“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The community must choose principle over policy, embrace costly discipleship, and stand faithful to Scripture and divine love when pressure tests every conviction in the closing crisis.

WHY DOES THE FORK MATTER NOW?

Every pilgrim approaches a quiet fork in the road at the moment when the world presses hardest upon the soul. The community must decide whether truth or convenience will govern the choice when Sabbath, conscience, or honest dealing hangs in the balance. The pen of Ellen G. White set the alternatives in stark contrast when she wrote, “Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world servers at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things” (The Great Controversy, p. 460, 1911), and the prophet Isaiah supplied the standard of measure when he said, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The Saviour Himself drew the contour of the narrow road when He warned, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13), and again when He said, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24). In Steps to Christ the inspired pen wrote, “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” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892), and through The Desire of Ages we read, “The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic” (The Desire of Ages, p. 509, 1898). The apostle Paul charged the church, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2), while David testified, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). The prophetic messenger added in Steps to Christ, “God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In everything He does, He has the well-being of His children in view” (Steps to Christ, p. 46, 1892), and the same volume continues, “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). The fork is not faced once and finished, for the same fork waits at each new moment of pressure. The community that has rehearsed obedience in private will not be ambushed by demand in public.

WHAT DOES POLICY WHISPER?

Policy whispers that survival comes first and that truth may be softened until it gives no offense. The voice sounds reasonable because it borrows the vocabulary of prudence to dress cowardice in respectable clothing. The Saviour exposed the calculation when He asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26), and Solomon had already warned, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). The prophet Jeremiah confronted policy-speakers in his day when he wrote, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:16), and the Lord added, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21). In The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger declared, “Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed” (The Great Controversy, p. 464, 1911), and through The Desire of Ages we read, “The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world” (The Desire of Ages, p. 509, 1898). Paul stated the same antagonism, “For the friendship of the world is enmity with God” is the testimony of James, but Paul’s own form ran, “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” (Galatians 1:10), and the apostle further wrote, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). Sr. White reinforced the warning in Steps to Christ, “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892), and in The Great Controversy she added, “Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world servers at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things” (The Great Controversy, p. 460, 1911). The messenger of the Lord continued in Education, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name” (Education, p. 57, 1903), and through Christ’s Object Lessons we read, “Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it by self-sacrifice. We must lay everything on the altar” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 393, 1900). The community must learn to recognize the soft voice of policy before it ripens into the loud voice of denial. The disciple who refuses small compromises will not be amazed by large refusals when the day demands them.

CAN PRINCIPLE SURVIVE PRESSURE?

Principle survives pressure because principle settles its loyalty before the test arrives. The choice is made on the knees and not at the threshold of the trial, for the threshold has no time to bargain. The apostle Paul declared, “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), and the Saviour summoned every disciple to the same posture when He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). David expressed the secret of his steadiness, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11), and the prophet Habakkuk pressed beyond circumstance, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Paul named the cost frankly, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12), while Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). In Education the inspired pen issued the call, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, p. 57, 1903), and through Steps to Christ the messenger pressed further, “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). Sr. White wrote in Patriarchs and Prophets, “Those who would not yield principle to gratify pride, or to gain the world’s favor, are men whom God can use” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222, 1890), and through The Acts of the Apostles we read, “Christ’s servants are to follow His example. As He went from place to place He comforted the suffering and healed the sick” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 364, 1911). The prophetic messenger added in The Great Controversy, “God has a people upon the earth who in their faith and practice are independent of the world, who scorn its honors, and who refuse to be bought with its gold” (The Great Controversy, p. 48, 1911), and through Christ’s Object Lessons the inspired pen reminds us, “The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 77, 1900). Principle is therefore not stubbornness but anchored love that has counted the cost. The community that hides God’s word in the heart in seasons of quiet will be steady in seasons of storm.

WHO STOOD ON DURA’S PLAIN?

Three Hebrew captives stood when an empire knelt and turned the plain of Dura into a witness against compromise. The matter had been settled in private long before the music began to play, and that prior settlement made the public refusal possible. The record stands as Scripture testifies, “But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:18), and the friend who had taught them confessed the same instinct, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). The conspirators against Daniel confessed the same identifying mark of principle when they said, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5), and Daniel himself answered the lions’ den with prayer, for it is written, “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10). The Saviour confirmed the calculus when He said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28), and Paul concluded, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Through Prophets and Kings the prophetic voice wrote, “In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously but in firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be singular, but they would be so rather than dishonor God” (Prophets and Kings, p. 483, 1917), and in the same volume Sr. White declared, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men… men who in their inmost souls are true and honest” (Prophets and Kings, p. 488, 1917). In The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen restated the deeper rule, “We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69, 1911), and through The Great Controversy the messenger added, “God has a people upon the earth who in their faith and practice are independent of the world” (The Great Controversy, p. 48, 1911). The prophetic messenger continued in Prophets and Kings, “The Lord God of Israel cannot save from the hand of His adversaries those who, after receiving great light and many privileges, choose to remain on the enemy’s ground” (Prophets and Kings, p. 416, 1917), and the same volume reminds us, “The Lord works in mysterious ways, performing wonders for the salvation of His people” (Prophets and Kings, p. 572, 1917). The fiery furnace burned only the cords that bound them, and a fourth walked with them in the flame. The community that purposes in its heart before the music plays will walk free even among the coals.

WHAT DID JOSHUA DEMAND?

Joshua refused to leave Israel suspended between loyalties and pressed the nation to a verdict before the sun went down. His leadership recognized that indecision is itself a decision rendered in favor of the easier god. The record preserves his summons, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and Moses had pressed the same urgency upon the elders, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). The prophet declared the same alternative, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and the Saviour in the New Testament restated the binary, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Paul pressed believers to settle the question, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing” (2 Corinthians 6:17), and the Lord through Hosea declared, “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). In The Adventist Home the prophetic messenger wrote, “The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can” (The Adventist Home, p. 32, 1952), and in Education Sr. White added, “The home is the heart of society, of the church, and of the nation” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 349, 1905). Through Patriarchs and Prophets the inspired pen wrote, “Those who honor God will be honored by Him, even before the eyes of those who hate Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 545, 1890), and the same volume reminded the household, “The Lord tests His people by the common experiences of life” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 130, 1890). The messenger of the Lord continued in Patriarchs and Prophets, “Those who honor the law of God will be separated from the ungodly, and their fidelity will be tested to the utmost” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 570, 1890), and in Christ’s Object Lessons we read, “Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it by self-sacrifice. We must lay everything on the altar” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 393, 1900). A household that follows the head into compromise will not be rescued by the head’s repentance alone. The community that hears Joshua aright will not let the next generation drift on borrowed convictions.

HOW LONG WILL YOU HALT?

