Category: bible study

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Eph 3:14-21)

The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of humanity. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places,” the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10. {AA 9.1}

Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:7. “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season;
there shall be showers of blessing.” “And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people, saith the Lord God. And ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are PEOPLE, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:26, 29-31. {AA 9.2}

“You are My witnesses, saith the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Savior. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore you are My witnesses.” “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Isaiah 43:10-12; 42:6, 7. {AA 10.1}

The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people. {AA 11.2}

Through centuries of persecution, conflict, and darkness, God has sustained His church. Not one cloud has fallen upon it that He has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork His work, that He has not foreseen. All has taken place as He predicted. He has not left His church forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what would occur, and that which His Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell has been brought about. All His purposes will be fulfilled. His law is linked with His throne, and no power of evil can destroy it. Truth is inspired and guarded by God; and it will triumph over all opposition. {AA 11.3}

During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. {AA 12.1}

“Whereunto,” asked Christ, “shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” Mark 4:30. He could not employ the kingdoms of the world as a similitude. In society He found nothing with which to compare it. Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical power; but from Christ’s kingdom every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion, is banished. This kingdom is to uplift and ennoble humanity. God’s church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless. {AA 12.2}

Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified. A picture of this work is given in Ezekiel’s vision of the river of healing: “These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that everything that lives, which moves , whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: . . . and by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:8-12. {AA 13.1}

From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped. Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Savior grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life. {AA 13.2}

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Isa 43:10-12)

Israel’s [the Church’s] task was to be a witness (Isa 44:8), telling the world who God is and what he had done. Believers today share the responsibility of being God’s witnesses. Do people know what God is like through your words and example? They cannot see God directly, but they can see him reflected in you.

The chosen people of God have become witnesses for Christ that he, and he alone, is the true God; that he, and he alone has truly foretold the future. Let the unbelievers prove that their gods have done the same if they can; we know that they cannot.

Even though you may not feel able to speak a word to those who are working on wrong principles, leave them. Your withdrawal and silence may do more than words. Nehemiah refused to associate with those who were untrue to principle, and he would not permit his workmen to associate with them. The love and fear of God were his safeguard. He lived and worked as in view of the unseen world. And David said, “I have set the Lord always before me.” {3BC 1155.4}

Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to stand alone. Thus, as did Moses, you will endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. But a cowardly and silent reserve before evil associates, while you listen to their devices, makes you one with them.

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor 6:16-18)

As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

“You are my witnesses, saith the Lord”

Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27)

Reading Time: 11 minutes

Christianity’s Biggest Lie EVER

And just as it is appointed for people to die once, and after that comes judgment. Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Heb 9:27-28, ESV)

These days one hardly ever hears a solid Biblical explanation on the second coming of Jesus. It is a rare thing to hear coming from most pulpits. We could spend a long time wondering why this is so, but that is not going to be within the scope of this article. The purpose of this article is to investigate what the Bible tells us about the second coming of Jesus.  Over the next few weeks or so Light in The Clouds will be posting several articles on this vital subject.

Contrary to the Biblical message on the second coming, we do find one theory that has garnered a lot of serious attention over the years. I am sure most people have heard about what certain “highly respected scholars of Bible prophecy” have coined as “THE SECRET RAPTURE.”

I took the trouble to listen to Dr David Jeremiah’s video where he preaches that The Secret Rapture will happen “at any moment.”  This is a video that he posted called “The Rapture of the Church.” Posted March 25th, 2022.  2.7 million views.

Here is a portion of that sermon:

The Bible tells us that there is coming a day when millions of people will be evacuated from this world. In a moment. It will be a time of chaos never experienced on this earth.

Those of us who are watching what is happening in the world today believe that the time for that event is drawing near. The event that I’m describing is what the Bible calls the rapture.

The next event is the church age. That’s where we are right now. We’re living in the church age, the age between the coming of Christ the first time and the coming of Christ the second time. How many of you know what the next thing is? Right after the church age what’s going to change everything forever, is this event we call rapture. Notice, the rapture shows Jesus coming from heaven, but he doesn’t come all the way to the earth. The Bible says, we’re going to be caught up into the heavens to be with him, and then we’re going to go back to heaven with him. In the rapture.

After the rapture, a period of great tribulation will take place on this earth for seven years. At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the second coming of Christ takes place. Now here’s where the disconnect is. For most people who get confused about the future, the rapture and the second coming of Christ are not the same thing. The rapture is when Jesus comes back to take his people back to heaven with him. Then tribulation on the earth takes place. And then the second coming is when Jesus comes back. And the Bible says, he comes with all the people of God and with all the angels and sets up his kingdom on this earth.

To those who know their Bibles, this kind of message about a so-called Secret Rapture will be recognized as the biggest lie being told by Christians today. I have listened to this sermon of Dr Jeremiah’s several times now, trying to make some sense out of it. Each time it just ends in a lot of disappointment. Major confusions.  It contains a general neglect of sound Biblical explanation and is filled with many claims mostly unsubstantiated by Scripture.

There Is No Such Thing as A Secret Rapture

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Rev 1:7, NKJV)

A Brief Summary Reveals a not so secret “rapture.”

The Second Coming of Christ

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Savior’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is nearby. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be always ready.

(Mat 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:1-38; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor 15:51-54; 1 Thes 4:13-18; 1 Thes 5:1-6; 2 Thes 1:7-10; 2 Thes 2:8; 2 Tim 3:1-5; Titus 2:13; Heb 9:28; Rev 1:7; Rev 14:14-20; Rev 19:11-21.) – Adventist Fundamental Belief #25

Just a few simple questions answered straight from the Bible will show how the secret is not so secret after all.

What wonderful promise did Jesus make concerning His Second Advent?

“Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

What will follow the signs of Christ’s coming?

“And then shall they see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 1:27.

At His ascension, how was Christ’s return promised?

“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10, Acts 1:11.

With what words does Paul express the blessed hope of Christ’s Second Advent for His people?

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

What does Peter say about this awaited event?

“We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Pet 1:16.

When He returns, will most of the inhabitants of earth be prepared to meet Him?

“Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Mat 24:30. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Rev 1:7.

Why will so many people not be prepared for this important event?

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayed His coming,” and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looked not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Mat 24:48-51.

What will most of the world be doing when Christ returns in the clouds of heaven for His own?

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so, shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” Verses 37-39. “Likewise, also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built” but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:28-30.

