IT IS CLOSING TIME ON PLANET EARTH

Our world is morally bankrupt. An immense crisis is stealing upon us. For God will not bear much longer with this corruption.

We live in a world in rebellion against God, a world that refuses to obey His laws. We have reached the limit, surpassing the evils existing in the days of Noah when God brought a Flood upon the earth to destroy it.

On every continent it is the same. Society is falling apart, homes are shattered. The lives of millions are being ruined. Violence, crime, and every type of wickedness fill the earth.

While the world cries for more excitement and indulgence, and the churches preach for- giveness for continued sin, —God’s Word de- mands submission to the Creator’s authority and obedience to His Moral Ten Commandment Law.

WHILE PROBATION LASTS, there remains a little time for repentance.
This is a book which can change your life. It can show you how to find your way back to God. How to have peace with Him, how to live a clean, godly life.

A new, deeper happiness can be yours: The peace of heart which comes from pleasing God.
Obedience to God, by faith in Jesus Christ, is the promised blessing. It is the entrance to a happier life. For it can provide you with the secret of self-control.

You Can be an Overcomer

HOW YOU CAN PUT THE PAST BEHIND YOU

AND BECOME
AN OBEDIENT CHILD OF GOD

Harvestime Books

HB–905
You Can Be an Overcomer

How You Can be an Obedient Child of God
by E.G. White (chapters 2, 5, 9, part of 10, 11, 13-14)

Harvestime Editor (chapters 1, 4, 12, and part of 10) Published by Harvestime Books
Altamont, TN 37301 USA
Printed in the United States of America

Cover and Text Copyright © 2004

“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.” —Exodus 34:7

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

—Philippians 4:19

“As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.”

—Psalm 103:11

“Unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” —Jude 24

Sources of this book:

Chapters 2, 5-11, and 13-14 are primarily or en- tirely written by E.G. White. Most of the other chapters primarily consist of Bible studies. For a complete list of sources, please turn to page 135.

Additional copies: For additional copies of this book at extremely low prices in boxful quantities, write to Harvestime Books, Altamont, TN 37301. When you write, ask for a copy of our “Missionary Book Order Sheet,” containing low-cost boxful prices of this book and other books, such as Great Controversy, Ministry of Healing, Christ’s Object Lessons, Bible Readings, Steps to Christ, The Conflict Series, etc. (For additional information, turn to pp. 134, 143-144.)

Contents

We are on the verge of a terrible crisis —

Closing Time for Planet Earth

This can be your experience —
A Special Walk with God 21

Eight special promises — Promises to Overcomers 23

Can they really be mine? — Claiming those Promises 25

Where do temptations come from? — How Sin Began 30

Understanding the nature of sin — Why God’s Law is so Important 48

Are we safe while living in sin? — Obedience and Sanctification 56

What is in each of them? — Inside the Ten Commandments 62

How can I find peace in Christ? — How to Come to Jesus 72

What if I lose Him? —  How to Stay Close to Christ 79

Additional ways to resist temptation — Being an Overcomer 90

Is there something more for me? — Entering a Deeper Experience 101

What is wrong with the world today? — Changing the Signpost 117

How I long for my heavenly home! — What Heaven Will be Like 129

In times of temptation —
Special Bible Promises for You 136

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

— John 1:12

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

— Philippians 2:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

— Philippians 4:13

We are on the verge of a terrible crisis —

Closing Time for Planet Earth

We are on the edge of an immense crisis. It is the biggest in the history of mankind. Thinking men everywhere recognize that the sins of men have nearly reached their limit. Something stu- pendous is about to happen.

Nothing in past history can equal the extent and magnitude of the worldwide plunge into vio- lence and evil that exists today.

Moral conditions have plunged downward since the mid-1960s. Our world is hurtling into a disaster zone from which it cannot escape.

• Before 1960, no one in the civilized world could legally abort their children. Today, nearly ev- ery government on earth is encouraging the kill- ing of unborn infants. Millions and millions of small Americans have been killed—far more than have died in all the wars the U.S. has fought;—yet the industry that carries on this mass destruction is one of the most protected in the nation.

• Prior to 1950, other than cigarettes and li- quor, relatively few addictive drugs were sold in the Western world. Today, a mania has seized the pub- lic to purchase whatever narcotics they can find or invent—to destroy their minds.

• Before the 1930s, prostitution was illegal in nearly every Western nation. Today, it is legal or quasi-legal in most parts of the world.

• Before 1975, outside of Nevada, there was no legalized gambling anywhere in America. Today there are large casinos all over the nation; and all but two states have an official lottery. State governments publish ads, encouraging citizens to gamble away their savings!

• The evening news is filled with horror sto- ries, each one worse than the one before it: bul- lets and body bags, sex and scandals, terror and tragedy, wars and rumors of wars. Children shoot- ing fellow students and teachers at school, and car jackings. One horrible atrocity after another.

• Today’s headlines are far different than those in the 1950s. Instead of funny events at county fairs, we read about terrorist networks, genocide of hundreds of thousands, and bombing of large U.S. buildings, suicide bombers regularly killing people.

• Millions of land mines have been planted in the ground throughout the world, with more added daily. Thousands are maimed or killed by them each year, especially in lands where no war is occurring.

• Free and low-cost guns and munitions are flooding into the nations of Central America, South America, Africa, the Balkins, the Near East, and Southern Asia. The entire planet is arming itself for a showdown.

The whole world seems to be going crazy. We stand aghast and wonder what will happen next.

Closing Time for Planet Earth 7

We search for the cause; yet it is obvious to those willing to consider it: Men and women have forgotten God. They no longer acknowledge Him as supreme in their lives. Many do not even believe there is a God. They have swallowed the lie of evolution.

Even many Christians who love God are taught that they do not need to keep the Ten Command- ments! Little wonder that the moral fabric of soci- ety is unraveling. Men are told that the only laws they need obey are man’s laws! God, they are told—doesn’t have any, any more!

The basic problem is that the greater part of mankind today is in rebellion against their Cre- ator. Men refuse to submit to His authority.

We may try to excuse it any way we want; but this is the reason mankind is hurtling toward moral extinction.

Our planet has a disease. That disease is sin. In order to solve the problem, we must first iden- tify sin. What is it?

The Bible says sin is the breaking of God’s law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”—

1 John 3:4.

Men refuse to obey God’s moral Ten Com- mandment law. It is as simple as that. And we all know it. They lie, they steal, they cheat, they kill, they covet. They reject God’s authority and take His name in vain. They violate His holy Sabbath.

If we kept the Ten Commandments, all the other evils plaguing our civilization would be solved. Yet, oddly enough, although we are expected to keep the laws of man, we are solemnly told by educated men that it is impossible to keep God’s laws—and anyone who tries to do it is a “legalist”!

Men today are so deeply involved in drugs, pornography, gambling, drinking, and wild entertainment that they cannot think straight.

Man is not changing. His obsession with sin has become a mania. The end is just ahead.

God allows developments to work toward a climax. He has often done this in the past. He did it in Noah’s day, when He sent a flood of waters and buried the wicked. He did it in the days of Abraham, when He destroyed the wicked cities of the plain which gave themselves up to evil.

When men reach the point that they only live to do wickedness, then God steps in.

Christ predicted that, when conditions in the entire world become as evil as they were in the times of Noah and Sodom,—the end would come!

“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man . . and the Flood came, and destroyed them all.

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot . . It rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”—Luke 17:26-27, 28-30.

This is what it was like in the days of Noah:

“God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil con- tinually . . And the earth was filled with violence.”—Genesis 6:5, 11.

Closing Time for Planet Earth 9

That is exactly what is happening now! In the time of Noah, those conditions existed world-wide. Today, nearly 4,400 years later, even greater sins exist today—and on a worldwide scale!

Our mad preoccupation with evil was predicted in the Bible. It marks us as having arrived at the end of time.

“In the last days perilous times shall come.”—

2 Timothy 3:1.

Never before has there been so much evil. “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.”—2 Timothy 3:13.

In the judgment, the harvest of the world, Christ will return the second time and take His faithful ones to heaven.

“The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels . . Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn.”—Matthew 13:38-39, 30.

We are stunned as we consider the fact that a terrible climax—the final crisis—is about to burst upon us. Yet, according to Bible prophecy, God is permitting it to happen. Something immense is about to take place.

God is about to deal with an entire planet that has run amok in evil. The world is warring against the law of God, the Ten Commandments. The horrible effects of that warfare are seen ev- erywhere about us!

We are on a collision course with disaster because morality is at the depths. Marriage as an institution is about gone, sexual perversion has been given a free rein, millions live only for the next upper, and bribery and corruption run riot.

In the beginning, sin arose when Satan disputed God’s right to rule the universe. Satan told the angels that God’s law was unjust and should be abolished.

But, when Satan was kicked out of heaven, he came to earth; and, in the Garden of Eden, he used the same approach. God had told Adam and Eve what they could do and should not do. He was their Creator and they had a responsibility to obey Him. The only way anyone can be happy is when they obey God.

But then Satan arrived. Disguised as a snake, he told our first parents they did not have to obey what God said. “You do not have to obey; you shall not die. You will enter upon a new, higher experience by disobeying,” was his message.

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, nei- ther shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Closing Time for Planet Earth 11

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”—Genesis 3:1-5.

All down through human history, Satan has repeated the same lie: “You don’t have to obey God.” Throughout Bible times, and in the centuries since then, he has lured people into disobeying God’s moral law of Ten Commandments (Exo- dus 20:3-17).

“Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). That is our core problem today. As it was in the days of Noah, so it is today:

“The wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually . . And the earth was filled with violence.”—Genesis 6:5, 11.

We are back in the days of Noah! As it was back then, when the crisis in lawlessness reaches a certain point, God will step in.

Men do not realize what they are doing when they refuse to let God give them empowering grace to keep His Ten Commandments. That moral law is the foundation of God’s government. It establishes His right to rule His creatures. If we reject His law, we reject Him! Think about that a moment.

God wrote down His moral code in enduring stone on Mount Sinai. (It is given in Exodus 20:3- 17.) How much more permanent can something be than to be engraved on stone—and written there by God’s own finger! God gave the Ten Commandments to those who were His people at that time, to be given to the world.

The situation has not changed. Today God wants you and me to obey that law and urge others to obey it.

Look about you today. God’s moral rules are rejected by nearly the entire world. Even many Christians reject it! They say they do not have to keep God’s law; for they have been saved from it!

Did Christ die on Calvary so we can steal and kill and take God’s name in vain? No, no. It cannot be. The truth is that God saves us from sin, not from His law!

How does He save us from sin? It is through Christ’s death on the cross, and His mediation on our behalf in heaven, that God saves us from sin. As we plead with Christ for help, He forgives our past and strengthens us by His empowering grace—right now—to resist temptation and obey His Father’s law.

The Bible says sin “is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). What can be clearer than that? The problem is sin, not the law!

Why did Jesus come to our world? The angel told the reason to Mary before Christ’s birth:

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:21.

Jesus did not die on the cross to save us from God’s law. Jesus died to save us from sin—from transgression of that law!

If I intentionally drive through a stop sign, hit another car and kill someone,—how do we solve the problem? Theoretically, we can do it in one of three ways:

First, we can get rid of the law. We can do away with the rule which forbids driving through stop signs. That would mean I am henceforth free to run more stop signs and hit more cars! “I am free from the law.”

Second, I can suffer the penalty myself. I can go to court, perhaps go to jail. This is done to punish me for breaking the law and convince me not to disobey it any more. The law stands and the sin is punished.

Third, someone else can pay the penalty for me. But, although he may pay the penalty for my past transgression, he is not thereby abolishing the law! I am still required to obey it.

Under this third plan, which is God’s way of solving the sin problem in my life, the One who paid the penalty for my sin, Jesus Christ,—also helps me obey the moral law as, by faith in His righteous merits, I daily walk with Him.

Christ did not die to take away the law, but to help me obey it. He died in my place on Calvary; and He lives today in heaven to strengthen me, by His enabling grace, to obey His moral law. Sin is the problem, not the law! Sin is rebellion against God; the law is the foundation of God’s government. There is a great difference between the two!

Which do you want to get rid of? If you want to get rid of sin, you are on God’s side of the question. If you want to get rid of His law, you are on the devil’s side.

God’s plan is for His earthly children to live clean, moral lives, in obedience to the Ten Commandments. Christ did not die so they could keep sinning in defiance of the law. He did not go through the agonies of Calvary so we could continue as lawbreakers.

However, it is very important that we understand that, by ourselves, none of us can keep God’s holy law. None of us—not one—can, by our own will or strength, put away sin or resist Satan’s temptations.

Christ died on Calvary not only to forgive our past sins but to enable us by His grace to render obedience as, by faith, we cling to His hand and, as little children, walk along life’s pathway with Him! “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” That old song is still true.

We are to take hold of His empowering strength, trust in His enabling merits,—and be strengthened to live clean, godly lives. By His grace, we are to control ourselves. We are to be “Christians.” And to be Christians is to be Christlike.

