THE SANCTUARY MESSAGE

   SECTION TWENTY-FIVE

ENTERING BY FAITH INTO THE MOST HOLY PLACE

"We are in the great day of atonement, and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time in the heavenly Sanctuary should be our constant study."—5 Testimonies, 520.

"God's people are now to have their eyes fixed on the heavenly Sanctuary where the final ministration of our great High Priest in the work of the judgment now going forward, where He is interceding for His people."—Life Sketches, 278. "Every provision has been made in the Word of God whereby all may have divine help in their endeavors to overcome. If they keep Jesus before them they will become changed into His image. All who by faith have Christ abiding in them carry a power into their labor which makes them successful . .

"The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the closing work for these last days, should receive close examination. The scenes connected with the Sanctuary above should make such an impression upon the minds and hearts of all that they may be able to impress others. All need to become more intelligent in regard to the work of the atonement, which is going on in the Sanctuary above. When this grand truth is seen and understood, those who hold it will work in harmony with Christ to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. and their efforts will be successful. By study, contemplation, and prayer God's people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing the Sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their faith will go with Him into the Sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness [the Law of God] .—5 Testimonies, 574-575.

"We all need to keep the subject of the Sanctuary in mind. God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a Sanctuary in heaven, and that a pattern of this Sanctuary was once built on earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly Sanctuary, where God is all and in all."—Letter 233, 1904.

"The church cannot measure herself by the world nor by the opinion of men nor by what she once was. Her faith and her position in the world as they now are must be compared with what they would have been if her course had been continually onward and upward. The church will be weighed in the balances of the Sanctuary." 5 Testimonies, 83. [The entire chapter is terrific.]

"While Christ is cleansing the Sanctuary, the worshipers on earth should carefully review their life, and compare their character with the standard of righteousness. Review, April 8, 1890.

"God's people are now to have their eyes fixed on the heavenly Sanctuary, where .the final ministration of our great High priest in the work of the judgment is going forward, where He is interceding for His people."—Review, November 27, 1883.

"Soon we shall be weighed in the balances of the Sanctuary, and over against our names will be recorded the judgment rendered.—Signs, September 21,1891.

"Every man's work passes in review before God. . Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered, with terrible exactness, every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for God or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.—Great Controversy, 480-482.

"When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience.—Desire of Ages, 668.

"The eyes of the mind need to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, that they may discern between good and evil. . Repentance for this or that particular act is not sufficient. The heart must be cleansed. Wrong-doing is the overflowing of the fountain of an unclean, unconverted heart." Special Testimonies, Series B, No.7, p. 22.

"The forgiveness of sins is not the sole result of the death of Jesus. He made the infinite sacrifice, not only that sin might be removed, but that human nature might be restored, re-beautified, reconstructed from its ruin, and made fit for the presence of God."—5 Testimonies, 537.

"The books of heaven record the sins that would have been committed had there been opportunity."—Signs, July 31, 1901.

"He had kept His Father's commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who will stand in the time of trouble. It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ." Great Controversy. 623.

"Within our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in His sphere."—Sons and Daughters of God, 155.

"The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with the glory which is for every church that will love God and keep His commandments. We need to study, to mediate, and to pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple." 6 Testimonies, 368.

"The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity, will bring heaven so near to man that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, 420.

"After the Saviour's ascension, the sense of the divine presence, full of love and light, was still with them. It was a personal presence. Jesus, the Saviour, who had walked and talked and prayed with them, who had spoken hope and comfort to their hearts, had, while the message of peace was upon His lips, been taken from them into heaven. As the chariot of angels received Him, His words had come to them, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end: Matthew 28:20. He had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. They knew that He was before the throne of God, their Friend and Saviour still; that His sympathies were unchanged; that He would forever be identified with suffering humanity. They knew that He was presenting before God the merit of His blood, showing His wounded hands and feet as a remembrance of the price He had paid for His redeemed ones; and this thought strengthened them to endure reproach for His sake. Their union with Him was stronger now than when He was with them in person. The light and love and power of an indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, marveled. Acts of the Apostles, p. 65.

"Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, It speaketh better things than the blood of Abel, for Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us. We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life-cleansing, life-sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God.

"This is represented as the pardoning blood, inseparably connected with the resurrection and life of our Redeemer, illustrated by the ever-flowing stream that proceeds from the throne of God, the water of the river of life. 7 Bible Commentary, pp. 947, 948.

"Yours has been a hard, reckless life. Yet I saw that God had in mercy spared your life many times when it seemed that no human power or wisdom could preserve it. You now stand a miracle of mercy. When your life has been in imminent peril, Christ, your Advocate, has pleaded in your behalf: 'Father, spare his life a little longer. He has been an unfruitful tree, which has cumbered the ground; yet cut it not down. I will patiently wait a little longer, and see if it will not bear fruit. I will impress his heart with the truth. I will convict him of sin: "2 Testimonies, p. 421. (Here is a beautiful passage on how to draw closer to Him: 5 Testimonies, 316-317. And then continue on to 319.)

"The Lord Jehovah did not deem the plan of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor, Christ's office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters.

"Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. In heaven His merits, His self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As the sinner's sincere, humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His own life of perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has pledged Himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears the Son.

"This is the mystery of godliness. That Christ should take human nature, and by a life of humiliation elevate man in the scale of moral worth with God: that He should carry His adopted nature to the throne of God, and there present His children to the Father, to have conferred upon them an honor exceeding that conferred upon the angels,—this is the marvel of the heavenly universe, the mystery into which angels desire to look. This is love that melts the sinner's heart.—Manuscript 21,1900.

"He who could not see human beings exposed to destruction without pouring out His soul unto death to save them from eternal ruin, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he can not save himself. General Conference Bulletin, 4th Quarter, 1899.

"Christ is your Advocate. In this powerful, hearty recognition of God's love, take the hand of Christ, and hold it fast. His hand holds you much firmer than you can hold His hand. Letter 182,1901.

"From the light of His exalted purity, the world's Redeemer could see that the maladies from which the human family were suffering were brought upon them by transgression of the law of God. Every case of suffering He could trace back to its source. In every case He read the sad and awful end of unrepenting sinners. He knew that He alone could rescue them from the pit into which they had fallen. He alone could place their feet in the right path; His perfection alone could avail for their imperfection. He alone could cover their nakedness with His spotless robe of righteousness. . He is strong to deliver. Help has been laid on One that is mighty. He encircles man with His long human arm, while with His divine arm He lays hold of Omnipotence. Youth's Instructor, December 29, 1898.

"Many a sin is left unconfessed, to be confronted in the day of final accounts; better far to see your sins now, to confess them, and put them away, while the atoning Sacrifice pleads in your behalf. Do not dislike to learn the will of God on this subject. The health of your soul, the unity of your brethren, may depend upon the course you pursue in these things. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 'casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you: "Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 239.

