Cristo Nossa Justiça

Um Estudo dos Princípios da Justificação pela Fé Conforme Apresentados na

Palavra de Deus e nos Escritos do Espírito de Profecia

por Arthur G. Daniells

Copyright 1941, Review and Herald Publishing Association

Prefácio

Numa reunião dos membros do Conselho Consultivo da Associação Ministerial,

realizada em Des Moines, Iowa, em 22 de outubro de 1924, foi:
"Votou-se que o Élder Daniclls seja solicitado a providenciar uma
compilação dos escritos da Sra. E. G. White sobre o assunto da justificação
pela fé."
Com a cooperação dos meus associados no gabinete da Associação
Ministerial, empreendi a tarefa designada.
Em harmonia com o propósito principal de fornecer uma “compilação
dos escritos da Sra. E. G. White sobre o assunto”, uma pesquisa exaustiva foi
feita através de todos os escritos do Espírito de Profecia, conforme mantidos
por nós como povo, em volumes encadernados e também em artigos
impressos que aparecem nos arquivos de nossos jornais denominacionais,
cobrindo um período de vinte e cinco anos, de 1887 a 1912. Tão vasto foi o
campo de estudo aberto, tão maravilhoso e iluminador as jóias escondidas da
verdade que vieram à luz, que fiquei surpreso e impressionado com a solene
obrigação que recai sobre mim, de resgatar essas joias de sua obscuridade e
colocá-las, em um conjunto de brilho e beleza, onde ganhariam o devido
reconhecimento e aceitação no glorioso acabamento do trabalho confiado para
a igreja remanescente.

Buscando conselhos e conselhos de meus colegas, enviei seções

antecipadas do manuscrito para análise cuidadosa e sugestões. A resposta
dos colegas de trabalho em todas as seções do
O campo norte-americano tem sido de natureza muito encorajadora e
apreciativa,
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e a urgência na conclusão do trabalho foi enfatizada. Uma sugestão

feita por vários colegas ministros levou à preparação de um capítulo
sobre o tema da justificação pela fé do ponto de vista bíblico, como uma
introdução à compilação dos escritos do Espírito de profecia. Acredita-
se que isto dará autoridade bíblica e permanência ao tema que é de
vital importância para o povo de Deus neste momento.

A palavra de Deus retrata claramente o caminho da justificação pela fé;

os escritos do Espírito de profecia amplificam e esclarecem grandemente o
assunto. Em nossa cegueira e embotamento de coração, nos desviamos
muito do caminho e, por muitos anos, não conseguimos nos apropriar dessa
verdade sublime. Mas durante todo o tempo nosso grande Lcader tem
chamado Seu povo a se alinhar com este grande fundamento do evangelho:
receber pela fé a justiça imputada de Cristo pelos pecados passados, e a
justiça comunicada de Cristo por revelar a natureza divina. em carne humana.

Para tornar esta compilação do maior valor, parecia necessário fazer

mais do que simplesmente reunir uma longa série de declarações diversas
e isoladas. Eram necessários arranjos e combinações apropriados, e a
ordem cronológica era importante; além disso, as circunstâncias e
questões relativas às quais foram feitas declarações específicas devem ser
corretamente compreendidas. A menos que estas considerações fossem
reconhecidas, a compilação poderia revelar-se confusa e cansativa.

Um estudo cuidadoso e coerente dos escritos do Espírito de profecia a

respeito do assunto da justificação pela fé, levou à firme convicção de que a
instrução dada apresenta dois aspectos: principalmente, o grande e
surpreendente fato de que pela fé no Filho de Deus ,

os pecadores podem receber a justiça de Deus; e secundariamente, o propósito e a

providência de Deus em enviar a mensagem específica de receber
a justiça de Deus pela fé ao Seu povo reunido na Conferência Geral na
cidade de Minneapolis, Minnesota, no ano de 1888. Este último aspecto
não pode ser desconsiderado pelos Adventistas do Sétimo Dia sem perder
uma lição muito importante que o Senhor planejou nos ensinar. . Foi esta
convicção que fez parecer necessário incluir na compilação as instruções
dadas sobre as experiências e desenvolvimentos relacionados com e após
a Conferência de Minncapolis.

A maior parte de nossos membros hoje cresceu desde que essas

experiências chegaram até nós. Eles não os conhecem; mas eles
precisam da mensagem; também as lições que essas experiências
foram projetadas para ensinar. Daí a necessidade de reproduzir pelo
menos uma parte da instrução então dada, e acompanhá-la com uma
breve explicação do ocorrido.

Aqueles que têm plena confiança no dom do Espírito de profecia para a

igreja remanescente darão grande valor à compilação das declarações aqui
fornecidas. Apenas alguns deles foram reproduzidos desde que apareceram
pela primeira vez nas colunas da Review and Herald. A maioria deles
desapareceu de vista com o atual número da Revista em que apareceram.
Em nenhum outro documento tudo isso foi reunido de forma sistemática e
cronológica, como aqui apresentado. Que estas mensagens cumpram o
trabalho que lhes foi designado na vida de todos os que lêem estas páginas.
Maravilhosa é a bênção que o Céu espera conceder! A.G.

D.
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“Revestida com a armadura da justiça de Cristo, a igreja deve entrar no seu conflito
final.” E. G. Branco.
"No dia da coroação de Cristo, Ele não reconhecerá como Seu qualquer um que tenha
mancha ou ruga ou qualquer coisa semelhante. Mas aos Seus fiéis Ele dará coroas de glória
imortal. Aqueles que não quiserem que Ele reine sobre eles,
Ele cercado pelo exército dos redimidos, cada um dos quais traz o sinal, o Senhor
nossa justiça. "-Sra. E. G Wite.
 Capítulo 1 - Cristo, Justiça Nossa

Cristo, nossa justiça, é a única mensagem sublime apresentada nas Sagradas

Escrituras. Por mais variadas que sejam as formas e frases em que esta
mensagem possa ser desdobrada e apresentada, ainda assim, sempre, de todos
os pontos do círculo, o tema central de comando é: Cristo, nossa justiça.

O relato da criação revela a maravilhosa sabedoria e poder de Cristo,

por quem todas as coisas foram criadas. Cl 1:14-16.
O pecado do primeiro Adão, com todas as suas terríveis consequências, é relatado para que
Cristo, o último Adão, possa ser aclamado como Redentor e restaurador. ROM. 5:12-21. A
morte com todos os seus terrores é colocada diante de nós, para que Cristo possa ser exaltado
e glorificado como o Doador da vida: 1 Cor.
15:22. São relatadas as decepções, tristezas e tragédias desta vida, para que
Cristo possa ser buscado como o grande consolador e libertador. João 16:33.
Nossa natureza pecaminosa e corrupta é apresentada em cores sinistras, para
que se possa apelar a Cristo para purificação, e possa, de fato, ser para nós “o
Senhor, nossa justiça”.
Assim é em todo o Volume Sagrado - cada fase da verdade revelada aponta
de alguma forma para Cristo como nossa justiça.
Mas a justiça, como um assunto distinto e bem definido, de vital importância,
ocupa um lugar importante na
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a palavra de Deus. Sua fonte, sua natureza, a possibilidade de ser obtida

pelos pecadores e as condições sob as quais pode ser assegurada são
apresentadas com grande clareza naquele livro original e autorizado sobre
a justiça.
Sobre a fonte da justiça, lemos: “Ó Senhor, a Ti pertence a justiça”
Dan. 9:7. "O Senhor é justo em todos os Seus caminhos." Sal. 145:17. “
Tua justiça é como as grandes montanhas.
Sal. 36:6. "Tua justiça é uma justiça eterna." Sal.
119:142. "O justo Senhor ama a justiça." Sal. 11:7.
"Não há injustiça Nele." Sal. 92:15.

Quanto à natureza da justiça, as Escrituras não são explícitas. É

apresentado como o exato oposto do pecado e está associado à santidade
ou piedade. "Desperte para a justiça e não peque." 1
Cor. 15:34. “Para que, no que diz respeito ao vosso antigo modo de vida, afasteis o
velho homem, que se corrompeu pelas concupiscências do engano;
e que sejais renovados no espírito da vossa mente, e vos revistais do novo
homem, que segundo Deus foi criado em justiça e santidade de verdade.”
Efésios 4:22-24, R. V. “O fruto do Espírito está em toda bondade, e justiça,
e verdade." Efésios 5:9. "Segui a justiça, a piedade, a fé, o amor, a
paciência, a mansidão." 1 Tim.
6:11. "Toda injustiça é pecado." 1 João 5:17.
Talvez a melhor e mais inspiradora declaração a respeito da justiça
em toda a palavra de Deus seja a seguinte a respeito de Cristo: “Amaste
a justiça e odiaste a iniquidade;
portanto Deus, o Teu Deus, Te ungiu com o óleo
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de alegria acima dos teus companheiros." Hc 1:9. Isto coloca a justiça como a
antítese, o oposto direto, da iniquidade, ou pecado.
Assim, a palavra declara que Deus é a fonte da justiça e que é um dos
Seus atributos divinos e santos. A questão suprema a respeito da justiça de
Deus, a questão do mais profundo interesse e consequência para nós, é a
nossa relação pessoal com essa justiça. A justiça é em algum grau inerente
à natureza humana? Se sim, como pode ser cultivado e desenvolvido? Se
não, existe alguma maneira de obtê-lo? Se sim, por que meios e quando?

Para a mente não ensinada e não iluminada pela Palavra de Deus, este é um
problema grande, sombrio e desconcertante. Ao tentar resolvê-lo, o homem
certamente “procurou muitas invenções”. Mas a incerteza e a confusão quanto à
nossa relação com a justiça de Deus são totalmente desnecessárias, pois a
verdadeira situação é claramente declarada nas Escrituras da verdade.

As Escrituras declaram que “todos pecaram e destituídos estão da glória

de Deus” (Romanos 3:23); que somos “carnais, vendidos sob o pecado” (
Romanos 7:14); que “não há justo, nem um só” (Rm.
3: 10); que em nossa carne “não habita bem” (Romanos 7:18);
e, finalmente, que estamos “cheios de toda injustiça” (Rm.
1:29). Isto responde claramente à questão de saber se a justiça é, em algum
grau, inerente à natureza humana. Não é. Pelo contrário, a natureza humana
está cheia de injustiça.
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Mas nesta mesma palavra encontramos as boas e alegres novas de que

Deus providenciou um caminho pelo qual podemos ser purificados de Nossa
injustiça e sermos revestidos e preenchidos com Sua perfeita justiça.
Descobrimos que esta provisão foi feita e revelada a Adão assim que ele
caiu de seu elevado e santo estado. Esta provisão misericordiosa foi
compreendida e adotada por homens e mulheres caídos e injustos desde o
início do conflito feroz e desigual com o pecado. Aprendemos isso com os
seguintes testemunhos registrados nas Escrituras:

1. Em um de Seus sermões, Cristo refere-se ao segundo filho de Adão e fala

dele como “o justo Abel”. Matt. 23:35. E Paulo declara que Abel “obteve
testemunho de que era justo”. Heb. 11:4.

2. "O Senhor disse a Noé: Entra tu e toda a tua casa na arca; porque te
vi justo diante de mim nesta geração." Gênesis 7:1. Novamente: “Noé foi um
homem justo e perfeito em suas gerações, e Noé andou com Deus”.
Gênesis 6:9.
3. "Abraão creu em Deus, e isso lhe foi imputado como justiça."
ROM. 4:3.
4. "E libertou o justo Ló, profundamente angustiado pela vida lasciva
dos ímpios (pois aquele homem justo que habitava entre eles, vendo e
ouvindo, irritava sua alma justa dia após dia com suas ações ilegais)." 2
Pedro 2:7, 8, R.V.
5. De Zacarias e Isabel, que viveram pouco antes do nascimento de Cristo,
é dito: "Eles eram
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ambos justos diante de Deus, andando irrepreensíveis em todos os mandamentos

e preceitos do Senhor.” Lucas 1:6.
6. O apóstolo Paulo declara que os gentios a quem ele pregou o
evangelho “alcançaram a justiça”. ROM. 9h30;
6:17-22.

Vê-se assim que desde a promessa feita a Adão, até ao fim dos tempos
apostólicos, houve homens e mulheres ao longo de todo o caminho que se
apegaram à justiça de Deus e tiveram a evidência de que as suas vidas Lhe
agradavam.
Sob quais condições?

Como isso foi realizado? Sob quais condições foi realizada essa transação
maravilhosa? Será que foi porque os tempos e as condições em que viveram estes
homens e mulheres eram favoráveis ​à
justiça? Ou foi devido às qualidades especiais e superiores inerentes
àqueles que alcançaram os altos planaltos da piedade?
Todos os registros da época e dos indivíduos dão uma resposta
negativa. Eles eram pessoas com naturezas como a nossa, e seu ambiente “
irritava” suas almas justas dia após dia. 2 Pedro 2:7, 8. Eles obtiveram a
bênção inestimável da justiça de uma maneira, a única maneira pela qual
qualquer ser humano conseguiu obtê-la desde que Adão pecou.

A maneira de ser feito justo recebe grande destaque no Novo

Testamento. A exposição mais clara e completa é encontrada na epístola
de Paulo aos Romanos. Logo no início do seu argumento, o apóstolo
declara: “Não sou
pecado, A lei aponta o pecado. Ao fazê-lo, declara o mundo inteiro culpado
diante de Deus. Romanos 3. Mas a lei não pode libertar do pecado. Nenhum
esforço do pecador para obedecer à lei pode cancelar a sua culpa ou trazer-lhe a
justiça de Deus.
Essa justiça, declara Paulo, é “pela fé em Jesus Cristo:
a quem Deus propôs como propiciação [um sacrifício expiatório] pela fé
em Seu sangue, para declarar Sua justiça por
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a remissão dos pecados passados, pela paciência de Deus.” Romanos 3:22-25.

É através da fé no sangue de Cristo que todos os pecados do crente

são cancelados e a justiça de Deus é colocada em seu lugar na conta do
crente. 0, que transação maravilhosa!
Que manifestação do amor e da graça divinos. Aqui está um homem nascido em
pecado. Como Paulo diz, ele está “cheio de toda injustiça”. Sua herança do mal é a
pior que se possa imaginar. Seu ambiente está nas profundezas conhecidas pelos
ímpios. De alguma forma, o amor de Deus brilhando na cruz do Calvário permanece
no carro daquele homem.
Ele cede, arrepende-se, confessa e pela fé reivindica Cristo como seu Salvador. No
instante em que isso é feito, ele é aceito como filho de Deus.
Seus pecados estão todos perdoados, sua culpa é cancelada, ele é considerado
justo e permanece aprovado e justificado diante da lei divina. E esta mudança
incrível e milagrosa pode ocorrer em apenas uma hora.
Isto é justificação pela fé.
Tendo feito estas declarações claras e contundentes sobre o modo de ser
justificado, o apóstolo ilustra então a verdade declarada por meio de um caso
concreto. Ele toma a experiência de Abraão como exemplo.

"O que diremos então que Abraão, nosso pai, no que diz respeito à carne,
encontrou?" ROM. 4: 1.
Antecipando a sua resposta, respondemos: Abraão encontrou a justiça.
Mas como, por qual método? Paulo nos diz: “Se Abraão fosse justificado,
seria considerado justo]
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pelas obras ele tem do que se gloriar; mas não diante de Deus.” Rom.
4:2.
 Tornado justo pelas obras é uma sugestão, uma proposta, se é que tal coisa
poderia ser. É esse o caminho pelo qual se obtém a justiça?
"O que diz a Escritura? Abraão creu em Deus, e essa crença lhe foi
imputada como justiça." ROM. 4:3. Esta declaração estabelece para sempre
o modo pelo qual Abraão obteve a justiça de Deus. Não foi por obras; foi
pela fé.

O Caminho de Abraão, o Único Caminho

Tendo resolvido a questão de como Abraão garantiu a justiça de Deus,

Paulo passa a mostrar que essa é a única maneira pela qual qualquer outra
pessoa pode obter a justiça.
“Aquele que não trabalha, mas crê Naquele que justifica o ímpio, a sua fé
é imputada como justiça.” ROM. 4:5.
Que gentileza! Que grande compaixão! O Senhor, que é “justiça em todos os
Seus caminhos”, oferece Sua própria justiça perfeita a todo e qualquer pecador
pobre, fraco, desamparado e sem esperança que acreditará no que Ele diz. Leia
novamente: “Aquele que não trabalha, mas crê Nele, a sua fé lhe será imputada
como justiça.
Tão importante, tão fundamental é esse caminho de justiça que o apóstolo
prossegue ao longo de todo este capítulo para reafirmar, repetir e enfatizar tudo
o que ele deixou tão claro em poucas palavras.
Aqui estão algumas de suas declarações:

"Assim como Davi também descreve a bem-aventurança

 Esta declaração clara e positiva revela a cada alma perdida em todos os
tempos o único caminho do pecado, da culpa e da condenação para a justiça e
a libertação da condenação e da morte. Com isto concordam todas as outras
declarações das Escrituras a respeito deste grande problema de ser feito justo.