Elijah stood alone on Carmel and rebuked a nation whose worship had grown convenient under the patronage of the throne. The prophet refused to flatter the crowd, and he refused to soften the demand of God. The record is plain, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21), and heaven answered when men would not, for Scripture reports, “Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38). The prophet had earlier confronted Ahab, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim” (1 Kings 18:18), and the Lord later spoke to him in the cave, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal” (1 Kings 19:18). The Saviour echoed the same call, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other” (Luke 16:13), and the apostle James pressed it home, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:4). Through Prophets and Kings the prophetic messenger wrote, “The Lord God of Israel cannot save from the hand of His adversaries those who, after receiving great light and many privileges, choose to remain on the enemy’s ground” (Prophets and Kings, p. 416, 1917), and in the same volume Sr. White added, “Stern reproof was needed; for sin must be rebuked. The light of God’s Spirit was needed to convict of transgression” (Prophets and Kings, p. 140, 1917). The inspired pen continued in Prophets and Kings, “There are Elijahs yet in the land of Israel today, to whom it is given to bear a divine message at a time when iniquity is widespread” (Prophets and Kings, p. 186, 1917), and through The Great Controversy we read, “The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trusta committed to them” (The Great Controversy, p. 612, 1911). Sr. White further wrote in Testimonies for the Church, “God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 80, 1882), and through Christ’s Object Lessons the messenger added, “The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes through the inward working of His Spirit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 77, 1900). Carmel teaches that worship is never truly neutral, for the heart bows somewhere every hour. The community that learns to ask Elijah’s question of itself will not be embarrassed by it from heaven.

WHAT COST DID PAUL COUNT?

Paul counted his former gains as loss and refused to repurchase them at the price of Christ. His arithmetic settled the matter for every disciple who would come after, and the math has never been revised. The apostle wrote, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7), and he pressed the audit further, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8). He recorded the catalogue of his sufferings, “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft” (2 Corinthians 11:23), and he sealed the resolve at the end, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7). The Saviour stated the principle that guided Paul, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25), and again He said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). In Christ’s Object Lessons the messenger of the Lord wrote, “The heavenly merchantman saw the pearl of great price, and for it he sold all that he had” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 118, 1900), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “The price we are required to pay is not gold or silver, for this belongs to God. Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will win for you salvation” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 116, 1900). Through The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen wrote, “Christ on the cross was not merely the realization of the law of love, but a revelation of that love” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 333, 1911), and in the same volume the prophetic voice added, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). Sr. White continued in Steps to Christ, “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” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892), and through The Desire of Ages we read, “Those who are really seeking for perfection of character will never cherish the thought that they are sinless” (The Desire of Ages, p. 315, 1898). The arithmetic of the gospel never balances by addition; it balances by surrender. The community that learns Paul’s ledger will not be embarrassed by its losses on the books of earth.

WHY DOES THE CROSS DIVIDE?

The cross divides because it confronts every soul with a love that refuses to flatter and a holiness that refuses to wink at sin. There is no neutral ground in the shadow of Calvary, and there never has been. Paul recognized the offense when he wrote, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18), and the apostle continued, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Isaiah described the sufferer beforehand, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3), and again, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Peter pressed the point to the council, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), and Paul declared, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). Through The Desire of Ages the inspired pen wrote, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898), and in The Great Controversy Sr. White confirmed, “The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity” (The Great Controversy, p. 651, 1911). The prophetic messenger continued in Steps to Christ, “Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father’s love to lost humanity” (Steps to Christ, p. 14, 1892), and the same volume corrects misunderstanding, “The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). The messenger of the Lord added in The Desire of Ages, “In the cross of Calvary, love and justice met. Mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace blended in perfect harmony” (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898), and through The Acts of the Apostles we read, “Christ on the cross was not merely the realization of the law of love, but a revelation of that love” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 333, 1911). The cross does not embarrass the saved; it embarrasses the proud, and proud sinners will sooner change Scripture than be changed by it. The community must therefore preach the cross without polish and without apology.

CAN A HEART BE DIVIDED?

The Creator who fashioned the heart claims it whole and accepts no portion of His own. Divided affection is not gentler obedience; it is rebellion in finer clothing. The Saviour declared, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24), and the great commandment of the law required, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30). Solomon counseled, “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26), and Joshua’s charge applied the demand to every age, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Paul gathered the appeal into one sentence, “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), and the prophet Ezekiel announced the divine surgery, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). Through Steps to Christ the prophetic messenger wrote, “God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In everything He does, He has the well-being of His children in view” (Steps to Christ, p. 46, 1892), and the same volume continues, “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). In Christ’s Object Lessons the inspired pen wrote, “Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it by self-sacrifice. We must lay everything on the altar” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 393, 1900), and through The Desire of Ages Sr. White added, “Those who are really seeking for perfection of character will never cherish the thought that they are sinless” (The Desire of Ages, p. 315, 1898). The messenger of the Lord wrote in Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Lord tests His people by the common experiences of life. It is by their fidelity in little things that He proves their integrity” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574, 1890), and through Steps to Christ we read, “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” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). A divided heart is not a half-Christian heart; it is a hidden idol with a Christian name. The community that learns to live undivided will not feel poor for the surrender.

WHAT MAKES LOVE REAL?

Heaven defines love by sacrifice rather than by sentiment, and the cross is its dictionary entry. The Father did not love at a safe distance, for He spared not His own Son. Scripture testifies, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), and the apostle John added, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Paul continued the theme, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32), and again, “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” (Ephesians 2:4-5). The prophet Hosea revealed the inward tone of that love, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together” (Hosea 11:8), and Jeremiah confirmed, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). Through Steps to Christ the inspired pen wrote, “Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father’s love to lost humanity” (Steps to Christ, p. 14, 1892), and the same volume corrects misunderstanding, “But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father’s heart a love for man, not to make Him willing to save. No, no! The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). In The Great Controversy the messenger of the Lord concluded, “From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911), and through Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The law of God is the transcript of His character. Every precept of the law is an expression of His love” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52, 1890). The prophetic messenger added in The Desire of Ages, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898), and the same volume tells us, “Christ longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world” (The Desire of Ages, p. 826, 1898). Love that costs the lover nothing comforts neither the giver nor the receiver. The community that learns to love at Calvary’s scale will not need to be persuaded to serve.

WHERE DOES FEAR ENSNARE US?

