Chapter 8—“Steadfast Unto the End”
Preview
Ellen White closes her discussion on the sixty-first book of the
Bible with special reference to its author, the apostle Peter. The key
to his teaching success, she says, was that “Peter kept alive in his
heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the
certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise.” Not that our conversation
about the second coming should be designed to frighten children into
obedience; but that Christ’s eventual return adds purpose to the concept
of character development
.
Adventists believe that because there was a first advent, there will
be a second advent. When Jesus comes a second time He will expect
to find individuals who have heeded His invitation “Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (
Matthew
5:48
). Now, in this last selection Ellen White adds fascinating de-
tail to the concept of Christian perfection. She notes, for example,
“None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian
character....
“Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the increase of
Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of
obedience.
...
“The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a
continuous one.”
Ellen White shows Peter’s optimism for the possibility of a person
to grow after the pattern of Christ. Though the believer cannot now
totally understand the miracle of sanctification, he rejoices in God’s
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desire to restore his image in men and women. It is essential that we
make young people aware of the satisfaction and practical benefits of
pursuing a life style after the pattern of Jesus
.
Finally, Adventists believe that there is an intimate connection
between the process of growth in this life and that of achieving Chris-
tian maturity throughout eternity. This was Peter’s conviction: his
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