"How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How He fences about the soul from Satan's fierce attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not turn from us and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour. . He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to succor those who are tempted. Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of the Father at the throne of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, our justification, and our sanctification. The Lamb slain is our only hope. Our faith looks up to Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the uttermost, and the fragrance of the all sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. 7 Bible Commentary, p. 948.

 "If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you cannot pray. . but seek the Lord more earnestly." Letter 6, 1893.

 "The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf. . He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones. With upraised hands He pleads, '1 have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.' Isaiah 49: 16." 7 Bible Commentary, p. 948.

"Christ is the connecting link between God and man. He has promised His personal intercession by employing His name. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. Christ pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the power of the influence of the One who gave His life for the world. As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. Oh, who can value this great mercy and love! As we approach God through the virtue of Christ's merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in a censer in our hands, in order to encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications." 6 Bible Commentary, p. 1078.

"Everyone who will break from the slavery and service of Satan, and will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel will be kept by Christ's intercessions. Christ, as our Mediator, at the right hand of the Father, ever keeps us in view, for it is as necessary that He should keep us by His intercessions as that He should redeem us with His blood. If He lets go His hold of us for one moment, Satan stands ready to destroy." 6 Bible Commentary, p.. 1078.

"As the prayers of the sincere and contrite ones ascend to heaven Christ says to the Father, 'I will take their sin. Let them stand before You innocent.' As He takes their sins from them, He fills their hearts with the glorious light of truth and love." 7 Bible Commentary, p.. 930.

"Our need of Christ's intercession is constant. Day by day, morning and evening, the humble heart needs to offer up prayers to which will be returned answers of grace and peace and joy. 'By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.' Hebrews 13:15." 6 Bible Commentary, p. 1078.

"Paul [in his first trial before the emperor Nero] preserved an unbroken serenity. The people and the judges looked at him in surprise. They had been present at many trials and had looked upon many a criminal, but never had they seen a man wear a look of such holy calmness as did the prisoner before them. The keen eyes of the judges, accustomed to read the countenances of prisoners, searches Paul's face in vain for some evidence of guilt. When he was permitted to speak in his own behalf, all listened with eager interest.

"The church of God below is one with the church of God above. Believers on the earth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen constitute one church. Every heavenly intelligence is interested in the assemblies of the saints who on earth meet to worship God. In the inner court of heaven they listen to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers below is taken up in the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly courts because Christ has not died in vain for the fallen sons of Adam. While angels drink from the fountainhead, the saints on earth drink of the pure streams flowing from the throne, the streams that make glad the city of our God. Oh, that we could all realize the nearness of heaven to earth! When the earth born children know it not, they have angels of light as their companions. A silent witness guards every soul that lives, seeking to draw that soul to Christ. As long as there is hope, until men resist the Holy Spirit to their eternal ruin, they are guarded by heavenly intelligences. Let us all bear in mind that in every assembly of the saints below are angels of God, listening to the testimonies, songs, and prayers. Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of the angelic host above. . .

"As the word of life is spoken, let your heartfelt response testify that you receive the message as from heaven. This is very old-fashioned, I know; but it will be a thank offering to God for the bread of life given to the hungry soul. This response to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will be a strength to your own soul and an encouragement to others. It will give some evidence that there are in God's building living stones that emit light.

"While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God's great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God's truly believing ones. 'Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' 'Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.' Psalms 23:7; 73:24, 25.

"Why not awake the voice of our spiritual songs in the travels of our pilgrimage? Why not come back to our simplicity and life of fervor? The reason why we are not more joyful is that we have lost our first love. Let us then be zealous and repent, lest the candlestick be moved out of its place.

"The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with the glory which is for every church that will love God and keep His commandments. We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round about the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and precious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assemblies of the saints. Murmuring and complaining over little disappointments and difficulties will cease. As we apply the golden eyesalve we shall see the glories beyond. Faith will cut through the heavy shadow of Satan, and we shall see our Advocate offering up the incense of His own merits in our behalf. When we see this as it is, as the Lord desires us to see it, we shall be filled with a sense of the immensity and diversity of the love of God." 6 Testimonies; pp. 366-368.

"Children of the Lord, how precious is the promise! How full the atonement of the Saviour for our guilt! The Redeemer, with a heart of unalterable love, still pleads His sacred blood in the sinner's behalf. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead eloquently for fallen man, whose redemption is purchased at such an infinite cost. Oh, matchless condescension! Neither time nor events can lessen the efficacy of the atoning sacrifice. As the fragrant cloud of incense. rose acceptably to heaven, and Aaron sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat of ancient Israel and cleansed the people from guilt, so the merits of the slain Lamb are accepted by God today as a purifier from the defilement of sin." 4 Testimonies p. 124.

"Let us put our trust in Him. He understands all about the situation in which we are placed, and He will work in our behalf. He is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. 'Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name: Christ says, 'that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son: John 14: 13. God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace itself is occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father.

" '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. Jehovah did not deem the plan of salvation complete while invested only with His love. He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our Intercessor, Christ's office work is to introduce us to those who receive Him. With His own blood He has paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits He gives them power to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son.

"In Christ's name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, for us to enjoy and impart to others. 'Ask in My name: Christ says. 'I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full:

"Christ is the connecting link between God and man. He has promised His personal intercession. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the influence of the One who gave His life for the life of the world. As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. As we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer's merits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in the censer in our hands, in order to encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications.

"Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. .He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has united divinity with humanity.

Men are to co-operate with Him for the salvation of their own souls, and then make earnest, persevering efforts to save those who are ready to die..

"We must all work now; while the day lasts; for the night cometh, in which no man can work. I am of good courage in the Lord. There are times when I am shown distinctly that there exists in our churches a state of things that will not help but hinder souls. Then I have hours, and sometimes days, of intense anguish. Many of those who have a knowledge of the truth do not obey the words of God. Their influence is no better than the influence of worldlings. They talk like the world and act like the world. Oh, how my heart aches as I think of how the Saviour is put to shame by their un-Christ-like behavior!.. But after the agony is past, I feel like working harder than ever to restore the poor souls, that they may reveal the image of God.

"Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and trust. The Angel of the covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Mediator who secures the acceptance of the prayers of His believing ones. 8 Testimonies, pp. 177-179. (Also read the Spirit of Prophecy comments for Isaiah 6 in 4 Bible Commentary, 1138-1141.)

"The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church. As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses, and all that had been bitten by the fiery serpents were bidden to look and live, so also the Son of man must be lifted up, that 'whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life: "Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 92,93.

"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, r will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh.

"And having an High Priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that hath promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works . . Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back. My soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:16-24,35-39.

