
trying to find out? They are trying to see if you have sinned or not. They are trying to find out if
there is any evidence of sin or not. And they will only justify you if there is no evidence. Or may I say
NO RECORD of sin.
So then justification will be declared for you after your sins are blotted out. That is the only
official way that the declaration of justification is possible. (He lost 90% of the students at this
point.)
Question: Justification comes after forgiveness correct? We will talk about that.
There is what we call Justification by Faith. We are only justified by faith. Why by faith? Ex. Can we
have everlasting life today? Yes, but do you literally have it? No, you can only believe that you have
it by faith. It is not tangible yet. But when do you literally have everlasting life? In the future when
Christ comes back the 2nd time and our mortal bodies are changed into immortal bodies, at that
moment we have everlasting life, and at that time we do not have to exercise what? Faith. What is
faith in this sense? Faith is the substance of things what? Hoped for, things what? Hoped for. Hope,
and hope is always in the what? Future. Is everlasting life coming in the future? Yes But today you
can act and believe and live as if you have it NOW! Based upon the future promise. By faith we are
saved. But true salvation is when Christ comes back the 2nd time. There are Bible texts that give you
the idea that salvation comes at the second coming of Christ. But today we can believe that we are
saved. Understand? So faith is what we hold on to until the reality. Today when we ask for
forgiveness and repent. He gives us a gift. When we repent He forgives us because He died for us.
But
LISTEN CAREFULLY. If you are only forgiven sinners in the plan of salvation that is not enough.
Because sinners cannot go to heaven. Sinners cannot go to heaven. (It sounds heretical) And just for
this example. I will say. Legally speaking even forgiven sinners must die. Is that right? Yes. Even
forgiven sinners have to die. It is just that they die with a more peaceful mind. Forgiven SINNERS
CANNOT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE! Only the SINLESS can have everlasting life. So in order to give
everlasting life there must be justification. And in order to have justification you must have
the blotting out of sins. So God can say I don't see any record of sin, you are justified.
So today we are justified by faith, and after the blotting out of sin we receive unchangeable
justification, that is the real one. Watch this: You are called to be justified, and then when you
repent, you are justified by faith. But you are not justified yet. You are only justified by faith. But if
you are justified by faith. If you believe (NOW THIS IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT) If you believe that
you are justified by faith. You will live as if you will not go back to sin anymore by faith. We call this
sanctification by faith. And when you live a sanctified life. It is proof, it is evidence that GOD CAN
AND WILL JUSTIFY YOU. In this since. The real justification comes after Sanctification by Faith.
Further explanation: Justification by Faith & Sanctification by Faith. Note: Even though we have
sanctification by faith, guess what? We are not yet? Holy, we are only holy by faith. When are we
truly holy? At the second coming of Christ. But by faith, we can live as if we are without sin, we can
live as if we are holy. If you live this way by faith that means it is PROOF that you really believe
what God says! And if you really believe what God says then God will give you what you believe.
PO: We only live as if we are without sin by faith. And this is not just talking about overcoming sin. See
we can live victoriously correct? But there is still a record of the sins we have committed. But we can
live as if there is no record. Because when the record is gone. We are truly without sin. Understand?
Objection: You know what the problem is with evangelical Christianity and some among SDA's?
They think forgiveness and justification was completed at the cross. At the cross Jesus died and
there He gave us forgiveness and justification. If you just say it like that it is not heresy, but it
depends on how you explain this. Jesus, when He died on the cross, He made forgiveness and
justification possible. But in order for Him to justify us.
Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Jesus “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” For our what?
Justification. Jesus had to be resurrected for our justification. What does that mean? Justification
was not completed at the cross. He had to be resurrected for our justification. Why? Because Christ
has to be resurrected go into the Holy Place, and then go into the Most Holy Place in 1844, and at
the end of the investigative judgment when He blots out our sins, then He can declare that we are
justified. For that reason He was resurrected. But the reason why He had to die is because He
needed the blood to blot out our sins.
That is why when we look at the 2300-day prophecy (those who have studied the book of Daniel) it
is about justification. 70 Weeks you have blood. And in 1844 you have the blotting out of sin. That is
for our justification. That is why when it says Unto 2,300 days then shall the sanctuary be
cleansed, or in the original language Justified. And just because of the word Justified, it
automatically means investigation. Note: If you understand this, you will see it in the book of
Psalms more clearly. Let me give you more texts. BSM: Just to let you know you will need a few
more days at least to let this sink in. In order to understand this, you must understand the books of
Roman, Galatians, Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospels. If you don't know those books you will not
get this clearly yet.
Psalm 51. Watch this, catch the language. When we ask for forgiveness, this is really how we should
pray.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude
of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Have what? Mercy, Have what? Mercy. When God has mercy upon us, what happens?
“tender mercies” – What is the next word? Blot
“out my transgressions” – Stop here. The blotting out of sins takes place in which compartment of
the sanctuary? The MHP. And the blotting out of sins takes place in front of the Mercy Seat. You
know what the ultimate mercy is? Blotting out our sins. So David is praying the MHP prayer. When
David prayed blot out my sins. You know what he is asking? (He is asking for justification,) but he is
also praying Lord help me to live a sanctified life.
Psa 51:2-3 [2] Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I
acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.
“my sin is ever before me” – When the Bible says this, what does it mean? He always remembers,
but the time will come when he will no longer remember his sin. Today by faith we don't have to
remember anymore. But someday it will be automatic.
1 Cor 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain.
Christ be not what? Risen
“our preaching vain” – You cannot preach the gospel and just end with the cross. If you don't
preach about His resurrection and the reason why He was resurrected your preaching is in vain.
And it says
“faith is also vain” – If Jesus only died and did not rise to blot out our sins in heaven, then your
faith is vain. We just had a really nice man die for us, but we will die too, what a nice thought.
1 Cor 15:17 …And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Why are you in your sins? Because they cannot be blotted out. So then what happens when
probation closes?
Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he
that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Now you will understand why this expression is written this way. It is an expression of the
declaration. The declaration is based upon the investigation that took place in the judgment.
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still” – Declaration. In other words, we have found that he is
unjust, so we are declaring him unjust, and he will remain like that.
“he that is righteous, let him be righteous still” – Stop. In the original Greek language the first
righteous is not the same as the second righteous. The first righteous is HE THAT LIVED A
RIGHTEOUS LIFE. WE DECLARE HIM RIGHTEOUS. Is that justification or sanctification?
Sanctification
“he that is holy, let him be holy still” – It is the same thing, live a holy life, we declare you holy.
The word righteous is really justification. So when are we declared justified and holy? At the end of
the close of probation. Only then do we have unchangeable justification and sanctification. Until
then it is only by faith. So we are still saved by faith. I am going to show you a text in Romans that
will shock you. Now you will understand why it is written that way.
Summary: What is the work of Justification? In order for God to justify you first there must be what?
Forgiveness. And then He justifies you by Faith, and then He helps you to live a holy life, and we call
that Sanctification by faith. And then if you hold on to your faith. Hold on to God, let Him work in
your to will and to do of His good pleasure. Someday you are declared Justified. After the judgment.
So the whole work of Justification is REALLY ALL OF THIS INCLUDED. In order for God to say you
are justified. First He must forgive you, to justify you by faith, then He helps you to live a holy life,
which is Sanctification by faith, then He brings you to the judgment and investigates your faith, how
much you believe based upon the fruit of your faith, and then He declares you Justified. And for this
reason even today we can believe that He sees us as if we have never done anything wrong based
upon the future promise. Look at this text in Romans. Now you will see the whole picture.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called,
them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
“predestinate” – That is the plan of salvation. He wants all to come to repentance.
“whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” –
Where is Sanctification? Within the justification. And when you are justified you can receive
glorification. You know what the prerequisite for immortality is? The blotting out of your sins.
Question: Is Sanctification by faith different from complete sanctification?
Answer: To God it is the same. God only speaks the language of Past, Present, and Future for us. But
to God there is no Past, Present, and Future.
Do you remember the argument Jesus had with the scribes and Pharisee's? When God said He is the
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Is He the God of the living or the dead? After they all died in the
OT, but when God would introduce Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Was He then
the God of the living or the dead? To them the dead. According to human time they are all dead, so it
makes it seem like He is the God of the dead. But He says no, He is the God of the living, why?
Because when He says I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even though at that time they
were in the grave. Because God doesn't know past, present, or future, He is already in the future. He
is already in the future spending time with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And because of that He says I
am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He is the God of the Living. So God can say it as if it is
happening right now. Because of that attribute of God we can believe in Justification by Faith.
Romans 7
Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath
dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
those that know the law – the Audience . The Jews but in particular the Pharisees and Sadducees.
“law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth” – the law has power over a man. So
therefore, the law does not have dominion or authority or power over a man when that man is
dead.
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he
liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
He is talking about marriage. The woman is bound to the husband.
“but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband” – Law says two flesh
shall become one (Eph 5:31). So the freedom comes by death. So the big picture is that the law is
over you. And because of that law, you are bondaged to your husband. But when you are dead, you
become free from the law and free from the bondage.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an
adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though
she be married to another man.
By the law she can only stay with one man, but if she live with another man while her husband is
alive, she will be called an adulteress. But when her husband is dead, then she is free from that law.
It must be applied contextually according to the previous chapter. So according to Rom 6:6, the
husband is the “old man” or sin. But while you have the “old man” and try to unite with Christ, we
call it “spiritual fornication.” What law are you free from? In Rom 6:14 when it says “ye are not
under the law”. Does it mean that we are free from the law? Yes But does it mean that we are free
from the obligation of the law? In Rom 6:15, 23 – it shows us if we are disobedient, the law of God
asks for death. We must have perfect obedience to the law still, but we are not under its
condemnation. So when it says that we are under the law, it means that we are under the penalty of
the law. Before, you were under the law – which asks for the penalty which is death. But Jesus’
death pays that penalty so frees us from death and so the law looks at us as if we never sinned
before. But we still have to have perfect obedience to the law, and Jesus Christ helps us to obey it.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye
should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth
fruit unto God.
“Wherefore” – Paul seems like he is making a short temporary conclusion.
“become dead to the law” – what does it mean “dead to sin” – free from sin. So dead to the law
means free from law. It does not mean that we are free from the obligation of the law but free from
the condemnation of the law. How? By the body of Christ – through His death for our sin and our
old man dying with Him too.
“bring forth fruit unto God” What fruit is this talking about?
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto
holiness, and the end everlasting life.
“fruit unto holiness” – and holiness is referring to sanctification which leads unto eternal life.
Rom 7:1-4 – it is a review of Romans 6
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our
members to bring forth fruit unto death.
“when we were in the flesh” – when we had our old man.
“motions of sins” – the acting of our sins.
“which were by the law” – seems to imply that the law gave us these sins. But that is not true: Can
there be sin when there is no law? No Can there be law if there is no sin? Yes. So this is simply
saying that if there is no law, there is no sin. So these sins are because the law exists (Rom 5:13).
What worked in our members? – the sin.
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we
should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
“delivered from the law” – delivered from the condemnation of the law.
“should serve in the newness of spirit” – Rom 6:4 “newness of life.” So it is serving in the
newness of life.
“oldness of the letter” – Paul is dealing with a few things here: Form of religion without power –
just the letter. Formality in the religion without the spirit and power of God. If you are trying to be a
Christian, and you live as a Christian, but yet your old man is not dead yet, you are serving God with
the oldness of the letter. This can be rightly as applies as the old and new covenant as well, but the
big picture was what was described above.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:
for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
“What shall we say then? [is] the law sin?” – is it the law that is causing sin? Then do away with
the law so that there shall be no sin. How would you like to live in a country which has no law? – no
peace, harmony, or unity.
“Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law” – the law gives us the knowledge of sin.
“Thou shalt not covet” – because of this statement, we know straight away that it is talking about
the 10 commandments.
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.
For without the law sin was dead.
“concupiscence” – lust. Why did Paul point out the very last commandment? Because out of all 10
commandments, the 10th commandment requires heart change. Everything can outwardly not kill,
etc. They can outwardly keep the first 9 commandments. But the 10th commandment, thou shalt not
covet, takes place in the heart. It requires heart change. Pharisees were known in formality of
obedience to the law, but in their heart it was all corruption.
“without the law, sin was dead”
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I
died.
True understanding of the commandments of God really points out the motives, desires and passions of the
heart – our sin.
“when the commandment came” – what does it mean? When he really understood the
commandments of God sin revived and I died. If you look at the commandments of God in the life of
Jesus, you will see the sin that exists in your heart.
SC 29 Paul says that as "touching the righteousness which is in the law"--as far as outward
acts were concerned --he was "blameless" (Philippians 3:6); but when the spiritual
character of the law was discerned, he saw himself a sinner. Judged by the letter of the law
as men apply it to the outward life, he had abstained from sin; but when he looked into the
depths of its holy precepts, and saw himself as God saw him, he bowed in humiliation and
confessed his guilt. He says, "I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment
came, sin revived, and I died." Romans 7:9. When he saw the spiritual nature of the law, sin
appeared in its true hideousness, and his self-esteem was gone.”
“alive” – thinking that he was ok, that he was righteous.
“I died” – contrast to “I was alive”. The old man was alive with the thinking that he was ok. Paul
recognized that he was a sinner.
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
The purpose of the commandments is for life. He knew that the purpose of the commandments was
to life, but when he saw the true meaning of the commandments, he saw that he was under the
condemnation of the law, which was unto death.
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
“For sin, taking occasion by the commandment” – Sin exists because of the law of God. He was
keeping the spirit of the law but not the letter of the law. Thus he found himself a sinner and under
the condemnation of the law – it slew him.
Now Paul explains what the law of God really requires – holiness, just and goodness. Holy living,
change of heart, change of mind
Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear
sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become
exceeding sinful.
“Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid” – how can something be good
made to destroy me? We know how bad sin is when we compare it with the law of God. 2 things
Because the law exists, then sin exists. But the law is not the reason why it exists. But sin has 2
things: Law of God identifies what sin is. So the law of God is life a flash light. So the law of God
shining in your heart showing you what your sin is. At the same time you can see that sin is working
death in you.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
The law demands the spiritual being to be changed. It deals with the heart. If you are a slave to sin,
then the wages of that is death.
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
This is describing an unconverted man who knows the law. Paul is sharing his past experiences.
What he is saying that there are people that are convicted but not converted. We know because in
verse one he is speaking to those who know the law.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Even as I do that which I would not, I am still recognizing that the law is good. He is convicted but
he is unconverted.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
It is not saying that it is not our fault and that we are sinning because of the sin we had a birth. This
is the incorrect view. When you “consent” (v. 16), you consent in your mind. So intellectually he is
committing wrong because he recognize that it is wrong in his mind.
Rom 6:1, 2 [1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2]
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
“dead to sin” – we really know that it is talking about dead to old man.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present
with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
“for to will is present with me” – There is a desire to want to do good. You can have a desire to be
saved all your life, but that desire alone will not save you. It required a heart change. We can apply
this especially to those that know the law. Christian and non-Christian all have struggles. Struggles
is not the issue. The issue is whether you fall before the struggle or if you overcome the struggle.
This is not a foot hold for sin and live theology.
Rom 7:19-20 [19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. [20]
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Second time this is repeated – it is explained more now in verse 21.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
He has a desire to keep God’s law but at the same time I have evil that is present with me – the old
man. He wants to obey the law, he wants to do right. Somewhere in his mind, he is convicted. But at
the same time, he has something in his mind that wants to sin too. So therefore, the old man must
die.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Can you be lost be yet you desire to keep the law of God? – Yes!
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing
me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
“captivity” – slavery. Unconverted man will be brought into captivity to the law of sin. But a
converted man, we will stop half way
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
“wretched man” – someone who knows the law and has the desire to obey the law but who cannot
obey the law of God. There is only one other place in the whole Bible which uses the word
wretched. Laodicean church. Romans 7 is describing SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST. There will be
people who know the law but cannot obey the law. This is the characteristics of the Laodicean
church.
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of
God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” – he could not wait to answer the question about the
solution to the wretched man.
Wretched man is described “So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh
the law of sin.” He contrasted between the mind which wants to obey the law and the old man
which still wants to sin. This is really speaking to Seventh-Day Adventist’s. My mind wants to serve
the law of God, but my old man serves the law of sin.
Rom 8:1-2 [1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me
free from the law of sin and death.
“condemnation” – opposite to that is justification. It is the law of the Spirit of life that has made us
free. What is justification by faith? To destroy that old man. Complete surrender.
Romans 8
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Opposite word for condemnation is justification (Prov 17:15 – deep study for Rev 17:5)
“who” is referring to those that are justified, that are in Christ Jesus.
To them that are in Christ Jesus and they become a new creature. What does it mean by “walk”? We
walk with our feet.
Rom 3:12-18 [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is
none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they
have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
The way we live, the way we respond and how we move. So how we use to respond the things of the
flesh. Walk has something to do with our inclination, our tendencies.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
When you are in Christ Jesus, you are abiding in Him – similar to Rom 8:1 – and we have to live like
Jesus did. So the concept of Justification and Sanctification can be seen in verse 1.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death.
“law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” – this is referring to the same law but now it is giving life
to us, because we are in Christ Jesus.
“free from the law of sin and death” – so we know that in Rom 7:25 it is describing the wretched
man, the carnal man. So we know that Rom 7 is describing an unconverted man.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
“what the law could not do” – the law cannot save you or forgive you or help you to obey. It only
tells you the knowledge of righteousness and sin.
“weak through the flesh” – It is described in Rom 7 how we are weak in the flesh that we cannot
obey the law.
“condemned sin in the flesh” – in the story of the men wanting to stone the woman, Jesus said that
those without sin, let them cast the first stone. So in order to condemn sin, you must be without sin.
But what does it mean to condemn sin? Jesus condemned sin by overcoming it. By not yielding to
the temptations of the world. In Rom 7 and 8 we are dealing with overcoming – how to overcome
sin.
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit.
“righteousness of the law” – Rom 7 depict righteousness of the law as holy, keeping the law of God
in your heart.
“who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” – it is talking about sanctification.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are
after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
“mind the things of the flesh” – yielding to the lower powers of the mind, the carnal nature. Paul is
explaining how to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Paul rebukes his audience here. How do we get this spiritual mind? Justification – because when we
are justified, we have peace with God.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of
God, neither indeed can be.
Opposite word for “enmity” – love, charity peace. You can have peace with God because you are
justified by faith.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
So without faith, you cannot please God. Therefore, if you are in the flesh, you cannot exercise faith.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
We must have the Spirit that will enable to us to obey God’s will.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness.
John 15 – the vine. I in you and you in Me. They cannot be separated. If you are in Christ, then Christ
shall be in you.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up
Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Without justification by faith, having the experience of the Spirit of God dwelling in you, you will not
have immortality.
Rom 8:12-13 [12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13]
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body,
ye shall live.
“mortify the deeds of the body” – kill the deeds of the body – this is explained in Rom 7
“we are debtors, not to the flesh” – we did owe something to the flesh, but we no longer owe
anything to this flesh. (similar to Rom 6:6).
If we did owe something to the flesh, what did we owe? Death. And death is the result of sin. So we
are debtors not to the flesh, so we are free from death and sin. Christ already paid the penalty of sin,
so now we owe to Christ.
Rom 8:14-15 [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye
have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
We change our parents – this is described also in Rom 5 – changing from Adam to Christ.
Rom 8:16-17 [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17[ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with
him, that we may be also glorified together.
“glorified together” – means immortality.
“if so be that we suffer with him” – to overcome sin.
1 Pet 4:1 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;
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us.
“glory which shall be revealed in us” – immortality.
Justification and Sanctification are together:
1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
“righteous” = justified, “holy” = sanctified
John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no
more.
“neither do I condemn thee” = justified, “go, and sin no more” = sanctified
Luke 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,
that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Jesus taught them how to pray for justification and sanctification
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.
Eph 5:25, 26 [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself
for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through
him.
Justified by the blood of Jesus
Heb 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once
for all.
Sanctified also by the blood of Jesus. So the cross made a way for us so that we may be justified and
sanctified.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered
without the gate.
Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of
God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
There is sanctification by the Holy Ghost. So when we are led by the Spirit in Rom 8 – the Spirit will
lead us into Sanctification.
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,
because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and
belief of the truth:
So we are sanctified by the truth and the Spirit (John 4:24) What is sanctification? That we are to
obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 14). To obtain His character. To become like Jesus. How
about second coming?
1 Thes 5:23-24 [23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit
and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Faithful is
he that calleth you, who also will do it.
We will be sanctified, but it is God that will do it, not us.
Victory Over Sin
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Victory is a gift But what is it a victory over? – contextually speaking it is talking about victory over
death. In verses 55-56 – it is talking about victory over death and there is death but because there is
sin. So it is talking about victory over the grave and the sting of death which is sin.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith.
So who overcomes the world? – those that are born again (born of God). We can become victors in
this life by faith. We do not live by sight but by faith.
RH Dec 29, 1910 It is not our efforts that bring victory; it is seeing God behind the promise,
and believing and trusting him. Grasp by faith the hand of infinite power. The Lord is
faithful who has promised.
It is not looking at the sin and trying to fight sin with your own strength. Yes, you must recognize
the temptation and the sin, but you must be able to see the promise of God and see God behind that
promise and trust Him and the promise that we can overcome. When we see the temptation, we
must immediately depend on God, instead of trying to fight the sin.
2 Pet 1:5-10 [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] 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. [9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see
afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [10] Wherefore the rather,
brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall
never fall:
We just read that we can have victory by faith. Verse 9 it says that this person is blind – a
characteristic of the Laodicean church. Verse 10 – if we do these things (verse 5-7), we shall never
fall. It begins with faith. To exercise our faith, we must totally submit ourselves to God.
Phil 2:12-13 [12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but
now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is
God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling – sounds like legalism. Verse 13 says though: it
is God that worked in us. So it means that God will do it in us, but we must yield and submit. God
cannot make us submit.
Jam 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Every man is tempted when he is “drawn away” – he is being prompted, the pulling, the tugging at
our minds. Temptation is not sin. Just because you are tempted, it does not mean you have sinned.
The reason that we are being pulled or prompted, is because of the lust that is in us. It doesn’t mean
just immoral, sexual thoughts. It can simply mean the old man (Eph 4:22).When you accept Jesus
Christ, is your old man literally completely gone? No. He is considered dead as by faith. So
practically you live as if he is dead, although you feel the temptations. So when you sin, you are
yielding to the temptations. That yielding is consenting. You are drawn away.
Rev 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and
the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon
as it was born.
“tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven” – Satan deceived and drew away a third of the
angels.
You can be tempted no matter who you are. It is just with that old man, you are more easily led into
sin.
“enticed” – embraced, it has the meaning of consent, or yielding. Verse 15 – it bringeth forth sin
which leads to death. How we can overcome temptation:
Jam 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
You must submit yourself to God first and then resist the Devil. It says “submit yourselves
therefore” – saying that it is based on a previous text:
Jam 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto
the humble.
We must be humble to receive grace and by grace we can resist. So do not resist without the gift of
grace of God. So God gives us the gifts of resistance, but it is ours to exercise.
TMB 143 By grace I am determined to conquer though I die. We must have confidence in
God – the only hope for us, if we would overcome, is to unite our will with God, hour by
hour, day by day.
Psa 18:44 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were
kindled by it.
How do you obey? By submitting to God. How do you obey the 10 commandments? By submitting
to God.
Eph 6:13-18 [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
“withstand” – to resist. To overcome with helmet of salvation, by faith, with truth, with
righteousness and with the sword of the spirit. Not only defense but offense as well.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
So if you don’t have a belt (truth) your pants will fall off and you will be ashamed. Truth is to keep
you from being ashamed. How can you fight when you are naked? To overcome you have to also
share the truth.
AA 482 The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-
operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right
principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from
attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not
sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance
of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there
is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.
We must do the resisting, but we get the power from God.
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Don’t put yourself in a position to be tempted. That’s what it means when Jesus says pluck out your
eyes or cut off your hands. Simply saying that we should be willing to enter into the kingdom of
God, even if it requires that much sacrifice. Live as though you are blind to those temptations and
cut off from those temptations by faith. So we learnt that we can have victory by faith, and to submit
first and then resist. Power comes from God, but we are the ones that have to exercise resistance.
DA 389 As the Son of God lived by faith in the Father, so are we to live by faith in Christ. So fully was
Jesus surrendered to the will of God that the Father alone appeared in His life. Although tempted in
all points like as we are, He stood before the world untainted by the evil that surrounded Him. Thus
we also are to overcome as Christ overcame.
Jesus overcame by surrendering His will to the Father. We must draw high to God – James 4:8
Promises
2 Cor 2:14 – always triumph.
Faith that I live By 249 We are to live only one day at a time. We do not have to do the work
of a lifetime in a few hours. We need not look into the future with anxiety; for God has
made it possible for us to be overcomers every day.
We usually only face one temptation at a time. We can’t pull all our hair out in one go. But we can
pull our hair out one by one. We can overcome one day at a time with Christ. If we can’t overcome,
what kind of God are we serving? Powerful or powerless God?
Bible Commentary Volume 4 1154 The Christian life is one of daily surrender, submission
and continual overcoming.”
I die daily!
1 Cor 10:13 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.
God does not give us the temptation that we aren’t able to bear. We can, by God’s help. Original sin
concept says that we are born with what we think we can’t overcome. It also means that as soon as
you are born, you’re guilty – that it why there is infant baptism.
Great Controversy 569 It is Satan's constant effort to misrepresent the character of

