THE GOSPEL IN THE SANCTUARY

Thy way O God is in the Sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77:13
 The fact that there is a sanctuary in heaven carrying on the work of
salvation and the completion of the gospel through the investigative
judgment is the only contribution which the Seventh-Day Adventist
church has contributed to progress of Christianity.
We, as a people, suffered a great disappointment when Jesus did not return at
the end of the 2300 days of Daniels prophecy.
However, in His mercy,
God swiftly revealed
that the prophecy did
not pertain to the
purification of the earth
through fire, but rather
to the cleansing “of the
sanctuary and of the
true tabernacle which
the Lord constructed,
not man.” This is where
Jesus serves as our
supreme High Priest.
And, the sanctuary message reflects all earthly time, and we are
told that the third angel’s message is stronger than time.
But I want to talk about a part of the sanctuary message that you
may not have thought about or may have forgotten. What is the
Purpose of the gospel? Was it not to reconcile us to God by doing
Away with sin forever?
Back in the garden, man, a temple fit,
Could speak to God face to face.
His law in Adam's subconscious was writ,
As the same in the ark he did place.
For man it was natural to do God's will,
As natural as to do his own.
Gen. 1, 2; Ex. 25:21.
Gen 3. But another stepped in, a serpent vile,
And in man he set up his throne.
Rom.8:7
No longer 'twas natural, nor could he find
how
Rom. 1,2. To seek his Maker, and at Love's law bow.
Ps. 51:5. But instead a law of sin and strife,
Jer. 17:9 Became his only way of life.
 And man would have been forever lost,
Gen 3:15. Has not One stepped in to pay the cost.
SR p. 43. A Seed of Enmity to place,
To give Himself to man by grace.

Ed. p.36. In Him was fulfilled the symbol of,

Old Israel's temple glorious.
Gen. 3:15 In Him, the serpent bruised by love,
As man He was victorious.

The system of sacrifices was set up after man fell. God wanted to teach them
that sin could only be dealt with, and creation restored through the
Sacrifice of His Son—One equal with the broken law. He wanted to write His
law in each heart, as they repented and followed Him.
He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that He had
been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His life a ransom, to take the sentence of death upon Himself, that
through Him man might find pardon; that through the merits of His blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could
have the favor of God and be brought into the beautiful garden and eat of the fruit of the tree of life. SR 42.2
At first the angels could not rejoice, for their Commander concealed nothing from them, but opened before them the
plan of salvation. Jesus told them that He would stand between the wrath of His Father and guilty man, that He would
bear iniquity and scorn, and but few would receive Him as the Son of God. Nearly all would hate and reject Him. He
would leave all His glory in heaven, appear upon earth as a man, humble Himself as a man, become acquainted by
His own experience with the various temptations with which man would be beset, that He might know how to succor
those who should be tempted; and that finally, after His mission as a teacher would be accomplished, He would be
delivered intothe hands of men and endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan and his angels could inspire
wicked men to inflict; that He would die the cruelest of deaths, hung up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty
sinner; that He would suffer dreadful hours of agony, which even angels could not look upon, but would veil their faces
rom the sight. Not merely agony of body would He suffer, but mental agony, that with which bodily suffering could in no
wise be compared. The weight of the sins of the whole world would be upon Him. He told them He would die and rise
again the third day, and would ascend to His Father to intercede for wayward, guilty man. SR 43.1
SR 43.1
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: Ed 36.2
“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. Ed 36.3
• But man kept falling and falling
and refused to be a temple for His
glory. So, in His great love He
said, ”And let them make Me a
sanctuary, that I may dwell
among them.” Ex. 25:8. “In
every part it was a symbol of
Him [Jesus].” DA. p. 29.

He is the door.
 The incense is His
Righteousness, to
He is both the
be mixed with our
Priest and the
prayers.
Sacrifice.
He is the Bread of
Life.
He is the Water
of Life.

He is our Mercy
He is the Light
Seat.
of the world.
But the sanctuary teaches us that He is more than this. See how the outer
coverings can represent His humanity covering the beauty of divinity within.

