GOD’S REQUIREMENTS FOR HIS PEOPLE: THE ULTIMATE TEST

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the essential characteristics of God’s true people, drawing from Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. It aims to clarify the divine standard for His followers in these last days, emphasizing the importance of obedience, purity, and Christ-like character. We will examine key biblical passages and Ellen G. White’s insights to understand what it truly means to be a child of God. It is a call to introspection and a renewed commitment to living a life that reflects the divine image.

REMNANT’S RADIANT CALLING: CHRIST’S MIGHTY MISSION!

What was Christ’s most important work for His people? Matthew 1:21 declares, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus’ primary mission was salvation, freeing us from the guilt and power of sin. This wasn’t just about forgiveness; it was about transformation. He came to change our hearts, to make us new creatures. Think about it: He didn’t just want to erase our mistakes; He wanted to empower us to stop making them. This is the core of the gospel – not just pardon, but power. Scripture further supports this with “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, KJV) and “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “The Saviour’s mission on earth was to bring to men the light of truth” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 4, 134, 1880) and “Jesus came to impart to the human soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love of God is shed abroad in the heart” (The Signs of the Times, March 28, 1895). (Matthew 1:21, KJV) (D.A., 107) But how does this mission extend into the bonds that define our relationship with Him?

COVENANT’S POWERFUL PLEDGE!

One of the first requirements God makes of His people, the faithful performance of which stamps them as His own, is covenant loyalty. Jeremiah 11:1-5 outlines the covenant God made with Israel, emphasizing obedience to His voice. “Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, And say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O Lord.” God’s covenant isn’t just a contract; it’s a relationship. It’s a bond of love and loyalty. Like a marriage, it requires commitment and faithfulness. We show our love for God by keeping His commandments. Scripture further supports this with “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV) and “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it” (2 John 1:6, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “The covenant of grace was first made with man in Eden, when after the Fall there was given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 370, 1890) and “God’s covenant with His people is a pledge of His mercy and favor” (The Review and Herald, October 17, 1907). (Jeremiah 11:1-5, KJV) Yet what does this loyalty reveal about our unique place in His eyes?

PECULIAR TREASURE’S GLORY!

Another identifying mark which will ever be seen in God’s true and obedient people is their status as a chosen people. Exodus 19:5 proclaims, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” Being God’s “peculiar treasure” is a privilege and a responsibility. It means we are set apart for His service, like a precious jewel. We are called to reflect His character to the world. Imagine being chosen for a special mission. That’s what God has done for us. Scripture further supports this with “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself” (Exodus 19:4, KJV) and “But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him” (Psalm 4:3, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “God would have His people in these days a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 2, 484, 1870) and “The Lord has made us the depositaries of His law; He has committed to us sacred and eternal truth” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 601, 1889). (Exodus 19:5, KJV) And how does this chosen status manifest in our daily walk?

HOLY NATION’S QUEST!

And what is still another and all-important outstanding characteristic of God’s peculiar people? Deuteronomy 14:2 states, “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the people that are upon the earth.” Holiness is not an option for God’s people; it’s a requirement. It’s not about outward show; it’s about inward transformation. It’s about becoming more like Jesus. This is a lifelong process, a journey of sanctification. Scripture further supports this with “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15, KJV) and “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God” (The Acts of the Apostles, 51, 1911) and “True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last” (The Sanctified Life, 7, 1889). (Deuteronomy 14:2, KJV) But what traits define the remnant in times of trial?

REMNANT’S HUMBLE HEART!

What does the prophet Zephaniah point out as being very important marks to be seen in God’s remnant people? Zephaniah 3:12, 13 describes them: “I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” Humility and truthfulness are hallmarks of God’s remnant. They are not arrogant or deceitful. They are humble and honest, trusting in God’s provision. In a world of pride and falsehood, these qualities stand out like beacons. Scripture further supports this with “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18, KJV) and “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “The greatest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control” (The Desire of Ages, 301, 1898) and “Humility is the first grace that must be cultivated in the soul” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 50, 1889). (Zephaniah 3:12-13, KJV) Yet how does obedience anchor this remnant firmly?

