FAITH’S MIGHTY TRIUMPH!

“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)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the core principles of Christian living: forgiveness upon repentance, continuous faith through self-renunciation, and total surrender to Christ. It explores how these challenging truths reflect God’s love, outline our responsibilities to Him and others, and call for personal application in daily life.

ETERNAL TRUTHS AWAIT!

Greetings, seekers of eternal truth! We stand on the front lines, tasked with sharing the everlasting gospel in all its purity and power. Our mission demands not only a deep understanding of doctrine but also a personal experience rooted in the transformative grace of Christ. This article aims to explore three foundational, yet often challenging, aspects of the Christian journey: the mandate to forgive, the necessity of continuous belief through self-renunciation, and the ultimate surrender encapsulated in “Not I, but Christ.” These aren’t mere theological concepts; they are the bedrock of a life hidden with Christ in God, essential for both our own salvation and the effectiveness of our ministry. We will examine these “hard messages” through the lens of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy, seeking practical application and deeper reliance on the One who calls us. Prepare to grapple with truths that cut deep but heal completely, equipping us for more faithful service. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Christ Himself lays down a clear path: rebuke followed by forgiveness upon repentance. This process mirrors God’s own method – He doesn’t ignore sin, but He offers pardon to the truly penitent heart. “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22, KJV). “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV). Ellen G. White clarifies this divine origin: “He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 114, 1896). “But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He “will abundantly pardon,” He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10” (Steps to Christ, p. 37, 1892). Thus, we find that the journey deepens as we confront the nature of belief itself, which proves to be far more than a singular event, demanding instead a continuous, active posture throughout our spiritual lives, but what does this ongoing reliance truly entail?

MERCY’S BOLD CALL!

The command to forgive, while central to Christian teaching, presents a significant spiritual hurdle, demanding more than human capacity can muster; it requires divine intervention and a heart yielded to God’s transforming grace. Our natural inclination might be to harbor resentment or demand retribution, yet Christ Himself lays down a clear, albeit conditional, path: rebuke followed by forgiveness upon repentance. This is highlighted in the Gospel of Luke: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3, KJV). This process mirrors God’s own method – He doesn’t ignore sin, but He offers pardon to the truly penitent heart. The source of this ability to forgive originates not within us, but from God working a profound change within. Ellen G. White clarifies this divine origin: “It is God that circumcises the heart. The whole work is the Lord’s from the beginning to the end. The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me NOW. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, 392). Holding onto unforgiveness is like trying to swim with an anchor tied to your soul; it only drags you down. Furthermore, our own reception of divine forgiveness is intricately linked to our willingness to extend it, as Jesus taught plainly: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). This isn’t earning forgiveness, but reflecting it. As Sr. White elaborates, “We are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive. The ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of God, but by our attitude toward others we show whether we have made that love our own.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 251). The difficulty lies in releasing our perceived ‘right’ to be angry, trusting God’s justice and focusing on the restoration offered through repentance. “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22, KJV). “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV). Sr. White clarifies this divine origin: “He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 114, 1896). “But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He “will abundantly pardon,” He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10” (Steps to Christ, p. 37, 1892). Thus, choosing to forgive according to the biblical model is a profound act of faith, demonstrating our reliance on God’s power to heal both the offended and the offender, and reflecting the very mercy we ourselves desperately need, but how does this connect to the ongoing nature of belief in our daily walk?

SURRENDER’S DAILY QUEST!

Faith is often mistakenly viewed as merely the starting pistol for the Christian race, a one-time acceptance, rather than the very air we must breathe with every stride towards the celestial city; it requires perpetual self-renunciation and unwavering dependence on Christ. The initial step of faith is crucial, yes, but it’s the continuation of that dependent posture that marks genuine discipleship. Sr. White forcefully articulates this ongoing need: “It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, Sr. White, 159). This constant renewal flies in the face of spiritual complacency. The belief that pleases God is not passive assent but an active, seeking reliance, as the Apostle Paul wrote: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). This isn’t about earning salvation through effort, but recognizing that even the desire and ability to obey come from God. Paul further clarifies this dynamic: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13). Faith, then, is less like a foundation laid once and forgotten, and more like the daily bread we need for sustenance. Sr. White beautifully defines this active trust: “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing.” (Education, 253). Are we, actively choosing His way moment by moment, or are we subtly relying on our own understanding, experience, or strength? The challenge lies in the daily, conscious act of yielding, confessing our helplessness, and grasping the offered hand of Christ anew each morning. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4, 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). “Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character” (The Desire of Ages, p. 676, 1898). “Consecration is giving ourselves to God to be used for His service. It is putting our talents to the work, our voices to the speaking of the truth, our possessions to the advancement of His cause. But many who profess to be Christians know not what self-surrender means. They do not understand that the surrender to God must be complete, without any reservation” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 149, 1905). Therefore, authentic belief is not a static monument but a dynamic relationship, a continuous pipeline receiving grace and power from the only true Source, but how does this lead to the profound displacement of self where our identity is fully subsumed in Christ?

SELF’S GRAND DEFEAT!