Jn 1:14. The word was made flesh, and among us abode.

Eph 3:11. His tabernacle was spread.
To fulfill the eternal purpose of God,
Col 1:27 That in man His glory might be read.

Phil 2:5-8. He left the Most Holy at His Father's side,

DA p. 49, 117. Clothed matchless power divine,
Heb 3:14-18. With Mary's weak will, mind and frame,
EW p. 152. Your fallen nature and mine.
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was
dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed
dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to
meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of
failure and eternal loss. DA 49.1
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of
life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a
bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our
little ones. “Herein is love.” Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! DA 49.2
Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in
Adam's position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying
conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He
took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.
DA 117.2
Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing man's fall, pull down the Son of God from His exalted
position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man's nature, he could overpower Him and hinder the
accomplishment of the plan of salvation. EW 152.2
[A better statement to show this below]

Christ's life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above their fellow men. Though he had
no taint of sin upon his character, yet he condescended to connect our fallen human nature with his divinity. By thus
taking humanity, he honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, he showed what it might become, by accepting
the ample provision he has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature. PH080 13.1
 He came to us as a little babe,
Luke 2:52 From Joseph learned to work with wood.
While from His Father, He learned to make,
Heb 5:8 A human character, perfect and good.

Table of shewbread Daily He fed on the Word of Love,

Candlestick The Spirit was His friend.
Altar of incense And prayer like incense rose above,
As hours with God He did spend.
 Then, in the courtyard, He was baptized,
Repenting not His sin but mine.
And, on the altar, the plan realized,
COL p. 307. Man wed in Him to the divine.
The parable of the wedding garment opens before us a
lesson of the highest consequence. By the marriage is
represented the union of humanity with divinity; the wedding
garment represents the character which all must possess
who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding. COL
307.1
 When Jesus Christ was Crucified
When Jesus Christ was crucified, the angels watch in awe,
As God’s own Son upon the cross the curse of sin He bore,
For when He took the bitter cup in dark Gethsemane,
In love for man, He made the choice to suffer agony.

When Jesus Christ was crucified, the darkness hid His face,
Forsaken there by God and man, He took the sinner’s place.
Transgressors cannot dwell with God they have no ray of light;
so, Christ saw not the Father’s face only eternal night.

When Jesus Christ was crucified, the veil was rent in twain.
He broke the mid partition down, removing sin’s dark stain;
Uniting our humanity to His divinity,
He reconciled the race to God for all eternity
 When Jesus Christ was Crucified

When Jesus Christ was crucified, He died a conqueror.

The pillars of the foe’s domain down to the grave He bore.
“Tis finished” cried the sufferer, then glorious as the sun,
His face with holy radiance shone, God said “atonement done.”

Since Jesus Christ was crucified, I have a sacrifice.

He rose triumphant from the tomb and opened paradise.
He is my Priest before the throne, the open door I see.
Invited in!, oh matchless love! Laid out for you, for me.
The down arrow is Christ’s pathway as told in Exodus.
The up pathway is our Christian walk as told in Leviticus.

Now He comes without the gate,

And takes me by the hand,
Acts 14:27. Through faith which is the only door,
COL p. 112. Joined to repentance by a sure band.

As soon as into the courtyard I step,

Rev 19:8. By white linen I am surrounded.
1SM p. 394,395. In Him, I then am complete,
7BC p. 933. By His grace which to me has abounded.
Faith in Christ as the world's Redeemer calls for an acknowledgment of the enlightened intellect controlled by a
heart that can discern and appreciate the heavenly treasure. This faith is inseparable from repentance and
transformation of character. To have faith means to find and accept the gospel treasure, with all the obligations
which it imposes. COL 112.4

