The Word says, `"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2. - Here we are told that we must do some hard thinking because if we do not, people on the outside will do the hard thinking for us and then we do not have answers to the questions they bring to us. We are told we are transformed not by the removal of our mind, but the renewal of it. -- Christ said to the woman of Samaria, "Ye worship ye know not what." He lets us know that it is desirable to know what we are worshipping. [In the 20th century a directed effort came out of the religious colleges and universities] To leave the tedious complexity of doctrines aside. We heard it said, `Why can we not just talk about the simple spirit of worship?' One great draw back for that demand for a generalized and undirected worship is the practical difficulty of arousing any sort of enthusiasm for the worship of nothing in particular. -- But people come to church because they want to know God. They want to see His glory and majesty presented out of the written Word. They come with a hunger for some tangibles. some points to hang true faith on, which if not fulfilled, results in them walking away with a greater hunger or spiritual starvation. They were not able to catch something of the glory and majesty of God in our service when the Old or New Testament was opened up but the words did not expound, what is really in them. -- The popular opinion has been for a lengthy time now, that Christianity is getting a bad press, and we are constantly assured that the churches are empty because we speak too much on doctrine. -- Quite the opposite is true. It is the neglect of doctrine that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that has ever staggered the imagination of man. And it is the dogma, the doctrine which is the drama. -- But we heard it said, `We must keep it simple' -- That is a great mistake. Instead of watering the gospel down, let us raise the tide. Let us show the treasures that are hidden in the great messages that we have and be prepared to speak up. When we hear messages presented we must also be prudent and be aware of any reductionisms which present God and His kingdom as less than it is, and we must be aware of the specific context of a message. We cannot find on the outside a meaning as deep as it is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. To look outside for a starting point, for the demonstration of the reasonableness of the gospel is itself a contradiction of the gospel, for it implies that we look for the "logos" elsewhere than in Jesus.' [Steward McAllister, `Just Thinking']

Here are some eternal truths that stand out in contra­-distinction to the teachings of an errant former minister of the gospel: (1-22)

"By this we know that we love the children of God (other Christians), 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 (unlike some insinuate)." 1.John 5:2-3. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoseover believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up [50], and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?" Deuteronomy 31:17.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-3.

His View: `Always we are accepted on the basis of what Christ has done for us, never on what He has done in us through the Spirit.'

The apostle Paul is clear that the Christian's salvation is accomplished both by forgiveness, or justification [650], and by the Holy Spirit's regeneration and sanctification:

"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2.Thessalonians 2:13.

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4.

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

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end." Hebr. 3:14.

While it is true that Christ died for us, in our Christian walk we may feel destitute of the blessing of God, feel there is no spiritual life in us, and we cannot understand why we are in this condition, then we should not doubt the Lord, and blame him for our darkness. It is not from God, for he has promised power and fullness of joy. We should search God's word, and see if we have not allowed envy, evil surmising, and hatred to run riot in our hearts, or if we have not done something to mar the soul temple. Christ is in the heavenly sanctuary, and he is there to make an atonement for the people. He is there to present his wounded side and pierced hands to his Father. He is there to plead for his Church that is upon the earth. He is cleansing the sanctuary from the sins of the people. What is our work?--It is our work to be in harmony with the work of Christ. By faith we are to work with him, to be in union with him.

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

One is curious as to how Bradford can hold the "original sin" view of human depravity while simultaneously placing such confidence in the "wisdom" and "discernment" of believers in weighing the objective counsel of God. If our entire being - including, presumably, our powers of discernment - is involuntarily depraved, how can such persons be trusted to rightly discern which prophetic counsels to consider "wheat" and which "chaff"? Even if he should protest that the wisdom and discernment of which he speaks are gifts of the Holy Spirit, one must remind him that according to his salvation theology, even the Spirit's imparted power is incapable of perfecting character on this earth due to the depraved state of man's nature. If the Spirit can't subdue man's depraved lower nature in the struggle with sin here on earth, how could Spirit-imparted wisdom and discernment fare any better in guiding the equally depraved perceptions of a believer's intellect?

The Evangelical Protestant view:
A) `On the basis of the New Testament gospel Christians should never adopt an extrabiblical, post-apostolic revelation as doctrinally or ethically authoritative. In the final analysis, this is the real issue at hand.… The finality of the Christ event in salvation history is inseparable from the finality of the apostolic witness and revelation. A subsequent, supplementary, and doctrinally authoritative revelation is not necessary. It is neither anticipated nor allowed by the New Testament. The finality of the New Testament revelation is a necessary corollary of the finished work of Christ.' (Alexander LaBrecque) ---

B) `Jesus Christ is God's final Word to man. There is no way to move beyond the hearing of the New Testament gospel to some higher and fuller knowledge or experience of God. This is why the canon of Holy Scripture had to close with the apostolic gospel.' (Graeme Bradford) ---

C) `To say that a modern prophet is needed to augment God's final word in Christ is to undermine the content and finality of the Christ Event.… To hold the writings of a modern prophet as 'a continuing and authoritative source of truth' is tantamount to heresy. To say that Revelation 19:10 points to the work of a modern prophet usurps the central place of Christ in Scripture. Those who hold that Revelation 19:10 points to a modern prophet whose writings are a source of authority cannot justly claim to be Protestants. Protestants hold to the Bible and the Bible only as the source of truth. We must accept the Biblical definition of the spirit of prophecy for what it is: The Christ Event as foretold by all the biblical prophets and recorded in the canon of Scripture.' (Dale Ratzlaff)

Bradford's endorsement of forensic-only salvation, the imperfectability of Christian character, and a truncated atonement constrain him both logically and historically toward a reduced understanding of Ellen White's role, not to mention the Bible. Being Evangelical
The term `evangelical' was chosen by the followers of certain Protestant reformers themselves to describe their stand on matters of faith. Today these `evangelicals' regard themselves as guardians of Christian orthodoxy and the detectors of heresy ala Dr. Martin's views. We believe that intelectual assent to orthodoxy is not enough. The same history they reference teaches us that some of God's people, yet apart, may have a spiritual experience and a closeness of fellowship with Him that would put many of us to shame. Such remembrances will have a salutary influence upon us, fostering genuine humility and creating an urge for greater closeness of personal walk with God and a greater love for His children everywhere. These are the larger dimensions of Adventism.

The Christian world, called out to come out of Babylon, needs to see Adventism in these larger dimensions and relationships. Concerning orthodoxy, every truth we hold and proclaim today was held in embryo in the apostolic church, before the great departure from the Faith had developed and crystallized. We have simply revived and consumated those lost or trampled truths. Added to these are those special truths now due to the world, in their special "last days," and "judgment hour" setting and significance. We are now to proclaim these also to mankind. We are therefore cast in the role of recoverers and consumators of the arrested Everlasting Gospel proclamation, which began to be heralded anew to mankind by the Reformation leaders and their successors.

From this position we must never stray. This vision must never be allowed to become dim or blurred.