As três palavras “justificação pela fé” expressam a transação mais

maravilhosa neste mundo material que o intelecto humano pode
compreender. Expressam o maior dom que Deus, na Sua infinita plenitude,
poderia conceder à humanidade. O grande fato expresso por esta frase de
três palavras foi estudado, exposto e regozijado por milhões de pessoas
durante eras passadas, e ainda é o tema do mais sublime interesse e
importância para a família humana.

Revendo essas afirmações, encontramos:

Que a lei de Deus exige justiça
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de todos os que estão sob sua jurisdição. Mas, através da

transgressão, todos se tornaram incapazes de cumprir a justiça
exigida pela lei. O que, então, o pecador deve fazer? A sua
transgressão da justa lei de Deus tornou-o injusto.
Isto o colocou sob a condenação daquela lei. Estando condenado, a pena da sua
transgressão deverá ser paga. A pena é a morte. Ele tem uma dívida que exige sua
vida. Ele está sob uma condenação que nunca poderá remover. Ele está
enfrentando uma penalidade da qual nunca poderá escapar. O que ele pode fazer:
existe alguma saída para esta situação sombria e desesperadora? Sim existe.

“A justiça de Deus sem a lei é manifestada, sendo testemunhada [

aprovada e aceita] pela lei e pelos profetas;
até mesmo a justiça de Deus que é pela fé. Jesus Cristo para todos e sobre
todos os que crêem.” Rm 3:21, 22.
Isto revela a maneira de atender às exigências da lei e afirma enfaticamente
que a única maneira de fazê-lo é pela fé. Para a mente natural e não iluminada,
esta solução do problema obscuro é um mistério. A lei exige obediência; exige
ações justas nas atividades da vida. Como podem tais exigências ser satisfeitas
pela fé em vez de pelas obras? A resposta é dada em palavras simples: "Sendo
justificado
freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [an atoning sacrifice]
through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the
remission of sins that
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are past, through the forbearance of God." Rom. 3:24, 25.
What a marvelous solution of the awful problem of sin! Only
our infinite, all-wise, and compassionate Father could and would
provide such a solution. Only inspired writings could reveal it. And
this way of making a sinner righteous is found only in the
untainted gospel of Christ.
"By faith he [the sinner, who has so grievously wronged and
offended God] can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord
places the obedience of His Son to the sinner's account. Christ's
righteousness is accepted in place of man's failure." Review and
Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.
Christ came to this world as our Redeemer. He became our
substitute. He took our place in the conflict with Satan and sin. He
was tempted in all points as we are, but never sinned. He loved
righteousness and hated iniquity. His life of perfect obedience met
the highest demands of the law. And O, the wonder and the marvel
of it is that God accepts Christ's righteousness in the place of our
failure, our unrighteousness!
In this divine transaction, "God receives, pardons, justifies....
and loves him [the sinner] as He loves His Son."-Ibid. No wonder
Paul proclaimed to the whole world that it was the love of Christ
which constrained him in his arduous labors, and that he counted
it a great privilege and joy to suffer the loss of all things, that he
might gain Christ and stand clothed in His righteousness, which is
imputed to the sinner through faith.
Thus is explained just how faith takes the place
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of works and is accounted righteousness. This wonderful truth
should be perfectly dear to every believer; and it must become
personal experience. It should enable us to cease from our own
works, efforts, and struggles, and to enter into calm, trusting, living
faith in the merits, the obedience, the righteousness of Christ.
These we may present to God in the place of our failures. We
should joyfully accept the pardon and justification granted, and
should now experience the peace and joy which such a marvelous
transaction is able to bring to our hearts.
"Therefore being justified [accounted righteous] by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5: 1.
Many Have Missed the Way

How strange and how sad that this simple, beautiful way of
righteousness seems so hard for the natural, carnal heart to find
and accept! It was a great sorrow to Paul that Israel, his kinsmen
according to the flesh, missed the way so fatally. He said: "Israel,
which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to
the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by
faith, but as it were by the works of the law." Rom. 9:31, 32.
On the other hand, "the Gentiles, which followed not after
righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the
righteousness which is of faith." Rom. 9:30.
And now the apostle reveals the real secret of Israel's failure:
"For they being ignorant of God's
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righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not
submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is
the end of the law [the one to whom the law points] for
righteousness to every one that believeth." Rom. 10: 3, 4
Finally, the apostle closes his exposition of this sublime theme
with these assuring words: "But what saith it? The word is nigh
thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith,
which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised
Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation." Rom. 10:8-10.
 "Righteousness by faith" is not a theory. People may hold a
theory about it, and at the same time be "ignorant of God's
righteousness and going about to establish their own
righteousness." "Righteousness by faith" is a transaction, an
experience. It is a submitting unto "the righteousness of God." It is a
change of standing before God and His law. It is a regeneration, a
new birth. Without this change there can be no hope for the sinner,
for he will remain under the condemnation of God's changeless,
holy law; its terrible penalty will still hang over his head.
How very essential it thus appears that we come to know, by
clear, positive experience, that this great, vital transaction called
"righteousness by faith" has been wrought in our hearts and lives
by the power of God. Only then can we truly pray
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our Lord's prayer, addressing, "Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name."
"This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the
inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, 'Hallowed be Thy
name,' you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in
you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His
child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the 'worthy name by
which ye are called.' God sends you into the world as His
representatives. In every act of life you are to make manifest the
name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character.
You cannot hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the
world, unless in life and character you represent the very life and
character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of
the grace and righteousness of Christ."-Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, p. 158.

Chapter 2 - A Message of Supreme Importance

In 1888 there came to the Seventh-day Adventist Church a very

definite awakening message. It was designated at the time as "the
message of Righteousness by Faith". Both the message itself and
the manner of its coming made a deep and lasting impression
upon the minds of ministers and people, and the lapse of time has
not erased that impression from memory. To this day, many of
those who heard the message when it came are deeply interested in
it and concerned regarding it. All these long years they have held a
firm conviction, and cherished a fond hope, that someday this
message would be given great prominence among us, and that it
would do the cleansing, regenerating work in the church which
they believed it was sent by the Lord to accomplish.
Among the influences which have led to this conviction is the
divine witness borne to the proclamation of the message of
Righteousness by Faith as it was set forth at the time of the General
Conference held in the city of Minneapolis, Minn., in the year
1888. From the very first, the Spirit of prophecy placed the seal of
approval upon the message and its presentation at that time. In the
plainest and most positive language we were told that the Lord was
leading and impelling men
24
to proclaim this definite message of Righteousness by Faith. Of
that epochal Conference, and the men who gave the specific
message, it is declared:
"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to
His people.... This message was to bring more prominently before
the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole
world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it
invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is
made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God.
Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes
directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love
for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He
may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of
His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the
message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the
third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice,
and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large
measure."-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91, 92.
 Every sentence in this comprehensive statement is worthy of
most careful study. Let us briefly analyze it:
1. A Most Precious Message.-"The Lord in His great mercy sent a
most precious message to His people."
2. The Object.-"This message was to bring more prominently
before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of
the whole world."
25
3. The Scope.-
a. "It presented justification through faith in the Surety."
b. "It invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ,
which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of
God."
4. The Need.-
a. "Many had lost sight of Jesus"
b. "They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person,
His merits, and His changeless love for the human family."
5. The Resources.-
a. "All power is given into His hands,"
b. "That He may dispense rich gifts unto men,"
c. "Imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the
helpless human agent."
6. Extent.-"This is the message that God commanded to be given
to the world."
7. What It Really Is.-"It is the third angel's message, which is to be
proclaimed with a loud cry, and attended with the outpouring of
His Spirit in a large measure."
It is difficult to conceive how there could be any
misunderstanding or uncertainty regarding the heavenly
endorsement of this message. It clearly stated that the Lord sent
the message, and that He led the minds of the men who were so
deeply engrossed by it and who proclaimed it with such
earnestness.
It should be borne in mind at this time that the course taken by
the messengers in subsequent years
26
has nothing to do with the positive statement, oft repeated, that
they were led by the Lord to declare this fundamental truth of the
gospel to His people at that particular time.
Not only was it in the purpose of God to set this message to
Righteousness by Faith before His church; it was to be given to the
world. And finally, it is declared to be the "third angel's message,
which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the
outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure." It is evident that the
application of this message was not limited to the time of the
Minneapolis Conference, but that its application extends to the
close of time; and consequently it is of greater significance to the
church at the present time than it could have been in 1888. The
nearer we approach the great day of God, the more imperative will
be the need of the soul-cleansing work which that message was sent
to do. Surely we have every reason for a new, more whole- hearted
study and proclamation of that message.
God's messages and providences are always great with meaning.
They are always necessary for the accomplishment of the
particular work with which they are connected. He orders them for
the fulfillment of His purposes. They cannot be set aside. They
cannot fail. Sooner or later they will be understood, accepted, and
given their proper place. Therefore it must be expected that the
message of Righteousness by Faith, which came so definitely to the
church in 1888, will be accorded a dominant place in the closing
period of the great movement with which we are connected.

Chapter 3 - Preparatory Messages

The Bible account of God's dealings with His people is full of

most helpful instruction for the remnant church. It shows that
through the centuries He has had but one unchangeable, eternal
purpose. He has allowed nothing to defeat that purpose. In all the
crises and developments that have arisen, He has been in control.
He has foreseen the perils lurking along the way, and has sent
warnings to His people to guard and protect them. When they
have needed messages to awaken, inspire, and regenerate them, He
has raised up messengers to give the messages. The great exodus
movement from Egypt to Canaan, the history of Samuel and
Israel, of David and the kingdom he was chosen to establish, and
the tragic experiences of Jeremiah in the kingdom of Judah, and its
overthrow and captivity,-all are illustrations of this.
In the records of these great crises we find that God's messages
to the people were of a twofold character: First, they pointed out
the deceptions into which His people were being led, and warned
them of the serious results which would come unless they returned
to Him; second, they revealed most clearly just what was needed to
help them, and gave assurance that he would not only supply all
their needs, but would also inspire and empower
28
them to lay hold of the proffered help if they would but choose it
with the whole heart. Nothing was lacking on the Lord's side to
meet fully every deception and peril by which Satan sought to ruin
the people and the cause.
The developments and experiences connected with the coming
of the message of Righteousness by Faith, in 1888, bear striking
similarity to the experiences which came to the people of God in
olden times. It is well to give most careful consideration to the
messages of the Spirit of prophecy just preceding the Minneapolis
Conference of 1888.
The Message of 1887

The testimonies of the Spirit of prophecy which were received

during the year 1887 gave warning of danger. They named again
and again a specific evil, a deception into which the church was
falling. That deception was pointed out as the fatal mistake of
drifting into formalism; the substitution of forms, ceremonies,
doctrines, machinery, and activities for that heart experience which
comes alone through fellowship with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Throughout the entire year this specific danger was kept before
ministers and people by messages which appeared in the Review and
Herald. In order that the seriousness of the situation at that time
may be realized and the warnings better understood, we quote a
few paragraphs, giving the date of publication:
1. "It is possible to be a formal, partial believer, and yet be found
wanting, and lose eternal life. It is possible to practice some of the
Bible injunctions,
29
and be regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you are
lacking in essential qualifications that constitute Christian
character."-Review and Herald, Jan. 11, 1887.
2. Two weeks later another message declares:
"The observance of external forms will never meet the great
want of the human soul. A mere profession of Christ is not enough
to prepare one to stand the test of the judgment."-Review and
Herald, Jan. 25, 1887.
3. Three weeks following this it was clearly stated:
"There is too much formality in the church. Souls are perishing
for light and knowledge. We should be so connected with the
Source of light that we can be channels of light to the world....
Those who profess to be guided by the word of God, may be
familiar with the evidences of their faith, and yet be like the
pretentious fig tree, which flaunted its foliage in the face of the
world, but when searched by the Master, was found destitute of
fruit."-Review and Herald, Feb. 15, 1887.
4. Two weeks thereafter came another of like import:
"The Lord Jesus, on the Mount of Olives, plainly stated that
'because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.'
He speaks of a class who have fallen from a high state of
spirituality. Let such utterances as these come home with solemn,
searching power to our hearts.... A formal round of religious
services is kept up; but where is the love of Jesus? Spirituality is
dying. . . . Shall we meet the mind of the Spirit of God? Shall
30
we dwell more upon practical godliness, and far less upon
mechanical arrangements?"-Written March 1, 1887; appears in
Testimonies, Vol. V, pp. 538, 539.
 On and on throughout the entire year messages continued to
come telling us that formality was coming into the church; that we
were trusting too much in forms, ceremonies, theories, mechanical
arrangements, and a constant round of activities. Of course these
messages were true, and they should have made a profound
impression. But formalism is most deceptive and ruinous. It is the
hidden, unsuspected rock upon which, through the centuries, the
church has so often been well-nigh wrecked. Paul warns us that the
"form of godliness" without the power of God will be one of the
perils of the last days, and admonishes us to turn away from the
deceptive, bewitching thing. Over and over again, and through
various channels, God sends warnings to His church to escape the
peril of formalism.
It was precisely this perilous deception against which the Spirit
of prophecy gave repeated warning in 1887; and it was to save us
from its full results that the message of Righteousness by Faith was
sent to us.
This movement is of God. It is destined to triumph gloriously.
Its organization is Heaven indited. Its departments are the wheels
within the wheels, all skillfully linked together; but they are
incomplete and partial without the Spirit within the wheels giving
power and speedy results. These wheels are composed of men and
women.
31
God baptizes men and women rather than movements; and when
men receive the power of the Spirit into their lives, then the
beautiful machinery moves speedily forward on its appointed task.
This must be realized individually before it can be realized
collectively. How imperative, then, our need of God's provision!
But not alone came the warnings against the substitution of
theories, forms, activities, and the machinery of organization. With
these warnings came a direct, powerful, positive message telling
exactly what should be done to save us from the situation into
which we were drifting. The entire message cannot be reproduced
here because of its length. However, a few excerpts will convey
some idea of its serious import, and of the hope it held out to the
church if the instruction were heeded:
Greatest and Most Urgent Need

"A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most

urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There
must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not
because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but
because we are unprepared to receive it.... There are persons in the
church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest,
prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We
must pray more, and talk less. Iniquity abounds, and the people
must be taught not to be satisfied with a form of godliness without
the spirit and power....
"We have far more to fear from within than
32
from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far
greater from the church itself than from the world....
"There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of
God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the
Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an
impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never
be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we
are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power.
When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will
come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from
descending upon God's people than he can close the windows of
heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and
devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence
from the assemblies of His people, if they will, with subdued,
contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim
His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether
open or secret, may be successfully resisted, 'not by might, nor by
power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.'
 "What is our condition in this fearful and solemn time? Alas,
what pride is prevailing in the church, what hypocrisy, what
deception, what love of dress, frivolity, and amusement, what desire
for the supremacy! All these sins have clouded the mind, so that
eternal things have not been discerned."-Review and Herald, March
22, 1887.
What a solemn message, and yet how full of tender, helpful
counsel! What hope is held before
33
the church if she will but sincerely heed it! How sad that this great
message passed with the annual files of the Review, to lie buried so
long! Is it not time to bring again this message clearly and force
fully to the attention of the church, as Ezra brought forth the
forgotten book of the law of Moses and read the instruction it
contained to Israel?
The Remedy to Be Applied

As the year closed, a message came, pointing clearly and

positively to the only remedy for the evils so earnestly and
repeatedly set before us during the entire year. That remedy, we are
told, is union with Christ Jesus the Lord.
"There is a wide difference between a pretended union and a
real connection with Christ by faith. A profession of religion places
men in the church, but this does not prove that they have a vital
connection with the living vine. . . . When this intimacy of
connection of communion is formed, our sins are laid upon Christ,
His righteousness is imputed to us. He was made sin for us, that we
might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
"The power of evil is so identified with human nature that no
man can overcome except by union with Christ. Through this
union we receive moral and spiritual power. If we have the Spirit of
Christ, we shall bring forth the fruit of righteousness....
"A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other
union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for
our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and
34
last, and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is
a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being.
All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood
of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit
their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with
outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of
detachment, as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness,
vanity, worldliness,-sin in all its forms-must be overcome, if we
would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find
the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so
variable, is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first
detaching themselves from these cherished idols."-Review and Herald,
Dec. 13,1887.
This message takes us into the very heart of the gospel-union
with Christ. No man can overcome sin except by this union. By
union with Christ, our sins are laid upon Him, and His
righteousness is imputed to us. This is reality, not form nor
ceremony. It is not church membership, nor assent of the intellect
to theory and dogma. Union with Christ is a satisfying reality in all
that pertains to the Christian life. In this lies our security. This was
our great need in 1887, and to lead us into that experience the
Lord sent the message of Righteousness by Faith.
The Messages of 1888

