TEXT FOR PRAYER

I shall read from Christs Object Lessons page 79, paragraph one: -2TG39 2.1

The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? The old cry is repeated We know that God spake unto Moses as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends] we know not from whence he is. As in earlier ages the special truths for this time are found not with the ecclesiastical authorities but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God. For ye see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. -2TG39 2.2

This reading commands to pray for those who are considered wise for today as in times past the so-called great leaders of religion are on the one hand sounding praises building as it were monuments to Gods servants of centuries before while on the other hand trampling down Gods messengers of their own day They too in effect say We know that God spoke unto Moses as for this fellow we know not from whence He is. We should pray that they realize their mistake of measuring the work of God by the yardstick of man. And pray too that we ourselves not fall unto such a practice. -2TG39 2.3

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Righteousness by Grace, Righteousness by Faith, and the Righteousness of Christ

TEXT OF ADDRESS BY V.T HOUTEF,
MINISTER OF DAVIDIAN 7TH-DAY ADVENTISTS
SABBATH, JULY 31, 1948
WACO, TEXAS

There is much talk among us about righteousness by grace and righteousness by faith also about the righteousness of Christ. But of what profit will all this talk be to us unless we do something to find out what these really are and how to make them our own. We should therefore not fail in this and we cannot fail if we seek the Lord wholeheartedly as we study through the concrete examples which the Spirit of Truth has placed at my hand. -2TG39 3.1

To begin the study I shall read two verses of scripture first from Romans then from Hebrews: -2TG39 3.2

Rom 11:6 — And if by grace then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. -2TG39 3.3

We are called into the election of God says the scripture not because of any good works of our own but through Gods grace. We are therefore invited to become Christians the children of God not because we deserve to be adopted by Him but because of His favor toward us. Indeed there is no other way by which we can be saved for we all have sinned and therefore how can we be saved except He through His grace forgive us our sins and start us out anew? This is what is called a new birth the sum of which is that we deserve no credit for coming into the household of God. The credit is His. -2TG39 3.4

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By our natural birth we are born sinners but by our spiritual birth we are born righteous. As born sinners we serve sin but as born righteous we serve righteousness. Hence it is not by works but by grace that we are what we are. -2TG39 4.1

Heb 11:1 — Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. -2TG39 4.2

By faith not by sight we know that we are the sons of God citizens of His government. And as such we submit ourselves to His rules and laws. As such we honor and revere Him as our Saviour and King. -2TG39 4.3

Let us now for example go back to Noahs day. Noah lived in an exceedingly wicked world as you know. It was so wicked that as merciful as God is He could no longer contain Himself while the wickedness went on. At long last He commanded Noah to build an ark and promised that all whether righteous or wicked who would go into the ark would find deliverance from the awful flood. Since they did not merit such a favor they were therefore offered deliverance from the flood only through righteousness of grace — they were to be credited with righteousness and be given life which they did not merit. Thus we see grace taking occasion to save sinners even back in Noahs day. And so where sin abounded grace did much more abound. Rom. 5:20. -2TG39 4.4

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In Abrahams time too only about 400 years after the flood the world had sunk deep in idol worship and God commanded Abraham to get out of his fathers house out of his idolatrous country and to go to another land a land that was to be for his own and for Gods people only. And as any good or bad who joined Abraham and his God were as freely permitted to enter into the Promised Land as were the antediluvians permitted to enter the ark they too therefore were given righteousness by grace that is they were privileged to take their stand for God with Abraham and to share the blessings but not because of any good works of theirs. Having endured to the end Abraham whose faith failed not became the father of all who through righteousness by grace attain righteousness by faith. Hence you see that righteousness by grace starts us out into righteousness by faith the reward of which is the righteousness of Christ. -2TG39 5.1

