END
OF TIME SERIES
PART
EIGHTEEN -B
THE ETERNITY
BEYOND
A
DETAILED VIEW OF THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL!
2 - QUOTATIONS FROM THE OTHER
PUBLISHED BOOKS
This is the second portion of "heaven quotes" from the Spirit
of Prophecy. The first part, which you have Just read, consisted of
statements about heaven from the books, Great Controversy and Early
Writings. The second part, below, is filled with quotations on this
same topic (heaven, the new earth, plus the Importance of striving to be
there) from the other published Spirit of Prophecy books.
Here are the sources and arrangement of this second part:
Omitting Early Writings and Great Controversy, the back
pages of sixteen Spirit of Prophecy books contain originally-written or
complied collections of statements on heaven. Those sixteen collections
are here brought together for the first time. As you might expect, there
were many duplicate statements. Most of them have been removed. The result
is a treasure chest of nearly every Spirit of Prophecy statement about
heaven and the new earth. Also included below is every Bible quotation in
those sixteen book sections. Once again, duplicate Bible quotations were
discarded.
After careful consideration, it was decided to leave the quoted sections
from the sixteen books Intact. This makes for a more colorful and varied
presentation of material. Some of the statements speak about preparing
for heaven, and others describe what it will be like to be there. The
paragraph headings and subheads, which were in the books the quotations
were taken from, have also been included. However, in each of the sixteen
collections of complied material, we have included the original source
reference for each separate quotation. In this way, you can always know
when a quotation begins and ends. (An example of this would be the
quotations on heaven taken from 7 Bible Commentary. An introductory
subhead explains that they were all taken from certain pages in that book.
But original references are then given at the end of each quotation, so
you can identify them as separate quotations.)
Throughout this final section of statements about your eternal home, none
of the quoted material from the Spirit of Prophecy Is placed in italics.
There was no need to do so, for the events of time will then have been
swallowed up by the peace and bliss of eternity.
But some of the paragraphs, consisting totally of Bible quotations, are
In Italics. This was done to high light the fact that those are
Bible quotations added by E.G. White Estate compliers at the top of
Morning Watch book pages. (In some Instances, the only thing Included from
a given Morning Watch page was the Bible quotation; everything else on
that page had been omitted since it duplicated what had been quoted elsewhere
In this section.) Divided Into two major headings (non-compiled books and
compiled books), here are these sixteen sections:
Non-compiled books:
1 - Education. 303:1-309:3
2 - Acts of the Apostles, 601:1-602:3
3 - Steps to Christ, 125:1-126:2
4 - Christ's Object Lessons, 421:1-2
Compiled books:
5 - Child Guidance, 560:1-569:2
6 - Adventist Home, 533:1-550:2
7 - Christian Service, 266:1-275:1
8 - Counsels on Stewardship, 348:1-350:2
9 - Publishing Ministry, 402:1-404:1
10 - Gospel Workers, 512:1-517:4; 519:2 11 - 7 Bible Commentary,
988:1-990:6
12 - My Life Today, 347:1-369:4
13 - Faith I Live By, 359:1-371:5
14 - Reflecting Christ, 378:1-8
15 - Amazing Grace, 360:1-367:4
16 - Maranatha, 316:1-334:4; 349:1-373:4
How important it is that each one of us remain close to our Father to the
end! Because of the wonderful grace of Jesus Christ, as God's faithful,
obedient child, it is your privilege to read about your future. Here it
is:
1- Education 303:1-309:3
" 'They shall see His face; and His name shall be
in their foreheads.' Revelation 22:4.
"There, when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed, and
our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses
through the microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens,
now scanned afar through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed,
the whole earth shall appear 'in the beauty of the Lord our God,' what a
field will be open to our study! There the student of science may read the
records of creation, and discern no reminders of the law of evil. He may
listen to the music of nature's voices, and detect no note of wailing or
undertone of sorrow. In all created things he may trace one handwriting-in
the vast universe behold 'God's name writ large,' and not in earth or sea
or sky one sign of ill remaining." -Education, 303:4.
"
'They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the
Lord.' Isaiah 65:25.
"There
man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings
will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the
timid trustful.
"There
will be open to the student, history of infinite scope and of wealth
inexpressible. Here, from the vantage ground of Gods word, the
student is afforded a view of the vast field of history and may gain some
knowledge of the principles that govern the course of human events. But
his vision is still clouded, and his knowledge incomplete. Not until he
stands in the light of eternity will he see all things clearly.
"The
veil that interposes between the visible and the invisible world will be
drawn aside, and wonderful things will be revealed.
