he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not
seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:4-6).
We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who
claim to abide in Christ, to be sanctified, while living in transgression of God’s law. He
met with just such a class as we have to meet. He said, “Little children, let no man deceive
you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth
sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning” (Verses 7, 8). Here the apostle
speaks in plain terms, as he deemed the subject demanded.
The epistles of John breathe a spirit of love. But when he comes in contact with that
class who break the law of God and yet claim that they are living without sin, he does not
hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception. [First John 1:6-10 quoted.]—The Sanctified
Life, 67-69.
67
68
March—Investing Time and
Other Talents
Time to Study Revelation
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are
those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near. Revelation
1:3, NRSV.
As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days
especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament is full of truth that we
need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of
any excuse for not making the Revelation their study....
There should be a closer and more diligent study of this book [Revelation], a more
earnest presentation of the truths it contains, truths which concern all who are living in
these last days. All who are preparing to meet their Lord should make this book the subject
of earnest study and prayer. It is just what its name signifies—a revelation of the most
important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. John, because
of his faithful trust in the Word of God and the testimony of Christ, was banished to the
Isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Christ. The Lord visited His
faithful servant in his banishment, and gave him instruction regarding what was to come
upon the world.
This instruction is of the greatest importance to us; for we are living in the last days
of this earth’s history. Soon we shall enter upon the fulfillment of the events which Christ
showed John were to take place. As the messengers of the Lord present these solemn truths,
they must realize that they are handling subjects of eternal interest, and they should seek
for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that they may speak, not their own words, but the words
given them by God....
The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the
danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes that prophecy has revealed are soon to take
place be left untouched. We are God’s messengers, and we have no time to lose. Those
who would be coworkers with our Lord Jesus Christ will show a deep interest in the truths
found in this book. With pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things
that Christ came from heaven to reveal.—The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1906.
69
Depend on Our Divine Advocate
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants
of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath,
because he knows that he has a short time. Revelation 12:12, NKJV.
Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the
dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects; he has gained control of the
apostate churches. But here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could
blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen
nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth
to destroy the people of God. All will be required to render obedience to human edicts in
violation of the divine law. Those who will be true to God and to duty will be menaced,
denounced, and proscribed. They will be betrayed “both by parents, and brethren, and
kinsfolks, and friends.”
Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only defense will be prayer. As Joshua
was pleading before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and earnest
faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus their Advocate. They are fully
conscious of the sinfulness of their lives, they see their weakness and unworthiness; and as
they look upon themselves, they are ready to despair.
The tempter stands by to accuse them, as he stood by to resist Joshua. He points to
their filthy garments, their defective characters. He presents their weakness and folly, their
sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which has dishonored their Redeemer. He
endeavors to affright the soul with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of
their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they
will yield to his temptations, turn from their allegiance to God, and receive the mark of the
beast....
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
While the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control
of evil. They have put away their sins, and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition,
and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf. He who has been most abused by their
ingratitude, who knows their sin, and also their repentance, declares, “The Lord rebuke
thee, O Satan. I gave My life for these souls. They are grave