Abundant grace has been provided that the believing soul may be kept free from sin; for all heaven, with its limitless
resources, has been placed at our command. We are to draw from the well of salvation. Christ is the end of law for
righteousness to everyone who believeth. In ourselves we are sinners; but in Christ we are righteous. Having made
us righteous through the imputed righteousness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and treats us as just. He looks
upon us as His dear children. Christ works against the power of sin, and where sin abounded, grace much more
abounds. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also
we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1, 2).
1SM 394.1
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a
propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through
the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of
him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). [John 1:14-16 quoted.] 1SM 394.2
The Lord would have His people sound in the faith—not ignorant of the great salvation so abundantly provided for them.
They are not to look forward, thinking that at some future time a great work is to be done for them; for the work is now
complete. The believer is not called upon to make his peace with God; he never has nor ever can do this. He is to accept
Christ as his peace, for with Christ is God and peace. Christ made an end of sin, bearing its heavy curse in His own body
on the tree, and He hath taken away the curse from all those who believe in Him as a personal Saviour. He makes an end
of the controlling power of sin in the heart, and the life and character of the believer testify to the genuine character of
the grace of Christ. To those that ask Him, Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit; for it is necessary that every believer should be
delivered from pollution, as well as from the curse and condemnation of the law. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the
sanctification of the truth, the believer becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for Christ works within us, and His
righteousness is upon us. Without this no soul will be entitled to heaven. We would not enjoy heaven unless qualified for
its holy atmosphere by the influence of the Spirit and the righteousness of Christ. 1SM 394.3

Jesus stands in the holy of holies, now to appear in the presence of God for us. There he ceases not to present his people
moment by moment, complete in himself. But because we are thus represented before the Father, we are not to imagine
that we are to presume upon his mercy, and become careless, indifferent, and self-indulgent. Christ is not the minister
of sin. We are comple ST July 4, 1892, par. 7 7BC 933
In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).
We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding
principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength
to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the
measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free
from its action and effect. 1SM 395.1
Christ alone is able to do this, for “in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful
and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself
hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Reconciliation means that
every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By
reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of
Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the
heart of the sinner. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
1SM 395.2
 But to the altar He next me leads,
Rom 6:6. My self is to be crucified.
RH 3/5/1889. It is only by helpless dependence on Him,
That this step may be realized.

Titus 3:5. Then to the laver I'll follow Him,

My sins by the water to be washed away.
Rev 8:3. Feed on the Bread, bask in the Spirit's light,
1SM p.344. My prayers with His merits combined each day.

And every day more fully realize,

Eph 2:9. It is only His mercy which justifies.
2T p. 505. That is all these steps each day I trace.
On His promise alone my faith I'll place.
 We should go to Jesus just as we are, confess our sins, and cast our helpless souls upon our compassionate
Redeemer. This subdues the pride of the heart, and is a crucifixion of self. RH March 5, 1889, par. 11
The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to
the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified
by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at
God's right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly
tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His
own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the
confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of
Christ's propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are
returned. 1SM 344.2
None are living Christians unless they have a daily experience in the things of God and daily practice self-denial,
cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he
advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until
he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality. 2T 505.1
The most important thing
which God was trying to
teach us through the
sanctuary service was that
sins brings death. And
every time we sin, we
crucify the Son of God
afresh. He who sees the
sparrow fall suffered with
every sacrifice made.
When we come to Jesus
He sympathizes with us.
But He suffers as long as
we on keep sinning. He
wants us now to come into
sympathy with Him by
stopping sinning. He gives
us the power. See Jude 24.
That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took
in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world
to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all,
forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with God,
and inherit eternal life. DA 745.1

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the
Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.
Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him
as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zech. 12:10.
Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven
suffered in Christ's agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His
manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the
pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every
departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to
reach His ideal, brings grief to Him. When there came upon Israel the
calamities that were the sure result of separation from God,—subjugation by
their enemies, cruelty, and death,—it is said that “His soul was grieved for the
misery of Israel.” “In all their affliction He was afflicted: ... and He bare them,
and carried them all the days of old.” Judges 10:16; Isaiah 63:9.
Education p. 263.1.
But I did not finish the Christian experience in the sanctuary. Coming into
sympathy with Christ is the work of the Holy Place. He wants us to stop
choosing to sin, and give up every new wrong He shows us

For on that day the priest shall make [a]atonement for you, to cleanse
you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. Leviticus
16:30
But there is a further experience for us in the Most Holy
Place. We are in what is called the antitypical day of
atonement. What does God want of us?
But He has for me one grand step more,
Dan 8:14. And in eighteen hundred and forty-four.
Rev 10:7. He entered then the Most Holy Place,
Lev 16:30. To complete in me His work of grace.