We are to press this point: God has his children "My people" (Rev. 18:4) scattered throughout all the various churches of Christendom and even other religions today. In fact, the majority of God's true children are declared to be therein (GC 338, 390; AA 585,586). This is one of the basic reasons we have been called into being - to seek out and win, and bring them into God's final visible Remnant church, so there will be "one fold and one shepherd," before the Return of our Lord, John 10:16.

Evangelical? So am I! This great message found my parents while they were chained to the Lutherans forefathers. I was educated and tested (sometimes made fun of) in Evangelical grammar schools on the continent. The mercy of God, presented by the mighty Advent message broke the chains of indolence and placed me under the debt of gratitude to the truth. I surrendered to God, like many others, and the peace he brings warms my heart.

Dear reader, we hope you will see that Fundamentalist Adventism depends primarily on the Bible for support on doctrinal matters. See also here for more.

1. The main issue in sin is what you do.
2. We are not sinful until we sin.
3. If we stopped sinning we would no longer be sinful.

1. Everyone is sinful, whether or not he sins.
2. We are sinful until Jesus comes.
3. God does not hold us responsible for being sinful.
4. We sin because we are sinful; we are not sinful because we sin.
5. Sin is not what we do; it is what we are.
6. Sins are what we do as a result of what we are.
7. Sin results in the transgression of the law.

I. The false teacher says that this is false: "The main issue in sin is what you do."

But this statement is true, for the main issue IS what you do. It is whether or not you and I will keep the commandments. It is whether we will sin or not sin.

"Keeping the commandments of God" is an action, an activity; it is not just a Bible phrase. It is not just believing that we should not sin and "Letting God take care of it for us;" it is personally resisting sin and not doing it. "Blessed are they that keep His commandments." Revelation 22:14. "The DOERS of the law shall be justified." Romans 2: 13.

The first four commandments reveal our duty to God, and the last six show our duty to our fellow men. Each one of the Ten Commandments represents an activity.

"The covenant which He commanded you to PERFORM, even Ten Commandments." Deuteronomy 4: 12-13. "If ye KEEP My commandments." John 15:10.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17.

"Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom ..." Matthew 5:19.

That the righteousness might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit" ... is the one who fulfills the law. Romans 8:4.

`Keeping the commandments is the whole duty of man.' Ecclesiastes 12: 13.

Is it possible for us to do what God asks us to do? Is it possible for God's people to keep His commandments, as Revelation 14:12 predicts that they shall do?

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

Consider these passages in the light of the above Bible quotations:

We can render obedience to His law. (DA 24; Mt. 1:23b; 28:18b.)

The law lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies; above the temptations that lead to sin. (1 SM 235; DA 308; Lk. 2:14.)

By His perfect obedience He [Christ] has made it possible for every human being to obey His commandments. (COL 312; Ps. 40:8; Jh. 15:10.)

"Christ is a living witness that the law can be kept. It is not that men cannot keep the law, but that they will not." (RH, May 28 1901; Jh. 5:14; 8:11 ("sin no more".)

How can we recognize an apostate pastor? You may want to start in Jeremiah 6:13,14. If you are listening to a peace and safety message you are listening to an apostate pastor and you need to know where it is coming from. It will destroy you if you listen to it. It is better to leave the place or church where such a message is preached. If you do not and you have children and you procrastinate on sound doctrines you risk that your children will be lost.[GC 655,656]

What happens when people are taught this message? Let us think this through, first you teach people that they cannot keep the law of God, and you tell them, `Do not worry about it because you do not need to, just keep your sins confessed.'

What happens if people really believe that? What do they do when they find another group of Christians where they say, `You must keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus if you are going to have everlasting life.?'

What will be the result of that? It shakes them up!

Because they have been taught that they can go ahead and sin and just keep sinning and confessing and sinning and confessing and they will be saved. Then they meet a Christian who has read the New Testament and who has read Revelation 14 and they say, "Oh no, friend, if you want to enter into the holy city you must keep God's commandments." That is what Revelation says all the way through, that is what the New Testament teaches. When a person who has been taught this peace and safety message meets somebody that knows what the New Testament says they get shook up. They go back and talk to their pastor and to their fellow church members about it and all their fellow church members have been taught this same lie, that you can sin and confess, sin and confess, sin and confess until Jesus comes.

"He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to believe that He can keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will' give him an entrance into the kingdom of God." (RH, March 10, 1904)

II. The false teacher says that this is false: "We are not sinful until we sin."

Reply: But it is a correct statement, nevertheless. We were born sinful, that is, inherited sinful tendencies; but we are not sinners until we personally commit sin.

III. He says that this is false, also: "If we stopped sinning, we would no longer be sinful."

Reply: But he is in error on this point, too. The Bible fact is that when we stop sinning and keep all of God's commandments, we are no longer sinning (Lev. 18:30; Ps. 141:1-4a; Ecc. 7:9; 8:5; Joh. 5:14; 8:11; 1. Jh. 3:9,10; Tit. 2:8); even though we still retain a sinful nature, or bent toward sin. [760]

"Everyone who by faith keep's God's commandments, will reach a condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before His transgression." (ST, July 30, 1902; 6 BC 1118)

"Through cooperation with divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character." (AA 531)

"Perfection of character is attainable by everyone who strives for it." (1SM 212; See also here.)

Perfection of character is attained and maintained throughout our life if we persist in character surrender (maturation), Eph. 4:13; Rev. 14:1,5.

The 144,000 are "without fault [faultless] before God (GC 649), and are called "living saints." (Revelation 14: 1-14; EW 15)

Here are several erroneous statements which the false teacher believes to be true:

IV. He teaches that "Everyone is sinful, whether they sin or not."

Reply: This is incorrect and contradicts the points given in the above several paragraphs (under the heading, "If we stopped sinning, we would no longer be sinful"). The truth is that we must become new creatures in Christ and overcome every fault (MH 492), for through faith in Christ we can correct these faults, Hebr. 6:1. [770]

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. ..." (Foundation of repentance: At the entrance gate of the path that leads to everlasting life God places faith, and He lines the whole way with the light and peace and joy of willing obedience. The traveler in this way keeps ever before him the mark of his high calling in Christ. The prize is ever in sight. To him God's commands are righteousness and joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. The things that first appeared to be crosses are found by experience to be crowns. Dead works: Cut away from entanglements of self and sin, Christ makes imperfect efforts acceptable to God.)
"The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character." [AA 564]

"True prayer places man directly in the presence of God." [YI Febr. 15, 1900]

"There is no power in the whole satanic force that can disable the soul that trusts in simple confidence, in the wisdom that comes from God." [YI, Dec. 15, 1898, p. 4]

"Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name." [DA 130.4; Dan. 4:17; Ja. 4:7,8; Prov. 18:10]

"If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today ensures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow." [DA 148.3; John 2:5; 1:50]

"From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells." [DA 300.1; Isa. 57:15]

"It is a great mistake to trust to human wisdom or numbers in the work of God." [DA 370.8; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 8:38; 2 Cor. 9:6-11]