As we pass into the year 1888, the positive remedial messages

which began in 1887 were continued,
35
growing in clarity and force, as will be observed. The true way is
clearly set forth, the only way that gives genuine sincerity, reality,
and victory. This true way is through fellowship with our risen
Lord. Note the following ringing words:
The Only True Way

"Without the presence of Jesus in the heart, religious service is

only dead, cold formalism. The longing desire for communion with
God soon ceases when the Spirit of God is grieved from us; but
when Christ is in us the hope of glory, we are constantly directed to
think and act in reference to the glory of God."-Review and Herald,
April 17,1888.
"We should study the life of our Redeemer, for He is the only
perfect example for men. We should contemplate the infinite
sacrifice of Calvary, and behold the exceeding sinfulness of sin and
the righteousness of the law. You will come from a concentrated
study of the theme of redemption strengthened and ennobled.
Your comprehension of the character of God will be deepened;
and with the whole plan of salvation clearly defined in your mind,
you will be better able to fulfill your divine commission. From a
sense of thorough conviction, you can then testify to men of the
immutable character of the law manifested by the death of Christ
on the cross, the malignant nature of sin, and the righteousness of
God in justifying the believer in Jesus on condition of his future
obedience to the statutes of God's government in heaven and
earth."-Review and Herald, April 24,1888.
36
Our Redeemer, His atoning sacrifice for us, the malignant
nature of sin, the righteousness of Christ to be received by faith,-in
the serious contemplation and full acceptance of these vital truths
of the gospel are to be found pardon, justification, peace, joy, and
victory.
A Startling Message

Following the pointing out of the only true way, there came a
startling message that must have been designed of the Lord to lead
His people to sense their peril and step quickly into the way of
security:
"The solemn question should come home to every member of
our churches, How are we standing before God, as the professed
followers of Jesus Christ? Is our light shining forth to the world in
clear, steady rays? Have we, as a people, solemnly dedicated to
God, preserved our union with the Source of all light? Are not the
symptoms of decay and declension painfully visible in the midst of
the Christian churches of today? Spiritual death has come upon
the people that should be manifesting life and zeal, purity and
consecration, by the most earnest devotion to the cause of truth.
The facts concerning the real condition of the professed people of
God, speak more loudly than their profession, and make it evident
that some power has cut the cable that anchored them to the
Eternal Rock, and that they are drifting away to sea, without chart
or compass."-Review and Herald, July 24, 1888.
Some power, it is declared, had cut the cable
37
that anchored the church to the Eternal Rock, and its members
were drifting away to sea without chart or compass. What situation
could be more alarming than this? What more convincing reason
could be given to show the need of turning with all the heart to
Him who alone is able to hold us fast?
Back to Safe Anchorage

Next came a message telling just what was necessary in order to

repair the cable the enemy had cut, and thus bring us back to safe
anchorage. Read it with care:
"It is not enough to be familiar with the arguments of the truth
alone. You must meet the people through the life that is in Jesus.
Your work will be made wholly successful if Jesus is abiding with
you, for He has said, 'Without Me ye can do nothing.' Jesus stands
knocking, knocking at the door of your hearts, and yet, for all this,
some say continually, 'I cannot find Him.' Why not? He says, 'I
stand here knocking.' Why do you not open the door, and say,
'Come in, dear Lord'? I am so glad for these simple directions as to
the way to find Jesus. If it were not for them, I should not know
how to find Him whose presence I desire so much. Open the door
now, and empty the soul temple of the buyers and sellers, and
invite the Lord to come in. Say to Him, 'I will love Thee with all
my soul. I will work the works of righteousness. I will obey the law
of God.' Then you will feel the peaceful presence of Jesus."-Review
and Herald, Aug. 28,1888.
The Climax of the Preparatory Message

Just a few weeks before the General Conference assembled at

Minneapolis, the Lord sent the following message as an impressive
climax to all the instruction that had been coming on this one great
theme month after month for nearly two years:
"What is the work of the minister of the gospel? It is to rightly
divide the word of truth; not to invent a new gospel, but to rightly
divide the gospel already committed to them. They cannot rely
upon old sermons to present to their congregations; for these set
discourses may not be appropriate to meet the occasion or the
wants of the people. There are subjects that are sadly neglected,
that should be largely dwelt upon. The burden of our message
should be the mission and life of Jesus Christ. Let there be a
dwelling upon the humiliation, self-denial, meekness, and lowliness
of Christ, that proud and selfish hearts may see the difference
between themselves and the Pattern, and may be humbled. Show
to your hearers Jesus in His condescension to save fallen man.
Show them that He who was their surety had to take human
nature, and carry it through the darkness and the fearfulness of the
malediction of His Father, because of man's transgression of His
law; for the Saviour was found in fashion as a man.
"Describe, if human language can, the humiliation of the Son of
God, and think not that you have reached the climax, when you see
Him exchanging the throne of light and glory which He had with
the Father, for humanity. He came forth
39
from heaven to earth; and while on earth, He bore the curse of
God as surety for the fallen race. He was not obliged to do this. He
chose to bear the wrath of God, which man had incurred through
disobedience to the divine law. He chose to endure the cruel
mockings, the deridings, the scourging, and the crucifixion. 'And
being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and
became obedient unto death;' but the manner of His death was an
astonishment to the universe, for it was 'even the death of the
cross.' Christ was not insensible to ignominy and disgrace. He felt it
all most bitterly. He felt it as much more deeply and acutely than
we can feel suffering, as His nature was more exalted, and pure,
and holy than that of the sinful race for whom He suffered. He was
the Majesty of heaven; He was equal with the Father. He was the
commander of the hosts of angels, yet He died for man the death
that was, above all others, clothed with ignominy and reproach. O
that the haughty hearts of men might realize this! O that they
might enter into the meaning of redemption, and seek to learn the
meekness and lowliness of Jesus."-Review and Herald, Sept 11, 1888.
This instruction is directed especially to ministers-the teachers in
Israel:
1. They were to rightly divide the word of truth.
2. They were not to invent a new gospel, but to rightly set forth
the gospel already committed to them.
3. They were not to continue to preach their "old sermons" to
the people, as these "set discourses"
40
might not be appropriate to meet the wants of the people.
4. They were to dwell largely upon subjects that had been sadly
neglected.
5. The burden of their message should be the mission and life of
Jesus Christ.
The concluding paragraph furnishes a comprehensive outline of
this sublime theme-the mission and life of Christ.
In Retrospect

At this distance it does seem as if all these direct, clear-cut,

solemn messages should have made a more profound impression
upon the minds of all the ministers. It would seem that they would
have been fully prepared to listen to and drink in the timely,
inspiring message of revival, reformation, and recovery that was
presented with such clearness and in such sincere earnestness by
the messenger whom the Lord raised up to deliver the message.
The appropriation of the perfect righteousness of Christ by
deceived, sinful hearts was the remedy the Lord sent. It was just
what was needed. Who can tell what would have come to the
church and the cause of God if that message of Righteousness by
Faith had been fully and wholeheartedly received by all at that
time? And who can estimate the loss that has been sustained by the
failure of many to receive that message? Eternity alone will reveal
the whole truth regarding this matter.

Chapter 4 - Message Set Forth at the Minneapolis

Conference

The message of Righteousness by Faith came clearly and fully

into the open at the General Conference held at Minneapolis,
Minn., in November, 1888. It was made the one great subject of
study in the devotional part of the Conference. It would seem that
the presentation of the subject had been anticipated, and that there
was an understanding that it would receive a thorough discussion
in the Conference. At any rate, that was what took place.
The message was not received alike by all who attended the
Conference; in fact, there was serious difference of opinion
concerning it among the leaders. This division of opinion may be
classified as follows:
Class 1.-Those who saw great light in it and gladly accepted it;
who believed it to be a most essential phase of the gospel, and felt
that it should be given great emphasis in all efforts to save the lost.
To this class the message appeared to be the real secret of a
victorious life in the conflict with sin, and that the great truth of
being made righteous by faith in the Son of God was the most
pressing need of the remnant church in preparing for translation at
the second advent.
42
Class 2.-There were some, however, who felt uncertain about the
"new teaching," as they termed it. They seemed unable to grasp it.
They could not reach a conclusion. As a result, their minds were
thrown into a state of perplexity and confusion. They neither
accepted nor rejected the message at the time.
Class 3.-But there were others who were decidedly opposed to
the presentation of the message. They claimed that the truth of
righteousness by faith had been recognized by our people from the
very first, and this was true theoretically. For this reason they saw
no occasion for placing such great stress and emphasis upon the
subject as was being done by its advocates. Furthermore, they
feared that the emphasis placed upon this theme of righteousness
by faith would cast a shadow upon the doctrines that had been
given such prominence from the beginning of our denominational
history; and since they looked upon the preaching of those
distinctive doctrines as the secret of the power and growth of our
movement, they were fearful that if these doctrines were
overshadowed by any teaching or message whatsoever, our cause
would lose its distinctive character and force. Because of these
fears, they felt in duty bound to safeguard both cause and people
by decided opposition.
This difference of views among the leaders led to serious results.
It created controversy, and a degree of estrangement which was
most unfortunate. But through the intervening years there has been
steadily developing the desire and hope-yes, the belief-that
someday the message of Righteousness
43
by Faith would shine forth in all its inherent worth, glory, and
power, and receive full recognition. And during this same time,
misapprehension and opposition have been disappearing. With
many, there is now a pressing conviction that this message of
Righteousness by Faith should be studied, taught, and stressed to
the fullest extent that its importance demands.
No complete report of the presentation and discussion of the
message of Righteousness by Faith at the Minneapolis Conference
was published. Oral reports were given by those in attendance. But
through subsequent writings of the Spirit of prophecy, information
is furnished regarding the developments in connection with the
giving of the message and its reception and also its rejection, and it
is quite necessary to become familiar with this inspired information
in order to understand better our present situation. It would be far
more agreeable to eliminate some of the statements given by the
Spirit of prophecy regarding the attitude of some of the leaders
toward the message and the messengers. But this cannot be done
without giving only a partial presentation of the situation which
developed at the Conference, thus leaving the question in more or
less of mystery.
The Source from Which the Message Came

It became necessary for positive assurance to be given that the

message of Righteousness and Justification
44
by Faith that came at that time was by the direct leading of God,
because of the confusion that had resulted by the opposition raised
against it. The statements which follow should remove all question
of doubt regarding the source of the message set forth at the
Minneapolis Conference:
"The present message-Justification by Faith-is a message from
God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness."-
Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889.
"Messages bearing the divine credentials have been sent to
God's people; the glory, the majesty, the righteousness of Christ,
full of goodness and truth, have been presented; the fullness of the
Godhead in Jesus Christ has been set forth among us with beauty
and loveliness, to charm all whose hearts are not closed with
prejudice. We know that God has wrought among us. We have seen
souls turned from sin to righteousness; we have seen faith revived in
the hearts of the contrite ones."-Review and Herald, May 27,1890.
Its Varied Reception

As previously stated, some who attended the Minneapolis

Conference received the message of Righteousness by Faith with
great satisfaction. It was to them a message of life. It gave them a
new appreciation of Christ, a new vision of His great sacrifice on
the cross. It brought to their hearts peace and joy and hope. It was
the supreme element needed to prepare a people to meet God.
These individuals returned to their churches with a new unction
to preach the gospel of salvation
45
from sin, and to help their brethren to accept by faith the
righteousness of Christ as revealed in the gospel. Sister White
herself took a very active, earnest part in this work, and reported
through the Review some of her experiences. For example:
"We thank the Lord with all the heart that we have precious
light to present before the people, and we rejoice that we have a
message for this time which is present truth. The tidings that Christ
is our righteousness has brought relief to many, many souls, and
God says to His people, 'Go forward.' The message to the
Laodicean church is applicable to our condition. How plainly is
pictured the position of those who think they have all the truth,
who take pride in their knowledge of the word of God, while its
sanctifying power has not been felt in their lives. The fervor of the
love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of
love that makes God's people the light of the world....
"In every meeting since the General Conference, souls have
eagerly accepted the precious message of the righteousness of
Christ. We thank God that there are souls who realize that they are
in need of something which they do not possess,-gold of faith and
love, white raiment of Christ's righteousness, eye salve of spiritual
discernment. If you possess these precious gifts, the temple of the
human soul will not be like a desecrated shrine. Brethren and.
sisters, I call upon you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to
work where God works. Now is the day of gracious opportunity
and privilege."-Review and Herald, July 23, 1889.
46
Eight months later this word from her pen appeared:
"I have traveled from place to place, attending meetings where
the message of the righteousness of Christ was preached. I
considered it a privilege to stand by the side of my brethren, and
give my testimony with the message for the time; and I saw that the
power of God attended the message wherever it was spoken."-
Review and Herald, March 18,1890.
Of a meeting in South Lancaster she stated:
"I have never seen a revival work go forward with such
thoroughness, and yet remain so free from all undue excitement.
There was no urging or inviting. The people were not called
forward, but there was a solemn realization that Christ came not to
call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. The honest in heart
were ready to confess their sins, and to bring forth fruit to God by
repentance and restoration, as far as it lay in their power. We
seemed to breathe in the very atmosphere of heaven. Angels were
indeed hovering around. Friday evening, the social service began at
five, and it was not closed until nine.... There were many who
testified that as the searching truths had been presented, they had
been convicted in the light of the law as transgressors. They had
been trusting their own righteousness. Now they saw it as filthy
rags, in comparison with the righteousness of Christ, which is
alone acceptable to God. While they had not been open
transgressors, they saw themselves depraved and degraded in heart.
They had substituted other gods in the place of their
47
heavenly Father. They had struggled to refrain from sin, but had
trusted in their own strength. We should go to Jesus just as we are,
confessing our sins, and cast our helpless souls upon our
compassionate Redeemer. This subdues the pride of the heart, and
is a crucifixion of self."-Review and Herald, March 5, 1889.
What a mighty revival of true godliness, what a restoration of
spiritual life, what a cleansing from sin, what a baptism of the
Spirit, and what a manifestation of divine power for the finishing of
the work in our own lives and in the world, might have come to the
people of God if all our ministers had gone forth from that
Conference as did this loyal, obedient servant of the Lord!
The Opposition
 How sad, how deeply regrettable, it is that this message of
righteousness in Christ should, at the time of its coming, have met
with opposition on the part of earnest, well-meaning men in the
cause of God! The message has never been received, nor
proclaimed, nor given free course as it should have been in order to
convey to the church the measureless blessings that were wrapped
within it. The seriousness of exerting such an influence is indicated
through the reproofs that were given. These words of reproof and
admonition should receive most thoughtful consideration at this
time:
"God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this time who
will 'cry aloud and spare not,' who will lift up their 'voice like a
trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of
48
Jacob their sins.' Their work is not only to proclaim the law, but to
preach the truth for this time,-the Lord our righteousness....
"But there are those who see no necessity for a special work at
this time. While God is working to arouse the people, they seek to
turn aside the message of warning, reproof, and entreaty. Their
influence tends to quiet the fears of the people, and to prevent
them from awaking to the solemnity of this time. Those who are
doing this, are giving the trumpet an uncertain sound. They ought
to be awake to the situation, but they have become ensnared by the
enemy."-Review and Herald, Aug. 13, 1889.
Mark the serious indictment which follows:
"You will meet with those who will say, 'You are too much
excited over the matter. You are too much in earnest. You should
not be reaching for the righteousness of Christ, and making so
much of that. You should preach the law.' As a people we have
preached the law until we are as dry as the hills of Gilboa, that had
neither dew nor rain. We must preach Christ in the law, and there
will be sap and nourishment in the preaching that will be as food to
the famishing flock of God. We must not trust in our own merits at
all, but in the merits of Jesus of Nazareth."-Review and Herald, March
11,1890.
Note also the serious implication in the following statements:
 "Some of our brethren are not receiving the message of God
upon this subject. They appear to be anxious that none of our
ministers shall depart
49
from their former manner of teaching the good old doctrines. We
inquire, Is it not time that fresh light should come to the people of
God, to awaken them to greater earnestness and zeal? The
exceeding great and precious promises given us in the Holy
Scriptures have been lost sight of to a great extent, just as the
enemy of all righteousness designed that they should be. He has
cast his own dark shadow between us and our God, that we may
not see the true character of God."-Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.
"God has sent to His people testimonies of truth and
righteousness, and they are called to lift up Jesus, and to exalt His
righteousness. Those whom God has sent with a message are only
men, but what is the character of the message which they bear?
Will you dare to turn from, or make light of, the warnings, because
God did not consult you as to what would be preferred? God calls
men who will speak, who will cry aloud and spare not. God has
raised up His messengers to do His work for this time. Some have
turned from the message of the righteousness of Christ to criticize
the men."- Review and Herald, Dec. 27, 1890.
"The Lord has sent a message to arouse His people to repent,
and do their first works; but how has His message been received?
While some have heeded it, others have cast contempt and
reproach on the message and the messenger. Spirituality deadened,
humility and childlike simplicity gone, a mechanical, formal
profession of faith has taken the place of love and devotion. Is this
mournful condition of things to continue? Is the lamp of
50
God's love to go out in darkness?"-Review and Herald, Extra, Dec. 23,
1890.
Lest we miss the force of these heart-searching messages, let us
recount the salient points:
1. God raised up men to meet the necessity of the time.
 2. Some sought to turn aside the message, and to prevent an
awakening among the people.
3. Such persons were ensnared by the enemy, and gave the
trumpet an uncertain sound.
4. These men declared that the law should be preached,-not the
righteousness of Christ.
5. The exhortation is to preach Christ in the law.
6. Some were fearful of a departure from the former manner of
preaching the good old doctrines.
7. God raised up men to herald the message of Righteousness
by Faith.
8. The challenge: "Will you dare to turn from, or make light of,
the warnings?"
9. The twofold result of rejecting the message.
a. Deadening of spirituality.
b. Influx of a mechanical, formal profession of faith.
10. The climactic question: "Is this mournful condition of things
to continue?"
Verily it is a sobering resume!
The Results of Division of Opinion

