“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering…”
Genesis 4:4-5
“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…”
Hebrews 11:4
“Abel grasped the great principles of redemption.”
“He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God.
He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed, 1 John 3:4.
Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice,— Christ dying on the cross of Calvary— and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.
Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings.
“His gift expressed no penitence for sin.“
“He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour.
He chose the course of self-dependence.“
“He would come in his own merits.“
“He would not bring the lamb, and mingle its blood with his offering, but would present his fruits— the products of his labor….”
“Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only a partial obedience. The ESSENTIAL PART— the recognition of the need of a Redeemer—was left out.”
“Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time.”
“One class avail themselves of The Appointed Sacrifice for sin; the other venture to depend upon their own merits; theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of divine mediation, and thus it is not able to bring man into favor with God.
It is only through the merits of Jesus that our transgressions can be pardoned.”
“Those who feel no need of the blood of Christ, who feel that without divine grace they can by their own works secure the approval of God, are making the same mistake as did Cain.
If they do not accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation.”
Patriarchs & Prophets, pg. 72
Christ and Christ alone, is the only way, the truth and the life. Outside of the One True Creator God, who became Man, to save His own creation, there is no other way.
It is through Christ’s unparalleled sacrifice that we find the pathway to reconciliation with God, for He bore our sins upon the cross, offering Himself as a perfect atonement.
Reader, I implore you to accept by faith the precious blood of “the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world”, that you may receive pardon and forgiveness of sins, and have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Embrace this divine gift, for in doing so, you will discover a profound peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that only He can provide to those who truly seek Him with an open heart.
The invitation is extended to all, regardless of past mistakes or regrets, as His love knows no bounds and His grace is freely given to those who believe.
“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”
Hebrews 8:1-2
[Jesus] took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences….
He endured every trial to which we are subject.
He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God.
By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God
As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey….
Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.
He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share.
He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With his stripes we are healed.“— Isaiah 53:5
Excerpt From the Book, ‘To Be Like Jesus, pg. 55′
“Christ was the Son of God. He became the Son of Man that the sons of men might become the sons of God….Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin, even the sinfulness of man, in order that we, who knew no righteousness, might be made righteousness, even the righteousness of God.”
The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection, pg. 47
Reader, may you be blessed as you contemplate upon Christ and His ultimate sacrifice for our sins, a profound act of love and redemption. In this sacred moment of reflection, consider how He now pleads His precious blood before the Father, making intercession on our behalf, continually advocating for us in our weakest moments.
As we think deeply on His sacrifice, let us remember the significance of His suffering. The Word tells us, “In that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to help them that are tempted.” This beautiful assurance brings comfort to our hearts, reminding us that He experienced the trials of our human existence.
He walked the path of pain and temptation, grappling with the very struggles we face today, yet He did so without sin.
“For He was tempted in all points such as we are tempted, yet without sin.” These words echo the depths of His empathy and understanding. In our times of doubt, sorrow, or temptation, we can find solace in knowing that we are not alone. Christ, in His divine nature, knows our struggles intimately.
He stands ready to support us, to guide us back onto the right path, and to envelop us in His grace.
Let this contemplation fill your spirit and strengthen your resolve as you navigate the trials of life, assured in the knowledge that Christ’s sacrifice was not merely for the distance past, but remains relevant and powerful today, interceding for us even in our moments of weakness. Embrace the love He offers, and let it transform your journey.
Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold…. Lot also…. had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.
Genesis 13:2,5-6
And it came to pass, when they had brought them [Lot and his family] forth abroad, that he said, ‘Escape for thy life; look not behind thee.’
Genesis 19:17
Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven.
Verse 24
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Verse 26
I can imagine that many of us have read this account quite a few times, but have you ever stopped to wonder why did Lot’s wife look back?
What was she looking back for?
God was merciful unto Lot and his family, by calling them from Sodom before He destroyed it.
Notice the words of Christ.
In that Day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his STUFF in the house, let him not come down to take it away…
Luke 17:31
Remember Lot’s wife!
Verse 32
I would like to believe that Lot’s wife was looking back to the “great substance” and wealth which they were now leaving in Sodom.
Although so greatly favoured in being called out from the wicked city, [Lot’s wife] felt that she was severely dealt with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction.
