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Chapter 37


Humanity and Divinity
in Christ and in Us



      We have now come to the pinnacle of Ellen White’s teachings regarding the power factor in the relationship between God and man. God is God and man is man, but between them stands Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, and the full significance of this in Ellen White’s thinking will be set forth in the awesome conclusions placed before us in this chapter.
      Some of her statements are breathtaking, even startling, and so we may need to reassure ourselves by remembering that even the boldest of her statements are simply the result of taking the words of Jesus at their literal face value.
      Christ’s own description of the full meaning to us of His position between God and man is reported quite fully in the gospel of John. (Please refer back to chapter four.) There we read of His total dependency upon His heavenly Father, His unbroken intimacy with the Father, and the incredible privilege that He places before us in that He assures us we may have the same relationship with the Father that He had.
      This immediately triggers a question in our minds. How can we have the same relationship with the Father that Jesus had when we are not physically the children of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, as He was?
      Actually, Jesus never explained any of His mighty works upon earth by a reference to the circumstances of His birth. Why then should we? Why should we say that He could work miracles because of His birth when He never said that? Why should we say that He could overcome temptation because of His birth when He never said that? Would it not be better to accept His explanation instead of constructing explanations of our own?
      Jesus uniformly and consistently sets forth His ongoing spiritual relationship with the Father as the reason for and explanation of His mighty works, and then stretches our minds to the limit of their capacity by calmly assuring us that we can have the same relationship with the Father that He had!
      We catch our breath. Does He mean that we can walk on water?
      Yes, if God tells us to. (But He hasn’t.)
      Does He mean that we can call a dead man out of his grave?

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      Yes, if God tells us to. (But He hasn’t.)
      Does He mean that we can successfully reject and overcome every temptation of the devil?
      Yes, if God tells us to. (AND HE HAS!)
      This is the staggering, mindboggling, and absolutely unavoidable conclusion that anyone must reach who takes the words of Jesus at their literal face value.
      Ellen White did this. She dismissed as unworthy of consideration the concept that some of the sayings of Jesus were only rhetorical devices, intended to produce a certain sensation in the mind but not meant to be taken seriously, comparable, perhaps, to the rhetoric of some politicians. She did not see Jesus as a politician. She saw Him as the God-man, not in any sense deficient or limited in either part of His being, but fully God and fully man. She took at their literal face value such words as these:

      At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. John 14:20

      If a man love Me, he will keep My words, and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23

      If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. John 15:10

      . . . that they may be one, as we are. John 17:11

      . . . as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us. . . . John 17:21

      . . . that they may be one, even as we are one. John 17:22

      I in them, and Thou in Me. . . . John 17:23

      . . . that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:26

      These are the words of Jesus, and they are not empty rhetorical devices. They are literal statements of fact. Ellen White so accepted them and so taught them. We will now observe her own statements of the conclusions that inevitably follow if one takes these words of Jesus seriously - conclusions from which some theologians have drawn back and which others have denied. Observe the boldness with which she applies a variety of words, first to Jesus, and then to us.

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Partakers of the Divine Nature
Jesus and Us

      “Partakers of the divine nature. “ Is this possible? Of ourselves we can do no good thing. How, then can we be partakers of the divine nature? - By coming to Christ just as we are, needy, helpless, dependent. He died to make it possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature. He took upon Himself humanity, that He might uplift humanity. With the golden chains of His matchless love He has bound us to the throne of God. We are to have power to overcome as He overcame. 6RH 32

      There is such a thing as being partakers of the divine nature. We shall all be tempted in a variety of ways; but when we are tempted, we need to remember that provision has been made whereby we may overcome . . . He who truly believes in Christ is made a partaker of the divine nature, and has power that he can appropriate under every temptation. He will not fall under temptation, and be left to defeat. In time of trial he will claim the promises, and by these escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. 5RH 487

      How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame. 2RH 422

      His life and character were the unfolding or representation of the perfection of the character that man may attain by becoming a partaker of the divine nature and overcoming the world through daily conflicts. YI 126

      (Christ) has given to men a pattern of what they may be in their humanity, through becoming partakers of the divine nature. YI 296

      Man has the assurance that he can become a partaker of the divine nature, even as Christ became apartaker of human nature. 4RH 213

