MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
September 21
THE FAITH OF JESUS THAT BELONGS TO THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE
Part 7
“The faith of Jesus. It is long talked of, but not understood [in its true light and fullest sense]. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel’s message [Rev. 14:6-12]?
Jesus becoming our SIN-BEARER that He might become our SIN-PARDONING SAVIOR. He was treated as WE deserve to be treated. He came to our word and took OUR sins that we might take HIS righteousness.
Faith in the ABILITY of Christ to save us AMPLY AND FULLY AND ENTIRELY IS THE FAITH OF JESUS.” [emphasis mine].”- E. G. White, Selected Messages, Vol. 3, 1888 Messages, p. 117.
See Gen. 4:1-16. An Offensive Offering, Sacrifice, and Worship–“The offering of Cain was an offense to God because it was a Christ-less offering. The BURDEN of our message is NOT ONLY the commandments of God, but the FAITH OF JESUS. A bright light [of the Third Angel’s message] shines upon our pathway TODAY, and it leads to an INCREASED FAITH in Jesus. We must receive EVERY ray of light, and WALK in it, that it might not be our condemnation in the [pre-advent Investigative] judgment.
Our duties and obligations become MORE important as we OBTAIN more distinct views of [Present, testing] truth. Light [of present truth] makes manifest and reproves the errors that were CONCEALED in darkness [of ignorance, traditions, superstitions, and false yet popular ‘doctrines of men’]; and as light [of awakening, reproof, conviction] comes, the LIFE AND CHARACTER of men must change CORRESPONDINGLY, to be In HARMONY with it.
Sins that were once sins of IGNORANCE, because of the blindness of the MIND, can no more INDULGED in without incurring GUILT. As increased light is given, men must be REFORMED, ELEVATED, AND REFINED by it, or they will be MORE PERVERSE AND STUBBORN than before the light came.”- Ibid, Gospel Workers, p. 162.
Apostle Paul says, “Faith works by love” (Gal. 5:6), and God’s messenger magnifies and dignifies its result: “and purifies the soul.” Indeed, the faith of Jesus working by love and grace in the heart of the humble sinner will progressively reform, elevate, and refine him in the lifetime work of sanctification, fitting him up for eternity, the “place!”
Christ went “to prepare for him” (John 14:1-3) and to dwell with angels that have never fallen!
To be continued next MWM, God willing. NMF