Majority Believe Lies.

CHAPTER 18  (The Great Controversy)

Mystery of Iniquity

It has ever been the design of Satan to draw the minds of the people from Jesus to man, and to destroy individual accountability.  Satan failed in his design when he tempted the Son of God.  He succeeded better as he came to fallen man.  The doctrine of Christianity was corrupted.  Popes and priests presumed to take an exalted position, and taught the people to look to them to pardon their sins, instead of looking to Christ for themselves.  The Bible was kept from them, in order to conceal the truths which would condemn them.

The people were entirely deceived.  They were taught that the popes and priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact they were the representatives of Satan; and when they bowed to them, they worshiped Satan.  The people called for the Bible; but the priests considered it dangerous to let them have the word of God to read for themselves, lest they become enlightened, and their sins be exposed.  The people were taught to look to these deceivers, and receive every word from them, as from the mouth of God.  They held that power over the mind, which God alone should hold.  And if any dared to follow their own convictions, the same hate which Satan and the Jews exercised towards Jesus would be kindled against them, and those in authority would thirst for their blood. I was shown a time when Satan especially triumphed.  Multitudes of Christians were slain in a dreadful manner because they would preserve the purity of their religion.

The Bible was hated, and efforts were made to rid the earth of the precious word of God.  The Bible was forbidden to be read on pain of death, and all the copies of the holy Book which could be found were burned.  But I saw that God had a special care for his word.  He protected it.  At different periods there were but a very few copies of the Bible in existence, yet God would not suffer his word to be lost.  And in the last days, copies of the Bible were to be so multiplied that every family could possess it.  I saw that when there were but a very few copies of the Bible, it was precious and comforting to the persecuted followers of Jesus.  It was read in the most secret manner, and those who had this exalted privilege felt that they had had an interview with God, with his Son Jesus, and with his disciples.  But this blessed privilege cost many of them their lives.  If discovered, they were taken from reading the sacred Word to the chopping block, the stake, or to the dungeon to die from starvation.

Satan could not hinder the plan of salvation.  Jesus was crucified, and arose again the third day.  He told his angels that he would make even the crucifixion and resurrection tell to his advantage.  He was willing that those who professed faith in Jesus should believe that the laws regulating the Jewish sacrifices and offerings ceased at the death of Christ, if he could push them further, and make them believe that the law of ten commandments died also with Christ.

I saw that many readily yielded to this device of Satan.  All heaven was moved with indignation, as they saw the holy law of God trampled under foot.  Jesus and all the heavenly host were acquainted with the nature of God's law; they knew that he would not change or abolish it.  The hopeless condition of man caused the deepest sorrow in heaven, and moved Jesus to offer to die for the transgressors of God’s holy law.  If his law could be abolished, man might have been saved without the death of Jesus. The death of Christ did not destroy the law of his Father; but magnified and honored it, and enforces obedience to all its holy precepts.  Had the church remained pure and steadfast, Satan could not have deceived them, and led them to trample on the law of God.  In this bold plan, Satan strikes directly against the foundation of God's government in heaven and on earth.  His rebellion caused him to be expelled from heaven.  After he rebelled, in order to save himself, he wished God to change his law; but God told Satan, before the whole heavenly host, that his law was unalterable.  Satan knows that if he can cause others to violate God's law he is sure of them; for every transgressor of his law must die.

Satan decided to go still further.  He told his angels that some would be so jealous of God's law that they could not be caught in this snare; that the ten commandments were so plain that many would believe that they were still binding; therefore he must seek to corrupt the fourth commandment which brings to view the living God.  He led on his representatives to attempt to change the Sabbath, and alter the only commandment of the ten which brings to view the true God, the maker of the heavens and the earth.  Satan presented before them the glorious resurrection of Jesus, and told them that by his rising on the first day of the week, he changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week.  Thus Satan used the resurrection to serve his purpose.  He and his angels rejoiced that the errors they had prepared took so well with the professed friends of Christ.  What one might look upon with religious horror, another would receive.  The different errors would be received, and with zeal defended.  The will of God plainly revealed in his word, was covered up with error and tradition, which have been taught as the commandments of God.  But although this heaven-daring deception was to be suffered to be carried on down through time until the second appearing of Jesus, yet through all this time of error and deception, God has not been left without a witness.  There have been true and faithful witnesses keeping all of God's commandments through the darkness and persecution of the church.