"Angels of God, thousands upon thousands ... guard us against evil and press back the powers of darkness." [MH 253.3; Gen. 32:2; Rev. 5:11,12]

"God's love for His church is inifinite ... He will purify His church even as He purified the temple at the beginning and close of His ministry on earth." [9T 228; Mt. 21;12; Mk. 11:15; Dan. 8:14]

"The days of the purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true." [5T, 80]

"As we near the judgment, all will manifest their true character, and it will be made plain to which company they belong. The sieve is moving. The church must be purged, and it will be." [1T 100]

"When purification shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich ... in need of nothing." [8T 250]

"God's people will be sifted until all the chaff is removed." [1T 431]

How will God purify the church? Like Jesus did when he was on earth. At first he had a lot of followers, but toward the end of his ministry he had only the 11 disciples and a few women. All others were sifted out. One of the ways chaff is being sifted today is not just by heresy and not by fanaticism, it is by the truth, in its practical bearings. It is when truth becomes practical - when we realize how it effects the way we should talk, and the way we need to eat [778], and the way we need to conduct our family, and what we need to do with our money, and how we need to order our lives. When it got practical, this rich, young ruler demonstrated what was in his heart when the sifting test was applied. He demonstrated that he loved those possessions more than he loved the kingdom of heaven and being with the Lord.

However, there is another way the sifting works. So far, we have looked at temptations, fanaticism, heresy, and the practical application of truth in the life, and this has to do with temptation too. "The world is the instrument that sifts the church and tests the genuineness of its members." [6BC, p. 1102.] The world! How does the world sift God's people? The world holds out inducements. Have you ever experienced that? But you have to compromise something to get it. So you get tested as to who and what you love the most.

Lastly we can invoke the following test. This is a test that you can apply to yourself every week, and nobody else needs to know about it. It is totally between you and the Lord. The Lord knows all about it, of course, because He knows what is going on in your mind. If, on the Sabbath day, you have a hard time spending that time with the Lord because there is all kind of worldly business and things going through your mind - watch out! You are not ready for a sifting test. You see, what you love the most is easiest for you to think about. If on the Sabbath day, the thoughts of the world that have been going through your mind all week are so uppermost in your mind that you cannot get them out and you cannot spend that time with the Lord, then there is a problem. Now you don't need to tell your husband or wife about it, but you had better talk to the Lord about it, if you have that problem, because you are not ready for the sifting test. How important is the sifting process? Very, very important, see Rev. 2:23.

"The great issue so near at hand, will weed out those whom God has not appointed, and he will have a pure, true, sanctified ministry, prepared for the latter rain." [3SM 385.3] The Spirit of Prophecy says, the latter rain will fall only on those who perfect the character of Christ in themselves, 5T 214.

"When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin man will be unable to discern; angels will do a work which men might have had the blessing of accomplishing, had they not neglected to answer the claims of God." [1SM 118]

"The Holy Spirit the representative of the Captain of the Lord's host, comes down to direct the battle." [DA 352]

V. The false teacher teaches that "God does not hold us responsible for being born sinful."

Reply: This is true, but He holds us responsible for remaining in the sins we have chosen. Let us not try to escape from the responsibility for our sins! Let us be done with them.

"In what consisted the strength of the assault made upon Adam, which caused his fall? It was not indwelling sin; for God made Adam after His own character, pure and upright. There were no corrupt principles in the first Adam, no corrupt propensities or tendencies to evil. Adam was as faultless as the angels before God's throne." (1 BC 1083)

"Obedience to all the commandments of God was the condition of eating of the tree of life . . Obedience through Jesus Christ gives to man perfection of character, and a right to that tree of life." (1 BC 1086)

"As related to the first Adam, men receive from him nothing but guilt and the sentence of death. But Christ steps in and passes over the ground where Adam fell, enduring every test in man's behalf. He redeems Adam's disgraceful failure and fall by coming forth from the trial untarnished. This places man on vantage ground with God. It places him where, through accepting Christ as His Saviour, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Thus he becomes connected with God and Christ." (6BC 1074)

"You cannot bring up your children as you should without divine help; for the fallen nature of Adam always strives for the mastery." (AH 205) Read this article carefully to learn more about this "divine help."

"Satan will bring in every kind of theory to pervert the truth. The work will go hard, for since the fall of Adam it has been the fashion of the world to sin." (6T 129-130)

VI. The false teacher teaches that "We sin because we are sinful; we are not sinful because we sin."

Reply: Much of this may be true, but Adam did not sin because he was sinful, and sufficient provision has been made for us not to remain in our sins.

Our evil propensities must be controlled. (CG 42)

An enlightened intellect must control our animal propensities. (MYP 237)

Both inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong can be overcome. (MH 176)

Through the plan of redemption, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait. (1SM 82)

Christ's perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess if they will be in subjection to God as He was. (DA 664) Therefore, we are to put ourselves under the Word of God (from Genesis to Revelation) and be in charge and fully in control of our own control center.

VII. The false teacher teaches that "Sin is not what we do; it is what we are." [780]

Reply: Such a concept is false. Too much evidence of Augustine's Original Sin error is to be found in his view of sin. False teachers teach a phony Christ. That is why there are many Christs in this world today. The Mormons have their own Christ, so do the Jehoavah's Witnesses.[785] Despite that situation there are many honest souls in Babylon. If nothing else, we may say when the occasion arises, `Repent of your sins, the Lord is coming back', and hand them a book to read. That will cause a perfect peace to come upon you for the Lord looks after His own. But we know that the Bible teaches that those who had the opportunity but did not repent of their sins, will have to pay double for it, Rev. 18:6.

VIII. The false teacher believes that "Sins are what we do as a result of what we are."

Reply: This may be partly true, but it is a half-truth. Both of the above statements (numbers iii and iv) imply that we cannot do otherwise than to sin.

But recall again [800], where we are told that there is no need to retain even one sinful propensity, and [900] where we are told that we can have strength to overcome as He overcame.

Read all of these passages for yourself.

The central theme of the above statements by the false teacher appear to be this: Sin is a condition of the organism and not an activity of the organism. In other words, sin is what we are and not what we do.

Reply: But such a teaching is the basis of the false doctrine of Original Sin. As soon as we say that sin is what we are, then our inherent tendency to sin renders sin inevitable in our lives. The two become identical; the tendency to sin becomes the same as the act of sin itself.

It is true that we have inherited sinfulness from Adam. But sinful tendencies are not sin. The suggestion that man is born a sinner leads us directly to the Roman Catholic doctrine of Infant Baptism, whereby it was assumed that one could wash away the infant's inherited sin by means of sprinkling, so he might have a sinless start in life.

