Christ made my cross, His cross

An excerpt from - 'His Cross and Mine'  By Meade MacGuire

'My Own Cross'

"All the grace which Jesus the saving one GIVES, is given only in the path of FELLOWSHIP with Jesus the crucified ONE. Christ came and took MY place;  I MUST PUT MYSELF IN HIS PLACE AND ABIDE THERE. And there is but ONE place which is both HIS and MINE,—that place is THE CROSS.

His in virtue of His free choice; mine by reason of the curse of sin.

He came there to seek me; there alone I can find Him.

When He found me there, it was the place of cursing; this He experienced, for 'cursed is EVERYONE that hangeth on a tree.'

He made it a place of BLESSING; this I experience, for Christ hath delivered us from the curse, 'BEING MADE A CURSE FOR US.'

"When Christ comes in my place, He remains what He was, the beloved of the Father;
but in the fellowship with me He shares my curse and dies MY death.

When I stand in His place, which is still always mine, I am still what I was by nature, THE ACCURSED ONE, WHO DESERVES TO DIE; BUT AS UNITED TO HIM, I SHARE HIS BLESSING, AND RECEIVE HIS LIFE. WHEN HE CAME TO BE ONE WITH ME, HE COULD NOT AVOID THE CROSS, FOR THE CURSE ALWAYS POINTS TO THE CROSS AS ITS END AND FRUIT. AND WHEN I SEEK TO BE ONE WITH HIM, I CANNOT AVOID THE CROSS EITHER, FOR NOWHERE BUT ON THE CROSS ARE LIFE AND DELIVERANCE TO BE FOUND.

AS INEVITABLY AS MY CURSE POINTED HIM TO THE CROSS AS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE HE COULD BE FULLY UNITED TO ME, HIS BLESSING POINTS ME TO THE CROSS, TOO, AS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE I CAN BE UNITED TO HIM. 

HE TOOK MY CROSS FOR HIS OWN; I MUST TAKE HIS CROSS AS MY OWN; I MUST BE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM. IT IS AS I ABIDE DAILY, DEEPLY, IN JESUS THE CRUCIFIED ONE, THAT I SHALL TASTE THE SWEETNESS OF HIS LOVE, THE POWER OF HIS LIFE, THE COMPLETELNESS OF HIS SALVATION."
—
Andrew Murray, "Abide in Christ."

'It may be a surprising fact to many that Jesus NEVER ONCE spoke of the cross as His, but
always as ours.

The cross is mentioned in the New Testament twenty-seven times. Of this number, five are attributed to Jesus. Apart from the words of Jesus, Matthew records the expression three times, Mark three times, Luke once, John four times, and Paul eleven times.

We do not mean to imply that it would not be proper to speak of it as Christ's cross, for Paul uses the expression "His cross" once, "the cross of Christ" three times, and "the cross" seven times. We know that the words of Scripture are chosen with a divine purpose, and we may therefore infer that there is some important lesson to be learned from the very words Jesus used when He spoke of the cross. Here are the five passages recorded; let us consider them prayerfully, seeking to know their meaning to us:

"He that doth not take his cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me." Matt. 10:38, A. R. V.

"Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matt. 16:24.

"He called unto Him the multitude with His disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Mark. 8:34.

"He said unto all, If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23.

"Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27.

In every instance Jesus is talking about the great crisis in a man's life, when he is deciding the solemn question of his ETERNAL DESTINY. There the man's own cross stands at the parting of the ways. Every rational human being faces the question, SHALL I LIVE FOR SELF OR FOR GOD? You may say, The Christian life seems narrow, the way strait. Surely this is true, and it is YOUR cross standing at the gateway which makes the road narrow and exclusive. There is a world of meaning in that brief sentence, "Let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me."

"Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
All things else I have forsaken,
Thou henceforth my all shalt be:
"Perish every fond ambition,
All I've sought, or hoped, or known;
Yet how rich is my condition,
God and heaven are still my own."

How often we have sung, "Jesus, I my cross have taken," with very little realization of
the significance of the words! Or we have regarded the endurance of little daily trials and
annoyances and self-denials, as taking up our cross and following Him.

God gave to mankind His great moral law, a law of love, which is holy and just and
perfect. We have all transgressed that law, and as sinners are under the condemnation of
death. We deserve to die. Should we perish on the cross, we would but receive what we
justly merit. Therefore the cross belongs to mankind. It is your cross and mine.

Adam stood as the head and representative of the human race. He disobeyed God, and
brought the condemnation of death upon himself and the whole human family. There was
no possible escape through any means that man could devise.

But God had already provided a plan to meet the great emergency. Christ was to come
to this world to redeem the lost race. To do this it was necessary for Him to
become one of us, to be born into the family. Then, standing in the place of Adam as the
representative of humanity, He proposed to pay the penalty of the broken law, and win
back what Adam lost.

Jesus took a human body, and a personality, the same as ours.
He was subject to the same trials and sorrows, the same weariness, difficulties, hardships, and temptations.
Yet He never in the slightest particular transgressed one precept of the divine law. His life
was one of perfect obedience, unmarred by the least deviation from the path of holiness.
Thus by His own character wrought out in frail humanity He merited eternal life and
blessedness, even though He had been but a man._ But He was vastly more than a man;
He was "the Son of man." The significance of this title, which He seemed to prefer to all
others, makes Him more than the son of a man. He was the typical, all-inclusive
representative of all mankind. As such, the righteousness which He wrought out in His
own life was sufficient for the whole race which He represented.

But before a sinner could appropriate this righteousness, satisfaction must be made to
the divine law for his sins. Eternal justice demanded the death of the sinner. Christ had
provided righteousness for every sinner, but what would it avail, since the sinner's life
was forfeited? This is why Jesus died on MY cross. In order to save me from the death
which would inevitably have been eternal, He took MY sins, and then MY cross belonged
to Him. Not as a man, but as the Son of man, the representative of the race, the voluntary
substitute for EVERY human being, standing in the place of EACH individual,—standing in
MY place,—He went to MY cross and bore MY sins in His own body on the tree.