I saw that angels were filled with amazement as they beheld the sufferings and death of the King of glory.  But I saw that it was no marvel to the angelic host that the Lord of life and glory, who filled all heaven with joy and splendor, should break the bands of death, and walk forth from his prison house a triumphant conqueror.  And if either of these events should be commemorated by a day of rest, it is the crucifixion.  But, I saw that neither of those events were designed to alter or abolish God's law; but they give the strongest proof of its immutability.

 Both of these important events have their memorials.  By partaking of the Lord's supper, the broken bread and the fruit of the vine, we show forth the Lord's death until he comes.  By observing this memorial, the scenes of his sufferings and death are brought fresh to our minds.  The resurrection of Christ is commemorated by our being buried with him by baptism, and raised up out of the watery grave in likeness of his resurrection, to live in newness of life.

I was shown that the law of God would stand fast forever, and exist in the new earth to all eternity.  At the creation, when the foundations of the earth were laid, the sons of God looked with admiration upon the work of the Creator, and all the heavenly host shouted for joy.  It was then that the foundation of the Sabbath was laid.  At the close of the six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made; and he blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it he had rested from all his work.  The Sabbath was instituted in Eden before the fall, and was observed by Adam and Eve, and all the heavenly host.  God rested on the seventh day, and blessed and hallowed it; and I saw that the Sabbath would never be done away; but the redeemed saints, and all the angelic host, will observe it in honor of the great Creator to all eternity.

See Exodus 20:8-11; Job 38:7; Daniel chap.7; 2Thessalonians chap.2

Exo 20:8  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

Exo 20:9  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 

Exo 20:10  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 

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. 

Job 38:7  When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy

Dan 7:1  In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. 

Dan 7:2  Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 

Dan 7:3  And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 

Dan 7:4  The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 

Dan 7:5  And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 

Dan 7:6  After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 

Dan 7:7  After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 

Dan 7:8  I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 

Dan 7:9  I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 

Dan 7:10  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 

Dan 7:11  I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 

Dan 7:12  As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 

Dan 7:13  I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 

Dan 7:14  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. 

Dan 7:15  I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 

Dan 7:16  I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 

Dan 7:17  These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 

Dan 7:18  But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. 

Dan 7:19  Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 

Dan 7:20  And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. 

Dan 7:21  I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 

Dan 7:22  Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 

Dan 7:23  Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 

Dan 7:24  And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 

Dan 7:25  And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 

Dan 7:26  But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 

Dan 7:27  And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. 

Dan 7:28  Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. 

2Th 2:1  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 

2Th 2:2  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 

2Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

2Th 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 

2Th 2:5  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 

2Th 2:6  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 

2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 

2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

2Th 2:10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 

2Th 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 

2Th 2:12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 

2Th 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 

2Th 2:14  Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

2Th 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 

2Th 2:16  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 

2Th 2:17  Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

Martyred

CHAPTER 17   (The Great Controversy)

The Great Apostasy

I was carried forward to the time when the heathen idolators cruelly persecuted the Christians, and killed them.  Blood flowed in torrents.  The noble, the learned, and the common people, were alike slain without mercy.  Wealthy families were reduced to poverty because they would not yield their religion.  Notwithstanding the persecution and sufferings those Christians endured, they would not lower the standard.  They kept their religion pure.  I saw that Satan exulted and triumphed over the sufferings of God's people.  But God looked with great approbation upon his faithful martyrs, and the Christians who lived in that fearful time were greatly beloved of him; for they were willing to suffer for his sake.  Every suffering endured by them increased their reward in heaven.  But although Satan rejoiced because the saints suffered, yet he was not satisfied.  He wanted control of the mind as well as the body.  The sufferings those Christians endured drove them closer to the Lord, and led them to love one another, and caused them to fear more than ever to offend him.  Satan wished to lead them to displease God; then they would lose their strength, fortitude and firmness.  Although thousands were slain, yet others were springing up to supply their place.  Satan saw that he was losing his subjects, and although they suffered persecution and death, yet they were secured to Jesus Christ, to be the subjects of his kingdom, and he laid his plans to more successfully fight against the government of God, and overthrow the church.  He led on those heathen idolators to embrace part of the Christian faith.  They professed to believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, without a change of heart, and proposed to unite with the followers of Jesus.  O the fearful danger of the church!  It was a time of mental anguish.  Some thought that if they should come down and unite with those idolators who had embraced a portion of the Christian faith, it would be the means of their conversion.  Satan was seeking to corrupt the doctrines of the Bible.  At last I saw the standard lowered, and those heathen were uniting with Christians.  They had been worshipers of idols, and although they professed to be Christians, they brought along with them their idolatry.  They changed the objects only of their worship, to images of saints, and even the image of Christ, and Mary the mother of Jesus.  Christians gradually united with them, and the Christian religion was corrupted, and the church lost its purity and power.  Some refused to unite with them and they preserved their purity, and worshiped God alone.  They would not bow down to any image of anything in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath.