God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy. His
sophistry lessens the obligation of the divine law, and gives men license to sin.
AH 456 “Natural Tendencies Are Downward.” We are not being punished because of
Adam’s sin, but we are receiving the result of his sin. There is big difference between
receiving the result and punishment. When do you receive the punishment? After the
judgment.
Sin that we aren’t being punished for:
Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither
shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and
the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
HP 195 In our present fallen state all that is needed is to give up the mind and character to
its natural tendencies.”
Review and Herald, Feb 23, 1892 You may feel that you cannot meet the approval of heaven.
You may say, "I was born with a natural tendency toward this evil, and I cannot overcome."
But every provision has been made by our heavenly Father whereby you may be able to
overcome every unholy tendency…Christ died on Calvary that man might have power to
overcome his natural tendencies to sin.
Review and Herald, June 14, 1892 Natural tendencies are to be overcome; for the natural
disposition is to be transformed by the grace of Christ. Appetite and passion must be
conquered, and the will must be placed wholly on the side of Christ. This will not be a
painful process, if the heart is opened to receive the impression of the Spirit of God.”
Testimonies for the Church Volume Eight 316 Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by
the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally
connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence,
and temptation to sin.”
Ministry of Healing 455 The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth
earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart.
Review and Herald, July 28, 1891 The natural tendencies of the human heart must be
subdued by the grace of God.
FW 88 Adam sinned, and the children of Adam share his guilt and its consequences; but
Jesus bore the guilt of Adam, and all the children of Adam that will flee to Christ, the second
Adam, may escape the penalty of transgression.
Spirit of Prophecy Volume Four 364 In consequence of Adam's sin, death passed upon all
mankind. All alike go down into the grave. But through the provisions of the plan of
salvation, all are to be brought forth from their graves. Then those who have not secured the
pardon of their sins must receive the penalty of transgression. They suffer punishment
varying in duration and intensity according to their works, but finally ending in the second
death. Covered with infamy, they sink into hopeless, eternal oblivion.
GC 533 Immortality Promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by

transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess; and
there could have been no hope for the fallen race, had not God, by the sacrifice of his Son,
brought immortality within their reach. While "death passed upon all men, for that all have
sinned," Christ "hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." [ROM. 5:12;
2 TIM. 1:10.] And only through Christ can immortality be obtained.
RH, June 29, 1897 The children of God are to shine as lights in the midst of a perverse and
crooked generation. But if right habits are not cultivated, they will give way to natural
tendencies, and will become self-sufficient, self-indulgent, reckless, covetous, revengeful,
independent, self-willed, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
What If I Sin?
Mistakes
HP 124 Do you make mistakes? Do not let this discourage you. The Lord may permit you to
make small mistakes in order to save you from making larger mistakes. Go to Jesus, and ask
Him to forgive you, and then believe that He does. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) When discouragement
presses heavily upon you, read the following scriptures: . . . Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy
waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his
lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the
God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because
of the oppression of the enemy? . . . Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted
within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my
God" (Ps. 42:7-11). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not
we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling
thereof." "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Ps. 46:1-3;
48:14).”
Satan is always waiting for you to make a mistake and tell you that you are unworthy, etc. God
wants us to rely on Him all the time. Even though we make a mistake, God wants us to have a hope.
Let us not forget this.
RH July 21, 1904 Let the suspicious ones, who think and speak evil of their brethren,
remember that they are doing the devil's drudgery. Let every one pass over little differences
and mistakes without comment. Do not magnify the small mistakes made by some one, but
think of the good that is in him. Each time mistakes are thought of and talked about, they
grow larger. A mountain is made out of a molehill. Ill-feeling and a lack of confidence are the
result.”
RH April 7, 1904 When unkind, discouraging words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Do
not reply unless you can return a pleasant answer. Say to yourself, "I will not disappoint my
Saviour. The Christian woman is a gentlewoman. On her lips is ever the law of kindness. She
utters no hasty words. To speak gentle words when you are irritated will bring sunshine
into your hearts, and make your path more smooth. A schoolgirl, when asked for a definition
of meekness, said. "Meek people are those who give soft answers to rough questions." Christ
says, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." They will be fit subjects for the
kingdom of heaven; for they are willing to be taught.
This is practical guidance on what to do when someone mistreats us and when we see mistakes in
others.
RH September 30, 1902 Many who have not yet heard the message to be given to the
world, have learned the meaning of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Men will accept the truth
who will work with earnestness and zeal, tact and understanding. Let none discourage these
zealous workers. In some things they will make mistakes, and will need to be corrected and
instructed. But have not men who have been long in the truth made mistakes, and
needed correction and instruction? When they made mistakes, the Lord did not cast
them off, but healed them and strengthened themresenting them with his banner to
hold aloft.
Mistakes are usually lack of wisdom, lack of knowledge. You are ignorant. You feel like it is not so
right but you are not sure and later you find out that it is a mistake. Whether a sin out of ignorance
or by mistake, it is not excusable. This is when you find it out.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man
sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
“if any man sin” – doesn’t mean that we definitely will, but “if,” it is God’s purpose that you should
not sin. Jesus is ready to restore you and forgive you.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 1 1085 The instant man accepted the
temptations of Satan, and did the very things God had said he should not do, Christ, the Son of God,
stood between the living and the dead, saying, "Let the punishment fall on Me. I will stand in man's
place. He shall have another chance.
As soon as man sins and yields to the temptations of Satan, Christ will be our intercessor. Asking the
Father to give us one more chance
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
6T 364 No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the
great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and
makes it His ownresenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.”
As soon as we soon, Jesus takes it up as His own case as if He sinned Himself. Why do we say “in the
name of Jesus Christ?” Because we can only go to the Father through Jesus Christ. We cannot go to
the Father on our own. So when we pray, we are going through Jesus Christ to the Father. So when
He listens to them, He listens as though they are coming from Jesus Christ.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by
him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
COL 155-156 Though Peter had grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. The words of
Christ were written upon his soul, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke
22:32. In his bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, and the memory of Christ's look of love
and pity, gave him hope.”
Peter sinned 3 times against Jesus! Even though Peter sinned, God did not forsake Him. Even though
Peter wasn’t in a saving relationship, God did not close probation on Him. God was still waiting for
Peter to repent. But because God is wooing you, it doesn’t mean that you are bound to Heaven.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 7 948 How careful is the Lord Jesus
to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How He fences about the soul from Satan's fierce
attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not
turn from us and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour. Christ prayed for us.
He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to
succor those who are tempted.
Our High Calling 23 A silent witness guards every soul that lives, seeking to win and draw
him to Christ. The angels never leave the tempted one a prey to the enemy who would
destroy the souls of men if permitted to do so. As long as there is hope, until they resist the
Holy Spirit to their eternal ruin, men are guarded by heavenly intelligences.”
Ed 294 The divine Teacher bears with the erring through all their perversity. His love does
not grow cold; His efforts to win them do not cease. With outstretched arms He waits to
welcome again and again the erring, the rebellious, and even the apostate. His heart is
touched with the helplessness of the little child subject to rough usage. The cry of human
suffering never reaches His ear in vain. Though all are precious in His sight, the rough,
sullen, stubborn dispositions draw most heavily upon His sympathy and love; for He traces
from cause to effect. The one who is most easily tempted, and is most inclined to err, is the
special object of His solicitude.
The Faith I Live By 118 There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ, and
who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect,
their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the
Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow
down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes; but we are
not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not
forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us. Said the beloved John, "These things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." And do
not forget the words of Christ, "The Father himself loveth you." John 16:27. He desires to
restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will
but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the
day of Jesus Christ.”
The Review and Herald, Dec 24, 1889 Every day that you remain in sin, you are in Satan's
ranks; and should you sicken and die without repentance, you would be lost.”
The Signs of the Times, Aug 29, 1892 Your only safety is in coming to Christ, and ceasing
from sin this very moment. The sweet voice of mercy is sounding in your ears today, but
who can tell if it will sound tomorrow?”
Selected Messages Book 3 196 Just as soon as you commit sin, you should flee to the
throne of grace, and tell Jesus all about it. You should be filled with sorrow for sin, because
through sin you have weakened your own spirituality, grieved the heavenly angels, and
wounded and bruised the loving heart of your Redeemer. When you have asked Jesus in
contrition of soul for His forgiveness, believe that He has forgiven you. Do not doubt His
divine mercy or refuse the comfort of His infinite love.”
Selected Messages Book 3 197 But suppose that we sin after we have been forgiven, after
we have become the children of God, then need we despair?--No: for John writes: "My little
children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an
advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (chap. 2:1). Jesus is in the heavenly
courtsleading with the Father in our behalf. He presents our prayers, mingling with them
the precious incense of His own merit, that our prayers may be acceptable to the Father. He
puts the fragrance into our prayers, and the Father hears us because we ask for the very
things which we need, and we become to others a savor of life unto life.”
So what shall we do if we commit sin? We should repent straight away.
Human Nature of Christ
One of the best chapters in the Bible that talks about the Human Nature of Christ is Hebrews
Chapter 2. There are 3 reasons why Jesus became a man:
Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,
crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
To taste death for every man, meaning to pay penalty for mans sin.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise
took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the devil;
Notice the emphasis on “he also himself likewise”. It could have been “he also.” He came to destroy
death. - his death destroyed death. Why? So to destroy death, it means to be resurrected.
Heb 2:16-18 [16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of
Abraham. [17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he
might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people. [18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them
that are tempted.
Jesus took on the nature of Abraham which was the fallen human nature, to take care of the
problem of temptation. If Jesus took on fallen human nature, does that mean He sinned? – No. He
took care of guilt, death and temptation. That is why Jesus is the past, present and future. So we can
say that Jesus came to take care of the problems that beset us most now
1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up
into glory.
Heb 2:17 …made like unto his brethren…
Describe his brethren
Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is
not ashamed to call them brethren,
His brethren are those that are being sanctified. (1 Thes 4:3). Yes, He took upon Him the fallen
human nature, but with sanctification. This is where there is difference between the fallen human
nature without sanctification and fallen human nature with sanctification. He did not become like
us without sanctification, but he became like us with sanctified will. Then what is fallen human
nature without sin?
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Phi 2:6, 7 …made in the likeness of men
When Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples asked “what kind of man is this?” They looked at Him
thinking of Him as a man in the way He associated Himself with them.
Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David
according to the flesh;
The Bible says that He was the seed of David. David claimed that we was shaped in iniquity (Ps
51:5). David was made in the nature of sinful flesh.
Back then they could not believe that He was God; nowadays we can’t believe that He was human.
Fallen Human Nature

Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 7 927 He took not on Him the nature
of angels. He did not come to save angels. It is the seed of Abraham that He is helping.
Review and Herald, Feb 24, 1874 The great work of redemption could be carried out only
by the Redeemer taking the place of fallen Adam… The King of glory proposed to humble
himself to fallen humanity! He would place his feet in Adam's steps. He would take man's
fallen nature and engage to cope with the strong foe who triumphed over Adam.
1888 332 Christ could have done nothing during His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if
the divine had not been blended with the human… Divinity took the nature of humanity, and
for what purpose?--That through the righteousness of Christ humanity might partake of the
divine nature… Man must be a partaker of the divine nature in order to stand in this evil
time, when the mysteries of satanic agencies are at work.
If Jesus was not exactly like us, then He could not ask us to follow Him. Thus, we can never be like
Him. But the point is, we can be like Him.
Quotations that use the word “fallen human nature”:
Review and Herald, July 28, 1874 The Son of God humbled himself and took man's nature
after the race had wandered four thousand years from Eden, and from their original state of
purity and uprightness. Sin had been making its terrible marks upon the race for ages; and
physical, mental, and moral degeneracy prevailed throughout the human family.
Desire of Ages 49 It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to
take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted
humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child
of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these
results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity
to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.
“Heredity” – something you receive without choice. There are 2 things from Adam without your
choice, death and inherited tendencies to sin. Is it a sin to receive it? – No. Cultivated tendencies to
sin is when you yield to that nature. Jesus did not have cultivated tendencies, but He did have
inherited tendencies to sin. Why? Because He was born with the Holy Spirit. And we know that we
are sanctified by the Holy Spirit, so He was born sanctified. There are people in the Bible that are
born with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist and Samson. Just because you are born with the Holy
Spirit, it doesn’t mean that you can’t sin. Samson did sin in the end.
We can have sanctified will when we are born again.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 5 1129 There is no one who can
explain the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Yet we know that He came to this earth and
lived as a man among men.”
The Genealogy’s of Jesus

