Forums118
Topics9,232
Posts196,217
Members1,326
|
Most Online5,850 Feb 29th, 2020
|
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
|
Here is a link to show exactly where the Space Station is over earth right now: Click Here
|
|
8 registered members (dedication, Karen Y, Daryl, daylily, TheophilusOne, 3 invisible),
2,472
guests, and 13
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: Claudia Thompson]
#110949
03/31/09 09:38 AM
03/31/09 09:38 AM
|
Active Member 2019 Died February 12, 2019
2500+ Member
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,536
Canada
|
|
OH YEAH!! Right, Elle, when we are abused and persecuted, THEN everyone will see a final demonstration of the Great Controversy between God and Satan, so to speak and WE will show what God can do in full redemption of man, I guess you would call it... the contrast between us and Satan's people... kind of like a repeat miniature of Jesus on the Cross and the wicked people who were cruficying Him and reviling Him? Yes to me that's how it seem to be His plan. There these words in Rev that might be implying this "repeat miniature of Jesus on the Cross", but I still don't have the full grasp of what it means And their(two witness=144,000) dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." This makes me think of something else, I was just reading about "It is FINISHED" and how in Desire of Ages, Ellen White said thats not only talking about the death of Christ on the Cross but the whole Great Controversy was in a sense finished because everyone could at that time see God's character of love verses Satan's selfish wicked hateful character.
does this have anything to do with that? since it says "finished"? I think so. Two weeks ago, I started studying these, but I got taken buy other studies. I think you're on something and let's dig into it. I dont really know anything about the plagues and angels and all of that, but remember how it calls it the MYSTERY OF GODLINESS? I couldn't find any link to the plagues and angels to the Mystery of Godliness. The bible does refer to the "mystery of Iniquity" and And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. In regards to the plagues, I don't know much beside that it happens and when. I do want to understand it more deeply. I will share with you later what I discovered in regards to the final destruction, as it is a topic in itself. However, I see the Mystery of Godliness equivalent of the mystery of God that Pauls wrote about many time. He typically use the wording "mystery of God" and once he replace the word "God" for "Godliness", but he meant the same thing. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. I was thinking of something either Jones or Waggoner said ..how when at the end God tests us and we say something like "I would rather have Jesus than that (sin) it is finished and God's Seal will be placed upon us? Not sure if it actually says finished.
But isnt that the Mystery of godliness? I know Im probably going all over the place but my mind tends to connect Bible verses, etc together. See how it says the mystery of God is finished? In Rv. 10:7 is that talking about us? Yes, I see the sealing in relation to the "mystery of God". According to Paul's definition, the mystery of God is "Christ in you". It is no longer, I that lives, but Christ in me. This is how I understand it: 1. right now the records of the dead in Christ are being judge in heaven. 2. Once this is finish, then next come the IJ of the one who are alive. 3. The 144,000 are the first to be sealed. Maybe, when Jesus start to open the books of deed of the living, he starts with those who profess to be Christians. That's what seems to be saying in the Bible. However, 144,000 are first sealed and it's before the Trumpets starts to sound. They are God's servants the prophets that are to give the last cry of the 3AM. I believe that God will reveal to them the gospel truth about Jesus Salvation very clear and I think that's the 7 thunders describe in Rev. 4. Then the trumpets are going to sound, one by one, in order given in the Bible. As the last cry is given with the 7 thunders in it's purity, clearness, using the Bible and speaking the words of the Holy Spirit, those who will confess that Christ is the only begotten son of God, and submit their will when confronted to a test, then they will be seal. 5. This sealing, which I fully don't grasp yet, has a dimension that there state of mind is unchangeable or preserve. 6. There is going to be a lot of people, a numberless multitude, that's going to respond to the Gospel purity. Jn:19:30: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jn:17:4: I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Rv:10:7: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Thanks for bringing these together. YES! I do see the link more clearly now. At the 6th Trumpet, that's when the 144,000 has finished prophesying and they will be slaughtered. Before that, there will be 1260 days of persecution, so many of the numberless multitude will already have been slaughtered. But the 144,000 are very special compare to the numberless multitude, because for 3 years(1260 days) they have prophesied like Jesus, and have partaken the mission to their death. They will have a special bond with Christ that no other will have.
Blessings
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: teresaq]
#111004
03/31/09 09:42 PM
03/31/09 09:42 PM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are 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 and turn from their allegiance to God. {GC 618.3}
t: according to this the righteous do not judge themselves as righteous.
M: Do you think Sister White's description above is indicative of daily life? Or, do you think she's describing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime scenario? IOW, do sincere Christians spend most of their time feeling weak and unworthy and focused on the fact they've accomplished very little good? If so, it hardly seems like a desirable path. Also, where do the following insights fit in?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
t: when i read the messenger of the Lords personal struggles i get the definite impression that she felt "weak and unworthy and focused on the fact they've accomplished very little good", most of her life. but i dont mean that to imply that she lived in a negative state her whole life.
t: the way you have stated it i get the picture that we can think we are doing quite well and that would be all right. correct me if im wrong. if that is your picture, is that a safe picture? can i feel i am living up, or measuring up, to all that i should be? Yes, I believe we can feel righteous and holy while we are abiding in Jesus. I also believe we will feel we have plenty of room to grow and mature in the fruits of the Spirit and that we will feel this way throughout eternity. I do not believe these two ideas are contradictory; instead, I think they are complimentary. And, yes, we will ever be mindful that without Jesus and that outside of Him we are miserable, wretched sinners. And this is healthy to know and to remember. But I do not believe it is right or healthy to go around thinking we are miserable and wretched sinners while we are abiding in Jesus - because it simply isn't true. Listen: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#111006
03/31/09 09:50 PM
03/31/09 09:50 PM
|
SDA Active Member 2024
Very Dedicated Member
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,984
CA, USA
|
|
wow!!!
well ill let you feel secure all by yourself and whoever wants to join you.
whenever i start feeling secure, or like im not "sinning", sure enough there comes a time when i find i was far away from God.