These texts do not teach that it is wrong to eat, drink, marry, buy, sell, plant, or build, but that in many people’s minds they will be so taken up with these things that they will give little or no thought to the future life, and make no plans or preparations to meet Jesus when He comes.

Who is it that blinds people to the message about salvation through Jesus Christ?

“In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Cor 4:4.

DL MOODY once said the following about the second coming of Jesus:

“To my mind this precious doctrine -— for such I must call it -— of the return of the Lord to this earth is taught in the New Testament as clearly as any other doctrine in it; yet I was in the Church fifteen or sixteen years before I ever heard a sermon on it. There is hardly any church that doesn’t make a great deal of baptism, but in all of Paul’s epistles I believe baptism is only spoken of thirteen times, while it speaks about the return of our Lord fifty times; and yet the Church has had very little to say about it. Now, I can see a reason for this; the devil does not want us to see this truth, for nothing would wake up the Church so much. The moment a man takes hold of the truth that Jesus Christ is coming back again to receive His followers to Himself, this world loses its hold upon him. Gas stocks and water stocks and stocks in banks and railroads are of very much less consequence to him then. His heart is free, and he looks for the blessed appearing of his Lord, who, at His coming, will take him into His blessed Kingdom.”—D. L Moody, The Second Coming of Christ (Revell), pp 67.

Another preacher once wrote:

“‘This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven,’ is the parting promise of Jesus to His disciples, communicated through the two men in white apparel, as a cloud received Him out of their sight. When after more than fifty years in glory He breaks the silence and speaks once more in the Revelation which He gave to His servant John, the post-ascension Gospel which he sends opens with, ‘Behold, He cometh with clouds,’ and closes with ‘Surely I come quickly.’ Considering the solemn emphasis thus laid upon this doctrine, and considering the great prominence given to it throughout the teaching of our Lord and of His apostles, how was It that for the first five years of my pastoral life it had absolutely no place in my preaching? Undoubtedly the reason lay in the lack of early instruction. Of all the sermons heard from childhood on, I do not remember listening to a single one upon this subject.” -— A. J. Gordon, How Christ Came to Church, pp. 44-45.

How important is it that we are now prepared in our lives to meet Christ when He returns?

“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.” 1 John 3:2.

Will the return of Christ be a time of reward?

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every person according, to their works.” Mat 16:27. “And behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every person according as their work shall be.” Rev 22:12.

Who will receive the promised salvation when Christ returns?

“So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb 9:28.

What strong motivation should His return have on our lives right now?

“We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every person that hath this hope in them purifies themselves, even as Jesus is pure.” 1 John 3:2, 3.

To whom are these crowns of life promised?

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight and finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that ay: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim 4:6-8.

What will the waiting ones say when Jesus comes the second time?

“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isa 25:9

Has the exact time of Christ’s coming been revealed?

“But of that day and hour knows no one, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Mat 24:36.

In view of this fact, how does Christ tell us to prepare for that glorious event?

“Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord will come.” Mat 24: 42.

What warning has Christ given that we might not be taken by surprise when He returns?

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all of them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36.

What special attribute should the waiting ones develop?

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Jam 5:7-8.

Turning to the disciples, Christ said, “Take heed that no man deceives you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Many false messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the time of the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many. Christ’s words were fulfilled. Between His death and the siege of Jerusalem many false messiahs appeared. But this warning was given also to those who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practiced prior to the destruction of Jerusalem have been practiced through the ages and will be practiced again.  {DA 628.2}

When one of my sons was little, I tucked him into bed one night and he asked me the most interesting question that an eight-year-old boy could possibly ask their dad. This is what he asked me:

“Dad. When will all the days be over so that we can see Jesus?”

I was a little shocked. I did not dream that an eight-year-old boy could have such views or questions on the second coming of Jesus.

But the answer to my son’s questions is the perfect proof that the second coming of Jesus will be the opposite of “secret.” There is no such thing as a “secret rapture.” Jesus has nothing to hide. No secrets to keep in His second coming. Every eye will see Him.

In unmistakable language, our Lord speaks of His second coming, and He gives warning of dangers to precede His advent to the world.

Some Will Depart from the Faith

1 Tim 4:1  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

“If anyone shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so, shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

As one of the signs of Jerusalem’s destruction, Christ had said.

 “Many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many.” False prophets did rise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was spoken also for the last days. This sign is given as a sign of the second advent. Even now false Christs and false prophets are showing signs and wonders to seduce His disciples.

Do we not [today] still hear the clamor?

“Behold, He is in the desert”? Have not thousands gone forth into the desert, hoping to find Christ? And from thousands of gatherings where people profess to hold communion with departed spirits is not the call now heard, “Behold, He is in the secret chambers”? This is the very claim that spiritism puts forth.

But what says Christ?

“Believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so, shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Next week we will look at how the Bible answers my son’s question on the second coming of Jesus. The Bible declares in both Old and New Testament that it is anything but secret.

Dad, when will all the days be over so that Jesus can come?”

Reading Time: 6 minutes

“At sunset he stopped for the night and went to sleep, resting his head on a large rock.” (Gen 28:11, C.E.V.)

A reflection on the present always reflects something of our past and often looks forward to our future, at the same time.

As we prepare to celebrate a new day each morning,  we can reflect upon what we have done and where we have been.

What was our yesterday like?

We wonder why we see no method to the fast-paced troubles and trials that happen to us. I have looked back and thought, “Why on earth did I have to suffer so much these last few months? Why did this, or why did that ever happen? It doesn’t even make sense, let alone seem fair.

I noticed in this text how Jacob came to “a certain place;” and stayed there all night because the sun had set.”

Now Jacob had no mattress, no covers, and a rock for a pillow. Jacob must have wondered what on earth was going on too; and why God had led him there, and apparently “left” him in such a place to sleep for the night. Sound uncomfortable at the very least.

It is quite likely that Jacob had intended to try to reach the city of Luz that day, but because the sun had set, he ran out of time, and had to stay put for the night. With the dark of night coming on, it could have been quite dangerous for him to try to reach the city then. I can imagine how that Jacob was worried about the big city being too dangerous at night.

Like Jacob’s experience, I walked into a few places recently where I was thinking maybe I had run out of time, that some issues had gone unanswered, and had left me in tatters; yet, when I saw this sunset tonight, the thought crossed my mind that another day is promised.