"Not
until the providences of God are seen in the light of eternity shall we
understand what we owe to the care and interposition of His angels.
Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They
have appeared in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as
men, in the garb of wayfarers. They have accepted the hospitalities of
human homes; they have acted as guides to benighted travelers."
"Though
the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels
have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them. Human ears have
listened to their appeals. In the council hall, the court of justice,
heavenly messengers have pleaded the cause of the persecuted and
oppressed. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have
brought wrong and suffering to God's children. To the students in the
heavenly school, all this will be unfolded.
"Every
redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The
angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched
his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was
with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting
place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning-what
will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine
interposition in the individual life. of heavenly co-operation in every
work for humanity!
"All
the perplexities of life's experience will then be made plain. Where to us
have appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and
thwarted plans, will be seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine
harmony.
"There
all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold the fruit of their
labors. The outworking of every right principle and noble deed will be
seen. Something of this we see here. But how little of the result of the
world's noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer! How many toil
unselfishly and unweariedly for those who pass beyond their reach and
knowledge! Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their
lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not that their
faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that can never cease to
flow; only by faith they see the children they have trained become a
benediction and an inspiration to their fellow men, and the influence
repeat itself a thousandfold. Many a worker sends out into the world
messages of strength and hope and courage, words that carry blessing to
hearts in every land; but of the results he, toiling in loneliness and
obscurity, knows little. So gifts are bestowed, burdens are borne, labor
is done. Men sow the seed from which, above their graves, others reap
blessed harvests. They plant trees, that others may eat the fruit. They
are content here to know that they have set in motion agencies for good.
In the hereafter, the action and reaction of all these will be seen.
"Of
every gift that God has bestowed, leading men to unselfish effort, a
record is kept in heaven. To trace this in its wide-spreading lines, to
look upon those who by our efforts have been uplifted and ennobled, to
behold in their history the outworking of true principles-this will be one
of the studies and rewards of the heavenly school.
"There
will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions
of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived.
"
'As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there.' Psalm
87:7.
"
'They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the
Lord.' Isaiah 24:14.
"
'For the Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places;
and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden
of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and
the voice of melody.' Isaiah 51:3 . .
"
'The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' Matthew
20:28. Christ's work below is His work above, and our reward for working
with Him in this world will be the greater power and
wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.
" 'Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am
God.' Isaiah 43:12.
"This also we shall be in eternity.
"For what was the great controversy permitted to
continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan's existence was
not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe
might be convinced of God's justice in His dealing with evil; that sin
might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are
heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into
which the angels desire to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings,
have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have
wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered
into the fellowship of His sufferings. Will they have no testimony as to
the science of redemption -nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings?
"
'In His temple doth everyone speak of His glory' (Psalm 29:9), and the
song which the ransomed ones will sing-the song of their experience-will
declare the glory of God: 'Great and marvelous are Thy works, 0 Lord God,
the Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall
not fear, 0 Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.'
Revelation 15:3, 4.
"Then,
in the results of His work, Christ will behold its recompense. In that
great multitude which no man could number, presented 'faultless before the
presence of His glory with exceeding joy' (Jude 24), He whose blood has
redeemed and whose life has taught us, 'shall see of the travail of His
soul, and shall be satisfied.' Isaiah 53: 11" (Education,
303:3-309:3).
2-Acts of the Apostles
601:1-602:3
"If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness,
withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the
dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast
forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many
generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will
triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never
been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it
additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine
energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph
over every obstacle.
"What sustained the Son of God during His life of toil and
sacrifice? He saw the results of the travail of His soul and was
satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who
through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His
ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
"We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In
the Bible are revealed visions of the future glory, scenes pictured by the
hand of God, and these are dear to His church. By faith we may stand on
the threshold of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given
to those who in this life co-operate with Christ, regarding it as an
honor to suffer for His sake. As the words are spoken, 'Come, ye blessed
of My Father,' they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer,
exclaiming, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. . .
Honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb for ever and ever.' Matthew 25:34; Revelation 5:12, 13.
"
'These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their
robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they
before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and
He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no
more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor
any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed
them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall
wipe away all tears from their eyes.' 'And there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the
former things are passed away.' Revelation 7:14-17; 21 :4." (Acts
of the Apostles, 601:1-602:3).
3-Steps to Christ 125:1-126:2
"But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with
Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His
presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a
deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the
blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our confidence, but have
firm assurance, firmer than ever before. 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' and
He will help us to the end. 1 Samuel 7:12.
Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has
done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us
keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us, -the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed,
the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the
blessings bestowed,
-thus
strengthening ourselves for all that Is before us through the remainder of
our pilgrimage.
"We
cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we
may look on what is past as well as on what is to come, and say, 'Hitherto
hath the Lord helped us.' 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be.' Deuteronomy
33:25. The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to
bear it. Then let us take up our work just where we find it, believing
that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the trial will be given.
"In
view of the glorious inheritance that may be his, 'what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?' Matthew 16:26. He may be poor, yet he possesses
in himself a wealth and dignity that the
world could never bestow. The soul redeemed and cleansed from sin,
with all its noble powers dedicated to the service of God, is of
surpassing worth; and there is joy in heaven in the presence of God and
the holy angels over one soul redeemed, a joy that is expressed in songs
of holy triumph" (Steps to Christ, 125: 1-126:2).
4- Christs Object Lessons 421:1-2
"With
uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining
upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go
forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, 'Lo, this is our God; we have waited
for Him, and He will save us.' Isaiah 25:9.
"
'And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice
of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia;
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honour to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife
hath made herself ready.' Revelation 19:6-7" -(Christ's
Object Lessons, 421:1-2).
5 - Child Guidance 560:1-569:2
A Graphic Scene of the Judgment Day.- "I had a dream once in which I
saw a large company gathered together; and suddenly the heavens gathered
blackness, the thunder rolled, the lightning flashed, and a voice louder than
the heaviest peals of thunder sounded through the heavens and the earth,
saying, 'It is done.' Part of the company, with pallid faces, sprang
forward with a wail of agony, crying out, 'Oh, I am not ready.' The
question was asked, 'Why are you not ready? Why have you not improved
the opportunities I graciously gave you?' I awoke with the crying ringing
in my ears. 'I am not ready; I am unsaved -Lost!
Lost! Eternally lost!'
"In
view of the solemn responsibilities that rest upon us, let us contemplate
the future, that we may understand what we must do in order to meet it. In
that day shall we be confronted with neglect and contempt of God and His
mercy, with rejection of His truth and love? In the solemn assembly of the
last day, in the hearing of the universe, will be read the reason of the
condemnation of the sinner. For the first time parents will learn what
has been the secret life of their children. Children will see how many
wrongs they have committed against their parents. There will be a general
revealing of the secrets and motives of the heart, for that which is hid
will be made manifest. Those who have made sport of solemn things
connected with the judgment will be sobered as they face its terrible
reality.
"Those
who have despised the Word of God will then face the Author of the
inspired oracles. We cannot afford to live with no reference to the day of
judgment; for though long delayed, it is now near, even at the door, and
hasteth greatly. The trumpet of the Archangel will soon startle the
living and wake the dead. At that day the wicked will be separated from
the just, as the shepherd divides the goats from the sheep." -Youth's
Instructor, July 21, 1892 (Child Guidance, 560, 1-8).
When
God Asks, "Where Are the Children?" -"Parents
who have neglected their God-given responsibilities must meet that
neglect in the judgment. The Lord will then inquire, 'Where are the
children that I gave you to train for Me? Why are they not at My right
hand?' Many parents will then see that unwise love blinded their eyes to
their children's faults and left those children to develop deformed
characters unfit for heaven. Others will see that they did not give their
children time and attention, love and tenderness; their own neglect of
duty made the children what they are."- 4 Testimonies, 424:1
(Child Guidance, 561:1).
"Parents,
if you lose your opportunity, God pity you; for in the day of judgment God
will say, 'What have you done with My
flock, My beautiful flock?' . .
"Suppose
you should get to heaven and none of your children be there. How could you
say to God, 'Here am I, Lord, and the children which Thou hast given me'?
Heaven marks the neglect of parents. It is recorded in the books of
heaven." -Manuscript 62, 1901 (Child Guidance, 561:2-8).
Families
Will Pass in Review Before God.-"When parents and children meet at
the final reckoning, what a scene will be presented! Thousands of children
who have been slaves to appetite and debasing vice, whose lives are moral
wrecks, will stand face to face with the parents who made them what they
are. Who but the parents must bear this fearful responsibility? Did the
Lord make these youth corrupt? Oh, no! He made them in His image, a little
lower than the angels. Who, then, has done the fearful work of forming
the life character? Who changed their characters so that they do not bear
the impress of God and must be forever separated from His presence as too
impure to have any place with the pure angels in a holy heaven? Were the
sins of the parents transmitted to the children in perverted appetites and
passions? And was the work completed by the pleasure-loving
mother in neglecting to properly train
them according to the pattern given her? All these mothers will pass in
review before God just as surely as they exist." - 8 Testimonies, 568:2-569:0 (Child Guidance, 561:4-562:0).
