For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy (Leviticus 11:45, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the essential link between purity, obedience, and the community’s ability to influence the world, exploring biblical principles and inspired insights that reveal how aligning hearts with divine will unleashes transformative spiritual power for global impact and personal growth.

POWER THROUGH PURITY: THE CHURCH’S MISSION

This blog post explores the vital connection between purity, obedience, and the church’s power to impact the world. It’s a journey we’ll take together, examining scripture, Ellen G. White’s writings, and personal reflections, all through the lens of biblical principles. We’ll delve into the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ in these challenging times. Christ calls us to live in harmony with His teachings, demonstrating that genuine faith manifests through actions rooted in love. Scripture affirms this through verses like “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV), showing love expressed via obedience, and “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV), emphasizing obedience over ritual. In The Desire of Ages we read, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds in conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Those who obey the first, loving God supremely, will pour out the riches of God’s goodness in love and compassion to their fellow-men” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 592, 1890). This inward alignment empowers us to reflect divine principles daily, prompting the question of where true power originates in our lives.

WHERE FLOWS THE SOURCE OF TRUE POWER?

True power, the kind that moves mountains and changes lives, doesn’t come from worldly might or human ingenuity. It flows from a heart aligned with God’s will. As Deuteronomy 28:13 (KJV) states, “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.” This verse is a promise. It speaks of the blessings that follow obedience. When we truly listen to God’s voice and live according to His commandments, we position ourselves to receive His power. It’s like a river, we must clear the debris of sin to allow the pure water of God’s power to flow through us. This isn’t about outward show, but inward transformation. God grants strength through faithful adherence, as seen in “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8, KJV), highlighting the Spirit’s empowering role, and “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20, KJV), illustrating divine capability within. Through inspired counsel we are told, “True obedience comes from the heart” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). Sr. White further explains, “Obedience or disobedience decides every man’s destiny. Those who obey God are counted worthy to share his throne, while those who disobey will be forever lost” (The Review and Herald, July 4, 1893). This transformation equips us for greater influence, raising the inquiry of how Christ’s life exemplifies this path for us.

DOES CHRIST LIGHT OUR PATH?

Jesus, the perfect embodiment of God’s love and law, is our ultimate example. “When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example; practicing the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bear witness that they love God supremely, and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 340). This quote from Sr. White illuminates the path. It emphasizes that true power comes from living a life that reflects Christ’s character. It’s not enough to simply talk the talk; we must walk the walk. Like a mirror reflecting the sun, we should reflect Christ’s love and righteousness in every aspect of our lives. This means loving God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. It’s a high calling, but one that empowers us beyond measure. Christ demonstrates purity in action, supported by “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8, KJV), stressing heart purity for divine vision, and “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22, KJV), urging personal purity. A passage from Sons and Daughters of God reminds us, “When the character is lacking in purity, when sin has become a part of the character, it has a bewitching power that is equal to the intoxicating glass of liquor” (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 115, 1955). The inspired pen notes, “God will accept nothing but purity and holiness; one spot, one wrinkle, one defect in the character, will forever debar us from heaven, with all its glories and treasures” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 453, 1869). How are we reflecting Christ today, and what role does separation play in this reflection?

IS SEPARATION KEY TO SANCTITY?

To truly embody Christ’s character, we must also experience a separation from sin and the world. This is a crucial aspect of being sealed for eternity. It’s not about isolating ourselves from people, but about separating ourselves from sinful practices and worldly influences that hinder our spiritual growth. It’s like a gardener weeding out the unwanted plants to allow the good plants to flourish. We must cultivate a heart that yearns for holiness, a heart that beats in rhythm with God’s will. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, a constant striving to become more like Christ. God sets apart His people through holiness, as in “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV), commanding separation from impurity, and “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4, KJV), warning against worldly alliances. In Messages to Young People we read, “The true followers of Christ will have sacrifices to make. They will shun places of worldly amusement because they find no Jesus there” (Messages to Young People, p. 376, 1930). Sr. White affirms, “The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments” (The Review and Herald, January 4, 1881). Are we willing to let go of the things that hold us back from God, especially considering how this fuels our global mission?

