Call on the Name of Jesus

March 7, 2014

By Ernie Knoll

 

[Please note: Just as in the “If You Love Me” dream, at the beginning of this dream, an evil angel tries to deceive me by sharing truth mixed with error.]

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2:32.

In my dream, I am walking along a path that has trees on each side. I can tell it is a well-traveled path because the dirt is smooth. A cool breeze is blowing. As I walk, I suddenly notice the Herald and several large guard angels just above me. They slowly descend and stop in front of me. The Herald addresses me with my heavenly name and reveals that he has been sent with a message that I am to share when instructed. He says that the heavenly Father is allowing me to observe what he is to show me. I am to know that if I remain faithful, heavenly angels will protect me. 

The Herald places his hands on my shoulders, repeats my heavenly name, and says, “If at any time you need to, stop walking, then simply call out the most precious name in the universe─Jesus.” He reminds me that I am a messenger just as he is a messenger. Who we are is not important. The only name that is worthy to be spoken is Jesus─the most beautiful name in the universe. He says, “Remember, if at any time you need to, stop, and call out the name of Jesus.” Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

The Herald and the guard angels are now a very short distance behind me. As I begin walking, I notice several angels slowly descend in front of me. I look behind me at the guard angels and notice that together they raise their shields and swords, which shine with an iridescent light, as if alive with energy. Looking as if they are prepared to battle, the guard angels walk several steps forward and in front of the Herald. I look back at the angels who descended in front of me. They are very bright, and many of them also have shields and swords. Without raising them, they walk peacefully toward me.

One of the angels smiles at me. Just like the Herald, he is taller and more noble looking than the other angels. When he starts talking to me, I immediately realize that he is an evil angel. As I continue walking, he walks next to me and says, “Brother of Jesus, I bring you greetings of love from Jesus, the One whose name is spoken of most often and whose name rings throughout the Father’s universe.” He smiles continually and I keep walking. The angel continues, “You have been told that Jesus is always with you. You have been told that all you have to do is call upon His name. These are most comforting words. It is good to know that all one has to do is call upon the name of Jesus and that He will be right there with you. You know, if He wanted to, He could call upon thousands of legions of angels, all just for you. It has to be a wonderful feeling to know that, of all the brothers He has on the earth, He would do that just for you. You are very special in His eyes. You know, our Father who sits upon His sacred throne in heaven calls you Elijah and John the Baptist. You know, He holds you in His hand in a very special way.  You know, you are His very special messenger, just like so many others who have served and, of course, died. There have been other messengers who have lived in privation and poverty, but He has cared and provided abundantly for your needs.”

This evil angel again addresses me by saying, “Brother of Jesus, it is good to know that Jesus has said He will forgive all your sins.” As we continue, this angel slowly starts reminding me of my life. He reminds me of things I did as a child. He reminds me of the things I did as I got older. As I walk along, I begin thinking of all the things I did. Once in a while, the angel reminds me about how unworthy I am that Jesus would even bother to call me His brother. As I listen to the angel, I begin to feel very unworthy. I begin to remember the many things I did and the depths that I have fallen into sin. I feel that I am such a sinner. I feel that I am so unworthy, so worthless, so undeserving and that I have done things that are so much worse than others. {1}

As the evil angel takes my left hand, he says that I should not feel bad, because all have sinned. He tells me that no one is perfect, and that everyone continues to make mistakes. He says that no one can walk sinless, and that everyone knows it is impossible to keep God’s laws. {2} The angel smiles and tells me that it is good to know that all we need to do is ask forgiveness from the Father, and He will always forgive us. He goes on to say that the Father is waiting on His throne for us to simply ask, and He will forgive us. He tells me that the Father is all-loving and all-forgiving, and that we will always be forgiven, because that is the Father’s nature.

I look up to the evil angel and say, “But it is important to ask these things in the name of Jesus.” {3} He smiles and tells me, “Although many like to mention the name of Jesus, the Father is always waiting for each to ask so they may be forgiven.”

“When Jesus came to this earth, He was not exactly like you. He did not have the propensity to sin. You know, Jesus was made to have flesh and bones like you. He bled when cut. He cried when in pain. But unlike you, He was unable to sin. {4} Because Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, you also have the complete fallen nature of Adam. But Jesus, well, He came to this earth as a human, but He also came with His princely powers. {5} That is why He did not have the propensity to sin. When you think about it, we know He healed blind people and those who were not able to walk. He raised people from the dead and turned water into juice. He even walked on water and many other things that no true brother or sister of Adam and Eve could ever do. Holding my left hand, he smiles and asks, “When is the last time you gave sight to a blind person, turned water into juice, or walked upon water? Jesus came as a human, but He used powers that humans do not have.”