Satan exulted over the fall of so many; and then he stirred up the fallen church to force those who would preserve the purity of their religion, to either yield to their ceremonies and image worship, or to put them to death.  The fires of persecution were again kindled against the true church of Jesus Christ, and millions were slain without mercy.

It was presented before me in the following manner: A large company of heathen idolators bore a black banner upon which were figures of the sun, moon and stars.  The company seemed to be very fierce and angry. I was then shown another company bearing a pure white banner, and upon it was written Purity, and Holiness unto the Lord.  Their countenances were marked with firmness and heavenly resignation.  I saw the heathen idolators approach them, and there was a great slaughter.  The Christians melted away before them; and yet the Christian company pressed the more closely together, and held the banner more firmly.  As many fell, others rallied around the banner and filled their places.

I saw the company of idolators consulting together.  They failed to make the Christians yield, and they agreed to another plan.  I saw them lower their banner, and they approached that firm Christian company, and made propositions to them.  At first their propositions were utterly refused.  Then I saw the Christian company consulting together.  Some said that they would lower the banner, accept the propositions, and save their lives, and at last they could gain strength to raise their banner among those heathen idolators.  But some would not yield to this plan, but firmly chose to die holding their banner, rather than lower it.  Then I saw many of that Christian company lower the banner, and unite with the heathen; while the firm and steadfast seized the banner, and bore it high again. I saw individuals continually leaving the company of those bearing the pure banner, and joining the idolators, and they united together under the black banner, to persecute those bearing the white banner, and many were slain; yet the white banner was held high, and individuals were raised up to rally around it.

The Jews who first started the rage of the heathen against Jesus, were not to escape.  In the judgment hall the infuriated Jews cried, as Pilate hesitated to condemn Jesus, His blood be on us and on our children.  The race of the Jews experienced the fulfillment of this terrible curse which they called down upon their own heads.  Heathen and those called Christians were alike their foes.  Those professed Christians, in their zeal for the cross of Christ, because the Jews had crucified Jesus, thought that the more suffering they could bring upon them, the better could they please God; and many of those unbelieving Jews were killed, while others were driven from place to place, and were punished in almost every manner.

The blood of Christ, and of the disciples, whom they had put to death, was upon them, and in terrible judgments were they visited.  The curse of God followed them, and they were a by-word and a derision to the heathen and to Christians.  They were shunned, degraded and detested, as though the brand of Cain was upon them.  Yet I saw that God marvelously preserved this people, and had scattered them over the world, that they might be looked upon as especially visited by a curse from God.  I saw that God had forsaken the Jews as a nation; yet there was a portion of them who would be enabled to tear away the veil from their hearts.  Some will yet see that prophecy has been fulfilled concerning them, and they will receive Jesus as the Saviour of the world, and see the great sin of their nation in rejecting Jesus, and crucifying him.  Individuals among the Jews will be converted; but as a nation they are forever forsaken of God.

See Genesis 4:8-15; Psalms 60:4; 2Corinthians 6:14-17

Gen 4:8  And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 

Gen 4:9  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 

Gen 4:10  And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 

Gen 4:11  And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 

Gen 4:12  When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 

Gen 4:13  And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 

Gen 4:14  Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 

Gen 4:15  And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 

Psa 60:4  Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 

2Co 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

2Co 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

2Co 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Imprisoned For God's Work.