"As Jesus moved out of the Most Holy Place, I heard the tinkling of the bells upon His garments, and as He left, a cloud of darkness covered the inhabitants of the earth. There was then no mediator between guilty man, and an offended God. While Jesus had been standing between God and guilty man, a restraint was upon the people; but when Jesus stepped out from between man and the Father, the restraint was removed, and Satan had the control of man. It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the Sanctuary; but as His work there closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted salvation, and hated reproof. The saints in that fearful time, after the close of Jesus' mediation, were living in the sight of a holy God, without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel numbered . . Then I saw Jesus layoff His priestly attire, and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes—upon His head were many crowns, a  crown within a crown—and, surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven." '1 Spiritual Gifts, 198-199.

Along with the above quotation, it is important that you carefully read the solemn passage in Early Writings, page 71.

"Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing up of the great day of atonement." (5 Testimonies, 472.) This is a topic well worth your careful study. The Angel of the Covenant who stands by the throne of God is Christ our Mediator. Joshua (the high priest at the time that Zechariah had this vision, given in Zechariah 3) represents you and me as we appear before the judgment seat of God in the Investigative Judgment. Here are the passages you will want to read in connection with this. experience: 5 Testimonies, 467-476 (chapter entitled ("Joshua and. the Angel"); Prophets and Kings, 582-592 chapter entitled, "Joshua and the Angel"); Great Controversy, 482-485 (from the chapter entitled, "The Investigative Judgment"). The Joshua and the Angel experience is the climax of all three of these antitypical Day of Atonement passages,

"Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the Sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a Mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace. of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil.—Great Controversy, 425.

"Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully."—Early Writings, 71. [Read the entire page.]

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them." 5 Testimonies, 214. .

"Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the Ten Commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, 'It is done.' And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, 'He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.' "Early Writings, 279-280.

"It was seen, also, that while the sin-offering pointed to Christ as a sacrifice, and the high priest represented Christ as a mediator, the scapegoat typified Satan, the author of sin, upon whom the sins of truly penitent will finally be placed. When the high priest, by virtue of the blood of the sin-offering, removed the sins from the sanctuary, he placed them upon the scapegoat. When Christ, by virtue of His own blood, removes the sins of His people from the heavenly Sanctuary at the close of His ministration, He will place them upon Satan, who, in the execution of the judgment, must bear the final penalty. The scapegoat was sent away into a land not inhabited, never to come again into the congregation of Israel. So will Satan be forever banished from the presence of God and His people, and he will be blotted from existence in the final destruction of sin and sinners."—Great Controversy, 422.

    SECTION TWENTY-SIX

IN THE FINALE OF THE JUDGMENT

"Instead of the prophecy of Daniel 8: 14 referring to the purifying of the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement, and the preparing of the people to abide the day of His coming."—Life Sketches, 63.

"Man may grow up into Christ, his living head. It is not the work of a moment, but that of a lifetime. By growing daily in the divine life, he will not attain to the full stature of a perfect man in Christ until his probation ceases." 4 Testimonies, 367.

"The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world. Their names are retained in the lamb's book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon's roar. Now they are eternally secure from the tempter's devices. Their sins are transferred to the originator of sin. And the remnant are not only pardoned and accepted, but honored. A 'fair miter' is set upon their heads. They are to be as kings and priests unto God. While Satan was urging his accusations and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God." 5 Testimonies, 475.

"The living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation." 1 Selected Messages, 66. "Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God." 1 Selected Messages, 111.

  SECTION TWENTY-SEVEN

WHAT RISES AS INCENSE

A significant part of Christ's ministry on behalf of His little ones is to present the incense of His merits before the Father and plead their acceptance with Him. But in addition, we are specifically told that the incense of His righteousness only ascends WITH the prayers of the saints. This is very important. If we are living prayerless lives, we are without a Mediator before the presence of our heavenly Father.

"And another Angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto Him much incense, that He should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the Angel's hand."—Revelation 8: 3-4.

(It should be noted at this point, that the views of Christ in the heavenly Sanctuary, given in Revelation 5 and 8, are of the first apartment ministry. At that time Jesus ministered before the golden altar "which was before the throne." But in 1844, the Father and the Son went into the most holy place to the throne within it (EW 55: 1-56:0). The view given in Revelation 11: 19 is of the most holy place. But the ministering of the incense would take place within both apartments.)

The incense of Christ's merits arises WITH the prayers of the saints (Rev 8:34). And the prayers of the saints are also called incense (or "odours"):

" . . golden vials full of odours (incense-margin), which are the prayers of the saints."—Revelation 5:8.

Now, briefly, let us consider what rises as incense before the Father. We should send up as much as we can, for it is pleasing to the Father and the Son. (Some will say, "Oh, that is works!" It is good works to live godly lives by faith in Jesus. It is dead works to do any thing—any thing—apart from Him. Some are fearful lest they might pray and witness, and thus be in danger of "doing works," while they are not concerned about the hours they spend before their television idol, for that is not "works." They are deceived by the modernists into thinking that religious activities are works and will earn them hellfire, whereas normal prayerless living is far more acceptable to God.)"

But the patience of the saints is not contentment with worldliness. Here is the incense of the saints:

1 Confession of sin—It ascends as incense to the heavenly Sanctuary (1SM 344). Jesus presents His people's confessions to the Father with the incense (EW 256) of His own me its and spotless righteousness (1SM 344).

2 Prayers—Christ presents those 'of His people to the Father with the incense (EW 32, 252, 256) of His own perfection", (DA 667, SD 22).

3 Silent prayers—rise as incense before God (GW 254, SC _9, 4T 616). 4 Morning and evening prayer—ascends as incense to God's throne (lS 260)..

5 Grateful praise—ascends as incense to the heavenly Sanctuary (2SM 344, 272). Clouds of incense ascended with Israel's praises and supplications (PP 708). Thanksgiving should ascend from our hearts as incense to God (8T 45). Christ's praise to God hereon earth was as incense (DA 73). .

6 Godly life—is as incense before God (2T 127).

7 Good works—should ascend as incense to heaven (CS 223).

8 Religious Services of God's people—ascend as incense to the heavenly Sanctuary (1SM 344).

9 Free will offerings—may be as incense before God (2T 127).

10 Poor man's offering—comes up as incense before God (AA 341, CS 178).

11 Our testimonies—ascend as incense to God's throne (LS 260).

12 Words exerting a fragrant influence—are as incense ascending to heaven (AH 434).

13 The melody of holy song—should ascend from us. It is as incense (7T 94).

14 There are many things in the life of the faithful believer—which are as incense to God (AH 427). But the incense also helped and won souls for Christ: No common fire was ever to be used to burn the incense in the earthly sanctuary. It was kindled by God (FE 427; 4SG 11-12). This cloud of incense filled the sanctuary on earth (4SG 127) and the fragrance of the ever-burning incense, pervaded the entire tabernacle (Ed 36; 4SG 9) and the fragrance of the incense burning on the golden altar was diffused for miles around the sanctuary (PP 348).

