Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal deception. If you would understand it, you must cease haggling over your pet ideas, and with humble hearts survey the atonement.
This matter is so dimly comprehended that thousands upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of the wicked one, because they depend on their own works. God always demanded good works — the law demands it — but because man placed himself in sin, where his good works became valueless, Jesus’ righteousness alone can avail. (1SM Ch. 37)
The Message of Justification by Faith
“The present message — justification by faith — is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.” (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889; COR 73.5)
“The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought.” (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889; COR 73.6)
“The sweetest melodies that come from human lips are justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ.” (COR 73.7)
Justification by faith is God’s way of saving sinners — His way of convicting sinners of their guilt, their condemnation, and their utterly undone and lost condition. It is also God’s way of canceling their guilt, delivering them from the condemnation of His divine law, and giving them a new and right standing before Him and His holy law. Justification by faith is God’s way of changing weak, sinful, defeated men and women into strong, righteous, victorious Christians. (COR 65.1)
This wondrous transformation can be wrought only by the grace and power of God, and it is wrought only for those who lay hold of Christ as their substitute, their surety, their Redeemer. Therefore it is said that they “keep the faith of Jesus.” (COR 66.3)
This reveals the secret of their rich, deep experience. They laid hold of the faith of Jesus — that faith by which He triumphed over the powers of darkness.
To fail to enter into this experience will be to miss the real, vital, redeeming virtue of the third angel’s message. Unless this experience is gained, the believer will have only the theory, the doctrines, the forms, and the activities of the message. That will prove a fatal and awful mistake. The theory, the doctrines, even the most earnest activities of the message, cannot save from sin, nor prepare the heart to meet God in judgment. (COR 68.4)
“The sum and substance of the whole matter of Christian grace and experience is contained in believing on Christ, in knowing God and His Son whom He hath sent.” “Religion means the abiding of Christ in the heart, and where He is, the soul goes on in spiritual activity, ever growing in grace, ever going on to perfection.” (The Review and Herald, May 24, 1892; COR 74.3)
The Danger of a Dead Theory
“Many present the doctrines and theories of our faith, but their presentation is as salt without savor, for the Holy Spirit is not working through their faithless ministry. They have not opened the heart to receive the grace of Christ; they know not the operation of the Spirit; they are as meal without leaven, for there is no working principle in all their labor, and they fail to win souls to Christ. They do not appropriate the righteousness of Christ; it is a robe unworn by them, a fullness unknown, a fountain untouched.” (The Review and Herald, November 29, 1892; COR 77.3)
“Our doctrines may be correct; we may hate false doctrine, and may not receive those who are not true to principle; we may labor with untiring energy; but even this is not sufficient…. A belief in the theory of the truth is not enough. To present this theory to unbelievers does not constitute you a witness for Christ.” (The Review and Herald, February 3, 1891; COR 78.4)
“The trouble with our work has been that we have been content to present a cold theory of the truth.” (The Review and Herald, May 28, 1889; COR 79.1)
“How much more power would attend the preaching of the word today, if men dwelt less upon the theories and arguments of men, and far more upon the lessons of Christ, and upon practical godliness.” (The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890; COR 79)
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience, a theoretical knowledge of the truth has proved insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness.
A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists.
The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory. (COR 79.5)
The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it; therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth.
“Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.” (The Desire of Ages, 309–310; COR 80.1)
In the lives of many of those whose names are on the church books, there has been no genuine change. The truth has been kept in the outer court. There has been no genuine conversion, no positive work of grace done in the heart. Their desire to do God’s will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God.