This day, like the setting sun is indeed ebbing away, yet reflected in the beauty and colors of this sunset, the new tomorrow will arise, with a chance to do things differently; and maybe even better.

I find myself wanting to praise the Lord for the Light, and the color that He puts into my life. Sometimes it is through the people He sets in my path, sometimes He communicates the assurance I need through what He has created, like this sunset.

I intend to enter today, this new day, praising God for the answers He has given me, and for the moments of Light, and colors He has gifted me with, and for

“when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19)

God’s covenant promise to Abraham and Isaac was also offered to Jacob. But it was not enough for Jacob to be Abraham’s grandson; Jacob had to also establish his own personal relationship with God.

God has no grandchildren; each person must have a personal relationship with him. It is not enough to hear wonderful stories about Christians in your family. You need to become part of the story yourself. (Ezekiel 14:14,20, 1 John 5:11-12, 1 John 1:1-3)

Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, [as conformity to God’s will and purpose so it is with you also]. [Gen 15:6]
Gal 3:7 So understand that it is the people who live by faith [with confidence in the power and goodness of God] who are [the true] sons of Abraham. (Gal 3:6-7, AMP)

Then Abram believed in (affirmed, trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the LORD; and He counted (credited) it to him as righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man). (Gen 15:6, AMP)

Jacob had a very uncomfortable place to sleep that night, not unlike many of us at various points in our life. Things are uncomfortable. Maybe even dangerous. As the text reveals, God had Jacob stay there for a good reason.

Jacob had the stones for his pillows and the heavens for his canopy; no heat, very much exposed to the elements; and yet, the hardship of this night seemed to make him forget that he was fleeing for his life from his own brother. The dream he had in verse 12 reflects the amazing assurance Jacob had in this divine protection. (Rom 4:1-5)

I can see myself, climbing Jacob’s ladder. Each promise of God that I claim seems to be one more step up that ladder. Each promise is one step closer to Heaven, (2 Pet 1:3-4)

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

I believe God has good reason for whatever I have experienced, for all the pain, the frustration and where I have had to be in recent days. I do not really know what that reason is right now that my suffering intensifies, but it does not matter. The “times of refreshing” have helped me through it all. They tell me that Jesus is here. He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Heb 13:5)

Partakers of the Divine Nature simply means for us today that we must learn of Christ. We must know what He is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through wrong desires. Then we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful desire or evil propensity. Eph 2:1-6. {7BC 943.1}

Great and precious promises refers to the numerous offers of divine provision found throughout Scripture. These promises offer us the glory and virtue of Christ as the basis for our growing participation in the divine nature. (2 Pet 3:18).

We have Christ within us, as He promised (John 14:23), to enable us to become increasingly Christlike (2 Cor 3:18). Because we have become new creatures in Christ, (2 Cor 5:17), we have already escaped the corruption (the moral ruin) that is in the world through perverted desire.

“In Christ,” through His precious promises, shows how we can make our escape from this world’s ways evident to all by our godly behavior (Acts 4:13), and by the renewing of our mind (Rom 12:2). These promises are the fourth resource (compare also 2 Pet 1:1,2 Pet 1:3) upon which believers today may draw for sustaining help. (Isa 12:3)

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isa 12:2-3)

Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was his belief in the Lord, not his actions, that made Abram right with God (Rom 4:1-5). We, too, can have a right relationship with God by going to Jesus just as we are, and by trusting Him.

Our outward actions, such as church attendance, prayer, good deeds, none of that will ever in or of themselves make us right with God.

A right relationship for me to have with God is based on the shed blood of Christ,(Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13),accessed by our exercised faith. Faith — the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. (Isa 28:12, Acts 3:19)

The God who began a good work within us continues it throughout our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God’s work for us began when Christ died on the cross in our place.

His work within us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God every time I remember you. And I always pray for all of you with joy. I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News. You helped from the first day you believed until now. I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. I know I am right to think like this about all of you because you are so close to my heart. This is because you have all played such an important part in God’s grace to me (Phil 1:2-7, ERV)

No matter where you end up having to lay your head for the night, it is my prayer that you also experience this inner confidence that “…He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Phil 1:6)

Prayer:

Father In Heaven, draw me close to You, never let me go. I lay it all down again before You. To hear you say that I am your friend

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Every Tribe, Language, Race of People, and Nation

And they all sang a new song to the Lamb: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were killed, and with your blood sacrifice you bought people for God from every tribe, language, race of people, and nation. (Rev 5:9)

Jesus longs for all to be at rest in Him.

“Every Tribe” means our Indigenous people. Let us pray for them and sincerely try to help them as friends and neighbors and quit telling them what to do and who to be.

In a book called Murder By Decree, which is characterized by the author as “A Counter report To The “Truth And Reconciliation Commission,”” by Kevin Annette, it is stated on pages 6-7

“Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a rapid,in house response by church and state designed to present their own self-serving narrative of their Indian Residential School Crimes. It was, by any objective standard, an elaborate misrepresentation of a monumental crime. For one thing, the TRC was created by the same institutions of Church and State that were responsible for the residential school crimes being investigated. This fact alone disqualified the TRC from the outset as any neutral or credible body. Indeed, the TRC only commenced its work after both institutions had legally indemnified themselves from any liability for those crimes. A manouvre which created an obstruction of justice under law.”

Another writer puts things in perspective like this, and this was written over 100 years ago:

The Vatican now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christ-like garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of popery that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The popery that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty, and slew the saints of the Most High. {GC88 570.3}

Popery is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. [2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.] It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon, she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. “We are not bound to keep faith and promises to heretics,” She declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ? {GC88 571.1}

The heart not given entirely to the control of Jesus Christ has a door open for Satan to enter, and the archdeceiver weaves about the soul ingenious apologies in performing its hidden purposes of evil. All these excuses and pretensions are seen of God, and are as spiderwebs in the eyes of Him who never slumbers or sleeps. Oh, how readily will the human soul find poor and wretched excuses to deceive and cover up its own course of evil, which it pursues. There is an exact judge who weigheth actions. He cannot be deceived, neither can He be mocked. He will one day strike off the covering, unveil the conscience, and sweep away these excuses as smoke. {CTr 171.3}

The same writer also states a strict caution against unwarranted bigotry and hate towards Catholics:

It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his Word, and therefore they do not discern the truth. They have never seen the contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms and ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth, as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with his people. {GC88 565.2}

I am happy to know that Jesus will be the one to judge hearts. I have a Roman Catholic Cree Native that I pray with regularly. Anyone who loves Jesus will make for a good friend.