"Paul was. . full of faith and hope. He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God . . and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart. He and his fellow-laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth, by going forth with new zeal to extend the knowledge of the Saviour. Like incense the fragrance of the gospel was to be diffused throughout the world. To those who should accept Christ, the message would be a savor [odour] of life unto life; but to those who should persist in unbelief a savor of death unto death."—Acts of the Apostles, 326.

"In the golden censer of truth, as presented in Christ's teachings, we have that which will convict and convert souls." Gospel Workers, 309.

"Everyone who kindles his taper from the divine altar holds his lamp firmly. He does not use common fire upon his censer, but the holy fire, kept burning by the power of God day and night. Those who walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who will surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service, have the golden oil in their vessels with their lamps. [They are the wise virgins.] They will never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. The lamp of life is always trimmed by the very hand that lit it." My Life Today, 217. In the lives of those who submit to Him, it is God's hand that keeps their lamps "trimmed"—burning brightly.

"In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning and evening sacrifices of prayer and praise. Children should be taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer. It is the duty of Christian parents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, to make a hedge about their children. In the church at home the children are to learn to pray and trust in God. . Come in humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your children; by faith bind them upon the altar, entreating for them the care of the Lord. Train the children to offer their simple words of prayer. Tell them that God delights to have them call upon Him.

"Will the Lord of heaven pass by such homes, and leave no blessing there? Nay, verily. Ministering angels will guard the children who are thus dedicated to God. They hear the offering of praise and the prayer of faith, and they bear the petitions to Him who ministers in the Sanctuary for His people, and offers His merits in their behalf." Counsels to Parents and Teachers, 110.

  SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT

 KEEPING THE EYE FIXED ON JESUS

The Millerite Adventists did not understand the work of Christ as High Priest within the most holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary (EW 253, GC 429,431-432, LS 62-63, SR 375376, 1T 58). However, the pioneer Advent believers of our faith were willing to receive the light regarding Jesus as High Priest in the most holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary, and to follow Him by faith as He ministered there (EW 243-244, 251, 255-256, GC 423, 425, 427-428, 432-434, LS 63, 1SM 206207, S R 376-381.)

We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—where He is in the Sanctuary above. When Jesus went into the most holy place in 1844, some followed Him in by faith, while others did not (EW 55-56). But a similar experience happened to the unbelieving Jews when Jesus in 31 A.D. went into the first apartment. They could not enter because of unbelief. (EW 259-260). Another passage that speaks about this is Great Controversy, pages 430 to 432. As there was an open and shut door in the time of the unbelieving Jews, so there is one today. Those who wish may come to Jesus in the most holy place. The door is still open. There are unbelievers today, but the Third Angel is pointing upward to the most holy place where Jesus has gone to make an atonement for us (EW 254-256).

I n the chapter entitled "The Advent Movement Illustrated," we find a graphic description of this. It is those who keep their eye fixed on Jesus who have strength to go through to the end. I thought to quote passages from this chapter which show that this is its primary theme,—but then I quickly recognized that I would have to type out nearly all of the chapter! So do read it for yourself: Early Writings, 240-245. The same theme of "keeping the eye turned upward and fixed on Jesus" is also in the next chapter ("Another Illustration") and many other places in this book.

"Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Temptations may be all around you, but you are not compelled to enter into them. You may obtain strength from Christ to stand unsullied amid the pollutions of this corrupt age. 'Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.' Keep the eye steadily fixed upon Christ, upon the divine image. Imitate His spotless life, and you will be a partaker of His glory, and with Him inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." 2 Testimonies, 49-50.

" 'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.' The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. 'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.' " Desire of Ages, 302.

SECTION TWENTY-NINE

THE MARRIAGE

"Christ had come, not to the earth, as they expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven."—Great Controversy, p. 424. "The proclamation, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came not to earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom." Great Controversy, p. 427.

"The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of Man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7;13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi 3 :5, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25." Gr Contro, 426.

"They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage; for it takes place in heaven while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to 'wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding: Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage.—Great Controversy, p. 427.

"In the parable of Matthew 22, the same figure of the marriage is introduce, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes to see His guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22: 11, Revelation 7: 14. He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.

"When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in one short sentence, 'They that were ready went in with Him, to the marriage: and the door was shut,' we are carried down through the Saviour's final ministration to the time when the great work for man's salvation shall be completed.—Great Controversy, p. 428.

"I was carried back to the time when Christ rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. The joyful disciples believed that He was then to take the kingdom and reign a temporal prince. They followed their king with high hopes. . the disciples were doomed to a bitter disappointment. In a few days they followed Jesus to Calvary. . I saw that the disappointment of those who believed in the coming of the Lord in 1844 was not equal to the disappointment of the first disciples.—Early Writings, pp. 244, 245.

"Jesus has risen up and shut the door of the Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary and has opened a door into the Most Holy Place and entered in to cleanse the Sanctuary. Early Writings, p. 250.

"But while it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God, was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the Most Holy. One part of His ministration had closed, only to give place to another. There was still an 'open door' to the heavenly Sanctuary, where Christ was ministering in the sinners behalf."—Great Controversy, pp. 429,430.

"The subject of the Sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God's hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people.—Great Controversy, p. 423.

"Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to make; give Him your heart. He speaks to you saying, 'My son, My daughter, give Me thine heart. Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; for I will cleanse you with My own blood. I will make you members of My family—children of the heavenly King. Take My forgiveness, My peace which I freely give you. I will clothe you with My own righteousness,—the wedding garment,—and make you fit for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

"When clothed in My righteousness, through prayer, through watchfulness, through diligent study of My Word, you will be able to reach a high standard. You will understand the truth, and your character will be molded by a divine influence. Youths' Instructor, June 30, 1892.

"God is the husband of His church. The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife. Every true believer is a part of the body of Christ. Christ regards unfaithfulness shown to Him by His people as the unfaithfulness of a wife to her husband. We are to remember that we are members of Christ's body.—Letter 39, 1902, in 7 Bible Commentary, 985986.

"The church is the bride of Christ, and her members are to yoke up with their Leader. God warns us not to defile our garments." Letter 123 , 1898, in 7 Bible Commentary 986.

"The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife. She should keep herself pure, sanctified, holy. Never should she indulge in any foolishness; for she is the bride of a King. Vet she does not realize her exalted position. If she understood this, she would be all-glorious within.—Letter 177, 1901, in 7 Bible Commentary. 986.

The remainder of this section on the Marriage is from a paper compiled by an Adventist lady many years ago:

"I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time, and, like the third angel's message, has been fulfilled and will continue to be present truth till the close of time.