The teaching of inherited sin also leads to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. If man inherits sin from Adam, then Christ, born as a man, must have inherited sin and thus must have been born a sinner also. In order to avoid this logical conclusion, and keep Christ's life sinless (as in fact it was), Catholic doctrine must declare that Mary, the mother of Christ; did not, in some way, pass sinful human nature on to Christ. Thus we see, that, if man had Original Sin, then Christ could not have partaken of our nature and still be sinless. Thus He could not really have been tempted in all points as we are. It would be necessary for Him, therefore; to have been able to keep the law with a strength or power not available to the rest of us. [1000]

All this results from this error. The obvious conclusion of this error is that we need not keep the law of God, because Christ kept it for us with a superior power. This error also eliminates our own responsibility for the specific acts of sin that we commit, - for why should we be responsible for them since we have no power available to us to eliminate them from our life. Our sins are indeed excusable, and Christ becomes an inadequate Saviour. Sin becomes excusable.

Adam and Eve sinned with a sinless nature. The plan of salvation is based upon the real truth that a human being 'With a sinful" nature can indeed live a sinless life on this earth, for he can do it with empowered help from God.

The doctrine of Original Sin rules out the possibility of a total victory over sin by any human being in this present life. In contrast, the Spirit of Prophecy (the Bible too) maintains that sin can be completely eradicated and now in this life (Enoch, Elijah).

The false teacher says that the remnant will keep the commandments of God, but he explains it in such a way as to teach that we will continue to remain in our sins without being able to resist them. Then, when probation has closed, it would be forever too late for those who had been taught that they could not and should not resist sin. He reflects the Roman Catholic doctrine of Original Sin, and this is the error upon which the doctrinal edifice of Brinsmead and Ford are built.' [1500]

Other false teachers say that `Adam's sin plunged the entire human race into sin.' They call it corporate sin. What does the Bible say?

"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned after the similitude of the figure of transgression who is a type of Him who is to come. ... Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin aboundeth, grace did much more abound." Romans 5:14,19.

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die . . The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son." Ezekiel 18:4, 20.

"Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness." Ezekiel 14:14 (this teaches individual accountability).

In our endeavor to obtain salvation we must cooperate with divine agencies. There is a certain work that we must engage in, certain tasks that we must perform in order to place ourselves in harmony with the divine so that Christ can do for us that, which He is willing and waiting to impart to us.

God has created us free moral agents. This means that He respects our will, our desires, and the choices that we make. He does not interfere with them, set them aside or override them if we are intent upon having our own way. He allows us to act out our desires wherever they may lead unless we pray that His will rather than ours be done in our lives. This means that God's interaction with our will is secondary. That is, it takes place only if the primacy of our desires acquiesces in God's will for us. He will lead us if we allow Him to lead us and place our lives in His hands.

Concluding this study, we add a number of Spirit of Prophecy references, with some quotations.

There exists a divine principle of cooperation between us and God which is stated as follows:

"While God was working in Daniel and his companions 'to will and to do of His good pleasure,' (Phil. 2:13) they were working out their own salvation. Herein is revealed the outworking, of the divine principle of cooperation, without which no true success can be obtained. Human effort avails nothing' without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do. But never as a substitute for our effort." (toward appropriating that grace.) -Prophets and Kings" 486-487, based on Daniel chapter 1.

Referencing individual points:

a. "No man can of himself work out his own salvation, and God cannot do this work for him without his cooperation. But when man works earnestly, God works with him, giving him power to become a son of God." - 6 Testimonies, 372. Phil. 2:13.

b. "We must make more earnest decided efforts, if we would have the Lord Jesus abide with us as our counselor and helper." - 1 Selected Messages, 319; Jh. 17:17; Prov. 9:10.

c. "The Lord does not propose to do for us either the willing or the doing, Phil. 2:13. This is our proper work. God cannot seek Himself for us. As soon as we earnestly enter upon the work, God's grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our souls are to be aroused to cooperate: The Holy Spirit works the human agent to work out our own salvation, Phil. 2:12. This is the practical lesson the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us. The whole work of the Christian is comprised in willing and doing." - Testimonies to Ministers, 240. 241

d. "Let no man present the idea that man has little, or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing without man's cooperation." - 1 Selected Messages, 381.

e. "Let no man say that our works have nothing to do with our rank and position before God . . Effort and labor are required on the part of the receiver of God's grace." - 1 Selected Messages, 381; Matth. 25:34-40.

f. "Earthly blessings cannot be obtained without toil, and can we expect that spiritual and heavenly blessings will come without effort on our part?" - 1 Selected Messages, 359

g. "Can man be saved in doing nothing? Never, never. He must be a co-laborer with Christ. He cannot save himself. 'We are laborers together with God.' " - Matthew 16:24.

Is this teaching of Jesus only true before the cross? Did Jesus teach separate truths to be believed before and after the cross? - Never! Jesus was saying, the cross teaches what we bring out, and is explained here:

h. Some say that Christ had borne all the burden, all the suffering, all the self-denial, and they are willing to let Him bear it. They say that there is nothing for them to do but believe; but Christ says:

"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24. Skip through insertions

But what about what this pastor said?

Salvation is God's work from beginning to end and he won't let you and I take credit. There will be no human bragging in heaven. If you are so in love with yourself, in pride... You would feel out of place in heaven. Hell will be made for the proud. Heaven is where everybody is impressed with Christ and not with themselves. You have to come through the door, you can't go over or under it. It is too wide to get around it.

What does Paul say?

"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:4-8.[2000]

It is not Christ ... plus ...

Being nice - impressed with ourselves. ... We could never be impressed with God. That means so many times, we gotta sin greatly to ever give God a chance to show us what His grace is all about.

The majority of people that get saved you would never have saved. They are not strong enough, not nice enough, not good enough ...

But God has called the weak, they are not mighty, the things that we are not, the things that we despise, the none noble things that flesh should glory in His presence. ...

That is why he chose you. Only God can make anything out of you and I that the world would really believe is credible."

Comment: Yes, God calls out for the weak, those with scars and lack of hope. But that is only their state in the beginning. With Christ in their heart they can overcome in time and live the life of a spiritually growing disciple of God.

As we shall notice the topic of "works" is not always easy to grasp and can easily be misunderstood in some of its aspects.

It is easy to understand why otherwise well-taught Christians are confused on the matter. No theological drum is more soundly thumped today than that of law vs. grace. No issue is more clearly drawn than that which separates the camp of the legalists from the adherents of grace. And this, of course, is preeminently right. What is commonly overlooked and little understood is that the issue is not between these two principles, as such, but between the abuse of the law, on the one hand and grace on the other.

To put the matter another way, it is only when the law is made a means of salvation or of restraint of sin that it comes into conflict with the principles of grace. In every other respect the two are complementary and not conflicting. But the law was never designed to save. In its essential principle it is not, and cannot ever be, opposed to grace, for the two operate in distinctly separate fields and for widely divergent purposes. The law is designed to reveal sin; grace is designed to save from sin. No conflict can possibly exist between these two.

The difference does not lie in the commandments of law versus the commandment-free life of grace, for the fact is that grace has its commandments too! Those who always associate the word "command" with the word "law" have failed to read the Bible accurately. After all, a command is but the expression of a desire on the part of one who has authority. If Christ is Lord of our lives, then He has authority in our lives and His requests become commands to all who love Him. These are the commandments of grace. The difference between them and the commandments of law lies in the motive.