“They profess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal acquaintance with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal many blemishes.” (The Review and Herald, July 7, 1904; COR 81.1)
“A cold, legal religion can never lead souls to Christ, for it is a loveless, Christless religion.” (The Review and Herald, March 20, 1894; COR 82.1)
The saving salt is the pure first love, the love of Jesus, the gold tried in the fire. When this is left out of the religious experience, Jesus is not there; the light, the sunshine of His presence, is not there. What, then, is the religion worth? Just as much as the salt that has lost its savor. It is a loveless religion. Then there is an effort to supply the lack by busy activity — a zeal that is Christless. (The Review and Herald, February 9, 1892; COR 82.2)
“It is possible to be a formal, partial believer, and yet be found wanting, and lose eternal life. It is possible to practice some of the Bible injunctions, and be regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you are lacking in essential qualifications that constitute Christian character.” (The Review and Herald, January 11, 1887; COR 82.4)
“To subscribe the name to a church creed is not of the least value to anyone if the heart is not truly changed…. Men may be church members, and may apparently work earnestly, performing a round of duties from year to year, and yet be unconverted.” (The Review and Herald, February 14, 1899; COR 83.1)
“While we are encased in self-righteousness, and trust in ceremonies, and depend on rigid rules, we cannot do the work for this time.” (The Review and Herald, May 6, 1890; COR 84.2)
Chapter 9: The Great Truth Lost Sight Of
That such a fundamental, all-embracing truth as imputed righteousness — justification by faith — should be lost sight of by many professing godliness and entrusted with Heaven’s final message to a dying world, seems incredible; but such, we are plainly told, is a fact. (COR 87.1)
“The doctrine of justification by faith has been lost sight of by many who have professed to believe the third angel’s message.” (The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889; COR 87.2)
“There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject [justification by faith] that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare.” (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889; COR 87.3)
“What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness, of those who feel rich and increased with goods? It is the want of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condition they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with Christ’s righteousness. Could deception be greater?” (The Review and Herald, August 7, 1894; COR 90.2)
“This I do know, that our churches are dying for the want of teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on kindred truths.” (Gospel Workers, 301; COR 93.4)
We have transgressed the law of God, and by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified. The best efforts that man in his own strength can make are valueless to meet the holy and just law that he has transgressed; but through faith in Christ he may claim the righteousness of the Son of God as all-sufficient. (COR 96.6)
Christ satisfied the demands of the law in His human nature. (COR 96.7)
He bore the curse of the law for the sinner, made an atonement for him, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (COR 96.8)
He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. (COR 96.10)
“Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (The Review and Herald, July 1, 1890; COR 97.1)
The Faith of Jesus
The third angel’s message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness. (1888 217.3)
“The faith of Jesus.” It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus that belongs to the third angel’s message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. Faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply, fully, and entirely is the faith of Jesus. (1888 217.4)
“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29).
Faith works. Time would fail to tell of those “who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, … out of weakness were made strong” (Hebrews 11:33–34). (WOR 18.4)
Christ dwells in the heart by faith (Ephesians 3:17), and because He is our righteousness, “He also is become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). (WOR 18.4)
Looking Away From Self
We must learn in the school of Christ. Nothing but His righteousness can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. We have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not received them, because we have cherished the idea that we could do something to make ourselves worthy of them. We have not looked away from ourselves, believing that Jesus is a living Saviour. We must not think that our own grace and merits will save us; the grace of Christ is our only hope of salvation. (2TT 91.4)
We look to self, as though we had power to save ourselves; but Jesus died for us because we are helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. We should not despond, and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is carrying on His work in our behalf, inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness, and be saved. We dishonor Him by our unbelief. It is astonishing how we treat our very best Friend, how little confidence we repose in Him who is able to save to the uttermost, and who has given us every evidence of His great love. (2TT 92.1)
My brethren, are you expecting that your merit will recommend you to the favor of God, thinking that you must be free from sin before you trust His power to save? If this is the struggle going on in your mind, I fear you will gain no strength, and will finally become discouraged. (2TT 92.2)
You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. (2TT 93.2)
Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us. (2TT 93.2)
Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed, before they can claim His blessing. But these dear souls may claim His blessing even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot form a Christian character. Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are — sinful, helpless, dependent. (2TT 93.3)
While they think they are committing themselves to God, there is a great deal of self-dependence. There are conscientious souls that trust partly to God, and partly to themselves. They do not look to God to be kept by His power, but depend upon watchfulness against temptation and the performance of certain duties for acceptance with Him. There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the feet of Jesus. (2TT 94.2)
We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to merit our salvation through ourselves or our good works; but when, as erring, sinful beings, we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love. God will accept everyone who comes to Him trusting wholly in the merits of a crucified Saviour. (2TT 94.3)
We look to self, as though we had power to save ourselves; but Jesus died for us because we are helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. We should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is carrying on His work in our behalf, inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved. We dishonor Him by our unbelief. It is astonishing how we treat our very best Friend, how little confidence we repose in Him who is able to save to the uttermost, and who has given us every evidence of His great love. (CCh 47.5)
My brethren, are you expecting that your merit will recommend you to the favor of God, thinking that you must be free from sin before you trust His power to save? If this is the struggle going on in your mind, I fear you will gain no strength, and will finally become discouraged. (CCh 48.1)
You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. (CCh 48.4)
Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us. (CCh 48.4)
The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.” (The Signs of the Times, March 6, 1893, par. 7)
The Danger of Confused Ideas on Justification
Some seek earnestly to find something to sustain the doctrine of justification through the works of the law, and wander in a tangle of condemnation, bitterness, and constant uncertainty. They fail to receive the light which God has given them, and their recompense is darkness. (The Bible Echo, August 26, 1895, par. 8)
What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. When they begin to praise and exalt God all the day long, then by beholding they are becoming changed into the same image. What is regeneration? It is revealing to man what is his own real nature — that in himself he is worthless. (Sp T Ser. A, No. 9, 62.2)
The danger has been presented to me again and again of entertaining, as a people, false ideas of justification by faith. I have been shown for years that Satan would work in a special manner to confuse the mind on this point. The law of God has been largely dwelt upon and has been presented to congregations almost as destitute of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His relation to the law as was the offering of Cain.