God’s part is infinitely great, but He will not do His part without our part. And our part is to choose Him, to put our will into action, to resist temptation, and do what is right. Trusting Him for help as we attempt to do this, Christ supplies the strength to carry it through to success. He enables us to live clean, pure, honest lives, and spend our time helping and blessing others. Thank God, there is a way we can live like Jesus! We can be like the One we so much love. And all the praise goes to Him for it. Because, at each step, He provides the enabling strength.

Forget this idea of “sin and be saved.” Let’s

Obedience by Faith 15

live for something better than that! Through the enabling grace of Christ, “sin shall not have dominion over you” (Romans 6:14).

We need to learn from the Bible what is in the future for our world. But first, because it is so important, here is a brief Bible study.

It clearly shows that, trusting in Jesus, each one of us can live a “Christian” life:

OBEDIENCE BY FAITH
HOW GOD ENABLES YOU TO OBEY HIM

I - GOD HAS A GOVERNMENT

Psalm 103:19—“The Lord hath prepared His

throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over

all.”

2 - THERE CAN BE NO GOVERNMENT WITHOUT LAW

Romans 7:12—“The law is holy, and the com- mandment holy, and just, and good.”

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

Proverbs 28:9—“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

3 - GOD’S LAW WAS FOR MEN IN BIBLE TIMES

Romans 3:31—“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” James 2:10-12—“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”

16 You Can be an Overcomer

4 - GOD’S LAW IS FOR THE REMNANT IN THE LAST DAYS

Revelation 12:17—“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the command- ments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Revelation 14:12—“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (also verses 13-15).

5 - THERE IS GENERAL REBELLION AGAINST GOD’S LAW

Romans 8:7—“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

Psalm 119:126—“It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law.”

6 - THERE ARE PROMISES FOR THE OBEDIENT

Psalm 119:165—“Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

Isaiah 48:18—“O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”

7 - THE SACRIFICIAL LAWS WERE ABOLISHED AT THE CROSS

Colossians 2:14—“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross” (Hebrews 10:1-16). - see Deuteronomy 31: 24-26

Colossians 2:17—“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Obedience by Faith 17 8 - WHAT DOES THE LAW DO FOR THE SINNER?

God uses the law to do for the sinner just what needs to be done. The sinner must realize that he is a sinner. The heavy hand of the law must be laid upon him, and he must be arrested in his course. Notice the following carefully:

1. It gives a knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:20—“By the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 7:7).

2. It brings guilt and condemnation.

Romans 3:19—“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

3. It acts as a spiritual mirror.

James 1:23-25—“If any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 2:9- 12).

Without the law, the sinner is like a man who is afflicted with a deadly disease that he doesn’t know he has. Paul said, “I had not known sin, but by the law” (Romans 7:7).

9 - WHAT IS THE LAW UNABLE TO DO FOR THE SINNER?

The law cannot forgive. Law does not possess the power to forgive those who transgress its precepts. Only the Lawgiver can do that. Jesus died to redeem us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). The law cannot keep the sinner from sinning because “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

18 You Can be an Overcomer

The law only shows the sinner where he needs to change; but the law, itself, cannot change him. And so let us get three facts about the law very clear.

1. It cannot forgive or justify.

Romans 3:20—“By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.”

2. It cannot keep from sin or sanctify.

Galatians 3:21—“Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.”

3. It cannot cleanse or keep the heart clean

(Romans 9:3, 7-8).

The law is limited in its ability to do all that needs to be done for the sinner. A wound cannot be sewed up with only a needle. The thread of the gospel must do that.

10 - WHAT DOES THE GRACE OF CHRIST DO FOR THE SINNER?

When the law of God and the Spirit of God have made the sinner conscious of his sin, he will then feel his need of Christ and go to the Saviour for pardon. The publican found it so (Luke 18:13-14). The woman taken in adultery felt condemned and ashamed. She needed sympathy and forgiveness, and Christ was ready to grant these to her. Then He said, “Sin no more.”

If we confess and put away sin, He will forgive (1 John 1:9). This is grace, or unmerited favor. This gracious love of Christ awakens love in the heart of the sinner, and he then desires to serve and obey God. Here are four elements of the saving grace of Christ:

1. It forgives and justifies.

Acts 13:38-39—“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Luke 18:13-14).

2. It saves from sin, or sanctifies.

Matthew 1:21—“She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”

1 Corinthians 1:30—“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

3. It inspires faith.

Ephesians 2:8-10—“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

4. It brings God’s power.

Romans 1:16—“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Forgiveness of sin and power over sin came through the exercise of simple faith in God’s promises and a full surrender of the heart to Him.

11 - HOW DOES A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE

20 You Can be an Overcomer RELATE TO THE LAW?

1. The law becomes the standard of his life.

1 John 5:3—“This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.”

2. He permits Christ to fulfill in him the righ- teousness of the law.

Romans 8:3-4—“God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

3. Christ writes the law in his heart.

Hebrews 8:10—“This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people” (Psalm 119:11).

12 - MORE PROMISES FOR THE OBEDIENT

John 1:12—“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

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

Philippians 2:13—“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This can be your experience —

A Special Walk with God

An ongoing closeness to God is a sweet, comforting experience. This book will help you understand how to claim it more fully for your own.

The following words will be yours:

——————————————————

If you have given yourself to God, to do His work, you have no need to be anxious for tomorrow. He whose servant you are, knows the end from the beginning. The events of tomorrow, which are hidden from your view, are open to the eyes of Him who is om- nipotent.

When we take into our hands the management of things with which we have to do, and depend upon our own wisdom for success, we are taking a burden which God has not given us, and are trying to bear it without His aid. We are taking upon ourselves the re- sponsibility that belongs to God, and thus are really putting ourselves in His place. We may well have anxiety and anticipate danger and loss, for it is certain to befall us.

But when we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good we shall cease to worry about the future. We shall trust God as a child trusts a loving parent. Then our troubles and torments will disappear, for our will is swallowed up in the will of God.

Christ has given us no promise of help in bearing today the burdens of tomorrow. He has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2Corinthians 12:9); but, like the manna given in the wilderness, His grace is bestowed daily, for the day’s need. Like the hosts of Israel in their pilgrim life, we may find morning by morning the bread of heaven for the day’s supply.

One day alone is ours; and, during this day, we are to live for God. For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 30:15.

If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,— the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.

——————————————————

The problem is that in order to have such an encouraging experience, you need to be one of God’s little children who, in spite of the daily troubles and trials, is each day trying to live the life of an overcomer.

And that is what this little book is all about: to help you live such a life.

Eight special promises —

Promises to Overcomers

The fact that you can resist temptation and overcome sin in your life is solidly Biblical. God wants you to enter this experience. His holy Word, the Bible, has abundant promises for those who will enter this experience. Here are several of them:

——————————————————
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise

of God.”—Revelation 2:7.
“He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the

second death.”—Revelation 2:11.
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of

the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”—Revelation 2:17.

“He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the na- tions.”—Revelation 2:26.

“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.”—Revela- tion 3:5.

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusa- lem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.”— Revelation 3:12.

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

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”— Revelation 21:7.

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This is an experience that each of us wants! We do not want to miss out on being able to enter through those pearly gates, into the City of God, and living forever with Jesus!

“In God will I praise His Word . . in God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” —Psalm 56:10-11

“I will look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” —Micah 7:7

“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” —Psalm 4:3

Can they really be mine? —

Claiming those Promises

The promises to overcomers are most glorious. But what is it that is overcome? What does it mean to overcome?

According to the Bible, “to overcome” means to resist the temptations of the devil and to overcome sin. When Satan tempts us into sin, he gains a strong advantage over us:

“Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”—2 Peter 2:19.

“Be not overcome of evil.”—Romans 12:21.

We can resist temptation and overcome sin in our lives only through the enabling strength of Christ.

There is a way to resist Satan’s temptations and overcome.

First, Christ must dwell in our hearts by faith:

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”—1 John 4:4.

Second, we must regularly study God’s Word: “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”—1 John 2:14.

26 You Can be an Overcomer

Third, through faith in the enabling strength of Christ, we must obey God’s holy law:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God ovecometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”—1 John 5:3-5.

Thus, through obedience by faith, we shall be able to overcome; and, instead of receiving the reward of the wicked, we shall “inherit all things.”

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”—Revelation 21:7-8.

We overcome by resisting temptation to sin.

But what is sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”—1 John 3:4.

That is clear enough. The Bible definition of sin is breaking God’s law.

The verses surrounding 1 John 3:4 help explain what is involved here. As we read them, we see that it is God’s plan to enable us to obey the commandments. Only He can help us resist sin, so we can live pure, clean lives:

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, be- cause it knew him not.

Claiming those Promises 27

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

“And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.

“Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whoso- ever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”—1 John 3:1-9.

What sweet promises are these! Jesus wants to clean our hearts and make us His humble, obedient children.

Yet it is only through the enabling grace of Christ, our Lord and Saviour, that our hearts can be purified of sin. It is only through His empowering help that we can resist the devil and his temptations.

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him . .

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”—Revelation 12:9, 11.

The verses that come after that (verses 12- 16) explain how the devil is determined to use sinful temptations to destroy as many of us as possible. In that passage, Satan is portrayed as a great dragon trying to devour the offspring of the pure woman, which is the true church. But the promise is given that God’s faithful ones will be enabled to keep the commandments of God, and thus triumph over the devices of the devil:

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”—Revelation 12:17.

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”—Revelation 14:12.

Some people think that Jesus did all the overcoming for us, when He died on Calvary; so we need not do any overcoming. But all the Bible verses you have just read clearly show that it is God’s faithful ones on earth who, through Christ’s enabling merits, do the overcoming! Jesus does not do our overcoming for us.

You and I want to receive the promises to overcomers. We want to inherit a home in heaven. It is sin that, in the strength of Christ, we must resist and overcome.

The question needs to be asked again: What is sin? We have learned that, according to the Bible, sin is disobedience to the law of God.

Claiming those Promises 29

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”— 1 John 3:4.

The Bible definition of sin is breaking the God’s law. So the error that is floating around, that God has no law, is totally untrue. If there is no law, there is no sin!

“Where no law is, there is no transgression.”— Romans 4:15.

As with God’s government, so it is with nations: Any nation, that is daring enough to get rid of its laws, will have no lawbreakers! Without laws, there are no crimes. Everyone can commit any atrocity, with no fear of police, courts, or prison.

Just as civil governments must have laws, so God has moral laws also. God’s moral law is written in Exodus 20:3-20. It is the Ten Commandments.

Preachers sometimes say that the law “has been done away with.” But, when I ask them, “Which of the Ten Commandments would you like to be abolished?” they are silent. Every one of the Ten Commandments is vitally important. Human morality is based on them. But only in Christ’s strength can we obey them. Only with the help of Christ can we overcome.

In this book, we will discover, step by step, how to resist temptation and overcome cherished sin. But first, we need a better understanding of the origin of evil. How did sin ever get started?

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

—Psalm 34:19

30

Where do temptations come from —

How Sin Began

It is sin that must be overcome. But where did sin come from? How did it get here? Here is the story of the origin of evil. We are going to learn that God is in no way responsible for this terrible evil.

Read that most amazing of stories—how sin began. Although surrounded by continual selflessness, something happened. What could turn an angel of light into a devil—and do it right in the middle of heaven?

This is something you will want to read. It will tell you why God had to wait—and the wonderful future in store for His children—because He did!

Through all eternal ages we will rejoice that God took the time to solve the problem of evil.

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Enough May Be Understood

To many minds, the origin of sin and the reason for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the work of evil, with its terrible results of woe and desolation, and they question how all this can exist under the sovereignty of One who is infinite in wisdom, in power, and in love. Here is a mystery, of which they find no explanation. And in their uncertainty and doubt, they are blinded to truths plainly revealed in God’s Word and essential to salvation. There are those who, in their inquiries concerning the existence of sin, endeavor to search into that which God has never revealed; hence they find no solution of their difficulties; and such as are actuated by a disposition to doubt and cavil, seize upon this as an excuse for rejecting the words of Holy Writ. Others, however, fail of a satisfactory understanding of the great problem of evil, from the fact that tradition and misinterpretation have obscured the teaching of the Bible concerning the character of God, the nature of His government, and the principles of His dealing with sin.

It is impossible to so explain the origin of sin as to give a reason for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the origin and the final disposition of sin, to fully make manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with evil. Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was in nowise responsible for the entrance of sin; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is “the transgression of the law”; it is the out-working of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government.

Back in the Beginning

Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator’s will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in nature, in character, and in purpose,—the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ, the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By Him were all things created, that are in Heaven . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” (Col. 1:16); and to Christ, equally with the Father, all Heaven gave allegiance.

The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love,—homage that springs from an intelligent appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced alle- giance; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.

How Sin Began

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.” “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12- 15.

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify His Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness” (Eze. 28:17). Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said . . I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” Ezekiel 28:6; Isaiah 14:13-14. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And, coveting the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.