      God has made it possible for men to obey His requirements, by making it possible for them to be partakers of the divine nature. Thus our characters may be molded in accordance with the law of God. And by willing obedience to this law our characters are conformed to the character of God. 3RH 565

      The principles of the law of God were wrought out in the character of Jesus Christ, and he who cooperates with Christ, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will develop the divine character, and become an illustration of the divine law. Christ in the heart will bring

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the whole man, soul, body, and spirit into captivity to the obedience of righteousness. Christ’s true followers will be in conformity to the mind and will and character of God, and the far-reaching principles of the law will be demonstrated in humanity. 3RH 445

      The virtues of a true Christian character, the excellences that are revealed in the character of Christ, will be seen in the life born of the Spirit. Man, with his human nature, will become a partaker of divinity. The power of Christ will work to sanctify every part of the being, diffusing life, activity, and soundness through the whole, and developing spiritual efficiency. YI 305

      He who partakes of Christ’s flesh and blood is a partaker of the divine nature . . . By receiving Christ we are made partakers of His nature. YI 413

      To all He offers power to form a true, noble character. The converted man rejoices that he has a Saviour who is so mighty. He is a partaker of the divine nature. 5RH 7

      Through the exercise of the spirit that characterized His lifework, we are to become partakers of His nature. 6RH 172

      Personal religion means perfect conforming to the life of Christ. When we possess this religion, we shall show sound, spiritual growth, because we are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 6RH 520

      Christ, the spotless Son of God, honored humanity by taking upon Himself fallen human nature. A suffering, tempted man, beset by Satan’s devices, His divinity clothed with humanity, He so lived on this earth as to show’ by His perfect obedience to His Father’s will, what humanity could become by partaking of the divine nature. 3RH397

      (Christ) came as the divine Restorer, bringing to oppressed and downtrodden humanity the rich and abundant grace of Heaven, that by the power of His righteousness, man, fallen and degraded though he was, might be a partaker of divinity. 2RH 385

      He will grasp the righteousness of Christ by faith, and becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will thus become a doer of the divine law. 3RH 191

      In Christ dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily. This is why, although He was tempted in all points like as we are, He stood before the world, from His first entrance into it, untainted by corruption, though surrounded by it. Are we not also to become partakers of that

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fullness, and is it not thus, and thus only, that we can overcome as He overcame? 7BC 907

      Through His humiliation and poverty Christ would identify Himself with the weaknesses of the fallen race, and by firm obedience show man how to redeem Adam’s disgraceful failure, that man by humble obedience might regain lost Eden.

      The great work of redemption could be carried out only by the Redeemer taking the place of fallen Adam. With the sins of the world laid upon Him, He would go over the ground where Adam stumbled. He would bear the test which Adam failed to endure, and which would be almost infinitely more severe than that brought to bear upon Adam. He would overcome on man’s account, and conquer the tempter, that through His obedience, His purity of character and steadfast integrity, His righteousness might be imputed to man, that through His name man might overcome the foe on his own account. What love! What amazing condescension! The King of glory proposed to humble Himself to fallen humanity! He would place His feet in Adam’s steps. He would take man’s fallen nature and engage to cope with the strong foe who triumphed over Adam. He would overcome Satan, and in thus doing He would open the way for the redemption of those who would believe on Him from the disgrace of Adam’s failure and fall. 1RH 140

Humanity and Divinity Combined in Jesus and Us

      All that was possible for man to endure in the conflict with Satan, Christ endured in His human and divine nature combined. Obedient, sinless to the last, He died for man, his substitute and surety, enduring all that men ever endure from the deceivng tempter, that man may overcome by being a partaker of the divine nature. 1SM 342

      Christ overcame every temptation of the enemy, because in Him divinity and humanity were combined. The important thing is to become united to Christ, to believe in Christ as a personal Saviour, to live by faith in the Son of God. 2ST 514

      When Jesus came to our world, in Him were combined divinity and humanity. In His humanity He could lay hold of humanity; by virtue of His divinity He could bring power and health and grace to mankind. Thus He would make men and women partakers of the divine nature and able to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust . . . Only as we become partakers of the divine nature can we overcome our hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil. 6RH 15

      It is by combining divine power with his human strength that man becomes an overcomer. YI 438

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      Genuine faith appropriates the righteousness of Christ, and the sinner is made an overcomer with Christ; for he is made a partaker of the divine nature, and thus divinity and humanity are combined. 1SM 364

      (Christ) withstood the temptation, through the power that man may command. He laid hold on the throne of God, and there is not a man or woman who may not have access to the same help through faith in God. Man may become a partaker of the divine nature; not a soul lives who may not summon the aid of Heaven in temptation and trial. Christ came to reveal the source of His power, that man might never rely on his unaided human capabilities. . . .