As this angel and I walk along, he continues to remind me of all my sins. He says that along with all the sins I have committed, I will continue to sin, because I do not have the advantage that Jesus had. {6} He tells me that I will end up just like all the other messengers before me—not caught up in the air to meet Jesus, but rather caught in the ground. Once again he reviews all my sins and goes over each one. Then he begins mentioning things that I never did. He smiles at me and reminds me that it is written that if you break one of His commandments, you break them all. But I am thinking to myself that I did not do all the things he mentioned, and that I do not need to repent for things I never did.

However, after hearing all that the angel shared with me, I feel there is no way I can ever be sinless. I begin thinking about the seriousness of all the things I have done, and that indeed if we break one of His commandments we break them all. {7} More and more I feel so unworthy, as if I lived each day without having all my sins forgiven. Then I begin to feel overwhelmed with the thought that I have sinned too much, and that with all the things I have done, surely God could never forgive me. I feel that I am a terrible sinner and that I am lost. I feel lost forever─a lowly, powerless human, compared with what Jesus possessed. I begin to cry and feel that all I do is completely in vain. I feel such a depth of pity for myself.

Suddenly, a sensation comes over me that feels like I am enveloped in a shower of fresh, warm water, and at the same time as if a warm blanket surrounded me. The Holy Spirit has reminded me about what the Herald said just before he and his angels took up their positions behind me: “Remember, if at any time you need to, stop, and call out the name of Jesus.”

With those words in my mind, I stop walking and call out loudly, “Jesus.” I seem to know that His name echoes throughout the never-ending universe. It is instantly heard by all the holy beings in the universe, and they also call out the name of Jesus on my behalf. I am now secure, because my mind is instantly cleared of all the thoughts that the evil angel filled it with.

All of a sudden, the sky looks as though it is ripped apart, and I see Jesus descend immediately with thousands upon thousands and thousands of legions of angels. It is as if all heaven and every angel across the endless universe were instantly here, at the simple calling of His name, that most precious name in the universe─Jesus.

Jesus immediately comes and takes my right hand, while the evil angel who held my left hand and all his angels quickly depart. I notice that the brightness of Jesus is hard for them to endure, and His wonderful name is painful for them to hear. They cannot tolerate remaining in His presence. {8}

As Jesus and I walk together on a path, the Herald and his angels walk behind us. I notice the guard angels lower their swords and shields. Many angels now fly overhead and sing softly. I notice that the path around the feet of Jesus and far behind us becomes a living carpet of green grass. Along the path, flowering trees are alive with fragrance. A vast assortment of flowers lines each side of the path. Different butterflies and songbirds surround us. I now feel a very comforting, warm breeze.

I look up into the eyes of Jesus and still see the love of the love of the love, a love that has no end. Just as the universe has no end, there is no end to the love I see in the eyes of Jesus, my Brother, my Savior, my Creator─Jesus─the most precious name in the universe. That name is spoken by all the unfallen beings and resounds throughout the universe.

Jesus tells me that it is important for all to approach and kneel at the heavenly Father’s throne. In order to be forgiven, we have been instructed to ask for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus. As Jeremiah 31:34 tells us, when the Father forgives, He chooses to no longer remember the sin.

Jesus holds out His right arm and all stop. Everything becomes quiet, and His voice is the only sound I hear. He points to a scene, which I recall is His crucifixion. He explains that it was at the cross that He loosed the hold Satan has on many. It was through His sacrifice that each can come to the Father and through His name be forgiven. Jesus lowers His arm and we begin to walk again.

Jesus shares that since He did not have the propensity to sin when He came to this earth, that there are those who teach that He had an advantage over us. It is also taught that He used His full powers on His own. Jesus says that it needs to be understood that He was born as our Brother. At birth, He had every human quality that Adam and Eve had after they sinned in the Garden of Eden. Jesus explains that He did not use His own powers to turn water into juice, walk on water, heal the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, and give life back to those who died. He asked for help from His heavenly Father, just as we can. Jesus further explains that He could have sinned, but it was through His Father that He chose not to sin.