The Holy, educating Spirit of God is now speaking to “every tribe” and as the verse says:

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, TRIBE, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Rev 14:6-7)

Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world. {7BC 978.11}

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev 22:17)

The last message of mercy as it is now going forth, is another and final utterance of divine longsuffering and compassion. Come, is the invitation it give. Come, for all things are ready. The last sound that will fall from Mercy’s lips on the ear of the sinner before the thunders of vengeance burst upon him, will be the heavenly invitation, Come. So great is the loving-kindness of a merciful God to rebellious humanity.

The Great Spirit will direct, counsel, and assist “every tribe” just like He does with all of us. When Jesus says “Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, (Mat 11:28) we can be sure that He is speaking also to “every tribe.”

The “blood Sacrifice of Jesus” (Rev 5:9) is for all who seek truth, peace, reconciliation. (see John 3:16-19)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)

Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him. People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. But people who do not believe are already judged, because they have not believed in God’s only Son. They are judged by this fact: The light has come into the world. But they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things. Everyone who does evil hates the light. They will not come to the light, because the light will show all the bad things they have done. But anyone who follows the true way comes to the light. Then the light will show that whatever they have done was done through God. (John 3:16-21, ERV)

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,–a patient, protracted process. {DA 172.3}

While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. {DA 173.1}

if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Cor 5:17, Murdock)

My friends, when we feel poisoned by stress, pressure, pain, failure, or grief, the best antidote is to pray:

Father In Heaven, please restore in us the song of joy. Renew a right spirit in us, and restore unto us all a right spirit.”

It just so happens that Jesus desires us all to come to Him exactly as we are!

Humble people will get the land God promised, and they will enjoy peace. (Psalms 37:11, ERV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Pet 1: 1-4)

Promises are estimated by the truth of the one who makes them. Many people make promises only to break them, to mock the heart that trusted in them. Those who lean upon such individuals lean upon broken reeds. But God is behind the promises He makes. He is ever mindful of His covenant, and His truth endureth to all generations {7BC 942.12}

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Stand In Your “LOT:” THE MORNING IS COMING
(based on Dan 12:13)

But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. (Dan 12:13, KJV)

When Israel was about to enter into the Promised Land, the lot was cast, and the possession of each tribe was assigned. The tribes thus stood in their respective “lots” long before they entered upon the actual possession of the land. Similarly today we now stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, and decisions are being made, assigning to some a place in the eternal kingdom, and barring others forever. In the decision of his case, Daniel’s portion in the celestial inheritance will be made sure to him. With him all the faithful will also stand. When this devoted servant of God, who filled up a long life with the noblest deeds of service to his Maker, though cumbered with the weightiest cares of this life, shall enter upon his reward for well-doing, we too may enter with him into rest by also “standing in our lots.”

The time has come for Daniel to stand in his lot. The time has come for the light given him to go to the world as never before. If those for whom the Lord has done so much will walk in the light, their knowledge of Christ and the prophecies relating to Him will be greatly increased as they near the close of this earth’s history. {4BC 1174.4}

The Bible tells us

“And the evening and the morning were the first day.” — Gen 1:5

SIX TIMES these words, “let there be Light” are repeated, in the first chapter of Genesis. The first lesson that stands out here is that God counts His periods of time, not as we do, going from night to night, but from evening till morning. Not first the light, and after that the dark; but first the dark, and after that the light.” God saw that each night would end in daylight,and that the end of all the nights and all the days would be the eternal day in which there can be no darkness at all. This is what John saw:

“There shall be no night there, for the Lord God gives  them light” (Rev 22:5 ).

THIS Heavenly Light, can be the light in our clouds today as we “stand in our lot” in service to Jesus.

“Whatsoever thy hand finds  to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither you go.” (Eccl 9:10)

This is the perfect definition of “stand in your lot.” (Dan 12:13)

Jesus will bring a fairer and more just “new earth” (2 Pet 3:13, Rev 21:1). Creation shall participate in the glorious liberty of the sons and daughters of God.

Our planet is now living in the supposed “modern age’ where the oft-claimed sunny light of the foul “merchants” of the Earth who are ruining and terrorizing millions for profit, will end in tears and destruction. It will be their tears.(Rev 18:11). Bible prophecy tells us how their “economy” (not ours) sets in a black ocean, unlit by the star of hope.(Rev 18:23) As long as God is, we believe that He will make a new heaven and new earth; and from out of what seems a disappointing and hopeless life, in the midst of this ruin, degradation and terrorism of “the economy”. It is more accurately called slavery. And it’s brutal. Millions around the world are being terrorized and enslaved by “the economy.”

Out of the darkness comes the “loud cry”

Watchman what of the night? The morning comes ! (Isa 21:11-12).

The darkness will finally pass away before the radiance of the dawn, and this because God is God; He is Love and Light and His Word creates just what it says. As in Eden, when Jesus says “let there be light” today He says to all of God’s children, “let your light shine:”

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.(Mat 5:16) Our Light is already come! (Isa 60:1) Now, in these last days we just have to “let it!”

Life may be dark. Sin is darkness. Sorrow is darkness. Ignorance is darkness. These three may be part of your daily “lot” right now. But the night is far spent, the day is at hand. For the Christian, The Bright and Morning Star is in their sky. (Rev 22:16). The education of your soul is similar to that of a child at school. How hard and difficult those first days, but when the rudiments were mastered; when the discipline had played its part,then were reaped the harvests of sowing, and darkness was turned to day. (Psalms 30:5) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Dan 12:10)

Have you suffered the death of a loved one? Be of good cheer! Even in death there is nothing to fear:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thes 4:13-14 ).

The dark clouds of your life, are bearing you onward to the heavenly morning upon the golden streets, where you will find that Love has gone before you with its preparations! Because all things work together for good when we love Jesus. (Rom 8:28) It shall be evening and morning and lo! the day without night. And every Christ-follower standing in their “lot.” (Dan 12:13)

STAND IN THY “LOT”
(based on Dan 12:13, David T Battler, all rights reserved)

Stand in thy “lot” happy in Jesus and blessed
Lend helping hand stand in your “lot” HIS Glory
the Light of your world being prayer is the test
“Love one another” to proclaim loud His Story.

