Daily Study of the Bible Necessary
517
then they would have more distinct views of the Pattern which they
should copy; but they fail to keep their eyes fixed upon the Author and
Finisher of their faith.
It is not necessary that anyone should yield to the temptations of
Satan and thus violate his conscience and grieve the Holy Spirit. Every
provision has been made in the word of God whereby all may have
divine help in their endeavors to overcome. If they keep Jesus before
them they will become changed into His image. All who by faith have
Christ abiding in them carry a power into their labor which makes them
[575]
successful. They will be constantly growing more and more efficient
in their work, and the blessing of God, shown in the prosperity of the
work, will testify that they are indeed laborers together with Christ. But
however much one may advance in spiritual life, he will never come
to a point where he will not need diligently to search the Scriptures;
for therein are found the evidences of our faith. All points of doctrine,
even though they have been accepted as truth, should be brought to
the law and to the testimony; if they cannot stand this test, “there is no
light in them.”
The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the closing work
of these last days, should receive close examination. The scenes
connected with the sanctuary above should make such an impression
upon the minds and hearts of all that they may be able to impress
others. All need to become more intelligent in regard to the work of
the atonement, which is going on in the sanctuary above. When this
grand truth is seen and understood, those who hold it will work in
harmony with Christ to prepare a people to stand in the great day of
God, and their efforts will be successful. By study, contemplation, and
prayer God’s people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts
and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His
great work of cleansing the sanctuary above from the sins of the people.
Their faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the worshipers
on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their
characters with the great standard of righteousness. They will see their
own defects; they will also see that they must have the aid of the Spirit
of God if they would become qualified for the great and solemn work
for this time which is laid upon God’s ambassadors.
Christ said: “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh
[576]