      Men may have a power to resist evil - a power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master; a power that will place them where they may overcome as Christ overcame. Divinity and humanity may be combined in them. 1SM 409

Humanity and Divinity United in Jesus and in Us

      Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; lie was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. DA 123

      In Christ were united the human and the divine. His mission was to reconcile God to man, and man to God. His work was to unite the finite with the Infinite. This was the only way in which fallen men could be exalted, through the merits of the blood of Christ, to be partakers of the divine nature. 1RH 119

      Jesus encircled the race with His humanity, and united divinity with humanity; thus moral power is brought to man through the merits of Jesus. 2RH 548

      (Jesus) presented to the world what humanity might become when united by faith with divinity. 1SM 349

      Christ came to give to the world an example of what perfect humanity might be when united with divinity. 2RH 539

      . . . Christ’s humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength He would bear all the temptations that Satan could bring against Him, and yet keep His soul untainted by sin. And this power to overcome He would give to every son and daughter of Adam who accept by faith the righteous attributes of His character. . . He showed that the sinner, by repentance and the exercise of faith in the righteousness of Christ, can be reconciled to God, and become a

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partaker of the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5RH 491

      Divinity had united with humanity for the purpose of uniting humanity with divinity, that through Christ man might become a partaker of the divine nature. 3RH 374

      Christ assumed human nature, to demonstrate to the fallen world, to Satan and his synagogue, to the universe of heaven, and to the worlds unfallen, that human nature, united to His divine nature, could become entirely obedient to the law of God, that His followers by their love and unity would give evidence that the power of redemption is sufficient to enable man to overcome. 3ST 336

      Christ did in reality unite the offending nature of man with His own sinless nature, because by this act of condescension He would be enabled to pour out His blessings in behalf of the fallen race. Thus He has made it possible for us to partake of His nature. 4RH 201

      Christian education means the acceptance, in sentiment and principle, of the teachings of the Saviour. It includes a daily conscientious walking in the footsteps of Christ, who consented to lay off His royal robe and crown and to come to our world in the form of humanity, that He might give to the human race a power that they could gain by no other means. What was that power? - It was the power resulting from the human nature uniting with the divine, the power to take the teachings of Christ and follow them to the letter. In His resistance of evil and His labor for others Christ was giving to men an example of the highest education that it is possible for any one to attain. 5RH 553

      When man is created anew in Christ Jesus, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. God unites him with divinity. He clothes him with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Man is enabled to discern the Saviour, and by beholding Him, he is changed into the likeness of His character. YI 361

      When man is created anew in Christ Jesus, he becomes partaker of the divine nature. God has, through His own power, united in man the human and the divine. He clothes humanity with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Man is enabled to discern the Saviour; and by beholding, he is changed into the likeness of His character. He recognizes the words of Christ, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” He who discerns Christ is a partaker of His Spirit and His righteousness. He has the inward assurance that Christ is abiding in the soul-temple. 3RH 584

The Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the only-begotten Son of God,

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binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divinehuman nature of Christ. This union is represented by the union of the vine and the branches. Finite man is united to the manhood of Christ Through faith human nature is assimilated with Christ’s nature. We are made one with God in Christ. 1SM 251