I have been shown that many have been kept from the faith because of the mixed, confused ideas of salvation, because the ministers have worked in a wrong manner to reach hearts. The point which has been urged upon my mind for years is the imputed righteousness of Christ. I have wondered that this matter was not made the subject of discourses in our churches throughout the land, when the matter has been kept so constantly urged upon me, and I have made it the subject of nearly every discourse and talk that I have given to the people. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 3)
Many young men are sent forth to labor who do not understand the plan of salvation and what true conversion is; in fact, they need to be converted. We need to be enlightened on this point, and the ministers need to be educated to dwell more particularly upon subjects which explain true conversion. All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted. There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 5)
Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God, or in the gift of God to us, through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic who does penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 8)
It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 8)
The light given me of God places this important subject above any question in my mind. Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do. The matter has been presented before me in clear lines that if the rich man has money and possessions, and he makes an offering of the same to the Lord, false ideas come in to spoil the offering — by the thought that he has merited the favor of God, that the Lord is under obligation to him to regard him with special favor because of this gift. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 9)
Discussions may be entered into by mortals strenuously advocating creature merit, each man striving for the supremacy, but they simply do not know that all the time, in principle and character, they are misrepresenting the truth as it is in Jesus. They are in a fog of bewilderment. They need the divine love of God which is represented by gold tried in the fire; they need the white raiment of Christ’s pure character; and they need the heavenly eyesalve, that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life.
There may be a fervor of labor and an intense affection, high and noble achievement of intellect, a breadth of understanding, and the humblest self-abasement, laid at the feet of our Redeemer; but there is not one jot more than the grace and talent first given of God. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 17)
If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man, and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul, or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 18)
Any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness. My requests are made acceptable only because they are laid upon Christ’s righteousness. The idea of doing anything to merit the grace of pardon is fallacy from beginning to end. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 19)
When men learn they cannot earn righteousness by their own merit or works, and they look with firm and entire reliance upon Jesus Christ as their only hope, there will not be so much of self and so little of Jesus.
Souls and bodies are defiled and polluted by sin, the heart is estranged from God, yet many are struggling in their own finite strength to win salvation by good works. Jesus, they think, will do some of the saving; they must do the rest. They need to see by faith the righteousness of Christ as their only hope for time and for eternity. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 23)
Divine power and the human agency combined will be a complete success, for Christ’s righteousness accomplishes everything. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 26)
When men think the Lord has made a mistake in their individual cases, and they appoint their own work, they will meet with disappointment. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 27)
It is the bewitching power of Satan that leads men to look to themselves in the place of looking to Jesus. The righteousness of Christ must go before us if the glory of the Lord becomes our rereward. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 28)
The Message Through Waggoner and Jones
The Lord, in His great mercy, sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety. (PH154 35.2)
All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. (PH154 35.2)
“The present message — justification by faith — is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.” (6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 4)
If our brethren were all laborers together with God, they would not doubt that the message He has sent us during these last two years is from heaven. Suppose that you blot out the testimony that has been coming during these past two years proclaiming the righteousness of Christ — to whom can you point as bringing out special light for the people? (6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 5)
Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed, for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there would not now be a necessity of calling especial attention to it. Some of our brethren are not receiving the message from God upon this subject. (6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 6)
Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, “It is the third angel’s message in verity.” (6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 6)
God has raised up His messengers to do His work for this time. Some have turned from the message of the righteousness of Christ to criticize the men and their imperfections, because they do not speak the message of truth with all the grace and polish desirable. They have too much zeal, are too much in earnest, speak with too much positiveness — and the message that would bring healing and life and comfort to many weary, oppressed souls is, in a measure, excluded. (6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 7)
“The doctrine of justification has been lost sight of by many who have professed to believe the third angel’s message. God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this time who will cry aloud, who will lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Their work is not only to proclaim the law, but to preach the truth for this time — the Lord our Righteousness.” (The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889; 6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 9)
Self-Justification and Its Dangers
God calls them to repentance, while unconsecrated, unconverted men, as bodies of darkness, call their attention from the necessity of repentance to self-justification. These cunning speeches serve the purpose of Satan. Self-inflated, self-deceived souls are deceiving others. (PH155 9.2)