"In the parable, the ten virgins had lamps, but only five of them had the saving oil with which to keep their lamps burning. This represents the condition of the church. Review, August 19, 1890.

"I saw that while Jesus was in the most holy place He would be married to the New Jerusalem; and after His work should be accomplished in the holiest, He would descend to the earth in kingly power, and take to Himself the precious ones who had patiently waited His return.—Early Writings, p. 251.

"While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people, and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the lamb was consummated."—Early Writings, p. 280.

"The parable of the ten ,virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. . Chapter 25 opens with the words, 'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.' Here is brought to view ,the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of Chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage." Great Controversy, p. 393.

"We all need to study as never before the parable of the ten virgins." 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1179.

"In the summer of 1844, midway between the time when it had been first thought that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the same year, to which it was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed in the very words of Scripture, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!' " Great Controversy, p.. 398.

"My mind was carried forward to the future, when the signal will be given, 'Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye to meet Him' "Review, February 11, 1896.

"They are 'called virgins because they profess a pure faith." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 406. "They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps." Matthew 25:3,4. "All had lamps, that is, an outward semblance of religion; but only five of them had the inward piety. Five of them were wanting in the oil of grace." Sons and Daughters of God, p. 118.

"By the lamps is represented the word of God." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 408.

"All had lamps, and vessels for oil. . All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 408.

"But if we do not practice the truth, we have not received the holy oil." 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1179. "The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 442. "All need to have the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps."—Counsels on Health, p. 422. "The latter class (wise virgins) had received the grace of God, the regenerating, enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which renders His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path." Great Controversy, p. 394.

"That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 234.

"But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable." Review, February 11, 1896.

"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. This class are represented also by the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not abiding. . They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form. . . This is the class that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and safety. They lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 411.

"If they cherish hereditary and cultivated traits of character that misrepresent Christ, while professedly His disciples, they are represented by the man coming to the gospel feast without having on the wedding garment, and by the foolish virgins which had no oil in their vessels with their lamps." 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1179. .

"In the parable of the virgins, five are represented as wise and five as foolish.. The name 'foolish virgins' represents the character of those who have not the genuine heart-work wrought by the spirit of God.

"Those who have despised the divine grace that is at their command, that would have qualified them to be the inhabitants of heaven, will be the foolish virgins. They had all the light, all the knowledge; but they failed to obtain the oil and grace; they did not receive the truth in its sanctifying power.".—Review, August 19,1890.

. "These are persons who have received the precious light of the righteousness of Christ, but they do not act upon it; they are foolish virgins. They prefer the sophistry of the enemy rather than the plain 'Thus saith the lord.' When the blessing of God rested upon them in order that they might become channels of light, they did not go forward from light to a greater light; they permitted doubt and unbelief to come in, so that the truth which they had seen, became an uncertainty to them. Satan uses those who claim to believe the truth, but whose light has become darkness. They are foolish virgins indeed, choosing darkness rather than light, and dishonoring God. The character we cultivate, the attitude we assume today is fixing our future destiny."—Review, August 19, 1890.

"The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom."—Great Controversy, p. 426.

"I saw that while Jesus was in the most holy place He would be married to the New Jerusalem; and after His work should be accomplished in the holiest, He would descend to the earth in kingly power, and take to Himself the precious ones who had patiently waited His return."—Early Writings, p.251.

"They (Christ's followers) were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to wait for their lord. when He will return from the wedding. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage. . . And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom,—all these are represented as going in to the marriage." Great Controversy, pp. 427, 428.

"While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people, and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the lamb was consummated." Early Writings, p. 280.

"When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. This in one short sentence, 'They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage, and the door was shut: we are carried down through the Saviour's final ministration, to the time when the great work for man's salvation shall be completed."—Great Controversy, p. 428.

"The reason why the Bridegroom delays is because He is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 0 the precious longsuffering of our merciful Saviour!" Sons and Daughters of God, p. 118.

" 'While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.' By the tarrying of the bridegroom is represented the passing of the time when the lord was expected, the disappointment, and the seeming delay. In this time of uncertainty, the interest of the superficial and half-hearted soon began to waver, and their efforts to relax; but those whose faith was based on a personal knowledge of the Bible, had a rock beneath their feet, which the waves of disappointment could not wash away. 'They all slumbered and slept;' one class in unconcern and abandonment of their faith, the other class patiently waiting till clearer light should be given. Yet in the night of trial the latter seemed to lose, to some extent, their zeal and devotion. The half-hearted and superficial could no longer lean upon the faith of their brethren. Each must stand or fall for himself."—Great Controversy, pp. 394, 395.

"All who wait for the heavenly Bridegroom are represented in the parable as slumbering because their lord delayed His coming; but the wise roused themselves at the message of His approach, and responded to the message, and their spiritual discernment was not all gone, and they sprang into line." 5 Bible Commentary, p.. 1099.

"We are in the waiting time; let your loins be girded about, and your lights shining, that you may wait for the lord when he returns from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks you may open unto him immediately." 4 Testimonies, p. 124.

"Near the close of the second angel's message, I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel's message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints, and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' ' , The Message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another." Early Writings, p. 238.

"I saw a number of angels conversing with the one who had cried, 'Babylon is fallen: and these united with him in the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' The musical voices of these angels seemed to reach everywhere. An exceedingly bright and glorious light shone around those who had cherished the light which had been imparted to them. Their faces shone with excellent glory, and they united with the angels in the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!' As they harmoniously raised the cry among the different companies, those who rejected the light pushed them, and with angry looks scorned and derided them. But angels of God wafted their wings over the persecuted ones, while Satan and his angels were seeking to press their darkness around them, to lead them to reject the light from heaven." Early Writings, pp. 241, 242.

"My mind was carried forward to the future, when the signal will be given, 'Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."—Review, February 11, 1896.

"It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him: and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumber, it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares, but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 412.

"We can not be ready to meet the lord by waking when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom!' and then gathering up our empty lamps to have them replenished."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 414.

"But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable." Review, February 11, 1896.

"When the testing time shall come, those who have made God's word their rule of life will be revealed. . So the false-hearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent."—Great Controversy, p. 602.

"The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not."—Great Controversy, p. 605.

"There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!' They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their theory of the third angel's message. We must have the oil of grace of Christ that will feed the lamp, and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness." 9 Testimonies, p. 155.

"Those who, while having all the light of truth flashing upon their souls, should have works corresponding to their avowed faith, but are allured by sin, setting up idols in their hearts, corrupting their souls before God, and polluting those who unite with them in sin, will have their names blotted out of the book of life, and be left in midnight darkness, having no oil in their vessels with their lamps." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445.