Next, Jesus reveals that after He was born, He crawled, fell, tripped, and skinned His knees. He laughed, cried, worked, played, and became sick, not because of breaking the health laws, but due to living in a sinful world. {10} Jesus lived each day through the guidance of His Father. He experienced all our sadness and suffering without sinning. He proved that we can do the same, even if we are sick or in pain. We do not have to sin.

Those who pick up their cross and follow Jesus can approach the heavenly Father and ask that their sins be forgiven. It is then that each can decide to resist temptation, no longer sin, and to live each day allowing God to guide their steps. {11} Each can walk a path that is not filled with sin. Each can have a life that is free from sin. There are those who will walk that walk, and there is a marking angel who will number each of them.

When that angel has numbered the last person, he will close his inkhorn and return to Jesus and the heavenly Father. He will report that he found and numbered the ones who no longer sin. The Father will tell Jesus that those numbered─the 144,000─are a witness to the universe that there are those who are sinless like Jesus was. Jesus assures me that this number (these who are they) will pray to the Father as He did and some will perform miracles as He did. {12}

The 144,000 will laugh, cry, work, play, and they will become sick, not because of breaking the health laws, but due to living in a sinful world. Through the Father, a number of them will heal, provide food from heaven, and perform other miracles. With a propensity to sin, they will choose not to sin, just as Jesus chose not to sin without having the propensity. The heavenly Father will say of them: “When I see you, I see my Son, and when I see my Son, I see you.” {13}

As Jesus and I stand talking together, I tell Him that I would like to understand in what ways He was like us when He came to this earth. Now that He is in the Most Holy Place, how is it that He knows all things, since He gave up all His powers when He came to earth? How can He hear His name being called in prayer?

Jesus explains that when He came to this earth, He gave up His powers and was as human as we are. {14} Before returning to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with us. Even now that Jesus is in heaven, He still does not have His own powers. However, because of His relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, They allow Him to be omniscient (to know everything). Through the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus knows everything.

When we pray, Jesus is allowed to know what the Holy Spirit sees and hears on this earth. So, when a child prays to Jesus, or when we call on the name of Jesus for help, He always sees and hears us through the Holy Spirit. {15}

When Jesus performed miracles, such as feeding the 5,000, changing water into grape juice, healing people, and walking on water, He did not do it on His own. God allowed it. Jesus was able to do every miracle only through the will and power of His heavenly Father. {16}

So that I can better understand, Jesus tells me that He will show me in this dream what it is like to be omnipresent (everywhere simultaneously). However, I will not be allowed to actually have that power.

Even though I am standing there with Jesus, instantly and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am on three different planets. It is difficult to grasp how I can be fully aware, mentally and physically, of everything that I experience on those planets, yet still be able to talk with Jesus.

On the first planet, I walk and talk with beings that Jesus and the Father created, but I am unable to tell how long I am with them. This planet has a large variety of animals, including fish and birds.

At the same time, I am on a second planet where there are no animals or created beings, only plant life. As I walk, I smell the wonderful scents of the various plants and flowers. I feel the wonderful texture of the carpet of grass under my feet and notice its constant, fresh aroma. I do not have adequate words to describe the scene around me.

Simultaneously, I find myself jumping from rock to rock as I descend down the side of a beautiful waterfall. I feel the texture of the smooth rocks under my feet, as well as a misty breeze. At the same time, I swim underwater and observe a vast assortment of colorful fish, while I think about the many colorful birds in the air. There is vivid color everywhere. Simultaneously, I fly along the side of majestic, grass-covered mountains and waterfalls. I fly past large ponds, valleys, and flower-filled meadows. On this planet, and all at the same time, I walk, jump, fly, and swim. Yet, I am also still on the first planet talking with created beings, and I am also fully aware that I am having a conversation with Jesus.

At the same time, I also visit a third planet and know that it is the sixth day because there is plant and animal life with beings about to be created. I have the privilege of being the first one there. While there I can walk, run, jump, fly, swim, and explore for as long as I wish beyond that creation week.

Of all the animals there, the most interesting to me is one that resembles a very large, rectangular-shaped manta ray without a tail. It is covered with long, flowing fur that sparkles in the sunlight. As this beautiful animal moves, its fur illuminates in constantly-changing colors. It quickly glides lengthwise as it eats grass, leaving it all the same height. Because it perfectly assimilates what it eats, it leaves a beautifully-manicured lawn with no waste. {17}

While on this third planet, I am also on the other two, and at the same time Jesus is explaining to me that planets and perfect beings will be created continually and forever. Throughout eternity, the saved will travel the galaxies and teach newly-created beings about Jesus. Just as God is eternal, the universe has no end. He is the Creator; therefore, He will continue to create forever.