Later in history came the time that whosoever good and bad alike joined the Exodus out of Egypt found deliverance from Pharaohs taskmasters and from his pursuing army. This deliverance they obtained not because they deserved deliverance but because of the grace of God toward them. (See Ezekiel 20:1-8.) Thus they all…were under the cloud and all passed through the sea and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea and did all eat the same spiritual meat and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Cor. 10:1-4. Yes through righteousness by grace none were excluded from participating in the blessings then offered. -2TG39 5.2

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Having been given righteousness by grace sufficient to cross the sea and having come into the desert they were then given the finest chance to exercise righteousness by faith. But only those who did exercise righteousness by faith lived on and entered the Promised Land. Those though who made no more use of faith in the desert than they did in Egypt perished in the wilderness. -2TG39 6.1

Finally came the time for the faithful to possess the land. And so it was that only those whose righteousness by faith sustained them crossed the River Jordan. None others did. And for our benefit the Apostle has left this counsel: Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Heb. 4:1, 2. -2TG39 6.2

So far in our study we have seen that God is impartial that He has endeavored to save all peoples at all times in the same way as He is endeavoring to save us that He is not experimenting with Himself — not saving us one way and others another way. -2TG39 6.3

The kingdom was at last set up in the Promised Land and the people were left to continue in righteousness by faith. But as in times past faith again waned and the nation became unbearably wicked — so wicked that God could no longer tolerate it to be called by His name while living in His land. Forthwith both the temple and the palace — the spiritual and the physical — were leveled to the ground and the people were carried away. -2TG39 6.4

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God nevertheless clung to His people as a mother clings to her children and after seven decades having once again extended to them righteousness by grace God gave them the opportunity to return to their homeland where they enjoyed revival and reformation but only for a little while. Rather than continue in righteousness by faith they fell from grace and became seven times worse than their predecessors. -2TG39 7.1

Thus it was that if God was then to save any one member of the nation He could do it only by offering another chance of grace. This time He gave the gift of His only Son Jesus Christ the Saviour upon Whom the iniquities of us all were laid. And hence as mean and as wicked as were both Jew and Gentile they were all invited to the greatest gift of grace the grace which only the life of the Son of God can give. The Apostles themselves were not for any good deed of their own but through this gift of righteousness by grace privileged to partake of the righteousness by faith. -2TG39 7.2

And so the unjust the violators of the law of God have always through righteousness by grace been invited to come into righteousness by faith the only righteousness that actually receives the reward of Christs righteousness and of eternal life. Now says Inspiration the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back My soul shall have no pleasure in him. Heb. 10:38. The just you see live by faith but the unjust by grace. Grace you note is not the final touch of salvation. -2TG39 7.3

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Grace plus faith plus the righteousness of Christ are what earn eternal life. -2TG39 8.1

The law moreover does not save. It condemns sin and upholds righteousness. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20. Being already a sinner man is by the law condemned to death. Only by grace therefore can he be set free from the condemnation of the law. The sinner consequently is a law-breaker and the righteous is a law-keeper. Grace therefore pardons the sinner lets him out of prison so to speak and gives him another chance to overcome sin but faith keeps him free. The sum of the matter is this: Righteousness through grace is righteousness through pardon while righteousness through faith is righteousness through behaving and it is crowned with the righteousness of Christ. -2TG39 8.2

To repeat: Grace pardons our sins and sets us free — gives us another chance to make life what it ought to be. Consequently if you are under grace you are not under the law for grace has made you free from the penalty which the law imposes. -2TG39 8.3

Having failed to attain righteousness by faith the Jews again fell from grace and being by the law condemned to eternal death they were again given grace — a second chance — through the death of the Son of God. Those who availed themselves of the grace came into the Christian church henceforth to remain free and were to sin no more save through mistake mishap or through short-sightedness sins of which we are forgiven if we do not continue therein. -2TG39 8.4

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My little children says Inspiration these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. He that saith I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His Word in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. 1 John 2:1-5. -2TG39 9.1

