“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, KJV).
ABSTRACT
Righteousness comes by grace through faith in Christ alone, and that imputed and imparted righteousness equips believers to stand in the investigative judgment, the Sabbath test, and the second coming.
HOW STAND RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD?
The opening question of every honest soul is whether any righteousness of our own can stand before the consuming purity of God, and the answer of Scripture is final and unflinching. Isaiah confesses for the whole human race when he says, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6, KJV). The inspired pen affirms in Steps to Christ, “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. 62.1, 1892). Paul confirms the universal verdict: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness” (Steps to Christ, p. 62.2, 1892). The psalmist prays, “And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified” (Psalm 143:2, KJV). The literary witness in Steps to Christ records, “If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned” (Steps to Christ, p. 62.2, 1892). Habakkuk anchors the prophetic doctrine of justification: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure” (Steps to Christ, p. 62.3, 1892). Paul echoes the same line: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, KJV). And again from Steps to Christ: “So we have nothing in ourselves of which to boast. We have no ground for self-exaltation. Our only ground of hope is in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and in that wrought by His Spirit working in and through us” (Steps to Christ, p. 63.1, 1892). Paul writes, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16, KJV). In Messages to Young People we read, “The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God” (Messages to Young People, p. 166.1). Paul concludes, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, KJV). Through inspired counsel, “The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed. The righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven; the second is our fitness for heaven” (The Review and Herald, June 4, 1895; reprinted in Christ Our Righteousness, p. 98.5). Faith, not effort, is the channel of pardon, and Christ Himself is the righteousness in which we stand.
WHAT IS THE ROBE OF CHRIST?
The righteousness that saves the believer is not produced within the believer but is given as a perfect robe woven on the loom of heaven, and the marriage parable of Christ exposes every counterfeit garment. Isaiah sings, “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” (Isaiah 61:10, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God’s presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311.2, 1900). Zechariah saw the priestly type: “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:3-4, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told in Christ’s Object Lessons, “This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311.3, 1900). Christ tells the parable of the wedding feast: “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:11-12, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “The guests at the marriage feast were inspected by the king. Only those were accepted who had obeyed his requirements and put on the wedding garment. So it is with the guests at the gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny of the great King, and only those are received who have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311.4, 1900). John reveals the bride’s attire: “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312.1, 1900). Christ counsels Laodicea: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” (Revelation 3:18, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312.2, 1900). Paul completes the picture: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27, KJV). And in My Life Today we read, “When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness” (My Life Today, p. 272.4, 1952; drawn from Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312). The robe is finished; faith puts it on; works show that it has been put on.
WHY PUBLICAN AND NOT PHARISEE?
The publican in the temple offers the simplest and most enduring prayer of righteousness by faith, asking nothing of merit and receiving everything of grace, while the Pharisee’s parade of works goes home empty. Christ records the Pharisee’s posture: “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Luke 18:11, KJV). Through inspired counsel in Christ’s Object Lessons we are told the publican’s contrasting stance: “He felt that he had transgressed against God, that he was sinful and polluted. He could not expect even pity from those around him, for they looked upon him with contempt. He knew that he had no merit to commend him to God, and in utter self-despair he cried, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner’” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 151.3, 1900). The publican prayed, “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13, KJV). Christ’s verdict reverses every human ranking: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160.1, 1900). David anticipates the publican’s heart: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160.2, 1900). Solomon warns the proud: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:18-19, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160.1, 1900). James seals the principle: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, ‘Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight’” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160.2, 1900). The psalmist closes the doxology of mercy: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18, KJV). And from Christ’s Object Lessons, “The publican had gone to the temple with other worshipers, but he soon drew apart from them as unworthy to unite in their devotions… His only desire was for pardon and peace, his only plea was the mercy of God. And he was blessed” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 151.3, 1900). Pride goes home empty; the broken go home justified.
WHAT IS FAITH’S TRUE NATURE?