In Heaven Is a Pictorial Record.--"Let parents and children remember
that day by day they are each forming a character, and that the features
of this character are imprinted upon the books of heaven. God is taking
pictures of His people, just as surely as an artist takes pictures of
men and women, transferring the features of the face to the polished
plate. What kind of picture do you wish to produce? Parents,
answer the question! What kind of picture will the great Master
Artist make of you in the records of heaven? . . We must decide this now. Hereafter, when death shall
come, there will be no time to straighten the crooked places in the
character.
"To
us individually this should be a most important matter. Every day our
likeness is being taken for time and for eternity. Let each one say, 'I am
having my likeness taken today.' Ask yourself daily, hourly, 'How will my
words sound to the heavenly angels? Are they as apples of gold in pictures
of silver, or are they like a blasting hail, wounding and bruising?' . .
"Not
only our words and actions, but our thoughts, make up the picture of what
we are. Then let every soul be good and do good. Let the picture made of
you be one of which you will not be ashamed. Every feeling we cherish
makes its impress upon the countenance. God help us to make our record in
our families what we would wish it to be in the heavenly record."-Letter
78, 1901 (Child Guidance, 562:1-569:1).
"If
mothers neglect to properly educate their children, their neglect is
reflected back upon them again, making their burdens and perplexities
harder than they would have been if they had devoted time and patient care
in training their children to obedience and submission. It will pay in the
end for mothers to make the formation of the characters of their children
their first and highest consideration, that the thorns may not take root
and yield an abundant harvest." -Signs, August 5, 1875 (Child Guidance,
563:3).
Children
Will Condemn Unfaithful Parents.- "The curse of God will surely rest
upon unfaithful parents. Not only are they planting thorns which will
wound them here, but they must meet their own unfaithfulness when the
judgment shall sit. Many children will rise up in judgment and condemn
their parents for not restraining them and charge upon them their
destruction. The false sympathy and blind love of parents cause them to
excuse the faults of their children and pass them by without correction,
and their children are lost in consequence, and the blood of their souls
will rest upon the unfaithful parents." -1 Testimonies, 219:1 (Child Guidance, 563:4-564:0).
Children
Will Pay Tribute to Faithful Parents. "When the judgment shall sit,
and the books shall be opened; when the 'well done' of the great Judge
is pronounced, and the crown of immortal glory is placed upon the brow
of the victor, many will raise their crowns in sight of the assembled
universe and, pointing to their mother, say, 'She made me all am through
the grace of God. Her instruction, her prayers, have been blessed to my
eternal salvation.' "-Messages to Young People, 330:1 (Child Guidance, 564:1).
Parents
May Bring Children With Them to Promised Land.- "God has permitted
light from His throne to shine all along the path of life. A pillar of
cloud by day, a pillar of fire by night, is moving before us as before
ancient Israel. It is the privilege of Christian parents today, as it
was the privilege of God's people of old, to bring their children
with them to the Promised Land." -Signs, November 24,
1881 (Child Guidance, 565:1).
"You
want a household for God; you want your family for God. You want to take
them up to the gates of the city and say, 'Here am I, Lord, and the
children that Thou hast given me.' They may be men and women that have
grown to manhood and womanhood, but they are your children all the same;
and your educating, and your watchfulness over them have been blessed of
God, till they stand as overcomers. Now you can say, 'Here am I, Lord, and
the children.'" -Manuscript 49, 1894, (Child Guidance, 565:2).
Broken Family Chains Will Be Relinked.-"Jesus is coming, coming with
clouds and great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He
will come to honor those who have loved Him and kept His commandments, and
to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them or His promise. There
will be a relinking of the family chain." -Review, November 22, 1906
(Child Guidance, 565:3).
Comfort for a Bereaved Mother.- "You inquire in regard to your
little one being saved. Christ's words are your answer: 'Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the
kingdom of God.' Remember the prophecy, 'Thus salth the Lord: A voice was
heard In
Raman, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children
refused to be comforted. . Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from
weeping and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall
be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from
the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord,
that thy children shall come again to thine own border.'
"This
promise is yours. You may be comforted and trust in the Lord. The Lord has
often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the
time of trouble. We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and
know them in the heavenly courts. Put your trust in the Lord, and be not
afraid." -Letter 196, 1899 (Child Guidance, 564:3-565:1).