How important it is to strive now to be one of the 144,000. What an honor they will have to travel and share about Jesus with newly created beings, telling them what He did for us and them while on earth.

Instantly, I am standing once again with Jesus. He hugs me and says that He waits for us to call on His name so that He can lift us back up, wipe the filth from us, and dress us in His robe. When we call on His name, it is repeated throughout the universe.

Next, Jesus and His angels ascend. The Herald comes forward and takes my right hand. He smiles and says that Jesus serves as our Brother. He reveals that when Jesus was being tried and crucified, the angels watched and waited for Him to call on them for help. {18} If He had called just one time, they would have been there. However, Jesus chose not to. {19} He walked each day as we can, with our heavenly Father’s help.

The Herald says to continue upon the path that Jesus has laid out for me. As I look ahead, I tell the Herald that from where I stand, I do not see any green grass or flowers, like there are behind me. The Herald reminds me that Jesus has said He will walk with each of us. However, we must each always hold onto the Savior’s hand. If we let go, the path will be a dirt path. As long as we hold onto His hand, the path will be a path of living green. {20}

I tell the Herald that I know I am holding the hand of Jesus, but that the path before me is a dirt path. Saying my heavenly name, the Herald smiles patiently and says, “Simply take a step.” When I take a step, the path under my foot becomes a living carpet of green grass. Flowering trees are alive with fragrance. A vast assortment of flowers lines each side of the path. Different butterflies and songbirds surround us. I take another step, and again I see a living carpet of green grass. I now feel a very comforting, warm breeze.

With each step I take, a green path continues to appear. The Herald says that if we continue to hold the hand of Jesus, the Father will allow us to remain on the living path. If we let go of that beautiful hand, we will walk on a path of dirt, and in time that path will be enveloped in darkness. The Herald tells me that the living path may seem rough and hard to walk on. Sometimes there will be many logs in the path that we must climb over. But if we look closely, they are not logs, but simply toothpicks. There are no boulders, but simply pebbles. {21} As long as we stay on the path God has chosen for us, He will never allow anything that He knows we cannot handle. The Herald tells me to stay on the living path, to seek and strive to be one of the 144,000 who receive a number.

 

1. The Review and Herald, August 18, 1874

Satan tried to deceive Christ through flattery.

 

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, p. 171

A dream the Lord gave me August 22.

 

…My life came up before [me] and looked so full of wrongs I could not see how I should be able to stand. Just then Satan came where I was and said to me, “You are lost; you are now my property [and] will go with me to the dark regions.” My feelings I cannot describe. To be separated from the Jesus I had loved and to take up my abode with those that I abhorred looked dreadful to me. At the same time, I felt unworthy to be with the lovely Jesus.

 

While in this dreadful perplexity one of the angels came where I was and said to Satan, “She is not your property, for she has been redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus. She is the purchase of His blood.” Satan fled. My feelings changed.

 

The Signs of the Times, March 28, 1892

We should let our faith penetrate the darkness. It is Satan that casts his dark shadow between our souls and God so that we may not see Jesus; but by living faith we may keep him in view, and let nothing interpose between the soul and God.

 

Pacific Union Recorder, October 7, 1909

“And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.” (Zech. 3:1)

 

Joshua here stands as the representative of God’s people. Satan is represented as trying to revive Joshua’s past sins, or the past sins of the people of God, so that he shall lose his confidence in God, and his hold upon heaven. But we find that Christ stands ready to resist the work of Satan.

 

 

3. Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 180

Christ came because there was no possibility of man’s keeping the law in his own strength. He came to bring him strength to obey the precepts of the law. And the sinner, repenting of his transgression, may come to God and say, “O Father, I plead forgiveness through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour.” God will accept all who come to Him in the name of Jesus.

 

4. Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, p. 18

He could have sinned; He could have fallen, but not for one moment was there in Him an evil propensity.

 

5. The Signs of the Times, December 29, 1887

Christ was despised and rejected of men. Those he came to save could not see in him anything desirable. Should he come unto our world today without earthly honor or princely power, who would receive him as the King of glory? How many proud church members would be so ashamed of Jesus and the reproach that would be likely to be attached to them should they accept him, that they would refuse to follow him; but his matchless love led him to endure infinite sorrow and reproach that he might bring many sons and daughters to glory. Who is willing today to be on the Lord’s side?

