CHURCH: WHO ARE GOD’S TRUE CHAMPIONS?

Isaiah 10:21 (KJV): “The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the defining traits of those who follow God faithfully in the end times, highlighting themes of salvation from sin, covenant loyalty, being set apart as a treasured and holy community, humility, honesty, and obedience to divine commandments.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: GOD’S BLUEPRINT FOR HIS PEOPLE

This blog post delves into the essential characteristics of God’s true followers, drawing from Scripture and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White. It aims to illuminate the divine standard for His people in these crucial last days, emphasizing obedience, purity, and Christ-like character. We will unpack key biblical passages and Sr. White’s insights to understand what it truly means to be a child of God. This is a call to self-examination and a renewed commitment to living a life that reflects the divine image. John 3:17 (KJV) declares, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) affirms, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” A prophetic voice reminds us, “The Son of God came to our world to bear testimony to the truth in his own person. He came to reveal the character of the Father, that men might be led to worship him in spirit and in truth” (Review and Herald, January 7, 1890). In The Signs of the Times we read, “Jesus came to the world to save sinners, not in their sins; but from their sins; and to sanctify them through the truth” (The Signs of the Times, July 31, 1893). Christ frees us from sin’s power, offering not just forgiveness but a path to victory over wrongdoing. But what fuels this divine rescue? “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1, KJV). “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4, KJV). “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18, KJV). “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God’s law, they were not His people” (The Desire of Ages, p. 107, 1898). She further states, “Christ came to this world to save sinners. He will redeem every son and daughter of Adam who consents to be redeemed, by leading them to abstain from every polluting practice” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 215, 1900). We are told, “The mission of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the brokenhearted. This work of restoration is to be carried out among the needy, suffering ones of humanity” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 15, 1904). The inspired pen notes, “God’s law is the transcript of His character. It embodies the principles of His kingdom” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 49, 1896). “The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309, 1898). “All who would be saved must come to Christ, the divine Restorer, who alone can give life to the soul” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 537, 1889). Salvation transforms lives completely, empowering the community to live victoriously. Yet what seals this bond of loyalty?

WHAT FUELS CHRIST’S QUEST FOR HUMANITY?

Christ’s most important work for His people frees them from the bondage of wrongdoing. Jesus’ paramount mission was salvation, liberating us from the guilt and dominion of sin. This wasn’t merely about absolution; it was about transformation. He came to reshape our hearts, to mold us into new beings. Think about it: He didn’t simply want to erase our errors; He wanted to empower us to cease making them. This is the essence of the gospel – not just pardon, but power. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14, KJV). “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5, KJV). “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). “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). Ellen G. White explains, “The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309, 1898). She affirms, “By His life and His death, Christ proved that God’s justice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed” (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898). We read, “The law requires righteousness,—a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). “The death of Christ was to be the convincing, everlasting argument that the law of God is as unchangeable as His throne” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 240, 1958). “In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent, and the matchless grace of a compassionate Saviour” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 115, 1905). “He came to demonstrate that the law of God could be obeyed perfectly by humanity” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 25, 1913). Salvation transforms lives completely, empowering the community to live victoriously. Yet what seals this bond of loyalty?

WHAT SEALS THE ETERNAL BOND WITH GOD?

One of the first requirements God makes of His people, the faithful performance of which stamps them as His own, is covenant loyalty. God’s covenant isn’t simply a contract; it’s a relationship. It’s a bond of love and allegiance. Like a marriage, it demands commitment and fidelity. We demonstrate our love for God by adhering to His commandments. “Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, And say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God” (Jeremiah 11:1-4, KJV). “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9, KJV). “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people” (Hebrews 8:10, KJV). “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine” (Exodus 19:5, KJV). “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me” (Jeremiah 32:40, KJV). “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips” (Psalm 89:34, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets we find, “The terms of the ‘old covenant’ were, Obey and live: ‘If a man do, he shall live in them’ (Ezekiel 20:11; Leviticus 18:5); but ‘cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.’ Deuteronomy 27:26” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372, 1890). The inspired pen notes, “All who through Christ should become the children of faith were to be gathered into one family, and the precepts of God’s law were to be incorporated into their character” (The Signs of the Times, April 15, 1903). Sr. White states, “The covenant of grace was made with man as soon as there was sin. The promise was given to our first parents in Eden, and they transmitted it to their posterity” (The Faith I Live By, p. 77, 1958). She writes, “God’s law is the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. It is the expression of His character, the transcript of His will” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 331, 1895). “The conditions of the covenant are, ‘I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.’ Hebrews 8:10” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 221, 1900). “The covenant of grace is not a new truth; it is the renewal of the everlasting covenant made with man in Eden” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 231, 1958). Loyalty builds a deep connection with the divine. But what elevates us in His eyes?