Why does one obey the law? For fear![2400]

Why does one obey a command of grace? For love!

There lies the difference. The command may be the same in either case; the motives alone differ. What made the law so irritating was the sense of constraint it engendered. We were being asked to do what we really did not want to do. The same command, in the relationship of grace, elicits a prompt and willing obedience from us because we love the One who asks it of us. The sense of constraint is utterly gone.

What happened then, when grace superseded law? Did the desire of God for men, as expressed in the law, change? No; it was even intensified and made to be inward rather than merely outward. WHAT THEN CHANGED? The motive of men's hearts!

Once we strove in vain to obey just a law, lashed on by our fears of wrath to come. Now, as believers in Christ, we stand before God in the perfect righteousness of Christ and, because we love Him who first loved us, we seek to please Him -- something we find great pleasure ourselves in doing -- and thus, unconsciously, fulfill the law (which actually should say, obey the law). That is why we read, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4.

The last clause is descriptive of what grace makes us do! [Ray C. Stedman]

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:5-7.

1. "We are to do all we can on our part to fight the good fight of faith. We are to wrestle, to labor, to strive, to organize to enter in at the straight gate. In one way we are thrown upon our own energies; we are to strive earnestly to be zealous and to repent, to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts from every defilement. The Bible teaches that everything regarding our salvation (all phases) depends upon our own course of action. If we perish, the responsibility rests wholly upon ourselves. . If we accept God's terms, we may lay hold on eternal life . . Faith and works go hand in hand; they act harmoniously in the work of overcoming. Works without faith is dead; faith without works is dead." - Faith and Works, 48; Jam. 2:20.

That is why it can be said, "the absence of works shows the absence of faith; for that which is dead has no existence." - E.J. Waggoner, `Saving Faith' in `Lessons of Faith', p. 68. Rom. 3:27.

2. The gist is, It is an error to believe that since by grace alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption (sanctification and glorification). - Steps to Christ, 60; Heb. 10:6; 1.Jh. 5:3;2:4.

3. "He who is trying to reach heaven (glorification) by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. Man cannot be saved without obedience. But his works should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure." - 1 Selected Messages, 364. Gen. 4:1-16. In other words, if we do (work) as Jesus did, our own works do not exist, Jesus does it all.

4. "Some say that Christ has borne all the burden, all the suffering, all the self-denial, and they are willing to let Him bear it. They say that there is nothing for them to do but believe; but Christ says: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." -Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24; 4:19; 19:21; John 10:27; 12:26.

5. "If you say 'I am saved' and disregard the commandments of God, you will be eternally lost." - 1 Selected Messages, 318; Jh. 6:12; 17:17.

That this is so is underscored here,

"If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Hebrew 10:38.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes." Deuteronomy 6:6-8.

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

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

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." Acts 13:46.

That is why we read ...

"Thus saith the Lord." ... not your preacher or church, 413 times in the Bible.

7. "Can a man be saved (sanctified) in doing nothing? Never, never. He must be a colaborer with Christ. He cannot save himself. `We are laborers together (cooperating) with God.'" 1. Corinthians 3:9.

8. "Earthly blessings cannot be obtained without toil, and can we expect that spiritual and heavenly blessings will come without effort on our part?" - 1 Selected Messages, 359; Ps. 119:130.

9. When we have prayed for something we are to do our best to help it come to pass.- Paraphrased from MH, 232. Jh. 9:7; Isa. 38:21.

10. "Those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin, will be disappointed." - 1 Selected Messages, 336. 2 Cor. 5:17.

11. "Engaging in the struggle here below-work out your own salvation - strain every muscle and train every faculty." - Review and Herald April, 28, 1910. Phil. 2:12,13;

12. "We should not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves." "We cannot be borne up by the prayers of others when we ourselves neglect to pray; for God has made no such provision for us." - My Life Today, p. 19. Why? Because if it is already revealed in the Word of God, we are responsible.

13. "We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Jesus says: `If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'" - 1 Selected Messages, 397

14. "Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Through faith the Holy Spirit works in the heart to create holiness therein (Jh. 15:3); but this cannot be done unless the human agent will work (cooperate) with Christ." - 1 Selected Messages, 374; James 2:24-26.

If the question is, are we teaching that, we reply with a most affirmative, `Yes!'

For a Christian, Christ in us is the reason and motivation for all we do. For Popery it is the reverse.

Israel had arrived at a time of crisis in the days of the major prophets. The time brought to view in Isaiah 6 is of a time of crisis for the people of God. The outlook was dismal and the future looked dark indeed. But, the Lord gave to Isaiah a vision of His holiness and His majesty in that hour of crisis. "In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:1-3. What a message at an hour of darkness and crisis! --- We are facing an hour of darkness on this earth when the darkness of the apostasy will become as black as midnight, impenetrable as the sackcloth of hair, but God's people are called upon to, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1 -- It is interesting to note that the angels, in crying to one another, did not cry, "Love, love, love." The Bible does not substitute love for holiness. Though love is God's self-communicating attribute and character, His holiness always dominates, controls and directs His love. Holiness is self-affirming purity, something that this generation has lost sight of. In the place of holiness, it has sought to substitute love, failing to clearly distinguish that holiness must dominate, direct and control love. As a result, we live in a generation that has lost its respect for purity and holiness and has immersed itself in the immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah. This will inevitably result in a totalitarian world state.

What a man is has greater influence than what he says. The quiet, consistent, godly life is a living epistle, known and read of all men. Holiness is not shaped from without or put on; it radiates from God and seeks to dwell within. If goodness, purity, meekness, lowliness, and integrity dwell in the heart, they will shine forth in the character; and such a character is full of power. Not the instrument, but the great Worker in whose hand the instrument is used, receives the glory. The heart filled with the Saviour's love, daily receives grace to impart. The life reveals the redeeming power of the truth. {HP 237.2}
The path of holiness is not on a level with the world; it is a way cast up. If we walk in this way, if we run in the way of the Lord's commandments, we shall find that the "path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18. {RH, November 25, 1884 par. 27}
We build on Christ by obeying his word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. {RH, December 31, 1908 par. 10} Righteousness, therefore, is always a term that means holiness that has confronted temptation in sinful nature and has overcome.
Men present many theories and doctrines, and this is the reason that so many claim to be sinless while they are transgressors of the law. Should they look into God's great mirror, they would start back with horror. They would say with Paul, "I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died." Oh, how many forsake the "Fountain of living waters," and hew them out "cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." This is a correct representation of the spurious holiness so prevalent in the world today. But God's way is the humble way of penitence, faith, and obedience, and no human substitute will be accepted. "Thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." But all this vain boasting of holiness is not of God. {ST, July 17, 1884 par. 4}
A life beautified with holiness is not a life of idle contemplation, but a life filled up with earnest work for the Master, whose light shineth more and more unto the perfect day. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a work to do in witnessing for Christ. {Mrs. E. G. White. {PH148 9.3}