Humanity and Divinity Blended in Jesus and in Us

      Christ could have done nothing during His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the divine had not been blended with the human. The limited capacity of man cannot define this wonderful mystery the blending of the two natures, the divine and the human. It can never be explained. Man must wonder and be silent. And yet man is privileged to be a partaker of the divine nature, and in this way he can to some degree enter into the mystery. This wonderful exhibition of God’s love was made on the cross of Calvary. Divinity took the nature of humanity, and for what purpose? - That through the righteousness of Christ humanity might partake of the divine nature. This union of divinity and humanity, which was possible with Christ, is incomprehensible to human minds. The wonderful things to take place in our world - the greatest events of all ages are incomprehensible to worldly minds; they cannot be explained by human sciences. The powers of heaven shall be shaken. Christ is coming in power and great glory, but His coming is not such a mystery as the things to take place before that event. Man must be a partaker of the divine nature in order to stand in this evil time, when the mysteries of satanic agencies are at work. Only by the divine power united with the human can souls endure through these times of trial. Says Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Then there must be far less of self and more of Jesus. EGW 1888 Materials, Vol. 1, 332

      In Christ divinity and humanity were united, and the only way in which man may be an overcomer is through becoming a partaker of the divine nature . . . Divinity and humanity are blended in him who has the spirit of Christ. YI 96

Humanity and Divinity Connected in Jesus and in Us

      The Son of God, having humanity upon Him, lived in our world as a human agent. He passed over the ground which man must travel. He supplicated for suffering humanity till His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity. 3ST 255

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      Every man may keep the law of God, for Christ in His human nature kept the law; and He says to every soul, “If ye love Me, keep my Commandments.”. . . The first chapter of Colossians will wonderfully enlighten the mind as to the truth as it is in Jesus. If we will study it, we shall understand how Christ has made it possible for man, fallen through disobedience and transgression, to keep all the commandments of God . . . (Christ) desired to demonstrate to man that humanity connected with divinity, by faith in Christ, might partake of the divine nature. 4ST 76

      We are habitually to adhere to Him, and daily to derive from Him the nourishment that will give us spiritual strength. This is our privilege and our source of success. . . So the soul, dead in trespasses and sins, receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fulness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched Divinity. 4ST 362

      In the divine economy God has made provision that man may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Reformative influences destroy the desire to do evil; the holy agencies of heaven sanctify the soul and choose the human agent to do service for God. It is the work of God to expel evil from the soul by connecting humanity with divinity. 4RH 187

      Christ came to bear the conflict in which man was conquered. The earth was the battle-field. Just before the temptation He bowed on Jordan’s bank and offered up a prayer that cleared its way to the throne of His Father . . . This is of wonderful significance to us. It tells us of the power of prayer - how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and man’s petitions find access to the courts of Heaven. Though earth was struck off from the continent of Heaven and alienated from its communion, Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. 2ST 164

Humanity and Divinity Linked in Jesus and in Us

      Christ took upon Himself human nature, but daily He linked it with the divine nature. 3ST 255

      The religion of Christ lifts man above every debasing, groveling vice. Linked to the Infinite One, partakers of the Divine nature, we are clothed with a perfect panoply against the shafts of evil. 1RH 327

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      Humanity and Divinity must be linked together in the experience of every overcomer. In our weakness we are to accept Christ’s power. 4ST 194

      Immeasurably inferior is the part which the human agent sustains; but if he is linked up with the divinity of Christ, he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts. 3RH 628

      The merits of Christ elevate and ennoble humanity, and through the name and grace of Christ, it is possible for man to overcome the degradation caused by the fall, and through the exalted, divine nature of Christ, to be linked to the Infinite. 3RH 227

      God has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this law you may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of grace and truth. 2SM 318

      Link up with One who is perfect, and who has power to sanctify you and give you a fitness to receive the life that measures with the life of God. 5RH 148

      There is too little confidence in the power which God stands ready to give. “We are laborers together with God.” 1Cor. 3:9. Immeasurably inferior is the part which the human agent sustains; but if he is linked with the divinity of Christ, he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts. COL 82

      (Jesus) forgives our transgressions, and by imputing unto us His righteousness, He links us to the Infinite. 1ST 15

Humanity and Divinity Made One in Jesus and in Us

      It is our privilege so fully to partake of the divine nature that we may be one with Christ as He is one with the Father. 4RH 177

      It is possible for us to be one with Christ, even as He is one with the Father. 2ST 458

      To bring humanity into Christ, to bring the fallen race into oneness with divinity, is the work of redemption. Christ took human nature that men might be one with Him as He is one with the Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten Son, that men may be partakers of the divine nature, and be complete in Him. 1SM 251

      The perfect oneness of Christ with His obedient believing children is the same as that which exists between the Father and the Son. 2ST 451