Stand in thy “lot” when doors are tightly closed
a thousand miles separate you from heavenly rest
For the times of prophecy as we have so supposed
Will bring us everyone to the Rev 3:10 test.

Stand in thy “lot” when they knock you down
Jesus walked by faith in this narrow way too
At the cross is where they give out the crown
and there by faith can be your testimony true.

Stand in thy “lot” for Heaven has promised

the burden of our hearts that we carry today
are the “test” as the weakest saint will tell
we finally put on the “full armor” and pray.
Blessed soul who waits to do all things well

and sets out to the path that Jesus talked
Path to His Glory,a trail of special praise
Calvary; stand in “lot:” that Jesus walked
As the prophecy fulfills we see better days

That “end of days” is coming up soon  friend
In unfeigned love our brethren haven’t forgot
Sing His praises until the 2300 days shall end.
Daniel stood fast and was happy in his “lot”

Jesus our Lord has now answered Daniel’s prayer
Not one soul has Jesus given up or turned away
Like Daniel, a Christian know “Jesus is there.”
Sons and daughters of God for that better day!

Daniel IS Standing In His Lot Now

The time has come for Daniel to stand in his lot. The time has come for the light given him to go to the world as never before. If those for whom the Lord has done so much will walk in the light, their knowledge of Christ and the prophecies relating to Him will be greatly increased as they near the close of this earth’s history. NO prophecy is “Biblical” or “Christian” if it is not entirely centered in “Christ; and Him crucified.”

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(Gal 6:14)

The Guarantee of Success

“…you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (Eph 2:12-14)

Behold in the cross of Christ the only sure guarantee for individual excellence and success. And the more the heart is wrapped up in Christ, the more secure is the treasure in the eternal world {6BC 1112.8}

Paul a Living Example for Every Christian. (Phil 1:21)

Paul was a living example of what every true Christian should be. He lived for God’s glory. His words come sounding down the line to our time: “For to me to live is Christ.” “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” He who was once a persecutor of Christ in the person of His saints now holds up before the world the cross of Christ. Paul’s heart burned with a love for souls, and he gave all his energies for the conversion of people. There never lived a more self-denying, earnest, persevering worker. His life was Christ; he worked the works of Christ. All the blessings he received were prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others. {6BC 1112.9}

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)

PRAYER

O God, the darkness and light are both alike to You. The night shines as the day. (Psalms 139:12). Help us, Lord, to follow You even through the valley of the shadow, (Psalms 91:1) and to trust You in whatever is our appointed lot; until the day dawns, and the shadows flee away. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:13 ) Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5) Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. (Psalms 143:8) AMEN.

Reading Time: 8 minutes

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” “For He spake, and it was;” “He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalms 33:6, Psalms 33:9. He “laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.” Psalms 104:5.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. (Gen 1:6-7)

Note those four words, “and it was so.” Whatever God ordains always comes. You will find that it is true of all his promises that, whatever he has said, shall be fulfilled to you, and you shall one day say of it all, “and it was so.”

“and it was so.” These words are often repeated in this chapter. They convey to us the great lesson that the word of God is sure to be followed by the deed of God. He speaks, and it is done. (Spurgeon)

In nature the clouds that float above us are separated from the waters at our feet so in Christian experience we must seek to quench our thirst not only from below, but from above. See Col 3:1-4. Our wells must be filled from Heaven. Notice how in creation there are repeated separations, as between Day and Night, Seas and Lands; so as we live in the Spirit, we are quicker to distinguish not only between white and black, but the different shades of gray. The test of plant-life is the power of reproducing “after their kind;” (Gen 1:11) We are always reproducing ourselves in others, and sowing many different plants. Since God maintains suns and planets in their various bright and ordered beauty, He can definitely keep us:

Look up to the skies. Who created all those stars? Who created all those “armies” in the sky? Who knows every star by name? He is very strong and powerful, so not one of these stars is lost. People of Jacob, this is true. Israel, you should believe it. So why do you say, “The LORD cannot see the way I live; he will not find me and punish me”? (Isa 40:26-27, ERV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet 1:3-5, ERV)

Do you need encouragement? Peter’s words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We live with the wonderful expectation of eternal life (1 Pet 1:3). Our hope is not only for the future; eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God’s family. God will help us remain true to our faith through whatever difficult times we must face. The “last day” is the judgment day of Christ described in Rom 14:10 and Rev 20:11-15. No matter what trials or persecution you may face, your soul cannot be harmed if you have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation. You will receive the promised rewards.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keeps thee will not slumber.(Psalms 121:3)

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalms 121:5-8)

Likewise, Christ walks in the midst of His churches through the length and breadth of the earth. He looks with intense interest to see whether His people are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. He is present in every assembly of the church. He knows those whose hearts He can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord’s purpose for them, and Christ takes pleasure in them {7BC 956.3}

“Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus: “Here is a message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. “I know what you do, how hard you work and never give up. I know that you don’t accept evil people. You have tested those who say they are apostles but are not. You found that they are liars. You never stop trying. You have endured troubles for my name and have not given up. “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you don’t change, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Rev 2:1-5, ERV)

In this scripture are outlined the conditions of acceptance with God. The first experience of the Ephesus church led to good works. God took delight in the fact that His church reflected the light of heaven by revealing the spirit of Christ in tenderness and compassion. The love that dwelt in the heart of Christ; the love that caused Him to give Himself a sacrifice for humanity, and to suffer with forbearance the reproach of men, even to the extent of being called a devil; the love that prompted Him to perform mighty works of healing during His ministry–this was the love that was to be revealed in the lives of His disciples. {7BC 956.4}

But they neglected to cherish Christ’s compassion and tenderness. Self, as manifested in hereditary traits of character, spoiled the principles of the grand, good works that identified the members of the Ephesus church as Christians. The Lord Jesus must needs show them that they had lost that which was everything to them. The love that constrained the Saviour to die for us, was not revealed in its fullness in their lives; and hence they were unable to bring honor to the name of the Redeemer. And as they lost their first love, they increased in a knowledge of scientific theories originated by the father of lies {7BC 956.5}

As the number of believers multiplied in Jerusalem and in other places visited by the messengers of the cross, the talents possessed by Peter proved of untold value to the early Christian church. The influence of his testimony concerning Jesus of Nazareth extended far and wide. Upon him had been laid a double responsibility. He bore positive witness concerning the Messiah before unbelievers, laboring earnestly for their conversion; and at the same time he did a special work for believers, strengthening them in the faith of Christ. {AA 514.2}

It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32. These words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the faith.