16. "Although the good works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ they testify to the worthiness (willingness to cooperate) of the doer to inherit eternal life (glorification)." - 1 Selected Messages, 382

17. "The condition of eternal life (glorification) is now what it has always been. ... Perfect obedience ("sin no more", Jh. 5:14) to the law of God, perfect righteousness." - Steps to Christ, 62

Comment: But what about those who tell us that since we will always be sinners, we will always sin, perfect must mean something else than perfect, it must mean partial perfectness. Is that true? Yes! A human being grows up through stages, each of which is perfect for his given age at the time. We distinguish between the concept of `perfection' and `perfectionism'. Perfectionism does not mean an absolute state of being before the Second Coming of Christ. [The kind of life which God's people must live by the time of Christ's Second coming is explained in the following passages. See 2.Peter 3 we need imputed righteousness of Christ, forgiveness, Christ standing as our substitute, we need to accept Christ as the one who drank the cup of the wrath of God which is our title, or right to heaven. The other part to that account is, God does not only expect us to have the title or right to heaven, but also the fitness of character for heaven. That we like the things that are pure. We must overcome sin while on earth. 2.Pet. 3:10-14. We must be without spot and blameless. Also Matth. 5:8, blessed are the pure in heart. We allow the Holy Spirit to burn up sin in our life now, Hebr. 12:14, 28-29. 1.Jh. 3:2,3. Perfection is not equality with Christ. Perfection is an unbroken exercise of faith which keeps the soul pure from every stain of sin or disloyalty to God. It is a dynamic lifestyle of a person who reflects the life of Jesus. Perfectionism is not of biblical origin but of Greek philosophy. Perfectionism focuses on a quality in man which can exist independently of abiding in Christ. Perfectionism is wrong and dangerous, but so is the doctrine of imperfection, which allows the sinful and helplessness of man to overshadow what God promised to do for repentant sinners through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. To settle for the doctrine of imperfection is to plan to dishonor Christ.

18. "The Lord will receive the sinner when he repents and forsakes his sins so that he can work with his efforts in seeking perfection of character (sanctification)." ­ 5 Testimonies, 631; Ez. 18:24-25.

19. "Faith and works are two oars which are to be used equally if we would press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief." "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." - Welfare Ministry, 316; James 2:17.

Bearing fruit means practicing the truths of God in our own lives so that others may obtain the benefits of our justification and sanctification, and are helped toward their own justification or salvation. Sanctification means to be­lieve the truth and to practice it. - Acts of the Apostles, 565; My Life Today, 261; Ez. 18:31.

Unless the life-giving truths of God's word are faithfully carried out in the life, no man can see the kingdom of heaven (glorification). - Faith and Works, 32; 1 Sam. 16:7.

The works that we should do are the works in which the Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. They should be works in which the Holy Spirit cooperates with us. "Man cannot be saved (sanctified) without obedience, but his works should not be of himself. Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure." - 1 Selected Messages, 364; It is our motivation which counts.

If, as Christians we cultivate "that humbleness of soul, those around us may know that we have been taught in the school of Christ. And when He shall appear in the clouds of heaven, we shall exclaim, `Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us', Isaiah 25:9. Then it is that the crown of life will be placed upon the brow of the faithful ones. Then will come the voice of the Saviour saying, `Well done thou good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' Matthew 25:21-23." Why then would anyone who sets his mind on being saved "put his feet upon the law of God? No! We want that peace that comes through an obedience to all of the commandments of God." [1SAT 23.3]
The word 'saved' here means sanctified because during obedience to all of the commandments sanctification comes.

So we find that there are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification and the righteousness of Christ. ... While good works will not even save one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. - 1 Selected Messages, 377

'While good works will not even save one soul' means in justification, and
'it is impossible for even one soul to be saved' means sanctification,

"It is the work of conversion (which here means justification) and sanctification to reconcile men to God by bringing them in accord with the principles of His law." - Great Controversy, 467; Rom. 8:7; 7:12.

"Sanctification is a progressive work. It is not attained in an hour, or a day, and then maintained without any special effort on our part." - 2 Testimonies 472; 2.Pet. 1:1-8.

Continual growth in grace takes effort, and can be achieved only by daily conformity to God. - Paraphrased from, 4 Testimonies 299; Youth Instructor, Dec, 8, 1898; 1 Cor. 15:31.

Even with Christ living within us through His Holy Spirit such conformity is not automatic. It takes earnest, decided effort on our part if we would have the Lord Jesus abide with us as counselor and helper. - 1 Selected Messages, 319

The reason for this is that God has given us freedom of choice and a will. He never overrides these against our will. So the initiative in staying with Christ resides in us. God never forces the will. - Great Controversy, 591.

An individual who has been justified will now do good works in order to develop the perfection of his character, his sanctification. When we spoke of an individual not being saved by works we were referring to his initial contact with Christ or his justification. After an individual has been justified he must become sanctified. This means that he must develop his character unto higher and ever higher levels of perfection or sanctification, but in doing so all the glory goes to God. He is motivated doing good works because of love. He follows the commandments of grace: (1) Sell all you have and follow me (Lk. 18:22); (2) Go and teach all nations, baptizing them (Mt. 28:19; Acts 10:42,48). When we do as Jesus says, it is not legalism or works, it is for love. Hence the works which he does during sanctification are works which not only sanctify him, but these same works also maintain his justification or justify him. This is the reason why the Bible speaks of persons being justified by their works, while it also speaks of individuals not being justified by works. But you know, the kingdom of God does not come by observation. We are called to do something everyday. The bold printed sentence means that only justified persons, only sanctified persons, only believers who have placed their faith in Christ can be justified by works. It means that the works which sanctify also justify, and that the works which justify also sanctify. This principle is made clear in the following statements:

1. "In order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience through active living faith that works by love and purifies the soul." (Gal. 5:6) - 1 Selected Messages, 366

2. "The Christian cannot maintain sanctification without special effort on his part." - 2 Testimonies, 472

3. "We must make earnest decided efforts if we would have the Lord Jesus abide with us as our counsellor and helper." - 1 Selected Messages, 319

4. "Righteousness is obedience to the law. The sinner is incapable of rendering it . . He can attain it only through faith. God places the obedience of the Son to the sinner's account and pardons and justifies the repentant sinner and treats him as though he were righteous. . When we do our best He becomes our righteousness." - 1 Selected Messages, 367; Titus 3:5-7.

5. "Conversion (sanctification) may be viewed as a daily experience."

6. "Genuine faith will be manifested in good 'works for good works are the fruit of faith. . The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul. . Where faith is good works appear." - 1 Selected Messages, 397, 398

7. "Faith will never save (sanctify and glorify) you unless it is justified by works." - 2 Testimonies, 159.

8. "Christ came to the earth, taking humanity and standing as man's representative, to show in the controversy with Satan that man, as God created him, connected with the Father and the Son, could obey every divine requirement." - 7 Bible Commentary, 926

9. "Conversion brings man into a new relation with God." - Our High Calling, 215; R&H, Sept. 4, 1897.