The division and conflict which arose among the leaders

because of the opposition to the message of righteousness in
Christ, produced a very
51
unfavorable reaction. The rank and file of the people were
confused, and did not know what to do. Concerning this reaction,
we read:
"If our brethren were all laborers together with God, they would
not doubt but that the message he has sent us during these last two
years is from heaven. Our young men look to our older brethren,
and as they see that they do not accept the message, but treat it as
though it were of no consequence, it influences those who are
ignorant of the Scriptures to reject the light. These men who refuse
to receive truth, interpose themselves between the people and the
light. But there is no excuse for anyone's refusing the light, for it has
been plainly revealed. There is no need of anyone's being in
ignorance. . . . Instead of pressing your weight against the chariot
of truth that is being pulled up an inclined road, you should work
with all the energy you can summon to push it on."-Review and
Herald, March 18, 1890.
"For nearly two years, we have been urging the people to come
up and accept the light and the truth concerning the righteousness
of Christ, and they do not know whether to come and take hold of
this precious truth or not. They are bound about with their own
ideas. They do not let the Saviour in."-Review and Herald, March 11,
1890.
"Some have turned from the message of the righteousness of
Christ to criticize the men. . . . The third angel's message will not
be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its
glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its
advancing glory. The work
52
that might have been done, will be left undone by the rejectors of
truth, because of their unbelief. We entreat of you who oppose the
light of truth, to stand out of the way of God's people. Let Heaven
sent light shine forth upon them in clear and steady rays."-Review
and Herald, May 27, 1890.
"There is sadness in heaven over the spiritual blindness of many
of our brethren. . . . The Lord has raised up messengers and
endued them with His Spirit, and has said, 'Cry aloud, spare not,
lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.' Let no one run the
risk of interposing himself between the people and the message of
Heaven. The message of God will come to the people; and if there
were no voice among men to give it, the very stones would cry out.
I call upon every minister to seek the Lord, to put away pride, to
put away strife after supremacy, and humble the heart before God.
It is the coldness of heart, the unbelief of those who ought to have
faith, that keeps the churches in feebleness."-Review and Herald, July
26,1892.
 The solemn import of these Heaven-indited words should not
be missed. Mark well these crystal-clear statements:
1. The message of 1888-90 was from heaven.
2. Its rejection by some of the more experienced brethren led
the younger men into uncertainty and confusion.
3. Those who rejected the message, interposed themselves
between the people and the light.
53
4. There is no excuse; the light has been plainly revealed.
5. The reason men are slow to take hold of this precious truth is
that they are bound about with their own ideas.
6. The course of some has been to turn from the message to
criticise the messengers.
7. Those who refuse to walk in this advancing light, will be
unable to comprehend the third angel's message.
8. Those who refuse to walk in this heavenly light, that is to
lighten the earth with its glory, will call it a "false light."
9. As a result of their unbelief, important work will be left
undone.
10. Solemn entreaty to those who oppose the light to "stand out
of the way" of the people.
11. Such spiritual blindness causes "sadness in heaven."
12. The positive assurance that God "raised up messengers and
endued them with His Spirit."
13. If there had been no human voice lifted to give the message,
the very stones would have cried out.
14. The call to every minister to humble the heart before God in
order that spiritual strength may come to the church.
Surely comment on such solemn warnings and entreaties would
be superfluous.
Fundamental Principles Involved

Back of the opposition is revealed the shrewd plotting of that

master mind of evil, the enemy
54
of all righteousness. The very fact of his determination to
neutralize the message and its inevitable effects, is evidence of its
great value and importance; and how terrible must be the results of
any victory of his in defeating it! Concerning Satan's shrewd
planning, we are given plain warning:
"The enemy of man and God is not willing that this truth
[justification by faith] should be clearly presented; for he knows
that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken. If he
can control minds so that doubt and unbelief and darkness shall
compose the experience of those who claim to be the children of
God, he can overcome them with temptation."-Review and Herald,
Sept. 3, 1889.
"Our present position is interesting and perilous. The danger of
refusing light from heaven should make us watchful unto prayer,
lest we should any of us have an evil heart of unbelief. When the
Lamb of God was crucified on Calvary, the death knell of Satan
was sounded; and if the enemy of truth and righteousness can
obliterate from the mind the thought that it is necessary to depend
upon the righteousness of Christ for salvation, he will do it. If
Satan can succeed in leading man to place value upon his own
works as works of merit and righteousness, he knows that he can
overcome him by his temptations, and make him his victim and
prey. Lift up Jesus before the people. Strike the doorposts with the
blood of Calvary's Lamb, and you are safe."-Review and Herald, Sept.
3, 1889.
55
Once more let us summarize these statements, because of their
far-reaching importance:
1. It is Satan who is unwilling that the truth of Righteousness by
Faith shall be presented.
2. The reason is that, if this truth is fully received by the people,
his power will be broken.
3. If Satan can throw about the people doubt and unbelief, he
can overcome them through temptation.
4. It is Satan's endeavor to obliterate from the mind that it is
necessary to depend upon the righteousness of Christ for salvation.
 5. Satan knows that if he can lead men to depend upon their
own works for righteousness, they will be his victims.
6. Therefore the call is sounded: Lift up the crucified Saviour,
and place your trust in His blood.
What a challenge to prayer is here presented! How we should
seek God in humility for the anointing of the heavenly eyesalve!
Only by the full acceptance and appropriation of these glorious
provisions can a people be prepared to stand without spot or
wrinkle before a holy God at His coming. Only thus may His
commandments be truly kept, and only by this divine power can
the church finish its great commission.

Chapter 5 - The Message of 1888 Marks a New Era in the

Proclamation of the Third Angel's Message

Careful study of the instruction given by the Spirit of prophecy

leads to the deep conviction that the coming of the message of
Righteousness by Faith at the Minneapolis Conference, was a
signal providence of God-a providence designed to initiate the
beginning of a new era in the finishing of His work. The following
statement, written just four years after the Minneapolis Conference
in 1888, affords basis for this conclusion:
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third
angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of
Christ, the sin pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the
light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth."-Review and
Herald, Nov. 22, 1892.
Almost alarming in character are the statements in the foregoing
paragraph. They have a very important bearing on the work which
Seventh-day Adventists are carrying forward, and therefore are of
the greatest interest to all who are connected with the work of
proclaiming the third angel's message. Let us reread the paragraph
from an analytical standpoint:
1. The time of test is just upon us.
57
2. The loud cry of the third angel has already begun.
 3. It began in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ (the
message of 1888).
4. This marks the beginning of the light of the angel whose
glory shall fill the whole earth.
The events mentioned in this paragraph are the same as those
brought to view in Revelation 18:1, 2: "After these things I saw
another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and
the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a
strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is
become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,
and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
The explanation of this scripture, as given by the Spirit of
prophecy, should be carefully noted:
"I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the
earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment
of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel
commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the
third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power
and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the
earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this
angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong
voice.... The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in
the last great work of the third angel's message, as it swells to a
loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the
hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a
58
great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly
proclaim the third angel's message."-Early Writings, p. 277.
The panorama of events presented in the foregoing paragraph
is so extensive and so full of meaning that it may be helpful to note
each event separately:
1. A mighty angel comes down from heaven to earth.
2. The work of this angel is:
a. To unite his voice with the third angel.
b. To give power and force to the third angel's message.
3. Great power and glory were imparted to this angel:
 a. The earth was lightened with his glory.
b. The light penetrated everywhere.
4. The work of this mighty angel comes in at just the right time
to join in the last great work of the third angel's message.
5. As a result of the coming of this mighty angel, the message
swells into a loud cry.
6. The power attending this mighty angel prepares the people of
God to stand in the hour of trial.
7. This preparation is recognized by heaven in the bestowal of
"a great light" to rest upon God's people.
8. The culmination of all these events is a united people,
fearlessly proclaiming the third angel's message.
Inseparably connected with this program of great events is the
visitation of the "latter rain"
59
upon the remnant church. Note the following paragraph:
"While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming
on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as
not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the 'latter
rain,' or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to
give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the
saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be
poured out."-Early Writings, pp. 85, 86.
This places the latter rain visitation with the loud cry, the
revelation of the righteousness of Christ, and the flooding of the
earth with the light of the third angel's message.
This is a program of truly thrilling events. It was outlined by the
Spirit of prophecy at the very beginning of our movement. And
then, to awaken and arouse us to its serious import, a most solemn
and impressive message regarding the same events was given us
following the memorable Conference of 1888. The following vital
statements taken from that message will give emphasis to the
subject under consideration:
1. An Eventful Period of Time.
"The days in which we live are eventful and full of peril. The signs of
the coming of the end are thickening around us, and events are to
come to pass that will be of a more terrible character than any the
world has yet witnessed."
2. The "Loud Cry" Begins.
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud
60
cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of
Christ, the sin pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the
light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth."
3. The Essential Preparation to Stand in the Time of Trouble.
"If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know
Christ and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputes to
the repentant sinner."
4. The Message to Be Preached.
"A work is to be accomplished in the earth similar to that which
took place at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the days of the
early disciples, when they preached Jesus and Him crucified. Many will
be converted in a day; for the message will go with power."
"The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ, and
Him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the
world in unparalleled love. Present Him thus to the hungering multitudes,
and the light of His love will win men from darkness to light, from
transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding Jesus upon
the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to the heinous
character of sin as nothing else can do."
"Christ has not been presented in connection with a law as a
faithful and merciful high priest, who was in all points tempted like
as we are, yet without sin. He has not been lifted up before the
sinner as the divine sacrifice. His work as sacrifice,
61
substitute, and surety, has been only coldly and casually dwelt
upon; but this is what the sinner needs to know. It is Christ in His
fullness as a sin-pardoning Saviour, that the sinner must see; for the
unparalleled love of Christ, through the agency of the Holy Spirit,
will bring conviction and conversion to the hardened heart."
5. The Power That Gives Efficiency to the Preaching.
 "The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from
this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the
Holy Spirit is the Comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to
the soul."
"When the earth is lightened with the glory of God, we shall see
a work similar to that which was wrought when the disciples, filled
with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the power of a risen Saviour."
"The revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit brought to them [the
disciples] a realizing sense of His power and majesty, and they
stretched forth their hands unto Him by faith, saying, 'I believe.'
Thus it was in the time of the early rain; but the latter rain will be
more abundant. The Saviour of men will be glorified, and the
earth will be lightened with the bright shining of the beams of His
righteousness."-The foregoing five quotations are from the Review and
Herald, Nov. 22, and 29, 1892; article entitled, "The Perils and Privileges of
the Last Days." 11
62
It will be seen that all these events are associated together to be
in operation at the same time. Placed in their natural order, they
stand as follows:
1. The revelation and appropriation by faith of the
righteousness of Christ.
2. The bestowal of the latter rain.
3. The impartation of great power to the receivers.
4. The swelling of the third angel's message into the "loud cry."
5. The enlightening of the earth with the "bright shining of the
beams of righteousness."
It is evident that the beginning, or opening, of all these events is
at the same time. The appearance of one is a signal for all to
appear.
And now mark the positive declaration:
"The loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the
revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning
Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose
glory shall fill the whole earth."-Review and Herald, Nov. 22,1892.
 This was declared in 1892. What marked the fresh, or new,
revelation of the righteousness of Christ and the beginning of the
loud cry? As the statement itself points out, it was "the revelation of
the righteousness of Christ" as set forth at the Minneapolis
Conference.
Now these important manifestations are ordained of God for
the finishing of His work in the earth. When they began, they
marked the
63
starting point for that closing work. That place, that hour, was
reached in 1888.
This is a tremendous conclusion, but what other conclusion can
be reached with all the statements before us? Why should this
conclusion be thought incredible? We believe the statements to be
true. We have looked for their fulfillment. Our waiting for the
fulfillment has been anxious and long. The fulfillment will be
witnessed by someone. Why may we not see it and be in it?
Should we not seek most seriously and earnestly to know what
may be hindering the fulfillment in all its power? And why should
we not pray for a yearning desire to co-operate fully with the Lord
in hastening His work to its close?

Chapter 6 - The Third Angel's Message in Verity

A serious question arose in the minds of some who heard the

message of Righteousness by Faith presented at the Minneapolis
Conference, as to the relation that message bore to the third angel's
message. In their perplexity, a number wrote to Mrs. E. G. White
for an expression of her views on this question.
Regarding this inquiry and her reply, we have her published
statement, as follows:
"Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of
justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have
answered, 'It is the third angel's message in verity.'"-Review and
Herald, April 1, 1890.
 There is more in this statement than a brief, clear, positive
answer to a question. It has a deep, vital meaning. It sounds a
serious warning, and makes an intelligent, earnest appeal to every
believer in the third angel's message. Let us give the statement
careful study.
Justification by faith, it is affirmed, is "the third angel's message
in verity." The words "in verity" mean, in fact, in reality, in very truth.
That means that the message of justification by faith and the third
angel's message are the same in purpose, in scope, and in results.
65
Justification by faith is God's way of saving sinners; His way of
convicting sinners of their guilt, their condemnation, and their
utterly undone and lost condition. It is also God's way of canceling
their guilt, delivering them from the condemnation of His divine
law, and giving them a new and right standing before Him and His
holy law. Justification by faith is God's way of changing weak,
sinful, defeated men and women into strong, righteous, victorious
Christians.
Now if it be true that justification by faith is "the third angel's
message in verity,"-in fact, in reality,-it must be that the genuine
understanding and appropriation of the third angel's message is
designed to do for and in those who receive it, the full work of
justification by faith. That this is its purpose, is evident from the
following considerations:
1. The great threefold message of Revelation 14, which we
designate by the term "the third angel's message," is declared to be
"the everlasting gospel." Rev. 14:6.
2. The message makes the solemn announcement that the "hour
of His judgment is come."
3. It admonishes all who are to meet God at His great tribunal,
to be judged by His righteous law, to "fear God, and give glory to
Him,"-and to "worship Him that made heaven, and earth." Verse
7.
4. The result, or fruitage, of this message of warning and
admonition is the development of a people of whom it is declared:
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
 66
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Verse 12.
In all this we have the facts of justification by faith. The message
is the gospel of salvation from sin, condemnation, and death. The
judgment brings men and women face to face with the law of
righteousness, by which they are to be tried. Because of their guilt
and condemnation, they are warned to fear and worship God. This
involves conviction of guilt, repentance, confession, and
renunciation. This is the ground of forgiveness, cleansing, and
justification. Those who enter into this experience have had
wrought into their characters the sweet, beautiful grace of
patience, in an age of all-pervading irritability and fiery temper,
which is destroying the peace, happiness, and safety of the human
race. What is that but justification by faith? The word declares that,
"being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ." Rom. 5: 1.
But more still, these believers "keep the commandments of
God." They have experienced the marvelous change from hating
and transgressing the law of God, to loving and keeping its
righteous precepts. Their standing before the law has been
changed. Their guilt has been canceled; their condemnation has
been removed, and the death sentence has been annulled. Having
accepted Christ as Saviour, they have received His righteousness
and His life.
This wondrous transformation can be wrought only by the grace
and power of God, and it is wrought for those only who lay hold of
Christ as
67
their substitute, their surety, their Redeemer. Therefore, it is said
that they "keep the faith of Jesus." This reveals the secret of their
rich, deep experience. They laid hold of the faith of Jesus,-that
faith by which He triumphed over the powers of darkness.
"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,
as his atonement and righteousness."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4,
1890.
As already pointed out, we find in the experiences of those who
triumph in the third angel's message all the facts of justification by
faith. For this reason, it is quite true that justification by faith is "the
third angel's message in verity."
And here it may be well to call attention to the fact that both
justification by faith and the third angel's message are the gospel of
Christ in verity. This is made apparent by a statement from the
apostle Paul, who declares that the "gospel of Christ ... is the power
of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. . . . For therein is
the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." Rom. 1: 16,
17.
The facts here presented are these:
1. The gospel is a manifestation of God's power at work,
delivering sinners from their sins and planting in them His own
righteousness.
2. But this is done for those only who believe.
3. This is being made just, or righteous, by faith.
68
4. And this is the purpose of both the message of justification by
faith and the third angel's message.
What, then, is the important lesson to be gained from the
statement we have had under examination? What is the warning it
sounds? Plainly the following:
That all who accept the third angel's message should enter into
the experience of justification by faith. They should have Christ
revealed to and in them. They should know by personal experience
the work of regeneration. They should have the fullest assurance
that they have been born anew, from above, and that they have
passed from death unto life. They should know that their guilt has
been canceled, that they have been delivered from the
condemnation of the law, and are thus ready to appear before the
judgment seat of Christ. They should know by victorious
experience that they have laid hold of, and are being kept by, "the
faith of Jesus," and that by this faith they are empowered to keep
the commandments of God.
To fail to enter into this experience, will be to miss the real, vital,
redeeming virtue of the third angel's message. Unless this
experience is gained, the believer will have only the theory, the
doctrines, the forms and activities, of the message. That will prove
a fatal and awful mistake. The theory, the doctrines, even the most
earnest activities of the message, cannot save from sin, nor prepare
the heart to meet God in judgment.
It is regarding the danger of making this fatal
69
mistake that we are warned. Formalism-having "the form of
knowledge and of the truth in the law," without having a living
experience in Christ-is the hidden rock that has wrecked untold
thousands of professed followers of Christ. It is against this danger
that we are seriously warned.
But there is more than warning in this statement. There is
appeal also-an earnest, winsome appeal to enter into fellowship
with Christ Jesus our Lord. There is a call to the highest tablelands
of Christian experience. There is assurance that when justified by
faith, we shall have peace with God, and shall be able continually
to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. There is promise that we
shall not be put to shame by defeat in our conflict with sin, because
the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit which has been given unto us. Rom. 5:1-5.
O that we had all listened as we should to both warning and
appeal as they came to us in that seemingly strange, yet impressive,
way at the Conference of 1888! What uncertainty would have been
removed, what wanderings and defeats and losses would have been
prevented! What light and blessing and triumph and progress
would have come to us! But thanks be unto Him who loves us with
an everlasting love, it is not too late even now to respond with the
whole heart to both warning and appeal, and receive the great
benefits provided.
Chapter 7 - A Fundamental, All-Embracing Truth