CHAPTER 16  (The Great Controversy)

Paul Visited Jerusalem

Shortly after Paul's conversion he visited Jerusalem, and preached Jesus, and the wonders of his grace.  He related his miraculous conversion, which enraged the priests, and rulers, and they sought to take his life.  But that his life might be saved, Jesus appeared to him again in a vision while he was praying, saying unto him, Get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.  Paul earnestly plead with Jesus, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee.  And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.  Paul thought the Jews in Jerusalem could not resist his testimony; that they would consider that the great change in him could only be wrought by the power of God.  But Jesus said unto him, Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

In Paul's absence from Jerusalem, he wrote many letters to different places, relating his experience, and bearing a powerful testimony.  But some strove to destroy the influence of those letters.  They had to admit that his letters were weighty and powerful; but declared that his bodily presence was weak, and his speech contemptible.

I saw that Paul was a man of great learning, and his wisdom and manners charmed his hearers.  Learned men were pleased with his knowledge, and many of them believed on Jesus.  When before kings and large assemblies, he would pour forth such eloquence as would bear down all before him.  This greatly enraged the priests and elders.  Paul could readily enter into deep reasoning, and soar up, and carry the people with him, in the most exalted trains of thought, and bring to view the deep riches of the grace of God, and portray before them the amazing love of Christ.  Then with simplicity he would come down to the understanding of the common people, and in a most powerful manner relate his experience, which called forth from them ardent desires to be the disciples of Christ.

The Lord revealed to Paul that he must again go up to Jerusalem; that he would there be bound and suffer for his name.  And although he was a prisoner for a great length of time, yet the Lord was carrying forward his special work through him.  Paul's bonds were to be the means of spreading the knowledge of Christ, and thus glorifying God.  As he was sent from city to city for his trial, the testimony concerning Jesus, and the interesting incidents of his conversion were related before kings and governors, that they should not be left without testimony concerning Jesus.  Thousands believed on him and rejoiced in his name.  I saw that God's special purpose was fulfilled in the journey of Paul upon the water, that the ship's crew might witness the power of God through Paul, and that the heathen also might hear the name of Jesus, and many be converted through his teaching, and by witnessing the miracles he wrought.  Kings and governors were charmed by his reasoning, and as, with zeal and the power of the Holy Spirit, he preached Jesus, and related the interesting events of his experience, conviction fastened upon them that Jesus was the Son of God; and while some wondered with amazement as they listened to Paul, one cried out, Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian.  Yet they thought that at some future time they would consider what they had heard.  Satan took advantage of the delay, and as they neglected that opportunity when their hearts were softened, it was forever.  Their hearts became hardened.

I was shown the work of Satan in first blinding the eyes of the Jews so that they would not receive Jesus as their Saviour; and next in leading them, through envy because of his mighty works, to desire his life.  Satan entered one of Jesus' own followers, and led him on to betray him into their hands, and they crucified the Lord of life and glory.  After Jesus arose from the dead, the Jews added sin to sin as they sought to hide the fact of the resurrection, by hiring for money the Roman guard to testify to a falsehood.  But the resurrection of Jesus was made doubly sure by the resurrection of a multitude of witnesses who arose with him.  Jesus appeared to his disciples, and to above five hundred at once, while those whom he brought up with him appeared unto many declaring that Jesus had risen.

Satan had caused the Jews to rebel against God, by refusing to receive his Son, and in staining their hands with most precious blood in crucifying him.  No matter how powerful the evidence given of Jesus' being the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world; they had murdered him, and could not receive any evidence in his favor.  Their only hope and consolation, like Satan's after his fall, was in trying to prevail against the Son of God.  They continued their rebellion by persecuting the disciples of Christ, and putting them to death.  Nothing fell so harshly on their ears as the name of Jesus whom they had crucified; and they were determined not to listen to any evidence in his favor.  As in the case of Stephen, as the Holy Spirit through him declared the mighty evidence of his being the Son of God, they stopped their ears lest they should be convinced.  And while Stephen was wrapped up in God's glory, they stoned him to death.  Satan had the murderers of Jesus fast in his grasp.  By wicked works they had yielded themselves his willing subjects, and through them he was at work to trouble and annoy the believers of Christ.  He worked through the Jews to stir up the Gentiles against the name of Jesus, and against those who followed him, and believed on his name.  But God sent his angels to strengthen the disciples for their work, that they might testify of the things they had seen and heard, and at last in their steadfastness, seal their testimony with their blood.