Meetings that should have been meetings of confession and humiliation have been meetings of self-justification. A spirit of coldness, of irreverence, of lightness was with many. And while it is called today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation in the wilderness. (PH155 9.2)
The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther, had been almost wholly lost sight of, and the Romish principle of trusting to good works for salvation had taken its place. (GC88 253.3)
When Charles Wesley at one time fell ill, and anticipated that death was approaching, he was asked upon what he rested his hope of eternal life. His answer was, “I have used my best endeavors to serve God.” As the friend who had put the question seemed not to be fully satisfied with his answer, Wesley thought, “What! Are not my endeavors a sufficient ground of hope? Would he rob me of my endeavors? I have nothing else to trust to.” Such was the dense darkness that had settled down on the church, hiding the atonement, robbing Christ of His glory, and turning the minds of men from their only hope of salvation — the blood of the crucified Redeemer. (GC88 253.4)
By the most diligent and prayerful efforts they endeavored to subdue the evils of the natural heart. They lived a life of self-denial, charity, and humiliation, observing with great rigor and exactness every measure which they thought could be helpful to them in obtaining what they most desired — that holiness which could secure the favor of God. But they did not obtain the object which they sought. In vain were their endeavors to free themselves from the condemnation of sin or to break its power. (GC88 254.1)
When Saul turned away from the reproof sent him by God’s Holy Spirit, and persisted in his stubborn self-justification, he rejected the only means by which God could work to save him from himself. He had willfully separated himself from God. He could not receive divine help or guidance until he should return to God by confession of his sin. (PP 633.3)
That rest is found when all self-justification is put away, and an entire surrender is made to Christ, to be and do only what He wills. Those who do not comply with these conditions cannot find rest. (The Signs of the Times, July 6, 1904, par. 5)
The Third Angel’s Message Moving Forward
Some who will gossip over the Bible subject of justification by faith, and cavil and question and throw out their objections, do not know what they are talking about. They do not know that they are placing themselves as bodies of darkness to intercept the bright rays of light which God has determined shall come to His people. And they will come; the third angel’s message is to go forth with power, filling the earth with its glory. And what is man, that he can work against God? He may choose the darkness, he may love the darkness and be left enshrouded in darkness; but the message is to go forward in power, even if some refuse to advance with it. (6LtMs, Ms 22, 1889, par. 43)
Recently we have been hearing the precious doctrine of justification by faith. This is not a new doctrine, for Paul declares, “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). But it has been buried under the rubbish of error, and now, by diligent, persevering effort, it has been rescued, and placed in the framework of truth. (6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 14)
There is great need that Christ should be preached as the only hope and salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented at the Rome meeting, it came to many as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought. The enemy of man and God is not willing that this truth should be clearly presented, for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken. (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889, par. 12)
Their words of self-justification are registered against them in heavenly records, there to stand until they repent and confess their evil doings. (The Review and Herald, March 12, 1895, par. 10)
The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification. (The Signs of the Times, May 19, 1898, par. 13)
I felt that I could claim only what they called justification. In the word of God I read that without holiness no man should see God. Then there was some higher attainment that I must reach before I could be sure of eternal life. I studied over the subject continually, for I believed that Christ was soon to come, and feared He would find me unprepared to meet Him. Words of condemnation rang in my ears day and night, and my constant cry to God was, “What shall I do to be saved?” (Life Sketches, 29.2)
Attended ministers’ meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst. Several bore testimony of the blessings received during the past year, of the blessed light they had received and cherished, which was justification through faith. They were delivered from bondage and had realized the rich blessing of God. (6LtMs, Ms 22, 1889, par. 10)
Justification and the Fruits of Grace
These duties performed are not the means of salvation, not a way to earn justification, not the price we pay for heaven; they are the fruits that appear on the branch connected with the living Vine — the natural result of abiding in the Vine. None of these graces is it possible for us to produce ourselves. We are to be fruit-bearing branches. “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8), said Jesus. (6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, par. 41)
The grace of Christ is freely given to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt God’s forgiving grace. (The Signs of the Times, May 19, 1898, par. 11)
We are to come to God, not in a spirit of self-justification, but with humility, repenting of our sins. He is able to help us, and willing. (The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903, par. 5)
We look to self, as though we had power to save ourselves; but Jesus died for us because we are helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. (Gospel Workers ’92, 412.2)
The themes of justification by faith, the righteousness of Christ, should be presented in our schools, that the youth and children may understand these important subjects, and teachers and scholars may know the way of salvation. Sacred and eternal principles connected with the plan of salvation have long been lost from sight, but they must be restored to their proper place in the plan of salvation, and made to appear in their heavenly light, and penetrate the moral darkness in which the world is enshrouded. (TSS 52.1)
Some seek earnestly to find something to sustain the doctrine of justification through the works of the law, and wander in a tangle of condemnation, bitterness, and constant uncertainty. They fail to receive the light which God has given them, and their recompense is darkness. The search which they commenced in unbelief, they finish with a deeper and more settled unbelief. Is there any light, and peace, and faith, and assurance, and victory for them while taking this course? (The Bible Echo, August 26, 1895, par. 8)
