and will cause them to inherit substance. “I will render vengeance to mine
enemies, and will reward them that hate me.”
Christ lived in accordance with the principles of God’s moral government, and fulfilled
the specifications of the law of God. He represented the beneficence of the law in His
human life. The fact that the law is holy, just, and good is to be testified before all nations,
tongues, and peoples, to worlds unfallen, to angels, seraphim, and cherubim. The principles
of the law of God were wrought out in the character of Jesus Christ, and he who cooperates
with Christ, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will develop the divine character,
and become an illustration of the divine law. Christ in the heart will bring the whole
person, soul, body, and spirit, into captivity to the obedience of righteousness. Christ’s
true followers will be in conformity to the mind and will and character of God, and the
far-reaching principles of the law will be demonstrated in humanity....
Satan had declared that God knew nothing of self-denial, of mercy and love, but that
He was stern, exacting, and unforgiving. Satan never tested the forgiving love of God; for
he never exercised genuine repentance. His representations of God were incorrect; he was
a false witness, an accuser of Christ, and an accuser of all those who throw off the satanic
yoke, and come back to render willing allegiance to the God of heaven.—The Review and
Herald, March 9, 1897.
59
Even Nature Obeys Divine Commands
And the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea
obey Him?” Matthew 8:27, NKJV.
The savior was wearied from His long and arduous labors, and being now for a time
relieved from the claims of the multitude, He stretched Himself upon the hard plank of
the fishermen’s boat and fell asleep. Soon after, the weather, which had been calm and
pleasant, changed. The clouds gathered darkly over the sky, and a furious storm, such as
frequently visited those parts, burst upon the sea. The sun had set, and the blackness of
night settled down upon the water. The angry waves dashed against the ship, threatening
every moment to engulf it. First tossed upon the crest of a mountain billow, and then as
suddenly plunged into the trough of the sea, the ship was the plaything of the storm.... The
strong and courageous fishermen ... knew not what to do in so terrible a gale.... The waves
break over them, and each one threatens them with destruction....
“Master, carest thou not that we perish?” ... This despairing cry arouses Jesus from His
refreshing sleep.... In His divine majesty He stand sin the humble vessel of the fishermen,
amid the raging of the tempest, the waves breaking over the bows, and the vivid lightning
playing about His calm and fearless countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in
deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” The storm ceases, the heaving
billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth; the boat sits motionless
upon a quiet sea. Then, turning to His disciples, Jesus rebukes them, saying, “Why are ye
so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
A sudden hush crept over the disciples. Not a word was spoken; even impulsive Peter
did not attempt to express the reverential awe that filled his heart. The boats that had set
out to accompany Jesus had been in the same peril with that of the disciples. Fear and
finally despair had seized their occupants; but the command of Jesus brought quiet where
but a moment before all was tumult. All fear was allayed, for the danger was over. The
fury of the storm had driven the boats into close proximity, and all on board beheld the
miracle of Jesus. In the hush that followed the stilling of the tempest, they whispered
among themselves, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey
him?” Never was this impressive scene forgotten by those who witnessed it.—The Spirit of
Prophecy 2:307-309.
60
Obey God, the Supreme Authority
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God
rather than men.” Acts 5:29, NKJV.
The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in answer to the
command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, they declared, “Whether it be right
in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye,” is the same that
the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the Reformation. When in
1529 the German princes assembled at the Diet of Spires, there was presented the emperor’s
decree restricting religious liberty, and prohibiting all further dissemination of the reformed
doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the world was about to be crushed out. Would the
princes accept the decree? Should the light of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes
still in darkness? Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Those who had accepted the
reformed faith met together, and their unanimous decision was, “Let us reject this decree.
In matters of conscience the majority has no power” (Merle d’Aubigné, History of the
Reformation, book 13, chap. 5).
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious
liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during
the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our
hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with
a knowledge of His Word. We are to receive this Word as supreme authority. We are to
recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience
to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with
the claims of God, we must obey God rather than human beings. God’s Word must be
recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside
for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted
above the diadems of earthly potentates....
We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are to
go forward in Christ’s name, advocating the truths committed to us. If we are forbidden by
others to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles, ... “We cannot but speak the
things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).—The Acts of the Apostles, 68, 69.
61
Make Obedience Attractive
Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the
commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if
you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the
way which I command you today. Deuteronomy 11:26-28, NKJV.
Men and women are not to presume to put aside God’s great moral standard and
erect a standard according to their own finite judgment. It is because they are measuring
themselves among themselves and living according to their own standard that iniquity
abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Contempt is shown to the law of God, and
because of this many presume to transgress, and even those who have had the light of truth
are wavering in their allegiance to the law of God. Will the current of evil that is setting so
strongly toward perdition sweep them away? Or will they, with courage and fidelity, stem
the tide and maintain loyalty to God amid the prevailing evil? ...
Those who profess to serve God are to do the work of relieving the oppressed. They
are to bear the fruit of the good tree. Those who are truly Christ’s will not bring oppression
in the home or in the church. Parents who are following the Lord will diligently teach their
children the statutes and commandments of God; but they will not do it in such a way that
the service of God will become repulsive to their children. Where parents love God with
all their hearts, the truth as it is in Jesus will be practiced and taught in the home....
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
We are closely to examine ourselves.... We should plead with God for spiritual eyesight,
that we may discern our mistakes and understand our defection of character. If we have
been critical and condemnatory, full of faultfinding, talking doubt and darkness, we have
a work of repentance and reformation to do. We are to walk in the light, speaking words
that will bring peace and happiness. Jesus