The divine law set up a cross, and demanded that I, the sinner, be placed upon it to
suffer MY just deserts. But my compassionate Saviour said, "If you go to your cross, you
will perish eternally. I will go in your place. I will shed My blood and lay down
My life to atone for your sins."

The sufferings and death of Christ on the cross were in no sense related to His life.
He had lived the life of a saint. Now He died the death of a sinner.

It is evident, therefore, that whatever merit He acquired by His voluntary sacrifice on the cross, is His to impute to those who need it. And we need it.

He was not enduring the sorrow and anguish because of any fault of His own. His were vicarious sufferings, through which He obtained a merit which He did not need for Himself. He took all my sins, and paid the penalty, fully satisfying the demands of the broken law against me. Thus He, standing as my substitute and recognized by the law as the representative sinner, gained a standing of justification before the law. This He now freely offers to me. The moment I accept Him as my sin bearer and Lord, He imparts this justification to me. The law then has nothing
against me. I am free from its condemnation. The sentence of death is removed, and I am
given a standing before God and His law just as if I had never sinned.

I realize that all this is mine only because Christ was willing to make the infinite sacrifice of making MY cross His own. By acknowledging this cross as MINE, I identify myself with Him in the utter renunciation to death of sin and the sinful nature. "Being justified freely by His grace," I "have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." In Him I now have eternal life.

The two supreme gifts of God to man are LIFE and RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 The life, Christ purchased on the cross. The righteousness, He wrought out in His earthly life. On the cross He took our death penalty for sin, thus removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. In His earthly life He perfectly wrought out the will of God in our human flesh, and this perfect obedience, or righteousness, He imparts to every true disciple.

"If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

The only way I can truly acknowledge Jesus as my Saviour is by taking up  MY cross.
Thus I acknowledge MY own guilt and condemnation. Thus I show my faith in His
atoning sacrifice. Thus I demonstrate my confidence in the efficacy of His death to
purchase life for me. Thus I enter into a living union with Christ, which provides
emancipation from the dominion of sin, and secures to me the righteousness of Christ.'

———
Tenderly

TAKE from the cross the dear form of the Master;
Gently remove ye the nails from His hands;
Carefully cover the poor, mangled body,
Loosen the cruel cords, sever the bands.
Take the rough crown from His pale, bleeding temple,
Wash the dark stains from His dear, sacred head;
Tearfully weep o'er the blessed Redeemer,
Tenderly bathe ye the wounds of the dead.
Fold ye the hands that so often in kindness
Healed, as by magic, the woes of mankind,
Ministered oft to the poor and the needy,
Strengthened the sick, and gave sight to the blind.
Tenderly bear Him, the crucified Saviour;
Lift from thy spirit its terrible gloom;
Leave Him to rest; for the heavenly watcher
Waits but to call Him to life from the tomb.

—Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle.

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Tomorrow we will discuss this, all by the grace of God!

All in HIS amazing, amazing LOVE!

Patience of the Saints - Keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

Are you one of our Savior's saints?  Do you hope to be?  We know this about the saints-

Patience of the saints.
They that keep the Commandments of God.
They that keep the Faith of Jesus.

"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

(The following is from-Three Angels Message of Revelation 14  (J.N. Andrews - 1877)

'THE FAITH OF JESUS

We have already briefly spoken of the commandments of God; a few words should be devoted to the faith of Jesus. This term is used in distinction from the commandments of God.

What, therefore, shall we understand by the "faith of Jesus"?

We think that it cannot refer to a particular degree or kind of faith which the Saviour exercised in the performance of his miracles; for it appears that he wrought these by the power which he had already received from his Father. Matt. 8:2, 3; Mark 1:40, 41; Luke 5:23, 24.

(((Mat 8:2  And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Mat 8:3  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Mar 1:40  And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Mar 1:41  And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

Luk 5:23  Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
Luk 5:24  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. ))))

The world itself was made by him. John 1.

(((Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.))))

He had ample power, therefore, to perform every miracle which he wrought. There is but one other thing to which this term can refer; viz. , the precepts and doctrines of our Lord, as recorded in the New Testament.

Thus, "the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27) must refer to the precepts and doctrines of the gospel.

(((Php 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel))))

"The faith" to which a multitude of the priests were obedient (Acts 6:7),  (((Act 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.))))

which was resisted by Elymas, the sorcerer (Acts 13:8),  (((Act 13:8  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. ))))  which was committed to the apostles for the obedience of all nations (Rom. 1:5) (((Rom 1:5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name)))). Which Paul testifies that he had kept (2 Tim. 4:7) (((2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: )))) , and which is to be earnestly maintained, as once delivered to the saints (Jude 3)(((Jud 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. )))), must refer, we think, to the precepts and doctrines of the everlasting gospel.

That the faith of Jesus is used in this sense in Rev. 2:13,(((Rev 2:13  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. )))) we think cannot be denied.

"Thou holdest fast my name, " says Jesus, "and hast not denied my faith. " That this is the sense in which it is used in Rev. 14:12, is further evident from the fact that it is spoken of as being kept in the same manner that the commandments of God are kept

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Kept.

Keep.

' Original: τηρέω
- Transliteration: Tereo
- Phonetic: tay-reh'-o
- Definition:
1. to attend to carefully, take care of
a. to guard
b. metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
c. to observe
d. to reserve: to undergo something
- Origin: from teros (a watch, perhaps akin to G2334)
- TDNT entry: 10:20,1
- Part(s) of speech: Verb

- Strong's'

Keep.

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we KEEP his commandments.

1Jn 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we KEEP his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and KEEP his commandments.
1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we KEEP his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our FAITH.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1Jn 5:6  This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Keep.

"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

Keep the faith of Jesus.

The commandments and faith- go hand in hand.

We are to keep them- the commandments and faith.

We are to --

1. to attend to carefully, take care of
a. to guard
b. metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
c. to observe
d. to reserve: to undergo something

-- attend to carefully.
--take care of.
--to observe.

Do we?

Do we attend to carefully, do we take care of, do we observe the commandments of God and faith of Jesus?

Can we do this?

