"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
The Signs of the Times--- 12-30-89= What Was Secured by the Death of Christ
"The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction
of him who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. When
Satan is destroyed, there will be none to tempt to evil; the atonement
will never need to be repeated; and there will be no danger of another
rebellion in the universe of God. That which alone can effectually restrain
from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance
of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could
not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The
angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure
except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the
efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy.
Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the
angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human
perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security
in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation,
making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard
against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall
be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Our only hope is perfect trust in
the blood of Him who can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by
Him. The death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this
world, and it will be our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do not comprehend
the value of the atonement! If we did, we would talk more about it. The
gift of God in his beloved Son was the expression of an incomprehensible
love. It was the utmost that God could do to preserve the honor of his
law, and still save the transgressor. Why should man not study the theme
of redemption? It is the greatest subject that can engage the human mind.
If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in the cross, their
faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits of his shed blood,
and they would be cleansed and saved from sin. There are many who will
be lost, because they depend on legal religion, or mere repentance for
sin. But repentance for sin alone cannot work the salvation of any soul.
Man cannot be saved by his own works. Without Christ it is impossible for
him to render perfect obedience to the law of God; and heaven can never
be gained by an imperfect obedience; for this would place all heaven in
jeopardy, and make possible a second rebellion.
Matthew 19:21
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and
sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
in heaven: and come and follow me."
"The Signs of the Times - 08-01-95--- Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
He did not love God with his whole heart, might, mind,
and strength, nor his neighbor as himself. Jesus brought to bear upon him
a test that would expose to the young ruler the weakness and poverty of
his heart. Jesus said, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou
hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and
come and follow me." When the young man asked of Christ, "What lack I yet?"
he thought himself a perfect man. The words of Christ revealed to him his
idol; but did he quickly expel it from his heart, that he might be perfect?
Jesus looked with pity upon the young ruler, for he loved him. "But when
the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great
possessions! Though Jesus had come to the world to save him, he rejected
the Saviour and yielded to his inclination to cling to his idols. The young
man loved his possessions more than he loved God."
John 17:23
" I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect
in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved
them, as thou hast loved me."
Bible Echo and Signs of the Times---- 10-08-94---- Dedication Sermon
Christ prayed for the unity of His people: "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." What
a oneness in here represented! In this unity, divine credentials are presented
to the world that they may believe in Jesus. "And the glory which Thou
gavest Me, I have given them [that is, the character which Christ has,
His righteousness]; that they may be one even as we are one." Christ within
is the glory of God, the hope big with immortality and eternal life. "That
they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they
may be made perfect in one; that the world may know"--and now comes the
greatest assertion that has ever been made in behalf of His people--"that
Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me." Can we take
that in? The God of heaven loves us as He loves His Son. All the world
is in rebellion against God; but those who struggle, who strive, who agonize
to enter in at the strait gate, are beloved of God with peculiar tenderness,
and they shall find the broad path; for "Thy commandment is exceeding broad."
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."
Acts 3:16
"And his name through faith in his name hath made this
man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given
him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
04-22-90
I Will Keep Thee From the Hour of Temptation
We have on record another testimony that proves the boldness
of the disciples. When Peter and John had bidden the paralytic arise in
the name of Jesus, and he had been healed, the people were amazed; and
the Scripture says, "And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people,
Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on
us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,
hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the
presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied
the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you:
and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof
we are witnesses. And his name, through faith in his name, hath made this
man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by him hath given
him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren,
I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those
things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that
Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled."
Romans 12:2
"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."
The Signs of the Times
08-22-78
Jesus as an Householder
Conformity to the world is positively forbidden in the
word of God. The inspired apostle writes: "Be not conformed to this world."
In order to prevent this the opposite course is enjoined upon the true
believers: "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds." The all-powerful
grace of God, uniting with the efforts and will of man, works the transformation
in the life and character of man, and brings him into a position where
he can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
One who engages in the work of helping and blessing others is being transformed
by the renewing of his mind, being a partaker of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The apostles
are diligent in their injunctions not to love the world, neither the things
that are in the world. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but
is of the world."
2Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will
I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me."
Bible Echo and Signs of the Times---- 03-01-93----- The Power of Prayer
"God does not promise his people exemption from trial,
but He promises that which is far better. He says, "As thy days, so shall
thy strength be." "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is
made perfect in weakness." When tribulation comes upon us, the Lord would
not have us think that He has forsaken us; we are of value in his sight.
He has placed upon us a value equal to the sufferings of his dear Son.
He says, "With great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid
my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have
mercy on thee." "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle
upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour;
I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast
precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee;
therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not;
for I am with thee. . . . I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." "My brethren, count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the
trying of your faith worketh patience." And "let patience have her perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
2Corinthians 13:11
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good
comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall
be with you."
The Signs of the Times
10-20-98
Life, Love, and Union
Again the apostle says: "We then that are strong ought
to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. . . .
For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches
of them that reproached Thee fell on Me. For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning; that we through patience and comfort
of the Scriptures might have hope." "I beseech you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there
be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in
the same mind and in the same judgment." "The fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance;
against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified
the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let
us also walk in the Spirit." "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love
and peace shall be with you."
Ephesians 4:13
"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:"
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
06-20-93
Our Duty in Ministering to the Poor
"And to all who have received Christ, the Holy Spirit
says, "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Every provision
has been made that his possession, purchased at such infinite cost to heaven,
should grow into a holy temple unto the Lord, complete in him. "He gave
some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fullness of Christ." Every facility
has been provided that man may have a perfect character, that he should
come off more than conqueror through the merits of Christ.