They Pleaded with Him

All Heaven had rejoiced to reflect the Creator’s glory and to show forth His praise. And while God was thus honored, all had been peace and gladness. But a note of discord now marred the celestial harmonies. The service and exaltation of self, contrary to the Creator’s plan, awakened fore- bodings of evil in minds to whom God’s glory was supreme. The heavenly councils pleaded with Lucifer. The Son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the justice of the Creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of His law. God Himself had established the order of Heaven; and in departing from it, Lucifer would dishonor his Maker and bring ruin upon himself. But the warning, given in infinite love and mercy, only aroused a spirit of resistance. Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail, and he became the more determined.

Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as the gift of God, and called forth no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation, and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host. Angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was the acknowledged sovereign of Heaven, one in power and authority with the Father. In all the counsels of God, Christ was a participant while Lucifer was not permitted thus to enter into the divine purposes. “Why,” questioned this mighty angel, “should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He thus honored above Lucifer?”

Opposed to the Law of God

Leaving his place in the immediate presence of God, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. Working with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealing his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God, he endeavored to excite dissatisfaction concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that they imposed an unnecessary restraint. Since their natures were holy, he urged that the angels should obey the dictates of their own will. He sought to create sympathy for himself, by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ. He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of Heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence.

God, in His great mercy, bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels. Long was he retained in Heaven. Again and again he was offered pardon, on condition of repentance and submission. Such efforts as only infinite love and wis- dom could devise, were made to convince him of his error. The spirit of discontent had never before been known in Heaven. Lucifer himself did not at first see whither he was drifting; he did not understand the real nature of his feelings. But as his dissatisfaction was proved to be without cause, Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong, that the divine claims were just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all Heaven. Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels. He had not at this time fully cast off his allegiance to God. Though he had forsaken his position as covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to return to God, acknowledging the Creator’s wisdom, and satisfied to fill the place appointed him in God’s great plan, he would have been reinstated in his office. But pride forbade him to submit. He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.

A Master of Deception

All the powers of his master-mind were now bent to the work of deception, to secure the sympathy of the angels that had been under his command. Even the fact that Christ had warned and counseled him, was perverted to serve his traitorous designs. To those whose loving trust bound them most closely to him, Satan had represented that he was wrongly judged, that his position was not respected, and that his liberty was to be abridged. From misrepresentation of the words of Christ, he passed to prevarication and direct falsehood, accusing the Son of God of a design to humiliate him before the inhabitants of Heaven. He sought also to make a false issue between himself and the loyal angels. All whom he could not subvert and bring fully to his side, he accused of indifference to the interests of heavenly beings. The very work which he himself was doing, he charged upon those who remained true to God.

How Sin Began 37

And to sustain his charge of God’s injustice toward him, he resorted to misrepresentation of the words and acts of the Creator. It was his policy to perplex the angels with subtle arguments concerning the purposes of God. Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of Jehovah. His high position, in such close connection with the divine administration, gave greater force to his representations, and many were induced to unite with him in rebellion against Heaven’s authority.

It Takes Time

God in His wisdom permitted Satan to carry forward his work, until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been highly exalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. God’s government included not only the inhabitants of Heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Satan thought that if he could carry the angels of Heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also the other worlds. He had artfully presented his side of the question, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects. His power to deceive was very great, and by disguising himself in a cloak of false- hood he had gained an advantage. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character, or see to what his work was leading.

Satan had been so highly honored, and all his acts were so clothed with mystery, that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the true nature of his work. Until fully developed, sin would not appear the evil thing it was. Heretofore it had had no place in the universe of God, and holy beings had no conception of its nature and malignity. They could not discern the terrible consequences that would result from setting aside the divine law. Satan had, at first, concealed his work under a specious profession of loyalty to God. He claimed to be seeking to promote the honor of God, the stability of His government, and the good of all the inhabitants of Heaven. While in-stilling discontent into the minds of the angels under him, he had artfully made it appear that he was seeking to remove dissatisfaction. When he urged that changes be made in the order and laws of God’s government, it was under the pretense that these were necessary in order to preserve harmony in Heaven.

In his dealing with sin, God could employ only righteousness and truth. Satan could use what God could not—flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God, and had misrepresented His plan of government before the angels, claiming that God was not just in laying laws and rules upon the inhabitants of Heaven; that in requiring sub- mission and obedience from His creatures, He was seeking merely the exaltation of himself. Therefore it must be demonstrated before the inhabitants of Heaven as well as of all the worlds, that God’s government was just, His law perfect. Satan had made it appear that He Himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper, and his real object, must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works.

The Work will Condemn

The discord which his own course had caused in Heaven, Satan charged upon the law and government of God. All evil he declared to be the result of the divine administration. He claimed that it was his own object to improve upon the statutes of Jehovah. Therefore it was necessary that he should demonstrate the nature of His claims, and show the working out of his proposed changes in the divine law. His own work must condemn him. Satan had claimed from the first that he was not in rebellion. The whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked.

Even when it was decided that he could no longer remain in Heaven, infinite wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since the service of love can alone be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of Heaven and of other worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted from existence, they would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. Evil must be permitted to come to maturity. For the good of the entire universe

40 You Can be an Overcomer

through ceaseless ages, Satan must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His law might forever be placed beyond all question.

A Lesson for All Time

Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages, a perpetual testimony to the nature and terrible results of sin. The working out of Satan’s rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the existence of God’s government and His law is bound up the wellbeing of all the creatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy intelligences, to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression, to save them from committing sin, and suffering its punishment.

To the very close of the controversy in Heaven, the great usurper continued to justify himself. When it was announced that with all his sympathizers he must be expelled from the abodes of bliss, then the rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt for the Creator’s law. He reiterated his claim that angels needed no control, but should be left to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right. He denounced the divine statutes as a re- striction of their liberty, and declared that it was his purpose to secure the abolition of law; that, freed from this restraint, the hosts of Heaven might enter upon a more exalted, more glorious state of existence.

Cast Out of Heaven

With one accord, Satan and his host threw the blame of their rebellion wholly upon Christ, declaring that if they had not been reproved, they would never have rebelled. Thus stubborn and defiant in their disloyalty, seeking vainly to overthrow the government of God, yet blasphemously claiming to be themselves the innocent victims of oppressive power, the arch-rebel and all his sympathizers were at last banished from Heaven.

The same spirit that prompted rebellion in Heaven, still inspires rebellion on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy which he pursued with the angels. His spirit now reigns in the children of disobedience. Like him they seek to break down the restraints of the law of God, and promise men liberty through transgression of its precepts. Reproof of sin still arouses the spirit of hatred and resistance. When God’s messages of warning are brought home to the conscience, Satan leads men to justify themselves and to seek the sympathy of others in their course of sin. Instead of correcting their errors, they excite indignation against the reprover, as if he were the sole cause of difficulty. From the days of righteous Abel to our own time, such is the spirit which has been displayed toward those who dare to condemn sin.

Methods Unchanged

By the same misrepresentation of the character of God as he had practiced in Heaven, causing him to be regarded as severe and tyrannical, Satan induced man to sin. And having succeeded thus far, he declared that God’s unjust restrictions had led to man’s fall, as they had led to his own rebellion.

But the Eternal One Himself proclaims His character: “The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 34:6-7.

In the banishment of Satan from Heaven, God declared His justice and maintained the honor of His throne. But when man had sinned through yielding to the deceptions of this apostate spirit, God gave an evidence of His love by yielding up His only begotten Son to die for the fallen race. In the atonement the character of God is revealed. The mighty argument of the cross demonstrates to the whole universe that the course of sin which Lucifer had chosen was in nowise chargeable upon the government of God.

Behold what Love and Hate

In the contest between Christ and Satan, during the Saviour’s earthly ministry, the character of the great deceiver was unmasked. Nothing could so effectually have uprooted Satan from the affections of the heavenly angels and the whole loyal universe as did his cruel warfare upon the world’s Redeemer. The daring blasphemy of his demand that Christ should pay him homage, his presumptuous boldness in bearing Him to the mountain summit and the pinnacle of the temple, the malicious intent betrayed in urging Him to cast Himself down from the dizzy height, the unsleeping malice that hunted Him from place to place, inspiring the hearts of priests and people to reject His love, and at the last to cry, “Crucify Him! crucify Him!” All this excited the amazement and indignation of the universe.

It was Satan that prompted the world’s rejection of Christ. The prince of evil exerted all his power and cunning to destroy Jesus; for he saw that the Saviour’s mercy and love, His compassion and pitying tenderness, were representing to the world the character of God. Satan contested every claim put forth by the Son of God, and employed men as His agents to fill the Saviour’s life with suffering and sorrow. The sophistry and falsehood by which he had sought to hinder the work of Jesus, the hatred manifested through the children of disobedience, his cruel accusations against Him whose life was one of unexampled goodness, all sprung from deep-seated revenge. The pent-up fires of envy and malice, hatred, and revenge burst forth on Calvary against the Son of God while all Heaven gazed upon the scene in silent horror.

When the great sacrifice had been consummated, Christ ascended on high, refusing the adoration of angels until He had presented the request, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 17:24). Then with inexpressible love and power came forth the answer from the Father’s throne, “Let all the angels of God worship Him” (Heb. 1:6). Not a stain rested upon Jesus. His humiliation ended, His sacrifice completed, there was given unto Him a name that is above every name.

Selfishness Unmasked

Now the guilt of Satan stood forth without excuse. He had revealed his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with which he ruled the children of men, who were under his power, he would have manifested had he been permitted to control the inhabitants of Heaven. He had claimed that the transgression of God’s law would bring liberty and exaltation; but it was seen to result in bondage and degradation.

Satan’s lying charges against the divine character and government appeared in their true light. He had accused God of seeking merely the exaltation of Himself in requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, and had declared that while the Creator exacted self-denial from all oth- ers, He Himself practiced no self-denial, made no sacrifice. Now it was seen that for the salvation of a fallen and sinful race, the Ruler of the universe had made the greatest sacrifice which love could make; for “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). It was seen, also, that while Lucifer had opened the door for the entrance of sin, by his desire for honor and supremacy, Christ had, in order to destroy sin, humbled Himself and become obedient unto death.

What God Is Like

How Sin Began 45

God had manifested His abhorrence of the principles of rebellion. All Heaven saw His justice revealed, both in the condemnation of Satan and in the redemption of man. Lucifer had declared that if the law of God was changeless, and its penalty could not be remitted, every transgressor must be forever debarred from the Creator’s favor. He had claimed that the sinful race were placed beyond redemption, and were therefore his rightful prey. But 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 yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus.

But it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to the earth to suffer and to die. He came to “magnify the law” and to “make it honorable.” Not alone that the inhabitants of this world might regard the law as it should be regarded; but it was to demonstrate to all the worlds of the universe that God’s law is unchangeable. Could its claims have been set aside, then the Son of God need not have yielded up His life to atone for its transgression. The death of Christ proves it immutable. And the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled the Father and the Son, that sinners might be redeemed, demonstrates to all the universe—what nothing less than this plan of atonement could have sufficed to do— that justice and mercy are the foundation of the law and government of God.

It Will End in Ashes

46 You Can be an Overcomer

In the final execution of the Judgment it will be seen that no cause for sin exists. When the Judge of all the earth shall demand of Satan, “Why hast thou rebelled against Me, and robbed Me of the subjects of My kingdom?” the originator of evil can render no excuse. Every mouth will be stopped, and all the hosts of rebellion will be speechless.

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death-knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). Lucifer’s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . I will be like the Most High.” God declares, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth . . and never shalt thou be any more” (Isa. 14:13-14, Eze. 28:18- 19). When “the day cometh that shall burn as an oven,” “all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Mal. 4:1).

Eternally Secure

How Sin Began 47

The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature and results of sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginning would have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God, will now vindicate His love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law. Never will evil again be manifest. Says the Word of God, “Affliction shall not rise up the sec- ond time” (Nahum 1:9). The law of God, which Satan has reproached as the yoke of bondage, will be honored as the law of liberty. A tested and proved creation will never again be turned from allegiance to Him whose character has been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom. ——————————————————

Now we can understand, as never before, how important it is that we prove true to God, and to His holy law, which is the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth.

It is only through the enabling strength of Jesus Christ that we can obey the Ten Commandments. When we do so, we honor the Law-giver, vindicate His holy name, and repudiate the false charges of Satan that God’s law cannot be kept.

“The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.” —Psalm 34:22

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” —Proverbs 21:23

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” —John 1:12

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Understanding the nature of sin —

Why God’s Law is so Important

Thousands today believe the lie of Satan that they can best achieve happiness by ignoring God’s holy law and living for self. But, in reality, just the opposite is true.

This is an important chapter for everyone who wants to learn how he can daily become an overcomer with God.

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In the truths of His Word, God has given to men a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world. The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time.