For this work, Peter’s own experience of sin and suffering and repentance had prepared him. Not until he had learned his weakness, could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. Amid the storm of temptation he had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies upon the Saviour. {AA 515.1}

At the last meeting of Christ with His disciples by the sea, Peter, tested by the thrice-repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?” (John 21:15-17), had been restored to his place among the Twelve. His work had been appointed him; he was to feed the Lord’s flock. Now, converted and accepted, he was not only to seek to save those without the fold, but was to be a shepherd of the sheep. {AA 515.2}

Christ mentioned to Peter only one condition of service

“Lovest thou Me?”

This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the flock of God. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, zeal–all are essential in the good work; but without the love of Christ in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure. {AA 515.3}

The love of Christ is not a fitful feeling, but a living principle, which is to be made manifest as an abiding power in the heart. If the character and deportment of the shepherd is an exemplification of the truth he advocates, the Lord will set the seal of His approval to the work. The shepherd and the flock will become one, united by their common hope in Christ. {AA 516.1}

The Saviour’s manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and his brethren. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him had never faltered. And as the apostle should take up the work of ministering the word to others, he was to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Remembering his own weakness and failure, he was to deal with the sheep and lambs committed to his care as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him. {AA 516.2}

Let everyone worship and serve the Lord God, and Him only. Let not selfish pride be lifted up and served as a god. Let not money, service to others, race, tribe, or tongue be made a god. If our thoughts are not kept under the control of the higher powers of the mind, and of Christ’s word, base passion will rule the entire being. Anything that is made the subject of undue thought and admiration, absorbing the mind more than Jesus, is a god chosen before the Lord. God is a searcher of the heart. He distinguishes between true heart-service and idolatry.

Cutting Away the Surplus of Self

God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. (Heb 4:12, ERV)

Practical truth must be brought into the life, and the Word, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must cut away the surplus of self that there is in our characters {7BC 928.9}

Transforming Power of the Word.

The Word makes the proud humble, the perverse meek and contrite, the disobedient obedient. The sinful habits natural to all of us are interwoven with the daily practice. But the Word cuts away the wrong desires. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the mind. {7BC 928.10}

After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold; for “God said, Let Us make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over all the earth. So God created man in His own image; male and female created He them.”

Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions. {PP 44.1}

God created humanity in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that people are or were evolved by slow degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of our very human, very narrow, earthly conceptions.

People are so intent upon excluding God from the sovereignty of the universe that they degrade man and defraud him of the dignity of his origin. He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was “the son of God.” {PP 44.3}

Just like all of the beautiful plants and flowers in Eden created and kept by the power of God (Gen 1:11) we too are God’s crowing creation and are promised that we will be “kept by the power of God.”

At the end of our day, if you are stuck in a rut, its not really about you as much as its about God. Remember that Jesus really does love you and He will care for you and His promise is for you:

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jer 33:3)

Reading Time: 15 minutes

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 16:19)

Sometimes, I must wonder if I should have gotten up in the morning. Sometimes, I do such foolish things. Have you ever been looking for your car keys, and they were in your hand the whole time? Have you ever went running out of the house in a hurry to be on time? Then lock your house keys inside the house. Then arrived late to the appointment you were rushing for. All because you locked yourself out. Lost keys can be a real problem.

There are some Bible Keys that have been “lost.” And the whole time these lost keys are right in our own hands! And that presents a major problem!

Now we will review what one Church teaches about the subject of “the keys.” Since this is where our challenge comes from for this topic. Then we will look at what the Bible says about “the keys.”

“Peter alone receives the keys of the church. He alone is the rock on which the church builds. On the faith of him alone, the faith – even of the other apostles depends; he alone is the shepherd of the whole flock.” (William E Addis and Thomas Arnold, A Catholic Dictionary, pg. 669).

According to the Catholic Church ONLY, all Christians must be subordinate to Peter. “Peter” and his successors, prescribe all the laws the church is to keep. If these laws are not kept, dire results are to follow, as shown by the following:

“While the church lasts, Peter, (and his successors), will hold it’s keys. Peter is the steward to whom the keys belong. He admits to and excludes from the church in his master’s name. In other words, he is the center of the church’s unity. All the way from the great apostle of the Gentiles. Down to the most obscure of the church’s children hold their place and exercise their functions. But in subordination to Peter.” In other words, to the Pope. “What he binds and looses on earth; is bound and loosed in heaven” He is the ultimate judge of what is lawful, and unlawful. He is to lay down the laws and the conditions for communion with the church. For participation in it’s privileges. And for any of the decisions of this Papal tribunal here on earth. All this, is ratified in the heavenly court.” (William E Addis and Thomas Arnold, A Catholic Dictionary, p.669).

These, and many similar statements by the Catholic church affirm the authority claimed. How they teach that Peter was somehow given what they view as some sort of literal “keys of the kingdom.” And whereby they may, at will, wield the “power” thereof. Through the succession of various Popes, these keys are retained and used. Unlike The Dark Ages where no one could have their own copy of the Bible. Rome now boasts that they let their members read the Bible. Have their own copy even. BUT “all authority” is to be from Rome to decide what is truth. So, no one reads the Bible as a Catholic and decides for themselves what is truth. The Pope has the final word on that. I have done Bible studies with people who would say

“let me go ask my Priest first.”

The Bible informs that this “all authority” goes ONLY to Jesus (Mat 28:18) in building up His church. Christ died for the church. (Eph 5:25) It is His Church. His authority alone. No denomination can claim this right. Jesus’ followers are to exhort and rebuke with “all authority.” (Titus 2:15), but that authority is not theirs it is Christs. That we may say at the end of life’s journey:

“Christ Alone”

What Does The Bible Say About Keys?
The Gift Of Keys

Mat 16:19 “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth will is also in heaven.”

The Catholic doctrine of the Petrine supremacy builds upon this and a few other texts. The keys, so their church claims, (and Augustine has affirmed), given to only “Peter,” and no one else.