HOW DOES PURITY FUEL MISSION?

The purity of the truth within God’s church is the very engine that drives its global mission. It’s not about political power or social influence; it’s about the transformative power of the Gospel. When we live lives of purity and obedience, we become living testimonies to God’s grace and love. We become beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. Like a light shining in a dark place, our lives should illuminate the path to salvation for others. This is the power that truly changes lives, the power that transforms communities, the power that reaches to the ends of the earth. The community advances through sanctified lives, evidenced by “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV), praying for complete sanctification, and “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, KJV), requiring holiness for vision. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The mission of the church of Christ is to save perishing sinners. It is to make known the love of God to men and to win them to Christ by the efficacy of that love” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 381, 1875). Sr. White states, “Not in their own power did the apostles accomplish their mission, but in the power of the living God” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 593, 1911). Are we shining our light brightly, and in what way does this demonstrate divine love?

HOW DOES PURITY SHOW GOD’S LOVE?

The concepts of purity, obedience, and separation, while sometimes perceived as strict, are actually expressions of God’s immense love for us. He desires our best, and He knows that true joy and fulfillment can only be found in a life lived in harmony with His will. As Sr. White writes, “The very essence of true religion is the manifestation of the Saviour’s love in the human life” (Steps to Christ, p. 68). This quote clearly shows how the principles of purity, obedience, and separation are rooted in love. When we choose to obey God’s commands, we are not doing so out of fear or obligation, but out of love for Him. It’s like a child obeying their parent because they trust and love them. God’s love is the motivation behind all His instructions. He wants to protect us from the destructive forces of sin and guide us to a life of abundant blessings. Therefore, purity, obedience, and separation are not burdens, but rather expressions of God’s love, designed to lead us to true freedom and happiness. Divine affection surrounds us, as “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” (John 3:16, KJV), revealing sacrificial love, and “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV), proving love in our unworthiness. Through inspired counsel we are told, “The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is a positive and active principle, a living spring, ever flowing to bless others” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 58, 1896). A passage from Steps to Christ reminds us, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). This understanding invites us to consider how we apply these truths personally and communally.

HOW APPLY THIS IN LIFE AND COMMUNITY?

For me, this message resonates deeply. I recognize my own struggles with sin and the constant need for God’s grace. I know that I must continually strive to live a life that reflects Christ’s character. For the community, this message is a call to action. We must examine our hearts and our lives, asking ourselves if we are truly living up to the high calling that God has placed upon us. We must support one another in this journey of faith, encouraging each other to live lives of purity and obedience. Like a team working together towards a common goal, we must strive to be a church that truly reflects the love and character of Christ to the world. For example, in our local church, we can implement more intentional discipleship programs that focus on spiritual growth and practical application of biblical principles. We can also create a more supportive environment where members feel comfortable sharing their struggles and receiving encouragement. This is how we can, together, become a powerful force for good in the world. Sr. White guides us toward practical living, backed by “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, KJV), calling for self-cleansing for usefulness, and “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22, KJV), linking obedience to soul purification. In Sanctified Life we read, “True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last” (The Sanctified Life, p. 7, 1889). The inspired pen adds, “Sanctification consists, moreover, in cleansing from sin, in making pure and holy that which is impure and unholy” (The Sanctified Life, p. 49, 1889). This collective effort strengthens our witness.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of purity and obedience in daily devotions, letting these truths mold my character and choices?

How can we present these vital principles accessibly to varied groups, from long-time members to newcomers, while upholding doctrinal integrity?

What frequent misunderstandings about separation and sanctification exist in our circles, and how can I address them kindly with biblical and inspired evidence?

In what concrete steps can our groups and individuals shine as examples of God’s love, embodying Christ’s return and triumph over sin?