Heaven’s Vision. Earth’s Mission. One Standard.

J. Hector Garcia

PLAN OF REDEMPTION: SOUNDING THE ALARM

Ezekiel 33:6 (KJV): “But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.”

ABSTRACT

The article explores our urgent responsibility to warn the world of an impending crisis, emphasizing Christ’s compassion for the lost and the solemn covenant formed at the cross. Through scriptural and inspired guidance, we are called to embody love, selflessness, and active mission work in these last days.

OUR CALL TO WARN

The world faces an imminent crisis, and we bear a grave responsibility to warn others. Jeremiah 8:20 (KJV) declares, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” This verse paints a somber picture of missed opportunities and lost hope for those who have not responded to God’s call in time. We are entrusted with spreading the gospel and warning of the approaching end times. The continuous calls for help and the spiritual ignorance pervading the world underscore this duty. According to Ellen G. White, “Upon us rests the weighty responsibility of warning the world of its coming doom. From every direction, from far and near, are coming calls for help” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 7, p. 16, 1902). Further, Sr. White states, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Gospel Workers, p. 352, 1915). Scripture affirms this with Ezekiel 3:18 (KJV): “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Likewise, Isaiah 58:1 (KJV) commands, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” We must act diligently to fulfill this divine mission, as the salvation of many depends on our commitment. How can we embody Christ’s compassion in our outreach to the lost?

CHRIST’S HEART FOR THE LOST
Christ’s teachings reveal His deep yearning for those outside His fold, urging us to mirror His compassion. John 10:16 (KJV) states, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” This verse emphasizes the inclusivity of Christ’s mission, extending grace to all who listen and follow. Yet, a lack of genuine sympathy for the unsaved often hinders our efforts. Sr. White observes, “Among God’s people today there is a fearful lack of the sympathy that should be felt for souls unsaved. We talk of Christian missions. The sound of our voices is heard; but do we feel Christ’s tender heart longing for those outside the fold?” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 7, p. 13, 1902). She further warns, “We are not to wait for souls to come to us; we must seek them out where they are” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 229, 1900). Psalm 126:6 (KJV) reinforces this: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Similarly, Luke 15:7 (KJV) affirms, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over the just persons, which need no repentance.” To fulfill our mission, we must develop a heartfelt connection with the lost, reflecting Christ’s love. What does it mean to enter into a covenant with Christ at the cross?

THE COVENANT AT THE CROSS

Accepting Christ at the cross signifies a solemn covenant to live in accordance with God’s will and participate in His mission. Sr. White explains, “At the cross of Calvary, love and selfishness stood face to face. Here was their crowning manifestation. Christ had lived only to comfort and bless, and in putting Him to death, Satan manifested the malignity of his hatred against God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 57, 1898). The cross represents the ultimate conflict between love and selfishness, and by accepting Christ, we choose love. The life and sacrifice of Christ exemplify perfect selflessness. Sr. White further states, “The cross of Christ is to be a great center where all will meet. Here the sinner sees Jesus” (Evangelism, p. 188, 1946). Additionally, she writes, “The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster” (Gospel Workers, p. 315, 1915). Galatians 2:20 (KJV) declares, “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.” Romans 12:1 (KJV) urges, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Entering this covenant commits us to a life of service and active participation in God’s work. How can we rise to meet the urgency of this crisis?

OUR URGENT RESPONSE

The approaching crisis demands an urgent response from us, as we are tasked with warning others and spreading the gospel. Christ’s compassion serves as our model, urging us to show genuine concern for the unsaved. Accepting Christ and entering the covenant at the cross is a profound commitment to live out love and selflessness. Sr. White emphasizes, “The Lord calls for united action. Well-organized efforts must be made to secure the co-operation of all” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 7, p. 14, 1902). She also writes, “The work of God is to be carried on to completion by the co-operation of human and divine agencies” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 111, 1911). 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) instructs, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Matthew 24:14 (KJV) proclaims, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” We must rise, clothed in God’s power, to fulfill our mission in these last days.

For more articles, please go to www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of the plan of redemption through daily study, allowing these truths to shape my character and priorities?

How can we present the urgency of the gospel in a way that resonates with both long-time members and new seekers, maintaining theological clarity?

What misunderstandings about the end times exist in my community, and how can I address them with Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

How can our congregations and individual members actively demonstrate the love and selflessness of Christ, becoming beacons of hope in these last days?

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