Luke 3 – Joseph, the father of Mary
Matt 1 – Joseph, the
Sons and Daughters of God 222 What a strange symbol of Christ was that likeness of the
serpents which stung them. This symbol was lifted on a pole, and they were to look to it, and
be healed. So Jesus was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. He came as the sin-bearer.
Review and Herald, Dec 15, 1896 Clad in the vestments of humanity, the Son of God came
down to the level of those he wished to save. In him was no guile or sinfulness; he was ever
pure and undefiled; yet he took upon him our sinful nature. Clothing his divinity with
humanity, that he might associate with fallen humanity
Selected Messages Book 3 125 A human body and a human mind were His.
Selected Messages Book 3 134 Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He
condescended to connect our fallen human nature with His divinity. By thus taking
humanity, He honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, he showed what it might
become, by accepting the ample provision He has made for it, and by becoming partaker of
the divine nature.
1888 1561 Though he had no taint of sin upon his character, yet he condescended, to
connect our fallen human nature with his divinity. By thus taking humanity, he honored
humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, he showed what it might become, by accepting
the ample provision he has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature.
Signs of Times, Jan 13, 1904 He humbled Himself, taking the nature of the fallen race.
Youth Instructor, Dec 20, 1900 Think of Christ's humiliation. He took upon himself fallen,
suffering human nature, degraded and defiled by sin. He took our sorrows, bearing our grief
and shame.
Manuscript Releases Volume Six 111 His human nature was created; it did not even
possess the angelic powers. It was human, identical with our own.
Manuscript Releases Volume Thirteen 13 Be careful, exceedingly careful as to how you

