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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My
Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (
John 5:17
).—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 114
(1890).
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Obedience Brings Happiness—As they [students] learn thus to
study the lessons in all created things and in all life’s experiences,
show [them] that the same laws which govern the things of nature and
the events of life are to control us, that they are given for our good,
and that only in obedience to them can we find true happiness and
success.—
Education, 103
(1903).
Far-reaching Principles of Law—In His teachings, Christ
showed how far-reaching are the principles of the law spoken from
Sinai. He made a living application of that law whose principles
remain forever the great standard of righteousness—the standard by
which all shall be judged in that great day when the judgment shall sit
and the books shall be opened. He came to fulfill all righteousness, and
as the head of humanity, to show man that he can do the same work,
meeting every specification of the requirements of God. Through the
measure of His grace furnished to the human agent, not one need
miss heaven. Perfection of character is attainable by every one who
strives for it. This is made the very foundation of the new covenant of
the gospel. The law of Jehovah is the tree; the gospel is the fragrant
blossoms and fruit which it bears.—
The Review and Herald, April 5,
1898
. (
Selected Messages 1:211, 212
.)
The Highest Sense of Freedom—In the work of redemption there
is no compulsion. No external force is employed. Under the influence
of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In
the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is
the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul
itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan’s control;
but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry
out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are
imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the
dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.—
The Desire of Ages,
466
(1898).
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