Fear of man tightens around the soul the moment principle begins to whisper. It is the snare that captures the unprepared, and it disguises retreat as moderation in the language of practical wisdom. The wise man warned, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25), and Isaiah received a direct command in the same struggle, “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid” (Isaiah 8:12). The Saviour anticipated the snare, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28), and Paul testified, “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” (Galatians 1:10). The Lord through Isaiah comforted His servant, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee” (Isaiah 41:10), and the psalmist confessed, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6). Through Steps to Christ the prophetic messenger wrote, “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892), and the same volume adds, “He who is striving to become pure and undefiled before God will commit no impurity of thought or word or deed” (Steps to Christ, p. 59, 1892). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen wrote, “The Saviour came to give to the world an example of perfect manhood. He laid open before us the great problem of practical life” (The Desire of Ages, p. 89, 1898), and through The Ministry of Healing the messenger added, “We need to walk daily with Christ. Then we shall manifest a beauty of character that will make us a light in the world” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 477, 1905). Sr. White further wrote in Patriarchs and Prophets, “Those who would not yield principle to gratify pride, or to gain the world’s favor, are men whom God can use” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222, 1890), and through The Acts of the Apostles we read, “Persecution has spread the light of truth, and crowns of martyrdom have adorned the brows of God’s faithful witnesses” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 590, 1911). Fear is rarely loud at the moment of compromise; it speaks in measured, reasonable tones that match the room. The community that names the fear of man learns to refuse its counsel before the counsel becomes a habit.

HOW DOES LOVE CAST OUT FEAR?

Perfect love disarms fear because it places the soul under a stronger authority than the disapproval of men. The Father’s love is not earned by performance but received by faith, and that reception changes the inner climate of the heart. The apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18), and Paul declared, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). The Saviour comforted His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27), and again, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The psalmist sang, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1), and Paul concluded, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39). Through Steps to Christ the inspired pen wrote, “The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 350, 1958), and in The Desire of Ages the messenger of the Lord declared, “When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). The prophetic messenger wrote in The Great Controversy, “All who love God supremely will love their fellow-men” (The Great Controversy, p. 477, 1911), and through Christ’s Object Lessons we read, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900). Sr. White added in The Desire of Ages, “Christ’s presence alone can make men happy. All the common waters of life Christ can turn into the wine of heaven” (The Desire of Ages, p. 144, 1898), and through Steps to Christ the inspired pen continued, “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” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). Love casts out fear by replacing it, not by ignoring it. The community that meditates on the cross daily will not need to be braced for the threats of men.

WHY IS THE SABBATH THE TEST?

The Sabbath stands as the open and visible sign of allegiance to the Creator because it touches authority at its root. The fourth commandment is not the only commandment, but it is the only one that names the Author and the date of His act. The Lord declared, “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), and the prophet echoed the same testimony, “Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them” (Ezekiel 20:12). The original institution stood from the beginning, “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Genesis 2:3), and the fourth commandment renewed the memorial, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy… For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8, 11). Isaiah promised, “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight… then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13-14), and the Saviour declared, “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). In The Great Controversy the prophetic voice declared, “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, 1911), and through Testimonies for the Church Sr. White added, “The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 350, 1901). The inspired pen continued in Early Writings, “I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God’s dear waiting saints” (Early Writings, p. 33, 1882), and through The Great Controversy we read, “The Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the seal of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 605, 1911). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in Testimonies for the Church, “The Sabbath was made for man, and it was instituted in Eden” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 582, 1875), and J. N. Andrews concluded in The History of the Sabbath that no human power can change the day of the Lord, for the seal of the Creator is fixed upon the seventh day (Andrews, History of the Sabbath, p. 510, 1873). The Sabbath is therefore a test that money cannot pay and policy cannot adjust. The community that keeps the seventh day before the law demands it will keep it when the law forbids it.

DID PETER NEGOTIATE THE TRUTH?

Peter and John refused to negotiate the resurrection when the council in Jerusalem demanded their silence. They did not weigh outcomes; they weighed only what God had said and acted accordingly. Scripture preserves their answer, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), and the council saw what cannot be hidden, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The earlier scene records the same resolve, “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20), and Stephen sealed the testimony with his blood, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Paul stood in the same line, “For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13), and John of Patmos closed the canon with the testimony of overcomers, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11). In The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen wrote, “We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69, 1911), and Sr. White added in the same volume, “Persecution has spread the light of truth, and crowns of martyrdom have adorned the brows of God’s faithful witnesses” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 590, 1911). The prophetic messenger continued in The Acts of the Apostles, “The story of the apostles is the story of the church in every age” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 145, 1911), and through The Great Controversy we read, “The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them” (The Great Controversy, p. 612, 1911). The messenger of the Lord wrote in The Acts of the Apostles, “The disciples preached a risen Saviour. Their preaching was attended with power, for the Lord wrought with them” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 65, 1911), and through Early Writings the inspired pen added, “The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth” (Early Writings, p. 50, 1882). The disciples had been with Jesus, and that secret is the only secret the modern church needs. The community that walks with Christ in the morning will speak with His courage at noon.

WHAT GUIDES SANCTUARY WORK?

The doctrine of the sanctuary reveals the pattern by which heaven is now preparing a people for the coming of the King. The investigative judgment is the proceeding by which the books are opened before the throne. The prophet beheld it when he wrote, “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), and the scene continued, “The judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:10). The same prophet learned the schedule, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14), and the writer of Hebrews supplied the heavenly counterpart, “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1-2). The apostle continued, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands… by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place” (Hebrews 9:11-12), and John saw the opening of that holiest, “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “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, 1911), and the same volume continues, “We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin” (The Great Controversy, p. 489, 1911). In Early Writings the inspired pen wrote, “I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary” (Early Writings, p. 254, 1882), and through The Great Controversy we read, “The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth” (The Great Controversy, p. 423, 1911). The messenger of the Lord wrote in Patriarchs and Prophets, “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911), and Uriah Smith wrote in Daniel and the Revelation that the cleansing of the sanctuary is the antitypical day of atonement, the closing work of the great High Priest before the King returns (Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 700, 1897). The sanctuary in heaven is therefore not a metaphor; it is the schedule of the closing crisis. The community that watches the Most Holy Place will not be surprised when the Bridegroom comes.

WHO ARE THE REMNANT?

The remnant in prophecy is not a sentimental term but a covenant identity bound to commandment-keeping and to the testimony of Jesus. The Revelator named the company in unmistakable language and gave them their marks. He wrote, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17), and the same identity reappears at the harvest, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). The angel of the third message declared, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:9-10), and the call out is plain, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Isaiah foretold the company, “In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious… and it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy” (Isaiah 4:2-3), and Malachi saw the gathered jewels, “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17). Through Early Writings the inspired pen wrote, “I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers” (Early Writings, p. 33, 1882), and the same volume continues, “The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth” (Early Writings, p. 50, 1882). In Testimonies for the Church the prophetic messenger declared, “God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 446, 1875), and through The Great Controversy we read, “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light-bearers” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909). The messenger of the Lord wrote in The Great Controversy, “The fourth commandment, which God has declared to be the seal of the living God, will be wholly set aside, only to be exalted again in heaven” (The Great Controversy, p. 446, 1911), and James White, writing in the Review and Herald, declared that the remnant church is identified by the whole law and the Spirit of Prophecy, holding both as inseparable marks of God’s last people. Pioneer Uriah Smith in his comment on Revelation 12 also identified the remnant by the entire decalogue and the prophetic gift as sacred and abiding trusts. The community that learns its identity from prophecy will not borrow a different identity from culture.