dwell upon the human nature of Christ. Do not set Him before the people as a man with the
propensities of sin. He is the second Adam. The first Adam was created a pure, sinless being,
without a taint of sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall
through transgressing. Because of sin, his posterity was born with inherent propensities of
disobedience. But Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son of God. He took upon Himself
human nature, and was tempted in all points as human nature is tempted. He could have
sinned; He could have fallen, but not for one moment was there in Him an evil propensity.
He was assailed with temptations in the wilderness, as Adam was assailed with temptations
in Eden.
Adam did not possess with any tendencies to sin before he sinned. Could Adam resist temptation on
his own before sin? Yes.
SC 62 It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience
to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we
cannot make ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the
holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of
God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and
temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He
offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness.
How about Christ? How did Jesus overcome sin? Was He able to overcome it on His own? He had to
depend on the Father, even to overcome sin. Why? If Jesus was able to overcome sin on His own,
then He cannot be our perfect example, even with fallen human nature. So He showed that to
overcome sin fully, we must depend on Jesus fully.
Sermons and Talks Volume Two 194 He became the Head of humanity, to be assaulted
with temptations on every point as fallen human nature would be tempted, that He might
know how to succor all who are tempted.
Selected Messaged Book Three 131 Christ did not possess the same sinful, corrupt, fallen
disloyalty we possess, for then He could not be a perfect offering.
It is talking about cultivated tendencies to sin. How do we know that? Because of the word
“disloyalty”.
Manuscript Release Volume Sixteen 182-183 The divine nature, combined with the
human, made Him capable of yielding to Satan's temptations. Here the test to Christ was far
greater than that of Adam and Eve, for Christ took our nature, fallen but not corrupted,
and would not be corrupted unless He received the words of Satan in the place of the words
of God. To suppose He was not capable of yielding to temptation places Him where He
cannot be a perfect example for man, and the force and the power of this part of Christ's
humiliation, which is the most eventful, is no instruction or help to human beings.
Selected Messages Book 1 256 In taking upon Himself man's nature in its fallen condition,
Christ did not in the least participate in its sin…We should have no misgivings in regard to
the perfect sinlessness of the human nature of Christ.
Desire of Ages 664 Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not
have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess,
if they will be in subjection to God as He was.
We can follow him by faith
Bible Commentary Volume 7 929 Christ's overcoming and obedience is that of a true
human being. In our conclusions, we make many mistakes because of our erroneous views
of the human nature of our Lord. When we give to His human nature a power that it is not
possible for man to have in his conflicts with Satan, we destroy the completeness of His
humanity. His imputed grace and power He gives to all who receive Him by faith.
There is a difference between nature and character. Jesus had a fallen nature, but a sinless
character.
Medical Missionary 181 He took upon His sinless nature our sinful nature, that He might
know how to succor those that are tempted.
Bible Commentary Volume 5, 1081 Christ bore the sins and infirmities of the race as they
existed when He came to the earth to help man. In behalf of the race, with the weaknesses of
fallen man upon Him, He was to stand the temptations of Satan upon all points wherewith
man would be assailed.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Combination of divine and human
Testimonies for the Church Volume Five 746 The union of the divine with the human
nature is one of the most precious and most mysterious truths of the plan of redemption.
Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 4 1147 He united humanity with

