SSLS 2017-04-03
2017 2nd Quarter
Lesson 2, April 1-7, An Inheritance Incorruptible
Monday, April 3
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” KJV, 1 Peter 1:2, emphasis added.
“These words, so full of meaning, give us assurance that grace and peace are multiplied to those who are elect ‘through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.’ Without this grace, of how much value would be all our wrestling with God? Our efforts would amount to nothing. We should greatly appreciate these words which throw such a flood of light on the relation that Jesus Christ sustains to us as our Redeemer.” (Ellen White, Vol. 2, Sermons and Talks, 171.)
“These words are all-sufficient evidence that God desires us to receive great blessings. His promises are so clearly stated that there is no cause for uncertainty. He desires us to take him at his word. At times we shall be in great perplexity, and not know just what to do. But at such times it is our privilege to take our Bibles, and read the messages he has given us; and then get down on our knees, and ask him to help us. Over and over again he has given evidence that he is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. He fulfils his promises in far greater measure than we expect to receive help.” (Ellen White, The Watchman, May 1, 1914, emphasis added.)
“Why should we not study this chapter frequently? Here are presented to us through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, most precious promises, the foundation for large expectations, if we will act upon the instruction given.
“If we would escape from the sickly experience we now have we must begin in earnest to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. There are many who give no decided evidence that they are true to their baptismal vows. Their zeal is chilled by formality, worldly ambition, pride, and love of self. Occasionally their feelings are stirred, but they do not fall on the Rock Christ Jesus. They do not come to God with hearts that are broken in repentance and confession. Those who experience the work of true conversion in their hearts, will reveal the fruits of the Spirit in their lives. O that those who have so little spiritual life would realize that eternal life can be granted only to those who become partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
“The Lord foresaw the unbelief that would prevail in our world at the present time, and through His servants He sent messages of comfort and assurance that would confirm the faith of His children who should live in the end of time.” (Ellen White, Educational Messenger, September 4, 1908, emphasis added.)
“Here are the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life. Your obedience to God’s commandments will prove your right to an inheritance with the saints in light. God has elected a certain excellence of character; and every one who, through the grace of Christ, shall reach the standard of his requirement, will have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of glory. All who would reach this standard of character, will have to employ the means that God has provided to this end. If you would inherit the rest that remaineth for the children of God, you must become a co-laborer with God. You are elected to wear the yoke of Christ,—to bear his burden, to lift his cross. You are to be diligent ‘to make your calling and election sure.’ [2 Peter 1:10.] Search the Scriptures, and you will see that not a son or a daughter of Adam is elected to be saved in disobedience to God’s law. The world makes void the law of God; but Christians are chosen to sanctification through obedience to the truth. They are elected to bear the cross, if they would wear the crown.” (Ellen White, Christian Education, 118, emphasis added.)