John 5:26-27 “For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the “Son of man.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound truths of Christ’s divinity, His equality and unity with God the Father, the vindication of divine law over human traditions, His authority as judge, the gift of imputed righteousness, the roots of unbelief, the dangers of seeking human glory, and how these principles reveal God’s love while outlining our responsibilities to Him and to one another, drawing from Scripture and the insights of Ellen G. White to foster a deeper faith and commitment.

UNVEILING THE DIVINE!

In the intricate tapestry of spiritual understanding, the threads of Christ’s authority and unity with the Father form a compelling narrative. This exploration delves into the depths of Jesus’ claims, His vindication of divine law, and the profound implications for our lives. We’ll navigate through the Scriptures and the wisdom of Ellen G. White, seeking to illuminate the path to a deeper connection with our Savior. Our journey will examine why the Jews rejected Jesus, and how we can avoid the same pitfalls. This exploration is not just an academic exercise, but a vital journey to understand the very foundation of our faith. As Hebrews 1:3 states, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” This verse underscores Christ’s divine nature and authority. Furthermore, John 1:14 reminds us, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” These verses provide a strong foundation for understanding Christ’s role and our need to approach this topic with reverence and a desire for deeper understanding. Scriptures further illustrate this in 1 Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,” and in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Ellen G. White, in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 63, 1890, states, “Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” Sr. White, in Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 296, 1958, states, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God.” Sr. White, in The Desire of Ages, p. 24, states, “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived.” This highlights that Christ’s life and authority are inherent, not granted. Additionally, in Steps to Christ, p. 58, she writes, “The Lord Jesus came to our world to reveal God’s love.” This reminds us that understanding Christ is understanding God’s love, a central theme of our exploration, but how did the Jews’ animosity toward Jesus stem from His bold assertion of equality with God?

EQUALITY EXPLODED!

The Jews’ animosity towards Jesus wasn’t merely about Sabbath healings; it was His assertion of equality with God that ignited their fury. As John 5:17-18 recounts, “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” Jesus claimed “equal rights with God,” and the Jews recognized this as “blasphemy,” revealing they understood His claim “in the highest sense” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 207, 208). They understood his words as an assertion of his divine nature. This claim was a direct challenge to their understanding of God, and like a lightning strike, it illuminated the divide between their traditions and divine truth. The Jews, who had always considered themselves the chosen people, were faced with a man that claimed to be equal with God. This was something they could not accept. Other verses from the KJV emphasize this in Colossians 2:9, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,” and in Hebrews 1:8, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” Sr. White, in The Signs of the Times, October 23, 1879, states, “The Son is equal with the Father.” Sr. White, in The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 9, 1877, states, “Christ was God, but he did not appear to be God. He veiled the manifestations of Deity which had commanded the homage, and called forth the admiration, of the universe.” Philippians 2:6 states, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” This verse confirms that Jesus’ equality with God was not a usurped position, but His inherent nature. Adding to this, John 10:30 reveals, “I and my Father are one.” This declaration further cemented the Jews’ outrage, as they perceived it as a direct claim to divinity, a claim they considered blasphemous. Sr. White, in The Desire of Ages, p. 209, states, “Christ was not making an assertion that it was impossible for the Son to be separate from the Father, but that it was impossible for the Son to have an interest independent of the Father.” This clarifies the nature of their unity. In Signs of the Times, August 1, 1895, she writes, “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was God from all eternity.” This reinforces the eternal and essential divinity of Christ, but what role did Christ play in upholding God’s law against human traditions?

LAW’S MIGHTY DEFENDER!