In preceding chapters the subject of Righteousness by Faith has

been dealt with largely in its historical aspect,-the time, the place,
and the manner in which the Lord chose to bring His people face
to face with this vital, fundamental truth of the gospel for the
purpose of adding strength, power, and expansion to the
proclamation of the third angel's message which had been so
signally entrusted to them. We now come to an analysis of the
subject in its broad aspect, as it is presented in the writings of the
Spirit of prophecy.
The Minneapolis Conference adjourned with the minds of the
delegates in more or less uncertainty and confusion regarding the
message of Righteousness by Faith that had been set forth. But the
presentation of this vital truth, with all the agitation, discussion,
and perplexity it occasioned, was not in vain by any means. It
started new thought and study regarding the great theme of
justification by faith, and led many into a better, richer appreciation
of the Saviour as their substitute and surety. Among the greatest of
all the blessings that have followed that meeting has been the
abundant instruction which the Lord has sent to His people
through the Spirit of prophecy regarding our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ and
71
how to live His life by faith. This instruction is truly illuminating.
It is worthy of note that since the Minneapolis Conference there
have come to us, through the Spirit of prophecy, the following
volumes of instruction:
"Steps to Christ," in 1892.
"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," in 1896.
"The Desire of Ages," in 1898.
"Christ's Object Lessons," in 1900.
"Ministry of Healing," in 1905.
"Acts of the Apostles," in 1911.
It is well known to all who have read these books that the great
dominant theme is Christ,-His victorious life in humanity, His
atoning sacrifice on the cross, and how He now may be made unto
us poor mortals, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption.
Besides these intensely spiritual books, scores and scores of
messages have been sent to us through the Review and Herald, which
contain the clearest and most helpful instruction regarding the
subject of righteousness by faith. All this is of priceless value to the
church. It throws a flood of light upon the great problem of
redemption in all its phases.
In studying further into the subject of Righteousness by Faith, as
set forth in the Spirit of prophecy, it is important that there should
be a clear understanding of its scope. This is not a doctrine of
limited intent or of minor consequence. It is not a subject with
which one may or may not
72
be familiar and fare as well. Righteousness by Faith, in its larger
meaning, embraces every vital, fundamental truth of the gospel. It
begins with man's moral standing when created, and deals with-
1. The law by which man is to live.
2. Transgression of that law.
3. Penalty for transgression.
4. Problem of redemption.
5. Love of Father and Son which made redemption possible.
6. Justice in accepting a substitute.
7. Nature of the atonement.
8. Incarnation.
9. Sinless life of Christ.
10. Vicarious death of the Son of God.
11. Burial, resurrection, and ascension.
12. The Father's assurance of a satisfactory substitution.
13. The coming of the Holy Spirit.
14. Ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.
15. The part required of the sinner in order to be redeemed.
16. Nature of faith, repentance, confession, obedience.
17. Meaning and experience of regeneration, justification, and
sanctification.
 18. Need and place of the Holy Spirit and word of God in
making real to men what was made possible on the cross.
19. Victory over sin through the indwelling Christ.
20. Place of works in the life of the believer.
73
21. Place of prayer in receiving and holding the righteousness of
Christ.
22. The culmination and deliverance in the return of the
Redeemer.
This is the great sweep of truth embraced in the short phrase
"Righteousness by Faith." "A small key," says Pierson, "may open a
very complex lock and a very large door, and that door itself may
lead into a vast building with priceless stores of wealth and beauty."
The brief phrase, "Righteousness by Faith," opens the door to all
the priceless stores of the wealth and glory of the gospel in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
It is worth while to note at this point some of the expressions
found in the writings of the Spirit of prophecy which serve to
introduce or provide appropriate framework for this beautiful truth.
It Bears the Divine Credentials

"The present message-justification by faith-is a message from

God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness."-
Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889.
A Precious Thought

"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."-Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889
It Is Sweetest Melodies

"The sweetest melodies that come from human lips,-justification

by faith, and the righteousness of Christ."-Review and Herald, April 4,
1895.
It Is a Pure White Pearl

"The righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no

defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours."-Review
and Herald, Aug. 8, 1899.
In its truest sense, righteousness by faith is not a theory; it is an
experience, a vital change which takes place in the believer in
Christ. It gives the sinner a new standing before God. It is the
essence of Christianity, for we read:
"The sum and substance of the whole matter of Christian grace
and experience is contained in believing on Christ, in knowing God
and His Son whom He hath sent." "Religion means the abiding of
Christ in the heart, and where He is, the soul goes on in spiritual
activity, ever growing in grace, ever going on to perfection."-Review
and Herald, May 24, 1892.
To lose sight of this wonderful, fundamental, all-embracing
truth is to miss that which is vital in the plan of redemption.

Chapter 8 - The Deadly Peril of Formalism

Interwoven all through the instruction given by the Spirit of

prophecy regarding the great importance of receiving,
experiencing, and proclaiming the gracious truth of Righteousness
by Faith, we find impressive warnings concerning the great peril of
formalism.
Righteousness by Faith is not formalism. The two are direct
opposites. Righteousness by Faith is an experience, a reality. It
involves a complete transformation of the life. He who has entered
into this new life has experienced deep contrition, and has made
sincere, heartfelt confession and repudiation of sin. With his divine
Lord, he has come to love righteousness and hate iniquity. And
being justified,-accounted righteous by faith,-he has peace with
God. He is a new creature; old things have passed away; all things
have become new.
Formalism is vastly different. It is of the head, and deals with
externals. It stops with the theory of religion. It goes no deeper
than the form and the pretense. Hence it is like salt without savor.
It is a joyless, loveless religion, for it does not bring peace,
assurance, and victory. Formalism springs from and thrives in the
natural heart, where it has its root. It is one of those subtle, all-
pervading
76
evils which the Redeemer came to uproot and eliminate from the
human heart.
Formalism has always been a real peril to the church. A
Christian writer of modern times has referred to this subtle peril as
follows:
"The gospel of externalism is dear to the human heart. It may
take the form of culture and moralities; or of 'services' and
sacraments and churchly order; or of orthodoxy and philanthropy.
These and such things make themselves our idols; and trust in
them takes the place of faith in the living Christ. It is not enough
that the eyes of our heart should have once seen the Lord, that we
should in other days have experienced 'the renewing of the Holy
Ghost.' It is possible to forget, possible to 'remove from Him that
called us in the grace of Christ.' With little change in the form of
our religious life, its inward reality of joy in God, of conscious
sonship, of fellowship in the Spirit, may be utterly departed. The
gospel of formalism will spring up and flourish on the most
evangelical soil, and in the most strictly Pauline churches. Let it be
banned and barred out never so completely; it knows how to find
entrance, under the simplest modes of worship and the soundest
doctrine. The serried defense of Articles and Confessions
constructed against it will not prevent its entrance, and may even
prove its cover and intrenchment. Nothing avails, as the apostle
says, but a constant 'new creation.' The life of God in human souls
is sustained by the energy of His Spirit, perpetually renewed, ever
proceeding from the Father and the Son. 'The life that I live in the
flesh, I live by the
77
faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.'
This is the true orthodoxy. The vitality of his personal faith in
Christ kept Paul safe from error, faithful in will and intellect to the
one gospel."-G. G. Findlay, in his exposition of "The Epistle to the
Galatians" (Expositor's Bible), pp. 42, 43.
The warnings of the Spirit of prophecy deal with this peril in its
many phases, as the following extracts clearly indicate:
Formalism in Preaching

"Scores of men have preached the word when they themselves

had not faith in it, and did not obey its teachings. They were
unconverted, unsanctified, unholy. But if we would stand the test,
piety must be brought into the life. What we want is inspiration
from the cross of Calvary. Then God will open eyes to see that we
are not to expect to do any work for the Master successfully, unless
we connect with Christ. If we are indeed laborers together with
God, we shall not have a dead, scientific religion, but our hearts
will be infused with a living power, even the Spirit of Jesus."-Review
and Herald, Jan. 31, 1893.
"Many present the doctrines and theories of our faith; but their
presentation is as salt without savor; for the Holy Spirit is not
working through their faithless ministry. They have not opened the
heart to receive the grace of Christ; they know not the operation of
the Spirit; they are as meal without leaven; for there is no working
principle in all their labor, and they fail to win souls to Christ.
78
They do not appropriate the righteousness of Christ; it is a robe unworn by
them, a fullness unknown, a fountain untouched."-Review and Herald, Nov.
29, 1892.
"Ministers are wanted who feel the necessity of being laborers
together with God, who will go forth to bring the people up in
spiritual knowledge to the full measure of Christ. Ministers are
wanted who will educate themselves by solemn, reverential
communion with God in the closet, so that they shall be men of
power in prayer. Piety is degenerating into a dead form, and it is
necessary to strengthen the things that remain that are ready to
die."-Review and Herald, May 24, 1892.
 "A man may preach pleasing, entertaining sermons, yet be far
from Christ as regards religious experience. He may be exalted to
the pinnacle of human greatness, yet never have experienced the
inward work of grace that transforms the character. Such a one is
deceived by his connection and familiarity with the sacred truths of
the gospel, which have reached the intellect, but have not been brought into
the inner sanctuary of the soul. We must have more than an intellectual
belief in the truth."-Review and Herald, Feb. 14, 1899.
"Could we now leave the cold, traditional sentiments which
hinder our advancement, we would view the work of saving souls
in an altogether different light."-Review and Herald, May 6, 1890.
Theory of Truth Not Sufficient

"Our doctrines may be correct; we may hate false doctrine, and

may not receive those who are not
79
true to principle; we may labor with untiring energy; but even this
is not sufficient.... A belief in the theory of the truth is not enough.
To present this theory to unbelievers does not constitute you a witness for
Christ."-Review and Herald, Feb. 3, 1891.
"The trouble with our work has been that we have been content
to present a cold theory of the truth."-Review and Herald, May 28,
1889.
"How much more power would attend the preaching of the
word today, if men dwelt less upon the theories and arguments of
men, and far more upon the lessons of Christ, and upon practical
godliness."-Review and Herald, Jan. 7, 1890.
The Only Way Truth Becomes of Value to the Soul

"The truth is of no value to any soul unless it is brought into the

inner sanctuary, and sanctifies the soul. Piety will degenerate, and religion
become a shallow sentimentalism, unless the plow-share of truth is
made to go deep into the fallow ground of the heart."-Review and
Herald, May 14, 1892.
 "A theoretical knowledge of the truth is essential. But the
knowledge of the greatest truth will not save us; our knowledge
must be practical.... . The truth must be brought into their hearts,
sanctifying and cleansing them from all earthliness and sensuality
in the most private life. The soul temple must be cleansed."-Review
and Herald, May 24, 1887.
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was,
that a mere assent to the truth
80
constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical
knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the
saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of
righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological
truth, often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made
manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with
the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The
Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their
possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not
preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the
basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists
of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the
Lord of glory.
"The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they
are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological
tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They
have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the
power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth.
Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them
sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to
its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the
world."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 309, 310.
"The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something
besides an imaginary religion,-a religion of words and forms,
where the truth is kept in the outer court, to be admired as we
admire a beautiful flower; they demand something more
81
than a religion of feeling, which distrusts God when trials and
difficulties come. Holiness does not consist in profession, but in
lifting the cross, doing the will of God."-Review and Herald, May 21,
1908.
"In the lives of many of those whose names are on the church
books there has been no genuine change. The truth has been kept
in the outer court. There has been no genuine conversion, no
positive work of grace done in the heart. Their desire to do God's
will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep
conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into
harmony with the law of God. They profess to accept Christ as
their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power
to overcome their sins. They have not a personal acquaintance with
a living Saviour, and their characters reveal many blemishes."-
Review and Herald, July 7, 1904.
"Our hope is to be constantly strengthened by the knowledge
that Christ is our righteousness.... The meager views which so
many have had of the exalted character and office of Christ have
narrowed their religious experience, and have greatly hindered
their progress in the divine life. Personal religion among us as a
people is at a low ebb. There is much form, much machinery, much
tongue religion; but something deeper and more solid must be
brought into our religious experience.... What we need is to know
God and the power of His love, as revealed in Christ, by an
experimental knowledge.... Through the merits
82
of Christ, through His righteousness, which by faith is imputed unto us,
we are to attain to the perfection of Christian character."-Testimonies, Vol. V,
pp. 742-744 (written in 1890).
Cold, Legal Religion-A Christless Religion

"A cold, legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a
loveless, Christless religion."-Review and Herald, March 20, 1894.
"The saving salt is the pure first love, the love of Jesus, the gold
tried in the fire. When this is left out of the religious experience,
Jesus is not there; the light, the sunshine of His presence, is not
there. What, then, is the religion worth?-Just as much as the salt
that has lost its savor. It is a loveless religion. Then there is an effort to
supply the lack by busy activity, a zeal that is Christless"-Review and
Herald, Feb. 9,1892.
Formal Religion Devoid of Saving Faith

"High pretensions, forms, and ceremonies, however imposing,

do not make the heart good and the character pure. True love for
God is an active principle, a purifying agency.... The Jewish nation
had occupied the highest position; they had built walls great and
high to enclose themselves from association with the heathen
world; they had represented themselves as the special, loyal people
who were favored of God. But Christ presented their religion as
devoid of saving faith."-Review and Herald, April 30,1895.
"It is possible to be a formal, partial believer, and yet be found
wanting, and lose eternal life. It
83
is possible to practice some of the Bible injunctions, and be
regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you are lacking in
essential qualifications that constitute Christian character."-Review
and Herald, Jan. 11, 1887.
"To subscribe the name to a church creed is not of the least
value to anyone if the heart is not truly changed. . . . Men may be
church members, and may apparently work earnestly, performing a
round of duties from year to year, and yet be unconverted."-Review
and Herald, Feb. 14, 1899.
"There is a form of religion which is nothing more than
selfishness. It takes pleasure in worldly enjoyment. It is satisfied
with contemplating the religion of Christ, and knows nothing of its
saving power. Those who possess this religion regard sin lightly
because they do not know Jesus. While in this condition they
estimate duty very lightly."-Review and Herald, May 21, 1908.
"It is painful to see the unbelief that exists in the hearts of many
of God's professed followers. We have the most precious truths ever
committed to mortals, and the faith of those who have received
these truths should correspond to their greatness and value."-Review
and Herald, March 5, 1889.
"There are many who do not feel averse to suffering, but they do
not exercise simple, living faith. They say they do not know what it
means to take God at His word. They have a religion of outward
forms and observances."-Review and Herald, March 5,1889.
"All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not
clothed with Christ's righteousness, will
84
appear in the shame of their own nakedness."-Testimonies, Vol. V, p.
81.
"The five foolish virgins had lamps (this means a knowledge of
the Scripture truth), but they had not the grace of Christ. Day by
day they went through a round of ceremonies and external duties,
but their service was lifeless, devoid of the righteousness of Christ.
The Sun of Righteousness did not shine in their hearts and minds,
and they had not the love of the truth which conforms to the life
and character, the image and superscription, of Christ. The oil of
grace was not mingled with their endeavors. Their religion was a
dry husk without the true kernel. They held fast to forms of
doctrines, but they were deceived in their Christian life, full of self-
righteousness, and failing to learn lessons in the school of Christ,
which, if practiced, would have made them wise unto salvation."-
Review and Herald, March 27,1894.
Danger in Depending Upon Human Plans and Methods