The pardon of sin, justification by faith in Jesus Christ, access to God only through a mediator because of their lost condition, their guilt and sin — of these truths the people had little conception. In a great measure they had lost a knowledge of God and of the only way to approach Him. They had lost nearly all sense of what constitutes sin and of what constitutes righteousness. (The Review and Herald, April 22, 1902, Art. A, par. 1)
But when I learned that I could come to Jesus just as I was, that the Saviour had come to ransom just such unworthy sinners, then light broke upon my darkness, and I could claim the promises of God. (The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1876, par. 6)
Faith in Christ is the only condition upon which justification can be received, and the gift is bestowed only upon those who realize that they are sinners, and undeserving of mercy. (The Youth’s Instructor, March 1, 1900, par. 1)
We are having most excellent meetings. The spirit that was in the meeting at Minneapolis is not here. All moves off in harmony. There is a large attendance of delegates. Our five o’clock morning meeting is well attended, and the meetings good. All the testimonies to which I have listened have been of an elevating character. They say that the past year has been the best of their life; the light shining forth from the Word of God has been clear and distinct — justification by faith, Christ our righteousness. The experiences have been very interesting. (6LtMs, Ms 10, 1889, par. 2)
A Doctrine Essential to a Church’s Health
Justification by faith must act a prominent part in the growth and healthful condition of any church. He who fails to recognize in all its fullness this point of scriptural doctrine fails to recognize, in all humility, that we are not sufficient of ourselves in the great combat with the powers of darkness. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1889, par. 7)
It has been necessary to exalt the great standard of righteousness, but in doing this, many have neglected to preach the faith of Jesus. (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1890)
“The doctrine of justification has been lost sight of by many who have professed to believe the third angel’s message. God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this time who will cry aloud, who will lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Their work is not only to proclaim the law, but to preach the truth for this time — the Lord our Righteousness.” (The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889; 6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, pars. 8–9)
The light given me of God places this important subject above any question in my mind. Justification is wholly of grace, and not procured by any works that fallen man can do. The matter has been presented before me in clear lines that if the rich man has money and possessions, and he makes an offering of the same to the Lord, false ideas come in to spoil the offering — by the thought that he has merited the favor of God, that the Lord is under obligation to him to regard him with special favor because of this gift. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 9)
I am sorry that so many are doubtful in regard to justification by faith, and that some are standing in opposition to the light that God has given on this subject. Sinners are committed for trial. (17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 9)
Some in our day, by their attitude toward the law as revealed in Galatians, have brought a sad chapter into their life experience. Let none repeat the past. Let none indulge in speculative theories or call attention to things that do not pertain to the solemn work of deciding their own eternal destiny. The twenty-third chapter of Matthew describes the condition of those who are so blinded spiritually that they cannot discern the relative importance of things which they should understand. (17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 12)
Christ’s righteousness has been misrepresented by some in positions of responsibility who, supposing they were doing God’s service, have done things which show that they are spiritually blind. Men have been overbearing and imperious in spirit, and their wrong course of action, their lack of principle, will cause them to be denounced by the Lord as surely as the Pharisees were denounced. The woes that fell on the Pharisees will verily fall on all who are engaged in a like work, unless they repent. (17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 13)
A Solemn Warning
This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. (PH154 35.2)
I would speak in warning to those who have stood for years resisting light and cherishing the spirit of opposition. How long will you hate and despise the messengers of God’s righteousness? God has given them His message. They bear the word of the Lord. There is salvation for you, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ. The grace of the Holy Spirit has been offered you again and again. Light and power from on high have been shed abundantly in the midst of you. Here was evidence that all might discern whom the Lord recognized as His servants. But there are those who despised the men and the message they bore. They have taunted them with being fanatics, extremists, and enthusiasts. Let me prophesy unto you: unless you speedily humble your hearts before God, and confess your sins, which are many, you will, when it is too late, see that you have been fighting against God. (PH154 41.1)
Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, no longer unto reformation and pardon, you will see that these men whom you have spoken against have been as signs in the world, as witnesses for God. Then you would give the whole world if you could redeem the past, and be just such zealous men, moved by the Spirit of God to lift your voice in solemn warning to the world, and like them, to be in principle firm as a rock. Your turning things upside down is known of the Lord. Go on a little longer as you have gone, in rejection of the light from heaven, and you are lost. “The man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation.” (PH154 41.1)
I have no smooth message to bear to those who have been for so long as false guide-posts, pointing the wrong way. If you reject Christ’s delegated messengers, you reject Christ. Neglect this great salvation, kept before you for years, despise this glorious offer of justification through the blood of Christ, and sanctification through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, and there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. I entreat you now to humble yourselves, and cease your stubborn resistance of light and evidence. Say unto the Lord, “Mine iniquities have separated between me and my God. O Lord, pardon my transgressions. Blot out my sins from the book of Thy remembrance.” Praise His holy name, there is forgiveness with Him, and you can be converted, transformed. (PH154 42.1)