Were these instruments given only to the authority of only one person? Does the Omnipotent God deliver into the hands of such a capricious character as what Peter at the time was? Should our all-knowing God give to Peter the exclusive authority over the church? To admit or reject which of God’s decrees are lawful, or unlawful? Sinners judging divinity?
Mat 16:18 “I say unto you, Whatsoever ye will bind on earth will be bound in heaven. :and whatsoever ye will loose on earth will be also loosed in heaven.”

This text is bruited by the Catholic Church to bolster their perceived authority for Mat 16:19. But; in this whole chapter INCLUDING THIS VERSE, Jesus is speaking to ALL HIS DISCIPLES. Not one of them!

Jesus now explains to His disciples. His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Jesus calls about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering nearby. Jesus says

“If anyone will come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow Me.”

The cross is associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals had to bear the cross to the place of execution. Often as it was lain upon their shoulders, they resisted. With desperate violence. They experience defeat. The instrument of torture was bound upon them.

But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. (Luke 9:23)

To the disciples His words are understandable. Showing their submission to the most bitter humiliation. Submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Savior’s words have pictured. But all this Jesus had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a desirable place to us in our lost condition.

Jesus left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven’s priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we can be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. {DA 416.3}

The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we come out from the world. We join together for worship. For fellowship. For instruction in the Word. For the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. For service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ alone. Who is the incarnate Word. And from the Scriptures which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live based on the new covenant.

The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church. The faithful of all the ages. The [acquisition] of His blood. Not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. -Fundamental Beliefs, 12

“Keys” are for opening and shutting something. Keys, used by themselves, without the skilled hand to use it, cannot function in their intended use.

It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his Word, and so they do not discern the truth. They have never seen such a contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms. And ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls. Educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth, as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with God’s people. {GC88 565.2}

In the above scriptures mentioned we see that Christ gave the keys of the kingdom to all the disciples. As a group. We use these to provide these “keys” to uplift fallen mankind. Loving our neighbor as ourselves. There is NO EXCUSE to give anyone a bad attitude because they do not see eye to eye with us.

What Are These Keys?

Some, like the Catholic Church, seem to be saying that these keys are some kind of literal keys. Some (authority) that opens something. To tell people what to accept or reject in scripture.

The Bible only tells us that there are two “keys” that will open and close Heaven. It calls these “keys” “Witnesses.” These two witnesses are the Old Testament, and the New Testament. I realize this answer will not be suitable for everyone reading this, but let’s look at it a little closer. Jesus says:

I will give power unto my two witnesses. They will prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days., clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeded out of their mouth, and devours their enemies. If any man will hurt them, he must in this manner die. These have power to shut heaven. That it rains not in the days of their prophecy.: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Rev 11:3-6)

During this time of 1260 years the “two witnesses” are in a state of sackcloth. Or obscurity. God gives them power to endure and maintain their testimony. Through that dark and dismal period. But who or what are these witnesses?

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Rev 11:4)

Evident allusion is here made to Zech 4:11-14. Where it implies that the two olive trees represent the Word of God. David testifies:

“The entrance of Thy words giveth light;” and “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:105.

Written testimony is stronger than spoken. Jesus declared of the Old Testament Scriptures:

“They are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

Some preachers say how the ‘Two Witnesses’ are the Old and New Testaments. The essential purpose of the Scriptures is to give witness to the mercy and verity of God. Our Lord commands.

‘Search the Scriptures, they are they which testify [bear witness] of Me.’ (John 5:39).

This is to the Jews and describes the character and office of the Old Testament. The New Testament is as the giver of testimony.

‘This gospel of the kingdom preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.’

Many other related declarations and considerations are enough. To sustain the conclusion. (Mat 24:14). The Old and New Testaments are Christ’s two witnesses.

This is why we can always say how that there is

“Light in every cloud.”

The light of Christ as contained in His Word will bless the clouds of our experience with God’s light.

The Bible, (OT & NT), is in obscurity during the Dark Ages. People forbidden to read the Bible on their own. But it is only God’s Word, that has His power, (the keys) to open or “shut heaven.” The Bible. God’s Word. If studied and followed will open the doors of Heaven for us. If disregarded, or misinterpreted, it will work the opposite way. The Old and New Testament of the Bible were the “keys” entrusted to all the disciples. To every church member. To every believer in every age, including Peter. But not limited to Peter. There is not a single verse in Scripture to support this concoction of error and deception.

Is There More In The Bible About This?

Luke 11:52 “Woe unto you, lawyers! You have taken away the key to knowledge. You have not entered in yourselves. Them that were entering in you hindered.” {hindered: or forbade}

Christ Himself speaks of “the key” as “the key to knowledge,” on how to enter heaven.

2 Tim 3:15 “how that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation. Through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

It is God’s Word which makes us “wise unto salvation.”

2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture comes by inspiration of God. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

From the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, we get pure doctrine.

“Instruction in righteousness.”

“That the person of God may be perfect, furnished unto all good works.” {perfected} 2 Tim 3:17)

If we want to be true children of God, we must study for ourselves. We must also adhere to the instructions related to us in the Word of God. (John 7:17) Things like perfection and good works will follow on their own. When the Scriptures guide us, this is how “the keys of the kingdom,” will open heaven. We will no longer be “bound” to anything on the earth. Sin will lose its charm, and its power over us. We will then be heaven bound.

St. Augustine An Exemplar

St Augustine had a very deep regard for Scripture. He once said:

“As soon as respect for the Holy Scriptures fails, faith totters. In that which stands plain in Holy Scriptures, we find the whole of faith and morals. I have learned to bring this reverence to the books of Holy Scripture alone. That their authors stay preserved from every error in writing them. Other things are too conspicuous, for sanctity and learning. I read them so that I do not take anything for granted. They supposed it to be true. But they convince me by means of those canonical writers, or on reasonable grounds.” (St Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, De Doctrina Christiana, pg.37, (On Christian Doctrine).

Every professing Christian should have this same deep regard for the Holy Bible. St. Augustine agrees on this matter with some Protestant writers:

“The Bible is received and studied as the voice of God. Telling the human family how to reach the abodes of eternal happiness. How to secure the treasures of heaven. “All scripture is the inspiration of God. Is profitable for doctrine. For reproof. For correction. For instruction in righteousness. That the people of God may be perfect. Furnished unto all good works.”