"The woes that will be pronounced upon those that have had the light from heaven, and yet did not heed it they will feel, but will have no power to act. This is represented in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They cannot obtain a character from the wise virgins, and they have no oil of grace to discern the clear light or to accept it. They cannot light their lamps and join the procession that goes in to the marriage supper of the Iamb." Special Testimonies to Ministers, No. 7, pp. 54, 55.

"One who sees beneath the surface, who reads the hearts of all men, says of those who have had great light: 'They are not afflicted and astonished because of their moral and spiritual condition.' 'Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear; but they did evil before Mine' eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.' 'God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 'because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved: 'but had pleasure in unrighteousness.' Isaiah 66:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:11."8 Testimonies, p. 249.

"The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter." 9 Testimonies, p. 97.

"To souls that are earnestly seeking for light, and that accept with gladness every ray of divine illumination from His holy word, to such alone light will be given. It is through these souls that God will reveal that light and power which will lighten the whole earth with His glory." 5 Testimonies, p. 729.

"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the world to the other. This is the glory of God which closes the work of the third angel."—Letter, December 21, 1892, quoted in Review, Extra, January 1893.

"By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom's home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the lamb."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 404.

"In the future, the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them to men." 9 Testimonies, p. 40.

"We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out those who did not receive and appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the latter rain." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 399.

. "There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of their heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their expectations and ideal, they will oppose the work. 'Why: they say, 'should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?'—Because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties, or the messages of God, but persistently said, 'I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: "Review, November 7,1918.

"Some have turned from the message of the righteousness of Christ to criticize the men. . The third angel's message will not be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its advancing glory. The work that might have been done, will be left undone by the rejecters of truth, because of their unbelief. We entreat of you who oppose the light of truth, to stand out of the way of God's people. Let heaven—sent light shine forth upon them in clear steady rays. Review, May 27, 1890.

"But those who have given God only halfhearted service, allowing their lives to be conformed to the ways and practices of the world, will hear the sad words, 'Depart from Me; I know you not: "9 Testimonies, p. 252.

"Christ tells us how in the last great day ministers, elders, evangelists, physicians, teachers, will confront Him with their claims. They will plead how they have led the singers in their songs of praise, how they have waved the palm branches, how they have spoken of Him before thousands. 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name,' they say, 'and in Thy name done many wonderful works?'

"But Christ says, 'Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. '0 that you had known, even in the day of your visitation, when like sweetest music, mercy's voice fell upon your ears, the things that belonged unto your peace. But you were not ready. If you had been faithful to the warnings of the word; if you had dismissed Satan, instead of linking your arm in his; if you had preserved untarnished the principles of right; if you had obeyed my commandments, broken with ungodly advisers, scorned their impious bribes, which tempted you to worldly honor; if you had lifted the cross, and followed Jesus in self-denial, I could have welcomed you into My presence. But you have not cared for My society, and now you have no power to go from the snare.

"I offered you My saving grace, but you refused it and chose the side of the enemy, even as the priests and rulers and mocked at my humiliation. So will I refuse to acknowledge you. I weep for your future, but you have not cared to weep for yourselves. I was pledged to bear you and care for you, even a father beareth and loveth his own son that serveth him. But you would not harmonize with Me.

"The precious initiation was often given, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me: But you would have none of My counsel. You have despised all My entreaties and scorned My invitations. You have caused many to follow your sinful ways, and now your punishment has come. You will receive as your works have been. You must lose everlasting life. You have chosen your own ways, and with such ways, such sentiments, such characters, you could not enter the gates of the holy city:

"What a scene is this! I pass over the ground again and again, bowed down in an agony that no tongue can express, as I see the end of many, many who have refused to receive their Saviour." A Solemn Warning, October 1, 1903, from Sanitarium, California.

"Be always ready; 'in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh: Go to your rest at night with every sin confessed. Thus we did in 1844, when we expected to meet our Lord. And now this great event is nearer than when we first believed. Be always ready, in the evening, in the morning, and at noon, that when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' you may, even though awakened out of sleep, go forth to meet Him with your lamps trimmed and burning."9 Testimonies, p. 48.

"Purify your souls by obeying the truth. Faith without works is dead. Put not off the day of preparation. Slumber not in a state of unpreparedness, having no oil in your vessels with your lamps. Let none leave their safety for eternity to hang upon a peradventure. Let not the question remain in perilous uncertainty. Ask yourselves earnestly, Am I among the saved, or the unsaved? Shall I stand, or shall I not stand? He only that hath clean hands and a pure heart shall stand in that day." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 443.  

SECTION THIRTY

PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus wants to dwell in His people by faith. He desires to remove sin from their lives and conform them in His own likeness. He is knocking for entrance. His knock is the Laodicean Message (Revelation 3: 1422; note verse 20). In describing this experience, the prophet of our time speaks about the need to purify our hearts, and in referring to this, frequently uses the Biblical phrasing of 1 Corinthians 6: 1920; 3: 16, and 2 Corinthians 6: 16. Although it is true that some people carry to extremes this concept of our bodies as, symbolically, a "soul temple" (while others ridicule the Biblical concept as ridiculous fiction), yet there is a lesson here for us. Jesus wants to clean the Sanctuary in heaven; He wants to clean our lives as well. Why need anyone object to such a thought?

Because there are a number of quotations on this point, we shall here bring some of them together in one place, for your own study:

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."—l Corinthians 6: 19-20.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." l Corinthians 3: 16-17.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. . What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God and they shall be My people [Ex 29:45; Lev 26:12; Jer 31 :33]. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6: 1418.

"If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him." John 14:23.

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." l John 4:16. It is of interest that in nearly every instance in which this concept of a temple within the soul is presented in the Bible or Spirit of Prophecy, it is always in connection with the thought that sin should be put away from us: (1) God wants to dwell within us by faith. (2) We must co-operate with His work of removing sin from our lives so that His purpose for us can be fulfilled in the fullest sense.

God's purpose in the Sanctuary Service is to purify our lives, and we can be thankful for it.

"In pity for their [the Israelites'] weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. 'Let them make Me a sanctuary: He said; 'that I may dwell among them: Exodus 25:8. I n the building of the sanctuary as a dwelling-place for God, Moses was directed to make all things according to the pattern of things in the heavens. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things, and in their similitude the tabernacle, with all that pertained to it, was fashioned.

"So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai, and when God passed by before Moses and proclaimed, 'The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth.' Exodus 34:6.

"But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The revelation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness. Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice, was to teach, the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience unto life. "Through Christ was to be fulfilled the purpose of which the tabernacle was a symbol, That glorious building, its walls of glistening gold reflecting in rainbow hues the curtains inwrought with cherubim, the fragrance of ever-burning incense pervading all, the priests robed in spotless white, and in the deep mystery of the inner place, above the mercy-seat, between the figures of the bowed, worshiping angels, the glory of the Holiest. In all, God desired His people to read His purpose for the human soul. It was the same purpose long afterward set forth by the apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit:

" 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.' 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17.