The Minneapolis and 1888 Meetings
Elders A. T. Jones, J. O. Corliss, and others took an active part in conducting the meetings. The principal topic dwelt upon was justification by faith, and this truth came as meat in due season to the people of God. The living oracles of God were presented in new and precious light. (The Review and Herald, February 12, 1889, par. 1)
Their offerings were accepted, their faith was directed to Christ our Righteousness, and the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, has been revealed to their souls. Personal efforts have been made to reach those who were backslidden and enshrouded in darkness. But while many have found light and peace, there are still others in this large church who need a deep work of grace wrought in their hearts. (The Review and Herald, February 12, 1889, par. 2)
The Spirit of the Lord, with its still, small voice, invites sinners to come to Christ, saying, “Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?” “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (The Review and Herald, February 12, 1889, par. 3)
The Christian life, which had before seemed to them undesirable and full of inconsistencies, now appeared in its true light, in remarkable symmetry and beauty. He who had been to them as a root out of dry ground, without form or comeliness, became “the chiefest among ten thousand,” and the one altogether lovely. (The Review and Herald, February 12, 1889, par. 3)
“The present message — justification by faith — is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear, did not receive its benefit. They did not open the door of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest, and they have suffered great loss.” (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889, par. 10)
Opposition to the Message
God, in His own good time, will give the message to men whom you least expect — to come from men’s policy to the policy of God. The doctrine of justification by faith and righteousness by faith was opposed, and masterly efforts made through opposition and denunciation by a formal church, whose attitude was of a character to discourage integrity and faithfulness and good works. And the result is just as it was in Christ’s day.
Those who were blinded by the enemy would, from their standpoint, pronounce judgment against the living principles of truth as heresy, and, if they dared, would make the press voice their sentiments with warnings and anathemas, because their own preconceived opinions were not considered supreme and without a flaw. And how much of God’s talents has been wasted under misconception, in counterworking the work of God, at the very time the message was to go with a loud voice and ripen off the harvest of the earth!
Men in high places of trust have gone from place to place as agents, working on the enemy’s side. While the workers of God, sent forth with a special message, have prosecuted their work as men who must give an account, they have not been appreciated. Their way has been hedged up, and their labor counterworked as far as possible. (PH157 18.2)
No man can stand before God in his own merit. Those who are saved will be saved because Jesus has paid the full debt; and man can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to merit salvation. Christ says, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” Then whose is the merit? It all belongs to our Redeemer. All the capabilities of man come alone through Christ, and we may say of our best performances, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given to Thee.” (The Signs of the Times, November 10, 1890, par. 1)
Made Righteous in Christ
In ourselves we are sinners; but in Christ we are righteous. Having made us righteous through the imputed righteousness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and treats us as just. He looks upon us as His dear children. Christ works against the power of sin, and where sin abounded, grace much more abounds. (The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1893, par. 6)
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the truth, the believer becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for Christ works within us, and His righteousness is upon us. Without this, no soul will be entitled to heaven. We would not enjoy heaven unless qualified for its holy atmosphere by the influence of the Spirit and the righteousness of Christ. (The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1893, par. 7)
In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” We can do this only if we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. (The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1893, par. 8)
By His perfect obedience He has satisfied the claims of the law, and my only hope is found in looking to Him as my substitute and surety, who obeyed the law perfectly for me. By faith in His merits I am free from the condemnation of the law. He clothes me with His righteousness, which answers all the demands of the law. I am complete in Him who brings in everlasting righteousness. He presents me to God in the spotless garment of which no thread was woven by any human agent. (The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1893, par. 1)
The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther, had been almost wholly lost sight of; and the Romish principle of trusting to good works for salvation had taken its place. Whitefield and the Wesleys, who were members of the established church, were sincere seekers for the favor of God, and this they had been taught was to be secured by a virtuous life and an observance of the ordinances of religion. (The Great Controversy, 253.2–253.3)
Teachers of Bible truth need not be ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth in regard to justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ. As soon as the truth is grasped, and the Holy Spirit’s power impresses the image of Christ on the soul, tarry not — go forth proclaiming everywhere, as did the apostles, the Word of Life. Teaching, you will be taught by the Holy Spirit. (7LtMs, Ms 19, 1891, par. 2)
While one class perverts the doctrine of justification by faith and neglects to comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God — “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15) — there is fully as great an error on the part of those who claim to believe and obey the commandments of God but who place themselves in opposition to the precious rays of light, new to them, reflected from the cross of Calvary. The first class do not see the wondrous things in the law of God for all who are doers of His Word. The others cavil over trivialities, and neglect the weightier matters, mercy and the love of God. (6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 33)