Psa 64:5 ...an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Psa 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief (and his violent dealing) shall return upon his own head.
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: teresaq]
#111007
03/31/09 09:56 PM
03/31/09 09:56 PM
|
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
|
|
This makes me think of something else, I was just reading about "It is FINISHED" and how in Desire of Ages, Ellen White said thats not only talking about the death of Christ on the Cross but the whole Great Controversy was in a sense finished because everyone could at that time see God's character of love verses Satan's selfish wicked hateful character.
does this have anything to do with that? since it says "finished"? The chapter "It Is Finished" is such an amazing chapter. To try to grasp the meaning of Christ's death, it's just a gold mine. Here's how it ends: The plan of redemption having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God's love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law.
Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour's cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished." (DA 764) This should answer your question!
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: teresaq]
#111008
03/31/09 09:56 PM
03/31/09 09:56 PM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Teresaq, how, then, do you recommend people read the passages I posted above?
Also, do you know of Scripture that describes an experience in Christ opposite of the passages I posted above?
And, do you feel secure and right with God when you feel like you're "sinning"?
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#111042
04/01/09 03:13 AM
04/01/09 03:13 AM
|
SDA Active Member 2023
5500+ Member
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,638
California, USA
|
|
Yes, I believe we can feel righteous and holy while we are abiding in Jesus. but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. {SC 65.1} Can we feel "righteous and holy" while seeing "our own moral deformity"? When Daniel and John saw an unfallen angel, they didn't look like they felt righteous and holy, even though they were abiding in Jesus.
By God's grace, Arnold
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: Tom]
#111043
04/01/09 03:20 AM
04/01/09 03:20 AM
|
SDA Active Member 2023
5500+ Member
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,638
California, USA
|
|
Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour's cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished." (DA 764) This should answer your question! This should also answer the question (if anyone here was asking) about the possibility of the last generation derailing God's plan by their unfaithfulness. On the cross, "the universe was made eternally secure." We're just in the finishing touches now.
By God's grace, Arnold
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#111051
04/01/09 03:43 AM
04/01/09 03:43 AM
|
SDA Active Member 2024
Very Dedicated Member
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,984
CA, USA
|
|
Teresaq, how, then, do you recommend people read the passages I posted above?
Also, do you know of Scripture that describes an experience in Christ opposite of the passages I posted above?
And, do you feel secure and right with God when you feel like you're "sinning"? mm: Yes, I believe we can feel righteous and holy while we are abiding in Jesus. I also believe we will feel we have plenty of room to grow and mature in the fruits of the Spirit and that we will feel this way throughout eternity. I do not believe these two ideas are contradictory; instead, I think they are complimentary.
And, yes, we will ever be mindful that without Jesus and that outside of Him we are miserable, wretched sinners. And this is healthy to know and to remember. But I do not believe it is right or healthy to go around thinking we are miserable and wretched sinners while we are abiding in Jesus - because it simply isn't true. Listen: i didnt catch the either/or mentality before. i can be aware that i am a "miserable, wretched sinners" without feeling miserable and wretched. not measuring up might be a better description.
Psa 64:5 ...an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Psa 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief (and his violent dealing) shall return upon his own head.
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: asygo]
#111053
04/01/09 03:55 AM
04/01/09 03:55 AM
|
SDA Active Member 2024
Very Dedicated Member
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,984
CA, USA
|
|
Yes, I believe we can feel righteous and holy while we are abiding in Jesus. but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. {SC 65.1} Can we feel "righteous and holy" while seeing "our own moral deformity"? When Daniel and John saw an unfallen angel, they didn't look like they felt righteous and holy, even though they were abiding in Jesus. yeah, i think all my righteousness would turn to filthy rags if i were to see Jesus, too.
Psa 64:5 ...an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Psa 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief (and his violent dealing) shall return upon his own head.
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
|
|
|
Re: PERFECTION OF CHARACTER -What is it exactly?
[Re: asygo]
#111102
04/01/09 07:18 PM
04/01/09 07:18 PM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Yes, I believe we can feel righteous and holy while we are abiding in Jesus. but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. {SC 65.1} Can we feel "righteous and holy" while seeing "our own moral deformity"? When Daniel and John saw an unfallen angel, they didn't look like they felt righteous and holy, even though they were abiding in Jesus. Arnold, I'm sure you couldn't help noticing that my posts above included this aspect of reality. It doesn't appear to me, though, that you are including the other side of the picture portrayed in the passages I posted above. Do you agree that they depict what I've been advocating here? If not, please explain why. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
Here is the link to this week's Sabbath School Lesson Study and Discussion Material: Click Here
|
|
|