REMNANT’S BOLD OBEDIENCE!

What is the familiar description of God’s true remnant people whom the prophet John presents? Revelation 12:17 says, “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.” The remnant is characterized by their obedience to God’s commandments and their adherence to the testimony of Jesus. This is a crucial point. It’s not enough to just believe; we must also obey. Our faith must be expressed in our actions. Scripture further supports this with “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) and “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress” (Selected Messages Book 2, 380, 1958) and “Obedience to all the commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification” (Evangelism, 225, 1946). (Revelation 12:17, KJV) And what unity marked the early community as a model for us?

APOSTOLIC UNITY’S FIRE!

In the experience of the apostolic church, what special and very beautiful distinguishing mark of God’s holy Church is revealed? Acts 4:32 tells us, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” The early church was marked by unity. They were of one heart and one soul. They shared their possessions and cared for one another. This spirit of unity is essential for the church today. We must be united in love and purpose. Scripture further supports this with “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, KJV) and “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection” (The Sanctified Life, 85, 1889) and “The strength of God’s people lies in their union with Him through His only-begotten Son” (Our High Calling, 173, 1961). (Acts 4:32, KJV) (C.O.L., 120) But how does divine order sustain this harmony among us?

GOD’S ORDERLY REALM!

In what words does Paul point out another distinct characteristic of the true people of God? 1 Corinthians 14:33 declares, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” God is a God of order, not confusion. His church should reflect this. There should be peace and harmony among us. This doesn’t mean we will always agree on everything, but we should strive to resolve our differences in a spirit of love and respect. Scripture further supports this with “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40, KJV) and “But let all things be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “Order and harmony are essential in the work of God” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 726, 1889) and “God requires order and system in His work” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 376, 1890). (1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV) Now, what role do vigilant guardians play in protecting this order?

WATCHMEN’S FIERCE VIGIL!

How does Isaiah describe another particular prominent distinction to be seen in God’s loyal people? Isaiah 62:6, 7 speaks of watchmen: “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” God’s people are called to be watchmen, warning others of impending danger and pointing them to the path of salvation. We must be vigilant and faithful in our witness. We cannot remain silent in the face of sin and injustice. Scripture further supports this with “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, KJV) and “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch the tidings of the Saviour’s advent” (The Great Controversy, 360, 1911) and “God calls for watchmen who will sound the alarm” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 6, 166, 1901). (Isaiah 62:6-7, KJV) (Vol. 3, 266) Yet what ultimate standard must we reach to fulfill this calling?

EXALTED STANDARD’S CHALLENGE!

Summed up, what is the exalted standard that God’s true people are to reach at this time? Ellen G. White writes, “I saw that none could share the refreshing unless they obtain the victory over every besetment—over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. . . . Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully.” The ultimate goal is to reflect the image of Jesus fully. This means overcoming every sin and allowing Christ to live through us. It’s a high calling, but it’s the only way to be ready for His return. Scripture further supports this with “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, KJV) and “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 9, 153, 1909) and “Christ’s followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 2, 184, 1870). (Early Writings., p. 71) And does God promise a purified community in these final times?

PURE PEOPLE’S PROMISE!

Has God said that He would have a pure and holy people in the world in these last days? Ephesians 5:25-27 tells us, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” God’s purpose is to have a pure and holy church. This is His ultimate aim. He is working to purify His people, to cleanse them from all sin. Scripture further supports this with “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1, KJV) and “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “God will have a people pure and true in these last days” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 80, 1889) and “The church is to be purified from every spot and wrinkle” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 8, 250, 1904). (Ephesians 5:25-27, KJV) (Testimonies to the Church Vol. 1, 99; Vol. 5, 80) But how do these standards showcase the depth of divine affection?

GOD’S LOVE UNVEILED!