Christ’s ministry was a relentless call to prioritize God’s commandments over human traditions. When the Pharisees questioned His disciples’ actions, Jesus retorted, as recorded in Matthew 15:1-9, and 13, “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men… But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Christ exposed the emptiness of traditions that supplanted divine mandates. “These adversaries of Christ had no arguments with which to meet the truths He brought home to their consciences,” finding their customs “weak and vapid” compared to God’s word (The Desire of Ages, p. 208). His unwavering commitment to God’s law was like a rock against the tide of human tradition, demonstrating that divine truth stands firm against cultural norms. Biblical passages confirm this in Psalm 119:126, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law,” and in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Sr. White, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 273, 1902, states, “Jesus came to our world to rectify mistakes and to counterbalance false teaching.” Sr. White, in Review and Herald, May 6, 1875, states, “The principles of God’s law were wrought out in the character of Jesus Christ.” Deuteronomy 4:2 emphasizes, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” This verse reinforces that God’s law is complete and should not be altered by human additions. Further, Mark 7:8-9 states, “For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” This passage highlights the danger of replacing God’s commands with human traditions. Sr. White, in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 119, states, “The Saviour came to magnify the law and to make it honorable.” This emphasizes Christ’s purpose in upholding God’s law. In The Desire of Ages, p. 288, she writes, “The law of God is the expression of His character.” This highlights the intrinsic connection between God’s law and His nature, but how did Jesus describe His profound unity with the Father?

FATHER-SON UNITY UNLEASHED!

Jesus explained His profound relationship with the Father, revealing a unity of purpose and will. As John 5:19-20 states, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” He declared that the Father “sheweth him all things that himself doeth,” highlighting their complete dependence and unity. This relationship is like a well-crafted melody, with each note resonating in perfect harmony, reflecting the divine unity of the Father and Son. Scriptures further illustrate this in John 10:38, “But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him,” and in John 14:9, “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” Sr. White, in The Ministry of Healing, p. 422, 1905, states, “The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one.” Sr. White, in The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1898, states, “The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted.” John 17:21 reinforces this unity, “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.” This verse demonstrates that the unity between the Father and Son is a model for the unity that we should have. Additionally, John 14:10 states “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” This verse further illustrates that Jesus’ actions and words are a direct reflection of the Father’s will and presence. Sr. White, in The Desire of Ages, p. 664, states, “Christ came to reveal the Father, and to manifest His love.” This emphasizes the revelatory purpose of Christ’s unity with the Father. In Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 248, she writes, “Christ is one with the Father, but Christ and the Father are two distinct personages.” This clarifies that their unity does not negate their distinct identities, but how did Christ assert His authority as the ultimate judge?

JUDGE OF JUSTICE!

Christ asserted His authority and power, declaring that He possessed the Father’s prerogative to judge. As John 5:21-23 reveals, “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.” Christ, “the judge of all the earth,” is also our “advocate and judge,” having “given light and life to all” (The Desire of Ages, p. 210). This dual role of judge and advocate is like a skilled physician, who both diagnoses and heals, demonstrating that Christ’s judgment is tempered with mercy. The realization that Christ is the judge of all men, should cause us to examine our own lives, as stated in Romans 2:1-3, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” And also as stated in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Other verses from the KJV emphasize this in Revelation 19:11, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war,” and in Psalm 9:8, “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.” Sr. White, in Review and Herald, August 15, 1893, states, “Christ is the judge of every human being during his probationary time.” Sr. White, in The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1900, states, “The executive judgment will be placed in the hands of the Son.” Acts 17:31 states, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” This verse confirms Christ’s appointed role as the righteous judge. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 4:8 tells us, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” This highlights that Christ’s judgment is not only an act of justice, but also a source of hope and reward for those who love Him. Sr. White, in The Great Controversy, p. 479, states, “The judgment is now going on in the sanctuary above.” This emphasizes the ongoing nature of Christ’s judicial work. In The Desire of Ages, p. 210, she writes, “He is both the judge and the advocate.” This reiterates the dual role of Christ, highlighting His mercy within His justice, but what assurance does every devoted one of us receive through Christ?

RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED!