The Christian church though did not long continue in grace but it too in time fell even lower than the Jewish church. Necessarily something had to be done for her also if any of her members were to be made free and if God was still to have a church on earth. Unquestionably this something was none other than the Protestant Reformation. But since we all know that the Reformation has not yet accomplished its Divinely appointed purpose has not reached the accord and faith which the Church enjoyed on the day of Pentecost it is obvious that another attempt of revival and reformation is an absolute necessity. But to know all this for a certainty we must turn to the more sure word of prophecy to the prophet Ezekiel. -2TG39 9.2

Ezek 4:1, 2 — Thou also son of man take thee a tile and lay it before thee and pourtray upon it the city even Jerusalem: and lay siege against it and build a fort against it and cast a mount against it set the camp also against it and set battering rams against it round about. -2TG39 9.3

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Here the prophet was commanded to portray a city a Jerusalem — the capital of the church. This Jerusalem of course is not really the geographical Jerusalem but a city that stands for what Jerusalem itself stood — the Church scattered throughout the Gentile nations. Moreover Ezekiel himself was actually told that this symbolization is concerning the church while scattered among the Gentiles. (See Ezek. 4:13.) Furthermore Ezekiel is commanded to lay siege against it to take it Now since this Jerusalem stands for the Church while among the Gentiles and since God commands His own servant the prophet to besiege it to protest against it and to take it it is therefore obvious that the Church the Jerusalem here portrayed is shown as having been drawn away from God and that God is endeavoring to rescue her to effect a reformation in her midst. For such cause therefore is Ezekiels siege. -2TG39 10.1

Finally since the Christian church Jerusalem away from its original geographical location was for the first time in history so attacked or besieged by Martin Luther — by the Protestant Reformation — the fulfillment of this prophecy obviously commences with Luther. This fact will be seen throughout the chapter as we continue to study it verse by verse. -2TG39 10.2

Ezek 4:3 — Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it and it shall be besieged and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. -2TG39 10.3

The wall of iron illustrated by the iron pan is a perfect symbol of the separation which existed between Luther and the so-called Jerusalem the Church. This was to be a sign not to Judah the antitypical two-tribe kingdom among the Gentiles but to Israel to the members of the antitypical ten-tribe kingdom while scattered among the nations. -2TG39 10.4

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Ezek 4:4, 5 — Lie thou also upon thy left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity according to the number of the days three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. -2TG39 11.1

To lay ones iniquity upon someone else is to free the sinner from the penalty which he deserves. It is an act which credits the sinner with righteousness which he has not earned and this is what Inspiration calls righteousness by grace. Previously the iniquity of the Jews was laid upon Christ and the nation was given a chance to step out of her death-cell so to speak and to stand free in Christ. Many but not all then availed themselves of this righteousness by grace and stepped into righteousness by faith. This same grace you see was again offered to the church in the sixteenth century for to lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon Ezekiel means practically the same as to lay the iniquity of us all upon Christ. -2TG39 11.2

This grace through Ezekiel continues 390 days — years (Ezek. 4:6). After this period of time the house of Israel the Protestant churches bear their own iniquity that is after this given period of time runs out then this extended grace ceases and there is to be no other. -2TG39 11.3

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Ezekiel then bears their sins no longer. Then is the time in which they must hold fast to righteousness of faith if they are to be rewarded with Christs righteousness and with eternal life. -2TG39 12.1

Ezek 4:6, 7 — And when thou hast accomplished them lie again on thy right side and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year. Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem and thine arm shall be uncovered and thou shalt prophesy against it. -2TG39 12.2

Ezekiel was to lie down on his right side not only for the iniquity of the house of Israel but also for the iniquity of the house of Judah and thus bear their iniquity too for forty years. And so both houses (the whole of Christendom) are given the same chance the same opportunity. The one comes first in time and the other last. Three hundred ninety years of grace are given to the former and 40 years to the latter a total of 430 years. During this period of time they are to triumph over sin and at last to attain righteousness by faith and to be rewarded with the righteousness of Christ. The exact year in which this period of 430 years begins we shall see as we continue our study. -2TG39 12.3