" . . Thus in labor and in giving they were taught to cooperate with God and with one another [in the building of the earthly sanctuary]. And they were to cooperate also in the preparation of the spiritual building—God's temple in the soul."—Education, 35-37.

"The presence of the Lord, that of old sanctified the mount, has now made sacred the temple reared in His honor [in the cleansing of the temple by Jesus] .

"I n the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing H is mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God's purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again H is temple. God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul.

"But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world's buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin, from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. 'The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.' Malachi 3:1-3.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.' 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17. No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to Him.' Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, 'I will dwell in them, and walk in them; . . and they shall be My people.' 2 Corinthians 6:16. 'He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.' Micah 7: 19. His presence will cleans and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and 'an habitation of God through the Spirit.' Ephesians 2:21-22." Desire of Ages, 161-162.

"The truth is of no value to any soul unless it is brought into the inner sanctuary, and sanctifies the soul. Piety will degenerate, and religion become a shallow sentimentalism, unless the plowshare of truth is made to go deep into the fallow ground of the heart." Review, May 24, 1892.

"However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path. Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost." 5 Testimonies 214

"A theoretical knowledge of the truth is essential. But the knowledge of the greatest truth will not save us; our knowledge must be practical. . The truth must be brought into their hearts, sanctifying and cleansing them from all earthliness and sensuality in the most private life. The soul temple must be cleansed." Review, May 24, 1887.

"Ministers should seek a heart preparation before entering upon the work of helping others, for the people are far in advance of many of the ministers. They should untiringly wrestle in prayer until the Lord blesses them. When the love of God is burning on the altar of their hearts, they will not preach to exhibit their own smartness, but to present Christ who taketh away the sins of the world. . These yearly gatherings [our camp meetings] may be seasons of special blessing or they may be a great injury to spirituality." 5 Testimonies, 166,167.

" 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3: 1. In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God." Acts of the Apostles, 334.

"It was a wonderful thing for God to make mind. He created him that every faculty might be the faculty of His divine mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creating of man in God's image, and in his redemption."—Signs, May 31, 1896. "We are God's work, workmanship, and His Word declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He has wrought this living habitation for the mind; it is 'curiously wrought: a temple which the Lord Himself has filled up for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit"—Special Testimonies on Education, 33.

"The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him, and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease. When in faith the human agent does all he can to combat disease, using the simple methods of treatment that God has provided, his efforts will be blessed of God." 9 Testimonies, 164.

"When Jesus is comprehended by faith, and brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul, the Holy Spirit will mold and fashion the character after the likeness of Christ Sons and Daughters of God, 83.

 "When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, he was directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. . So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling-place, He had revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai. . Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God's indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God's ideal. . So our characters are to be builded 'for an habitation of God through the Spirit.' "Desire of Ages, 208.

"We thank God that there are souls who realize that they are in need of something which they do not possess—gold of faith and love, white raiment of Christ's righteousness, eyesalve of spiritual discernment. If you possess these precious gifts, the temple of the human soul will not be like a desecrated shrine. Brethren and sisters, I call upon you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to work where God works. Now is the day of gracious opportunity and privilege." 1 Selected Messages. 358.

"A man may preach pleasing, entertaining sermons, yet be far from Christ as regards religious experience. He may be exalted to the pinnacle of human greatness, yet never have experienced the inward work of grace that transforms the character. Such a one is deceived by his connection and familiarity with the sacred truths of the gospel, which have reached the intellect, and have not been brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul. We must have more than an intellectual belief in the truth."—Review, February 14, 1899.

"The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where the truth is kept in the outer court, to be admired as we admire a beautiful flower; they demand something more than a religion of feeling, which distrusts God when trials and difficulties come. Holiness does not consist in profession, but in lifting the cross, doing the will of God." Review, May 21, 1908.

"In the lives of many of those whose names are on the church books there has been no genuine change. The truth has been kept in the outer court There has been no genuine conversion, no positive work of grace done in the heart Their desire to do God's will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God. They profess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal acquaintance with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal many blemishes." Review, July 7, 1904.

"Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the polluted soul temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruders. Taking the throne it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God's love. . Christ is formed within, the hope of glory." Welfare Ministry, p. 38.

"It is a sacred duty that we owe to God to keep the spirit pure, as a temple for the Holy Ghost" 4 Testimonies, p..33.

 "Both of you should cleanse the soul temple, which has become sadly perverted. 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,' Be very. . distrustful of self." 4 Testimonies, p. 337

 "When the Spirit of God shall work upon the heart, cleansing the soul-temple of its defilement of worldliness and pleasure-loving, all will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefit they can gain," 4 Testimonies, p..461.

"My brother, my sister, open the door of the heart to receive Jesus. Invite Him into the soul-temple."—Adventist Home. P. 119.

"Let nothing, however dear, however loved, absorb your mind and affections, diverting you from the study of God's word or from earnest prayer. Watch unto prayer. Live your own requests. Co-operate with God by working in harmony with Him. Expel from the soul temple everything that assumes the form of an idol. Now is God's time, and His time is your time. Fight the good fight of faith, refusing to think or talk unbelief. The world is to hear the last warning message." 8 Testimonies, p. 53.

"Would we not now have much greater light if in the past, we had received the Lord's admonitions, acknowledged His presence, and turned away from all practices contrary to His will? Had we done this, the light of heaven would have shone into the soul-temple, enabling us to comprehend the truth and to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves," 8 Testimonies, p. 248.

"Shall we sleep as is represented in the parable of the foolish virgins? Every precaution is to be taken now; for haphazard work will result in spiritual declension, and that day will overtake us as a thief. The mind needs to be strengthened to look deep and discern the reasons of our faith. The soul-temple is to be purified by the truth, for only the pure in heart will be able to stand against the wiles of Satan," Testimonies to Ministers, p. 164.

"Self will ever cherish a high estimate of self. As men lose their first love, they do not keep the commandments of God, and then they begin to criticize one another. . Satan exults, because he knows if he can set a brother to watch brother in the church and in the ministry some will be so disheartened and discouraged as to leave their posts of duty. This is not the work of the Holy Spirit; a power from beneath is working in the chambers of the mind and in the soul-temple to place his attributes where the attributes of Christ should be," Testimonies to Ministers, p. 189.

"Are you sons and daughters of God? If you are, it is because you have been converted, and have received Christ into your soul temple, and your minds have been brought under the new law, even royal law of liberty," Testimonies to Ministers, p. 395.

"How, then, can you win the erring? They can recognize genuine piety, expressed in words and character. If you would teach repentance, faith, and humility, you must have the love of Jesus in your own hearts. The truth you believe is able to sanctify the soul and to fashion and mold the whole man, not only to change his words and deportment, but to abase pride, and purify the soul-temple from all defilement" Testimonies to Ministers, p. 151.