Why God’s Law is so Important 49

There are, in the various denominations, men eminent for their piety, by whom this fact is acknowledged and deplored. Prof. Edward Park, in setting forth the current religious perils, ably says: “One source of danger is the neglect of the pulpit to enforce the divine law. In former days the pulpit was an echo of the voice of conscience . . Our most illustrious preachers gave a wonderful majesty to their discourses by following the example of the Master and giving prominence to the law, its precepts, and its threatenings. They repeated the two great maxims, that the law is a transcript of the divine perfection, and that a man who does not love the law does not love the gospel; for the law, as well as the gospel, is a mirror reflecting the true character of God. This peril leads to another, that of underrating the evil of sin, the extent of it, the demerit of it. In proportion to the rightfulness of the commandment is the wrongfulness of disobeying it.”

“Affiliated to the dangers already named is the danger of underestimating the justice of God. The tendency of the modern pulpit is to strain out the divine justice from the divine benevolence, to sink benevolence into a sentiment rather than exalt it into a principle. The new theological prism puts asunder what God has joined together. Is the di- vine law a good or an evil? It is a good. Then justice is good; for it is a disposition to execute the law. From the habit of underrating the divine law and justice, the extent and demerit of human disobedience, men easily slide into the habit of underestimating the grace which has provided an atonement for sin.” Thus the gospel loses its value and importance in the minds of men; and soon they are ready to practically cast aside the Bible itself.

50 You Can be an Overcomer

Many religious teachers assert that Christ by His death abolished the law, and men are henceforth free from its requirements. There are some who represent it as a grievous yoke and, in contrast to the bondage of the law, they present the liberty to be enjoyed under the gospel.

But not so did prophets and apostles regard the holy law of God. Said David, “I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” Psalm 119.45. The apostle James, who wrote after the death of Christ, refers to the decalogue as the “royal law” and the “perfect law of liberty.” James 2:8; 1:25. And the Revelator, half a century after the crucifixion, pro- nounces a blessing upon them “that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.

The claim, that Christ by His death abol- ished His Father’s law, is without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin. The death of Christ, so far from abolishing the law, proves that it is immutable. The Son of God came to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isaiah 42:21. He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law”; “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.” Matthew 5:17, 18. And concerning himself he declares, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8.

Why God’s Law is so Important 51

The law of God, from its very nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and the character of its Author. God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and man. “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10. The character of God is righteousness and truth; such is the nature of His law. Says the psalmist, “Thy law is the truth”; “all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:142, 172. And the apostle Paul declares, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12. Such a law, being an expression of the mind and will of God, must be as enduring as its Author.

It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile men to God, by bringing them into accord with the principles of His law. In the beginning, man was created in the image of God. He was in perfect harmony with the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteousness were written upon His heart. But sin alienated him from his Maker. He no longer reflected the divine image. His heart was at war with the principles of God’s law. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7. But “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,” that man might be reconciled to God. Through the merits of Christ He can be restored to harmony with His Maker. His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must have a new life from above. This change is the new birth, without which, says Jesus, “he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

52 You Can be an Overcomer

The first step, in reconciliation to God, is the conviction of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God’s great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own.

The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor. The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the condemnation or the defilement of sin. He must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed, and faith in Christ, His atoning sacrifice. Thus he obtains “remission of sins that are past” and becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is a child of God, having received the spirit of adoption, whereby he cries, “Abba, Father!”

Is he now free to transgress God’s law? Says Paul: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31. “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:2. And John declares, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3. In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then “the righteousness of the law” will “be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4. And the language of the soul will be, “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97.

Bible Study 53

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God, or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as vio- lators of God’s law, they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound and multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ.

THE BIBLE:
DIVINE GUIDANCE FOR YOUR LIFE

What is the purpose of the Bible?

2 Peter 1:21—“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

John20:30-31—“AndmanyothersignstrulydidJesusinthepres- ence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”

Psalm 119:11—“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”

54 You Can be an Overcomer

Psalm 119:105—“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Romans 15:4—“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

How should we study the Bible?

Acts 17:11—“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Isaiah 28:10—“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

2 Timothy 2:15—“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

John 5:39—“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.”

THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION: GOD’S PLAN TO SAVE YOU FROM SIN

Romans 3:23—“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Isaiah 59:2—“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.”

Romans 6:23—“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2 Peter 3:9—“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Exodus 34:6-7—“The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thou- sands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.”

Bible Study 55

John 3:16-20—“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

Luke 19:10—“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Matthew 1:21—“He shall save His people from their sins.”

Isaiah 53:6—“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Acts 16:31—“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

2 Corinthians 6:2—“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

John 1:12—“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

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

John 3:3—“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are be- come new.”

Philippians 2:13—“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Hebrews 10:16—“I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”

1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

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Are we safe while living in sin? —

Obedience and Sanctification

“Sanctification” is the Bible plan for daily growing more fully like Jesus. The happy experience is the work of a lifetime. Ever drawing closer to Christ, ever becoming more submissive to His will; this is what we want!

Obedience to God’s holy, moral law of Ten Commandments is the key to true Bible sanctification.

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Erroneous theories of sanctification, also springing from neglect or rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious movements of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and dangerous in practical results; and the fact that they are so generally finding favor renders it doubly essential that all have a clear understand- ing of what the Scriptures teach upon this point.

Obedience and Sanctification 57

True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23. The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:16. What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. And the psalmist says, “Thy law is the truth.” By the Word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righ- teousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says, “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please Him.” John 15:10; 8:29. The followers of Christ are to become like Him,—by the grace of God, to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.

This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength and faith exclaims, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57.

58 You Can be an Overcomer

The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to “go on unto perfection,” to grow up “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Says the apostle Paul: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high call- ing of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14. And Peter sets before us the steps by which Bible sanctification is to be attained: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity . . If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:5-7, 10.

Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness and they see their own unworthiness, in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One.

The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares, “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.” And when at a later time the Son of God appeared, to give him instruction, he declares, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8.

Obedience and Sanctification 59

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6. It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord and heard the cheru- bim crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone.” Isaiah 6:3, 5. Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not pos- sible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints.” 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (margin), Ephesians 3:8. It was the beloved John (that leaned on Jesus’ breast, and beheld His glory) who fell as one dead before the feet of the angel. Revelation 22:8.

There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary’s cross. They feel that it was their sin which caused the agony that broke the heart of the Son of God; and this thought will lead them to self-abasement. Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity; and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour.

60 You Can be an Overcomer

The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world, carries with it a spirit of self-exaltation, and a disregard for the law of God, that mark it as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates teach that sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through faith alone, they attain to perfect holiness. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing is yours.” No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required. At the same time they deny the authority of the law of God, urging that they are released from obligation to keep the commandments. But is it possible for men to be holy, in accord with the will and character of God, without coming into harmony with the principles which are an expression of His nature and will, and which show what is well-pleasing to Him?

The desire for an easy religion, that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the Word of God? Says the apostle James: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? . . Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:14, 20-22, 24.

Obedience and Sanctification 61

The testimony of the Word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted. It is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth (transgresseth the law) hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:6. Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But whoso keepeth His word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in Heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” —2 Timothy 2:12

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What is in each of them? —

Inside the Ten Commandments

All the truly moral laws of mankind are founded upon the Ten Commandments. These holy precepts reveal the character of Christ, qualities that God wants us to have in our own lives.

In order to fully obey them, we need to know what each of the Ten Commandments teaches.

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On the morning of the third day, as the eyes of all the people were turned toward the mount, its summit was covered with a thick cloud, which grew more black and dense, sweeping downward until the entire mountain was wrapped in darkness and awful mystery. Then a sound as of a trumpet was heard, summoning the people to meet with God; and Moses led them forth to the base of the mountain.

Inside the Ten Commandments 63

From the thick darkness flashed vivid light- nings, while peals of thunder echoed and re-ech- oed among the surrounding heights. “And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.” “The glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the sight of the assembled multitude. And “the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder.” Exodus 19. So terrible were the tokens of Jehovah’s presence that the hosts of Israel shook with fear and fell upon their faces before the Lord. Even Moses exclaimed, “I exceedingly fear and quake.” Hebrews 12:21.

And now the thunders ceased; the trumpet was no longer heard; the earth was still. There was a period of solemn silence, and then the voice of God was heard. Speaking out of the thick dark- ness that enshrouded Him, as He stood upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord made known His law.

Moses, describing the scene, says: “The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; He shined forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints: from His right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, He loved the people; all His saints are in Thy hand: and they sat down at Thy feet; every one shall receive of Thy words.” Deuteronomy 33:2, 3.

Jehovah revealed Himself, not alone in the awful majesty of the judge and lawgiver, but as the compassionate guardian of His people:

“I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

64 You Can be an Overcomer

He whom they had already known as their Guide and Deliverer, who had brought them forth from Egypt, making a way for them through the sea, and overthrowing Pharaoh and his hosts, who had thus shown Himself to be above all the gods of Egypt— He it was who now spoke His law.

The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law; but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind; and they were given for the instruction and government of all. Ten pre- cepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all were based upon the great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. See also Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; Leviticus 19:18. In the Ten Commandments these principles are carried out in detail and made applicable to the condition and circumstances of man.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.

Inside the Ten Commandments 65

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,

or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.”

The second commandment forbids the worship of the true God by images or similitudes. Many heathen nations claimed that their images were mere figures or symbols by which the Deity was worshiped, but God has declared such wor- ship to be sin. The attempt to represent the Eternal One by material objects would lower man’s conception of God. The mind, turned away from the infinite perfection of Jehovah, would be attracted to the creature rather than to the Creator. And as his conceptions of God were lowered, so would man become degraded.

“I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.”

The close and sacred relation of God to His people is represented under the figure of marriage. Idolatry being spiritual adultery, the displeasure of God against it is fitly called jealousy.

“Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me.”

It is inevitable that children should suffer from the consequences of parental wrongdoing, but they are not punished for the parents’ guilt, except as they participate in their sins. It is usually the case, however, that children walk in the steps of their parents. By inheritance and example the sons be- come partakers of the father’s sin. Wrong tendencies, perverted appetites, and debased morals, as well as physical disease and degeneracy, are transmitted as a legacy from father to son, to the third and fourth generation. This fearful truth should have a solemn power to restrain men from following a course of sin.

66 You Can be an Overcomer

“Showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.”

In prohibiting the worship of false gods, the second commandment by implication enjoins the worship of the true God. And to those who are faithful in His service, mercy is promised, not merely to the third and fourth generation as is the wrath threatened against those who hate Him, but to thousands of generations.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.”

This commandment not only prohibits false oaths and common swearing, but it forbids us to use the name of God in a light or careless man- ner, without regard to its awful significance. By the thoughtless mention of God in common conversation, by appeals to Him in trivial matters, and by the frequent and thoughtless repetition of His name, we dishonor Him. “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. All should meditate upon His majesty, His purity and holiness, that the heart may be impressed with a sense of His exalted character; and His holy name should be uttered with reverence and solemnity.

Inside the Ten Commandments 67

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God:

in it thou shalt not do any work,
thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter,
thy manservant, nor thy maidservant,
nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

The Sabbath is not introduced as a new institution but as having been founded at creation. It is to be remembered and observed as the memorial of the Creator’s work. Pointing to God as the Maker of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus the Sabbath is the sign of man’s allegiance to God as long as there are any upon the earth to serve Him. The fourth commandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Law- giver. It is the only one that shows by whose authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force.

68 You Can be an Overcomer

God has given men six days wherein to labor, and He requires that their own work be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and mercy are permitted on the Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all times to be cared for; but unnecessary labor is to be strictly avoided. “Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and . . honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure.” Isaiah 58:13. Nor does the prohibition end here. “Nor speaking thine own words,” says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon His holy day.

“Honor thy father and thy mother:
that thy days may be long
upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children. And he who rejects the rightful authority of his parents is rejecting the authority of God. The fifth commandment requires children not only to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and to succor and comfort them in old age. It also enjoins re- spect for ministers and rulers and for all others to whom God has delegated authority.

Inside the Ten Commandments 69

This, says the apostle, “is the first commandment with promise.” Ephesians 6:2. To Israel, expecting soon to enter Canaan, it was a pledge to the obedient, of long life in that good land; but it has a wider meaning, including all the Israel of God, and promises eternal life upon the earth when it shall be freed from the curse of sin.

“Thou shalt not kill.”

All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life, the spirit of hatred and revenge, the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others or causes us even to wish them harm (for “whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer”), a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suf- fering, all self-indulgence or unnecessary depri- vation or excessive labor that tends to injure health—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

This commandment forbids not only acts of impurity, but sensual thoughts and desires, or any practice that tends to excite them. Purity is demanded not only in the outward life but in the secret intents and emotions of the heart. Christ, who taught the far-reaching obligation of the law of God, declared the evil thought or look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful deed.

“Thou shalt not steal.”

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Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as fraud in the books of heaven.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a false- hood may be told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinu- ation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor’s reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment.

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.”

Inside the Ten Commandments 71

The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in obedience to God’s law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire for that which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow creatures.

