The Great Controversy in 45 minutes

Sabbath Rest?

I am bemused by a common argument used against the observance of Sabbath; that is that ” Jesus is now my Sabbath rest” because this or that one has ceased from his own works. The insinuation is that those who do observe the Sabbath as a day of rest according to the commandment, have not ceased from their own works.
My question is this, though it seems obvious to me: how can anyone observe the day as a Sabbath, without ceasing from his/her own works?

Characteristic 8 of the Little Horn

“He shall think to change…laws”.

We are not to believe that this power seeks to change human laws. To change human laws is certainly no big deal, for every new government whether voted for or coming to power through revolution changes the laws to suit its own agenda, so no human laws are  intended to be meant by this prophecy. It is God’s laws that the little horn power believes it has the power or authority to change. One may immediately enquire, and with some justification, how can any power on earth possibly believe that it has the authority to change the laws of God? The answer of course, is no power on earth does have that authority. But we must be clear as to what the prophecy is actually saying.  Note that the prophecy does not say that the little horn does actually change the law, nor does it say that he can actually change the law, but that he thinks to change the laws.

On Social Morality and Law and Order

Any media outlet that expresses public opinion in any form, for example talk-back radio, is awash with concern over the current state of crime, violence, social addictions and morality. Much of the debate centers on law, what changes need to be made if any, and how to enforce those changes once made, or simply retain the status quo but strengthen penalties for transgression.

A few years ago our government was embarrassed by revelations that it had broken the law over some election issues. This was not just the ruling party, but also opposition parties who were found to be guilty, some quite seriously. The eventual response to this, after much discussion and pointing of fingers from all directions and red-faced obfuscating and fudging of issues, was a retrospective change to the law.

Overcoming sin

There is much debate and confusion within Christianity as to whether we need  to or even if it is possible to overcome sin in this life. Some say we are now free from the law because of the cross of Christ, others say we must still obey the law because it is still in effect, still others claim that if we attempt to keep the law, we are no longer under grace, and are still lost, trusting in our own works.

Surely, there must be in all of this hodge podge of belief and confusing doctrine on such an important matter,  some truth to be found. What does the Bible say?

Here is my take on the matter.

I am convinced that it certainly is possible to overcome sin, that this is accomplished by faith in the promises of God, (just as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness:

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:21,22.),

and I also think  that this life of sanctification (a constant living in victory over sin) is :
1. Living the character of Christ (being conformed to His image) and
2. Is conformable to the moral law of Ten Commandments.

That we all must determine in our hearts to stop sinning is a given. Jesus said that we must first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.To gain entry to heaven and live holy lives go hand in hand.
The care we must take in our determination to stop sinning,is to tread a fine line between ‘legalism’ and true faith. We cannot do away with the law because without the law, there is no knowledge of sin. Nor can we ignore the law in our quest for righteousness, because it is the standard that God has given us by which we determine our true state.