 

6. The Review and Herald, March 21, 1912

John says: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “That ye sin not,”–here is where you bring yourself into condemnation when you continue to sin. But in the strength of Christ cease to sin. Every provision has been made that grace should abide with you, and that sin may appear to you the hateful thing it is.

 

8. The Signs of the Times, October 6, 1887

As you repeat the confidence you have in Jesus, Satan will flee; for he cannot bear the name of Jesus.

 

Ibid., October 30, 1901

The closer we are to God, the safer we are; for Satan hates and fears the presence of God.

 

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 345-346

Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before His strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles. And when angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost.

 

In Heavenly Places, p. 297

Satan brings all his powers to the assault in the last, close conflict, and the endurance of the follower of Christ is taxed to the utmost. At times it seems that he must yield. But a word of prayer to the Lord Jesus goes like an arrow to the throne of God, and angels of God are sent to the field of battle. The tide is turned.

 

9. Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 427

Are we striving with all our God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever reaching higher and higher, trying to attain to the perfection of His character? When God’s servants reach this point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The recording angel will declare, “It is done.”

 

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69

“When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.

 

It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.

 

11. The Review and Herald, May 14, 1908

Christ declared to the tempter, “Get thee behind me, Satan….

 

So we may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle he says to us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

 

14. The Review and Herald, January 20, 1903

He gave up all to carry out God’s plan of mercy for the fallen race.

 

Ibid., April 21, 1896

Christ gave up everything, that he might seek and save that which was lost, that He might recover the pearl that He valued at infinite cost.

 

15. The Review and Herald, August 25, 1896

The Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is His representative.

 

The Youth’s Instructor, December 15, 1898

He [Christ] is our Advocate through the Holy Spirit.

 

 

21. Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, p. 179

Oh, how many walk a dark path, looking to the objectionable, unlovely things on either side of them when a step higher are the flowers.

 

The Review and Herald, July 25, 1871

Christians should be the most cheerful and happy people that live.

 

Ibid., July 23, 1895

The seven last plagues are about to descend upon the disobedient. Many have let the gospel invitation go unheeded; they have been tested and tried; but mountainous obstacles have seemed to loom up before their faces, blocking their onward march. Through faith, perseverance, and courage, many will surmount these obstructions and walk out into the glorious light. Almost unconsciously barriers have been erected in the strait and narrow way; stones of stumbling have been placed in the path; these will all be rolled away.

 

 

HOW DO WE STOP SINNING?

 

 

First of all, we must understand what sin is. 1 John 3:4 tells us that “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Romans 4:15 says, “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”

Breaking God’s laws is a sin. It is also a sin to break state and federal laws. However, this Spirit of Prophecy statement explains the exception to not obeying man’s laws. “I saw that it is our duty in every case to obey the laws of our land, unless they conflict with the higher law which God spoke with an audible voice from Sinai, and afterward engraved on stone with His own finger.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 361

While many understand that breaking the Ten Commandments is sin, in what other ways do we sin?

• Through careless speech, thoughts, or feelings such as complaining, anger, or jealousy
• By breaking the laws of health, such as the wrong diet, lack of exercise, intemperance, or even self-pity
• Being involved with worldly amusements
• Being accusers of the brethren
• Failing to reprove wrongs within the family or the church
• Lack of prayer and the study of God’s Word

Other sin involves character, such as

• Impatience
• Greed
• Selfishness
• Pride
• Being unforgiving
• Laziness
• Being thoughtless of others
• Lack of faith in God’s Word

Many Christians are tired of sinning and want to stop. As the Holy Spirit works on their hearts, they realize that if they continue to sin, He will be grieved away.

God wants us to be perfect in order to save us and to vindicate His character. Do we believe Him when He says that perfect obedience is possible? Satan insists that, as a result of our sinful nature, it is not possible. Who is telling the truth? God’s remnant has the privilege of proving that Satan is a liar. In that process, we must do our part to stop sinning; then God can do His part to help us.

Every soul must fight his own battles. He must himself put on the armor. He must pray for himself. He must commune with God for himself. He must keep his own soul under watchful guidance, knowing that if he does his part, God will not fail of doing His part. The Signs of the Times, October 24, 1900

We must remember that we are not born sinners; we choose to sin. We become guilty due to the choices we make, not because of our nature. Ellen White specifically states that God’s people will gain the victory over their personal sins before Jesus comes.

Here are suggestions of what you can do to obtain the victory over sin:

• Ask the Lord in faith for a deep desire to stop sinning.