10. "When a man is converted, when he comes back to his allegiance to God, he then places himself in a right relation to Him, . .whereby he will regain the moral image of his Maker." - Review and Herald, March 1, 1887.

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

"In Him was no guile or sinfulness; He was ever pure and undefiled; yet He took upon Him our sinful nature." - Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1896.

12. "He [Judas] . . did not become transformed, and converted through connection with the True Vine. This dry sapling adhered not to the Vine until it grew into a fruitful, living branch. He revealed that he was the graft that did not bear fruit, the graft that did not, fiber by fiber and vein by vein, become knit with the Vine, and partake of its life." - Sons and Daughters of God, 291

13. "A mere profession of godliness is worthless." - Sons and Daughters of God, 297

14. "Like Judas, we may hold the truth in unrighteousness."­ Signs of the Times, June 5, 1884.

15. "Repentance for sin is the first fruits of the working of the Holy Spirit in the Life." - 6 Bible Commentary, 1068.

16. "If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today." - In Heavenly Places, 227; Maranatha, ch. 90.

17. "A knowledge of Christ will avail nothing unless we become like Him in character, bearing the same likeness, and representing His Spirit to the world. Christ is of no value to us unless He is formed within, the hope of glory. If we do not know Him as our personal Saviour, a theoretical knowledge will do us no good." - That I May Know Him, 107.

18. "It is through the tangible ingredients of relationship : Bible study, prayer, and Christian witness-that we enter into relationship with Him and that we continue to abide in Him, as well. What will be the result? We will experience so close a relationship with Him that Jesus describes it as dwelling in Him, and He in us (See John 17:20-23)." `Ministry' magazine, March, 1982, page 9.

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:20-23.

19. How do you work out your own salvation? What is your part? What can you do?

Three things. The study of the Bible and spending time in prayer are the first two. The third is Christian witness." - To Know God, 67

20. "The purpose of the daily relationship with Christ is communication. If you maintain regular communication, you will have a relationship." - To Know God, 52

21. " . . Spending time together. It's just that simple." - To Know God, 46

22. "A mere assent to this union while the affections are not detached from the world, its pleasures and its dissipations, only emboldens the heart in disobedience." 5 Testimonies, 232

23. "To claim union with Christ (one which is not genuine) hardens the heart in disobedience and self-confidence." - 5 Testimonies, 48

24. "The hope which had been so precious to them lost its attractions; for the specious delusions of Satan almost wholly extinguished the light of salvation through the merits of a crucified Saviour, and men were led to seek to make an atonement through works of their own, by fasts and penances, and through the payment of money to the church. It was more agreeable to the natural heart thus to seek justification than to seek it through repentance and faith, through belief in, and obedience to, the truth." - Review and Herald, Nov. 22, 1892.

25. "The author of the book positively asserts that "if you enter into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and continue that relationship with Him from now until He comes again, He will do the rest. " - To Know God 40,101

26. "If you continue the relationship with Jesus, sooner or later your sin is going to go. That's the way it works. That's the only way it works- " - To Know God, 94

27. "Those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin, will be disappointed." - Maranatha, 227

28. God's faithful people will "... demonstrate to the world that man need not remain a sinner, that man may attain a sinless righteous experience by the same faith that Jesus exercised, that is, righteousness by faith." But let us remember it is "righteousness by faith", not by personality. The great truth about the Cross is not primarily Jesus as a person, but how the Cross glorifies the character of Jesus. We are not looking upon Jesus as a charming person with a smile, for He is rather described as bearing all our infirmities. We are looking upon Jesus whom we can trust because of His matchles, perfect character. To such a Saviour we come and repent and follow Him because of love.
The "gospel of the kingdom's is the good news that God can change men and women into His likeness if they would make Him Lord of their live."
The "... dramatic, distinctive life witness will indeed be the evidence - the `good news' - that Jesus reigns in the lives of men. Such is the gospel in living color that will be `preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.'"

"Many commit the error of trying to define minutely the fine points of distinction between justification and sanctification. Into the definitions of these two terms they often bring their own ideas and speculations. Why try to be more minute than is Inspiration on the vital question of righteousness by faith? Why try to work out every minute point, as if the salvation of the soul depended upon all having exactly your understanding of this matter? All cannot see in the same line of vision. You are in danger of making a world of an atom, and an atom of a world." {CTr 150.2} Therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to apply the principles of this quote to each individual without muddying the waters with what we think others should see in it. If the shoe does not appear to fit any of you, then do not worry about it; it will fit somebody.
Some make the effort to apply the sanctifying principles of the incarnation of Jesus to our personal lives.
"There are fearful woes for those who preach the truth, but are not sanctified by it, and also for those who consent to receive and maintain the unsanctified to minister to them in word and doctrine. I am alarmed for the people of God who profess to believe solemn, important truth, for I know that many of them are not converted nor sanctified through it. Men can hear and acknowledge the whole truth, and yet know nothing of the power of godliness. All who preach the truth will not themselves be saved by it. Said the angel: `Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.'" {1T 261.3}
If we get so bogged down in the mire of trying to make others "see in the same line of vision" concerning what they cannot see, we fall into line with the Devil's work of keeping minds from getting around to applying the truth that would prepare the fruit of our character to ripen for the harvest.
So let us have the spirit of love continue to reign supreme; if it does not, then the Devil has succeeded in his effort to show that what God asks is too much -- "Love one another as I have loved you." Otherwise what are we trying to prove with the arguments of our theories, if they will be proven false by our hypocrasy?

So it appears that justification and sanctification take place in the background as we try to follow in the foot steps of Jesus and refrain from evil.

Jesus modeled for man a perfect demonstration of righteousness by faith. In that He presented the relevant example for us so we can imitate Him, our perfect role model. Of this, the last generation before Christ comes, is more expected than any other before, for the greater light available. Can we live up to the light? Are we a people who are more like Caleb, or are we more like the men that went up with him? (Numbers 13:30-31.) It was Jesus who said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Jesus overcame, does that mean He wants us to overcome too?

It was John who wrote,

"I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. 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. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh 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 2:14-15; 5:4-5.

To the church of Smyrna , "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." Rev. 2:11.
All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life.

To the church of Pergamos, "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." Rev. 2:17.
John heard the promises to all the faithful ones who were striving against evil. When temptation comes upon us, we need spiritual discernment, that we may detect Satan's agency, and draw close to Jesus. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Every moment it is necessary to fight the good fight of faith; for doubt must be resisted, and faith must be encouraged. In temptation, inclination must be overruled by reason. Self will clamor for indulgence, but inclination must be resisted, and temptation overcome.

To the church of Thyatira , "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star." Rev. 2:26.
Here, also, conditions are specified. In order to inherit all things, we must resist and overcome sin.

To the church of Sardis , "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Rev. 3:5.
These words are given for the people while they are in connection with the world, subject to temptations and influences that are deceiving and deluding. While they stay their mind upon Him who is their sun and their shield, the blackness and darkness that surround them will not leave one spot or stain upon their garments. They will walk with Christ.