Satan would have us believe it is an impossible thing, this keeping of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus.  Satan told Eve that God's commands were too restrictive and she succumbed to temptation.   We like to imagine if 'WE' were the first parents we wouldn't have listened, but that's just stupid.  We don't listen now.  We claim to be born again into the Spirit and are alive in Christ, we claim this and yet deny that He can live through us. We deny it and refuse to surrender ourselves to Him, always holding back and clinging to our self serving pursuits.  Too restrictive, too hard, we shout out these things in our minds letting them echo over and over until we believe them.  Christ in us can do anything! Christ in us, not us in us. You and I will NEVER save ourselves by ourselves, never! Our keeping the commandments to the letter, means nothing without our keeping the faith of Jesus, it's only through the faith of Jesus we can keep the commandments of God. We have to put ourselves in constant contact with our Savior, CONSTANT CONTACT!  If we find ourselves pushing Him away so we can indulge in something, we have to realize that something can't be good in any way. We need the constant conviction in our hearts of any and all sin we fall victim to.  We need the conviction so we can repent and seek forgiveness, constant forgiveness, never simply accepting the evil in us and our actions!

Faith in Jesus, keeping that faith, believing in all our Savior taught, living as He commands us to live - in Him, with Him ever in the forefront of all we think and do!

By HIS GRACE and LOVE!

All IN HIM!

We Must Recognize the Lateness of the Prophetic Hour

This too was put in between the 'Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus' subjects we are looking at in J.N. Andrews Three Messages of Revelation 14.

'THE WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE

4. Another important fact that determines the chronology of the third angel is that the seven last plagues are poured out upon those who reject his warning, the first plague being inflicted upon the very class which the third angel threatens.

(((Truth! The plagues come as a result of actions undertaken PRIOR to the plagues. They are punishments for those found guilty. Those who mistakenly imagine they'll have an opportunity to repent AFTER the plagues begin to fall will find out it's too late. Will it stop them from trying? No. But all their crying and begging, even though to them it is being done with all sincerity, will mean nothing. Remember this--

Heb 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb 12:16  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Heb 12:17  For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears

He found NO place of repentance! Esau, Isaac's favorite son! He found NO place of repentance and get this… 'though he sought it carefully WITH TEARS'!

We NEED to pay attention to this! We are told this for OUR learning! We CAN fail of the grace of God. WE CAN FAIL of GOD'S GRACE! Do you understand?! Satan wants us to believe that we can never fail of God's grace. Satan wants us to believe that we can sin at will and have a constant unending source of forgiveness and he wants us to believe this right up to the point that we are very willfully sinning and not even considering that we should know what sin is, and that we should sin not!  As long as we don't believe we have to stop sinning, just ask forgiveness for it we are at risk.  We must NEVER condone sin in ourselves, NEVER! We must know what sin is so we make sure we do not commit it! We blind ourselves to the truth, because we love our sins. 

The plagues will fall and people will be filled with repentance but it will be too late, their tears will be of no use. This is truth.  

Continuing on…))))

'The seven last plagues are the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. We have already seen that they are not inflicted until the work of mercy for man is accomplished. The third angel warns us respecting this outpouring of the exterminating wrath of God, and consequently gives the latest message of mercy.

The mystery of God, or work of salvation for sinful men, (Eph. 3) is finished in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound (Rev. 10); and as the third angel has the last warning of mercy before the vials of God's wrath are poured out, it follows that it must be given in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound.

It is likewise evident that the conclusion of the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary must also take place in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound; for it is then that the mystery of God is finished.

The reason why the third woe, or seven last plagues, does not commence at once when the seventh angel begins to sound, is the fact that a period of days is occupied in FINISHING THE MYSTERY OF GOD.

In this period the warning of the third angel is given, that every one who has an ear to hear may escape the vials of the wrath of God; and in this period, also, the Saviour completes his work in the Sanctuary in heaven.

This being accomplished, the vials of the wrath of God are poured out upon the defenseless heads of the wicked. We think, therefore, that the evidence is conclusive that the PRESENT is the time for the warning of the third angel.

A false fulfillment of prophecy cannot occur at the time when the true should be expected.

It is certain that one of the commandments of God has long been trodden down by the beast, and that in this thing almost the whole world has wondered after the beast.

This commandment, as well as all the others, is now being vindicated, that the remnant may be prepared for their final conflict with the dragon.

May God interest the hearts of all his people in this work.'

*******
Please, Savior, please help us to realize the lateness of the hour we are living in! Help us to understand You mean what You say!  You've given us Your truth, help us to HEED YOUR TRUTH, to LIVE YOUR TRUTH!

Please, Savior, we do NOT want to be like Esau! We don't want to be too late in seeking repentance! We seek it now, Savior, while You are still ministering for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary! We know You will stand up soon, and it will all be over, please let us BE YOURS, through NO righteousness of our own, only through YOUR righteousness we would be YOURS! All in YOU!

By YOUR LOVE!

The Wrath of God

This study today stems more from yesterday's study… tomorrow by the grace of God we will undertake the 'Faith of Jesus'.

May God bless us and give us understanding as we seek to fully understand His will for us!

All by HIS love, HIS mercy, HIS righteousness, HIS GRACE!

*******

Dan_8:14  And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

(((At the end of the 2300 year prophecy- we are pointed to the SANCTUARY.  Not only are we pointed to the SANCTUARY we are pointed to the CLEANSING of the SANCTUARY.  When it was understood that the Sanctuary was the HEAVENLY Sanctuary we have to move our attention there.))))

'J.N. Andrews Three Messages of Revelation--

The Opening of the Temple in Heaven

3. The opening of the holiest of all in the Temple in heaven, by which the ark is seen, is an event that takes place under the sounding of the seventh angel.

(((Rev 10:7  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Rev 10:8  And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
Rev 10:9  And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
Rev 10:10  And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Rev 10:11  And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

We HAVE to remember the time and place of these verses here, of this prophecy.  Remember we've talked about it before but it bears repeating. The LITTLE BOOK- the Book of Daniel was opened, it's prophecy was revealed in the early/mid 1800's. The message pointed people to the time of the end, and mistakenly they put a DATE on Christ's return, not on the Heavenly Sanctuary. They were bitter, that understanding became bitter in their bellies and yet a small band of them sought renewed understanding and were shown that the cleansing of the Sanctuary was the Heavenly Sanctuary. After this study, by the GRACE of our Savior we will delve deeper into the Sanctuary cleansing. ))))

'And as the ministration of our great High Priest is changed to that apartment at the termination of the 2300 days, we understand that the opening of the Temple is MARKED by the termination of that period, as presented by the proclamation of the first angel.