"While we are incased in self-righteousness, and trust in

ceremonies, and depend on rigid rules, we cannot do the work for this
time."-Review and Herald, May 6,1890.
"The observance of external forms will never meet the great
want of the human soul. A mere profession of Christ is not enough
to prepare one to stand the test of the judgment."-Review and
Herald, Jan. 25,1887.
 "Let us not forget that as activity increases, and we become
successful in doing the work that must be accomplished, there is
danger of our trusting
85
in human plans and methods. There will be a tendency to pray
less, and to have less faith."-Review and Herald, July 4, 1893.
"Spiritual things have not been discerned. Appearance and
machinery have been exalted as of power, while the virtues of true
goodness, noble piety, and heart holiness, have been made a
secondary consideration. That which should have been made first
has been made last and of least importance."-Review and Herald, Feb.
27, 1894.
"When fastings and prayers are practiced in a self-justifying
spirit, they are abominable to God. The solemn assembly for
worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external
humiliation, the imposed sacrifice,-all proclaim to the world the
testimony that the doer of these things considers himself righteous.
These things call attention to the observer of rigorous duties,
saying, This man is entitled to heaven. But it is all a deception.
Works will not buy for us an entrance into heaven. . . . Faith in
Christ will be the means whereby the right spirit and motive will
actuate the believer, and all goodness and heavenly-mindedness will
proceed from him who looks unto Jesus, the author and finisher of
his faith."-Review and Herald, March 20, 1894.
"There are many who seem to imagine that outside observances
are sufficient for salvation; but formalism, rigorous attendance on
religious exercises, will fail to bring the peace of God which passeth
understanding. It is Jesus alone who can give us peace."-Review and
Herald. Nov. 18, 1890.
86
"Those who have not a daily experience in the things of God
will not move wisely. They may have a legal religion, a form of
godliness, there may be an appearance of light in the church; all
the machinery-much of it human invention-may appear to be
working well, and yet the church may be as destitute of the grace of
God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain."-Review and
Herald, Jan.31,1893.

Chapter 9 - The Great Truth Lost Sight Of

That such a fundamental, all-embracing truth as imputed

righteousness-justification by faith should be lost sight of by many
professing godliness and entrusted with Heaven's final message to a
dying world, seems incredible; but such, we are plainly told, is a
fact.
"The doctrine of justification by faith has been lost sight of by
many who have professed to believe the third angel's message."-
Review and Herald, Aug. 13, 1889.
"There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself
the Bible truth on this subject [justification by faith] that is so
necessary to our present and eternal welfare."- Review and Herald,
Sept. 3, 1889.
"For the last twenty years a subtle, unconsecrated influence has
been leading men to look to men, to bind up with men, to neglect
their heavenly Companion. Many have turned away from Christ.
They have failed to appreciate the One who declares, 'Lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' Let us do all in our
power to redeem the past."-Review and Herald, Feb. 18, 1904.
Twenty years back from 1904 would just take in the sweep of
the message of Righteousness by
88
Faith in 1888, with the preparatory messages which immediately
preceded it. What do you say, fellow workers? Shall we not do all in
our power to redeem the past? It may be that in returning from the
feast we have left Jesus behind, and it becomes necessary for us to
seek Him sorrowing, as did Joseph and Mary on their journey
homeward from Jerusalem. We are told that-
"The reason why our preachers accomplish so little is that they
do not walk with God. He is a day's journey from most of them."-
Testimonies, Vol. I, p. 434.
 It is an individual matter. Let us pause and consider: Is the
Saviour a living, abiding presence in my life? or is He a day's
journey distant, and are my life and work the result of the memory of
His presence?
The searching warning sent through the Spirit of prophecy
regarding the large number of Seventh-day Adventists who had
lost sight of the "doctrine of justification by faith," was written in
1889. What change time has made in the proportion of our people
who did not at that time hold to or understand this precious truth,
none will attempt to say; but we do know that every believer in the
third angel's message at this time should have a clear conception of
the doctrine of justification by faith and a well-grounded
experience in the great transaction.
What It Means to Lose Sight of Such a Truth

To lose sight of this precious truth of justification by faith is to

miss the supreme purpose of the
89
gospel, which must prove disastrous to the individual, no matter
how well meaning and earnest he may be regarding doctrines,
ceremonies, activities, and anything and everything else relating to
religion. The warning is clearly given by the servant of the Lord:
"Unless divine power is brought into the experience of the people of
God, false theories and erroneous ideas will take minds captive,
Christ and His righteousness will be dropped out of the experience
of many, and their faith will be without power or life. Such will not
have a daily living experience of the love of God in the heart; and
if they do not zealously repent, they will be among those who are
represented by the Laodiceans, who will be spewed out of the
mouth of God."-Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889.
To a lamentable degree, God's people failed to bring the divine
power into their experience, and the result predicted has been seen:
1. False theories and erroneous ideas have taken minds captive.
2. Christ and His righteousness have been dropped out of the
experience of many.
 3. The faith of many is without power or life.
4. There is not a living daily experience of the love of God in
the heart.
Still further, we are told that much has been lost to the cause of
God by the failure to gain that living experience of divine power-
Righteousness by Faith:
"The people of God have lost much by not maintaining the
simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus.
90
This simplicity has been crowded out, and forms and ceremonies
and a round of busy activities in mechanical work have taken its
place. Pride and lukewarmness have made the professed people of
God an offense in His sight. Boastful self-sufficiency and
complacent self-righteousness have masked and concealed the
beggary and nakedness of the soul; but with God all things are
naked and manifest."-Review and Herald, Aug. 7, 1894.
Thus has been brought about widespread and fatal deception:
"What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness, of
those who feel rich and increased with goods? It is the want of the
righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they are
represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condition
they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with Christ's
righteousness. Could deception be greater?"-Review and Herald, Aug.
7,1894.
Martin Luther Feared This Great Truth Would Become Defaced

The fear that the doctrine of justification by faith-so dear to his

heart and through which the great Reformation was brought
about-would be lost sight of, seems to have been dominant in the
mind of Luther as he caught a vision of future events to occur in
the world. We read:
"If the article of justification be once lost, then is all true
Christian doctrine lost. . . . He then that strayeth from this
'Christian righteousness,' must needs fall into the 'righteousness of
the law;'
91
that is to say, when he hath lost Christ, he must fall into the
confidence of his own works." "For if we neglect the article of
justification, we lose it altogether. Therefore most necessary it is,
chiefly, and above all things, that we teach and repeat this article
continually." "Yea, though we learn it and understand it well, yet is
there none that taketh hold of it perfectly, or believeth it with his
heart." "Therefore I fear lest this doctrine will be defaced and
darkened again, when we are dead. For the world must be
replenished with horrible darkness and errors, before the latter day
come."-Luther on Galatians, pp. 136, 148, 149, 402.
As God called Luther from the midnight darkness of the
sixteenth century, and placed in his hands this torch of truth-"THE
JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH," so will God ever have His
standard-bearers to uphold this fundamental basis of salvation in
connection with "present truth" in the various stages of the
proclamation of the last gospel message in all the world. It is
therefore timely that we, today, give this vital truth most earnest,
thorough study. It should be just as clearly understood as to how a
sinner may be transformed into a saint, as we have been taught to
understand how Adam, a sinless man, became a sinner. Justification
by faith should be as clear to our minds as the teaching regarding
the law, the Sabbath, the coming of the Lord, and every other
doctrine revealed in the Scriptures. But it is not so understood by
many; and because it is neither appreciated nor experienced as it
should be, there is failure on the part of such to present it in their
teaching.
92
This failure was recognized and clearly pointed out back in 1889,
for we read:
"The ministers have not presented Christ in His fullness to the
people, either in the churches or in new fields, and the people have
not an intelligent faith. They have not been instructed as they
should have been, that Christ is unto them both salvation and
righteousness."-Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889.
Duty of Ministers to Present the Message of Righteousness by Faith

The following paragraphs furnish most excellent and

appropriate counsel to ministers and other gospel workers, clearly
pointing out the sad fact that the center of attraction, Jesus, has
been made secondary by many, while theories and arguments have
been given first place. What a fatal mistake!
"Laborers in the cause of truth should present the righteousness
of Christ, not as new light, but as precious light that has for a time
been lost sight of by the people. We are to accept Christ as our
personal Saviour, and He imputes unto us the righteousness of
God in Christ."-Review and Herald, March 20,1894.
"Do not allow your minds to be diverted from the all-important
theme of the righteousness of Christ by the study of theories. Do
not imagine that the performance of ceremonies, the observance of
outward forms, will make you an heir of heaven. We want to keep
the mind steadfastly to the point for which we are working; for it is
now the day of the Lord's preparation, and we should yield our
93
hearts to God, that they may be softened and subdued by the Holy
Spirit."-Review and Herald, April 5, 1892.
"The great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out
of the third angel's message. By many who have been engaged in
the work for this time, Christ has been made secondary, and
theories and arguments have had the first place."-Review and Herald,
March 20,1894.
"The mystery of the incarnation of Christ, the account of His
sufferings, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and His ascension,
open to all humanity the marvelous love of God. This imparts a
power to the truth."-Review and Herald, June 18,1895.
"The small churches have been presented to me as so destitute
of spiritual food that they are ready to die, and God says to you,
'Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are
ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God.'"-
Review and Herald, March 4, 1890.
 "This I do know, that our churches are dying for the want of
teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on
kindred truths."-Gospel Workers, p. 301.
"The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ and
Him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the
world in unparalleled love. Present Him thus to the hungering
multitudes, and the light of His love will win men from darkness to
light, from transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding
Jesus upon the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to
94
the heinous character of sin as nothing else can do."-Review and
Herald, Nov. 22,1892.
"Christ crucified-talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win
hearts. Set, formal phrases, the presentation of merely
argumentative subjects, is productive of little good. The melting
love of God in the hearts of the workers will be recognized by
those for whom they labor. Souls are thirsting for the water of life.
Do not allow them to go from you empty. Reveal the love of Christ
to them. Lead them to Jesus, and He will give them the bread of
life and the water of salvation."-Review and Herald, June 2,1903.
This chapter may be fittingly closed by the following peerless
statement, which sums up the burden of the message of the Spirit
of prophecy and gives us the clue to the line of our investigation:
"If through the grace of Christ His people will become new
bottles, He will fill them with the new wine. God will give
additional light, and old truths will be recovered, and replaced in
the framework of truth; and wherever the laborers go, they will
triumph. As Christ's ambassadors, they are to search the Scriptures,
to seek for the truths that have been hidden beneath the rubbish of
error. And every ray of light received is to be communicated to
others. One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every
other,-CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."-Review and Herald,
Extra, Dec. 23, 1890.

Chapter 10 - Restoration Full and Complete Provided

 When the sinner enters through the door of faith into the new
life in Christ Jesus, he finds that not only has he been pardoned for
transgression of the law, but restoration full and complete is
provided. Furthermore, provision is made in Christ for the
maintenance of that which has been restored. He enters upon a
new and higher plane of life, in harmony with the following
direction and assurance:
"We must unite with Christ. There is a reservoir of power at our
command, and we are not to remain in the dark, cold, sunless cave of
unbelief, or we shall not catch the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness."-Review and Herald, Jan. 24, 1893.
"We must rise above the frosty atmosphere in which we have hitherto
lived, and with which Satan would surround our souls, and breathe
in the hallowed atmosphere of heaven."-Review and Herald, May
6,1890.
The whole story of redemption and restoration is clearly set
forth in the following beautiful statement by the pen of inspiration:
"Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided
for man.
96
"The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the cross of
Calvary.
"A full, complete ransom has been paid by Jesus, by virtue of
which the sinner is pardoned, and the justice of the law is
maintained.
"All who believe that Christ is the atoning sacrifice may come
and receive pardon for their sins; for through the merit of Christ
communication has been opened between God and man.
"God can accept me as His child, and I can claim Him and
rejoice in Him as my loving Father.
"We must center our hopes of heaven upon Christ alone,
because He is our substitute and surety.
"We have transgressed the law of God, and by the deeds of the
law shall no flesh be justified. The best efforts that man in his own
strength can make, are valueless to meet the holy and just law that
he has transgressed; but through faith in Christ he may claim the
righteousness of the Son of God as all-sufficient.
"Christ satisfied the demands of the law in His human nature.
"He bore the curse of the law for the sinner, made an atonement
for him, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
"Genuine faith appropriates the righteousness of Christ, and the
sinner is made an overcomer with Christ; for he is made a partaker
of the divine nature, and thus divinity and humanity are
combined.
"He who is trying to reach heaven by his own
97
works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility.
"Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works should
not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of
His good pleasure."-Review and Herald, July 1, 1890.
Let us carefully review this message which unfolds to the human
mind the sublimest facts of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ:
1. Restoration full and complete is provided for sinners. The
atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross not only made our
reconciliation with God possible, but it also made possible, for
every sinner who may choose to accept the offer, restoration to
Adam's glorious standing before he sinned.
2. The great gulf made by sin, that separates us so far from God
and heaven, has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. What cause
for praise and adoration!
3. The great problem of pardoning the sinner and at the same
time maintaining the justice of God's holy law has been solved.
Christ became our substitute. He took our place, and thus
ransomed us from condemnation and death.
4. By His atoning sacrifice, Christ opened communication
between God and poor, sinful lost man, so that we can now come
to Him and receive pardon, cleansing, and salvation from all sin.
5. Because Christ alone became our substitute and surety, all our
hopes center in Him. There is no other name, no other way.
 6. Because of man's transgression of the law, no flesh can ever
be justified by the deeds of the law.
98
But through faith in Christ, man may claim the righteousness of
Christ as all-sufficient.
7. By appropriating the righteousness of Christ by faith, we are
made overcomers with Christ, and thus become partakers of the
divine nature.
8. In trying to reach heaven by the works of the law, we are
attempting an utter impossibility.
9. While we cannot be saved without obedience, that obedience
cannot be of ourselves. It must be Christ's obedience working in
and through us, causing us to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Imputed, Then Imparted Righteousness

Righteousness by Faith, in all its meaning, is comprehended in

the following definition:
"The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed. The
righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our
title to heaven; the second is our fitness for heaven."-Review and Herald,
June 4,1895.
Imputed righteousness, by which man is justified from guilt, is
the foundation upon which imparted righteousness is bestowed,
which sanctifies the life conduct, and provides "our fitness for
heaven." As to the operation of these living principles, we quote as
follows:
"Christ has become our sacrifice and surety. He has become sin
for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Through faith in His name, He imputes unto us His righteousness,
and it becomes a living principle in our life."-Review and Herald, July
12,1892.
99
"No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The
righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and
unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and
controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire
surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of
heaven."-The Desire of Ages, p. 555.
"Christ imputes to us His sinless character, and presents us to
the Father in His own purity. There are many who think that it is
impossible to escape from the power of sin, but the promise is that
we may be filled with all the fullness of God. We aim too low. The
mark is much higher."-Review and Herald, July 12, 1892.
"Jesus is our great High Priest in heaven. And what is He doing?
He is making intercession and atonement for His people who
believe in Him. Through His imputed righteousness, they are
accepted of God as those who are manifesting to the world that
they acknowledge allegiance to God, keeping all His
commandments."-Review and Herald, Aug. 22,1893.
"In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating influence that
transforms the entire being, lifting man above every debasing, groveling
vice, and raising the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven.
Linked to the Infinite One, man is made partaker of the divine
nature. Upon him the shafts of evil have no effect; for he is clothed
with the panoply of Christ's righteousness."-Counsels to Teachers, pp. 51,
52.
"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new
100
power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought
which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural
work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The
soul that is yielded to Christ, becomes His own fortress, which He
holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be
known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the
heavenly agencies, is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But
unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be
dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the
control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are
contending for the supremacy of the world.
"It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of
the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We
have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If
we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take
possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The
only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart
through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally
connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of
self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off
many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan;
but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of
ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome.
Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual
communion, we are at the mercy of the
101
enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end."-The Desire of Ages, pp.
323,324.
The Outward Evidence of the Indwelling Righteousness

"Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without.