Joel 2:12-17. And I must follow Him by faith,

Zeph 2:1-3. Afflict my soul, repent so deep,
Jer 17:1. Of that internal law of sin,
Rev 3:19. Which e'er has caused my Lord to weep.
Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together,
O [a]undesirable nation,
2 Before the decree is issued,

Or the day passes like chaff,

Before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you,
Before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you!
3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth,

Who have upheld His justice.

Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the LORD’s anger. Zeph. 2:1-3.
“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, For the LORD your God?
15 Blow the [f]trumpet in Zion,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
Consecrate a fast,
With fasting, with weeping, and Call a sacred assembly;
with mourning.” 16 Gather the people,
13 So rend your heart, and not your
Sanctify the congregation,
garments; Assemble the elders,
Return to the LORD your God, Gather the children and nursing babes;
For He is gracious and merciful, Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber,
And the bride from her dressing room.
Slow to anger, and of great 17 Let the priests, who minister to the LORD,
kindness; Weep between the porch and the altar;
And He relents from doing harm. Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD,
14 Who knows if He will turn and And do not give Your heritage to reproach,
relent, That the nations should [g]rule over them.
And leave a blessing behind Him— Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’ ” Joel 2:12-17.
A grain offering and a drink
offering
When we do this with all our hearts. God will do great things for us and with
us. He will pour out the Latter rain and seal us. Those who go through
are the ones spoken of in Revelation 14. They follow the Lamb wherever He
goes. There sins will be blotted out in the investigative judgment. See
Acts 3:19 They will like a whirlwind give the message of Revelation 18.
Others will come out of Babylon and join them. And when the last person on
earth has made their choice, probation will close. They will be prepared to go
through the time of trouble; to live in the sight of a Holy God without a
mediator. They will be alive when Jesus comes, and be ready to say, “this is
our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us.”
The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of
the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the “latter rain” will be given at its close, for the ripening of the harvest. “Then
shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the
latter and former rain unto the earth.” [Hosea 6:3.] “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he hath given
you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.” [Joel 2:23.] “In the
last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord
shall be saved.” [Acts 2:17, 21.] The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its
opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the
latter rain at its close. Here are “the times of refreshing” to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said, “Repent ye therefore, and
be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of
the Lord; and he shall send Jesus.” [Acts 3:19, 20.] GC88 611.1
*Note "[In the investigative judgment]"
The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest,
represents the spiritual grace that prepares
the church for the coming of the Son of Man.
But unless the former rain has fallen, there will
be no life; the green blade will not spring up.
Unless the early showers have done their work,
the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.
There is to be “first the blade, then the ear, after
that the full corn in the ear.” There must be a
constant development of Christian virtue, a
constant advancement in Christian experience.
This we should seek with intensity of
desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ
our Saviour. RH March 2, 1897
And, what will it do for Jesus when His people finally gain the victory? When
they reflect His image fully. He will rejoice and sing. “I saw that the testimony
of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony…has
been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work
deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified. Said the
angel, “List ye!” Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all
sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I
had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy
joy. It thrilled through my whole being. …My attention was then turned to the
Company…who were mightily shaken. …whom I had before seen weeping and
praying in agony of spirit. ….they were clothed with an armor from their head to
their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their
countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the
agonizing struggle they had passed through. …They had obtained the victory,
and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy.
EW 270
Isa 4:2-4. That He may once again within,
Mal 3:1-3. My heart forever cleansed from sin.
5T p. 472-476 His law, His glory, forever place,
1T p. 179-183. On my heart's ark, amazing grace!