To the church of Philadelphia , "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God..." Rev. 3:12.
Long afterward, when the disciple had been brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of His sufferings, the Lord revealed to John what is the condition of nearness in His kingdom.

To the church of Laodicea , "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." Rev. 3:21.
Everything that pertains to godliness, everything that pertains to the salvation of the human soul, is to be placed within the reach of every human being upon the face of the earth. There is no excuse for one of us to falter and fail in any respect in the work of overcoming.

But life is forever confronting us with difficult, unexpected situations. Men argue that we must make a moral adjustment because of the type of world we live in. `The moral law does not count in this case,' they hold. `We lie to save someone's life. We act from good intent. The choice is a matter of the lesser of two evils.' -- But does this suffice us? Do the "lesser" sins we settle for give us any rest and satisfaction?

The result of such circumstances are the same as if our choices were intentionally on the wrong side. If we get lost somewhere in the desert or in the mountainous forests the result is the same for an innocent sheep as for a wilful man. We all pay for our mistakes. Of course, God considers our motives and our situations. He will judge, acquit, or condemn accordingly.

But Jesus said, "One jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Mt. 5:18). We have to believe that in back of that requirement God has provided the power to make it so in our lives. If our human weakness and sinfulness arise to undermine confidence in the law of God, ultimately there will not be much left of it and us. Jesus would have nothing to do with the idea that breaking the law in this or that particular case does not count. We ought to know that loving obedience to God's law is not performed with the listless necessity of slaves, but with the joy of the sons of God. The love that binds us to keep His Commandments is meant to hold life, home. and character together.

And so it appears to be true that our carnal nature does not have to remain carnal, we can overcome, we can like Jesus could, but along the way we may not know how far we have gone and so keep pressing on as if it is still a long ways off, Phil. 3:14.

Here is the conclusion: The false teacher is championing overcoming and perfection of character, but the means to that end is by letting God do the overcoming and perfecting, without any effort on our part. And the result is that many who buy into this new method are going to remain in their sins. And that is unfortunate.

We mention the cigarette habit as but one example of the fallacy of this new theory. Only those who miraculously have the desire for the habit to be taken from them will be able to overcome this problem, if his view is correct. Other examples could be cited, such as the conquest of bad temper, of eating too much or the wrong kinds of food.

Do you want to be tied to your sinful habits when the National Sunday Law is passed and the Mark and Seal begins to be `affixed'? Do you want to be living with the "patience of the saints" with your sins - when your name comes up in judgment in the Sanctuary above? Do you want to believe, at such a time in history as this, when the great Day of Judgment is just upon us, are we to teach - or accept the teaching - that we do not need to immediately put away our sins?

I will tell you.

It was done by people who personally asked the false teacher pointed questions. As with a number of us, they could not figure out where he was headed and exactly what he meant. So they interviewed him personally. And he gave them the key to the code. One young man found himself puzzled by the campmeeting presentations of this false teacher, so he went to him privately and asked him what he meant.

"The way you seem to be coming through to me is, that a Christian is not supposed to resist sin through any effort of his will at all. If the removal of sin does not come about easily through the Holy Spirit, then the Christian must wait for the Holy Spirit to do it; is that right?"

The false teachers reply was: "Any effort put into overcoming sin by the Christian is legalism."

In explaining the code, he had explained his concepts. The young man then turned to the false teacher's books and found the errors clearly stated therein. He now stands in opposition to the current promotion to place a copy of that teacher's books in homes.

Another individual spent many, many hours with the false teacher discussing his concepts. And the time spent spanned several years. The result was a very clear view of his beliefs. This denominational worker's statements made over the phone to me are recorded in this present set of papers.

Then there was the individual who teaches at a University. He has been exposed to the false teacher's teachings for quite some time now. Sitting in his classes, he has heard him repeatedly explain his positions. But ironically, this individual told me that it was because of a different aspect of the problem that aroused him to action.

We have here been discussing the false teacher's view on how to deal with sin, but this church member was aroused to action by the false teacher's view of sin itself!

We are told in the Spirit of Prophecy that the basic definition of sin is to be found in 1 John 3:4. "Sin 'is the transgression of the law." (See also closely similar definitions in Rom. 14:23; James 4:17) We must take not that nothing is said or implied in this scripture about an ongoing inevitable state of sin preceding our actual transgression of the law. But the false teacher sees sin as "separation from God."

But Isaiah 59:2 is speaking of separation from God as an effect of sin, and not as the sin itself or the cause of the sin.

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2.

the one which sees sin as "separation from God," we can easily see, why he can believe himself safe when, after having had his study and prayer for the morning, he dares to journey through the day's activities without resisting temptation and known sins. After all, he does not need to resist temptation because sin is really only "separation from God," and having had his prayer and study for the day - he is now with God!

Comment: We would be very happy if the false teacher would publicly state - and write in his books - that the God of heaven requires mankind to put forth efforts to obey His laws, and that these efforts will be successful when done in faith that Christ will strengthen those efforts. Then this set of papers could be withdrawn from circulation.

I am a parent of teenagers. I want my children saved in the kingdom of heaven. I want them to live clean, honest, good lives. I want them to serve Jesus Christ all their lives. I am told in the Spirit of Prophecy that one temptation yielded to can lead to years of regret and a lifetime of repentance.

I am writing to people who are parents of teenagers, who have been parents of teenagers, or who will be parents of teenagers someday.

If your teenage daughter came to you and said she was going to date a boy she likes very much that night, would you tell her to be very careful, keep hands off, and resist temptation to wrong indulgences, lest it cause tragedy that could ruin her for a lifetime?

Or would you follow the pattern of moral guidance laid down in the false teacher's books and recorded statements?

Would you tell your daughter that people who try to be righteous are only trying to escape from God?

That exterior morality is worthless?

That if she tries to resist temptation that night, it will only show that she is still unconverted?

That people who concern themselves with right-doing are classed by God as Laodiceans?

That she should not try to be a "good liver"? (Someone who always wants to live `good' - in obedience.)

That to resist sin only proves that she is still back slidden from Christ?

That a deliberate and willful act of avoiding sin is just another way to try to earn her way to heaven? ... For she will only be motivated by legalism .. . and is only trying to make a good impression on others. . for attempted morality is no better than immorality in God's eyes. ... that it would only provide evidence that she is on a works program and needs a new birth. . that to consciously avoid or resist temptation that evening would constitute evidence that she is not under the Holy Spirit's control - and would be little more than a shallow act of morality. . for avoiding sin has value only in a law court and keeping you out of jail - and that eventuality probably would not result from what you might do tonight?

But they continue and maintain . . that to stifle temptation would prove you to be a mere moralist and motivated by self-conceit and egotism. . for resisting sin is nothing more than an effort to glorify yourself instead of God. . for to consciously resist sin - would be sin - as far as God is concerned, for it would be a deliberate . choice or act of the will, and therefore could not come from a relationship with Christ. . and would therefore be an act of self-righteousness that you would have to repent of afterward?

. . that you might as well go ahead and do it - for you will not be able to resist