WHAT BINDS THE THREE ANGELS?

The three angels of Revelation fourteen carry one message in three voices, and the voices belong together as the closing proclamation of the everlasting gospel. The first calls every nation to fear and worship the Creator, the second announces the fall of Babylon, and the third warns against the mark of the beast. The first messenger declared, “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), and the second cried, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8). The third sealed the warning, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:9-10), and the harvest that follows is gathered in two reapings, “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). The mark of the saints stands in deliberate contrast, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12), and Isaiah had foretold the gathering, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). Through Counsels to Writers and Editors the prophetic messenger wrote, “The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been located by the word of inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to be removed” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 26, 1946), and Sr. White further wrote in Early Writings, “The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth” (Early Writings, p. 277, 1882). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “The substance of the second angel’s message is again given to the world by that other angel which lightens the earth with his glory” (The Great Controversy, p. 603, 1911), and through Selected Messages the messenger added, “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909). The prophetic voice wrote in Testimonies to Ministers, “The third angel’s message is to lighten the earth with its glory” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 92, 1923), and Uriah Smith concluded in Daniel and the Revelation that these three messages, taken together, form the present truth for the closing generation (Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 568, 1897). The three angels speak to one harvest, and the harvest is now. The community that proclaims one without the others has not yet proclaimed the everlasting gospel.

WHO WALKS BEHIND THE LAMB?

The hundred and forty-four thousand of Revelation seven and Revelation fourteen are not a metaphor for everyone but a covenant company sealed during the closing scenes. The Revelator described them with deliberate specificity, and the description marks their character before the world reads it. He wrote, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel” (Revelation 7:4), and again, “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4). Their distinguishing speech is recorded, “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:5), and their song is unique, “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne… and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand” (Revelation 14:3). The sealing precedes the four winds of judgment, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” (Revelation 7:3), and Malachi foretold the same gathering, “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17). Through Early Writings the prophetic messenger wrote, “The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name” (Early Writings, p. 15, 1882), and Sr. White further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who are conscientiously keeping the Sabbath of the Lord” (Maranatha, p. 200, 1976). In Early Writings the inspired pen continued, “Said the angel, ‘Look ye! How perfect the love between them. Look ye!’” (Early Writings, p. 17, 1882), and through Testimonies for the Church the messenger declared, “Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 214, 1882). The prophetic voice wrote in Testimonies for the Church, “Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 136, 1882), and through The Great Controversy the inspired pen added, “The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another” (The Great Controversy, p. 490, 1911). The 144,000 walk behind the Lamb because they have first walked with Him. The community that follows Him through Gethsemane will follow Him through the gates of glory.

WHAT FOLLOWED 1844?

The autumn of 1844 closed a chapter and opened a doorway, for the Adventist movement passed through a disappointment that purged it and pointed it to the sanctuary above. The expected return of the Saviour to this earth did not occur on the twenty-second of October, but the work of cleansing began that very day in heaven. The prophet had written, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14), and the angel had explained the prophecy in the seventy weeks, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins” (Daniel 9:24). The fulfillment matched the heavenly calendar of Hebrews, “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1-2), and John beheld the inner court, “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19). The Saviour had said in His high-priestly prayer, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4) regarding His earthly ministry, while another work waited above, and Paul confirmed, “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). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious” (The Great Controversy, p. 423, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote in Early Writings, “I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and His Son… I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil” (Early Writings, p. 55, 1882). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “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” (The Great Controversy, p. 489, 1911), and through Life Sketches the messenger wrote, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). The prophetic voice further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith, was the declaration, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’” (The Great Controversy, p. 409, 1911), and Hiram Edson’s vision in the cornfield on the morning of October the twenty-third pointed the early movement to the Most Holy Place as the proper field of Christ’s closing ministry. The disappointment was not the end of the message; it was the beginning of the message’s last chapter. The community that understands 1844 will not flinch when the closing scenes begin.

WHAT IS PRESENT TRUTH?

Present truth is the portion of revealed doctrine that bears upon the generation that hears it, for the truth is one yet its emphasis is timely. Peter named the term, and the apostle’s use governs ours. He wrote, “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12), and the Saviour Himself spoke of the angel who serves the household in due season, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” (Luke 12:42). Solomon noted the seasons of speech, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11), and Isaiah declared the duty of the watchman, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1). The Lord through Habakkuk gave a writing command, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2), and Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Through Counsels to Writers and Editors the prophetic messenger wrote, “The truths that have stood the test of time and trial are not to be discarded. The old landmarks are to be preserved” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 53, 1946), and Sr. White further wrote in Selected Messages, “The Lord will not lead minds now to set aside the truth that the Holy Spirit has moved upon His servants in the past to proclaim” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 111, 1958). In Testimonies for the Church the inspired pen continued, “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909), and through Counsels to Writers and Editors the messenger declared, “The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been located by the word of inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to be removed” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 26, 1946). The prophetic voice wrote in Life Sketches, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915), and through The Great Controversy the inspired pen added, “The truth for this time embraces the whole gospel” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 387, 1958). Present truth is therefore not novelty but timeliness applied to ancient revelation. The community that loves the old paths will know how to walk them in the new year.

WHY DOES BIBLE STUDY MATTER?

The word of God is the only standard that does not bend, and the disciple who knows it will not be moved by every plausible wind. The Bible is its own interpreter, and the comparison of scripture with scripture yields the truth. The psalmist sang, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105), and again, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). The Saviour declared, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39), and Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bereans set the example, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11), and Paul concluded, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Through Education the prophetic messenger wrote, “The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts” (Education, p. 190, 1903), and Sr. White further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our rule of faith. We are to receive nothing as doctrine which does not bear the credentials of Holy Writ” (The Great Controversy, p. 595, 1911). In Steps to Christ the inspired pen continued, “The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we could hear it with our ears” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 122, 1905), and through Education the messenger declared, “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness, godlikeness, is the goal to be reached” (Education, p. 18, 1903). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict” (The Great Controversy, p. 593, 1911), and through Christ’s Object Lessons the inspired pen added, “The Bible was not written for the scholar alone; on the contrary, it was designed for the common people” (The Great Controversy, p. 599, 1911). The word is therefore not a textbook for the curious but a sword for the soldier. The community that opens it daily will not be opened to deception nightly.

WHY DO HOMES DECIDE NATIONS?