(((Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment IS come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ))))

The entrance of our high Priest into the most holy place to minister before the ark of God, call the attention of the church to the commandments of God contained within that ark. The commandments of God have been shining out from the heavenly Sanctuary since that time.

(((How can we NOT be drawn to the Ark of the Covenant and the precious, holy contents within when we are told this-- 'WORSHIP HIM THAT MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH AND SEA AND THE FOUNTAINS OF WATERS'  One of those commandments has THIS wording in it… Exo 20:11  For in six days the LORD made HEAVEN AND EARTH THE SEA, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.    How can we NOT comprehend the connection?!))))

'The period BETWEEN our Lord's entrance into the holiest of all to cleanse the Sanctuary (Heb. 9:23) and complete his great work of ministration, and the close of that period as marked by the seven angels' coming out of the Temple to pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. (Rev. 15:5, 6), WE UNDERSTAND TO BE THE PERIOD OF THE SAINTS' PATIENCE.

((( Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Rev 15:1  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
Rev 15:2  And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Rev 15:3  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Rev 15:4  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Rev 15:5  And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Rev 15:6  And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Rev 15:7  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. ))))

It is the days of the voice of the seventh angel in which the mystery of God is being finished; that is, the period when HUMAN PROBATION IS BROUGHT TO A CLOSE.

Besides the fact of the termination of the 2300 days, which marks the opening of the Temple in heaven, the anger of the nations is an important testimony that we are NOW in the days of the voice of the seventh angel. Rev. 11:18.

(((Rev 11:18  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ))))

The present time is, therefore, the proper period for the last message of mercy to perishing men; and it is marked by the actual presentation of that voice of warning, and of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

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The cup will be filled.

It became full for the Amorites, it will become full for us. 

Gen_15:16  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

God acts when sin has gone to it's fullest extent. He could and can do NO less.

Rev_14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb

Rev_16:19  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

The cup will be filled.  The iniquity will be full. The end will come without ANY doubt. It is up to us to decide if we will be among the Saints- those who KEEP the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!  You will be LOST if you believe that this is NOT TRUTH! It is TRUTH!

Please Father, please let us be among the saints keeping YOUR commandments and having the faith of JESUS, our SAVIOR! Please!  We only want YOUR TRUTH! PLEASE keep us IN YOU!

All through YOUR LOVE.

Here are they that Keep the Commandments of God

"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

(The following is from-Three Angels Message of Revelation 14  (J.N. Andrews - 1877)

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

2. The period of the SAINT'S PATIENCE, here brought to view, is distinguished by the fact that they are KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and THE FAITH OF JESUS.

It should be distinctly noticed that the commandments here brought to view are NOT the commandments of Christ.

There may be a certain sense in which all the precepts of the Saviour may be called the commandments of God; that is, if viewed as proceeding from the sovereign authority of the Father; but when the commandments of God are spoken of in distinction from the testimony of faith of Jesus, there is but one thing to which reference can be made; viz. , the commandments which God gave in person, - the TEN COMMANDMENTS.

See John 15:10: "If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept MY Father's commandments, and abide in his love." And thus we find the law of God, which he proclaimed in person, referred to in the New Testament as the "commandments of God, " or as the "commandments. "

"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God; but IF THOU WILT ENTER INTO LIFE, KEEP THE THE COMMANDMENTS. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do NO MURDER, Thou shalt  NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, Thou shalt NOT STEAL, Thou shalt NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR THEY FATHER AND THEY MOTHER, and Thou shalt LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. " Matt. 19:17-19.

(((Clearly the commandments of the TEN God wrote Himself and had placed in the Ark of the Covenant.))))

"And they returned and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath-day according to the COMMANDMENT. " Luke 23:56.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am NOT come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall he called great in the kingdom of heaven, " Matt. 5:17-19.

"Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first COMMANDMENT with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. " Eph. 6:2, 3.

"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother; and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. " Matt. 15:3-6.

"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust, except THE LAW HAD SAID, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law, sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once; but when the COMMANDMENT CAME, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore, the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. " Rom. 7:7-14.

It is a fact beyond dispute that the fourth commandment, some ages since, was changed from the rest-day of the Lord to the pagan festival of Sunday. This change was made in express CONTRADICTION of the Holy Scriptures, which everywhere recognize the seventh day as the only weekly Sabbath of the Lord. It was accomplished by the great apostasy, which Daniel predicted should "think to change times and laws. "

This power is essentially the same as the beast which was to be worshiped by all the world. And it is a fact of deep interest that this commandment, which has been so long trodden down, is now being vindicated, and the people of God are striving to keep it with the other nine.

Thanks be to God that he is preparing the remnant for their final conflict with the dragon, and for admittance through the gates into the holy city. Rev. 12:17; 22:14.

(((Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.))))

The vindication of the fourth commandment in opposition to the Sabbath of the apostasy, and the preaching of all the commandments of God, is a striking testimony that the present is the period of the saints' patience, and of the warning of the third angel.'

*******

From those who would like to believe that the Moral Ten Commandments have been done away with in favor of new commandments, to those who just simply no longer believe any commandments are relevant we live in a society that feels no need to keep God's law.

Let's talk for a moment about the Ten Commandments given upon Mount Sinai. I want to take a bit from a study done by Elder William Grotheer.

' Lesson #3 -- JESUS CHRIST - WHO IS HE?
p 10 -- Introduction -- In Lesson #2, we discovered that the Council of God is composed of three Beings, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these Three carry the full authority and nature of God. In this lesson we shall study the relationship of Jesus Christ to the Council of God, and His identification with humanity.

John 1:1-2, 14 -- In the beginning WAS the word ... the same WAS in the beginning with God ... The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Note - No matter at what point in the remote past I accept as the point of beginning, the Word WAS. Not only this, but He was in the beginning with God. In other words, one can conclude there never was a time when the Word, which became flesh, was not. The preexistent Christ has always been!