The
Day Long Hoped For. -"From the day when the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from
Eden, the children
of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One to break the
destroyer's power and bring them again to the lost
Paradise." -Great Controversy, 299:1 (Child Guidance,
566:4-567:0).
"Heaven will be cheap enough if we obtain it through suffering. . As
I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how much
Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed
that we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not
shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what
Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be
made rich,"- Early Writings, 67:1-2 (Child Guidance, 567:1).
"Heaven is Worth Everything! -"Heaven is worth
everything to us. We must not run any risk in this matter. We must take no
venture here. We must know that our steps are ordered by the Lord. May God
help us in the great work of overcoming. He has crowns for those that
overcome. He has white robes for the righteous. He has an eternal world of
glory for those who seek for glory, honor, and Immortality. Everyone who
enters the City of God will enter it as a conqueror. He will not enter it
as a condemned criminal, but as a son of God. And the welcome given to everyone who enters there will be, 'Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world.' Matthew 25:34." Christian
Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 149 (Child
Guidance, 567:2).
Partakers
of Christ's Joy.- "We see a retinue of angels on either side of the
gate; and as we pass in, Jesus speaks, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom that is prepared for you from the foundation of the
world.' Here He tells you to be a partaker of His joy, and what is that?
It is the joy of seeing of the travail of your soul, fathers. It is the
joy of seeing that your efforts, mothers, are rewarded. Here are your
children; the crown of life is upon their heads, and the angels of God
immortalize the names of the mothers whose efforts have won their
children to Jesus Christ." -Manuscript 12, 1895 (Child
Guidance, 567:3-568:0).
"These
visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be
dear to His children. .
"We
need to keep ever before us this vision of things unseen. It is thus that
we shall be able to set a right value on the things of eternity and the
things of time. It is this that will give us power to influence others for
the higher life." -Ministry of Healing, 506:1; 508:2 (Child
Guidance, 568:3-4).
Will
God Say, "Well Done"? -"When you stand -before
the great white throne, then your work will appear as it is. The books are
opened, the record of every life made known. Many in that vast company are
unprepared for the revelations made. Upon the ears of some the words will
fall with startling distinctness, 'Weighed in the balance, and found
wanting.' To many parents the Judge will say in that day, 'You had My
Word, plainly setting forth your duty. Why have you not obeyed its
teachings? Knew ye not that it was the voice of God? Did I not bid you
search the Scriptures, that you might not go astray? You have not only
ruined your own souls, but by your pretensions to godliness you have
misled many others. You have no part with Me. Depart; depart.'
"Another class stand pale and trembling, trusting in Christ, and yet oppressed with a sense of their own unworthiness.
They hear with tears of joy and gratitude the Master's commendation. The
days of incessant toil, of burden bearing, and of fear and anguish are
forgotten as that voice, sweeter than the music of angel harps, pronounces
the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter ye into the joy of
your Lord.' There stand the host of the redeemed, the palm branch of
victory in their hand, the crown upon their head. These are the ones who
by faithful, earnest labor have obtained a fitness for heaven. The
lifework performed on earth is
acknowledged in the heavenly courts
as a work well done.
"With joy unutterable, parents see the crown, the robe, the harp,
given to their children. The days of hope and fear are ended. The seed
sown with tears and prayers may have seemed to be sown in vain, but their
harvest is reaped with joy at last. Their children have been redeemed.
Fathers, mothers, shall the voices of your children swell the song of
gladness in that day?" -Signs, July 1, 1886 (Child Guidance, 568:4-569:2).
6- Adventist Home 533:1-550:2
A Rich Reward Awaits Faithful Parents.-"If parents give their
children the proper education, they themselves will be made happy by
seeing the fruit of their careful training in the Christlike character of
their children. They are doing God the highest service by presenting to
the world well ordered, well-disciplined, families, who not only fear the
Lord, but honor and glorify Him by their influence upon other families;
and they will receive their reward." Review, November 17,
1896 (Adventist Home, 533:1).
"Believing
parents, you have a responsible work before
you to guide the footsteps of your children, even in their religious
experience. When they truly love God, they will bless and reverence you
for the care which you have manifested for them, and for your
faithfulness in restraining their desires and subduing their wills."-
1 Testimonies,
403:0 (Adventist Home, 533:2).
"There is a reward when the seed of truth is early sown in the heart
and carefully tended."- Counsels to Teachers,
144:0 (Adventist Home, 533:3).