Ezek 4:7, 8 — Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem and thine arm shall be uncovered and thou shalt prophesy against it. And behold I will lay bands upon thee and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another till thou hast ended the days of thy siege. -2TG39 12.4

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The uncovering of Ezekiels arm of course means that the might of the Reformation shall be seen and the sins of Jerusalem shall be laid open — shall be prophesied against. -2TG39 13.1

Moreover the things spoken of here are sure to take place for Ezekiel is bound down so that he cannot turn over and change the symbolization. He cannot get up at will until he has accomplished Gods command until he has ended the days of his siege. Then in the end of this time he is to arise and from then on let everyone bear his own iniquity. Ezekiel therefore while lying down is symbolizing conditions during the Reformation from Luthers time down to the end of the 430 years. Then Ezekiel arises and is made the watchman: Son of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth and give them warning from Me. And since this prophecy is now unfolded for the first time Ezekiel obviously is especially figurative of this final effort of revival and reformation of the effort after Ezekiel is through lying down and while he is up and active. Consequently the same effort which Luther put forth in the sixteenth century is to be carried out in a greater way now in the twentieth century for such is the prophets charge. -2TG39 13.2

The difference between the Reformation during the 430 years and the one after is this: During the 430 years grace lingered whereas after this period of time has run out and while Ezekiel is up those who fail to attain to righteousness by faith will themselves have to pay the price of their sins. No longer are their sins laid upon Ezekiel and no longer is Ezekiel lying down and inactive no longer are they to be excused upon the ground of ignorance after the warning has been sounded in their ears for Ezekiel is plainly told: -2TG39 13.3

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Son of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the Word at My mouth and give them warning from Me. When I say unto the wicked Thou shalt surely die and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way he shall die in his iniquity but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness and commit iniquity and I lay a stumblingblock before him he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning he shall die in his sin and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man that the righteous sin not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned also thou hast delivered thy soul. Ezek. 3:17-21. -2TG39 14.1

Ezek 4:9-11 — Take thou also unto thee wheat and barley and beans and lentils and millet and fitches and put them in one vessel and make thee bread thereof according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof. And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it. Thou shalt drink also water by measure the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink. -2TG39 14.2

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The cereals mentioned in Ezek. 4:9 are six in number and are of course symbolical of spiritual food the food with which the flock has been fed during the 390 years. Six kinds of cereals not only denote six kinds of truths doctrines handed to the flock during the 390 year period but also denote incompleteness of Truth for number seven not six is the Biblical denotation of completeness. They are consequently the doctrines which the reformers brought in: -2TG39 15.1

(1) The doctrine of faith that made the Lutheran denomination (2) the doctrine of the Spirit that made the Presbyterian denomination (3) the doctrine of grace that made the Methodist denomination (4) the doctrine of baptism that made the Baptist denomination (5) the doctrine of the second Advent of Christ that made the First-day Adventist (6) the doctrine of the cleansing of the sanctuary along with the Seventh-day Sabbath that made the Seventh-day Adventists. (All other sects with their additions omissions and deductions have obviously branched from these six denominations.) -2TG39 15.2

One may raise an argument though only a losing one over the denominations here named but one can hardly raise any honest argument against the fact that these six doctrines (cereals) are the main doctrines upon which Protestantism as a whole is built. However be they these or other doctrines the truth that they are only six means that a seventh truth is to be unfolded. Moreover these truths says Inspiration were to be given sparingly by weight — not everything that pertains to the subject — and all Christendom knows that this has been the case. -2TG39 15.3

Ezek 4:12-15 — And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man in their sight. And the Lord said Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles whither I will drive them. Then said I Ah Lord God for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself or is torn in pieces neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth. Then He said unto me Lo I have given thee cows dung for mans dung and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith. -2TG39 15.4