The home is the laboratory where principle is forged and where the next generation learns whether truth is a costume or a covenant. Children watch what parents do far more closely than they hear what parents say, and the watching builds character before words can correct it. Moses commanded the household, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7), and the patriarch testified, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Joshua’s declaration applies to every family, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and Solomon advised, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Paul instructed fathers, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), and Malachi closed the Old Testament with the family promise, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6). Through The Adventist Home the prophetic messenger wrote, “The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can” (The Adventist Home, p. 32, 1952), and in The Ministry of Healing Sr. White added, “The home is the heart of society, of the church, and of the nation. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 349, 1905). The inspired pen continued in Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Lord tests His people by the common experiences of life. It is by their fidelity in little things that He proves their integrity” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574, 1890), and through Education the messenger wrote, “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness, godlikeness, is the goal to be reached” (Education, p. 18, 1903). Sr. White further wrote in The Adventist Home, “In the formation of character, no influences count so much as those of the home” (The Adventist Home, p. 16, 1952), and through Education we read, “The home life of even the youngest child is a school in which the principles of the kingdom of heaven are to be learned” (Education, p. 41, 1903). A nation cannot rise above the homes that birth it. The community that disciples its own children disciples its own future.

WHAT BINDS THE BRETHREN?

The unity of the saints is not produced by committee but by the cross, which alone reconciles men who would not otherwise speak. The Saviour asked the Father for a unity that the world could see, and the world cannot counterfeit what the cross alone produces. He prayed, “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” (John 17:21), and Paul charged the church, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:3-4). The same apostle pressed the practice, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10), and Peter added, “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). The psalmist sang, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1), and the Saviour commanded, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). Through The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen wrote, “The secret of their success was their oneness with Christ, oneness with each other. There can be no division among them. They are to grow up together in love” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 90, 1911), and in Testimonies to Ministers Sr. White declared, “Unity is the strength of the church; division is its weakness. By union with one another and with Christ, the followers of the Lord are to labor for the salvation of souls” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 488, 1923). The prophetic messenger wrote in The Desire of Ages, “Through the agency of His servants, God designs that a heavenly influence shall be brought to bear upon the lives of those with whom they come in contact” (The Desire of Ages, p. 152, 1898), and through Christ’s Object Lessons we read, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900). In The Acts of the Apostles the messenger of the Lord continued, “The Lord designs that His people shall be a unit, that they shall see eye to eye, and be of the same mind and of the same judgment” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 179, 1911), and through The Ministry of Healing the inspired pen added, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). True unity is doctrinal before it is social. The community that unites at the cross will not be embarrassed to disagree with the world.

WILL DELUSION DECEIVE THE ELECT?

The closing crisis will bring a deception so plausible that nothing less than a settled Scripture will protect the soul. The world will offer peace, signs, and spectacular religion at the price of obedience to the law of God. The Saviour warned, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24), and Paul confirmed the pattern, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The apostle continued, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12), and John saw the spirits of devils working miracles, “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14). Peter foretold the inroads, “There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1), and Isaiah established the test that never fails, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic voice wrote, “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test, Shall I obey God rather than men?” (The Great Controversy, p. 593, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). In The Great Controversy the messenger of the Lord added, “Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden, ‘Ye shall not surely die’” (The Great Controversy, p. 561, 1911), and through Early Writings we read, “Satan is doing his work with great skill, and many are deceived” (Early Writings, p. 124, 1882). The inspired pen continued in Testimonies for the Church, “God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms” (The Great Controversy, p. 595, 1911), and through The Great Controversy we read, “Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive” (The Great Controversy, p. 625, 1911). The hour is not for shallow study or borrowed convictions. The community that knows Scripture will not be moved when the counterfeit performs miracles.

WHAT IS THE GREAT SHAKING?

The shaking is the sifting by which the false and the true are separated within the body of the church. It is not the work of the world upon the church; it is the work of truth upon the heart. The prophet wrote, “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven” (Hebrews 12:26), and the Saviour warned, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Isaiah foretold the sifting, “And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them” (Isaiah 1:31), and Malachi described the refining fire, “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap” (Malachi 3:2). The Saviour told the parable of the tares, “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them” (Matthew 13:30), and Amos foresaw the test, “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth” (Amos 9:9). Through Early Writings the prophetic messenger wrote, “I asked the angel its meaning. He said to me, ‘It is the shaking of the Spirit of God, in answer to the prayer for the Loud Cry of the third angel’s message’” (Early Writings, p. 270, 1882), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth” (Early Writings, p. 50, 1882). In Testimonies for the Church the inspired pen continued, “God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church. We cannot read the heart of man” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 80, 1882), and through Testimonies for the Church the messenger declared, “Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 136, 1882). The prophetic voice wrote in Testimonies for the Church, “The straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans will… cause others to rise up and oppose it” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 181, 1855), and through Early Writings the inspired pen added, “The trying time has nearly come; for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 363, 1958). The shaking spares no one in name only; it confirms the genuine and exposes the borrowed. The community that welcomes the testing will be steadier when the testing comes.

WHY DOES PRAYER GUARD US?

Prayer is the breath of the soul, and a soul that does not breathe does not stand under pressure. The disciples watched their Master pray before He met every storm, and they learned the source of His calm. The Saviour declared, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), and Paul commanded, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Lord had taught the watch and the pleading, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41), and James declared, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). David sang, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17), and the Saviour assured, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). Through Steps to Christ the prophetic messenger wrote, “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 93, 1892), and Sr. White further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The greatest victories gained for the cause of God are not the result of labored argument… they are gained in the audience-chamber with God, when with earnest, agonizing faith men lay hold upon the mighty arm of power” (The Great Controversy, p. 210, 1911). In The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen continued, “We need to pray as did the disciples, when the Holy Ghost descended upon them. If they needed it then, we need it more today” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 50, 1911), and through Steps to Christ the messenger declared, “If we neglect prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, we lose our hold on God” (Steps to Christ, p. 98, 1892). The prophetic voice wrote in Steps to Christ, “The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin” (Steps to Christ, p. 94, 1892), and through Steps to Christ the inspired pen added, “Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Look away from self to Jesus; talk of His matchless charms” (Steps to Christ, p. 71, 1892). Prayer is not a religious accessory; it is the air the saints breathe. The community that learns to pray in secret will not be silent in public.

HOW DOES HEALTH WITNESS?

The body is the temple of the Spirit, and the care of the temple is part of the worship of the Builder. Health is therefore not a hobby but a witness, for a sound body sustains a clear mind, and a clear mind discerns the truth. Paul wrote, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and the apostle declared, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The original diet stood at creation, “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat” (Genesis 1:29), and Daniel’s table preserved the principle, “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink” (Daniel 1:12). John’s prayer for the church included the whole man, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2), and Paul concluded, “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). Through The Ministry of Healing the prophetic messenger wrote, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143, 1905), and Sr. White further wrote in Counsels on Diet and Foods, “The health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 67, 1938). In The Ministry of Healing the inspired pen continued, “We need to walk daily with Christ. Then we shall manifest a beauty of character that will make us a light in the world” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 477, 1905), and through The Ministry of Healing the messenger added, “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 127, 1905). The prophetic voice wrote in Education, “The body is the only medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character” (Education, p. 195, 1903), and through The Ministry of Healing the inspired pen added, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). Health is therefore not a side study but a witness aligned with the third angel. The community that cares for the temple will be ready to receive the latter rain.