Rev 3:17. Oh friend, I plead that you may see,

Lev 16:29, 23:29, And join me in my soul's affliction
Heb 10:19-23. That we might boldly enter in,
Heb 6:6. To end fore'er His crucifiction.
DA p. 300.
The fact that the acknowledged people of God are represented as standing before the Lord in filthy garments should lead to
humility and deep searching of heart on the part of all who profess His name. Those who are indeed purifying their souls by
obeying the truth will have a most humble opinion of themselves. The more closely they view the spotless character of
Christ, the stronger will be their desire to be conformed to His image, and the less will they see of purity or holiness in
themselves. But while we should realize our sinful condition, we are to rely upon Christ as our righteousness, our
sanctification, and our redemption. We cannot answer the charges of Satan against us. Christ alone can make an effectual
plea in our behalf. He is able to silence the accuser with arguments founded not upon our merits, but on His own. 5T 471.1
Yet we should never be content with a sinful life. It is a thought that should arouse Christians to greater zeal and
earnestness in overcoming evil, that every defect in character, every point in which they fail to meet the divine standard, is
an open door by which Satan can enter to tempt and destroy them; and, furthermore, that every failure and defect on their
part gives occasion to the tempter and his agents to reproach Christ. We are to exert every energy of the soul in the work of
overcoming, and to look to Jesus for strength to do what we cannot do of ourselves. No sin can be tolerated in those who
shall walk with Christ in white. The filthy garments are to be removed, and Christ's robe of righteousness is to be placed
upon us. By repentance and faith we are enabled to render obedience to all the commandments of God, and are found
without blame before Him. Those who shall meet the approval of God are now afflicting their souls, confessing their sins,
and earnestly pleading for pardon through Jesus their Advocate. Their attention is fixed upon Him, their hopes, their faith,
are centered on Him, and when the command is given, “Take away the filthy garments, and clothe him with change of
raiment, and set a fair miter upon his head,” they are prepared to give Him all the glory of their salvation. 5T 472.1
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. The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. 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.” 5T 472.2
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 to so destroy
their faith that they will yield to his temptations, turn from their allegiance to God, and receive the mark of the beast. 5T
473.1
Satan urges before God his accusations against them, declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protection,
and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors. He pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion
from the favor of God. “Are these,” he says, “the people who are to take my place in heaven and the place of the angels
who united with me? While they profess to obey the law of God, have they kept its precepts? Have they not been lovers of
self more than of God? Have they not placed their own interests above His service? Have they not loved the things of the
world? Look at the sins which have marked their lives. Behold their selfishness, their malice, their hatred toward one
another.” 5T 473.2
The people of God have been in many respects very faulty. Satan has an accurate knowledge of the sins which he has
tempted them to commit, and he presents these in the most exaggerated light, declaring: “Will God banish me and my
angels from His presence, and yet reward those who have been guilty of the same sins? Thou canst not do this, O Lord, in
justice. Thy throne will not stand in righteousness and judgment. Justice demands that sentence be pronounced against
them.” 5T 474.1
But 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 graven upon the palms of My hands.” 5T 474.2
The assaults of Satan are strong, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people. Their affliction is great,
the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but Jesus will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. Their
earthliness must be removed that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected; unbelief must be overcome; faith, hope,
and patience are to be developed. 5T 474.3
The people of God are sighing and crying for the abominations done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked of their
danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they humble themselves before the Lord on
account of their own transgressions. The wicked mock their sorrow, ridicule their solemn appeals, and sneer at what
they term their weakness. But the anguish and humiliation of God's people is unmistakable evidence that they are
regaining the strength and nobility of character lost in consequence of sin. It is because they are drawing nearer to
Christ, and their eyes are fixed upon His perfect purity, that they so clearly discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Their
contrition and self-abasement are infinitely more acceptable in the sight of God than is the self-sufficient, haughty spirit
of those who see no cause to lament, who scorn the humility of Christ, and who claim perfection while transgressing
God's holy law. Meekness and lowliness of heart are the conditions for strength and victory. The crown of glory awaits
those who bow at the foot of the cross. Blessed are these mourners, for they shall be comforted. 5T 474.4
The faithful, praying ones are, as it were, shut in with God. They themselves know not how securely they are shielded.
Urged on by Satan, the rulers of this world are seeking to destroy them; but could their eyes be opened, as were the eyes
of Elisha's servant at Dothan, they would see the angels of God encamped about them, by their brightness and glory
holding in check the hosts of darkness. 5T 475.1
As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, “Take away the
filthy garments” from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from
thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” The spotless robe of Christ's righteousness is placed upon the tried,
tempted, yet faithful children of God. 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. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the
Lamb, having the Father's name written in their foreheads. They sing the new song before the throne, that song which no
man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. “These are they
which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God
and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” 5T 475.2
Now is reached the complete fulfillment of those words of the Angel: “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy
fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch.” Christ is
revealed as the Redeemer and Deliverer of His people. Now indeed are the remnant “men wondered at,” as the tears and
humiliation of their pilgrimage give place to joy and honor in the presence of God and the Lamb. “In that day shall the
branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are
escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be
called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem.” 5T 476.1
November 20, 1857, I was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and
agonizing cries, were pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of
their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness were expressed in their countenances, while large drops of
perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and
again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them. [“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a
solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders.... Let the priests, the ministers of
the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage
to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?”
Joel 2:15-17. 1T 179.3
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh
to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let
your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall
lift you up.” James 4:7-10.
“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the day
pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you.
Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: It may
be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.” Zephaniah 2:1-3.]
Evil angels crowded around them, pressing their darkness upon them, to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes
might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and they distrust God and next murmur against Him. Their only
safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous
atmosphere from the evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting
their wings over them, to scatter the thick darkness. 1T 180.1
Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were
not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these, and I saw
them hastening to the assistance of those who were struggling with all their energies to resist the evil angels, and trying to
help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help themselves,
and I lost sight of them. As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, a ray of light from Jesus would at times come to
them, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances. 1T 180.2
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called
forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will
lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up
against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people. 1T 181.1
The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church
hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly
receive it will obey it and be purified. 1T 181.2
Said the angel: “List ye!” Soon I heard a voice that sounded like many musical instruments, all in perfect strains, sweet
and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard. It seemed to be so full of mercy, compassion, and elevating,
holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was then turned to the company I had
seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying with agony of spirit. The
company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to
their feet. They moved in exact order, firmly, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict
which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal
anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the
deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy. 1T 181.3
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way. [“I know thy works, that thou
art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spew thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:15-17.] The careless
and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for
it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking
hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over
them. [“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Or, “Wicked spirits in heavenly places,” as in the
margin.] Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:12-18.] 1T 182.1
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth in great power. It had effect. I saw those who had been bound;
some wives had been bound by their husbands, and some children had been bound by their parents. The honest who had
been held or prevented from hearing the truth, now eagerly laid hold of it. All fear of their relatives was gone. The truth
alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and more precious than life. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth. I
asked what had made this great change. An angel answered: “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the
Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.” 1T 182.2
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or
unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion,
confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who had the power and light of God. Darkness
thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard
them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not. [“And shall not God avenge his own
elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7, 8. See also Revelation 14:14,
15.] I heard these words: “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people!
Deliver us from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation.”
These are all the words that I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested
entire submission to the will of God. Yet like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and
wrestling for deliverance. 1T 183.1
Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, would have gone to their deliverance. But a
tall, commanding angel suffered them not. Said he: “The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They
must be baptized with the baptism.” 1T 183.2
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness
of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all
self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From
the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For
thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with
him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite
ones.” Isaiah 57:15. DA 300.1
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” By these words Christ does not teach that mourning in itself
has power to remove the guilt of sin. He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He
speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are to rejoice in the
precious privilege of being children of God. DA 300.2
We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real
sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has
slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded
afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him.
Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. DA 300.3
The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One
with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost
through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine
of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that
thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful,
saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3. DA 300.4