The apex of Christian experience, the ultimate expression of surrendered faith, is realized when the self is utterly yielded, crucified with Christ, allowing Him to live fully within us. This is not mere poetic language but a radical reorientation of existence, where personal ambition, rights, and even identity are willingly submitted to His Lordship. The Apostle Paul captures this profound reality with stunning clarity: “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.” (Galatians 2:20). This ‘death’ to self is the necessary precursor to the resurrected life in Christ. It means dethroning the ego, that persistent usurper that clamors for recognition and control. Sr. White underscores the exclusivity of Christ’s claim on our affections and allegiance: “The Lord Jesus demands our undivided affections. […] He who enters the kingdom of God must have no idol. If he has anything in his life that he prizes more than Jesus, he is not prepared to be a son of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, 160). This crucifixion of the ‘old man’ is essential for liberation from sin’s dominion, as Paul also states: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:6). This concept is the antithesis of the self-worship prevalent in the world. It feels like loss, like diminution, yet it is the only path to true spiritual life and power. Think of it like a skilled musician handing over their beloved instrument to the master composer – only then can the most beautiful music be produced. Sr. White identifies this self-renunciation as indispensable: “Self-renunciation is the keynote of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being.” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, 49). What parts of ‘me’ – my plans, my reputation, my comfort, my desires – am I still fiercely protecting from the cross? The practical outworking is a life lived not for Christ in our own strength, but a life yielded so that Christ can live through us. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5, 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). “Many are inquiring, ‘How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?’ You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324, 1898). Consequently, the declaration “I am crucified with Christ” is not a statement of morbid defeat, but the triumphant assertion of liberation into a life wholly animated and directed by the indwelling Saviour, yet how can these demanding principles be profound expressions of God’s infinite love?

HEAVEN’S FIERY HEART!

The seemingly harsh requirements to forgive the repentant, to continually renounce self in belief, and to embrace the death of self (“Not I, but Christ”) are actually mirror images of God’s own character and His active love toward humanity. God’s love isn’t a passive sentimentality; it’s a holy, transformative power that acts decisively for our redemption, even when it demands difficult things from us. Consider God’s immense mercy: He doesn’t overlook sin, but His love provides a way back through repentance, mirroring the forgiveness He commands us to extend. His love is manifest in His initiative toward us even in our fallen state: “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;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). The constant need for self-renunciation and dependence reflects God’s sustaining love – He doesn’t just save us initially but desires a continuous relationship, providing the moment-by-moment grace necessary for every step, a love that requires our active participation and reliance. The pinnacle, “Not I, but Christ,” directly reflects the ultimate act of divine love: Christ’s own self-emptying (kenosis) described in Philippians 2, where He laid aside His glory for our sake. This divine love, the basis of godliness, requires a reciprocal, unselfish love in us, as Sr. White states: “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. […] True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested.” (The Acts of the Apostles, 550-551). This love isn’t cheap; it cost Heaven everything, and it calls us to respond in kind. The Bible urges us to reciprocate this divine initiative: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11). This profound love is vast and motivating, as Sr. White reminds us: “The love of God is broader, deeper, fuller, than we can comprehend. It was this wondrous love that moved the Father to give His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is this love that Christ manifested in His life and character.” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, 739-740). Seeing these commands through the lens of God’s active, sacrificial love transforms them from burdensome duties into pathways for experiencing and reflecting that very love. “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). “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” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1888). “The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52, 1890). Therefore, engaging with these hard truths allows us to grasp the depth of God’s commitment to our restoration and enables us to become channels of His demanding, yet ultimately freeing, love, but what, then, is our commensurate responsibility back to Him?

In light of God’s profound love, demonstrated through the challenging paths of forgiveness, continuous belief, and self-abnegation, my responsibility toward Him crystallizes into a life of grateful obedience, unwavering trust, and complete surrender. It’s a response not driven by fear of punishment, but by love and awe for the One who has done everything for my salvation. The prophet Micah succinctly summarizes the core requirements: “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). This “walking humbly” encapsulates the essence of continuous belief and self-renunciation – recognizing my utter dependence on Him. My responsibility extends beyond mere mental assent or outward conformity; it involves an internal transformation where His will becomes my delight. Obedience, then, becomes the natural expression of love and discipleship. Sr. White links faith, love, and obedience inextricably: “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the Scripture says, ‘This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.’ ‘He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.” (Steps to Christ, 60). This echoes Jesus’ own words: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Therefore, my responsibility includes actively seeking to know and do His will, not in my own strength, but through the enabling power of His grace received by faith. It means constantly examining my heart for idols, confessing sin, and renewing my commitment to let Christ live through me (Galatians 2:20). We owe Him everything, and our lives should reflect His ownership. Sr. White emphasizes this total claim: “We owe the Lord everything. He is the owner of our souls and bodies, and in His service we are to employ every faculty. Our time, our influence, our abilities, our strength—all are His, to be used to His glory.” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, 456). “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 Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV). “Our only hope of eternal life is through bringing the appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 329, 1898). “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 into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses” (Education, p. 253, 1903). So, my personal responsibility is to actively cultivate this relationship of loving obedience and humble dependence, striving daily to decrease that He might increase within me, yet how do these profound truths inevitably redefine and direct our horizontal responsibilities toward our fellow human beings?