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As the barley cake that smote and ruined the Midianite tent did forecast Divine aid for Gideons victory over the Midianites so the cereals eaten as barley cakes do signify that the truths accepted were as of the Spirit as of Divine origin. In the preparation of them though is where the objectionable part comes in for Inspiration points out that these were baked on dung instead of on wood emphatically denoting that these truths were defiled by men while being prepared for the flock. And what else could the preparation be but the private additions omissions perversions and misapplications by uninspired men who preach from the pulpits on these subjects and who write the so-called pure Bible truths and hand them to the people? -2TG39 16.1

There is no mystery in this for everybody knows that the winds of doctrine blowing from all directions one contradicting the other cannot all be pure Bible truth. The only surprising part is that Inspiration foresaw it so long ago and that no one discovered it before Inspiration Itself did unfold it. -2TG39 16.2

God of course is not holding this against anyone for He says: Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles whither I will drive them. Ezek. 4:13. -2TG39 16.3

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Thus prophecy declares that such has been the spiritual food with which the flock has been fed for 390 years the years during the Reformation. And who can deny it? Are we then still wondering which denomination is dealing out unadulterated Truth to its members? Prophecy declares that none is for such was to be the food for all throughout the 390 years And if they do not get new Heaven-inspired Truth after the 390 years are passed then they must feed on dung baked food forever and die with it. -2TG39 17.1

This I say again should not be a surprise to any for everyone knows that since all the denominations disagree with one another on the doctrines they cannot possibly all be right. It may however be surprising to know that not even one is absolutely right. -2TG39 17.2

The scarcity of even these man-contaminated truths prophecy declares is brought upon the Christian world so that they be astonied that they realize their poverty their need of an absolute truth so that when the Spirit of Truth shall come It shall find a responding chord in the hearts of men else they be consumed away in their iniquity. -2TG39 17.3

To find exactly the beginning of the 430-year period we must first find the year the period ended the year in which antitypical Ezekiel arose and began to sound the warning the year in which the Spirit of Truth unrolled the scroll and brought in an abundance of Divinely inspired pure and unadulterated Truth (not baked upon dung) not by weight and not by measure either — the truths which we have been feasting on from this series of studies and which the Association has so freely and faithfully published in the Timely Greetings and other publications and has scattered world-wide as leaves of Autumn — a phenomenon which the Church has never before seen And when I say as the leaves of Autumn I really mean just that for these leaves — yes millions of them — are dropped everywhere among the Laodiceans unsparingly without price and without obligation. -2TG39 17.4

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This message as some of you already know began to unfold in 1930. Hence if we subtract 430 years from 1930, we are taken back to 1500, the time Martin Luthers call came the time he began to study the Bible the time he started to prepare for the work of the Reformation. This message was therefore by God Himself planned and timed back in Ezekiels time all for your good and mine And how unworthy we are. -2TG39 18.1

As the 430-year period during which our sins were laid upon Ezekiel is behind us we ourselves not Ezekiel are henceforth to be responsible for our sins if we now fail to give heed to the message of the hour and to attain to righteousness by faith. How important then that we not neglect our opportunity now to accept what God sends and to attain to righteousness by faith in order that we be rewarded with the righteousness of Christ. Thus only can we expect to escape the slaughter weapons of the angels and to live and reign with Christ during the thousand years. -2TG39 18.2

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According to this fresh unfolded prophecy there is to be no other chance you see no other opportunity for the Laodiceans the house of Judah. This message to the Laodiceans therefore is the last message their final chance Awake awake put on thy strength O Zion put on thy beautiful garments O Jerusalem the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean…. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings that publisheth peace that bringeth good tidings of good that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion Thy God reigneth1, 7. “-2TG39 19.1