A Call to Awake
Though the heavenly Merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though His voice invites them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that they may be clothed, the eyesalve that they may see, yet they steel their hearts against Him and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal; but fold their hands in complacency and make a profession, but deny the power of true godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them with abhorrence. To praise the world and God at the same time is in no way acceptable to God. Awake, awake! Before it is everlastingly too late. (7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 6)
Why are there so few that can unveil the mysteries of redemption? Why is it that the imputed righteousness of Christ does not shine through His professed followers as a light to the world? (7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 7)
Light, heaven’s light, has been shining. The trumpet has given a certain sound. Those who have made their various excuses for neglecting to respond to the call have lost much. The light has been shining upon justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ. (10LtMs, Ms 47, 1895, par. 2)
What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 56)
The money expended to prepare ministers for work was essential at the time when there was so much opposition to the light that God was giving in regard to justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ, which is abundantly imputed to all who hunger and thirst for it. (12LtMs, Lt 5, 1897, par. 11)
The doctrine of justification by faith and righteousness by faith was opposed, and masterly efforts made, through opposition and denunciation, by a formal church whose attitude was of a character to discourage integrity and faithfulness and good works. And the result is just as it was in Christ’s day. Those who were blinded by the enemy would, from their standpoint, pronounce judgment against the living principles of truth as heresy, and, if they dared, would make the press voice their sentiments with warnings and anathemas, because their own preconceived opinions were not considered supreme and without a flaw. (12LtMs, Ms 24, 1897, pars. 18–19)
God has given His Word power, but at what a cost! What labor and pain and anguish of soul has been endured! What time and money has been bestowed! And how much of God’s talents have been wasted, under misconception, in counterworking the work of God at the very time the message was to go with a loud voice and ripen off the harvest of the earth. Men in high places of trust have gone from place to place as agents working on the enemy’s side. While the workers of God, sent forth with a special message, have prosecuted their work as men that must give an account, they have not been appreciated. Their way has been hedged up, and their labors counterworked as far as possible. (12LtMs, Ms 24, 1897, par. 20)
The Sweetest Melodies
The sweetest melodies that come from God through human lips — justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ — do not bring forth from them a response of love and gratitude. (12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 3)
Though the heavenly Merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though His voice invites them to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire,” and “white raiment” that they might be clothed, and “eyesalve” that they may see (Revelation 3:18), they steel their hearts against Him, and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal; but fold their hands in complacency, make a profession, but deny the power of true godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them with abhorrence. To praise the world and God at the same time is in no way acceptable to God. Awake, awake, before it is everlastingly too late. (12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 4)
The spiritual banquet has been set before us in rich abundance. We have had presented to us by the messengers of God the richest feast — the righteousness of Christ, justification by faith, the exceeding great and precious promises of God in His Word, the free access to the Father through Jesus Christ, the comforts of the Holy Spirit, the well-grounded assurance of eternal life in the kingdom of God. We ask, What could God do more for us that He has not done, in preparing the great supper, the heavenly banquet? (13LtMs, Ms 29, 1898, par. 17)
Justification by faith is the article of our true standing in the sight of God. Sanctification through the Holy Spirit binds up man’s will and purpose with the will and purpose of God. If we have not these features in our experience, the church will be sickly and feeble. (14LtMs, Ms 91, 1899, par. 43)
When men are stripped of self-righteousness, they will see their spiritual poverty. Then they will approach that state of brotherly kindness that will show that they are in sympathy with Christ. They will be able to appreciate the high and elevated character of Christian missions. (17LtMs, Lt 173, 1902, par. 13)
Good works are the result of justification by faith. Good works spring from good, true faith. They are the fruit borne on a Christian tree. (21LtMs, Ms 129, 1906, par. 10)
The Robe of Christ’s Righteousness
The Lord, in His great mercy, sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. (PH154 35.2)
Sin is disloyalty to God, and deserving of punishment. Fig leaves sewed together have been employed since the days of Adam, yet the nakedness of the soul of the sinner is not covered. All the arguments pieced together by all who have interested themselves in this flimsy work will come to naught. Sin is the transgression of the law. Christ was manifest in our world to take away transgression and sin, and to substitute for the covering of fig leaves the pure robes of His righteousness. (12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 8)
John Kellogg, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, that you may see that of your own self you can do nothing. You cannot possibly atone for your own sins. Through faith in Christ Jesus, purify your soul from all dross, and reveal the righteousness of Christ, which is of God by faith. (19LtMs, Lt 165, 1904, par. 8)
The Lord Jesus Christ has prepared a covering, the robe of His own righteousness, that He will put on every repenting, believing soul who by faith will receive it. Said John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Sin is the transgression of the law; but Christ died to make it possible for every man to have his sins taken away. A fig-leaf apron will never cover our nakedness. Sin must be taken away; the garment of Christ’s righteousness must cover the transgressor of God’s law. Then when the Lord looks upon the believing sinner, He sees not the fig leaves covering him, but his own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. (The Review and Herald, November 15, 1898, par. 12)