Satan rejoiced that the Jews were safe in his snare.  They still continued their useless forms, their sacrifices and ordinances.  As Jesus hung upon the cross, and cried, It is finished, the vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom, to signify that God would no longer meet with the priests in the temple, to accept their sacrifices and ordinances; and also to show that the partition wall was broken down between the Jews and the Gentiles.  Jesus had made an offering of himself for both, and if saved at all, both must believe in Jesus as the only offering for sin, and the Saviour of the world.

While Jesus hung upon the cross, as the soldier pierced his side with a spear, there came out blood and water, in two distinct streams, one of blood, the other of clear water.  The blood was to wash away the sins of those who should believe in his name.  The water represents that living water which is obtained from Jesus to give life to the believer.

See Matthew 27:51; John 19:34; Acts chap.24&26

Mat 27:51  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent

Joh 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 

Act 24:1  And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 

Act 24:2  And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, 

Act 24:3  We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 

Act 24:4  Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 

Act 24:5  For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 

Act 24:6  Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 

Act 24:7  But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 

Act 24:8  Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 

Act 24:9  And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. 

Act 24:10  Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 

Act 24:11  Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 

Act 24:12  And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 

Act 24:13  Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 

Act 24:14  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 

Act 24:15  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 

Act 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. 

Act 24:17  Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 

Act 24:18  Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 

Act 24:19  Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. 

Act 24:20  Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 

Act 24:21  Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. 

Act 24:22  And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 

Act 24:23  And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. 

Act 24:24  And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 

Act 24:25  And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 

Act 24:26  He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 

Act 24:27  But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. 

Act 26:1  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 

Act 26:2  I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 

Act 26:3  Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 

Act 26:4  My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 

Act 26:5  Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 

Act 26:6  And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 

Act 26:7  Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 

Act 26:8  Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 

Act 26:9  I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Act 26:10  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 

Act 26:11  And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 

Act 26:12  Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 

Act 26:13  At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 

Act 26:14  And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

Act 26:15  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 

Act 26:16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 

Act 26:17  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 

Act 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 

Act 26:19  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 

Act 26:20  But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 

Act 26:21  For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 

Act 26:22  Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 

Act 26:23  That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. 

Act 26:24  And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 

Act 26:25  But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 

Act 26:26  For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 

Act 26:27  King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 

Act 26:28  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 

Act 26:29  And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. 

Act 26:30  And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 

Act 26:31  And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 

Act 26:32  Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. 

Through Much Tribulation We Enter the Kingdom of God.

CHAPTER 15  (The Great Controversy)

The Jews Decided to Kill Paul

The chief priests and rulers were moved with hatred against Paul, as they witnessed the effect of the relation of his experience.  They saw that he boldly preached Jesus, and wrought miracles in his name, and that multitudes listened to him, and turned from their traditions, and looked upon them as being the murderers of the Son of God.  Their anger was kindled, and they assembled to consult as to what was best to be done to put down the excitement.  They agreed that the only safe course for them was to put Paul to death.  But God knew of their intention, and angels were commissioned to guard him, that he might live to fulfill his mission, and to suffer for the name of Jesus.

Paul was informed that the Jews were seeking his life.  Satan led the unbelieving Jews to watch the gates of Damascus day and night, that as Paul should pass out of the gates; they might immediately kill him.  But the disciples in the night let him down by the wall in a basket.  Here the Jews were made ashamed of their failure, and Satan's object was defeated.  And Paul went to Jerusalem to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him.  They could not believe that he was a disciple.  His life had been hunted by the Jews in Damascus, and his own brethren would not receive him; but Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

But Satan was stirring up the Jews to destroy Paul, and Jesus bade him leave Jerusalem.  And as he went into other cities preaching Jesus, and working miracles, many were converted, and as one man was healed who had always been lame, the people who worshiped idols were about to sacrifice to the disciples.  Paul was grieved, and told them that they were only men, and that they must worship God who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.  Paul exalted God before them; but he could scarcely restrain the people.  The first knowledge of faith in the true God, and the worship and honor due to him, were being formed in their minds; and as they were listening to Paul, Satan urged on the unbelieving Jews of other cities to follow after Paul to destroy the good work wrought through him.  The Jews stirred up, and inflamed the minds of those idolators by false reports against Paul.  The wonder and admiration of the people now changed to hate, and they who a short time before were ready to worship the disciples, stoned Paul, and drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.  But as the disciples were standing about Paul, and mourning over him, to their joy he rose up, and went with them into the city.