"Parents
should labor with reference to the future harvest. While they sow in
tears, amid many discouragements, it should be with earnest prayer. They
may see the promise of but a late and scanty harvest, yet that should
not prevent the sowing. They should sow beside all waters, embracing every
opportunity both to improve themselves and to benefit their children. Such
seed sowing will not be in vain. At the harvest time many faithful parents
will return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them." Review,
October 30, 1908 (Adventist Home, 533:4).
"Give
your children intellectual culture and moral training. Fortify their
young minds with firm, pure principles. While you have opportunity, lay
the foundation for a noble manhood and womanhood. Your labor will be rewarded
a thousandfold."-Counsels to Teachers, 131:1 (Adventist Home, 534:1).
Parents
Will Be Revered by Children Fitted for Heaven.- "In the word of God
we find a beautiful description of a happy home and the woman who
presides over it: 'Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her,' What greater commendation can be desired by
the mistress of a home than that which is here expressed?" -Health
Reformer, December 1877 (Adventist Home, 534:2).
"If
she [the true wife and mother] looks to God for her strength and comfort, and in His wisdom and fear seeks to do
her daily duty, she will bind her husband to her heart and see her children coming to
maturity honorable men and women, having moral stamina to follow the example of their mother," -Signs, November 29,
1877 (Adventist Home, 534:3).
"The
great stimulus to the toiling, burdened mother should be that every child who is trained aright, and who has the inward adorning,
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, will have a fitness for heaven
and will shine in the courts of the Lord." -3
Testimonies, 566:2 (Adventist Home, 534:4).
The Joys of Heaven to Begin In the Home.- "Heaven and earth are no
wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels' song.
Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common
men of common occupations met angels at noonday and talked with the
heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life heaven may be very near. Angels from
the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's
command," Desire of Ages, 48:4.
"The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense.
'Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.' By
the life we live through the grace of Christ, the character is formed. The
original loveliness begins to
be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are
imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of
men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They
are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom
of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being
a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being
accepted for the Master's use; they are trusted to do His work in His
name." -Desire of Ages, 312:2 (Adventist Home, 535:2).
All
to Be Fitted for the Society of Heaven.-
"God desires that heaven's plan shall be carried out, and heaven's
divine order and harmony prevail, in every family, in every church, in
every institution. Did this love leaven society; we should see the
outworking of noble principles in Christian refinement and courtesy and
in Christian charity toward the purchase of the blood of Christ. Spiritual
transformation would be seen in all our families, in our institutions,
in our churches. When this transformation takes place, these agencies will
become instrumentalities by which God will impart heaven's light to the
world and thus, through divine discipline and training, fit men and women for
the society of heaven." -8 Testimonies, 140:0 (Adventist Home, 535:3).
Reward at the last Great Day. - "In your work for your children take
hold of the mighty power of
God. Commit your children to the Lord in
prayer. Work earnestly and untiringly for them. God will hear your prayers
and will draw them to Himself. Then. at the last great day, you can bring
them to God, saying, 'Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given
me.' "-Manuscript 14, 1903 (Adventist Home, 536:1).
"When
Samuel shall receive the crown of glory, he will wave
it in honor before the throne and gladly acknowledge
that the faithful lessons of his mother, through the merits of Christ, have crowned him with immortal
glory." Good Health, March, 1880 (Adventist Home, 536:2).
"The
work of wise parents will never be appreciated by the
world, but when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened,
their work will appear as God views it and will be rewarded before men and
angels. It will be seen that one child who has been brought up in a
faithful way has been a light in the world, It cost tears and anxiety
and sleepless nights to oversee the character building of this child,
but the work was done wisely, and the parents hear the 'Well done' of the
Master." -Signs, July
13, 1888 (Adventist Home, 536:3).
Title
to Admission to the King's Palace.- "Let the youth and the little children
be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven's
loom, the 'fine linen, clean and white' which all the holy ones of earth
will wear. This robe, Christ's own spotless character, is freely offered
to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it
here." -Education,
249.
"Let
the children be taught that as they open their minds to
pure, loving thoughts and do loving and helpful deeds, they are clothing
themselves with His beautiful garment of character. This apparel will make
them beautiful and beloved here and will hereafter be their title of
admission to the palace of the King. His promise is: 'They shall walk with
Me in white: for they are worthy.' "-Education, 249:2-4 (Adventist Home, 536:4-537:1).
Eden
to Be Restored. -"The Garden of
Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from
its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the
home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim guarded gate of Paradise
the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship
God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the
transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of
iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their
destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the
earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be 'a new heaven and
a new earth,' it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the
beginning.
