FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
THE ‘OPENING WEDGE’ AND ‘RIGHT ARM’ OF THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 7:1, KJV.
“What know ye not that your body is the TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit which [Who] is in you, which [Who] is in you, which [Who] ye have of God, and ye are NOT your own? For we are bought with price [purchased by His life, redeemed by His blood]: therefore glorify God in your BODY [flesh] and in your spirit, [both of] which are God’s [not ours].” 1 Cor. 6: 19, 20.
The genuine health reform [as there are many counterfeits] is the opening wedge of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, in that order. Rev. 14: 6-12. We have been discussing pithy and vital aspects of the third angel’s message and it is necessary to be reminded that the “opening wedge” is in order not only to be physically healthy and be better armed, immune-system-wise, to deal with all kinds of diseases and illnesses but more importantly, to enhance our spiritual discernment and perceptions. Daniel and his three young Hebrew friends prepared for the startling tests and trials and history-changing events that were coming to them of which they had no inkling. But because they faithfully followed God’s instructions without doubt, murmuring, complaining, or hesitation (as their forefathers shamelessly did in the Exodus), under the most unfavorable surroundings and intimidating circumstances as captives denied all rights, the shining record of their quintessential examples as profiles in faith and courage, helped fulfill God’s plans for the nations then and now. They are preserved in God’s Word as an instruction and guide for God’s people throughout all the generations thereafter to be reviewed throughout eternity.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob “who changes not” and “whose Word is forever settled in heaven,” is verily “God in Christ” who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” [not merely tomorrow!].
Thus what the omnipotent and omniscient Creator designed man to be, who alone was “made in the image, and after His likeness” before the fall and well nigh lost after the fall through the curse of sin, is what are restored by the grand plan of salvation from sin of the everlasting gospel.
That the very first test of loyalty administered by their Creator in holy Eden was on appetite and desire, was in no sense whatsoever arbitrary neither by chance nor an afterthought. It was by omniscient foresight and wisdom of the divine Mind.
What Adam and Eve, the parents of mankind were tested on is the same one mankind, particularly those who expect to have free access once more to the tree of life and inherit eternal life, have and are being tested on. This is a very basic requirement in preparing for the second coming of Christ. If is included in the triumphant description of those who receive the seal, the name of the Father in their foreheads: They “that overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil.”
Tomorrow we consider some obvious highlights of the health reform—the opening wedge and right arm of the third angels’ message. Are you ready and willing to consider and accept it, in the light of what is rapidly unfolding in the world at this very time? I hope and pray you will do, but only willingly and voluntarily. God bless, NMF