As Paul preached Jesus, a certain woman possessed with a spirit of divination, followed them, crying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.  Thus she followed the disciples many days.  But Paul was grieved; for this crying after them diverted the minds of the people from the truth.  Satan's object in leading her to do this was to disgust the people, and destroy the influence of the disciples.  But Paul's spirit was stirred within him, and he turned to the woman, and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her, and the evil spirit was rebuked, and left her. 

Her masters were pleased that she cried after the disciples; but when the evil spirit had left her, and they saw her a meek disciple of Christ, they were enraged.  They had gathered much money by her fortune-telling, and now the hope of their gain was gone.  Satan's object was defeated; but his servants caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market place, unto the rulers, and to the magistrates, saying, These men being Jews do exceedingly trouble our city.  And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks.  But the angels of God accompanied them within the prison walls.  Their imprisonment told to the glory of God, and showed to the people that God was in the work, and with his chosen servants, and that prison walls could be shaken, and strong iron bars could easily be opened by him.

At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung praises unto God, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and I saw that immediately the angel of God loosed everyone's bands.  The keeper of the prison awoke and was affrighted as he saw the prison doors open.  He thought that the prisoners had escaped, and that he must be punished with death.  As he was about to kill himself, Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here.  The power of God convicted the keeper.  He called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.  The jailer then assembled his whole household, and Paul preached unto them Jesus.  The jailer's heart was united to those brethren, and he washed their stripes, and he, and all his house, were baptized that night.  He then set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God, with all his house.

The wonderful news was spread abroad of the glorious power of God which had been manifest in opening the prison doors, and the conversion and baptism of the jailer and his family.  The rulers heard of these things, and were afraid, and sent to the jailer, requesting him to let Paul and Silas go.  But Paul would not leave the prison in a private manner.  He said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily?  Nay, verily; but let them come themselves, and fetch us out.  Paul and Silas were not willing that the manifestation of the power of God should be concealed.  The sergeants told these words unto the magistrates; and they feared when they heard that they were Romans.  And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

See Acts chap.14&16

Act 14:1  And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 

Act 14:2  But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 

Act 14:3  Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

Act 14:4  But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

Act 14:5  And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 

Act 14:6  They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 

Act 14:7  And there they preached the gospel. 

Act 14:8  And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 

Act 14:9  The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 

Act 14:10  Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 

Act 14:11  And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 

Act 14:12  And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 

Act 14:13  Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 

Act 14:14  Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 

Act 14:15  And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 

Act 14:16  Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 

Act 14:17  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 

Act 14:18  And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 

Act 14:19  And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 

Act 14:20  Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 

Act 14:21  And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 

Act 14:23  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 

Act 14:24  And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 

Act 14:25  And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 

Act 14:26  And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 

Act 14:27  And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 

Act 14:28  And there they abode long time with the disciples. 

Act 16:1  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 

Act 16:2  Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 

Act 16:3  Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 

Act 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 

Act 16:5  And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. 

Act 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 

Act 16:7  After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 

Act 16:8  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 

Act 16:9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 

Act 16:10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 

Act 16:11  Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 

Act 16:12  And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 

Act 16:13  And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 

Act 16:14  And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 

Act 16:15  And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. 

Act 16:16  And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 

Act 16:17  The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 

Act 16:18  And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 

Act 16:19  And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 

Act 16:20  And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 

Act 16:21  And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 

Act 16:22  And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 

Act 16:23  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 

Act 16:24  Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 

Act 16:25  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 

Act 16:26  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 

Act 16:27  And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 

Act 16:28  But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 

Act 16:29  Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 

Act 16:30  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 

Act 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 

Act 16:32  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 

Act 16:33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 

Act 16:34  And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 

Act 16:35  And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 

Act 16:36  And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 

Act 16:37  But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 

Act 16:38  And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 

Act 16:39  And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 

Act 16:40  And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. 

Whom Shall I Fear?

Psa 27:1  A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

Psa 27:2  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 

Psa 27:3  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 

Psa 27:4  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 

Psa 27:5  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 

Mat 16:17  And Jesus answered…

Mat 16…. and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

Jesus is the ROCK

1Co 3:10  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

Psa 27:6  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 

Mar_12:33  And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Heb_13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1Pe_2:5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Psa 27:7  Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 

Psa 27:8  When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 

Psa 27:9  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 

Psa 27:10  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 

Psa 27:11  Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 

Psa 27:12  Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 

Psa 27:13  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 

Psa 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.