"Then they that have kept God's commandments shall breathe in
immortal vigor beneath the tree of life; and through unending ages the
inhabitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in that garden of delight, a
sample of the perfect work of God's creation, untouched by the curse of
sin -a sample of what the whole earth would have become
had man but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan." Patriarchs
and Prophets, 62, 2-3.
"The
great plan of redemption results in fully
bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is
restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode
of the obedient. For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain
possession of the earth. Now God's original purpose in its creation is
accomplished. 'The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and
possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.' "-Patriarchs and
Prophets, 342 (Adventist Home, 539:1-540:0).
The Redemption of the Purchased possession. "God's
original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled
as it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. 'The righteous shall
inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.' The time has come to which
holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first
pair from Eden-the time for 'the redemption of the purchased possession.'
The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed by him into
the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been brought
back by the great plan
of redemption," -Signs, December 29, 1909 (Adventist
Home, 540:1).
"All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the
second. The prophet says, '0 Tower of
the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee
shall it come, even the first dominion.' And
Paul points forward to the
'redemption of the purchased possession.'
"God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy
beings. That purpose will be
fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God and freed from sin and sorrow,
it shall become the eternal home of the redeemed." -Review, October 22, 1908 (Adventist Home, 540, 2-3).
Privileges of the Redeemed. -"Heaven is a good place. I long to be there and behold my
lovely Jesus, who gave His life for me, and be
changed into His glorious image. Oh, for language to express the glory of the bright
world to come! I thirst for the living streams that make glad the city of
our God."-Early Writings, 39:2.
Adam
Restored to His Eden Home.-
"There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the
righteous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. All that has
perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made
plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The
mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered
only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and
beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the
experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him
who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with
joy unspeakable and full of glory.
"We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us
hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest.
There will be no sadness in the City of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge
of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the
garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we
shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been
hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of
faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God." -9 Testimonies, 286:2;
287:1 (Adventist Home, 542:2-543:0).
"From that scene of heavenly joy [the ascension of Christ] there
comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ's own wonderful words, 'I
ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.' The
family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord
ascended, and for us He lives. 'Wherefore He is able also to save them to
the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make
intercession for them.' "-Desire of Ages, 835:2 (Adventist
Home, 543:1; 544:3).
Though
Delayed, the Promise Is Sure.-"Long have we waited for our Saviour's
return. But none the less sure is the promise. Soon we shall be in our
promised home. There Jesus will lead us beside the living stream flowing
from the throne of God and will explain to us the dark providences
through which on this earth He brought us in order to perfect our
characters. There we shall behold with undimmed vision the beauties of
Eden restored. Casting at the feet of the Redeemer the crowns that He has
placed on our heads and touching our golden harps, we shall fill all
heaven with praise to Him that sitteth on the throne. " 8
Testimonies, 254:3 (Adventist Home, 544:4-545:0).
"Let
all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river
and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining
city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home -that
world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe.
'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love
Him."-Review, July 11, 1882 (Adventist Home, 545:1).
Graduate Work in the Hereafter. - "Do you think we shall not learn
anything there? We have not the slightest idea of what will then be opened
before us. With Christ we shall walk beside the living waters. He will
unfold to us the beauty and glory of nature. He will reveal what He is to
us and what we are to Him. Truth we cannot know now because of finite
limitations, we shall know hereafter." -Counsels to Teachers, 162:2
(Adventist Home, 547:2).
"The
Christian family is to be a training school from which children are to
graduate to a higher school in the mansions of God."-Review, March
30, 1897 (Adventist Home, 547:3).
"Heaven
is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite
One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of
redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school. .
"Between
the school established in Eden at the beginning and the school of the
hereafter there lies the whole compass of this world's history -the
history of human transgression and suffering, of divine sacrifice, and of
victory over death and sin. . Restored to His presence, man will again,
as at the beginning, be taught of God: 'My people shall know My name: .
. they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is
I.'
"There,
when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed and our eyes shall
behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the
microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar
through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth
shall appear 'in the beauty of the Lord our God,' what a field will be
open to our study!" Education, 301:1, 6; 302:0,3; 303:4. (Adventist Home, 547:4- 548:0).
On the Verge of Fulfillment. - "We are living in a most solemn
period of this earth's history, there is never time to sin; it is always
perilous to continue in transgression, but in a special sense is this true
at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world
and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever
before. Now let every person search his own heart and plead for the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and
cleanse from defilement" -Testimonies to Ministers, 147:1-2.
"To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment,
of what deep moment, what living
interest, are these delineations of the things to come -events
for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's
children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!