Faith is not a vague optimism but a specific confidence anchored in the Person and the promises of Christ, possessing a substance and an evidence that the world cannot see. Paul defines it precisely: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel in Education we are told, “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, p. 253, 1903). Paul presses the necessity: “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, KJV). The literary witness in The Desire of Ages records, “Through faith we receive the grace of God, but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ and appropriate His merits” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). Faith comes through the word of God: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures” (The Desire of Ages, p. 126, 1898). James cuts through every shallow profession: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19, KJV). Through inspired counsel in Steps to Christ we are told, “When we speak of faith, there is a distinction that should be borne in mind. There is a kind of belief that is wholly distinct from faith. The existence and power of God, the truth of His word, are facts that even Satan and his hosts cannot at heart deny… Where there is not only a belief in God’s word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith—faith that works by love and purifies the soul” (Steps to Christ, p. 63.1, 1892). Paul affirms the working faith: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5:6, KJV). The literary witness in Mind, Character, and Personality records, “Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 534.3, 1977; drawn from The Desire of Ages, p. 126). John tests profession by life: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares in Christ’s Object Lessons, “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others… As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 67.3, 1900). And John seals the witness of victorious faith: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4, KJV). Faith looks where eyes cannot see, works where hands have surrendered, and stands where feet cannot stand alone.
WHO PLEADS BEFORE THE FATHER?
Christ’s intercession in the heavenly sanctuary is the ongoing application of His finished sacrifice, and faith reaches into the holiest by the blood of the Lamb. Paul writes, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14, KJV). The literary witness in The Great Controversy records, “The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven” (The Great Controversy, p. 489.1, 1911). Paul continues, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered.’ Hebrews 6:20. There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man is accomplished at an infinite expense to heaven; the sacrifice made is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 489.1, 1911). John records our Advocate: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous’” (The Great Controversy, p. 482.4, 1911). Paul opens the access: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 156.2, 1900). Paul invites our boldness: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 156.2, 1900). Christ Himself prayed for us: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20, KJV). And from The Great Controversy, “Jesus has opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through His mediation the sincere desire of all who come to Him in faith may be presented before God” (The Great Controversy, p. 489.1, 1911). The Advocate is greater than the accuser, the Intercessor more than the intercession of any saint, and faith reaches every soul through the open veil.
WHEN BOOKS SHALL BE OPENED?
Daniel’s vision of the judgment scene unfolds the heart of the cleansing of the sanctuary, the investigative judgment, and the basis on which faith stands secure in the closing hour of probation. He testifies, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire” (Daniel 7:9, KJV). The literary witness in The Great Controversy records, “The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment” (The Great Controversy, p. 480.1, 1911). Daniel continues, “The judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:10, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “In the typical service only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 480.1, 1911). Peter announces the order: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days” (The Great Controversy, p. 488.2, 1911). John saw the same scene: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12, KJV). The literary witness in The Great Controversy records, “Every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded” (The Great Controversy, p. 481, 1911). Christ promises overcomers: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “All who have received the light upon these subjects are to bear testimony of the great truths which God has committed to them. The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth” (The Great Controversy, p. 488.3, 1911). Daniel’s confidence: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated” (The Great Controversy, p. 482.4, 1911). Malachi promises the book of remembrance: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Malachi 3:16, KJV). And from The Great Controversy, “It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” (The Great Controversy, p. 488.3, 1911). The judgment is real, the records are kept, the Advocate pleads, and the verdict is righteousness imputed to those who have surrendered.
WHAT TEST OF LOYALTY REMAINS?