Hebrews 1:8 -- Unto the Son ... Thy throne, 0 God.
Note - Here is language that cannot be mistaken. The Father asserts the Son's position in the Council of God. The Son too, is God.

John 8:57-58 -- Before Abraham was, I AM.

Joh 8:57  Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
Joh 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Note - In this discussion with the Jewish leaders, Jesus declares plainly His preexistence; not merely the fact that He existed before Abraham, but that in that preexistence, He was the I am - the self-existent One; and the I AM, - the ever-existent One. The question then arises - If Jesus Christ existed in the beginning with God as the I AM, how then is He the SON of God?

Psalm 2:7 -- 1 will declare the decree ... Thou art my Son.

Note - To assume that this text applies to Jesus Christ in regard to the question of His Sonship, would be to place a private interpretation on this verse. But by comparing Scripture with Scripture, we find its meaning.

Hebrews 1:5 -- This day have I begotten Thee ... I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son.

Note - Here Psalm 2:7 is quoted and applied to Jesus Christ in contrast to the angels. Further, the promise made by God to David (II Samuel 7:14) concerning His relationship to Solomon is noted to describe the Heavenly Father-Son relationship. Also in Hebrews, Christ's position as a Son is associated with His position as priest after the Order of Melchisedec - a "called" position. (Hebrews 5:5-6, 10)

(((Heb 5:5  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. ))))

 All of this was done so that we might understand the privilege of sonship to which we have been called. (Hebrews 2:10-11)

(((Heb 2:10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Heb 2:11  For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren))))

Section 2 -- THE REDEEMER

Philippians 2:5-8 -- Equal with God ... made Himself of no reputation ... became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

p 11 -- Note - The Possessor of Life voluntarily laid it aside and accepted death. As one beholds the price of his redemption, he sees that the purchase was made by no inferior Being, but by One equal with God. It was the sacrifice of Deity that was made on Calvary! Jesus Christ stooped low in becoming man's Substitute. What a sacrifice this is. How little we give up, when asked to surrender all for this Gift!

Hebrews 2:14-17 -- As the children ... He took part of the same ... behoved Him in all things to be made like unto His brethren.

I Timothy 3:16 -- Great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.

Note - God came all the way to meet man in his need. He who was in the form of God, accepted our likeness and nature after four thousand years of sin. He took our flesh, and our blood. Yea, in ALL THINGS He was made like unto us, except in this experience, He did not sin. How this could be is called a mystery. Another, and perhaps a greater mystery, is why man, in the light of such a redemption, should stubbornly cling to his own way.

Section 3 -- THE CREATOR

John 1:1-3 -- All things were made by Him.

(((Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Ephesians 3:9 -- God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.))))

Colossians 1:14-16 -- By Him were all things created ... visible and invisible.

(((Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him))))

Note - From the invisible atom to the mightiest star, all is the handiwork of man's Redeemer. The hand that spaced the heavens, and formed from the dust of the earth, man in His own likeness, is the same hand that was nailed to the cross of Calvary for man's redemption.

Section 4 -- THE LAWGIVER

Nehemiah 9:12-15 -- Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai.

Note - Who is this - "THOU"? Who is the One that led the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land? Who is the One who appeared to Moses in Mount Sinai? Again, we must use the Bible method of interpretation as outlined by the Holy Spirit - comparing one Scripture with another.

I Corinthians 10:1-4 -- That Rock was Christ.

(((1Co 10:1  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1Co 10:2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1Co 10:3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1Co 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. ))))

Note - It was Jesus Christ Himself, who amid the glory and flame of Sinai, proclaimed the Law of the Council of God - even the Ten Commandments. Thus Jesus is OUR Creator, Lawgiver, and Redeemer. In future lessons we shall note Him as our High Priest, and Coming King. The Bible from beginning to end is the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the one and only true way to the Father.

Section 5 -- OUR RELATIONSHIP TO JESUS

p 12 -- John 14:15 If ye love Me, keep my commandments.

Note - His commandments are the Father's, and the Father's are His - even the Ten Commandments. In keeping them we show our love to Him. How can we do less when He has done so much for us? In another lesson we shall study the provision made so that we can keep the commandments.'

*******

Let's particularly focus on Christ as being at Sinai.  I didn't make up this, it's in OUR BIBLE! 

Reread this-

1Co 10:1  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1Co 10:2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1Co 10:3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1Co 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ


We shouldn't be ignorant!
God's chosen freed from slavery in Egypt were under a cloud.
ALL of them passed through the sea.
ALL ate of the same spiritual meat.
ALL drank the same spiritual drink.

The spiritual drink was from the spiritual ROCK, and that ROCK was CHRIST!

CHRIST was there at Sinai!

No, not in Human form, He was there in the form that is spiritual. Remember this--

Joh 4:24  God .. a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

God … a Spirit (the word in the Bible 'is' is a supplied word).   God a spirit.  Christ a spiritual Rock!  

Christ was THERE at Sinai!   Christ was THERE! There were two!  God declared the Father and God declared the Son.  Both of them were THERE. The LAW given there, the Ten Moral LAWS were given by them BOTH! 

Remember this--

Joh 10:30  I and my Father are one.

The AGREE as ONE!

Just as the morning and the evening are ONE day.
Just as a man and woman are ONE in marriage.

God and the Father AGREE as ONE!

The AGREE with the Law given on Mount Sinai!  Jesus did NOT come to get rid of that Moral Law!  And those who LOVE HIM will comprehend this! Those who LOVE HIM will be among the saints who have patience… who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD! 

We must comprehend this! 

There are TEN MORAL LAWS and it is up to us through studying God's word and by the GRACE of our LORD through the Holy Spirit, understand those laws, they are so much more than mere surface words, as our Savior demonstrated.

If we are to keep the Ten Moral Laws fully- we must know them fully! If our Savior said to even think of murder is murder, what does keeping His Sabbath day Holy mean? Is it a mere formality, or something we can easily change or do away with at our leisure? NO! It's so much more than that! So much more!

We must KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of God and… tomorrow we will talk about the 'Faith of Jesus', all by HIS LOVE!