"Fellow
pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly
activities, but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and
rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter, as pictured by the
hand of God," Prophets and Kings, 731:3-732:0 (Adventist Home, 549:3-550:1).
7
-Christian Service 266:1-275:1
Priceless
"It
is not a vain thing to serve God. There is a priceless reward for those
who devote their life to His service, "-4 Testimonies, 107:9
(Christian Service, 266:1).
"Every
sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to
'the exceeding riches of His grace.' "-The Desire of Ages, 249:1
(Christian Service, 266:2).
"Our
reward for working with Christ in this world is the greater power and
wider privilege of working with Him in the world
to come." -Christ's Object Lessons, 361:4 (Christian
Service, 266:3).
Basis
of Valuation
"The
value of service to God is measured by the spirit in which it is rendered,
rather than by the length of time spent in labor."-9 Testimonies, 74:2
(Christian Service, 266:4).
"Their
success in advancement in the divine life depends upon the improvement
of the talents lent them. Their future reward will be proportioned to the
integrity and earnestness with which they serve the Master." Review, March 1, 1887 (Christian Service, 266:5).
"The Lord has a great work to be done, and He will bequeath the
most in the future life to those who do the most faithful, willing service
in the present life." -Christ's Object Lessons, 330:1 (Christian
Service, 266:6).
"Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful
for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one
who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder
paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. They knew
they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the
countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the
goodness of the householder, or the generous compensation they had
received.
"Thus
it is with the sinner, who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the
Master's vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so
short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with
joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting
spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a coworker with Christ. This
spirit God delights to honor."-Christ's Object Lessons, 397:3-398:0
(Christian Service, 266:7-267:1).
Sure Reward
"He
who has appointed 'to every man his work,' according to his ability,
will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act
of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God's favor
and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, 'He that goeth
forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' "-5 Testimonies, 395:4
(Christian Service, 267:2).
"However short our service or humble our work, if in simple
faith we follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That
which even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most
humble may receive. Heaven's golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It
is not lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals
will open wide to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be
the recompense of grace to those who have wrought for God in the
simplicity of faith and love. "Christ's Object Lessons, 404:2
(Christian Service, 267:3).
"The brows of those who do this work will wear the crown of
sacrifice. But they will receive their reward."-6 Testimonies, 348:3
(Christian Service, 267:4).
"Every act, every deed of justice and mercy and benevolence, makes
music in heaven, The Father from His throne beholds and numbers the
performer of them with His most precious treasures. 'And they shall be
Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, when I make up My jewels.' Every merciful
act to the needy or the suffering is as though done to Jesus. Whoever
succors the poor, or sympathizes with the afflicted and oppressed, and
befriends the orphan, brings himself into a more close relationship to
Jesus," Review, August 16, 1881 (Christian Service, 268:1).
"Christ
regards all acts of mercy,
benevolence, and thoughtful consideration for the unfortunate, the blind,
the lame, the sick, the widow, and the orphan, as done to Himself; and
these works are preserved in the heavenly records, and will be
rewarded." -3 Testimonies, 512:1-513:0 (Christian Service, 268:2).
A Just Reward
"The
Lord is good. He is merciful and tender-hearted. He is
acquainted with every one of His children. He knows just what each one of
us is doing. He knows just how much credit to give to each one. Will you
not lay down your credit list and your condemnation list, and leave God to
do His own work? You will be given the crown of glory if you will attend
to the work that God has given you." -Southern Watchman, May 14, 1903 (Christian Service, 268:3),
"The
Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to
our measure of reward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of
reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our
service." -Christ
's Object Lessons, 398:1 (Christian Service, 268:4).
"From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from
mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the
sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been
destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave
loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims
of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the
vilest criminals. But the day is near when 'God is judge Himself.' Then
the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke of His people shall
He take away.' White robes will be given to everyone of them. And 'they
shall call them the holy people,
the redeemed of the Lord.' " -Christ's Object Lessons, 179:3-180:0 (Christian Service, 268:5-269:0).
Future Reward
Eternal
Life.-"By earnest, thoughtful
efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love
for God and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service; but
when Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it
again." -9 Testimonies, 56:3 (Christian Service, 271:5).
A
Gracious Welcome Home.- "If the record
shows that this has been their life, that their characters have been
marked with tenderness, self-denial, and benevolence, they will receive
the blessed assurance and benediction from Christ, 'Well done.' 'Come, ye
blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world.' "-3 Testimonies, 525:1 (Christian Service, 272:1).
Joy.
-"It is the reward of Christ's
workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself looks
forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father, 'I
will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where |