Are we then so dull that we cannot comprehend it? Should we cultivate a deep hunger for the productions of learned authors. And disregard the word of God? This great longing for something they never ought to crave is at fault. Makes people substitute for knowledge that which cannot make them wise unto salvation.” (EGW in SPTED.148.001)

St. Augustine, and Ellen White both believed in the true “keys of the kingdom.” They refused to follow even writers in their own churches. If their writings were not based on the Holy Bible.

Peter Used the Keys

Acts 2:14 “Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice. He said unto them: Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem. Be this known unto you. Hearken to my words: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
“On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached from the book of Joel. With glorious results – amazing results! (Joel 2:28-32).

The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit

“And it will come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it will come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will have eternal life. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape., as the LORD has said, and among the survivors will be those whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:28-32)

“For David speaks about him. I foresaw the Lord always before my face. For he is on my right hand, that I should not change my mind. Be moved. Thus did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad. My flesh will rest in hope. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:25-27)

Peter proved that Christ was the true Messiah, from the prophecy which David wrote 1,000 years before. As recorded in Psalms 16:8-11.

“To him give all the prophets witness. That through his name whosoever believeth in him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43)

Peter was an enthusiastic Bible student. He was a man of the Word. Peter understood these prophecies. They are very old prophecies. Written many years earlier, revealing the first advent of Christ.

“While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all of them which heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)

The Holy Spirit came upon the Gentile believers who “heard the Word.” Peter shows us how he made good use of the “keys to the kingdom.” as the Bible here opens the hearts of the Gentiles and converts them to Christ!

“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, stand up; I also am a man.” (Acts 10:25)

It was in the home of Cornelius that Peter refused to accept homage of any kind. Had Peter accepted the adoration, Cornelius and his kinsmen being attracted to Peter. Rather than to God. (Acts 20:20) Peter’s refusal to accept worship by others. And his teaching from the Bible, opened the kingdom to the Gentiles. Peter made good use of the two “keys to the kingdom;” by the Old and the New Testaments.

There is the accusation made how even the Bible does not say you should use “only the Bible,” to understand Truth. But Peter did not think so:

“We are born again. Not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever.” (1 Pet 1:23)

The rebirth, or conversion experience. (“the kingdom of God”) is through the incorruptible [seed]. The Word of God. Better known as the Bible that you and I read today. Peter knew the power of this holy book, and it’s two “keys.” Wherever Bible teaching is and accepted. Even today, it releases souls from sin, opens the way to heaven; and reveals Christ crucified to the sinner. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)

“But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel comes unto you.” (1 Pet 1:25)

Peter always preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, based only on the Word of God – the Holy Bible. Thus, we have the two “keys” to the kingdom of God.

Paul Used the Keys to The Kingdom

“For a great door and effectual is open unto me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Cor 15:9)

Once again, the keys, (Word of God), opened the doors to the mission field, for Paul to enter.

“Having so obtained help of God, I continue unto this day. Witnessing both to small and great. Saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:” (Acts 26:22)

Paul’s teachings show what Moses and the prophets had written.

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers. Believing all things are in the law and in the prophets:” (Acts 24:14)

Paul was even accused of heresy, because he had left the popular synagogue, or church, of his day. Paul defended his position. By stating that he worshipped according to whatever the Bible taught. These keys had loosened him from error and had opened the way to heaven for him. This will be the same kind of experience of all, who like Paul, want to enjoy guidance by the Scriptures.

Timothy Given the Keys

2 Tim.4:1-2 “I charge thee thus before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be instant in season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

The charge given to Timothy, by Paul, was to “preach the Word.” Timothy had the same “keys,” the use of which would open hearts to prepare for the judgement. and the coming of the Lord.

2 Tim.4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. After their own desires will they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. ;And they will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn unto fables.”

The Bible records that in time, false teachers would not teach correct doctrines. and they would turn away from hearing the Truth as it is in Jesus. In His Word.

” John 17:17 “Sanctify the through Thy truth; for Thy Word is Truth

What is this Truth that Paul said people would not listen to? It is God’s Word.

Wrong Use of Keys

2 Pet 3:15-16 “And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation. Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you. As also in all his epistles. Speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to understand. The unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other scriptures. Unto their own destruction.”

As Peter said, the wrong application of Scripture will mislead people. And thus, error, instead of truth cherished. The sad results will be destruction, thus the kingdom of heaven shuts. The keys turned the wrong way. Used for the wrong reasons.

In your study of the word, lay at the door of investigation your preconceived opinions. Your hereditary and cultivated ideas. You will never reach the truth if you study the Scriptures to vindicate your own ideas. Leave these at the door, and with a contrite heart go in to hear what the Lord has to say to you. As the humble seeker for truth sits at Christ’s feet, and learns of Him, the word gives him understanding. To those who are too wise in their own conceit to study the Bible. Christ says, you must become meek and lowly in heart if you desire to become wise unto salvation.

Do not read the word in the light of your former opinions. But, with a mind free from prejudice, search it. If, as you read, conviction comes, and you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the word. Do not try to make the word fit these opinions. Make your opinions fit the word. Do not allow what you have believed or practiced in the past to control your understanding. Open the eyes of your mind to behold wondrous things out of the law. Find out what it says, and then plant your feet on the eternal Rock.{MYP 260.1-2}

Your mind is being enlightened. By the opening of God’s word to the understanding. You realize the responsibility to God. And to the world. You will feel that your talents must develop in a way that will produce the very best results. knowing that you are to “show forth the praises” of Him who has called us “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.

While growing in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Pet 3:18) you may realize your own imperfections. Feel your real ignorance. Seek to preserve and put to the stretch the powers of mind, that you may become an intelligent Christian. Imbued with the Spirit of Christ we will grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Without this experience, education loses its true brightness and glory. {CT 37.2}

The entrance of God’s word is the application of divine truth to the heart. Purifying and refining the soul through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The faculties devoted to God, under the guidance of the divine Spirit, develop. Devotion and piety establish such a close relation between Jesus and His disciples. The Christian becomes like Him. Through the power of God, the weak, vacillating character becomes changed.

To one of strength and steadfastness. You become a person of sound principle, clear perception, and reliable, well-balanced judgment.  (2 Cor 5:17) Having a connection with God, the source of light and understanding. Your views unbiased by preconceived opinions, become broader. Discernment more penetrative and farseeing. The knowledge of God. The understanding of His revealed will. As far as human minds can grasp it, will, when received into the character, make an effectual people. {CT 37.3}