Instead of thankfully accepting deliverance, she presumptuously looked backto desire the life of those who had rejected the divine warning. Her sin showed her to be unworthy of life, for the preservation of which she felt so little gratitude.
Patriarchs & Prophets pg. 161
She was looking back to the riches of this world and blinded by her wealth and stuff, she lost her salvation.
Notice what Jude tells us about Sodom’s destruction as an example of what will take place at the end:
….as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude 1:7
Peter confirms this:
…and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
2 Peter 2:6
Notice the words of Christ Himself:
Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot….Even so will it be in the Day when the Son of Man is revealed.
Luke 17:28,30
How many of us, living at this time of earth’s history are looking back to the things of this world and putting our trust in riches and stuff?
Are we going to lose our salvation because we, like Lot’s wife are trusting in the things of this world?
Storing up treasures upon the earth, “where moth and rust doth corrupt”?
The love of riches has an infatuating, deceptive power. Too often those who possess worldly treasure forget that it is God who gives them power to get wealth. They say, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17
…Instead of regarding wealth as a talent to be employed for the glory of God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of serving themselves.
Christ’s Object Lessons pg.52
“They that will be [want to be] rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
This earth is soon to pass away, the heavens shall be dissolved and the elements [stuff] shall melt with fervent heat, 2 Peter 3:12
It’s time to get our priorities straight, in the home and in the Church.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
If we turn our eyes upon Jesus, and look full in His wonderful face, then the things of this world- the stuff, the earthly possessions, will grow strangely dim, and will lose their hold on us.
But if we, like Lot’s wife, trust in the things of this world rather than the Provider of those things, and give in to the love of money, wealth and riches, then surely, we will like Lot’s wife, lose the eternal reward, which Christ has gone to prepare for us.
“And the king [Solomon] commanded them to quarry large stones, costly stones, and hewn stones, to lay the foundation of the Temple.”
1 Kings 5:17
And the Temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.
1 Kings 6:7
So Solomon built the Temple and finished it.
1 Kings 6:14
Do you not know that you are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the Temple of God is holy, which Temple you are.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, [Temple].
1 Peter 2:5
[We being] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy Temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:20-22
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the Temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.“
2 Corinthians 6:16
Solomon built the Temple with stone that was cut at the quarry before being brought to Jerusalem.
Likewise, as living stones, we must also be cut and shaped perfectly at the quarry of this earth, before we can be taken to the New Jerusalem in Heaven. Cut and shaped by the trials that the Father allows and permits to come upon us to develop our character that it may reflect that of Christ’s.
The rough edges must be smoothed and we must be shaped into perfectly cut stones to be placed into the Temple of the New Jerusalem, figuratively speaking.
Solomon built the Temple and finished it, he finished the work which he began.
Likewise, God will finish this work in us which He began. Says the Apostle Paul:
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete [finish] it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
His Temple, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone shall be completed and perfected. Then He shall dwell in us and walk in us. We shall be His people and He shall be our God, Zechariah 13:9.
The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel.
But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace.
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, pg. 10
The hewing, squaring, and chiseling, chipping off a sharp point on one side and then on another, the burnishing and polishing, is a trying process. It is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the Lord brings forth the stone, and thus prepared, it finds its place in the building, to emit light as a living, polished stone.
The trial, however sharp and disagreeable, will impart a bright lustre.
Letter83, 1894, par.13
May we allow God to finish this work in us which He has begun. Holdfast until Christ comes.
“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:28-31
The life of a true Christian is a life of constant prayer. He knows that the light and strength of one day is not sufficient for the trials and conflicts of the next.
Satan is continually changing his temptations. Every day we shall be placed in different circumstances; and in the untried scenes that await us we shall be surrounded by fresh dangers, and constantly assailed by new and unexpected temptations.
To Be Like Jesus pg. 20
It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties before us.
Ibid
When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us.
The Desisre of Ages pg. 382
Those who fail to realise their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation.
Ibid
We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, “I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word.” But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects.
Ibid
Only through realising our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely.
Ibid
Beloved, may we not look to the boisterous waves which daily surround us, but may we keep “looking unto Jesus, the Author & Finisher of our faith“, for if we do this, we shall never sink but shall walk upon the waters that beset us!