Since we have seen that the 430 years ended in 1930, we had better now find out when the 390 years ended the time the 40 years of grace began. To find this date we subtract 40 years from 1930, which takes us back to 1890. What happened then to mark the beginning of the 40 years? — Just this: The denomination then wholly rejected the message that was to unfold the truth of righteousness by faith and the righteousness of Christ the very truth that again began to unfold years later the Truth that we are now feasting on God in His mercy therefore laid their iniquity upon the prophet Ezekiel during those 40 years — gave them a chance through righteousness by grace so that they might have opportunity now to enter into righteousness by faith and thus reap the reward of the righteousness of Christ. -2TG39 19.2

Here we see that history repeats itself: Ancient Israels giving ear to the evil report which the ten spies brought caused them to lose faith in the power of God and did therefore set themselves back 40 years from entering the Promised Land. -2TG39 19.3

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In like manner the Denomination you see has from 1890 to 1930 been wandering in the wilderness as it were. They have we might say been put on trial. Here is where you plainly see that the ancient wilderness wandering was typical. Here type meets antitype. And their rejecting righteousness by faith you perceive did not mean that God was defeated and that He would therefore never again bring to us the same Truth which could have been theirs forty years ago. -2TG39 20.1

Moreover just as those who in Moses time refused to advance by faith died in the wilderness so the men who in the years 1888-1890 were responsible for refusing to advance in Truth died before God came back with it the second time. Finally as the second ancient effort to take the land succeeded immediately after Achan the last sinner in that day was stoned so the second effort of today must too succeed right after the Achans of today are destroyed by the angels of Ezekiel Nine. -2TG39 20.2

What a rebuke for the leading brethren this is And how little chance they stand if they continue blindly to fight back The laity though who come in contact with this Truth could be of great help to them if instead of consenting to the oppositions unreasonable demand that the laity give up studying these scriptures upon threat of losing their membership they would themselves demand from the opposition a better or at least an equally reasonable exposition of the scriptures in question rather than give up. Foolish it is to reject Truth in order to retain your name in Laodicea. Better to accept the Truth and retain your name in the Lambs Book of Life. -2TG39 20.3

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I say it is foolish to reject Truth merely on someones say so rather than to go to God in prayer and to act in harmony with your own convictions through the Spirit that leads into all Truth. To do otherwise is to deny any personal connection with Heaven and to put your trust in man to make flesh your arm. Isa. 2:22. Do not therefore let the enemy talk you out of this Truth especially in the face of the fact that the opposition has nothing substantial nothing authoritative or official nothing to take its place. And how foolish for one to try to ascertain Truth by the mind of the opposition There would be some sense in going for help to someone who is unbiased but never any sense in going to one who is as opposed to this Truth as were the priests scribes and Pharisees opposed to Christs teachings. -2TG39 21.1

If you do not see every point as clearly as you would like why not take the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy? Let me read to you a few paragraphs: -2TG39 21.2

…if a message comes that you do not understand take pains that you may hear the reasons the messenger may give comparing scripture with scripture that you may know whether or not it is sustained by the word of God. If you believe that the positions taken have not the word of God for their foundation if the position you hold on the subject cannot be controverted then produce your strong reasons for your position will not be shaken by coming in contact with error. There is no virtue or manliness in keeping up a continual warfare in the dark closing your eyes lest you may see closing your ears lest you may hear hardening your heart in ignorance and unbelief lest you may have to humble yourselves and acknowledge that you have received light on some points of truth. — Counsels on Sabbath School Work pg. 29. -2TG39 21.3

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Precious light is to shine forth from the word of God and let no one presume to dictate what shall or what shall not be brought before the people in the messages of enlightenment that He shall send and so quench the Spirit of God. Whatever may be his position of authority no one has a right to shut away the light from the people. When a message comes in the name of the Lord to His people no one may excuse himself from an investigation of its claims. No one can afford to stand back in an attitude of indifference and self-confidence and say: I know what is truth. I am satisfied with my position. I have set my stakes and I will not be moved away from my position whatever may come. I will not listen to the message of this messenger for I know that it cannot be truth. It was from pursuing this very course that the popular churches were left in partial darkness and that is why the messages of heaven have not reached them. — Id. pg. 28. -2TG39 22.1