Such were the sacred precepts of the Decalogue, spoken amid thunder and flame, and with a wonderful display of the power and majesty of the great Lawgiver. God accompanied the proclamation of His law with exhibitions of His power and glory, that His people might never forget the scene, and that they might be impressed with profound veneration for the Author of the law, the Creator of heaven and earth. He would also show to all men the sacred- ness, the importance, and the permanence of His law.

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How thankful we can be that, through the enabling merits of Christ’s righteousness, we can fully obey God’s holy law. Apart from His continual help, we will always fail. But in His strength, we can fulfill all the will of God for our lives!

How important it is, therefore, that we know how to come to Jesus!

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”

—Psalm 37:25-26

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How can I find peace in Christ? —

How to Come to Jesus

In this and the next chapter, you will learn exactly how to resist temptation and be an over- comer. It would be worth your while to re-read these two chapters many times in the coming months.

——————————————————

Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. It is transgression of God’s law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed. “God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass.

Jesus came to live among men to reveal the infinite love of God. Love, mercy, and compassion were revealed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men. He took man’s nature, that He might reach man’s wants. The poorest and humblest were not afraid to ap- proach Him. Such is the character of Christ as revealed in His life. This is the character of God.

It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became a “Man of Sorrows,” that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy.

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But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father’s heart a love for man, not make Him willing to save. No, no! “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” John 3:16. The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us. None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption.

What a value this places upon man! Through transgression the sons of man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God.

Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil.

It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul and at- tract it to God, to holiness. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh

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away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Let us avail ourselves of the means provided for us, that we may be transformed into His likeness and be restored to fellowship with the ministering angels, to harmony and communion with the Father and the Son.

How shall a man be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ?

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.

But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. Con- viction takes hold upon the mind and heart.

The prayer of David, after his fall, illustrates the nature of true sorrow for sin. His repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his guilt; no desire to escape the judgment threatened, inspired his prayer. David saw the enormity of his transgression; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. He longed for the joy of holiness, to be restored to harmony and communion with God. A repentance such as this, is beyond the reach of our own power to accomplish; it is obtained only from Christ.

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Christ is ready to set us free from sin, but He does not force the will. If we refuse, what more can He do? Study God’s Word prayerfully. As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really are, do not give up in despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save. When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that “Christ came into the world to save sinners” and that you may be saved (1 Tim. 1:15).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and just and reasonable. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. Those who have not humbled their souls before God, in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first step of acceptance. We must be willing to humble our hearts and comply with the conditions of the Word of truth. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. True confession is always of a specific character and acknowledges particular sins. All confession should be definite and to the point. It is written, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

God’s promise is, “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. The whole heart must be yielded, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness.

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The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.

In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. There are those who profess to serve God while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ; but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worthless.

When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Such do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer.

Do you feel that it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ? Ask yourself the question, “What has Christ given for me?” The Son of God gave all— life and love and suffering—for our redemption. And can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so great love, will withhold our hearts from Him? What do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view.

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Many are inquiring, “How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?” You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair.

What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.

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Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.

As your conscience has been quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have seen something of the evil of sin, of its power, its guilt, its woe; and you look upon it with abhorrence. It is peace that you need. You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart.

Then believe that He does this because He has promised. The gift which God promises us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours. You are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You con- fess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His Word to you. If you believe the promise,—God supplies the fact. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole, but say, “I believe it; it is so, not because I feel it, but because God promised.”

—Summary of the book, Steps to Christ, pp. 9-51, in the author’s own words.

“If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love.” —John 15:10

What if I lose Him? —

How to Stay Close to Christ

In the preceding chapter, you learned how you can be an overcomer. In this chapter, you will learn how to maintain that close walk with God.

 Jesus says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). There is a condition to this promise—that we pray according to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these blessings, believe that we receive them, and

thank God that we have received them. Henceforth you are not your own; you are bought with a price. Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has begotten a new life in your heart. You are a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son.

Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take yourself away from Him. But day by day say, “I am Christ’s; I have given myself to Him”; and ask Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving your- self to God and believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him.

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Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally, individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God’s promises are not meant for you. They are for ev- ery repentant transgressor.

Look up, you that are doubting and trembling; for Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Thank God for the gift of His dear Son.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or trace all the chain of circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they have become. Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him. There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers. It was His delight to do the will of God.

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There are two errors against which the children of God especially need to guard: The first is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, which can make us holy.

The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.

Obedience is the fruit of faith. Righteousness is defined by the standard of God’s holy law, as expressed in the ten commandments (Ex. 20:3-20). That so-called faith in Christ, which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,— just what it was in paradise before the fall of our first parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were granted on any condition short of this, then the happiness of the whole universe would be imperiled. The way would be open for sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to be immortalized.

Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

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The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions are losing their power. No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His char- acter. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His im- age.

The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops.

As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ.

Do you ask, “How am I to abide in Christ?” In the same way as you received Him at first. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6. By faith you became Christ’s, and by faith you are to grow up in Him—by giving and taking. You are to give all,— your heart, your will, your service,—give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all—Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper—to give you power to obey.

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Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.

A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence, it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ.

When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie—to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. But let us keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe. Nothing can pluck us out of His hand. All that Christ was to the

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disciples, He desires to be to His children today. Jesus prayed for us, and He asked that we might be one with Him, even as He is one with the Father. What a union is this! Thus, loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall “grow up into Him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:15).
God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.

Our Saviour’s joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear to Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame. When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it can not be hidden. Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father’s care. Those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the world better for their stay in it. This spirit is the sure outgrowth of a soul truly converted. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, we shall have something to tell. We shall seek to present to others the attractions of Christ and the unseen realities of the world to come. There will be an intensity of desire to follow in the path that Jesus trod.

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And the effort to bless others will react in blessings upon ourselves. Those who thus become participants in labors of love are brought nearest to their Creator. The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. Strength comes by exer- cise. We need not go to heathen lands, or even leave the narrow circle of the home, if it is there that our duty lies, in order to work for Christ. With a loving spirit we may perform life’s humblest duties “to the Lord” (Col. 3:23). If the love of God is in the heart, it will be manifested in the life. You are not to wait for great occasions or to expect extraor- dinary abilities before you go to work for God. The humblest and poorest of the disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to others.

Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make Himself known to us and bring us into communion with Him. If we will but listen, nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. God’s created works will teach us precious lessons of obedience and trust.

No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile that He does not mark. If we would but fully believe this, all undue anxieties would be dismissed. Our lives would not be so filled with disappointment as now; for everything, whether great or small, would be left in the hands of God.

God speaks to us through His providential works and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart. God speaks to us in His Word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven.

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The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? As we meditate upon the Saviour, there will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like Him whom we adore.

The Bible was written for the common people. The great truths necessary for salvation are made as clear as noonday. There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. But there is little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Bible. One passage studied, until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained.

Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory.

We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. How must God esteem the human race, since He gave His Son to die for them and appoints His Holy Spirit to be man’s teacher and continual guide!

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Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith?

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of prayer. Yet prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence.

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers:

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One is that we feel our need of help from Him. If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions.

Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption.

When we come to God in prayer, we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience.

We should pray in the family circle. Above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God.

There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance.

Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He is not indifferent to the wants of His children.

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We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another.

We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our most joyful emotion. We should keep in our thoughts every blessing we receive from God; and, when we realize His great love, we should be willing to trust everything to the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.

The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. As we express our gratitude, we are approximating to the worship of the heavenly hosts.

Many are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin.

We must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it.

—Summary of the book, Steps to Christ, pp. 51 to 111, in the author’s own words.

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Additional ways to resist temptation —

Being an Overcomer

In the previous two chapters, you have read an astounding blueprint for resisting temptation and overcoming sin in your life.

It was a presentation which cannot be exceeded. However, here are several additional pointers which can help you in your journey through life, so that you will reach your heavenly home in peace.

From years studying God’s Word and counseling, here are several suggestions from the editor of this book:

Make up your mind that you are going to heaven. Nothing else counts as much. If you get this one thing settled in your mind,—it will make a world of difference! Future temptations will not be as strong.

Determine that you are on God’s side. Determine that you are going to cling to Christ no matter what happens. If any cloud enters, or you momentarily are betrayed into speaking or acting unadvisedly, you quickly run back to Jesus. Do not hesitate, fearing to come to Him.

Be His little child and hold tightly to His hand. Be especially guarded and watchful when you are tired, when you are working under pressure or time schedules, or others are upset with you. Silently keep talking to Jesus. In your heart, cry to Him for help. Never give up on Him, and you will have Him continually with you. You are able to let go of His hand; but, if you cling to it, He will hold it tightly. It is your decision that counts!

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God’s children have the highest freedom in His will. But they are also free to leave Him. In marked contrast, Satan’s captives are slaves, held in captivity by delusions, lusts, and passions. But when they cry to God for help, He will snap off their chains and take them for His own.

Making a daily, hourly habit of talking to God— makes it easier to do it when one of life’s trials or crises come upon you. But beware of pride, passion, or discouragement slipping in. When a problem arises, when you start to slip, when you do slip,—immediately run back to Jesus.

There is great power in simple trust and obedience. Keep reading the Bible and do what you learn from it to be right.

There is immense power in praise. As soon as a cloud of discouragement or doubt comes, begin praising God and it will disappear. Thank Him for your eyes, your ears, every working function of your body. Accept your handicaps (we all have them), knowing that you will trade them in on a glorious new body when Christ returns at His Second Com- ing.

Avoid bad associates. Choose good friends. Do not go to questionable places. Be careful what you look at or think about. Never doubt God! Never!

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Strengthen your will by studying God’s Word regularly and obeying it. Deciding never again to return to a formerly cherished sin is a great solver of life’s problems. In Christ’s strength, you can do it. When Satan sends a tempting thought, do not begin to think about it. Do not let your mind linger on it. Instead, immediately ask Jesus to take the thought away. He will do it right then! If—if—you genuinely want that thought removed. But if, deep down, you love it—than Satan will catch you again. Determine that you want nothing more to do with the evil thing! Then, in Christ’s strength, you have the victory. If necessary, do this over and over. This makes you Christ’s fortress, which Satan cannot easily enter. You are making a habit of good, clean living. You are making a habit of staying with God and choosing Him in every situation in life. As a result, it is changing you. You are becoming a godly person. But only as long as you stay with Jesus as His trusting, obedient little child.

Beware of situations where you are likely to make a quick, impulsive decision! When in doubt, do not make a fast decision. Be careful what you do and say when around others. Quick words can lead to great problems. It is not easy to take back a word you have spoken.

Live to serve God and bless others! The more you do this, you will find that you do not have time to get in trouble and sin. You are too busy talking to God, praising Him, and helping others.

There are two extremes you must avoid: On one hand, it is extremely dangerous to say, “I am without sin”; for then you start trying, in your own strength, to avoid sin. You begin thinking you are the great person.

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Someone has said, “When we look at Christ, the dove of peace lands on our shoulder. When we look at the dove, it flies away.” Focus on humble, child-like obedience to God, not on your own achievements. The closer you come to God, the more you will sense your own weakness and imperfection, compared to Christ’s infinite majesty.

The other extreme is this: It is dangerous for you to say that you cannot put away your cherished sins. Whether it be appetite, temper, or whatever,— in the enabling strength of Christ, you can and you must conquer it! If you will follow the recipe for victory given in this book, it can and it will be done.

The best way to deal with sin is to turn from it and crowd it out. Turn from it, by asking Jesus to take it away as soon as the tempting thought enters your mind. Crowd it out, by spending your time walking with Jesus and living to help everyone around you. By immediately turning from it and steadily crowding it out, sin withers on the vine.

But, in your own strength, you cannot push it out. In this life, you will never be strong enough to push sin out. Satan, who is far stronger, can push harder than you can. So run to Jesus and stay by His side. Only then are you safe.

A powerful aid in resisting temptation, having a clear mind, and remaining close to Christ is to eat moderately of good food, obtain proper rest, and regularly exercise outdoors. Do not overeat. Avoid meat, grease, sugary food, junk food. Indigestion confuses the mind and invites temptations. No tobacco, hard drugs, or alcohol. You have given your body to Christ.

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Beware of becoming so busy (even in doing good things), that you do not take time to keep talking submissively to God and reading the Bible. You want to crowd sin out, but you do not want to crowd Jesus out of your life! If you do, you will soon have a big fall! Beware! Beware!

Remain positive. Keep thanking God for all that you have. If the weather is miserable, thank the Lord for the weather! If you are on a sickbed, in prison, or whatever may be your problem, thank Him for everything you can possibly thank Him for! As you do so, encouragement and strength will enter your mind. Never let go of His hand. Never abandon your confidence in Him—and your reward will be great. God, Himself, guarantees it.

Much more could be said, but here are additional suggestions:

 “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. “A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light.

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“If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin.

“We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.”— Desire of Ages, 324.

“Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience. We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us.

“This union with Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is close work, and many who profess to be followers of Christ know nothing of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not as the sole ruler of their hearts.