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for MANY, I say to you, will seek to enterand will not be able.“
Luke 13:24
“I bid you strive, agonise, to enter into My spiritual kingdom.”
“The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God… The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, MUST be given up.
We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall.
God alone can give us the victory.
But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation…. Our energies are required to co-operate with God.
The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted… The will must be placed on the side of God’s will.
You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are “willing to be made willing,” God will accomplish the work for you.
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
There are many in the broad way who are not fully satisfied with the path in which they walk. They long to break from the slavery of sin, and in their own strength they seek to make a stand against their sinful practices. They look toward the narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between them and the Saviour…. They desire the good, they make some effort to obtain it; but they do not choose it; they have not a settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things.
The ONLY hope for us if we would overcome is to unite our will to God’s will and work in co-operation with Him, hour by hour and day by day.
We cannot retain self and yet enter the kingdom of God.
Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God?
Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God cannot be manifest upon us.”
The following was an excerpt from the book “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pages 141-143.
Be blessed Reader, as you contemplate these solemn words.
“And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me….”
Acts 12:11
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
Psalms 34:7
For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in ALL your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalms 91:11-12
My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him…..
Daniel 6:22
Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered His servants that TRUSTED in Him……
Daniel 3:28
So, in all ages, angels have been near to Christ’s faithful followers. The vast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome; but Christ would have us look to the things which are not seen, to the armies of heaven encamped about all who love God, to deliver them. From what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been preserved through the interposition of the angels, we shall never know, until in the light of eternity we see the providences of God.
Desire of Ages, pg. 240
Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming,—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation, Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them.
9 Testimonies For The Church, pg. 17
Reader, may you never forget, that Angels that excel in strength, encamp around you and keep and protect you from the hands of the wicked one. Guiding your steps through the trials and tribulations of life, reminding you that you are never alone, and instilling a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding as they watch over you day and night with unwavering devotion and love.
“Looking unto Jesus, the Author & Finisher of our Faith…”
Hebrews 12:2
The one running in a race will surely lose his victory if he keeps looking behind him or from side to side to see if his fellows are coming out ahead of him. He must run to win the crown of immortal glory, looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of his faith.
We cannot for a moment be off our guard.
The crown, the crown, the imperishable crown to be won, is to be kept before the one running the race. So run that ye may obtain…. Look not to man.
Reflecting Christ pg.277
Look to Jesus!
Friends, let us keep the words of Paul ever before us:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Reader, let us keep pressing on, looking ever before us, looking unto Jesus, that at that Day, we may receive “the crown of life which the Lord has promised unto them that love Him.” James 1:12
“If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
Habakkuk 2:3 NLT
Pray in faith and be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised.
“According to your faith be it unto you.” “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22.
Pray, Believe, Rejoice.
Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers.
Take Him at His word.
“He is faithful that promised.”
Hebrews 10:23
Not one sincere supplication is lost.
When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers.
When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most.
Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”
Do not cease to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it.
Lay all your plans at the feet of the Redeemer. Let your importunate prayers ascend to God. ”
Prayer pg. 100
“We can never weary Christ by earnest supplications. We do not depend on God as we should. Let us leave unsaid every word of complaint.
Talk faith and courage while waiting for God…. Be afraid to doubt, lest this become a habit that will destroy faith.
The dealing of the heavenly Father may seem dark and mysterious and unexplainable; nevertheless we are to trust in Him.
If the answer is deferred, it is because God desires us to show a holy boldness in claiming the pledged word of God.
He is faithful who hath promised. He will never forsake the soul who is wholly surrendered to Him.”
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience [endurance]. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
When He [God] has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23:10
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.
Proverbs 17:3
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you…
1 Peter 4:12
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7
He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: And He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Malachi 3:3
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10
“The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction to prove what temper they are of and whether they can be fashioned for His work.”
Ministry of Healing pg.471
Many who sincerely consecrate their lives to God’s service are surprised and disappointed to find themselves, as never before, confronted by obstacles and beset by trials and perplexities. They pray for Christlikeness of character, for a fitness for the Lord’s work, and they are placed in circumstances that seem to call forth all the evil of their nature.
It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them.
Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success…. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified.
Loud Cry Compendium 