divinity: a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh. He united Himself with the temple.
Selected Messaged Book 1 408 In Christ, divinity and humanity were combined. Divinity
was not degraded to humanity; divinity held its place, but humanity by being united to
divinity withstood the fiercest test of temptation in the wilderness.
People can use this text to say that He used divinity to overcome sin. But that is the only way that
we can overcome sin, we must be united with divinity. He used “It is written” to overcome. His
connection with the Father was close.
Signs of the Time, August 22, 1895 Where meekness exists, the natural tendencies are
under the control of the Holy Spirit. Meekness is not a species of cowardice. It is the spirit
which Christ manifested when suffering injury, when enduring insult and abuse. To be meek
is not to surrender our rights; but it is the preservation of self-control under provocation to
give way to anger or to the spirit of retaliation. Meekness will not allow passion to take the
lines.”
Jesus was meek, He was under the control of the Holy Spirit
AA 476 Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits,
hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be
ever on guard, striving in Christ's strength for victory.
We can fight our hereditary tendencies to do wrong
Christ Object Lessons 331 But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of
character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to
us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace
of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed
by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary
tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait
to remain uncorrected.
It is possible to fight these hereditary tendencies
Heavenly Places 329 He knows how many and fierce are the struggles of the human soul
to overcome the natural hereditary tendencies and the sins which have become common
through habit of repetition.
Mind, Character and Personality 292 Preserve ever simplicity of action but make your
standard high for the harmonious manifestation and improvement of your mental faculties.
Be determined to correct every fault. Hereditary tendencies may be overcome--the quick,
violent outbursts of temper so changed that these manifestations will be, through the grace
of Christ, entirely overcome. We are, individually, to consider that we are in God's
workshop.
Ministry of Healing 173 Many have to battle against strong hereditary tendencies to evil.
Unnatural cravings, sensual impulses, were their inheritance from birth. These must be
carefully guarded against. Within and without, good and evil are striving for the mastery.
Those who have never passed through such experiences cannot know the almost
overmastering power of appetite or the fierceness of the conflict between habits of self-
indulgence and the determination to be temperate in all things. Over and over again the
battle must be fought.
“Natural tendencies” – a possibility to sin
“Cultivated tendencies” – choice made to sin
Healthful Living 56 The physical and mental condition of parents is perpetuated in their
offspring. This is a matter that is not duly considered. Wherever the habits of the parents
are contrary to physical law, the injury done to themselves will be repeated in future
generations. Satan knows this very well, and he is perpetuating his work through
transmission. . . . Those who will indulge the animal passions and gratify lust will surely
stamp upon their offspring the debasing practices, the grossness, of their own physical and
moral defilement. By physical, mental, and moral culture all may become co-workers with
Christ. Very much depends upon the parents. It lies with them whether they will bring into
the world children who will prove a blessing or a curse.
Manuscript Releases Volume Five 126 The call comes to us, "Be not conformed to this
world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." As we obey this command, the
power of the Holy Spirit will come upon mind and body, bringing them into conformity to
the will of Christ, and renewing us in His likeness. The hereditary and cultivated tendencies
to wrong will die, and Christ will be formed within, the hope of glory. It will be seen that we
are indeed followers of Christ.
EGW Nature of Christ
No Propensities of sin -- Be careful, exceedingly careful as to how you dwell upon the human nature
of Christ. Do not set Him before the people as a man with the propensities of sin. He is the second
Adam. The first Adam was created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of sin upon him; he was in
the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall through transgressing. Because of sin his posterity
was born with inherent propensities of disobedience. But Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son of
God. He took upon Himself human nature, and was tempted in all points as human nature is
tempted. He could have sinned; He could have fallen, but not for one moment was there in Him an
evil propensity. He was assailed with temptations in the wilderness, as Adam was assailed with
temptations in Eden. {5BC 1128.4}
Took our fallen nature, not corrupted -- The divine nature, combined with the human, made Him
capable of yielding to Satan's temptations. Here the test to Christ was far greater than that of Adam
and Eve, for Christ took our nature, fallen but not corrupted, and would not be corrupted unless He
received the words of Satan in the place of the words of God. To suppose He was not capable of
yielding to temptation places Him where He cannot be a perfect example for man, and the force and
the power of this part of Christ's humiliation, which is the most eventful, is no instruction or help to
human beings. {16MR 182.3}
Perfect Sinlessness of Christ -- In taking upon Himself man's nature in its fallen condition, Christ did
not in the least participate in its sin. He was subject to the infirmities and weaknesses by which man
is encompassed, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself
took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses" (Matt. 8:17). He was touched with the feeling of our
infirmities, and was in all points tempted like as we are. And yet He knew no sin. He was the Lamb
"without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Could Satan in the least particular have tempted
Christ to sin, he would have bruised the Saviour's head. As it was, he could only touch His heel. Had
the head of Christ been touched, the hope of the human race would have perished. Divine wrath
would have come upon Christ as it came upon Adam. Christ and the church would have been
without hope. We should have no misgivings in regard to the perfect sinlessness of the human
nature of Christ. Our faith must be an intelligent faith, looking unto Jesus in perfect confidence, in
full and entire faith in the atoning Sacrifice. {1SM 256.1}
Need not retain one sinful (see quote with nature of man)
The Only and the First Begotten
People think that the “only begotten” means that He was created a long time ago. That He did not
exist in eternity. Jesus cannot be our Saviour if He is not the eternal one. The Bible only uses the
following for the word “begotten”: “the only begotten” and “the first begotten.” So what’s the
difference between these 2 phrases?
He gave Him to us without a return. There was no expectation that the Son would come back the
same. He gave His ONLY begotten son. What does that mean?
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten
Son into the world, that we might live through him.
This is the way the Father has revealed His love to us – He gave His only begotten son. What kind of
sacrifice was it for the Father to give up His only begotten Son?
“only begotten son” – what does this phrase mean?
Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the
promises offered up his only begotten son,
Isaac was not the only son of Abraham. So why does the Bible say that Isaac was the only begotten?
There is no other type – the only one. He was the only one with the promise. So therefore, Isaac was
a type of Christ. Jesus is the only one – there is none else. So in what way was Jesus the only
begotten Son in relation to God the Father? The Characteristics of the only begotten:
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the
Father, he hath declared him.
The only begotten Son is the one that came from the bosom of the Father, and is the only one that
declares the Father.
Jesus declared the Father’s glory, grace and truth.
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all
things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand
of the Majesty on high;
He is the only one who reflects and depicts the character of our Father
“brightness” – the shining part
“express” – greek word is kharaktare. Very much like character. The meaning is “from the same as,
the figure stamped, an exact copy or representation – express image”
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
To see the image of the Father, it is through Jesus
“begotten” – In Greek (Strong’s concordance). 3439 – monogenace – only-born, sole. If the Father
does not have Jesus Christ the only begotten Son, can the Father reveal Himself? Jesus is the express
image. He is the brightness of His glory. But what did the Father do?
He was the only one that could reveal Him. He gave His self (Jesus) image up. God so loved the
world that He gave up His only Son. He gave up the only way to express Himself.
Phil 2:6 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let
us mind the same thing.
We don’t realize how great a sacrifice it was for Jesus to become man. The order of hierarchy in the
universe is: God, Angels, and Man. Jesus had to come down 2 steps. The order on earth is: Man,
mammal, then insect. EGW says that it would be infinite humiliation for Him to take on the form of
unfallen man. It is impossible to fathom that sacrifice. But there was a change. From form of God to
form of man.
Is there a symbolic illustration of a servant? (ie. Foundation in the Bible is described as rock)
Ps 119:176 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us
mind the same thing.
Sheep? When John the Baptist declared “behold the lamb of God.” He took upon Himself the form of
a servant. A humble man.
Phil 2:7, 8 [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was
made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
“likeness of men”
“fashion” – shaped as the form of man. Did He give up the form of God? Yes! Just like going into the
form of an ant. The Bible sometimes calls Jesus the Son of God and Son of man.
Dan 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they
have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
“the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” – That was before Jesus came to this world. So
what happened after Jesus came to this world?
Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of
heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
This is Jesus going from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place.
“Son of man” – He had changed already.
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand
of God.
“Son of man”
Rev 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of
man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
“Son of man” – Where is He Son of man? Because He is forever the Son of man. How about in
Heaven
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God
did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Lamb is used for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. So why is it used in Heaven? He is the one that made
the sacrifice and He is forever man. Jesus took the form of a servant. So when why is Jesus called the
“first begotten.” What is the difference between the “first begotten” and the “only begotten?”
“first” meaning that there is more than one
“only” meaning that there is only one. When is Jesus called the “first begotten”?
Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten
thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
When Jesus came to this world, He came as the only begotten.
Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as
it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
This was said when Jesus was resurrected. The only begotten? No, as the first begotten. Jesus was
the first begotten when he was resurrected.
Heb 1:5, 6 [5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I
begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? [6] And again, when
he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
“first begotten”
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the
prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own
blood,
“first begotten of the dead” – Who else was resurrected? Moses. Without the first son can you
have a second son? Without the resurrection of Jesus, Moses could not have been resurrected. So if
Jesus had not been resurrected, Moses would have had to come down to earth to die. So what does
it mean that He was the first begotten of the dead? He is our first brother
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
“Baptism” – you die and resurrect with Jesus Christ. God will say to you. this is my son in whom I
am well pleased.
“Born again” – then we can become brothers and sisters in Christ.
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
People may use this to say that He was created.
“firstborn of every creature” – but it means that He had preeminence. Without Him there is no
creation.
1 Cor 15:20-21, 23 [20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them
that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [23] But
every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
He is the firstfruit. The first one. Because Jesus is resurrected, then others can be resurrected also.
So when can we become son’s of God? When we are resurrected or when we receive immortality.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The Son of God became the Son of man so that the sons of men could become the sons of God.
Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many
sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
“bringing many sons unto glory”
1 John 3:1-3 [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved,
now are we the sons of God, 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. [3] And every man that hath this hope
in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
That is why the Bible says we are joint heirs with Christ.
Original Sin and the Faith of Jesus
Original Sin
What is original sin? When you are born, you are born a sinner. You are guilty of sin already. So it is
impossible to overcome sin and impossible to be perfect.
The Bible teaches that we are born with sinful human nature – born with inherited human
tendencies to sin. So sooner or later we will sin, but we are not born with sin.
Teaching’s that came out of original sin is: Infant baptism. The Bible states that baptism must have
the person’s consent. How can you teach a baby or will? This was the result of a false teaching –
when man dies, you won’t got to heaven or hell but go straight to purgatory (torture). So the
mother’s who lost their babies in an early age were so concerned because these babies were born
with sin and were guilty. So if they died with their guilt, they would go to purgatory. So they decided
to baptize their baby so they would be saved for baptism.
This is the Catholic reasoning: Jesus is born of a human. Meaning that He was guilty when He was
born. How can a guilty person pay the price for guilty. So Jesus must have been different. And for
Him to be different, then Mary must have been different. She must have been holy. So since Mary is
holy and she is the mother of Jesus, therefore she is a mother of a God. So she must also receive
worthy worship because she is holy. Since we are born with guilt. Then therefore we cannot stop
sinning until Jesus comes – no victory over sin. Since Jesus is not like us, He cannot be our perfect
example. Therefore, the other logical conclusion is that Salvation is only Justification. All He can do
is die for us, but we cannot follow His example. His sanctified life cannot be our sanctified life.
So You can see how one wrong premise can establish so many false teachings. Human can have and
keep the faith of Jesus.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.
“Faith in Jesus” – I trust in Jesus, I rely on Him.
“Faith of Jesus” – your faith is the same as Jesus’ faith.
Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
The just shall life by His faith.
What is the faith of Jesus?