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“Some feel their need of the atonement, and with the recognition of this need, and the desire for a change of heart, a struggle begins. To renounce their own will, perhaps their chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires an effort, at which many hesi- tate and falter and turn back. Yet this battle must be fought by every heart that is truly converted. We must war against temptations without and within. We must gain the victory over self, crucify the affec- tions and lusts; and then begins the union of the soul with Christ.

“As the dry and apparently lifeless branch is grafted into the living tree, so may we become living branches of the True Vine. And the fruit which was borne by Christ will be borne by all His followers. After this union is formed, it can be preserved only by continual, earnest, painstaking effort. Christ exercises His power to preserve and guard this sacred tie, and the dependent, helpless sinner must act his part with untiring energy, or Satan by his cruel, cunning power will separate him from Christ.

“Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ . . It is only by personal union with Christ, by com- munion with Him daily, hourly, that we can bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit.”—5 Testimonies, 46- 48.

“[Many] do not see the importance of self-knowledge and self-control. They do not watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation. If they would watch, they would become acquainted with their weak points, where they are most likely to be assailed by temptation. With watchfulness and prayer their weakest points can be so guarded as to become their strongest points, and they can encounter tempta- tion without being overcome. Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that he may become perfectly acquainted with his own conduct.”—2 Tes- timonies, 511.

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“You need not despair. You must be determined to believe, although nothing seems true and real to you. I need not tell you it is you yourself that has brought you into this unenviable position .  It is for you to yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Your whole nature will then be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ, and even your thoughts will be subject to Him.

“You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire; but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, your life will be hid with Christ in God and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from God that will hold you fast to His strength; and a new light, even the light of living faith, will be possible to you. But your will must co-operate with God’s will, not with the will of associates through whom Satan is constantly working to ensnare and destroy you.

“Will you not without delay place yourself in right relation to God? Will you not say, ‘I will give my will to Jesus, and I will do it now,’ and from this moment be wholly on the Lord’s side? Disregard custom and the strong clamoring of appetite and passion . . Say, ‘I will believe, I do believe that God is my helper,’ and you will find that you are triumphant in God. By steadfastly keeping the will on the Lord’s side, every emotion will be brought into captivity to the will of Jesus. You will then find your feet on solid rock. It will take, at times, every particle of will power which you possess; but it is God that is working for you, and you will come forth from the molding pro- cess a vessel unto honor.

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“Talk faith. Keep on God’s side of the line. Set not your foot on the enemy’s side, and the Lord will be your helper. He will do for you that which it is not possible for you to do for yourself.”—5 Testimonies, 513-514.

“Those who are continually learning in the school of Christ will be able to pursue the even tenor of their way, and Satan’s efforts to throw them off their balance will be signally defeated. Temptation is not sin. Jesus was holy and pure; yet He was tempted in all points as we are, but with a strength and power [of temptation upon Him] that man will never be called upon to endure. In His successful resistance He has left us a bright example, that we should follow His steps.

“If we are self-confident or self-righteous we shall be left to fall under the power of temptation; but if we look to Jesus and trust in Him we call to our aid a power that has conquered the foe on the field of battle, and with every temptation He will make a way of escape. When Satan comes in like a flood, we must meet his temptations with the sword of the Spirit, and Jesus will be our helper and will lift up for us a standard against him. The father of lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is thrown in his face.

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“Satan makes every effort to lead people away from God; and he is successful in his purpose when the religious life is drowned in business cares, when he can so absorb their minds in business that they will not take time to read their Bibles, to pray in secret, and to keep the offering of praise and thanksgiving burning on the altar of sacrifice morning and evening. How few realize the wiles of the arch-deceiver! how many are ignorant of his devices!”—5 Testimonies, 426.

“Satan . . simply asks men to place their affections upon the good things of this world. If he succeeds in engaging the mind and affections, the heavenly attractions are eclipsed. All he wants of man is for him to fall under the deceitful power of his temptations, to love the world, to love rank and position, to love money, and to place his affections upon earthly treasures. If he secures this, he gains all that he asked of Christ.

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

“God loved the world so dearly that He gave His only-begotten Son that whosoever would accept Him might have power to live His righteous life. Christ proved that it is possible for man to lay hold by faith on the power of God. He showed that the sinner, by repentance and the exercise of faith in the righteousness of Christ, can be reconciled to God, and become a partaker of the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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

“ ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ He who repents of his sin and accepts the gift of the life of the Son of God, cannot be overcome. Laying hold by faith of the divine nature, he becomes a child of God. He prays, he believes. When tempted and tried, he claims the power that Christ died to give, and overcomes through His grace. This every sinner needs to understand. He must repent of his sin, he must believe in the power of Christ, and accept that power to save and to keep him from sin. How thankful ought we to be for the gift of Christ’s example!”—1 Selected Messages, 223- 224.

“He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” —Hebrews 5:9

“If thou shalt indeed obey his [the angel’s] voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary to thine adversaries.” —Exodus 23:22

Is there something more for me? —

Entering a Deeper Experience

When we study God’s Word—the Holy Bible— and obey its truths, we are able to enter upon the path of obedience that God invites us to enter.

In this chapter we will discover what the Scriptures say about a special truth that God has for us.

FACT NUMBER ONE—The Sabbath was given to all mankind at the Creation of this world.

The seventh-day Sabbath was given to mankind on the seventh day of Creation Week.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.

“And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.”—Genesis 2:1-3.

God dedicated and set aside the Sabbath as a rest day—2,000 years before the first Jew. Abraham is considered by all to have been the first Jew. He lived about 2000 B.C. Biblical records indicate that the Creation of this world took place about 4000 B.C. So the Bible Sabbath is not Jewish! It is for mankind; it is for all the world.

“The Sabbath was made for man.”—Mark 2:27.

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FACT NUMBER TWO—The Sabbath is a memorial of Creation and our salvation.

First, it is a memorial of Creation.
“It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever:

for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.”—Exodus 31:17.

As a memorial of the Creation of this world, the Sabbath cannot pass away without first having this world pass away—and creating a new one! Our planet could not have a new or different Sabbath day, without having it first hurled into oblivion—and then a new planet cre- ated from nothing. But no such event has occurred.

Second, the Sabbath is a symbol of our salvation. When we keep it, we tell all the world that we belong to God and that we serve and obey Him. The seventh-day Sabbath is a sign of our conversion, sanctifica- tion, and salvation:

“Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.”—Exodus 31:13.

“Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.”—Ezekiel 20:12.

“And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.”— Ezekiel 20:20.

But what about Christ’s resurrection? Nowhere in Scripture were we told to keep any day in honor of Christ’s resurrection. To do so is unscriptural. On the contrary, to set aside the Creation and sanctifica- tion Sabbath of the Bible—for another day of the week—and excuse it by saying that we do so “in honor of Christ’s resurrection”—is indeed to do a very daring thing. Who dare presume to set aside the Memorial of Creation and salvation for any reason! To knowingly do so flies in the face of repeated, direct, Biblical commands by the God of heaven. To do so denies that He is our Creator and Redeemer.

If we abandon the Bible Sabbath and keep another day holy, in the Judgment what excuse can we offer? There is no Bible reason for keep- ing the first day of the week holy instead of the seventh day.

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FACT NUMBER THREE—The people of God kept the Bible Sabbath before the Ten Commandments were given at Mount Sinai.

The Sabbath Truth was first given to our race in Eden before the fall of man. It was given before sin existed, and apart from it. It was given to every man to link him to his God. And if Adam needed the Sabbath, we need it all the more today.

God’s people had it before Mount Sinai. Four chapters before the Ten Commandments were given on Mount Sinai, the God of heaven spoke in such a way that it is obvious that the seventh-day Sabbath was already well-known by the people of God—but not always well-kept. Read Exodus 16.

There are those who say that the seventh-day Sabbath was not commanded by God, nor kept by man before it was spoken from Mount Sinai in Exodus 20. But Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 16 prove otherwise.

FACT NUMBER FOUR—The seventh-day Sabbath Commandment lies in the very heart of the Moral Law of Ten Command- ments.

“Remember The Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.

“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.”—Exodus 20:8- 11.

The Sabbath Commandment is part of the Moral Law of Ten Commandments. The Apostle James tells us that if we break any part of this law, we have broken it all (James 2:10-12). We cannot tear out the Fourth Commandment without setting aside all the others as well. They all stand together, because the God of Heaven put them all together.

We do not decide which day of the week is to be kept holy unto God; He alone is to do this. It is for Him to command; it is for us to obey.

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Some say that Genesis 2:1-3 is not a command for man to keep the Sabbath; and therefore we do not obey it. But Exodus 16 and 20 clearly show that man is commanded to keep it holy. And who dare say that the Ten Commandments were only for the Jewish race? Are the rest of us permitted to lie, steal, cheat, and commit adultery? Are only the Hebrews to observe these ten moral principles?

The reason for the commandment is the Creation of this world:

“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth.” This is not some- thing local, merely for a Semitic race;—it is a commandment for all in the entire world who shall bow down and worship their Creator in humble thankfulness for His plan to save them through the life and death of Jesus Christ. It was given at the Creation of this world, to every man, woman, and child who shall live on this planet.

God wrote these Ten Commandments with His own finger (Ex. 31:18, Deut. 9:10). He wrote them on the most enduring thing in the world; that is rock (Ex. 31:18). And He wishes to write them also on our hearts.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”—Hebrews 10:16 (Heb. 8:10, Jer. 31:33).

And, if we will let Him, through the New Covenant He will write His holy law upon our hearts. To have the Ten Commandments written on our hearts means two things: first, a willingness to obey them and, second, letting God enable us to do so by the grace of Jesus, His Son. Obedience to God’s law is to become an integral part of our lives.

FACT NUMBER FIVE—The weekly seventh-day Sabbath is part of the Moral Law contained in the Ten Commandments. It will stand forever. The yearly sabbaths were part of the ceremonial laws that prefigured, or foreshadowed, the death and ministry of Christ.

These “shadow laws,” such as Passover and the Wave Sheaf, which were a part of the ceremonial or sacrificial law, would not endure past the death of Christ.

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“For the [ceremonial] law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? . . But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”—Hebrews 10:1-4.

These ceremonial laws were not written on rock, but were contained in ordinances, written on parchment. The rock was to endure, but the ordinances that foreshadowed the death of Christ were to pass away at His death. It is for this reason that we do not today observe the yearly sabbaths of the Passover and the Wave Sheaf.

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”—Colossians 2:14,16-17.

In the Greek it says, “or of the sabbath days.” There is one weekly Sabbath; it comes down to us from the Creation of this world and will be kept in the New Earth (Isa. 66:22-23). But the yearly sabbaths did not begin until Moses. They foreshadowed and explained the coming death of Christ till it happened; and, at His death, they were nailed to His cross.

If the ordinances containing the yearly sabbaths had not been set aside at Calvary, we would need now to sacrifice animals on various occasions throughout the year. But we are not now to slay lambs; for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”—John 1:29.

“For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.”—1 Corinthians 5:7.

FACT NUMBER SIX—Christ’s disciples faithfully kept the Bible Sabbath, not Sunday.

The disciples had been with Jesus for three and a half years, and had listened closely to His teachings. What they did at the time of His death on Calvary shows what He taught them. The sacred importance of the seventh-day Sabbath was of such concern to them that they would not even prepare the body of Jesus properly for burial on Friday, lest they transgress the Fourth Commandment.

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“And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath . . Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He was laid.

“And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?”—Mark 15:42, 47-16:3.

For more on this, read Luke 23:53-24:2.

FACT NUMBER SEVEN—According to the New Testament, the Apostles of Jesus always kept the Bible Sabbath.

The Apostles kept the Bible Sabbath (Acts 13:14, 42; 16:13; 17:1-2).

Paul supported himself by tentmaking; and then, on the Sab- bath, he would preach the gospel.

“Because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation, they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks . . He continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.”—Acts 18:3-4, 11.

Paul’s manner was the same as Christ’s custom: to keep the Bible Sabbath (Acts 17:1-2, Luke 4:16).

Paul never taught that the Moral Law was, or could be, set aside.

It will ever govern the conduct of mankind:
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”—Romans 3:31.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”—Romans 6:1-2.

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

Paul clearly saw that the problem was that we needed to obey the law; there was nothing wrong with the requirements of the law itself.

“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”—Romans 7:12.

“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but [that which is important is] the keeping of the commandments of God.”—1 Corinthians 7:19.

The moral standard that governs mankind was not relaxed or destroyed by the death of Christ; for, indeed, it is through the merits of Christ’s sacrifice that we can be empowered to keep that law.

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:21.

Jesus saves us from our sins, not in our sins. And since sin is the breaking of the Ten Commandments, it is obvious that He saves us by enabling us, strengthening us, to keep that law.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”—1 John 3:4.

The other Apostles saw this same great truth, that the moral standard that governs mankind was not relaxed or destroyed by the death of Christ:

“But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face In a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed . . For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty . . Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”—James 1:22-25; 2:10-12, 17-18.

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“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.”—1 John 5:2-3.