God’s requirements, though sometimes challenging, are ultimately expressions of His profound love. He doesn’t demand perfection to punish us, but to prepare us for eternity with Him. Like a loving parent, He sets boundaries for our own good. His commandments are not chains, but guides, leading us to true freedom and happiness. Consider the words of Sr. White: “The very love that Jesus has manifested in His efforts to draw men to Himself, will be exercised toward those who have chosen the better part, and will be the means of bringing them to the end.” This quote emphasizes the loving motivation behind God’s interactions with humanity. He seeks to draw us to Himself, not drive us away. His discipline is a form of love, designed to refine and perfect us. “God’s love is not a mere sentimental feeling; it is a principle of action. It is the divine attribute that prompts Him to seek the good of His creatures.” This quote emphasizes the active nature of God’s love. It’s not passive or indifferent, but actively seeks our well-being. He wants us to be the best versions of ourselves, and He works tirelessly to achieve that goal in us. This is why He gives us His commandments, His counsel, and His Son. He is invested in our salvation and our growth. Scripture further supports this with “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV) and “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “God’s love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity” (The Great Controversy, 621, 1911) and “The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is a positive and active principle” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 77, 1896). (Review and Herald, August 27, 1895) (Signs of the The Times, January 12, 1899). Now, what duties do we owe directly to our Creator in response to this love?

My primary responsibility toward God is to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). This love is not just a feeling; it’s a commitment to obey His will and follow His example. I am called to be a faithful steward of the gifts and talents He has given me, using them to glorify His name and serve others. Sr. White states, “We are under obligation to God to make the most of every capability He has entrusted to us.” This reinforces the idea of stewardship. We are responsible for using our abilities wisely. Furthermore, she writes, “True sanctification means the wholehearted acceptance of the will of God.” This highlights the importance of surrendering to God’s will. It is in that surrender that we find true sanctification and purpose. I must constantly examine my heart and motives, seeking to align myself with His purposes. This involves daily prayer, Bible study, and a willingness to be corrected and guided by the Holy Spirit. Scripture further supports this with “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37, KJV) and “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The first great commandment is to love God supremely” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 2, 262, 1870) and “Our highest duty is to God” (The Review and Herald, May 5, 1885). (CT, 7). (Acts of the Apostles, p. 519). And how does this responsibility extend outward to those around us?

My responsibility toward my neighbor is to love them as myself (Matthew 22:39). This means treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect, even when they are different from me or have wronged me. It means being a good Samaritan, willing to help those in need, both physically and spiritually. As Sr. White explains, “The love that Christ brought into the world is the love that we are to cherish and reveal to others.” This love is not limited to those we like or those who are like us. It extends to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. “We are to be laborers together with God in helping our fellow men.” This emphasizes our role in serving others. We are called to be active participants in God’s work of redemption, reaching out to those who are lost and hurting. I must be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the oppressed, and a beacon of hope in a dark world. Scripture further supports this with “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV) and “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The law of God requires that man shall love God supremely, and his neighbor as himself” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 3, 52, 1875) and “True love seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 99, 1896). (Review and Herald, December 17, 1895). (MH, 159). But what deeper insights emerge when we ponder these truths together?

REFLECTIONS’ ETERNAL ECHO!

These principles are not merely abstract theological concepts; they are the foundation of a life lived in harmony with God’s will. They are the roadmap to true happiness and fulfillment. As we strive to embody these characteristics, we become living epistles, demonstrating the power of God’s grace to transform lives. It is a journey of continual growth, a process of becoming more and more like Jesus. It requires humility, perseverance, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Scripture further supports this with “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, KJV) and “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The Christian life is a constant growth in grace” (The Review and Herald, January 20, 1885) and “Transformation of character is to be the testimony to the world of the indwelling love of Christ” (The Review and Herald, December 11, 1900).

In these last days, God is calling for a people who are wholly devoted to Him, a people who reflect His character and shine His light to the world. This is the ultimate test – a test of loyalty, obedience, and love. By embracing these principles and allowing God to work in our lives, we can be part of that remnant, a people prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us, therefore, examine our hearts, renew our commitment, and press on toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Scripture further supports this with “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14, KJV) and “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “God is now testing and proving His people” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 1, 187, 1855) and “The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process” (Selected Messages Book 1, 370, 1958).

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GOD’S REQUIREMENTS FOR HIS PEOPLE: THE ULTIMATE TEST

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