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S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
humanity, testifying throughout all ages that “God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (
Letter 10, 1897
).
A Fatal Deception
—True sanctification unites believers to
Christ and to one another in the bonds of tender sympathy. This
union causes to flow continually into the heart rich currents of Christ-
like love, which flows forth again in love for one another.
The qualities which it is essential for all to possess are those
which marked the completeness of Christ’s character—His love, His
patience, His unselfishness, and His goodness. These attributes are
gained by doing kindly actions with a kindly heart....
It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man
can have faith unto life eternal, without possessing Christlike love for
his brethren. He who loves God and his neighbor is filled with light
and love. God is in him and all around him. Christians love those
around them as precious souls for whom Christ has died. There is
no such thing as a loveless Christian; for “God is love,” and “hereby
we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He
that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
and the truth is not in him.”....
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I
have loved you.” This is the fruit that is to be given back to God
(
Manuscript 133, 1899
).
Poor Chance for Satan
—The powers of darkness stand a poor
chance against believers who love one another as Christ has loved
them, who refuse to create alienation and strife, who stand together,
who are kind, courteous, and tender-hearted, cherishing the faith
that works by love and purifies the soul. We must have the Spirit of
Christ, or we are none of His (
Manuscript 103, 1902
).
A Golden Chain
—The love of Christ is a golden chain that
binds finite, human beings who believe in Jesus Christ to the Infinite
God. The love that the Lord has for His children passeth knowledge.
No science can define or explain it. No human wisdom can fathom
it. The more we feel the influence of this love, the more meek and
humble shall we be (
Letter 43, 1896
).
34, 35. The Disciples’ Credentials
—[
John 13:34, 35
quoted.]
How broad, how full is this love. The new part of that commandment
the disciples did not understand. They were to love one another as