• Agree with what God says.
• Decide to obey with a willing heart and the right motives.
• If the willingness is not there, earnestly ask God for it in prayer.

• Get rid of whatever makes sinning easier.

• Replace bad habits with good ones.
• Keep busy doing good things, especially in helping others to overcome sin.

• Since each resistance to temptation makes the next time easier,

• When temptation comes, resist it immediately.
• Do not entertain it in your mind.

• Prepare yourself for temptation with prayer and Bible study.

• Claim God’s promises.

• Follow the health message.

• The mind’s ability to resist temptation is strengthened by caring for the body.

• When you fall into sin:

• Immediately ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus.
• Begin again.
• Do not take God’s mercy for granted, thinking that He will always forgive.
• Do not allow yourself to carelessly keep on sinning.

• Each sin mocks Jesus and glorifies Satan. Therefore, God’s last generation will learn to hate sin so much that they will prefer to die rather than commit a wrong act.

• Learn to love God with all your heart.
• Surrender all to God─your will, your heart, and your service.
• Keep Christ in your heart that you may have the power to always obey God, to daily be born again.
• Continue in Christian growth by keeping your focus on Jesus and His perfect character.

• Perfection involves spiritual maturity, growing, and learning more about God. We are not held accountable for sins of ignorance but rather for increased light that we choose to disregard. God cannot forgive sins committed through willful blindness.

• If possible, read Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White.

 

Rejoice with courage and faith when trials and opposition come, knowing these bring about victory over self and produce a perfect character. Nothing is valuable enough to hold onto, if it means losing eternal life.

Since His [Christ’s] life was marked with continual self-denial, suffering, and self-sacrifice, we shall make no complaint if we are partakers with Him. We can walk safely in the darkest path if we have the Light of the world for our guide…. Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 29

HOW DOES GOD HELP US TO STOP SINNING?

• He gives us the requirements.

Christ died to make it possible for you to cease to sin, and sin is the transgression of the law. The Review and Herald, August 28, 1894

 To every one who surrenders fully to God is given the privilege of living without sin, in obedience to the law of heaven…. God requires of us perfect obedience. Ibid., September 27, 1906

 Christ came to this earth and lived a life of perfect obedience, that men and women, through his grace, might also live lives of perfect obedience. This is necessary to their salvation. Ibid., March 15, 1906

 When our earthly labors are ended, and Christ shall come for His faithful children, we shall then shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father. But before that time shall come, everything that is imperfect in us will have been seen and put away. All envy and jealousy and evil surmising and every selfish plan will have been banished from the life. Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 427

 

• He promises to help us when we are tempted.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 1:24.

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13.

 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2:9.

 The life that Christ lived in this world, men and women can live through His power and under His instruction. In their conflict with Satan they may have all the help that He had. They may be more than conquerors through Him who loved them and gave Himself for them. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 22

 

• He protects us from a greater temptation than we can bear.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

 If you will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation; for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling. Our High Calling, p. 19

 Through the plan of redemption, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. The Review and Herald, December 22, 1885

 

• He provides Himself as an example to show us how to overcome.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. 1 Peter 2:21-22.

 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him…. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning…. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:2-9.

 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16.

 The Saviour took upon Himself the infirmities of humanity and lived a sinless life, that men might have no fear that because of the weakness of human nature they could not overcome. Christ came to make us “partakers of the divine nature,” and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin. The Ministry of Healing, p. 180

 Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was. The Desire of Ages, p. 664

 He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Ibid., p. 123

 He [Jesus]was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood. Ibid., p. 71

 

• He promises victory in His strength.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21.

As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333

 We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 144

 God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning…. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

 The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Desire of Ages, p. 311

 …[I]t is your privilege to have Christ abiding in your heart by faith, and He can overcome sin in you, when you cooperate with His efforts. Our High Calling, p. 76

 One victory won, the next is more easily gained. Had Moses neglected the opportunities and privileges granted him of God, he would have neglected the light from heaven and would have been a disappointed, miserable man. Sin is from beneath; and when it is indulged, Satan is enshrined in the soul, there to kindle the very fires of hell. God has not given His law to prevent the salvation of souls, but He wants all to be saved. Man has light and opportunities, and if he will improve them he may overcome. You may show by your life the power of the grace of God in overcoming.

 When a man is earnestly engaged day by day in overcoming the defects in his character, he is cherishing Christ in his soul-temple; the light of Christ is in him. Under the bright beams of the light of Christ’s countenance his entire being becomes elevated and ennobled. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 345-346