FACT NUMBER EIGHT—God predicted, in Scripture, that men would later try to change the Law of God—and especially the “time law.”

The Bible Sabbath is very important—for it is the very center of our worship of God! If men were later to try to change it to another day, we should surely expect a Bible prophecy saying that it would happen.

“And he[the little horn power] shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into His hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”—Daniel 7:25.

The church of the Dark Ages was to rule the world for 1260 years; and, during this time, they would try to tear out God’s holy Time Law and put a counterfeit in its place. Oh, what blasphemy men can dream up, when they are tempted by Satan to gain religious control of their fellow men!

“For that day [the Second Coming of Christ] shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped.”—2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

God said:
“And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.”— Ezekiel 20:20.

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After the New Testament was finished and the Apostles had died, men tried to transfer the sacredness from the seventh day to the first day of the week. They tried to change the “time law.”

Roman Catholic: “It is well to remind the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and all other Christians, that the Bible does not support them anywhere in their observance of Sun- day. Sunday is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and those who observe the day observe a commandment of the Catholic Church.”—Priest Brady, in an address at Elizabeth, N.J., March 17, 1903; reported in the Elizabeth, N.J., News of March 18, 1903.

“You may search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Sat- erday, a day which we never sanctify.”—Cardinal James Gibbon, The Faith of Our Fathers, chapter 8.

“If Protestants would follow the Bible, they should worship God on the Sabbath day. In keeping the Sunday they are following a law of the Catholic Church.”—Albert Smith, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, replying for the cardinal, in a letter of February 10, 1920.

“We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.”—Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter, June 20, 1894; The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, p. 304.

“Prove to me from the Bible alone that I am bound to keep Sunday holy. There is no such law in the Bible. It is a law of the Holy Catholic Church alone. The Bible says ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.’ The Catholic Church says, No. By my divine power I abolish the Sabbath day and command you to keep holy the first day of the week. And lo! The entire civilized world bows down in reverent obedience to the command of the Holy Catholic Church.”—Priest Thomas Enright, CSSR, President of Redemptorist College, Kansas City, MO, in a lecture at Hartford, Kansas Weekly Call, February 22, 1884, and the American Sentinel, a New York Roman Catholic journal, in June 1893, p. 173.

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“Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act . . AND THE ACT IS A MARK of her ecclesiastical power.”—From the office of Cardinal Gibbons, through Chan- cellor H.F. Thomas, November 11, 1895.

How important it is that we obey the commandments of God rather than the commandments of men.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey?”—Romans 6:16.

“It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”—Matthew 4:10.

“But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”—Matthew 15:9.

“How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.”—1 Kings 18:21.

FACT NUMBER NINE—The seventh-day Sabbath, instituted by God at the Creation of this world, is the seal of His governmental authority.

God’s basic governmental code for mankind is the Ten Commandments. Of those ten, only the Sabbath commandment reveals the name of our Creator and Lawgiver.

Of all the commandments in the Decalogue, only the Fourth Commandment reveals the (1) name, (2) authority, and (3) dominion of the Author of this Law:

In six days, (1) the Lord (name) (2) made (office—the Creator) (3) heaven and earth (dominion or territory over which He rules). This commandment alone contains the seal of God.

Examine the seal of a notary public or any other legal seal. Each seal will always contain the above three identifying marks.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy . . for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sab- bath day, and hallowed it.”—Exodus 20:8, 11.

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The Sabbath commandment contains the seal of God, and the Sabbath itself—given in this commandment—is inseparably con-nected with this seal. For the Sabbath is the basis of all true worship of our Creator. And this worship lies at the heart of all our acknowledgment of His authority as our Creator and our God. The Sabbath is ever to be kept as a sign that we belong to Him. And the keeping of it brings us within the circle of this seal.

The seal is impressed in order that all may know the authority from whence it comes—and that all may know that it is not to be changed. The seventh-day Sabbath comes from God. Let no man dare to tamper with it—for the seal of God is upon it.

“Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed.”—Daniel 6:8.

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples.”— Isaiah 8:16.

“It [the Sabbath] is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.”—Exodus 31:17.

“And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.”— Ezekiel 20:20.

The Sabbath is a powerful sign of God’s creative power—not only of this earth, but within our lives as well. It requires the same power to clean our lives and redeem us as it did to create us in the first place.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”—Psalm 51:10.

“We are . . created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”—Ephesians 2:10.

The Bible tells us there is to be a special sealing work in these last days, just before the return of Jesus in the clouds of heaven.

“And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels . . saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their fore- heads.”—Revelation 7:2-3 (Eze. 9:1-6).

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“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.”—Revelation 14:1.

The name of the Father is expressive of His character. When Moses asked to see the glory of God, the Lord passed by and told Hisname—that which He was like: “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”—Exodus 34:6.

And as we look at God’s holy law, we see another view of His character. It is a transcript of that character. It is God’s characteristics written on everlasting stone. He wants us to live it out in our lives. When God writes His name on your forehead and right hand, this means He writes His law on your heart. This is the work of the new covenant (Heb. 8:10, 10:16, Jer. 31:33); and that work reaches its climax when God “seals in” His own people, just before He returns the second time in the clouds of heaven. What are those sealed ones like? They are fully obedient to the Law of God: “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”—Revelation 14:5.

In the final crisis before His return, there will be a people who will yield obedience to the beast instead of to God.

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.”—Revelation 14:9-10.

“And he [the beast] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.”—Revelation 13:16.

In contrast with those who serve the beast and receive his mark, are those who, in the last days, will serve God and receive His seal. How can they be identified? God has told us in His Word. Here is a description of God’s remnant people at the end of time:

“And the dragon [Satan, working through his agents] was wroth with the woman [the true church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”—Revelation 12:17.

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And the third angel of Revelation 14, who warns men to not receive the mark of the beast, also tells them how to avoid receiving it—by keeping the commandments of God through the faith of Jesus Christ:

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture . . Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”—Revelation 14:9-10, 12.

The final crisis will be caused by a decree by the beast, that all men must disobey a commandment of the law of God. The nations and churches of the world will not require men to steal or lie or commit adultery. The growing movement toward national Sunday laws is grow- ing stronger every passing year. It is seen that in this point, and in this alone, will be found the heart of the crisis of Revelation 13 and 14.

The first angel of Revelation 14 calls on all men everywhere, today, to reverence God—by returning to the worship of the Creator of all things.

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the ear th, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”— Revelation 14:6-7.  As the crisis nears, we must prepare for it.

“The observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic]

Church.”—Monsignor Louis Segur, Plain Talk About the Protes- tantism of Today, p. 213.

Already we are facing Sunday closing laws on local levels. Men are prohibited from doing business on the first working day of the week, lest they be fined or imprisoned. And the situation will grow worse in the days just ahead.

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“That the image of the beast should both speak, and cause [decree] that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark.”—Revelation 13:15-17.

But there is victory for those who will stand true to the God of heaven. There is overcoming power for those who will “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev 14:12).

“And I saw . . them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.”— Revelation 15:2.

FACT NUMBER TEN—God’s remnant people will keep the Bible Sabbath, and that holy day will be kept throughout eternity. (1) Even though there are over two thousand denominations today, the remnant people of God, living at the end of time, can be identified. God has identified them for us. After speaking about how the antichrist power in the Dark Ages tried for centuries to destroy the people of God, we are told how to identify them in these last days, just before Christ returns in the clouds for His own:

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”— Revelation 12:17.

And the third angel, after warning all men against receiving the mark of the beast, tells us clearly who will be the little group that will stand apart from this almost universal apostasy: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”—Revelation 14:12.

It will be an almost universal apostasy. All around us can be seen a rising tide of rebellion against the Ten Commandments. The colleges and universities teach that man is but an animal descended from worms and amoeba. The churches teach that God destroyed the Ten Commandments at Calvary and that Jesus died to take sinners to heaven just as they are. Governmental agencies are relaxing moral restrictions and permitting gambling, abortion, homosexuality, and other vices.

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This world is becoming a curse; but, soon, God will intervene. Prophecy tells us that before the end there will be a small company who will stand true to the commandments of God, by faith in Jesus Christ.

(2) And soon this present evil world will be ended suddenly by the return of Jesus Christ—and heaven will begin for the faithful.

And in that heaven the seventh-day Sabbath will be kept forever. God’s people suffered and died for it down here; and they will worship God on that holy day through all ages to come.

Revelation 21 and 22 tells us about this new life with Jesus, when sin has come to an end and the wicked are no longer alive.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea . . And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”—Revelation 21:1; 22:1.

And then we are told who will enter that beautiful new world: “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”—Revelation 22:14.

But more: There is the promise that they will keep the holy Sabbath through all eternity.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind . . And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vine- yards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands . . The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord . .

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord.”—Isaiah 65:17, 21-22, 25; 66:22-23.

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Now you have seen God’s plan for His people. And it is a wonderful one. It can begin for you right now. And it will continue on throughout eternity. Why not begin today—this very week? Ask God to forgive you for the past and tell Him that, by His grace, you will worship your Creator on His day! This is the best decision you can make. Go to Him just now. He will help you make it.

And next Sabbath—begin that holy walk with God on His day, the holy day of Isaiah 58. Read that chapter and see the blessings He will add, if you will but let Him take over your life.

But think not that there will be no problems or trials. Satan will bring many upon you. He hates the Sabbath and all who will stand loyal to it. Yet if you will determine to be true to God and His Word, you will have strength from above to go through all that lies ahead.

And one day soon, if faithful to the end, you with the redeemed of all ages will rejoice on the sea of glass and will receive from the hand of Jesus the overcomer’s crown. And you will be given that new name, expressive of a new character. And you will begin a walk with Jesus that will last through all eternity to come.

“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence come they?

“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”—Revelation 7:13- 17.

What is wrong with the world today? —

Changing the Signpost

Why is there so much iniquity and corruption in our world today? It seems as if mankind is increasingly determined to destroy basic morality. Crime, pornography, gambling, killing babies and old people, international warfare; the list goes on and on.

The problem is that men and women have forsaken the moral standard, the Ten Commandments.

The prevailing spirit of our time is one of infidelity and apostasy—a spirit of avowed illumination because of a knowledge of truth, but in reality of the blindest presumption. Human theories are exalted and placed where God and His law should be. Satan tempts men and women to disobey, with the promise that in disobedience they will find liberty and freedom that will make them as gods. There is seen a spirit of opposition to the plain Word of God, of idolatrous exaltation of human wisdom above divine revelation.

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Men have allowed their minds to become so darkened and confused by conformity to worldly customs and influences that they seem to have lost all power to discriminate between light and darkness, truth and error. So far have they departed from the right way that they hold the opinions of a few philosophers, so-called, to be more trust- worthy than the truths of the Bible. The entreaties and promises of God’s Word, its threatenings against disobedience and idolatry—these seem powerless to melt their hearts. A faith such as actuated Paul, Peter, and John they regard as old-fashioned, mystical, and unworthy of the intelligence of modern thinkers.

In the beginning, God gave His law to mankind as a means of attaining happiness and eternal life. Satan’s only hope of thwarting the purpose of God is to lead men and women to disobey this law; and his constant effort has been to misrepresent its teachings and belittle its importance. His master stroke has been an attempt to change the law itself, so as to lead men to violate its precepts while professing to obey it.

One writer has likened the attempt to change the law of God to an ancient mischievous practice of turning in a wrong direction a signpost erected at an important junction where two roads meet. The perplexity and hardship which this practice often caused was great.

A signpost was erected by God for those journeying through this world. One arm of this signpost pointed out willing obedience to the Creator as the road to felicity and life, while the other arm indicated disobedience as the path to misery and death. The way to happiness was as clearly defined as was the way to the city of refuge under the Jew-ish dispensation. But in an evil hour for our race, the great enemy of all good turned the signpost around, and multitudes have mistaken the way.

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Through Moses the Lord instructed the Israel- ites: “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your gen- erations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath there- fore; for it is holy unto you: everyone that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work . . in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:13-17.

In these words the Lord clearly defined obedience as the way to the City of God; but the man of sin has changed the signpost, making it point in the wrong direction. He has set up a false sabbath and has caused men and women to think that by resting on it they were obeying the com- mand of the Creator.

God has declared that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. When “the heavens and the earth were finished,” He exalted this day as a memorial of His creative work. Resting on the seventh day “from all His work which He had made,” “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” Genesis 2:1-3.

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At the time of the Exodus from Egypt, the Sabbath institution was brought prominently before the people of God. While they were still in bondage, their taskmasters had attempted to force them to labor on the Sabbath by increasing the amount of work required each week. Again and again the conditions of labor had been made harder and more exacting. But the Israelites were delivered from bondage and brought to a place where they might observe unmo- lested all the precepts of Jehovah.

At Sinai the law was spoken; and a copy of it, on two tables of stone, “written with the finger of God” was delivered to Moses. Exodus 31:18. And through nearly forty years of wandering the Israelites were constantly reminded of God’s appointed rest day, by the withholding of the manna every seventh day and the miraculous preservation of the double portion that fell on the preparation day.

Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites were admonished by Moses to “keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” Deuteronomy 5:12. The Lord designed that by a faithful observance of the Sabbath command, Israel should continually be reminded of their accountability to Him as their Creator and their Redeemer. While they should keep the Sabbath in the proper spirit, idolatry could not exist; but should the claims of this precept of the Decalogue be set aside as no longer binding, the Creator would be forgotten and men would worship other gods. “I gave them My Sabbaths,” God declared, “to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” Yet “they despised My judgments, and walked not in My statutes, but polluted My Sabbaths: 

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for their heart went after their idols.” And in His appeal to them to return to Him, He called their attention anew to the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. “I am the Lord your God,” He said; “walk in My statutes, and keep My judg- ments, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:12, 16, 19, 20.

In calling the attention of Judah to the sins that finally brought upon them the Babylonian Captivity, the Lord declared: “Thou hast . . profaned My Sabbaths.” “Therefore have I poured out Mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads.” Ezekiel 22:8, 31.

At the restoration of Jerusalem, in the days of Nehemiah, Sabbathbreaking was met with the stern inquiry, “Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” Nehemiah 13:18.

Christ, during His earthly ministry, emphasized the binding claims of the Sabbath; in all His teaching He showed reverence for the institution He Himself had given. In His days the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected the character of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of God. Christ set aside the false teaching by which those who claimed to know God had misrepresented Him. Although followed with merciless hostility by the rabbis, He did not even appear to conform to their requirements, but went straight forward keeping the Sabbath according to the law of God.

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In unmistakable language He testified to His regard for the law of Jehovah. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets,” He said; “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19.

During the Christian dispensation, the great enemy of man’s happiness has made the Sabbath of the fourth commandment an object of special attack.

Satan says, “I will work at cross purposes with God. I will empower my followers to set aside God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. Thus I will show the world that the day sanctified and blessed by God has been changed. That day shall not live in the minds of the people. I will obliterate the memory of it. I will place in its stead a day that does not bear the credentials of God, a day that cannot be a sign between God and His people. I will lead those who accept this day to place upon it the sanctity that God placed upon the seventh day.

“Through my vicegerent, I will exalt myself. The first day will be extolled, and the Protestant world will receive this spurious sabbath as genuine.

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Through the nonobservance of the Sabbath that God instituted, I will bring His law into contempt. The words, ‘A sign between Me and you throughout your generations,’ I will make to serve on the side of my sabbath.

“Thus the world will become mine. I will be the ruler of the earth, the prince of the world. I will so control the minds under my power that God’s Sabbath shall be a special object of contempt. A sign? I will make the observance of the seventh day a sign of disloyalty to the authorities of earth. Hu- man laws will be made so stringent that men and women will not dare to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. For fear of wanting food and clothing, they will join with the world in transgressing God’s law. The earth will be wholly under my dominion.”

Through the setting up of a false sabbath, the enemy thought to change times and laws (Daniel 7:25). But has he really succeeded in changing God’s law? The words of the thirty-first chapter of Exodus are the answer. He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever has declared of the seventh-day Sabbath: “It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” “It is a sign . . forever.” Exodus 31:13, 17.

The changed signpost is pointing the wrong way, but God has not changed. He is still the mighty God of Israel. “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offer- ing. All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isaiah 40:15-17. And He is just as jealous for His law now as He was in the days of Ahab and Elijah.

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But how is that law disregarded! Behold the world today in open rebellion against God. This is in truth a froward generation, filled with ingratitude, formalism, insincerity, pride, and apostasy. Men neglect the Bible and hate truth. Jesus sees His law rejected, His love despised, His ambassadors treated with indifference. He has spoken by His mercies, but these have been unacknowledged; He has spoken by warnings, but these have been unheeded. The temple courts of the human soul have been turned into places of unholy traffic. Selfishness, envy, pride, malice—all are cherished.

Many do not hesitate to sneer at the Word of God. Those who believe that Word just as it reads are held up to ridicule. There is a growing contempt for law and order, directly traceable to a violation of the plain commands of Jehovah. Violence and crime are the result of turning aside from the path of obedience. Behold the wretched- ness and misery of multitudes who worship at the shrine of idols and who seek in vain for happiness and peace.

Behold the well-nigh universal disregard of the Sabbath commandment. Behold also the daring impiety of those who, while enacting laws to safeguard the supposed sanctity of the first day of the week, at the same time are making laws legalizing the liquor traffic. Wise above that which is written, they attempt to coerce the consciences of men while lending their sanction to an evil that brutalizes and destroys the beings created in the image of God. It is Satan himself who inspires such legislation. He well-knows that the curse of God will rest on those who exalt human enactments above the divine; and he does all in his power to lead men into the broad road that ends in destruction.

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So long have men worshiped human opinions and human institutions that almost the whole world is following after idols. And he who has endeavored to change God’s law is using every deceptive artifice to induce men and women to ar- ray themselves against God and against the sign by which the righteous are known. But the Lord will not always suffer His law to be broken and despised with impunity.

There is a time coming when “the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Isaiah 2:11. Skepticism may treat the claims of God’s law with jest, scoffing, and denial. The spirit of worldliness may contaminate the many and control the few; the cause of God may hold its ground only by great exertion and continual sacrifice. Yet, in the end, the truth will triumph gloriously.

In the closing work of God in the earth, the standard of His law will be again exalted. False religion may prevail, iniquity may abound, the love of many may wax cold, the cross of Calvary may be lost sight of. And darkness, like the pall of death, may spread over the world. The whole force of the popular current may be turned against the truth. Plot after plot may be formed to overthrow the people of God; but, in the hour of greatest peril, the God of Elijah will raise up human instrumentalities to bear a message that will not be silenced. In the populous cities of the land, and in the places where men have gone to the greatest lengths in speaking against the Most High, the voice of stern rebuke will be heard.

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Boldly will men of God’s appointment denounce the union of the church with the world. Earnestly will they call upon men and women to turn from the observance of a man-made institution to the observance of the true Sabbath. “Fear God, and give glory to Him,” they will proclaim to every nation; “for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters . . If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Revelation 14:7, 9-10.

God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips. His Word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne. At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence.

Today, as in the days of Elijah, the line of demarcation between God’s commandment-keeping people and the worshipers of false gods is clearly drawn. “How long halt ye between two opinions?” Elijah cried; “if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21. And the message for today is: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen . . Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:2, 4, 5.

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The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us. The contest will be between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. Those who have yielded step by step to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will then yield to the powers that be rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death.

At that time the gold will be separated from the dross. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness. Those who have assumed the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will then appear in the shame of their own nakedness.

Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.

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Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,” will “shine as lights in the world.” Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15. The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.

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May we individually determine to remain loyal to God in every conflict that will arise in the future. Now that you have determined to prove faithful to Him, as one of His loyal, obedient children,—you can expect intense opposition from many around you, both in the home and out of it.

But God loves you and, if you will cling to Him in faith to the very end, you will share in the rewards of that heavenly home that Christ is preparing for those that love Him.

“The Lord is my strength and song.” —Exodus 15:2

“Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” —1 John 3:3

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9

How I long for my heavenly home! —

What Heaven Will be Like

The God of heaven has a wonderful future for those willing to become His obedient subjects. It is a future that you and I want to have a part in!

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A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house. Those who accept the teachings of God’s Word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. And yet, “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.

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130 You Can be an Overcomer

In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. Hebrews 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.

“My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting- places.” “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” “They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and an- other inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: . . Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 32:18; 60:18; 65:21, 22.

There, “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.” Isaiah 35:1; 55:13. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid . . and a little child shall lead them.” “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” saith the Lord (Isaiah 11:6, 9).

Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of Heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying . . for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4. “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Isaiah 33:24.

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There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” Isaiah 62:3. “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.” Revelation 21:24. Saith the Lord, “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people.” Isaiah 65:19. “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revela- tion 21:3.

In the city of God “there shall be no night.” None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its close. “And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.” Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the holy city with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day.

132 You Can be an Overcomer

“I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. Now we “see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.

There the redeemed shall “know, even as also they are known.” The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul, shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together “the whole family in Heaven and earth” (Ephesians 3:15)—these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.

There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There is no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.

What Heaven Will be Like 133

All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar,—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding, gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God’s handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation,—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed.

And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.

“And every creature which is in Heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13.

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The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

THE COMPLETE CONFLICT SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE AT LOWEST COST!

Book One - Patriarchs and Prophets: 3,000-year time line from Creation down to the death of David. Complete set of 7 maps of the Holy Land. 130 Old Testament Bible stories (from Creation to the death of David). 28 brief Bible studies. Map Index. 800 pp.

Book Two - Prophets and Kings: 1,000-year time line from Judges to the end of the Old Testament. 6 chronological charts (Judges, United Kingdom, Divided Kingdom, Foreign Rule, Book of Jeremiah). 55 Bible stories (from Solomon to the end of the Old Testament). 43 brief Bible studies. Two indexes (Scripture and Topical). 576 pp.

Book Three - Desire of Ages: 110 precious promise passages in this book. Paging of 130 events in the earthly life of Christ. 4 New Testament maps. 125 Bible stories in the Gospels, 301 prophecies of Christ and their fulfillments. At the back of the book: Principles of Healthful Living (Spirit of Prophecy quotations). The Crucifixion (historical, medical, and archaeological information). Two indexes. 816 pp.

Book Four - Acts of the Apostles: 198-year time line, covering the entire First Century (63 B.C. to A.D. 135). 3 chronological charts (Book of Acts, Journeys of Paul, General Epistles). 61 Bible stories from the death of Christ to the end of the Old Testament. Two indexes. 488 pp.

Book Five - Great Controversy: The Basic Steps to Christ: How to Come to Christ and How to Remain with Christ (the heart of the book: Steps to Christ, in the author’s own words). 58 Bible, historical, and promise charts. At the back of the book: The Secret Instructions (from the 1884 edition). An 1884 / 1888 correlation time line. Four indexes. 736 pp. —Order from the publisher - see page 144.

Book Sources

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CHAPTER SOURCES

1 - Closing Time for Planet Earth (Editor) 2 - A Special Walk with God

Mount of Blessing, pp. 100-101

3 - Promises to Overcomers

Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7

4 - Claiming those Promises (Editor) 5 - How Did Sin Begin?

Great Controversy, chapter 29, pp. 492-504

6 - Why God’s Law is so Important

Great Controversy, pp. 465-468
Plus a Bible study on obedience
(reprinted from our Steps to Christ, 115-121)

7 - Obedience and Sanctification

Great Controversy, pp. 469-473

8 - Inside the Ten Commandments

Patriarchs and Prophets, 304-309

9 - How to Come to Jesus

Steps to Christ, pp. 9-51, abridged 10 - How to Stay Close to Christ

Steps to Christ, pp. 51-111, abridged

11 - Being an Overcomer

(Editor, plus several quotations: pp. 94-100) 12 - Entering a Deeper Experience (Editor)

A Bible study on God’s rest for mankind

(reprinted from our Steps to Christ, 99-114)

13 - Changing the Signpost

Prophets and Kings, 178-189

14 - What Heaven Will be Like

Great Controversy, 674-678

15 - Bible Promises in Times of Temptation

Bible quotations

All of the books quoted above (with the exception of Mount of Blessing) can be purchased in low-cost paperback format from the publisher of this book.

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In times of temptation —

Special Bible Promises for You

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19 

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” —Proverbs 3:6

“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” —Psalm 4:3

“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the holy city.” —Revelation 22:14

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because He trusteth in Thee.” —Isaiah 26:3

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart: and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

Special Bible Promises for You 137

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” —Matthew 5:5

“But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” —Proverbs 1:33

“Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him.” —Psalm 91:14 

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10

“To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My Word.” —Isaiah 66:2

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

—1 John 3:22

 “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” —Psalm 37:16

“In God I will praise His Word . . in God have I put my trust: I will not fear what man can do unto me.” —Psalm 56:10-11

“The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me.” —Psalm 116:6

138 You Can be an Overcomer

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are past away.” —Revelation 21:4

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee.” —Isaiah 41:10

“This God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.” —Psalm 48:14

“The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

—Psalm 84:11

“A book of rememberance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon His name.” —Malachi 3:16

“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” —Psalm 4:3

“I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” —Micah 7:7

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9

Special Bible Promises for You 139

“They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distresses.” —Psalm 107:19

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” —Psalm 4:5

“Believe in the Lord, your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.” —2 Chronicles 20:20

“Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” —Romans 13:11

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”— John 1:12

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” —Philippians 2:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” —Philippians 4:13

“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

140 You Can be an Overcomer

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” —Exodus 34:7

“As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.” —Psalm 103:11

“Unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”

—Jude 24

“The book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

—Joshua 1:8

“And behold I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” —Revelation 22:12

“The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” —Psalm 37:11

“Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” —Proverbs 29:25

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below, Will be for ever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun.

— John Newton

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