Every devoted one of us receives the assurance of eternal life through Christ. As John 5:24 declares, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” This assurance is grounded in the “power, the very life of God,” by which His promises are realized (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38). “The Lord imputes unto the believer the righteousness of Christ and pronounces him righteous before the universe,” transferring our sins to Jesus (Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 392, 393). This assurance is like a firm foundation, providing stability and security in the midst of life’s uncertainties. Biblical passages confirm this in Philippians 3:9, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” and in Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Sr. White, in Review and Herald, August 5, 1890, states, “Christ’s righteousness is imputed unto the obedient. Accept Christ as your righteousness.” Sr. White, in The Bible Echo, November 4, 1895, states, “The grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him.” Romans 4:5 states, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This verse emphasizes that righteousness is imputed through faith, not works. Additionally, 2 Corinthians 5:21 reinforces this concept, “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.” This verse highlights the exchange where Christ took our sin, and we receive His righteousness. Sr. White, in Steps to Christ, p. 62, states, “It is by faith that we receive the grace of God.” This emphasizes the crucial role of faith in receiving imputed righteousness. In Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 367, she writes, “The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct.” This clarifies that imputed righteousness leads to a transformed life, but why did Jesus point to the Jews’ rejection of God’s word as the cause of their unbelief?

UNBELIEF’S DARK VEIL!

Jesus explained the cause of the Jews’ unbelief, pointing to their rejection of God’s word. As John 5:37, 38 reveals, “And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.” Christ rebuked them for their “hardness of their hearts, and their ignorance of the Scriptures,” stating they had “rejected the word of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 211). Their unbelief stemmed from a refusal to accept the truth, like a closed door rejecting the light. They had the scriptures, and as stated in John 5:39-40, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” But they failed to understand the scriptures, because they did not have the spirit of god. Scriptures further illustrate this in Hebrews 3:12, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God,” and in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Sr. White, in Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 71, 1872, states, “Unbelief, having once been entertained, becomes a discipline in unbelief; and every suggestion of unbelief is cherished, the mind becomes so darkened that it cannot perceive the truth.” Sr. White, in The Great Controversy, p. 521, 1888, states, “The blindness of the Jews in regard to the Scriptures is a warning to all men.” John 3:19 explains, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” This verse clarifies that the rejection of Christ is a choice to remain in darkness. Additionally, Acts 7:51 reveals a similar sentiment, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” This verse highlights the persistent resistance to the Holy Spirit and the truth. Sr. White, in The Desire of Ages, p. 211, states, “They had rejected the word of God, and they were now to reject Him who was the Word.” This connects their rejection of the Scriptures to their rejection of Christ. In Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 107, she writes, “The reason why so many in our day find the Scriptures a sealed book is that they close their hearts against Jesus.” This highlights that a closed heart hinders understanding of the Scriptures, but why did the Jews reject Jesus while embracing false teachers?

GLORY’S TRUE QUEST!

The Jews rejected Jesus and embraced false teachers because they sought human honor rather than God’s glory. As John 5:41-44 explains, “I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” They preferred those who “flattered their pride,” sanctioning their “cherished opinions and traditions” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 212, 213). Their rejection of Christ was a choice to prioritize human approval over divine truth, like a mirage offering temporary satisfaction while obscuring the true path. Other verses from the KJV emphasize this in John 12:43, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” and in Romans 2:29, “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Sr. White, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 87, 1889, states, “Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The ear of the world is charmed with flattery.” Sr. White, in Review and Herald, March 12, 1895, states, “The love of praise has corrupted many hearts. Those who have been loud in their words of flattery have been double-tongued.” 1 Samuel 2:30 warns, “Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” This verse emphasizes that God honors those who honor Him. Furthermore, Galatians 1:10 states, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” This verse highlights the conflict between seeking human approval and serving Christ. Sr. White, in The Desire of Ages, p. 213, states, “They sought not the glory that comes from God.” This pinpoints the core issue of their rejection. In Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 213, she writes, “The love of human praise is a dangerous, deceptive principle.” This warns against the dangers of seeking human honor, but how do these concepts demonstrate God’s boundless love?

LOVE’S DIVINE REFLECTION!

