Questions

In view of the mountain of evidence that has been set forth regarding the resources of power that Heaven makes available to the Christian, Ellen White asks some appropriate questions. These questions do not add to the mass of evidence. They simply express this evidence in a more thought-provoking manner.
Questions get through to us. They cause us to reflect and consider, if only for a moment. Her question--

Why should we not perfect a Christlike character?

may suddenly cause us to realize and admit that there is actually no good reason. This might be called the moment of truth. May it be followed in our experience by decision, determination, and action, through the mighty power of God.

Why should we not perfect a Christlike character? YI 240

Shall we not give up our sins, and let them go? 3RH 365

We are enjoined to strive for perfection of character. The divine Teacher says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Would Christ tantalize us by requiring of us an impossibility? Never, never! What an honor He confers upon us in urging us to be holy in our sphere, as the Father is *holy in His sphere! He can enable us to do this, for He declares, ’All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This unlimited power it is our privilege to claim. 4ST 260

Shall we not avail ourselves of our high privilege in Christ, sanctification through the truth? 5RH 40

Why do not the children of Adam who find fault with him for his sin, cease themselves to transgress? 2RH 411

257
Shall we now, at once, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God? 5RH 289

Why should we not walk with God, as did Enoch? Why should we not have the transforming grace of Christ daily? 3RH 15

Why do we cling to anything that is offensive to Him? Why not separate from every sin, and perfect holiness before Him? 2RH 425

Why not make up your mind that you will stand in your God-given manhood and womanhood, and, through Christ, be overcomers? Why not say, “God has promised the power, and I will win back the moral image of my Creator and Redeemer?” 2ST 271

. . . you that have not sanctified your souls by obeying the truth, do you expect that Christ at His appearance will make you ready? There will then be no atoning blood to wash away the stains of sins. 1RH 85

What has Christ not done that fallen humanity might be restored to uprightness, and be reconciled to God? 2RH 465

The most important question of all is, How shall I save my soul, for which Christ died? How shall I be holy, as He is holy? 2RH 513

Shall we, by clinging to our imperfections and deformities, make Christ ashamed of us? His grace is promised to us. If we will receive it, it will beautify our lives . . . Deformity will be exchanged for goodness, perfection. Our lives will be adorned with the graces that made Christ’s life so beautiful. 5RH 10

Will God give us a stone if we ask for bread? No; He will satisfy our wants from His abundant fullness. Jesus has brought within our reach the power of earth and heaven. He has clothed His divinity with humanity. 2ST 319

Why are we not by living faith grasping the power that He is so willing to give us, that we may be a blessing to those that are lost? 1ST 509

Did not Christ come to this world to work out the plan of redemption in man’s behalf, to show him how to overcome the temptations of the enemies Will God, then, withhold from His children anything that will perfect their characters? 4ST 317

Christ bears the cruel prints of the nails into heaven, and can He forget the purchase of His blood? Will He leave the children and youth a prey to the temptations of the enemy? No, He has made ample pro

258
vision for every youth, that when they call upon Him in perplexity and trial, He will listen to their prayer and will, with every temptation, make a way for their escape. YI 91

The miracle working power of Christ’s grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holier enthusiasm. God says, “A new heart also will I give you.” Eze. 36:26. Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What can not the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power? 9T 152

You can be perfect in your sphere, even as God is perfect in His sphere. Has not Christ declared, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect?” 4ST 399

We are not to wait for some special time, but today we are to give ourselves to Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you can leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love the things that Christ loves. Has He not by His death and suffering made provision for your cleansing from sin? 1SM 327

Will you let Him hew and square you, and polish you for that building which is coming together without the sound of ax or hammer? Not a blow is to be struck after probation closes. 2T 430

Do you expect that when Christ comes He will give you that fitness? Not at all. You must be found of Him without spot, without blemish, or wrinkle, or anything like it. Now is the watching and trying time. Now is the time to obtain a preparation to abide the day of His coming, and to stand when He appeareth. 1RH 94

To be brought into favor with God, what a privilege! To commune with Him, what can more elevate, refine, and exalt us above the frivolous pleasures of earth? To have our corrupt natures renovated by grace, our lustful appetites and animal propensities in subjection, and to stand forth with noble moral independence, achieving victories everyday, will give peace of conscience which can alone arise from right doing. 1RH 226

Do we expect to dwell with Christ in the eternal world? Then we must dwell with Him here, that He may help us in every time of trial and temptation, and make us ready for His coming in the clouds of heaven. 2RH 486

What we are in the heavenly home, when saved, eternally saved, will be the reflection of what we now are in character and holy service. Shall we not show our loyalty by keeping God’s commandments here, in this our place of probation? 3RH 560

259
Faith in the atonement and intercession of Christ will keep us steadfast and immovable amid the temptations that press upon us in the church militant . . . Why do we dishonor God with our shameful unbelief? The Lord has pledged Himself to give us strength to enable us to stand. 3RH 365

Christ came to this world to work out the plan of redemption in man’s behalf, to show him how to overcome the temptations of the enemy. Will God, then, withhold from His children anything that will perfect their characters? 4ST 451

Shall we not let the Spirit of Christ take possession of our hearts, that we may be cleansed from every taint of selfishness? 5RH 362

Why is it that we do not receive more from Him who is the source of light and power? We expect too little. Has God lost His love for man? Is not this love still flowing earthward? Has He lost His desire to show Himself strong in behalf of His people? Christ will give us victory in the conflict. 5RH 27

Now, will not He that is able to do this, help you when you ask Him to give you grace that you may follow in the path of obedience? Will He not give you that strength, that wisdom, and knowledge that shall lead you to follow in His footsteps? 1ST 56

Heaven’s resources are limitless, and they are all at our command. Why, then, I ask, is the progress of the Lord’s work in our world so slow? Why are not the Lord’s followers increasing in knowledge and purity, holiness, and power? 5RH 17

Back To Top

Last Chapter | Tell of His Power Index | Next Chapter