Patience of the Saints

'HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS'

Three Angels Message of Revelation 14  (J.N. Andrews - 1877)

'The chronology of this message seems to be distinctly marked by the fact that it is given in the period of the "patience of the saints, " which follows the proclamation of the two former messages. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

And this period of the saints' patience is marked by a most important fact, viz. , the KEEPING OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS.

We wish to call attention to several points:

1. We have shown that the First Angel's Message refers to the solemn proclamation of the immediate second advent; consequently the period of patience here brought to view must be the same as that which in many scriptures is located IMMEDIATELY preceding the second advent.

A few text must suffice as examples:

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of PATIENCE, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. " Heb. 10:35-39.

"Be PATIENT, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long PATIENCE for it, until he receive the early and later rain. Be ye also PATIENT; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, or an example of suffering affliction and of PATIENCE. " James 5:7-10.

"Because thou hast kept the word of my PATIENCE, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. " Rev. 3:10, 11.

"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. " Isa. 25:9.

*******

 "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

 Any of us who hope to be among the saints has to have PATIENCE, has to have ENDURANCE in this great thing we call life.

How incredibly easy it is to give up, to give in to the senses that scream to be indulged. Surrounded by self indulgent people all around us, raised with self indulgence on display all around us- in school, on television, in movies, at stores, we see it all over the place. We are bombarded with the cries for us to indulge our selfish desires whatever they may be.  We want something? Then it's out there waiting for us.

What has this to do with patience? Everything.

Patience, enduring what?  Trials, temptations, abuse, hatred, shunning, all of it! The trials that are coming at the end are the WORST of the WORST because they are here at the end and we KNOW that the great deceiver does not want his great joy ride to be over. Satan does NOT want his end to come.

We know as human beings what it's like to know the end of something we hold dear to us is upon us. We don't like it, and yes, sometimes we fight against it when we are given the opportunity to do so. Sometimes we fight very hard to keep things from ending, and sometimes people die fighting to keep things.  Yes, sometimes they give their lives trying to hold onto things they don't want to let go of. People have chosen to die rather than give up a lavish lifestyle, a favorite person, and so on. Satan knows his own end. Satan knows it better than most. Satan will do absolutely EVERYTHING he can to keep his end from coming. Does he know it's inevitable? Yes. But that's not going to stop him from trying to delay it for as long as he possibly can. If you know your end is imminent you do EVERYTHING to stop it and he is doing everything! He is going to try the patience of EVERY single saint!

We are told about patience for a reason and we must pay attention.

It's so easy to lose our patience.  And if we do not endure to the end, we are giving up on eternity.

We have an enemy whose sole purpose is to make us impatient, to keep us from enduring and he will stop at NOTHING.

However, we have a GOD who will protect us if we surrender our lives to HIM. If we give our wills to GOD He will see us through! If we have faith in GOD to keep us patient He will!

More tomorrow… on the Keeping of the Commandments of God!

Please, Savior, keep us in YOU, in all things!

In YOUR LOVE!

Waiting and Watching for Our Lord's Return

The following chapter is going to conclude this study on J.N. Andrews - Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12

We've learned so much from this study written in 1877, from history itself, and most importantly from our Savior's word to us.  There is still a lot more to learn and by God's grace we will do so. All in the love of our SAVIOR.

*******
Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12
Chapter 9
by J.N.Andrews

The Time of the Third Angel

The Patience of the Saints
The Commandments of God
Opening of the Temple in Heaven
The Wrath of God without Mixture
The Faith of Jesus
Practical Duties
The Time of Trouble
The Triumph of the Saints
Conclusion.

WE will now briefly refer to several important facts that prove that the present is the period in which the warning of the third angel is to be given. We have proved that the proclamations of the first and second angels belong to that generation that is to witness the final overthrow of all earthly powers, and the sublime scenes of the second advent; and that the present is THAT generation that shall witness these fearful events. We have also shown that the two former proclamations have already been made, and consequently the warning of the third angel is the great theme which should now arrest the attention of every mind.

HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS

The chronology of this message seems to be distinctly marked by the fact that it is given in the period of the "patience of the saints, " which follows the proclamation of the two former messages. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.

And this period of the saints' patience is marked by a most important fact, viz. , the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

We wish to call attention to several points:

1. We have shown that the First Angel's Message refers to the solemn proclamation of the immediate second advent; consequently the period of patience here brought to view must be the same as that which in many scriptures is located immediately preceding the second advent.

A few text must suffice as examples:

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. " Heb. 10:35-39.

"Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and later rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, or an example of suffering affliction and of patience. " James 5:7-10.

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. " Rev. 3:10, 11.

"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. " Isa. 25:9.

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

2. The period of the saints' patience, here brought to view, is distinguished by the fact that they are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

It should be distinctly noticed that the commandments here brought to view are not the commandments of Christ.

There may be a certain sense in which all the precepts of the Saviour may be called the commandments of God; that is, if viewed as proceeding from the sovereign authority of the Father; but when the commandments of God are spoken of in distinction from the testimony of faith of Jesus, there is but one thing to which reference can be made; viz. , the commandments which God gave in person, - the ten commandments.

See John 15:10: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. And thus we find the law of God, which he proclaimed in person, referred to in the New Testament as the "commandments of God, " or as the "commandments. "

"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. " Matt. 19:17-19.

"And they returned and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath-day according to the commandment. " Luke 23:56.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall he called great in the kingdom of heaven, " Matt. 5:17-19.

"Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. " Eph. 6:2, 3.

"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother; and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. " Matt. 15:3-6.

"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law, sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore, the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. " Rom. 7:7-14.

It is a fact beyond dispute that the fourth commandment, some ages since, was changed from the rest-day of the Lord to the pagan festival of Sunday. This change was made in express contradiction of the Holy Scriptures, which everywhere recognize the seventh day as the only weekly Sabbath of the Lord. It was accomplished by the great apostasy, which Daniel predicted should "think to change times and laws. "

This power is essentially the same as the beast which was to be worshiped by all the world. And it is a fact of deep interest that this commandment, which has been so long trodden down, is now being vindicated, and the people of God are striving to keep it with the other nine.