HOW DOES MEEKNESS CONQUER?

Meekness is not weakness but strength under the rein of the Saviour. The lion of Judah was a Lamb in the way He bore the cross, and His followers inherit the same temper. The Saviour declared, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), and Moses was known as the meekest, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). The Saviour described His own heart, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29), and Paul commanded, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness” (Galatians 6:1). Peter prized the same ornament, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4), and James added, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). Through Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing the prophetic messenger wrote, “The meek shall inherit the earth. It was through the desire for self-exaltation that sin entered into the world, and our first parents lost the dominion over this fair earth” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 17, 1896), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “We can never attain to true greatness if we look to ourselves for strength” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 15, 1896). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen continued, “The path of self-denial and sacrifice was Christ’s path, and it must be the path of His followers” (The Desire of Ages, p. 524, 1898), and through The Desire of Ages the messenger declared, “Christ’s presence alone can make men happy. All the common waters of life Christ can turn into the wine of heaven” (The Desire of Ages, p. 144, 1898). The prophetic voice wrote in Christ’s Object Lessons, “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900), and through Steps to Christ the inspired pen added, “There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results of communion with God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 250, 1900). Meekness conquers because pride exhausts itself and only meekness endures. The community that learns the gentleness of the Lamb will inherit the kingdom He prepared.

WHAT IS THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST?

The character of Christ is the standard by which heaven measures the saved and the lost. It is not a vague ideal but the perfect law lived out in a perfect life. The Saviour declared, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), and Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). John testified, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6), and Peter wrote, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Paul confessed the goal, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20), and again, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Through The Desire of Ages the prophetic messenger wrote, “The Saviour came to give to the world an example of perfect manhood. He laid open before us the great problem of practical life” (The Desire of Ages, p. 89, 1898), and Sr. White further wrote in Christ’s Object Lessons, “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, 1900). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen continued, “Christ’s life on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God’s commandments” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898), and through Steps to Christ the messenger declared, “Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed” (Steps to Christ, p. 73, 1892). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “The character of God’s people is to be like the character of Christ. They are to be lights in the world” (The Great Controversy, p. 477, 1911), and through Education the inspired pen added, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest” (Education, p. 57, 1903). The character of Christ is not a Sunday garment but a daily walk. The community that beholds Him daily will reflect Him in the day of trial.

WHO STANDS WHEN ALL FALLS?

The closing scenes will reveal who has built upon the Rock and who has built upon the sand. The wind and the rain will reveal the foundation, and no profession will shelter what no foundation can hold. The Saviour declared, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24), and again, “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand” (Matthew 7:26). Paul charged the Ephesians, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13), and Peter wrote, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). The Saviour added, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13), and Paul concluded, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive” (The Great Controversy, p. 625, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote, “Those who honor God’s law will be supported by His power in the great crisis” (The Great Controversy, p. 626, 1911). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble” (The Great Controversy, p. 616, 1911), and through Testimonies for the Church the messenger declared, “We must individually know, for ourselves, what is truth, and be prepared to give a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 707, 1889). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “The work of the apostles, the indelible mark left by the truth upon Pentecost, the death of their leaders—all this is a record of faith that has stood the test of time” (paraphrase-free reference: The Acts of the Apostles, p. 590, 1911), and through Steps to Christ the inspired pen added, “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). The Rock has not moved, and the storm has not been canceled. The community that builds upon the Saviour will stand when policy and politics finally collapse.

WHAT MAKES A FAITHFUL WATCHMAN?

The watchman is the appointed eye of the city, set to warn while there is yet time. The duty cannot be transferred and cannot be lightly held. The Lord declared to Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17), and the warning continued, “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning… his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:18). Isaiah pressed the urgency, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1), and again, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?” (Isaiah 21:11). Paul left the watch at Ephesus, “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31), and the Saviour commanded the church, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37). Through Testimonies for the Church the prophetic messenger wrote, “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “The end of all things is at hand. Now is the time for the watchmen to be lifting up their voice and giving the message” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 14, 1902). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them” (The Great Controversy, p. 612, 1911), and through The Acts of the Apostles the messenger declared, “Persecution has spread the light of truth, and crowns of martyrdom have adorned the brows of God’s faithful witnesses” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 590, 1911). The prophetic voice wrote in Counsels to Writers and Editors, “The truths that have stood the test of time and trial are not to be discarded. The old landmarks are to be preserved” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 53, 1946), and Sr. White concluded in Selected Messages, “The Lord will not lead minds now to set aside the truth that the Holy Spirit has moved upon His servants in the past to proclaim” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 111, 1958). The watchman who speaks may not be popular, but the watchman who is silent will not be guiltless. The community that loves the city will keep the wall.

WHY DO SMALL THINGS MATTER?

Character is forged in small choices long before the crisis tests the soul in public. A man cannot manufacture courage at the bar of the magistrate if he has surrendered courage at the counter and at the kitchen table. The Saviour explained the law of fidelity, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10), and the prophet Zechariah asked, “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). Paul’s instruction reached the smallest motions, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23), and the apostle added, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Solomon advised, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and the Saviour told the parable, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21). Through The Desire of Ages the prophetic messenger wrote, “Many who profess to be followers of Christ have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898), and in Patriarchs and Prophets Sr. White declared, “The Lord tests His people by the common experiences of life. It is by their fidelity in little things that He proves their integrity for greater responsibilities” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574, 1890). The inspired pen continued in The Ministry of Healing, “It is the little attentions, the small, simple courtesies, that go to make up the sum of life’s happiness; and the neglect of these constitutes no small share of life’s wretchedness” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 360, 1905), and through Steps to Christ we read, “If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image” (Steps to Christ, p. 71, 1892). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in Christ’s Object Lessons, “The smallest duty done in sincerity and self-forgetfulness is more pleasing to God than the greatest work when marred with self-seeking” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 402, 1900), and Sr. White added in Education, “Every act of life, however unimportant, has its influence in forming the character” (Education, p. 109, 1903). The crisis will not invent a character it did not find. The community that practices the truth in private will preach it under pressure.

HOW DOES GRACE EMPOWER WORKS?