The Sabbath stands at the center of the closing controversy as the seal of allegiance to the Creator, the test that distinguishes those who serve God from those who serve another power. The Lord commanded at Sinai, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” (Exodus 20:8-10, KJV). The literary witness in The Great Controversy records, “The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not” (The Great Controversy, p. 605.2, 1911). Moses declared the sign: “Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 605.2, 1911). Isaiah names the blessing: “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD” (Isaiah 58:13-14, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that ‘all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond’ (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties” (The Great Controversy, p. 604.2, 1911). Ezekiel repeats the sign: “And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God” (Ezekiel 20:20, KJV). The literary witness in The Great Controversy records, “Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant” (The Great Controversy, p. 608, 1911). Christ defended the Sabbath: “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God’s law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 604.2, 1911). John identifies the sealed: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments” (The Great Controversy, p. 608, 1911). Loyalty in the small things prepares the soul for loyalty in the final test, and the Sabbath of the Lord becomes the seal of those whom faith has clothed in Christ’s righteousness.
WHEN CHRIST CLAIMS HIS OWN?
Christ is waiting with longing desire to manifest Himself in His church, and the perfect reproduction of His character in His people is the signal for His return. Christ’s own promise stands first: “Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV). The literary witness in Christ’s Object Lessons records, “Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69.1, 1900). Paul announces His descent: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Christ is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts of men; and He does this through those who believe in Him. The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing—the reproduction of Christ’s character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 67.1, 1900). Christ describes His coming in glory: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69.1, 1900). John reveals the harvest: “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:14, KJV). The literary witness in Last Day Events records, “By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord’s return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God” (Last Day Events, p. 39.4, 1992; from The Desire of Ages, p. 633). The angel’s judgment hour cry: “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Revelation 14:7, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “He has put it in our power, through cooperation with Him, to bring this scene of misery to an end” (Last Day Events, p. 39.4, 1992; from Education, p. 264). Christ’s promised verdict: “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12, KJV). The prophetic messenger declares, “As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 67.3, 1900; cross-referenced in Lift Him Up, p. 274.7). Paul’s final commission stands: “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). And from Christ’s Object Lessons, “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 67.3, 1900). The character of Christ in His people is the answer to delay; the reproduction of His likeness is the signal of His return; faith finishes its course in sight.
| Daniel | 144,000 |
|---|---|
| Literal Babylon | Spiritual Babylon |
| Dietary test | Final loyalty test |
| Image worship crisis | Image of the beast crisis |
| Death decree | Universal death decree |
| Faithfulness under pressure | Faithfulness under persecution |
| Judgment themes | Investigative judgment |
| Sealed prophecy | Opened prophecy |
| Deliverance | Final deliverance |
| Passage | Circumstances | Main Spiritual Conflict | Key Elements | Main Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Habakkuk 2:4 | Babylonian judgment was approaching Judah because of sin and apostasy. Habakkuk struggled with why God would use a wicked nation to punish His people. | Trusting God during approaching judgment and uncertainty | Judgment, waiting, faith, divine justice, perseverance | The righteous must trust God even when circumstances seem confusing. “The just shall live by faith.” |
| Book of Daniel 9:18 | Jerusalem and the sanctuary already lay in ruins. Daniel prayed for restoration while confessing Israel’s sins during captivity. | Depending on God’s mercy instead of human righteousness | Confession, repentance, sanctuary desolation, intercession, mercy, restoration | Restoration comes through God’s mercy, not human merit. “We do not present our supplications… for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” |
| Epistle to the Romans 1:17 | Paul explained the gospel to Jews and Gentiles who struggled with sin and self-righteousness. | Faith versus self-righteousness | Justification, gospel, righteousness by faith, salvation, grace | God’s righteousness is received by faith, not earned by works. |
| Epistle to the Galatians 3:11 | False teachers claimed believers needed ceremonial law observance for salvation. | Faith versus legalism | Grace, justification, law, faith, freedom in Christ | No one is justified by the law; salvation comes through faith in Christ. |
| Epistle to the Hebrews 10:38 | Believers faced persecution, suffering, and discouragement while waiting for Christ’s promises. | Faith versus apostasy and discouragement | Endurance, perseverance, heavenly sanctuary, suffering, hope | The righteous continue trusting God and do not draw back during trials. |
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, KJV).
For more articles, please go to www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.
SELF-REFLECTION
How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?
How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?
What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?
In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?
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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 