Thanks be to God that he is preparing the remnant for their final conflict with the dragon, and for admittance through the gates into the holy city. Rev. 12:17; 22:14.

(((Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.))))

The vindication of the fourth commandment in opposition to the Sabbath of the apostasy, and the preaching of all the commandments of God, is a striking testimony that the present is the period of the saints' patience, and of the warning of the third angel.

The Opening of the Temple in Heaven

3. The opening of the holiest of all in the Temple in heaven, by which the ark is seen, is an event that takes place under the sounding of the seventh angel. And as the ministration of our great High Priest is changed to that apartment at the termination of the 2300 days, we understand that the opening of the Temple is marked by the termination of that period, as presented by the proclamation of the first angel.

The entrance of our high Priest into the most holy place to minister before the ark of God, call the attention of the church to the commandments of God contained within that ark. The commandments of God have been shining out from the heavenly Sanctuary since that time.

The period between our Lord's entrance into the holiest of all to cleanse the Sanctuary (Heb. 9:23) and complete his great work of ministration, and the close of that period as marked by the seven angels' coming out of the Temple to pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. (Rev. 15:5, 6), we understand to be the period of the saints' patience.

It is the days of the voice of the seventh angel in which the mystery of God is being finished; that is, the period when human probation is brought to a close.

Besides the fact of the termination of the 2300 days, which marks the opening of the Temple in heaven, the anger of the nations is an important testimony that we are now in the days of the voice of the seventh angel. Rev. 11:18.

(((Rev 11:18  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ))))

The present time is, therefore, the proper period for the last message of mercy to perishing men; and it is marked by the actual presentation of that voice of warning, and of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

THE WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE

4. Another important fact that determines the chronology of the third angel is that the seven last plagues are poured out upon those who reject his warning, the first plague being inflicted upon the very class which the third angel threatens.

The seven last plagues are the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. We have already seen that they are not inflicted until the work of mercy for man is accomplished. The third angel warns us respecting this outpouring of the exterminating wrath of God, and consequently gives the latest message of mercy.

The mystery of God, or work of salvation for sinful men, (Eph. 3) is finished in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound (Rev. 10); and as the third angel has the last warning of mercy before the vials of God's wrath are poured out, it follows that it must be given in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound. It is likewise evident that the conclusion of the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary must also take place in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound; for it is then that the mystery of God is finished.

The reason why the third woe, or seven last plagues, does not commence at once when the seventh angel begins to sound, is the fact that a period of days is occupied in finishing the mystery of God.

In this period the warning of the third angel is given, that every one who has an ear to hear may escape the vials of the wrath of God; and in this period, also, the Saviour completes his work in the Sanctuary in heaven. This being accomplished, the vials of the wrath of God are poured out upon the defenseless heads of the wicked. We think, therefore, that the evidence is conclusive that the present is the time for the warning of the third angel.

A false fulfillment of prophecy cannot occur at the time when the true should be expected. It is certain that one of the commandments of God has long been trodden down by the beast, and that in this thing almost the whole world has wondered after the beast. This commandment, as well as all the others, is now being vindicated, that the remnant may be prepared for their final conflict with the dragon. May God interest the hearts of all his people in this work.

THE FAITH OF JESUS

We have already briefly spoken of the commandments of God; a few words should be devoted to the faith of Jesus. This term is used in distinction from the commandments of God.

What, therefore, shall we understand by the "faith of Jesus"?

We think that it cannot refer to a particular degree or kind of faith which the Saviour exercised in the performance of his miracles; for it appears that he wrought these by the power which he had already received from his Father. Matt. 8:2, 3; Mark 1:40, 41; Luke 5:23, 24.

The world itself was made by him. John 1.

He had ample power, therefore, to perform every miracle which he wrought. There is but one other thing to which this term can refer; viz. , the precepts and doctrines of our Lord, as recorded in the New Testament.

Thus, "the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27) must refer to the precepts and doctrines of the gospel.

"The faith" to which a multitude of the priests were obedient (Acts 6:7),  (((Act 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.))))

which was resisted by Elymas, the sorcerer (Acts 13:8),  (((Act 13:8  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. ))))  which was committed to the apostles for the obedience of all nations (Rom. 1:5) (((Rom 1:5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name)))). Which Paul testifies that he had kept (2 Tim. 4:7) (((2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: )))) , and which is to be earnestly maintained, as once delivered to the saints (Jude 3)(((Jud 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. )))), must refer, we think, to the precepts and doctrines of the everlasting gospel.

That the faith of Jesus is used in this sense in Rev. 2:13,(((Rev 2:13  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. )))) we think cannot be denied.

"Thou holdest fast my name, " says Jesus, "and hast not denied my faith. " That this is the sense in which it is used in Rev. 14:12, is further evident from the fact that it is spoken of as being kept in the same manner that the commandments of God are kept

PRACTICAL DUTIES

It remains that we notice a few of the most important practical duties that devolve upon us at the present time:-

1. First of all we would mention holy living.

God has committed to our trust the most precious truths, and he holds us responsible for the light with which we are intrusted. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. " Matt. 5:16.

The sanctifying effect of the truth must be witnessed in us by others, if we would do them good. Especially must we watch unto prayer. Watchfulness and prayer are mighty weapons with which to resist the Devil. Their importance may be seen from the following scriptures:

" Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. " 1 Pet. 5:8, 9.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. " Eph. 6:18.

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. " Luke 11:9, 10.

"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. " James 3:2.

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. " 1 Pet. 4:7.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment; for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. " Matt. 12:36, 37.

2. Growth in grace. It is greatly to be feared that the importance of this is too much lost sight of. If we would be final overcomers and stand upon Mount Zion, we must be daily overcoming the great foe of our souls.

The long-suffering of God is meant for our salvation. Let us most faithfully improve the gracious opportunity now granted us to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.

"BUT growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. " 2 Pet. 3:18.

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. " Heb. 12:14.

"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. " 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.

3. The duty of searching the Scriptures. This is solemnly enjoined by our Lord. John 5:39. (((Joh 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. ))))  Without this, we cannot obey the precept of Peter. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. " 1 Pet. 3:15.

The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is an important part of the armor which God has prepared for us. Eph. 6.