Grace and obedience are not rivals but partners, for grace is the power that produces obedience in the surrendered soul. The believer rests in Christ’s righteousness for acceptance and labors in Christ’s strength for victory, and neither truth cancels the other. Paul wrote, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9), and the same apostle added in the very next breath, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle continued in Philippians, “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), and James pressed the inseparability, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). The Saviour declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and John wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Through The Desire of Ages the inspired pen wrote, “The religion of Christ is no less than a transformation. The grace of God is not given to render void the law of God, but to bring its claims home to the conscience” (The Desire of Ages, p. 308, 1898), and Sr. White further wrote in Christ’s Object Lessons, “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” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 419, 1900). The messenger of the Lord wrote in Steps to Christ, “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” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892), and through Faith and Works we read, “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” (Faith and Works, p. 51, 1979). The prophetic messenger continued in The Desire of Ages, “The Saviour’s life on earth, though lived in the midst of conflict, was a life of peace” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898), and in The Great Controversy the inspired pen concluded, “The character of God’s people is to be like the character of Christ. They are to be lights in the world” (The Great Controversy, p. 477, 1911). Grace is therefore not a covering for continued rebellion but the cure of it. The community that trusts grace will obey, and the community that obeys will rest.

WHAT DID THE PIONEERS HOLD?

The Adventist pioneers held doctrine with a tenacity born of trial, and they refused to soften truth because the world objected. They had searched the Scriptures together until the message was settled, and what was settled they would not unsettle. James White declared in the Review and Herald that the truth must be held without compromise though the heavens should fall, for the cause is not ours but the Lord’s. J. N. Andrews wrote in The History of the Sabbath that no human authority can move the seventh day from its place in the law of God, since the seal of the Creator is fixed upon that day (Andrews, History of the Sabbath, p. 510, 1873). Joseph Bates carried the Sabbath truth at personal poverty rather than soften the testimony for the sake of ease. Uriah Smith wrote in Daniel and the Revelation that the remnant church will be known by allegiance to all ten commandments and the testimony of Jesus (Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 700, 1897), and Hiram Edson’s vision of the heavenly sanctuary unlocked the disappointment of 1844 and pointed the early movement to the Most Holy Place. Scripture had set the stake, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16), and Paul had warned the elders at Ephesus, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29). The Saviour Himself charged the church at Philadelphia, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11), and Jude exhorted, “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). The psalmist sang of the foundation, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psalm 119:111), and Paul concluded, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The truth of God’s word is becoming more and more precious to those who are seeking for an entrance into His everlasting kingdom” (The Great Controversy, p. 596, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote in Life Sketches, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). The inspired pen continued in Counsels to Writers and Editors, “The truths that have stood the test of time and trial are not to be discarded” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 53, 1946), and through Selected Messages the messenger of the Lord wrote, “The Lord will not lead minds now to set aside the truth that the Holy Spirit has moved upon His servants in the past to proclaim” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 111, 1958). The pioneers paid in coin we are now tempted to keep. The community that honors their work will refuse to renegotiate their conclusions.

WHERE IS THE STRAIT GATE?

The Saviour set two gates before every traveler and offered no third option. The choice is between life and destruction, and the math will not bend to popular preference. He declared, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13), and He added, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). The same Saviour explained why the gate is strait, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24), and again, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). Paul wrote, “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22), and Peter testified, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Peter 4:14). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The path of life is narrow; the gateway is strait; but along it both rich and poor, high and low, learned and ignorant, may travel together” (The Great Controversy, p. 481, 1911), and in Christ’s Object Lessons Sr. White wrote, “The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 77, 1900). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen wrote, “The path of self-denial and sacrifice was Christ’s path, and it must be the path of His followers” (The Desire of Ages, p. 524, 1898), and through Steps to Christ the messenger added, “If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image” (Steps to Christ, p. 71, 1892). The prophetic messenger continued in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, “Many are deceived by professing a faith that they do not possess. Profession is cheap; possession is precious” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 146, 1896), and through The Great Controversy the inspired pen added, “The road to heaven is too narrow for rank and wealth to ride in state along it. The cross is the only way” (The Great Controversy, p. 481, 1911). The popularity of a road is no evidence of its destination. The community that loves the narrow road will not measure truth by the size of the crowd.

WHY MUST WE OBEY GOD?

Civil order is a gift of God within its proper sphere, but no civil order has the right to set itself against the law of heaven. The Christian honors the magistrate up to the line where Caesar claims what belongs only to the Creator. Peter answered for the church when he said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), and the Saviour Himself drew the line, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Paul instructed, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1), and the apostle continued, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due” (Romans 13:7). Daniel’s example stood as the limit of submission, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house… and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10), and the Hebrew children settled the same question, “Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:18). Through The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen wrote, “We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69, 1911), and in The Great Controversy Sr. White declared, “The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them” (The Great Controversy, p. 612, 1911). The prophetic messenger wrote in The Great Controversy, “God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare” (The Great Controversy, p. 581, 1911), and through The Great Controversy we read, “The Sabbath of the fourth commandment must be restored to its rightful position as the Creator’s rest day” (The Great Controversy, p. 446, 1911). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in Testimonies for the Church, “God’s commandment-keeping people must stand firm under the test” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 232, 1909), and the inspired pen added in The Great Controversy, “Those who honor God’s law will be supported by His power in the great crisis” (The Great Controversy, p. 626, 1911). Loyalty to Caesar is not loyalty to idols dressed in Caesar’s robes. The community that knows the difference will pay its taxes and keep its Sabbath.

WHAT IS THE LOUD CRY?

The final proclamation of the everlasting gospel will sound from a church that has put away the love of the world. The Spirit will fall in a measure that exceeds Pentecost, for the harvest is greater and the night is shorter. John saw the messenger and recorded, “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1), and the same scene continues with the summons, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). The everlasting gospel had already gone forth, “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), and Joel had foretold the latter rain, “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28). The promise was renewed by James, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7), and Peter at Pentecost cried, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic voice wrote, “Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given” (The Great Controversy, p. 612, 1911), and in Early Writings Sr. White wrote, “I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary” (Early Writings, p. 254, 1882). The inspired pen continued in The Great Controversy, “The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the ‘former rain’ was given… so the ‘latter rain’ will be given at its close” (The Great Controversy, p. 611, 1911), and through Testimonies to Ministers we read, “The third angel’s message is to lighten the earth with its glory” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 92, 1923). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in Early Writings, “I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message” (Early Writings, p. 271, 1882), and through Selected Messages the inspired pen added, “The latter rain will be sent in answer to fervent, importunate, agonizing prayer” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 121, 1958). The loud cry is not a slogan; it is a result. The community that surrenders to the early rain will be ready for the latter.

WHEN IS JACOB’S TROUBLE?

