MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
June 4, 2025
God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration
THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE – Part 3
First, here’s one of the most succinct, precise, simple, accurate, and pure summation of what the “gospel” means, what it was divinely designed to accomplish once and for all, for the sin and sinner problem.
(All emphasis and bracketed words mine):
“The gospel is a system of practical truths destined to work great changes in human CHARACTER. If it does not work the TRANSFORMATION in life, in habits, and practice, it is NO TRUTH to them who claim to believe it. Man [with fallen, sinful nature] must be SANCTIFIED through the truth. And said Jesus, ‘Thy [God the Father’s] word is truth.’ (John 17:17). UNLESS the truth of God shall lift up man OUT OF his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make his reflect the IMAGE OF GOD [as revealed in Christ’s character], he is LOST.” – Ellen G. White, Letter 14, March 13, 1885.
When carefully compared with the scriptures cited previously, and what Paul declared below, without any preconceived ideas, it is pure, saving truth indeed!:
“But If our gospel be hid, if is hid to them that are lost: 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. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor. 4: 3-5, K.J.V. (Read verses 1-3).
Here is more enlightenment:
“By sin the IMAGE OF GOD in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to RESTORE that which has been lost.” E. G. White, Vol. 5, Testimonies, p. 743.
“When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, FREEDOM from sin. The GLORY, the fulness, the completeness of the GOSPEL PLAN IS FULFILLED in the life.” – Ibid, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420.
To be continued, God willing. Bless all, NMF.