WHAT ELEVATES OUR WORTH IN GOD’S SIGHT?

Another identifying mark which will ever be seen in God’s true and obedient people is their status as a chosen people. Being God’s “peculiar treasure” is both a privilege and a responsibility. It signifies that we are set apart for His service, like a precious gem. We are called to reflect His character to the world. Imagine being selected for a special mission. That’s precisely what God has done for us. “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the people that are upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2, KJV). “And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments” (Deuteronomy 26:18, KJV). “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). “The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people” (Deuteronomy 7:7, KJV). “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16, KJV). “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4, KJV). Sr. White explains, “God has declared that those who in faith receive Christ as their Redeemer are His peculiar treasure” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 40, 1895). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people; He has His plans concerning each” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 12, 1901). She states, “God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully, wholeheartedly, holding nothing back” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 19, 1909). “They are to be a peculiar people, separate from the world in their pursuits and practices” (Counsels on Health, p. 441, 1923). “God’s people are to be a holy people, distinct in character and practice from the world” (Messages to Young People, p. 128, 1930). “The church is to be a light in the world, a representation of the character of Christ” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12, 1911). This status inspires dedicated service. Yet what purifies our calling?

WHAT PURIFIES OUR CALL TO BE HOLY?

And what is still another and all-important outstanding characteristic of God’s peculiar people? Holiness is not optional for God’s people; it’s a prerequisite. It’s not about outward appearances; it’s about inward transformation. It’s about becoming more like Jesus. This is a lifelong journey, a process of sanctification. “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine” (Leviticus 20:26, KJV). “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7, KJV). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, KJV). “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16, KJV). “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1, KJV). “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). A prophetic voice shares, “True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 48, 1900). In The Ministry of Healing we read, “Holiness is agreement with God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 129, 1905). Sr. White writes, “Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our Heavenly Father” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 163, 1855). “The sanctification of the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391, 1898). “Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven” (The Desire of Ages, p. 556, 1898). “The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). Sanctification shapes us daily. But what traits shine in the faithful few?

WHAT TRAITS SHINE BRIGHT IN THE REMNANT?

What does the prophet Zephaniah point out as being very important marks to be seen in God’s remnant people? Humility and honesty are hallmarks of God’s remnant. They are not arrogant or deceptive. They are humble and truthful, placing their trust in God’s provision. In a world saturated with pride and falsehood, these qualities stand out like beacons. “I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid” (Zephaniah 3:12-13, KJV). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV). “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22, KJV). “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3, KJV). “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV). “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12, KJV). Sr. White observes, “True humility is a grace essential to the Christian character” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 50, 1889). A passage from Manuscript Releases reminds us, “Honesty and truthfulness must be maintained at any cost” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 105, 1906). She states, “Humility is the crowning grace of the Christian character” (Our High Calling, p. 194, 1961). “The nearer we come to Jesus, the more we see our own defects of character; for His righteousness reveals our sinfulness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 639, 1889). “There is nothing so offensive to God as hypocrisy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 336, 1879). “Truthfulness and integrity are characteristics that should ever be cherished” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 80, 1913). These virtues define the remnant’s strength. Yet what commands their path?

WHAT COMMANDS THE PATH OF THE FAITHFUL?

What is the familiar description of God’s true remnant people whom the prophet John presents? The remnant is identified by their obedience to God’s commandments and their adherence to the testimony of Jesus. This is a critical point. It’s not sufficient to simply believe; we must also obey. Our faith must manifest itself in our actions. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17, KJV). “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV). “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3, KJV). “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14, KJV). “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3, KJV). Through inspired counsel we learn, “The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 385, 1958). In Testimonies we find, “Obedience to all the commandments of God was the condition of eating of the tree of life” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 133, 1855). Sr. White writes, “The people of God are distinguished as the keepers of His law” (The Great Controversy, p. 593, 1911). “Obedience to the law of God is the test of discipleship” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 69, 1900). “The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 582, 1911). “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 594, 1911). Obedience marks true devotion. But how does this reveal divine affection?

HOW REVEALS DIVINE AFFECTION FOR US?

These concepts, though demanding, are ultimately expressions of God’s boundless love. He doesn’t impose perfection to torment us, but to equip us for eternity with Him. Like a caring parent, He establishes boundaries for our own well-being. His commandments are not shackles, but signposts, guiding us to true freedom and joy. “I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75, KJV). “But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:8, KJV). “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9, KJV). “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8, KJV). “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, KJV). A prophetic voice declares, “God’s law is an expression of His love” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 109, 1896). In Steps to Christ we read, “The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). Sr. White writes, “The very love that Jesus has manifested in His efforts to draw men to Himself, will be exercised toward those who have chosen the better part, and will be the means of bringing them to the end.” (Review and Herald, August 27, 1895). “Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). “God is love’ is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). “The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 254, 1889). Love underpins every divine requirement. Yet what demands our response?