He who is righteous within is not hardhearted and unsympathetic,
but day by day he grows into the image of Christ, going on from
strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the truth will be
self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace
is lost in glory."-Review and Herald, June 4, 1895.
"When we accept Christ, good words will appear as fruitful
evidence that we are in the way of life, that Christ is our way, and
that we are treading the true path that leads to heaven."-Review and
Herald, Nov. 4,1890.
"When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall
have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make
mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the
Son of God."-Review and Herald, March 18,1890.
"When Christ is in the heart, it will be so softened and subdued
by love for God and man that fretting, faultfinding, and contention
will not exist there. The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for
its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking
for the mastery."-Testimonies, Vol. IV, p. 610.
 "When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is created;
and he loves the things that God
102
loves; for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable
promises, to the life of Jesus. His heart is drawn out after God. His
prayer is, 'Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous
things out of Thy law.' In the immutable standard he sees the
character of the Redeemer, and knows that though he has sinned,
he is not to be saved in his sins, but from his sins; for Jesus is the
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."-Review and
Herald, June 12, 1892.
Thus it is clear that "man cannot be saved without obedience,
but his works should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to
will and to do of His good pleasure." Christ becomes not only the
"author," but the "finisher" of our faith.
"As we near the close of time, the current of evil will set more
and more decidedly toward perdition. We can be safe only as we
hold firmly to the hand of Jesus, constantly looking to the Author
and Finisher of our faith. He is our mighty helper."-Review and
Herald, Oct. 7, 1890.
Wearing the Spotless Robe of Righteousness

Although the righteousness of Christ is freely offered, and

provides restoration full and complete for the sinner; yet we are
told that some "do not appropriate the righteousness of Christ; it is a
robe unworn by them, a fullness unknown, a fountain untouched."
How can there be such failure to accept and appropriate this
greatest of all gifts, when-
"Only those who are clothed in the garments of His
righteousness will be able to endure the glory
103
of His presence when He shall appear with 'power and great
glory'"?-Review and Herald, July 9, 1908.
"On Christ's coronation day, He will not acknowledge as His
any who wear spot or wrinkle or any such thing. But to His faithful
ones He will give crowns of immortal glory. Those who would not
that He should reign over them will see Him surrounded by the
army of the redeemed, each of whom bears the sign, 'THE LORD
OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.'"-Review and Herald, Nov. 24,1904.

Chapter 11 - Entering Into the Experience

In considering the phase of entering into the experience of

being justified by faith, it is helpful to note the direct question and
the positive answer which are on record concerning the experience.
"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."-
Series A, No. 9, p. 62.
This experience of being justified, or accounted righteous, is an
individual matter between the soul and God. It cannot be received
by proxy. There is only one door of entrance into this experience-
The Door of Faith

"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."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4,
1890.
"When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall
have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. . . . A door
has been
105
opened, and no man can close it, neither the highest powers nor
the lowest; you alone can close the door of your heart, so that the
Lord cannot reach you."-Review and Herald, March 18,1890.
Close beside this door of faith the enemy of all righteousness
has placed another door, a broader and more conspicuous
entrance-
The Door of Works

Through this door many pilgrims bound for the heavenly

Canaan unconsciously enter upon the path which ends in
destruction, and sooner or later find that the beautiful garments of
self-righteousness have become "filthy rags," entirely unfit to
appear in the presence of the King. Of this class it is said:
"Many are losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that
they must climb to heaven, that they must do something to merit
the favor of God. They seek to make themselves better by their
own unaided efforts. This they can never accomplish. Christ has
made the way by dying our sacrifice, by living our example, by
becoming our great high priest. He declares, 'I am the way, the
truth, and the life.' If by any efforts of our own we could advance
one step toward the ladder, the words of Christ would not be
true."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.
"There are many who seem to feel that they have a great work
to do themselves before they can come to Christ for His salvation.
They seem to think that Jesus will come in at the very last of their
struggle, and give them help by putting the finishing touch to their
lifework. It seems difficult for
106
them to understand that Christ is a complete Saviour, and able to
save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. They lose
sight of the fact that Christ Himself is 'the way, the truth, and the
life.'"-Review and Herald, March 5, 1889.
May the Lord help us all to enter through the right door and be
filled with the righteousness of Christ! For each soul there must be
performed "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."
Realization of Hopeless Condition

But first of all, in entering into this experience, man must be

brought to a realization of his hopeless condition; and this is
accomplished "through the impartation of the grace of Christ."
 "Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless
condition; nothing can be done for him; but through divine grace,
supernatural power is imparted to the man, and works in mind and
heart and character. It is through the impartation of the grace of
Christ that sin is discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven
from the soul temple. It is through grace that we are brought into
fellowship with Christ, to be associated with Him in the work of
salvation."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.
"Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless
condition; nothing can be done for him." That is, the sinner cannot
clear himself. Nor can any other sinner help him. The law which
he has transgressed cannot pardon nor pass over his sin; nor can
anything in this world be found which will
107
furnish deliverance. But "through divine grace, supernatural power
is imparted to the man, and works in mind and heart and
character." How illuminating and assuring is this word to the
sinner! Through divine grace, through the great mercy and
compassion of God, provision has been made for imparting
"supernatural power" to the hopeless sinner.
But what is "supernatural power"? It is a power far above and
beyond anything that resides in man. It is beyond anything that
man can lay hold of in this world. It is that "all power ... in heaven
and in earth" that Christ declared was given unto Him-that
supernatural power by which all His miracles were wrought during
His ministry on earth.
Concerning that "supernatural power," the following statement
by Dr. Philip Schaff is worthy of consideration:
"All His [Christ's] miracles are but the natural manifestations of
His person, and hence they were performed with the same ease with
which we perform our ordinary daily works. . . . The supernatural and
miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a
borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation. . . . An inward virtue
dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him, so that even the
fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the
medium of faith, which is the bond of union between Him and the
soul."-The Person of Christ, pp. 76, 77.
It is this same supernatural power which Christ imparts to man,
that works in the mind, the heart, and the character.
Now mark the wonderful results, as stated in the
108
further quotation from the Spirit of prophecy: "It is through the
impartation of the grace of Christ that sin is discerned in its
hateful nature, and finally driven from the soul temple. It is through
grace that we are brought into fellowship with Christ, to be
associated with Him in the work of salvation." Thus we see that the
"supernatural power" imparted to man through the grace of
Christ, works in his mind and his heart, revealing to him the
hateful nature of sin, and leading him to permit that corrupting
thing to be driven from the soul temple.
The Consent and Choice of the Sinner

But this marvelous work wrought in the heart by the

supernatural power of Christ is not done without the consent and
choice of the sinner. Note the following:
"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."-Review and
Herald, Nov. 4,1890.
The exercise of faith is our part in the great
109
transaction by which sinners are changed to saints. But we must
remember there is no virtue in the faith we exercise "whereby
salvation is merited." That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself,
nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the
remedy provided for sin. Faith is the act by which the ruined,
helpless, doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. "Faith can present
Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's transgression and
defection." This is truly a sublime thought! It is that marvelous
science of redemption in which the saints will rejoice through
eternity, yet it is so simple in its operation that the weakest and
most unworthy can enter into it in all its meaning and fullness.
Living Faith Accompanied by Action

Entering through the door of faith into the fullness of imputed

and imparted righteousness, involves more than a mere mental
assent to the provisions laid down. It is the archway of "living faith,
that works by love and purifies the soul." In order to pass this
portal, there must be compliance with certain requirements:
1. There must cease to be practice of all known sin, and no longer neglect of
known duty.
"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
110
must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works
by love and purifies the soul."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.
2. Willingness to pay the price-give up all.
"The righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no
defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours.
Salvation, with its blood-bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl
of great price. It may be searched for and found.... In the parable
the merchantman is represented as selling all that he had to gain
possession of one pearl of great price. This is a beautiful
representation of those who appreciate the truth so highly that they
give up all they have to come into possession of it."-Review and Herald,
Aug. 8, 1899.
3. Entire surrender of wrong habits.
"There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly
pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong
habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them.
Therefore they do not find the precious pearl."-Review and Herald,
Aug. 8,1899.
4. The will power placed in co-operation with God.
"The Lord does not design that human power should be
paralyzed; but by co-operating with God, the power of man may
be efficient for good. God does not design that our will should be
destroyed; for it is through this very attribute that we are to
accomplish the work He would have us to do both at home and
abroad."-Review and Herald, Nov. 1,1892.
How sincerely and earnestly we should follow
111
this clear distinction, and enter fully into the experience of being
accounted and made righteous, justified, and sanctified through
faith in Christ! How deeply and keenly we should realize our
hopeless condition, so far as we can do anything of ourselves! It is
only through the grace of God that we can be delivered. How we
should cherish the great truth that through divine grace,
supernatural power may be imparted to us! We should accept at
full value the assurance that sin in all its hatefulness can be driven
from the soul temple. We should realize that our part in this great
transaction is to choose and accept it by faith, when we have fully
complied with the conditions. And every day that comes and goes
we should humbly plead before the throne of grace the merits, the
perfect obedience, of Christ in the place of our transgressions and
sins. And in doing this, we should believe and realize that our
justification comes through Christ as our substitute and surety, that
He has died for us, and that He is our atonement and
righteousness.
If, on our part, this instruction is followed sincerely and
wholeheartedly, God will make the results real in our lives; and
"therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God." Rom.
5:1. We shall experience the joy of salvation, and day by day we
shall know the reality of victory that overcomes the world, even our
faith.
Let us not rest until we have fully entered through the door of
faith into that blessed experience of pardon, justification,
righteousness, and peace in Christ.

Appendix
Gems of Thought
(Miscellaneous Items Not Included in Foregoing Chapters)

Christ the Source of Every Right Impulse

Christ Revealed by God the Father

"God reveals Christ to the sinner, and when he sees the purity of
the Son of God, he is not ignorant of the character of sin. By faith
in the work and power of Christ, enmity against sin and Satan is
created in his heart. Those whom God pardons are first made
penitent."-Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.
Christ Draws the Sinner to Himself
"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."-Review and Herald, April 1,
1890.
"Christ is constantly drawing men to Himself, while Satan is as
diligently seeking by every imaginable device, to draw men away
from their Redeemer."-Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.
"As Christ draws them to look upon His cross, to behold Him
whom their sins have pierced, the commandment comes home to
the conscience. The wickedness of their life, the deep-seated sin of
the soul, is revealed to them. They begin to comprehend something
of the righteousness of Christ, and exclaim, 'What is sin, that it
should require such a sacrifice for the redemption of its victim?
Was all this love, all this suffering, all this humiliation, demanded,
that we might not perish, but have everlasting life?'"-Steps to Christ, p.
31.
Christ Gives Repentance
"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
113
Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience, than we can be
pardoned without Christ."-Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.
Christ the Source of Power
"Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one
who can arouse in the natural heart enmity against sin. He is the
source of our power if we would be saved. No soul can repent
without the grace of Christ."-Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.
Christ the Embodiment of Righteousness
"The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive
righteousness by receiving Him."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 34.
Christ the Heavenly Merchantman
"Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul-
temple, proclaiming, 'I stand at the door, and knock.' As a heavenly
Merchantman, He opens His treasures, and cries, 'Buy of Me gold
tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do
not appear.' The gold that He offers is without alloy, more precious
than that of Ophir; for it is faith and love. The white raiment He
invites the soul to wear is His own robe of righteousness; and the
oil for anointing is the oil of His grace, which will give spiritual
eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may
distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the
spirit of the enemy. Open your doors, says the great Merchantman,
the possessor of spiritual riches, and transact your business with
Me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of Me."-Review
and Herald, Aug. 7, 1894.
The Root of Righteousness

"Righteousness has its root in godliness. No man can steadily

maintain before his fellow men a pure, forceful life, unless his life is
hid with Christ in God. The greater the activity among men, the
closer must be the communion of the heart with heaven."-Ministry
of Healing, p. 136.
"Righteousness has its root in godliness. No human being is
righteous any longer than he has faith in God and maintains a vital
connection with Him. As a flower of the field has its root in the
soil; as it must receive air, dew,
114
showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which
ministers to the life of the soul. It is only through becoming
partakers of His nature that we receive power to obey His
commandments. No man, high or low, experienced or
inexperienced, can steadily maintain before his fellow men a pure,
forceful life, unless his life is hid with Christ in God. The greater
the activity among men, the closer must be the communion of the
heart with God."-Testimonies, Vol. VII, p. 194.
Working Out What Divine Grace Works In

"Because he [man] needs divine aid, it does not make human

activity unessential. Faith on the part of man is required; for faith
works by love and purifies the soul... He has given to every man his
work; and every true worker sheds forth light to the world, because
he is united with God and Christ and heavenly angels in the grand
work of saving the lost. From divine association he becomes more
and more intelligent in working the works of God. In working out
what divine grace works in, the believer becomes spiritually great."-
Review and Herald, Nov. 1, 1892.
The Antidote For Formalism

"The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of the

heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can only
become righteous only as they have faith in God, and maintain a
vital connection with Him. Then the true godliness will elevate the
thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion
accord with the Christian's internal purity. Then the ceremonies
required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those
of the hypocritical Pharisees."-The Desire of Ages, p.310.
A Power Outside of Man

"In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the enemy,
we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves.
We must maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who
has power to give victory to every soul that will maintain an
attitude of faith and humility."-Review and Herald, July 9, 1908.
That Power Is Christ
"Faith lays hold upon the virtue of Christ."-Review and Herald,
Nov. 1, 1892
Encouragement for the Fainthearted

"All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that
they have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and
strength by looking unto Jesus. . . . He bids you exchange your
poverty for the riches of His grace.... Whatever may have been
your past experience, however discouraging your present
circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak,
helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you
a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His
robe of righteousness."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 21.
Worldly Interests Subordinate

"In order to accept the invitation to the gospel feast, they must
make their worldly interests subordinate to the one purpose of
receiving Christ and His righteousness. God gave all for man, and
He asks him to place His service above every earthly and selfish
consideration. He cannot accept a divided heart. The heart that is
absorbed in earthly affections cannot be given up to God!"-Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 223.
Timely Themes for Study
The Mediatorial Work of Christ
"The mediatorial work of Christ, the grand and holy mysteries
of redemption, are not studied or comprehended by the people
who claim to have light in advance of every other people on the
face of the earth. Were Jesus personally upon earth, He would
address a large number who claim to believe present truth, with the
words He addressed to the Pharisees: 'Ye do err, not knowing the
Scriptures, nor the power of God.'"-Review and Herald, Feb. 4, 1890.
The Plan of Salvation
"As we near the close of time.... we should devote ourselves to
the study of the plan of salvation, that we may have an
appreciation of how highly Jehovah has valued the salvation of
man."-Review and Herald, Oct. 7, 1890.
Faith
"There are old, yet new truths still to be added to the treasures
of our knowledge. We do not understand or exercise faith as we
should. Christ has made rich promises
116
in regard to bestowing the Holy Spirit upon His church, and yet
how little these promises are appreciated! We are not called to
worship and serve God by the use of the means employed in
former years. God requires higher service now than ever before.
He requires the improvement of the heavenly gifts. He has brought
us into a position where we need higher and better things than
have ever been needed before."-Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1890.
The Law of God in Relation to Righteousness by Faith