"Now, having washed the disciples' feet, He said, 'I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you,' . . As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We 'behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,' John 1:29," Desire of Ages, pp. 650,651.

"Early in His ministry Christ had said, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,' In the figurative language of prophecy, He had foretold His own death and resurrection. 'He spake of the temple of His body,' John 2: 19,21 ,"Desire of Ages, p. 705.

"John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness," Desire of Ages, p. 100.

Desire of Ages, page 161 and Education, page 36, are the key to the entire experience. It would appear that the ministry of Christ in the heavenly Sanctuary and God's purpose to dwell in and remove sin from the soul is that which was foreshadowed by the earthly sanctuary.

However, there is yet another Biblical application, and this is the concept of the spiritual temple as representing God's professed people as a whole. Here are passages that refer to this:

"For through Him [Christ] we both [those once 'near' and 'far off] have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" Ephesians 2: 1822.

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5.

"The Jewish tabernacle was a type of the Christian church. . The church on earth, composed of those who are faithful and loyal to God is the 'true tabernacle' whereof the Redeemer is the minister. God: and not man, pitched this tabernacle on a high, elevated platform. "This tabernacle is Christ's body, and from north, south, east, and west He gathers those who shall compose it . . A holy tabernacle is built up of those who receive Christ as their personal Saviour. . Christ is the minister of the true tabernacle, the High Priest of all who believe in Him as a personal Saviour." 7 Bible Commentary, 931.

The original "Signs" article, that that above 7 BC quotation was taken from, also had this sentence in it: "Through Christ the true believers are being represented as being built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Signs, February 14, 1900.

"While Jesus ministers in the Sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth." Desire of Ages, 166.

"The Lord has provided His church with capabilities and blessings, that they may present to the world an image of H is own sufficiency, and that His church may be complete in Him, a continual representative of another, even the eternal world, of laws that are higher than earthly laws. His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude, and the angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven, that every stone may be hewed and squared by the divine measurement, and polished to shine as an emblem of heaven, radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness." General Conference Bulletin, 1893, page 408 (Also in Testimonies to Ministers, 17).

But there are not only blessings for the corporate body that composes Christ's spiritual temple; there are serious warnings also:

"The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst. . What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ from His own temple! What a loss to the church! Our Redeemer sends His messengers to bear a testimony to His people." Brown Leaflet Series, Education, No. 6, 1898, quoted in "Exodus in Type and Antitype," by Taylor G. Bunch, p. 120.

"The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions his messengers, the man with slaughtering weapons in their hands: 'Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house:

"Here we see that the church—the Lord's sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light, and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. [I] Thus 'Peace and safety' is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark [Isaiah 56: 10] are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. .

"The abominations [in the church] for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His longsuffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then [they] act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide.

"No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ringleaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. "Review, January ", 1887, and in 5 Testimonies, 211-212. Read the entire chapter.

Thus, in viewing the Spirit of Prophecy "sanctuary of the soul and church" concepts, we have traversed the entire range of experience from that prior to the time when the Sanctuary in heaven is cleansed, to that time when it has passed by many who never wanted it. Compare 5 T 214:2 with the above passage. Both are in the same chapter.

"His church on earth is to assume divine proportions before the world as a temple built of living stones, each reflecting light. 8 Testimonies, p, 173.

"Every church should labor for the perishing within its own borders and for those outside its borders. The members are to shine as living stones in the temple of God, reflecting heavenly light.8 Testimonies, p. 196.

"The Jewish temple was built of hewn stones quarried out of the mountains; and every stone was fitted for its place in the temple, hewed, polished, and tested before it was brought to Jerusalem. And when all were brought to the ground, the building went together without the sound of ax or hammer. This building represents God's spiritual temple, which is composed of material gathered out of every nation, and tongue, and people, of all grades, high and low, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, These are not dead substances to be fitted by hammer and chisel. They are living stones, quarried out from the world by the truth; and the great Master Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in the spiritual temple. When completed, this temple will be perfect in all its parts, the admiration of angels and men; for its Builder and Maker is God." 9 Testimonies, p. 180.

"When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, he was directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. . So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai, and when the Lord passed by before Moses and proclaimed, 'The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin: Exodus 34:6, 7.

"Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God's indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God's ideal. He said, 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is within my heart: Psalm 40:8. So our characters are to be builded 'for an habitation of God through the Spirit: Ephesians 2:22. And we are to 'make all things according to the pattern: even Him who 'suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Hebrews 8:5; 1 Peter 2:21. Desire of Ages, pp. 208, 209.

The Spirit of Prophecy concepts along this line are in perfect harmony with those to be found in the Bible. But by specious theorizing, men can invent strange twistings of this. After completing this section, I discovered an error that Ellen White reproved in 1906: The "Medical Missionary" was a health magazine edited by John Harvey Kellogg, M. D., for about twenty years. Gradually errors crept into it as Kellogg and his Battle Creek associates veered away from historic Adventism. (Both the Alpha and the Omega find their origin in the speculations of intellectual modernism.) In an editorial in this magazine, written in 1904, Elder George C. Tenney suggested the idea that the "animal desires" part of man's mind constituted the "holy place" of the sanctuary, and that the rational or thinking portion of his intelligence composed the "most holy place. "

"Man is a dual being, intellectually speaking. He is created with an intelligence which is formed of his bodily, or, as we might say, his animal, propensities and desires. . This department of human nature corresponds with the first compartment of the sanctuary. . But man is also endowed with an intelligence that is distinct from his animal nature, and infinitely superior to it. This is called the 'inward' or 'inner man: . . When Christ comes to us in the merits of His own blood and as high priest enters into the heart, the holiest place, He speaks life and power to the dormant energies of divine glory, and then from the human soul the glory shines forth.—George C. Tenney, Editorial, "The Medical Missionary," June, 1904, pages 169-170.

But such an idea that man's animal passions constitute the holy place, and that the innate glory of his reason (as a glory inherent within him) shines from the most holy place of his reasoning powers—is something quite foreign to all Inspiration.

There is only one Sanctuary—and that one is in heaven. But, both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy liken the human agent, in metaphor, as a "body temple," "temple of the soul," etc. But this metaphor is solely based on the fact that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within that man. Apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit, there is nothing holy about mankind! We must beware of all fanciful notions. Our only safety is staying by Inspiration and not lagging behind or running ahead. Here is a portion of Ellen Whites reply to Tenney:

"I have been surprised and made sad to read some of your articles in the 'Medical Missionary: and especially those on the Sanctuary question. These articles show that you have been departing from the faith. You have helped in confusing the understanding of our people.

The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith." Letter 208, 1906 [The last sentence of this is to be found in Evangelism, 221.1