WHAT DEMANDS OUR RESPONSE TO GOD?

Our foremost responsibility toward God calls us to love Him wholeheartedly. This love is not merely a sentiment; it’s a commitment to obey His will and emulate His example. We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon us, utilizing them to glorify His name and serve others. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30, KJV). “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48, KJV). “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21, KJV). “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” (Romans 12:1, KJV). “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are reminded, “Every soul is under obligation to God to improve every opportunity given him” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 561, 1881). A passage from Counsels on Stewardship notes, “God requires of all His stewards a faithful return of His entrusted goods” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 111, 1940). Sr. White states, “We are under obligation to God to make the most of every capability He has entrusted to us.” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 7, 1913). “The Lord requires us to improve every opportunity to gain knowledge, to increase in wisdom, that we may be qualified to work for Him” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 549, 1881). “Our duty to God is to love Him supremely” (The Desire of Ages, p. 607, 1898). “God requires the entire surrender of the heart” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). Stewardship honors the Creator. But how extends this to those around us?

HOW EXTENDS OUR DUTY TO OTHERS?

Our responsibility toward our neighbor drives us to love them as ourselves. This entails treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect. This love is not limited to those we like or those who share our views. It extends to everyone, irrespective of their background or beliefs. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14, KJV). “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31, KJV). “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20, KJV). Sr. White teaches, “True love for our neighbor will lead us to deny self for the good of others” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 136, 1896). In Christ’s Object Lessons we find, “Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 376, 1900). She writes, “The love that Christ brought into the world is the love that we are to cherish and reveal to others.” (Review and Herald, December 17, 1895). “In ministering to the needy, we are to see and minister to Christ in the person of His suffering ones” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 106, 1905). “We are to be channels of God’s love, through which may flow the living water to thirsty souls” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 305, 1900). “The second commandment, which enjoins love to our neighbor, is like unto the first” (The Desire of Ages, p. 607, 1898). Compassion unites the community. Yet what transforms these ideals into reality?

WHAT TRANSFORMS IDEALS INTO REALITY?

These principles are not merely abstract theological notions; they are the bedrock of a life lived in consonance with God’s will. They are the roadmap to genuine happiness and fulfillment. As we endeavor to embody these characteristics, we become living testaments, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s grace. It is a journey of continuous growth, a process of becoming more and more like Jesus. It necessitates humility, perseverance, and a profound reliance on the Holy Spirit. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV). “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, KJV). “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, KJV). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV). A prophetic voice urges, “We are to grow daily in spiritual loveliness. We shall fail often in our efforts to copy the divine pattern” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 314, 1904). In Selected Messages we read, “The life of the Christian is a life of warfare, of continual conflict” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 131, 1958). Sr. White writes, “I saw that none could share the refreshing unless they obtain the victory over every besetment—over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. . . . Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully.” (Early Writings, p. 71, 1851). “The character of Christ is to be reproduced in humanity” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391, 1898). “The transformation of character is the testimony to the world of an indwelling Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 559, 1881). “The inward working of the Spirit of God is to be manifested in the outward conduct” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 576, 1889). Growth demands daily surrender. But what summons us in these times?

WHAT SUMMONS US NOW IN THE LAST DAYS?

In these last days, God is summoning a people wholly devoted to Him, a people who reflect His character and illuminate His light to the world. This is the ultimate test – a test of loyalty, obedience, and love. By embracing these principles and allowing God to work in our lives, we can be part of that remnant, a people prepared to meet Him in peace. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV). “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14, KJV). “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11, KJV). “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36, KJV). “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” (Revelation 16:15, KJV). “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are assured, “In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off” (The Desire of Ages, p. 121, 1898). Sr. White warns, “The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 81, 1882). She declares, “God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church.” … “The days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 99, 1855; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 80, 1889). “We are to be holy, harmless, and undefiled in this generation” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 23, 1904). “The remnant church will be very small” (Selected Messages, book 3, p. 427, 1958). Devotion prepares us for glory.

Let us, therefore, examine our hearts, renew our commitment, and press on toward the prize. For further study and fellowship, we invite you to visit our website and join our weekly Sabbath meetings, where we delve deeper into these timeless truths.

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

CHURCH: WHO ARE GOD’S TRUE CHAMPIONS?

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CHURCH: WHO ARE GOD’S TRUE CHAMPIONS?

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