The Signs of the Times
05-23-95
Thoughts on the First Epistle of John
If we are doers of the word of God, we shall be followers
of Christ, and our lives will be characterized by holiness in aim, holiness
in aspiration, holiness in action, which is progressive sanctification.
We shall have Christlike sympathy for all souls, both saints and sinners;
but with this
experience there will be no vain boasting of our sinlessness.
We shall rather speak in the language of Paul, and say: "Not as though
I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after,
if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ
Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one
thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth
unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many
as be perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this unto you."
The Southern Work
Special Counsels And Cautions In 1899
Page 89
I have thought of Paul, the great minister who was sent
to preach Christ and Him crucified to the Gentiles. On one occasion he
was in a strait betwixt two. He was so weighed down with responsibilities
that he knew not whether he would rather die or live, whether he would
choose for the good of others to abide in the flesh or give up the conflict.
"Brethren," he writes, "I count not myself to have apprehended: but
this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
04-26-81
Sanctification, Christian Character
The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same
standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. He writes to the
Philippians: "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. . . .That I may know him, and the power
of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of
the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect;
but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but
this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which
are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus." There is a striking contrast between the boastful,
self-righteous claims of those who profess to be without sin, and the modest
language of the apostle. Yet it was the purity and faithfulness of his
own life that gave such power to his exhortations to his brethren.
(Australasian) Union Conference Record
01-15-03
A Testimony to Students
You remember the experience of Daniel. He received wisdom
and understanding because he placed himself in right relation with God.
God has intelligence for you, just as He had for Daniel. He has knowledge
for you that is far above all human knowledge. If you stand where Daniel
stood, you will gain a progressive education, and a progressive education
means a progressive sanctification. Such an education will prepare you
to inherit the kingdom that from the foundation of the world has been prepared
for God's faithful ones. As you strive to obtain a knowledge of God, He
will commune with you as He communed with Daniel and his companions, and
will give you power that will prevail.
In Heavenly Places
Complete in Him
Page 66
Happiness is composed of little things and great things.
. . . If we would become like Christ and receive His fashion of character,
we must in little things train the soul to daily progressive sanctification.
We have no time to lose. Would you impress the seal to obtain a clear impression
upon the wax, you do not dash it on by a violent action, but you place
the seal carefully and firmly and press it down until the wax receives
the mold. Just so the Lord is dealing with our souls. . . .
Not now and then, but constantly the new life is implanted
by the Holy Spirit after Christ's likeness.
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
10-12-97
Judas
There are two kinds of experience,--the external showing
and the inward working. The divine and the human were at work in the character
of Judas. Satan was working the human, Christ the divine. Jesus longed
to see Judas rise to his appointed privileges. He had the privilege
of being conformed to the image of Christ's character. This regeneration,
this new birth, would have come to him through a vital connection with
Christ. The Saviour's abiding presence would have been to him a daily renewal
of consecration and progressive sanctification of the entire man. But the
human side of the character of Judas was confused with his religious sentiments,
and was treated by him as essential. By taking this view of things, he
left an open door for Satan to enter and take possession of him.