God’s love is demonstrated in His relentless pursuit of our salvation, even when we reject Him. “Because He has tasted the very dregs of human affliction and temptation, and understands the frailties and sins of men; because in our behalf He has victoriously withstood the temptations of Satan, and will deal justly and tenderly with the souls that His own blood has been poured out to save—because of this, the Son of man is appointed to execute the judgment” (The Desire of Ages, p. 210). This is love that seeks our restoration, not our condemnation, and like a parent who never gives up on a lost child, God’s love persists through our rejection. Even when we turn away, His mercy remains, offering a path to redemption. Scriptures further illustrate this in Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;),” and in 1 John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” Sr. White, in Review and Herald, April 23, 1889, states, “God’s love for the world is not a mere sentiment, but a living, working power.” Sr. White, in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 58, 1896, states, “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.” 1 John 4:9-10 explains, “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. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This verse clearly demonstrates God’s initiative and sacrificial love. Also Romans 5:8 states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Sr. White, in Steps to Christ, p. 15, states, “God’s love has been expressed toward us in the gift of Christ.” This emphasizes that the ultimate expression of God’s love is Christ Himself. In The Desire of Ages, p. 25, she writes, “The Father so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This reiterates the depth and purpose of God’s love, but what responsibility do we hold in embracing humility and surrender to God’s will?

HUMILITY’S HOLY PATH!

Our responsibility is to embrace humility and surrender to God’s will. “In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38). This involves daily seeking His guidance, aligning my life with His commandments, and allowing His character to be formed within me. Like a student diligently studying under a master, I must immerse myself in God’s word and seek His wisdom. By embracing the words of John 5:26-27, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man,” I must acknowledge that Christ is the ultimate judge, and seek to live a life that is pleasing to him. Biblical passages confirm this in Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” and in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Sr. White, in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 48, 1900, states, “True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living.” Sr. White, in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 565, 1911, states, “The surrender must be complete. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in touch with heaven’s forces.” Micah 6:8 says, “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?” This verse summarizes our core responsibilities. John 14:15 states, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Sr. White, in Steps to Christ, p. 70, states, “True obedience comes from the heart.” This highlights that our obedience should be motivated by love and sincerity. In Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 268, she writes, “Our first duty is to love God supremely.” This emphasizes the priority of our love for God, but how do we reflect Christ’s love in our interactions with others?

Our responsibility is to reflect Christ’s love in our interactions with others, extending grace and compassion. “Christ is invested with power to give life to all creatures” (Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 249). This means sharing the truth in love, challenging harmful traditions with grace, and helping others experience the freedom found in Christ. Like a beacon of light guiding ships to safety, I must shine the light of God’s love to those around me. As stated in Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 123-129, we are to be careful when judging others, because only Christ can read the heart. Other verses from the KJV emphasize this in Leviticus 19:18, “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,” and in Galatians 5:14, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White, in Our High Calling, p. 126, 1961, states, “By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the soul… The soul that sees Jesus by faith, repels sin. He looks upon the purity and perfection of Christ, and longs to become like Him.” Sr. White, in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 516, 1911, states, “The love of Christ is not a fitful feeling, but a living principle, which is to be made manifest as an abiding power in the heart.” Matthew 22:39 says, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 1 John 4:20-21 says, “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? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” Sr. White, in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 77, states, “The golden rule is the standard of true righteousness.” This emphasizes the importance of treating others as we wish to be treated. In The Ministry of Healing, p. 16, she writes, “The love of God is the great motive power that should control our lives.” This highlights that love should be the driving force behind our actions toward others, but what lessons from Christ’s teachings guide us in living the divine truth?

TRUTH’S TRIUMPHANT LIFE!

The lessons gleaned from Christ’s teachings and the Jews’ rejection illuminate the path to true discipleship. We are called to prioritize divine truth over human traditions, to embrace Christ’s authority, and to reflect His love in our lives. This requires a daily commitment to humility, obedience, and compassion. We must remember that “My authority, [Jesus] said, for doing the work of which you accuse Me, is that I am the Son of God, one with Him in nature, in will, and in purpose. In all His works of creation and providence, I cooperate with God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 208). We are to remember that Jesus and the father are one. Scriptures further illustrate this in 2 Peter 1:5-7, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity,” and in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Sr. White, in Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 56, 1990, states, “True discipleship is a positive thing, done by the new motive power of the indwelling Christ.” Sr. White, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 444, 1901, states, “The life of the true believer reveals an indwelling Savior.” Hebrews 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Sr. White, in The Great Controversy, p. 678, states, “The work of character-building is the most important work ever committed to human beings.” This emphasizes the significance of living a life that reflects Christ’s character. In Steps to Christ, p. 72, she writes, “The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be made in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness.” This highlights the need for complete surrender to God.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11, KJV).

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