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      Christ became one with humanity, that humanity might become one in spirit and life with Him. By virtue of this union in obedience to the Word of God, His life becomes their life. YI 600

      When Christ takes possession of the citadel of the soul, the human agent becomes one with Him. And he who is one with Christ, maintaining His unity, enthroning Him in the heart, and obeying His commands, is safe from the snares of the wicked one. 4RH 127

      Christ and the child of humanity become one, so that the Spirit and character of Christ are represented in His followers day by day and hour by hour. By faith Christ becomes unto the believer righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 2ST 498

      By obedience (Christ’s true followers) are made partakers of the divine nature. The doing of the living principles of God’s law makes them one with Christ; and because He lives, they will live also. At the last day He will raise them as a part of Himself He declares, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” “This is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at that last day.” Christ became one with us in order that we might become with Him in divinity. 4RH 311

The Union of Humanity and Divinity in Jesus and in Us

      By Christ’s wonderful union of divinity with humanity, we are assured that even in this world we may be partakers of the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5RH 524

      Through Christ, and Christ alone, the springs of life can vitalize man’s nature, transform his tastes, and set his affections flowing toward heaven. Through the union of the divine and the human nature Christ could, enlighten the understanding and infuse His lifegiving properties through the soul dead in trespasses and sins. 1SM 341

      How important it is that the work shall go forward harmoniously, so that, as a result, the perfection of Christian character may be obtained through the union of the human and the divine. YI 212

      The sinner may unite his ignorance to Christ’s wisdom, his weakness to Christ’s strength, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might; and in this union there is confidence, love, and dependence. When this union is formed, the principle of the law of association takes effect,

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the will is surrendered to Christ’s will, and the sinner has the mind of Christ. The humanity in Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. He then abides in Christ, living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. New and heavenly principles are received through mental, moral, and spiritual association with Christ. 2ST 456

      The grace of God is the chief theme of the Gospel. God’s grace is the manifestation of His love - a love that makes it possible, thru Christ, for fallen man to be saved, makes possible the union and cooperation of humanity with divinity. 4ST 460

Humanity Laying Hold of Divinity in Jesus and in Us

      Christ was sent to represent God in humanity. When He came to our world, His divinity was clothed with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, and divinity lay hold of the throne of divinity. Thus moral power was brought to man. 3ST 397

      In His humanity, He laid hold of the divinity of God; and this every member of the human family has the privilege of doing. Christ did nothing that human nature may not do if it partakes of the divine nature. 3ST 390

      (Christ) withstood the temptation, through the power that man may command. He laid hold on the throne of God, and there is not a man or woman who may not have access to the same help through faith in God. Man may become a partaker of the divine nature; not a soul lives who may not summon the aid of Heaven in temptation and trial. Christ came to reveal the source of His power, that man might never rely on his unaided human capabilities. 1SM 409; 2RH 367

      Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And he came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. 4ST 400

      Every promise that is in God’s Book holds out to us the encouragement that we may be partakers of the divine nature. This is the possibility - to rely upon God, to believe His Word, to work His works; and this we can do when we lay hold of the divinity of Christ. This possibility is worth more to us than all the riches in the world. There is nothing on earth that can compare with it. 5RH 487

      I invite each one of you to take hold by living faith of the divinity

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of Christ. This the gift that Christ came to the world to bestow. In Him humanity may take hold of divinity and share in the joy of the Lord. 5RH 490

      By beholding, we shall be come changed into the likeness of the divine.

      Our Saviour laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and left the glories of heaven to come to this world. He clothed His divinity with humanity. He designed that the fallen humanity might touch His humanity, and receive from Him power to be partakers of the divine nature, and to overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. He is our pattern, and I beseech of you, my brethren, to lay hold of the power that is ours through the union of the divine and the human in Christ. He overcame for us, and we may claim His merits. We may plead His power, His virtue. And as we co-operate with Him, and live in harmony with His law, He will cleanse our natures from sin, and impart to us His righteousness. 5RH 433

      Then let us daily keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the perfection of human character, and laying hold of His divine nature, we shall have the strength of divinity to overcome every evil tendency and desire. 6RH 10.

The Glorious Conclusion
We Can Be Like Him

      . . . Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore we are to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.” DA 311-12

      As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived. 8T 289



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