The internal realities of embracing forgiveness, living by dependent faith, and experiencing the crucifixion of self must necessarily manifest outwardly in how I treat others; my responsibility toward my neighbor becomes a practical demonstration of Christ dwelling within. If Christ truly lives in me (Galatians 2:20), then His character—His love, patience, humility, and selflessness—should define my interactions. This means moving beyond mere tolerance to actively reflecting His grace. The Apostle Paul provides a clear directive for this Christ-like interaction: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). This directly opposes our natural selfishness and inclination towards self-preservation or self-promotion. Living out the forgiveness mandate means being ready to rebuke when necessary but also quick to forgive upon repentance, refusing to harbor bitterness. Continuous reliance on Christ equips me with the patience and grace needed in difficult relationships, preventing burnout and judgmentalism. The principle of “Not I, but Christ” translates into genuine humility, preferring others, and seeking their well-being above my own comfort or convenience. This outward expression of inner transformation is the most potent witness we possess. Sr. White identifies this as the core of effective testimony: “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian. To live such a life, to exert such an influence, costs effort, costs sacrifice, at every step. […] It is because this work is so difficult, and demands so much sacrifice, that there are so many faint-hearted Christians.” (The Ministry of Healing, 470). This love manifests in practical ways, echoing Paul’s further instruction: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:10). My responsibility, then, is to be intentional about letting the light of Christ shine through me in tangible actions – offering help, speaking kindly, serving humbly, and yes, forgiving as I have been forgiven. Sr. White encapsulates this practical outworking: “We are to represent Christ’s character. Wherever we are, whether in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, we should let our light shine forth in good works. This is the great work of the Christian religion.” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, 346). “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14, KJV). “The law requires us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Without the exercise of this love, the highest profession of faith is mere hypocrisy” (The Desire of Ages, p. 505, 1898). “The religion of Christ requires of man to surrender self, to submit to be tested, and to let the light of truth shine in his life, that he may adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 135, 1868). Therefore, my duty to my neighbor is not merely a set of ethical guidelines but the inevitable fruit of a life surrendered to Christ, demonstrating the reality of His transforming power to a watching world.

TRUTH’S FINAL BATTLE!

As we’ve journeyed through these profound themes – forgiveness, continuous belief via self-renunciation, and the ultimate surrender of ‘Not I, but Christ’ – it becomes clear they are not isolated doctrines but deeply interwoven facets of the same diamond: the authentic Christian life. They represent a progressive path deeper into the heart of God. Forgiveness clears the ground, ongoing belief cultivates the soil, and self-abnegation allows the seed of Christ’s life to flourish fully within us. Embracing these truths is undeniably challenging; it cuts against the grain of our fallen nature and the spirit of the age. Yet, it is precisely in grappling with these difficulties, leaning wholly on divine grace, that true spiritual muscle is developed. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to go on unto perfection, to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 67, 1892). For us this isn’t just personal piety; it’s spiritual necessity. How can we effectively call others to repentance and faith if we harbor unforgiveness? How can we speak of God’s power if we are relying on our own strength through spiritual complacency? How can we present Christ if our ‘self’ constantly obstructs the view? Our lives must become living epistles, demonstrating the very truths we proclaim. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to go on unto perfection, to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 67, 1892). In which of these three areas is God currently challenging you most pointedly? Is it a specific person you need to forgive (pending their repentance, or releasing bitterness regardless)? Is it a pattern of self-reliance in your ministry or personal life that needs daily surrender? Is it a subtle idol – ambition, reputation, comfort – that needs to be laid on the altar of crucifixion with Christ? Identify that specific area and make it a point of focused prayer and intentional yielding this week. In your specific context—whether dealing with interpersonal conflicts within the church, facing discouragement in outreach, or navigating personal trials—how can a deeper application of forgiveness, renewed dependence, or conscious self-surrender change the dynamic? “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to go on unto perfection, to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 67, 1892). This journey of sanctification is lifelong. There will be stumbles, moments where self reasserts its claims. But the call remains: Take heed, believe continually, let Christ live. It is the path of the cross, but it leads to the crown of life and makes us fit vessels for the Master’s use. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to go on unto perfection, to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 67, 1892). The hard messages – Forgive, Believe continually through self-renunciation, and embrace “I am Nothing” so Christ can be All – form the crucible in which genuine faith is forged and refined. They are not designed to discourage, but to liberate us from the shackles of sin and self into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Our understanding and embodying these principles is paramount. They are the substance behind our message, the power in our testimony, and the source of our endurance. Let us, therefore, press forward, continually seeking God to circumcise our hearts, renew our faith day by day, and crucify our self-will, so that the life we now live is truly a reflection of the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to go on unto perfection, to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ” (Steps to Christ, p. 67, 1892). May we be found faithful, not in our own strength, but in His. Excelsior!

“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” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

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