Selected Messages Book 3 172 “The faith of Jesus." It is talked of, but not understood.
What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel's message? Jesus
becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated
as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His
righteousness. And faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the
faith of Jesus.
How do you get this faith of Jesus?
me.
“live by the faith of the Son of God” is to be crucified with Christ. How did Jesus live a life of faith?
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do
nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth
the Son likewise.
“Son can do nothing” – speaking of His humanity. He can do what He sees His Father does. He lives
by seeing the Father, not by sight.
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I
seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
He hears what the Father says.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
He doesn’t speak of His own word, but speaks what His Father commands Him to speak. For Jesus
to save us amply, fully and entirely, how much do we need to trust in Jesus? If we were to be deaf,
must and blind, how much would we need to depend on someone? – 100% Now we can see that
there is justification and sanctification by faith in the 3 Angels messages.
What it means to give glory to God:
John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is
come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
“the hour is come” – How did Jesus give glory to the Father in this verse? His crucifixion. Was His
crucifixion predicted ahead of time? Jesus knew exactly what hour He was living in.
Rev 14:7 Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come…
It is time to start living life Jesus fully – Now! If God does not glorify us, we cannot glorify Him.
“Fear God, and give glory to him” – we should have His character already.
“glorify thy Son” – what does that mean?
“if I be lifted up” – crucified. But Jesus called it honour – self sacrifice. On the cross was the best
opportunity for Jesus to show the character of God. When is the best time to show love, when no
one else hates you. When it the best time to show patience, when everyone around you is impatient
with you. When it the best time to show God’s glory? – when everyone is against you. When
everyone is doubting you that you have the glory of God.
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we
are one:
DA 19 It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-
sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love
is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its
source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character
of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.
The glory of self-sacrificing love is the greatest character of God. So the glory of self-sacrificing love
which God gave to Jesus, He has given to us. That is the secret of unity. This is also called the faith of
Jesus. Not I but Christ. That is why He is knocking on the heart of the Laodicean’s. Do they have
Christ in you? – No. Christ is knocking from the outside. So the faith of Jesus is trusting in Jesus
Christ that He will save you amply, entirely, fully. It was at the cross that Jesus revealed the greatest
example of the Faith of Jesus. What happened at the cross?
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him.
It was as if He committed the sin.
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those
things that please him.
Jesus and the Father walked together when Jesus was walking on the earth. Jesus does not know
what it means not to walk with the Father. But when Jesus was on the cross, was that the will of the
Father?
Is 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his
soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD
shall prosper in his hand.
“pleased God to bruise Jesus” – At the cross Jesus was going to be separated, but He didn’t know
what it felt like.
Is 59:1, 2 [1] Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy,
that it cannot hear: [2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins
have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
This is the result of sin. It is separation, He will hide His face from you, He will not hear. On the
cross, Jesus could not see or hear the Father. He spoke but there was no return. Could Jesus still live
by faith even though He could not see or hear the Father? – Yes!
Ps 22:1-2, 6 [1] My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me,
and from the words of my roaring? [2] O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in
the night season, and am not silent. [6]But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised
of the people.
He felt like a worm on the cross.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is
written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Jesus tasted death for every man. He was treated as if He committed all the sins of humanity. All the
heavy weight of sin was upon Him. And He saw the anger of the Father against sin, and felt the
weight of guilt. So He cried out – “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?” What price did
Jesus pay? It was the suffering of rejection from God and separation from God forever. When Jesus
was on the cross, He could not see that He would resurrect triumphant. It was so heavy that he
hardly felt His physical pain.
DA 753 Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme. But now with the terrible weight of
guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father's reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine
countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a
sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His
physical pain was hardly felt.”
He was told by the Father that He would be resurrected. But to be rejected by the one who made the
promise was too much. It seemed life there would be eternal separation from the Father. He was
willing to be separated from the Father forever, just to redeem us back. When someone has such a
great stress, their heart can erupt. This separates the plasma and the blood. So Jesus died of a
broken heart, not of the torture that He went through. The 144,000, they go wheresoever He
leadeth. Maranatha!

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CONVERSION &

This quote sums up why God created the earth:

1. It was to be the kingdom of man.

Ex 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

"visiting the iniquity" - judgment of God.

God created all things by His Word.

God formed man with His own hands.

Gen 2:19 …to see what he would call them…

Man made upright (Ps 25:8 upright is the Lord).

Is 43:7 …for I have created him for my character…

1 John 3:4 …sin is transgression of God’s law.

“who” – it is describing what kind of God He is the Creator.

The very last message before the close of probation.

“not of works” – So we are saved by grace and not by works

“created in Christ Jesus unto good works” – Remember Matt. 5:16

Judgment Heb 4941 – Decision

Reason together (God’s reason)

Job 13:3 …I desire to reason with God…

Conscience (walk ye in it)

1 Tim 1:19 …good conscience…

Discern between good and evil (judgment).

Discern perverse things.

Discern between holy and profane.

Miscellaneous: Web 1828

Give the king thy judgments, O God. Ps.72

Hosea 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me:

Note: propensity is connected with tendencies. (See Definitions)

in·her·ent (¹n-hîr“…nt, -hµr“-) adj. Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic.

in·nate adj. 1. Possessed at birth; inborn.

in·born adj. 1. Possessed by an organism at birth. See Synonyms at innate. 2. Inherited or

in·trin·sic adj. 1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

INHE'RENT, a. Existing in something else, so as to be inseparable from it.

pro·pen·si·ty n., pl. pro·pen·si·ties. An innate inclination; a tendency.

ten·den·cy (tµn“d…n-s¶) n., pl. ten·den·cies. 1. Movement or prevailing movement in a given

pre·dis·po·si·tion (pr¶”d¹s-p…-z¹sh“…n) n. The state of being predisposed; tendency, inclination,

IN'NATE, a. [L. innatus,from innascor; in and nascor, to be born.]

FW 101 Righteousness is obedience to the law.

COL Righteousness is right doing.

Truth and the Word

“after the flesh” means carnal.

“Righteousness” – commandments = truth. Therefore, righteousness = truth. Thus, when it is

Righteousness = commandments = truth = Word. Therefore righteousness = Word.

1895 ….faith in the word of God…command.

Light and Love

Righteousness = Commandments = Truth = Word = Light. Therefore Righteousness = Light. So we

Therefore, Righteousness = Commandments = Love. Therefore Righteousness = Love.

TMB 18 Righteousness is love.. by receiving Him.

Glory and Righteousness

“Righteousness” = Glory and glory = Character. Therefore Righteousness = Character. Hebrew

Commandment is holy, just and good

Life and Righteousness

“eternal life is not just…love/life”

Whoever believe in Him…

Jesus our Righteousness

“pleasant to the eyes” – lust of the eyes – sight.

American Heritage Dictionary Definition:

Websters 1828 Dictionary

Note: propensity is connected with tendencies.

Higher Power and Lower Power

Rom 6:6 …old man…

What is the old man?

Eph 4:22-24 (show line upon line) old man is conversion.

The Holy Spirit

False Views Concerning Him

Conversion & Righteousness by Faith

Conversion & Righteousness by Faith