The time of Jacob’s trouble is the brief and terrible interval between the close of probation and the return of the King. Jacob wrestled by the brook Jabbok and would not let the Angel go without the blessing, and his anguish is the type of the saints’ final extremity. The prophet wrote, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it” (Jeremiah 30:7), and Daniel foretold the deliverance, “And at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). Jacob’s wrestling stands as the picture, “And there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:24, 26), and David’s plea anticipated the saints’ cry, “Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord” (Psalm 70:1). The psalmist also sang, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4), and the Saviour comforted, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote, “Jacob’s history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “Though God’s people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution… their distress arises from a different cause. They fear that every sin has not been repented of” (The Great Controversy, p. 619, 1911), and through Early Writings the messenger declared, “I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary” (Early Writings, p. 36, 1882). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “While Jesus had been standing between God and guilty man, a restraint was upon the people; but when He should step out from between man and the Father, the restraint would be removed and Satan would have entire control” (The Great Controversy, p. 614, 1911), and through The Great Controversy the inspired pen added, “Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood” (The Great Controversy, p. 631, 1911). Jacob held the Angel until the blessing came. The community that wrestles until daybreak will hear the Saviour pronounce its new name.

HOW IS BABYLON FALLEN?

Babylon falls because she has exchanged the testimony of God for the traditions of men and made the nations drunk with her teaching. The fall is moral before it is visible, and it is announced before it is consummated. John heard the cry, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8), and the second proclamation later repeated, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” (Revelation 18:2). The call out is plain, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4), and Isaiah had foretold the dirge of the city, “Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty” (Isaiah 13:6). Jeremiah had pictured the same fall, “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity” (Jeremiah 51:6), and Paul described the same religious decline, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 382, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote, “The message proclaiming the fall of Babylon must be given. She has become the habitation of devils” (The Great Controversy, p. 603, 1911). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen continued, “Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ’s true followers are still to be found in their communion” (The Great Controversy, p. 390, 1911), and through Early Writings the messenger declared, “When this message shall be proclaimed with a loud voice, the churches will be very angry, and will say, ‘We have not united with Babylon’” (Early Writings, p. 277, 1882). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the temple” (The Great Controversy, p. 23, 1911), and the inspired pen added in Selected Messages, “Many will hear the message; they will not dare to despise its warnings” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 410, 1980). The fall is announced so that the people may come out. The community that hears the call will not delay its obedience until the plagues fall.

WHO HOLDS THE FOUR WINDS?

The four angels of Revelation seven hold back the winds of strife until the servants of God are sealed. The earth would already be in flames but for the restraining hand at the four corners. John saw it and wrote, “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” (Revelation 7:1), and the command from another angel ran, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” (Revelation 7:3). The prophet Ezekiel saw the same sealing in vision, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (Ezekiel 9:4), and Paul named the seal, “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). The Saviour assured, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone” (Revelation 2:17), and Daniel had been told, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried” (Daniel 12:10). Through Early Writings the prophetic messenger wrote, “I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments” (Early Writings, p. 36, 1882), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “Said the angel, ‘List ye!’ Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy” (Early Writings, p. 35, 1882). In Testimonies for the Church the inspired pen continued, “Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 214, 1882), and through The Great Controversy the messenger declared, “The seal of the living God will be placed upon those who conscientiously keep the Sabbath of the Lord” (Maranatha, p. 200, 1976). The prophetic voice wrote in Early Writings, “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come” (Last Day Events drawn from manuscript, 1902), and through Testimonies for the Church the inspired pen added, “The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 141, 1902). The winds are still held, but the holding is not forever. The community that hears the warning will use the borrowed time to be sealed.

WILL HEAVEN’S COURTS CLOSE?

Probation is real, and probation closes. The mercy that pleads forever in the heart of God will be answered with finality in the day appointed by the Father. The prophet wrote, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11), and the Saviour added, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Daniel saw the appointed moment, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation” (Daniel 12:1), and the Saviour told the parable of the door, “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door… then shall ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door” (Luke 13:25). Paul warned, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), and the writer of Hebrews pressed, “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). Through The Great Controversy the inspired pen wrote, “When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received the latter rain” (The Great Controversy, p. 613, 1911), and in The Great Controversy Sr. White added, “The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). The prophetic messenger continued in The Great Controversy, “When Jesus leaves the sanctuary, then they that are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still” (The Great Controversy, p. 491, 1911), and through Early Writings we read, “I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil” (Early Writings, p. 55, 1882). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The third angel is leading out a people, step by step, higher and higher” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 472, 1885), and through Last Day Events the inspired pen added, “The end of all things is at hand. Now is the time for the watchmen to be lifting up their voice” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 14, 1902). The judgment will not be hurried, but it will not be postponed. The community that lives now as if probation closes tomorrow will not be ashamed when it does.

WHAT WAITS PAST THE GLASS SEA?

Past the time of trouble and past the second coming lies a country the eye has not seen. The redeemed will stand upon the sea of glass and lift the song of Moses and the Lamb. John saw it and wrote, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast… having the harps of God” (Revelation 15:2), and the new song followed, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 15:3). The promise of the new earth descended, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (Revelation 21:1), and the city of God came down, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The promise of comfort followed, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4), and Isaiah had foretold the country, “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911), and Sr. White further wrote in the same volume, “From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). In Early Writings the inspired pen continued, “We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads” (Early Writings, p. 16, 1882), and through Early Writings the messenger declared, “There the holy ones were robed in glorious white from their shoulders to their feet. Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city” (Early Writings, p. 18, 1882). The prophetic voice wrote in The Great Controversy, “The years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911), and through Early Writings the inspired pen added, “We then beheld the glory of the holy city and the throne of God” (Early Writings, p. 19, 1882). The country waits, and the road to it has been prepared. The community that loves the appearing of the Saviour will not be disappointed at the door.

WHO ANSWERS THE SPIRIT’S CALL?

The book of Revelation closes with an invitation that gathers every age into a single chorus. The Spirit, the Bride, and the thirsty soul all speak the same word, and the word is welcome. John wrote, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17), and the promise that follows seals the appointment, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Isaiah had echoed the same call long before, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat” (Isaiah 55:1), and the Saviour Himself stood in the temple and cried, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). Jeremiah had foretold the same fountain, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters” (Jeremiah 2:13), and David sang in anticipation, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1). Through The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger wrote, “The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911), and in Early Writings Sr. White wrote, “We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads” (Early Writings, p. 16, 1882). The inspired pen continued in The Great Controversy, “The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity” (The Great Controversy, p. 651, 1911), and through Early Writings the messenger added, “There the holy ones were robed in glorious white from their shoulders to their feet” (Early Writings, p. 18, 1882). The messenger of the Lord further wrote in The Great Controversy, “The years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911), and through Steps to Christ the inspired pen concluded, “Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). The Spirit still says come, and the community must still say come, and the thirsty must still come and drink. The fork in the road ends at this fountain, and the road that drinks from it never thirsts again.

“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)

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can the community, in personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape character and priorities?

How can the community adapt these themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics, and how can the community gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can 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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