The Law the Mirror

"As he [the sinner] beholds the righteousness of Christ in the
divine precepts, he exclaims, 'The law of the Lord is perfect,
converting the soul.' As the sinner is pardoned for his transgression
through the merits of Christ, as he is clothed with the righteousness
of Christ through faith in Him, he declares with the psalmist, 'How
sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my
mouth.' 'More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine
gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.' This is
conversion."-Review and Herald, June 21, 1892.
The Law Demands Righteousness
"The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the
law; but he is incapable of rendering it."-Review and Herald, Nov. 4,
1890.
"Notwithstanding all the profession of lip and voice, if the
character is not in harmony with the law of God those making
profession of godliness bear evil fruit."-Review and Herald, May 7,
1901.
The Only Provision for Meeting the Demands of the Law
"Man cannot possibly meet the demands of the law of God in
human strength alone. His offerings, his works, will all be tainted
with sin. A remedy has been provided in the Saviour, who can give
to man the virtue of His merit, and make him colaborer in the
great work of salvation. Christ is righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption to those who believe in Him, and who follow in His
steps."-Review and Herald, Feb. 4, 1890.
"By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every
human being to obey God's commandments. When we submit
ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His
117
heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with
His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live
His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garments of
His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us, He sees, not the
fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His
own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of
Jehovah."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 312.
"The only way in which he [the sinner] can attain to
righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the
merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to
the sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is accepted in place of
man's failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant,
believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves
him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted
righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace,
from light to greater light. He can say with rejoicing, 'Not by works
of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy
He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ
our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.'"-Review and Herald, Nov.
4, 1890.
"Christ gave His life as a sacrifice, not to destroy God's law, not
to create a lower standard, but to maintain justice, and to give man
a second probation. No one can keep God's commandments except
in Christ's power. He bore in His body the sins of all mankind, and
He imputes His righteousness to every believing child."-Review and
Herald, May 7,1901.
"The law has no power to pardon the transgressor, but it points
him to Christ Jesus, who says to him, I will take your sin and bear it
Myself, if you will accept Me as our substitute and surety. Return
to your allegiance, and I will impute to you My righteousness."-
Review and Herald, May 7, 1901.
"The death of Christ was an argument in man's behalf that
could not be overthrown. The penalty of the law fell upon Him
who was equal with God, and man was free to accept the
righteousness of Christ, and by a life of penitence and humiliation
to triumph, as the Son of God had triumphed, over the power of
Satan. Thus God is just, and
118
yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus."-The Great Controversy, pp.
502, 503.
The Divine Plan in Presenting the Claims of the Law
"If we would have the spirit and power of the third angel's
message, we must present the law and the gospel together, for they
go hand in hand."-Review and Herald, Sept. 3, 1889.
"Many sermons preached upon the claims of the law have been
without Christ, and this lack has made the truth inefficient in
converting souls."-Review and Herald, Feb. 3, 1891.
 "In presenting the binding claims of the law, many have failed to
portray the infinite love of Christ. Those who have so great truths,
so weighty reforms, to present to the people, have not had a
realization of the value of the atoning Sacrifice as an expression of
God's great love to man. Love for Jesus, and Jesus' love for sinners,
have been dropped out of the religious experience of those who
have been commissioned to preach the gospel, and self has been
exalted instead of the Redeemer of mankind."-Review and Herald,
Feb. 3, 1891. The Remnant Church In Grave Danger Conditions
Pointed Out
Spiritual Paralysis
"All through our churches there are those who are spiritually
paralyzed. They do not manifest spiritual life."-Review and Herald,
May 24,1892.
Spiritual Lethargy
"The slumbering church must be aroused, awakened out of its
spiritual lethargy, to a realization of the important duties which
have been left undone. The people have not entered into the holy
place, where Jesus has gone to make an atonement for His
children."-Review and Herald, Feb. 25,1890.
Spiritual Blindness
"There are many, many professed Christians who are waiting
unconcernedly for the coming of the Lord. They have not on the
garment of His righteousness. They may profess to be children of
God, but they are not cleansed from sin. They are selfish and self-
sufficient. Their experience
119
is Christless. They neither love God supremely nor their neighbor
as themselves. They have no true idea of what constitutes holiness.
They do not see the defects in themselves. So blinded are they, that
they are not able to detect the subtle working of pride and iniquity.
They are clad in the rags of self-righteousness, and stricken with
spiritual blindness. Satan has cast his shadow between them and
Christ, and they have no wish to study the pure, holy character of
the Saviour."-Review and Herald, Feb. 26, 1901.
Spiritual Drouth
 "We need the Holy Spirit in order to understand the truths for
this time; but there is spiritual drouth in the churches, and we have
accustomed ourselves to be easily satisfied with our standing before
God."-Review and Herald, Feb. 25,1890.
Churches Dying
"Our churches are dying for the want of teaching on the subject
of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on kindred truths."-Gospel
Workers, p. 301.
Danger of Making a Terrible Mistake

"If we are self-sufficient, and think that we may go on just as we

please, and yet hope to come out on the right side finally, we shall
find that we have made a terrible mistake."-Review and Herald, July
9, 1908.
Partial Work Not Sufficient

"We must be emptied of self. But this is not all that is required;
for when we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be
supplied. If the heart is left desolate, and the vacuum not supplied,
it will be in the condition of him whose house was 'empty, swept,
and garnished,' but without a guest to occupy it. The evil spirit
took unto himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself,
and they entered in and dwelt there; and the last state of that man
was worse than the first.
"As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the
righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have
the mind and spirit of Christ, that you may work the works of
Christ. If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the
vacuum by the gift of His Spirit, and then you can be a living
preacher in your home, in the
120
church, and in the world."-Review and Herald, Feb. 23, 1892. The
Call for a Spiritual Revival and Reformation
"'Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast
left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,
and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee
quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent.'
"I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to
Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present condition. The
love of God has been lost, and this means the absence of love for
one another. Self, self, self is cherished, and is striving for the
supremacy. How long is this to continue? Unless there is a
reconversion, there will soon be such a lack of godliness, that the
church will be represented by the barren fig tree. Great light has
been given to her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing
much fruit. But selfishness has come in, and God says, 'I ... will
remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.'
"Jesus looked upon the pretentious, fruitless fig tree, and with
mournful reluctance pronounced the words of doom. And under
the curse of an offended God, the fig tree withered away. God help
His people to make an application of this lesson while there is still
time.
"Just before His ascension, Christ said to His disciples, 'All
power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world.' God's people today are
not fulfilling this commission as they should. Selfishness prevents
them from receiving these words in their solemn significance.
"In many hearts there seems to be scarcely a breath of spiritual
life. This makes me very sad. I fear that aggressive warfare against
the world, the flesh, and the devil has not been maintained. Shall
we cheer on, by a half-dead Christianity, the selfish, covetous spirit
of the world, sharing its ungodliness and smiling on its falsehood?
Nay! By
121
the grace of God let us be steadfast to the principles of truth,
holding firm to the end the beginning of our confidence. We are to
be 'not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' One
is our Master, even Christ. To Him we are to look. From Him we
are to receive our wisdom. By His grace we are to preserve our
integrity, standing before God in meekness and contrition, and
representing Him to the world.
"Sermons have been in great demand in our churches. The
members have depended upon pulpit declamations instead of on
the Holy Spirit. Uncalled for and unused, the spiritual gifts
bestowed on them have dwindled into feebleness. If the ministers
would go forth into new fields, the members would be obliged to
bear responsibilities, and by use their capabilities would increase.
"God brings against ministers and people the heavy charge of
spiritual feebleness, saying, 'I know thy works, that thou art neither
cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou
art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My
mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched,
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to
buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and
white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of
thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see.'
"God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation.
Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to
grow more abhorrent to the Lord until He will refuse to
acknowledge them as His children.
"A revival and a reformation must take place under the
ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two
different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a
quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from
ritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in
ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring
forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the
revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their
appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.
"'Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, an in your spirit,
 122
which are God's.' 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'
Christ gave His life for a fallen race, leaving us an example that we
should follow in His steps. To him who does this will be spoken the
words of approval, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter
thou into the joy of thy Lord.'
"The word of the Lord never represses activity. It increases
man's usefulness by guiding his activities in the right direction. The
Lord does not leave man without an object of pursuit. He places
before him an immortal inheritance, and gives him ennobling
truth, that he may advance in a safe and sure path, in pursuit of
that which is worth the consecration of his highest capabilities,-a
crown of everlasting life.
"Man will increase in power as he follows on to know the Lord.
As he endeavors to reach the highest standard, the Bible is as a
light to guide his footsteps homeward. In that word he finds that he
is a joint heir with Christ to an eternal treasure. The Guidebook
points him to the unsearchable riches of heaven. By following on to
know the Lord, he is securing never-ending happiness. Day by day
the peace of God is His reward, and by faith he sees a home of
everlasting sunshine, free from all sorrow and disappointment. God
directs his footsteps, and keeps him from falling.
"God loves His church. There are tares mingled with the wheat,
but the Lord knows His own. 'Thou hast a few names even in
Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk
with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the
same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his
name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My
Father, and before His angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches.'
"Shall not the counsel of Christ have an effect on the churches?
Why halt, ye who know the truth, between two opinions? 'If the
Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.' Christ's
followers have no right to stand on the ground of neutrality. There
is more hope of an open enemy than of one who is neutral.
 "Let the church respond to the words of the prophet, 'Arise,
shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon
thee. For, behold, the darkness shall
123
cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall
arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.'
"God's people have lost their first love. They must now repent
and make steady advancement in the path of holiness. God's
purposes reach to every phase of life. They are immutable, eternal;
and at the time appointed they will be executed. For a time it may
seem that Satan has all the power in his hands; but our trust is in
God. When we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us, and
will work with mighty power to accomplish His gracious purposes.
"God rebukes His people for their sins, that He may humble
them, and lead them to seek His face. As they reform, and His love
revives in their hearts, His loving answers will come to their
requests. He will strengthen them in reformatory action, lifting up
for them a standard against the enemy. His rich blessing will rest
upon them and in bright rays they will reflect the light of heaven.
Then a multitude not of their faith, seeing that God is with His
people, will unite with them in serving the Redeemer."-Review and
Herald, Feb. 25, 1902. The Perils and Privileges of the Last Days
"To the early church the hope of Christ's coming was a blessed
hope, and they were represented by the apostle as waiting for His
Son from heaven, as loving His appearing. As long as this hope was
cherished by the professed followers of Christ, they were a light to
the world. But it was not the design of Satan that they should be a
light to the world.... Satan was at work to cause apostasy in the
early church; and in accomplishing his purpose, doctrines were
introduced through which the church was leavened with unbelief
in Christ and His coming. The adversary of God and man cast his
hellish shadow athwart the path of the believers, and dimmed their
star of hope, even their faith in the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
"The hope which had been so precious to them lost its
attractions; for the specious delusions of Satan almost wholly
extinguished the light of salvation through the merits of a crucified
and risen Saviour, and men were led to seek to
124
make an atonement through works of their own,-by fasts and
penances, and through the payment of money to the church. It was
more agreeable to the natural heart thus to seek justification than
to seek it through repentance and faith, through belief in, and
obedience to, the truth.
"During the ages of apostasy, darkness covered the earth and
gross darkness the people; but the Reformation aroused the
inhabitants of earth from their deathlike slumber, and many turned
away from their vanities and superstitions, from priests and
penances, to serve the living God, to search in His holy word for
truth as for hidden treasure. They began diligently to work the
mine of truth, to clear away the rubbish of human opinion that
had buried up the precious jewels of light. But as soon as the work
of reformation began, Satan with determined purpose sought the
more zealously to bind the minds of men in superstition and
error....
"That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if
possible lead them to do again. The early church was deceived by
the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought into the
ranks of those who professed to love God; and today, unless the
people of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by
the devices of Satan. Among those who claim to believe in the near
coming of the Saviour, how many are backslidden, how many have
lost their first love, and come under the description written of the
Laodicean church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot.
Satan will do his utmost to keep them in a state of indifference and
stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that are before
them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim
their lamps, and be found watching for the Bridegroom when He
shall return from the wedding.
"The days in which we live are eventful and full of peril. The
signs of the coming of the end are thickening around us, and
events are to come to pass that will be of a more terrible character
than any the world has yet witnessed....
"Let everyone who claims to believe that the Lord is soon
coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is
determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness,
and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living.
Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he
may be enlightened by
125
the Holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God
and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Search for the truth as for
hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy.
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third
angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of
Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the
light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.
"It is the work of everyone to whom the message of warning has
come, to lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in
types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of
the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in
the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the
Scriptures; for they are they that testify of Him.
"If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know
Christ, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He
imputes to the repentant sinner. Human wisdom will not avail to
devise a plan of salvation. Human philosophy is vain, the fruits of
the loftiest powers of man are worthless, aside from the great plan
of the divine Teacher. No glory is to redound to man; all human
help and glory lie in the dust; for the truth as it is in Jesus is the
only available agent by which man may be saved. Man is privileged
to connect with Christ, and then the divine and the human
combine; and in this union the hope of man must rest alone; for it
is as the Spirit of God touches the soul that the powers of the soul
are quickened, and man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus....
"The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ and
Him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the
world in unparalleled love. Present Him thus to the hungering
multitudes, and the light of His love will win men from darkness to
light, from transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding
Jesus upon the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to the
heinous character of sin as nothing else can do. It was sin that
caused the death of God's dear Son, and sin is the transgression of
the law. On Him was laid the iniquity of us all. The sinner then
consents unto the law that it is good; for he realizes that it
condemns his evil deeds, while he magnifies the matchless love of
God in providing for him salvation
126
through the imputed righteousness of Him who knew no sin, in
whose mouth there was found no guile.
"The truth is efficient, and through obedience its power changes
the mind into the image of Jesus. It is the truth as it is in Jesus that
quickens the conscience and transforms the mind; for it is
accompanied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. There are many who,
lacking spiritual discernment, take the bare letter of the word, and
find that unaccompanied by the Spirit of God, it quickens not the
soul, it sanctifies not the heart. One may be able to quote from the
Old and the New Testament, may be familiar with the commands
and promises of the word of God; but unless the Holy Spirit sends
the truth home to the heart, enlightening the mind with divine
light, no soul falls upon the Rock and is broken; for it is the divine
agency that connects the soul with God. Without the
enlightenment of the Spirit of God, we shall not be able to discern
truth from error, and shall fall under the masterful temptations and
deceptions that Satan will bring upon the world.
"We are near the close of the controversy between the Prince of
light and the prince of darkness, and soon the delusions of the
enemy will try our faith, of what sort it is. Satan will work miracles
in the sight of the beast, and deceive 'them that dwell on the earth
by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the
sight of the beast.' But though the prince of darkness will work to
cover the earth with darkness, and with gross darkness the people,
the Lord will manifest His coverting power....
 "The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from
this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God;
and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, as the personal presence of
Christ to the soul. He who looks to Christ in simple, childlike faith,
is made a partaker of the divine nature through the agency of the
Holy Spirit. When led by the Spirit of God, the Christian may
know that he is made complete in Him who is the head of all
things. As Christ was glorified on the day of Pentecost, so will He
again be glorified in the closing work of the gospel, when He shall
prepare a people to stand the final test in the closing conflict of the
great controversy. . . .
"When the earth is lightened with the glory of God, we shall see
a work similar to that which was wrought when the disciples, filled
with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the power of a risen Saviour. The
light of heaven penetrated
127
the darkened minds of those who had been deceived by the
enemies of Christ, and the false representation of Him was
rejected; for through the efficiency of the Holy Spirit they now saw
Him exalted to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance unto
Israel, and remission of sins. They saw Him encircled with the
glory of heaven, with infinite treasures in His hands to bestow
upon those who turn from their rebellion. As the apostles set forth
the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, three thousand souls
were pricked to the heart, and they were made to see themselves as
they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their Saviour and
Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the
power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. By the eye of faith
these believers saw Him as the one who had borne humiliation,
suffering, and death, that they might not perish, but have
everlasting life. As they looked upon His spotless righteousness, they
saw their own deformity and pollution, and were filled with godly
fear, with love and adoration for Him who gave His life a sacrifice
for them. They humbled their souls to the very dust, and repented
of their wicked works, and glorified God for His salvation....
 "The revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit brought to them a
realizing sense of His power and majesty, and they stretched forth
their hands unto Him by faith, saying, 'I believe.' Thus it was in the
time of the early rain; but the latter rain will be more abundant.
The Saviour of men will be glorified, and the earth will be
lightened with the bright shining of the beams of His
righteousness. He is the fountain of light, and light from the gates
ajar has been shining upon the people of God, that they may lift
Him up in His glorious character before those who sit in darkness.
"Christ has not been presented in connection with the law as a
faithful and merciful High Priest, who was in all points tempted like
as we are, yet without sin. He has not been lifted up before the
sinner as the divine sacrifice. His work as sacrifice, substitute, and
surety, has been only coldly and casually dwelt upon; but this is
what the sinner needs to know. It is Christ in His fullness as a sin-
pardoning Saviour, that the sinner must see; for the unparalleled
love of Christ, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, will bring
conviction and conversion to the hardened heart.
"It is the divine influence that is the savor of the salt in the
Christian. Many present the doctrines and theories
128
of our faith; but their presentation is as salt without savor; for the
Holy Spirit is not working through their faithless ministry. They
have not opened the heart to receive the grace of Christ; they
know not the operation of the Spirit; they are as meal without
leaven; for there is no working principle in all their labor, and they
fail to win souls to Christ. They do not appropriate the
righteousness of Christ; it is a robe unworn by them, a fullness
unknown, a fountain untouched.
"O that the atoning work of Christ might be carefully studied!
O that all would carefully and prayerfully study the word of God,
not to qualify themselves for debating controverted points of
doctrine, but that as hungry souls they might be filled, as those that
thirst, be refreshed at the fountain of life. It is when we search the
Scriptures with humble hearts, feeling our weakness and
unworthiness, that Jesus is revealed to our souls in all His
preciousness.
"When we become partakers of the divine nature, we shall look
with abhorrence upon all our exaltation of self, and that which we
have cherished as wisdom will seem as dross and rubbish. Those
who have educated themselves as debaters, who have looked upon
themselves as sharp, keen men, will view their work with sorrow
and shame, and know that their offering has been as valueless as
was Cain's; for it has been destitute of the righteousness of Christ.
"O that we as a people might humble our hearts before God,
and plead with Him for the endowment of the Holy Spirit! If we
came to the Lord in humility and contrition of soul, He would
answer our petitions; for He says that He is more willing to give us
the Holy Spirit than are parents to give good gifts to their children.
Then would Christ be glorified, and in Him we should discern the
fullness of the Godhead bodily. For Christ has said of the
Comforter, 'He shall glorify Me; for He shall receive of Mine, and
shall show it unto you.' This is the thing most essential to us. For
'this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.'" - Review and Herald, Nov.
22 and 29, 1892.
1 See Appendix, pp. 122-128