It is certain that events before us are such that every person will be tested.

If the truth of God is understood, appreciated, and loved by us, we must examine the Scriptures for ourselves.

If it is not loved, the time is not distant when we shall be sifted out.

Everything is before us to deceive and lead astray.

The spirits of evils are about to perform the most extraordinary miracles.

They will do this, professing to be the spirits of our departed friends. Hence the great importance of a thorough knowledge of the Bible doctrine of the sleep of the dead. The Lord would not have us ignorant concerning them which are asleep.

4. The duty of sacrificing to sustain the cause of God. There is no plainer duty in the Scriptures. Ourselves, our time, our means, all that we have, all that we are, belong to God alone.

Those who go out to preach the word of God are called upon to make the greatest sacrifice.

All are not called to do this; but those who are not, if they love Christ and the truth, will gladly sustain those who are thus thrust out . Let not the cause of truth suffer for the means to sustain it.

Read Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 8; Luke 12:33, 34; 1 John 2:15; Matt. 6:19-34.

(((Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2Co 8:1  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2Co 8:2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
2Co 8:3  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
2Co 8:4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2Co 8:5  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
2Co 8:6  Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
2Co 8:7  Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2Co 8:8  I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
2Co 8:9  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2Co 8:10  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
2Co 8:11  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
2Co 8:12  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
2Co 8:13  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
2Co 8:14  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
2Co 8:15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
2Co 8:16  But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
2Co 8:17  For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
2Co 8:18  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
2Co 8:19  And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2Co 8:20  Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
2Co 8:21  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
2Co 8:22  And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
2Co 8:23  Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
2Co 8:24  Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Luk 12:33  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Mat 6:22  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Mat 6:23  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mat 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ))))


5. The duty of waiting and watching for our Lord's return.

Let this ever be our position, and let all our words and acts be in accordance with our profession, that the end of all things is at hand. "Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. " Mark 13:35-37.

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. " 1 Thess. 5:4-6.

"And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. " Heb. 9:28.

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. " Luke 12:35-37.

6. Finally, let us indeed be Bible Christians.

Let the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus be the continual rule of our lives, and the governing principle of our conduct. May the great Head of the church help us all to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.

CONCLUSION

WE have now briefly and imperfectly surveyed this most important subject. Sufficient evidence has been adduced, we think, to satisfy the honest inquirer that we occupy one of the most solemn and interesting periods in the history of the church.

The first and second proclamations of Rev. 14 are in the past, and the warning voice of the third angel is now addressed to us; the fearful scenes of Rev. 13:13-17 are about to open upon us; and last of all, the seven last plagues are soon to be poured out upon those who, regarding the decree of the beast more than the warning of the third angel, shall be found worshiping the beast and his image, and possessing his mark.

Who among us will be able to meet the fearful test between the warning of the third angel and the decree of the beast? Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.

The situation of the church when the decree goes forth that all shall worship the image of the beast on pain of death, will be precisely that of the three Hebrew worthies whom Nebuchadnezzar commanded to worship the golden image. Read carefully Dan. 3. God saved them by direct interposition. He has promised thus to interpose for his people; but it will not be until the time of trouble, such as never was, has fully opened upon the world.

THE TIME OF TROUBLE

With this fearful prospect of the coming storm before us, we may well appreciate the words which follow the warning of the third angel. "And I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. " Rev. 14:13. The following scriptures will show us why those are pronounced blessed who now fall asleep in Christ, and will also show the situation of the saints at the time when God delivers them:

- "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. " Jer. 30:7. "Oh that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! Job 14:13.

"When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up onto the people, he will invade them with his troops. " Hab. 3:16.

"And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:6-8.

Finally, we see the unclean spirits preparing for the great battle. We see the preparation for the law which shall compel all men to observe Sunday. We see the papal power awakening to declare itself infallible, and to claim anew the power to rule over the kingdoms of the earth. We hear the voice of alarm of the third angel, and we already see many thousands in response to his warning turning to the observance of God's commandments. These things are striking signs of the great day of God now just before us.

THE TRIUMPH OF THE SAINTS

The conflict with the beast and his image is inevitable; but the issue of this conflict is not a matter of doubt. God will interpose to save his people. Though the last act of Satan be to unite all the wicked of the earth in the worship of the beast, and to attempt the utter extermination of the saints, yet God has said that the saints shall triumph!

"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. " Rev. 15:2, 3.

Glorious indeed will be the triumph of the saints! Reader, may it be your lot to join in singing that song of victory upon the sea of glass.

*******

AMEN.

This has been  A LOT to take in, a lot! So tomorrow we're going to take it bit by bit and break it down to study more fully.

This is truth, all truth. 

Yes, it was written in 1877 and I keep reiterating this fact, but I have to. There is such a great temptation before mankind to just give up because things haven't happened as fast as others supposed they would. We truly HAVE to remember that God's time is NOT our time. When He would have things done, we often stand in HIS way! Having to remain here many more years because of OUR backsliding! Our refusal to repent has kept us here much longer than we were meant to be!  I know saying this sounds strange because I would never have been born if we'd gone through many years back. Yet, I have to say it, it's truth. We have to LEARN from past mistakes. The torture of living in this world goes on and on. With each advancement as our knowledge continually increases there are equal advancements in the evil of this world. The evil is out of control. The Bible mentions this--

Gen_6:5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

And this--

Gen 18:20  And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Gen 18:21  I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Gen 18:22  And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Gen 18:23  And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24  Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Gen 18:25  That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Gen 18:26  And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Gen 18:27  And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Gen 18:28  Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Gen 18:29  And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
Gen 18:30  And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
Gen 18:31  And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
Gen 18:32  And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.
Gen 18:33  And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

The entire world full of people, then cities full of people all of them EVIL!   Only 8 saved in Noah's day, only 3 saved in Lot's day.  The multitude were evil!  And evil isn't just committing deprave acts, you can be seemingly wonderful and have an evil, selfish heart without committing a single sick, depraved act. Evil is so much more than the horrors of the world, it's a heart void of God's love.

Please, LORD, help us to have YOUR LOVE in us through the Holy Spirit, by the grace and mercy of our SAVIOR!

In HIS LOVE!