To see and acknowledge our vileness and emptiness and weakness is an indispensable preparation for seeking the Lord in penitence and receiving, yes, manifestly receiving, the righteousness of Christ, which is of God by faith, and which brings eternal life. (15LtMs, Lt 91, 1900, par. 27)
A happy flight of feeling is no evidence that we are or are not the sons and daughters of God. The Saviour of the world declares that the evidence of our acceptance is sure if we lay hold of the righteousness of Christ, the robe woven in the heavenly loom, by faith in His merits. We are to know the children of God by the fruits they bear. Good fruit is borne upon the Christian tree, but corrupt fruit is borne on a corrupt tree. (6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 18)
“That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me” (John 17:23). What words are these! Can we take hold of them by faith? Is it possible that the Lord can love poor, perverse, fallen men, and accept him through the imputed righteousness of Christ? Oh, what a treasure of hope we have in these words for our faith to grasp! (7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 20)
Those who would be saved must accept by faith the righteousness of Christ; and when they do this, they will work the works of God. (PH118 11.1)
Complete in Him
Perfection through our own good works we can never attain. The soul who sees Jesus by faith repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks in humility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s word. In amazement he hears the message, “Ye are complete in Him.” Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God. (The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1892, par. 8)
“Ye are complete in Him.” How hard is it for humanity, long accustomed to cherish doubt, to grasp this great truth! But what peace it brings to the soul, what vital life! In looking to ourselves for righteousness, by which to find acceptance with God, we look to the wrong place, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We are to look to Jesus, “for we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” You are to find your completeness by beholding the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1892, par. 9)
Christ gives lesson after lesson in His school to teach us to learn to trust, not in our merits, but in the merits of Christ’s righteousness. (The Signs of the Times, February 14, 1895, par. 5)
Paul declares, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, but the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:8–9). (14LtMs, Ms 17, 1899, par. 25)
We do not trust in our own righteousness, we do not boast in our holiness, but we trust in Christ’s merit. We accept by faith the robe of Christ’s righteousness, and are one with Christ. (The Present Truth, January 30, 1890, par. 11)
Many say, “I am weak and ignorant and sinful. I must be in a different condition before I can come to Jesus.” I would say to such, Do not parley with the enemy one moment, but come, for the Spirit of the Lord is drawing you. (The Present Truth, January 30, 1890, par. 12)
The Closing Appeal
The stirring testimonies of reproof and warning do not arouse them to repentance. The sweetest melodies that come from God through human lips — justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ — do not call forth from them a response of love and gratitude. Though the heavenly Merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though He invites them to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire,” and “white raiment” that they may be clothed, and “eyesalve” that they may see, they steel their hearts against Him, and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal. While making a profession, they deny the power of godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them. They are unfitting themselves to be members of His family. (Testimonies, vol. 6, 426.4)
Elder E. J. Waggoner had the privilege granted him of speaking plainly and presenting his views upon justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ in relation to the law. This was no new light, but it was old light placed where it should be in the third angel’s message. (5LtMs, Ms 24, 1888, par. 25)
The faith of Jesus has been overlooked and treated in an indifferent, careless manner. It has not occupied the prominent position in which it was revealed to John. Faith in Christ as the sinner’s only hope has been largely left out, not only of the discourses given, but of the religious experience of very many who claim to believe the third angel’s message. (5LtMs, Ms 24, 1888, par. 26)
At this meeting I bore testimony that the most precious light had been shining forth from the Scriptures in the presentation of the great subject of the righteousness of Christ connected with the law, which should be constantly kept before the sinner as his only hope of salvation. This was not new light to me, for it had come to me from higher authority for the last forty-four years, and I had presented it to our people by pen and voice in the testimonies of His Spirit. But very few had responded except by assent to the testimonies borne upon this subject. There was altogether too little spoken and written upon this great question. The discourses of some might be correctly represented as like the offering of Cain — Christless. (5LtMs, Ms 24, 1888, par. 27)
We have seen evidence in this meeting how far apart has been faith and the righteousness of Christ from the religious life of those even who claim to be keeping the commandments of God. There has been the great want of a knowledge of Jesus Christ. The want in the religious experience is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as presented in the gospel. Many have not yet received Christ. They have accepted a theory of the truth, and have been in a large degree left to this kind of experience. And how hard it has been to impress the minds with the necessity of justification by faith! “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). (6LtMs, Lt 85, 1889, par. 14)
We stand in favor before God, not because of any merit in ourselves, but because of our faith in “the Lord our Righteousness.” (The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1892, par. 6)
Never allow the enemy to obtain an advantage over you because you do not think you are good enough to be called a child of God. By faith you are to constantly repose in the righteousness which God has provided you through His Substitute, Jesus Christ the Righteous. He forgiveth sins, and pardoneth iniquities and transgressions. He takes away our sin, and in its place imputes His own righteousness. What a blessing this is for us! (10LtMs, Lt 24, 1895, par. 11)
All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of Heaven; and as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. Said Jesus, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” (GC88 483.2)