Philippians 3:12
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already
perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also
I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
04-26-81
Sanctification, Christian Character
"The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same
standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. He writes to the
Philippians: "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea, oubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. . . .That I may know him, and the power
of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of
the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect;
but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but
this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." There is a striking
contrast between the boastful, self-righteous claims of those who profess
to be without sin, and the modest language of the apostle. Yet it was the
purity and faithfulness of his own life that gave such power to his exhortations
to his brethren."
Philippians 3:15
"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:
and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this
unto you."
The Signs of the Times
05-23-95
Thoughts on the First Epistle of John
"If we are doers of the word of God, we shall be followers
of Christ, and our lives will be characterized by holiness in aim, holiness
in aspiration, holiness in action, which is progressive sanctification.
We shall have Christlike sympathy for all souls, both saints and sinners;
but with this experience there will be no vain boasting of our sinlessness.
We shall rather speak in the language of Paul, and say: "Not as though
I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after,
if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ
Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto
those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be
perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God
shall reveal even this unto you."
Colossians 1:28
"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
The Signs of the Times
03-25-97
The Mystery of God
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is
this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the
mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God." "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation
of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the
mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is
made manifest to his saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches
of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh
in me mightily."
2Timothy 3:17
"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works."
Fundamentals of Christian Education
The Value of Bible Study
Page 123
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works." The word of God is like a treasure house, containing
everything that is essential to perfect the man of God. We do not appreciate
the Bible as we should. We do not have a proper estimate of the richness
of its stores, nor do we realize the great necessity of searching the Scriptures
for ourselves. Men neglect the study of the word of God in order to pursue
some worldly interest, or to engage in the pleasures of the time. Some
trivial affair is made an excuse for ignorance of the Scriptures given
by inspiration of God. But anything of an earthly character might better
be put off, than this all-important study, that is to make us wise unto
eternal life."
Hebrews 5:9
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation unto all them that obey him;"
The Signs of the Times
01-16-96
Sin Condemned in the Flesh
Through the victory of Christ the same advantages that
he had are provided for man; for he may be a partaker of a power out of
and above himself, even a partaker of the divine nature, by which he may
overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. In human nature
Christ developed a perfect character. "For verily he took not on him the
nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in
all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might
be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to
make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself
hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."
"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications
with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death,
and was heard in that he feared; tho he were a Son, yet learned he obedience
by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the
Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
Hebrews 13:21
"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,
working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
This Day with God
Rule of Righteousness
Page 78
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, . . . make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ. Heb. 13:20, 21.
"When you come together for worship and to seek the Lord,
it should be your one aim to honor Him whose requirements are all equal
and just. His will, declared to you in His word, is to be carried out to
the letter. The rule of righteousness revealed in the lives of His professing
people is to make them conspicuous. We are to live with an eye single to
the glory of God, ever seeking to be Christians in every sense of the word."
James 1:4
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may
be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day
Adventists.
Page 134
"The temptations of Satan are manifold; but those to which
our attention is called in the text are unbelief and impatience. "Knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Impatience, then,
is the result of a lack of faith. "But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." If we do not maintain
the grace of patience, we shall never reach a state of perfection. Some
of us have a nervous temperament, and are naturally as quick as a flash
to think and to act; but let no one think that he cannot learn to become
patient. Patience is a plant that will make rapid growth if carefully cultivated.
By becoming thoroughly acquainted with ourselves, and then combining with
the grace of God a firm determination on our part, we may be conquerors,
and become perfect in all things, wanting in nothing."
James 2:22
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by
works was faith made perfect?"
Faith and Works
The Experience of Righteousness by Faith Outlined
Page 100
"James writes of Abraham and says, "Was not Abraham our
father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made
perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed
God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the
Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not
by faith only" (James 2:21-24). In order for man to be justified by faith,
faith must reach a point where it will control the affections and impulses
of the heart; and it is by obedience that faith itself is made perfect."
James 3:2
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend
not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole
body."
In Heavenly Places
When Faith is Tried
Page 270
"When we are brought into adverse circumstances, when
our natural feelings are stirred, and we want to give vent to them, then
our faith is tried; then we are to manifest the meekness and gentleness
of Christ. Not by one word are we to give expression to the feelings of
the natural heart. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect
man, and able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2)--the whole man.
What we want is to be under the control of Jesus. We do not want our own
way. I have heard some plead as an excuse for their wrong course, "You
know that it is my temperament, it is my disposition, transmitted to me
from my parents." Yes; and they have cultivated it and educated themselves
in it and thus excused all their wrongdoing. Instead of yielding to temptation,
they should lay hold upon the arm of Infinite Power, saying, "I will come
to God just as I am, and plead with Christ to give me the victory. I shall
be more than conqueror through Him that loved me."
1 John 4:17-18
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
18"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."
The Youth's Instructor
08-02-94
The Love of God
We are to sit at Christ's feet as continual learners, and to work with his gifts of faith and love. We shall then wear Christ's yoke, and lift his burdens, and Christ will recognize us as one with him; in heaven it will be said, "Ye are laborers together with God." Will our youth remember that without faith it is impossible to please God? and it must be faith that works by love and purifies the soul. "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 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. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he that loveth God, love his brother also."
The Faith I Live By
Walking as Christ Walked
Page 219
Christ unites in His person the fullness and perfection
of the Godhead and the fullness and perfection of sinless humanity. He
met all the temptations by which Adam was assailed, and overcame these
temptations because in His humanity He relied upon divine power. This subject
demands far more contemplation than it receives. Christians strike too
low. They are content with a superficial spiritual experience, and therefore
they have only the glimmerings of light, when ... they might discern more
clearly the wonderful perfection of Christ's humanity, which rises far
above all human greatness, all human power. Christ's life is a revelation
of what fallen human beings may become through union and fellowship with
the divine nature.