There is yet much precious truth to be revealed to the people in this time of peril and darkness but it is Satans determined purpose to prevent the light of truth from shining into the hearts of men. If we would have the light that has been provided for us we should show our desire for it by diligently searching the word of God. Precious truths that have long been in obscurity are to be revealed in a light that will make manifest their sacred worth for God will glorify His word that it may appear in a light in which we have never before beheld it. But those who profess to love the truth must put to the stretch their powers that they may comprehend the deep things of the word that God may be glorified and His people may be blessed and enlightened. With humble hearts subdued by the grace of God you should come to the task of searching the Scriptures prepared to accept every ray of divine light and to walk in the way of holiness. — Id pg. 25. -2TG39 22.2

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Moreover you never see the whole world at a glance. You only see a part of it at a time. Likewise you cannot expect to see the whole Truth all at once but only a little at a time. Cling to that little and as you continue in prayer and study it will all become as clear as the sun and you will begin to comprehend the subject in its entirety. -2TG39 23.1

Brother Sister no longer pass up your opportunity. Act now and make peace with God. Flee now from the abominations and take your stand at Gods right hand if you wish His blessing and life forevermore. Today if ye will hear His voice harden not your hearts. Heb 4:7. Realize that God Himself is speaking to you that these are not mortal words not myths that this is a message which has remained sealed through the centuries and which is now unsealed and brought to you as fresh as lilies covered with summers dew. -2TG39 23.2

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One of the most important parts of this study you see is the fact that during the 430 years — from 1500 to 1930 — the iniquity of us all has been laid on the prophet of God. I say because of this abundant grace that has prevailed all through the years we are permitted to be here today. Men though have taken advantage of Gods grace and have come to think that He has forsaken the earth that He has left us to do as we will and to get along as best we can. We all will change our minds as soon as Gods forewarning is completed. -2TG39 24.1

Hence those Laodiceans who would avail themselves of the opportunity to partake of this feast of fresh and unadulterated meat in due season who would now at the last call hold to the righteousness by grace already given them — they all may enter into the righteousness by faith that is to be rewarded with the righteousness of Christ and thus crowned with eternal life. Obviously all others will have to bear their own iniquity and pay their own penalty. They will have to perish. -2TG39 24.2

True you think you have need of nothing but God Who really knows says you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked in need of everything. Would you not take His advice and anoint your eyes with the eyesalve that you may see? -2TG39 24.3

Finally when the warning message has reached the people then those who do not profit by it who do not reform — who fail to sigh and cry for all the abominations in the midst thereof — then it is that those who do not now attain to righteousness by faith shall find themselves without the mark. They will consequently have to pay the penalty for their sins perish under the slaughter weapons of the angels. (Read Ezekiel Nine Testimonies For The Church Vol. 3, pp. 266, 267 Testimonies For The Church Vol. 5, pp. 210, 211.) -2TG39 24.4

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Plainly the house of Judah since 1930 stands in the same need as the house of Israel stood after 1890. They all now need the message of today if they expect to have a home in the kingdom of God. Moreover it is plain to see that what the house of Judah failed to accomplish after 1890 we must now accomplish against greater odds and in less time. -2TG39 25.1

The lessons that are taught in this chapter are these: First it is pointed out that the period of righteousness by grace is now in the past that we have now come to the time in which our safety lies only in practicing righteousness by faith if we expect to be rewarded with the righteousness of Christ and crowned with eternal life. The second lesson teaches that the Church does not yet have all the Truth and that which she does have is contaminated baked on dung. Hence the great need that we have Inspired Truth from the Throne of God for with it we are saved and without it we are lost. -2TG39 25.2

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