And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ...the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Genesis 5:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Hebrews 11:5).
The Apostle Paul edifies that the shaking will be caused by the straight testimony (Haggai 2:6, Hebrews 12:26). He relays that a standard must be set requiring behaviors perfectly aligning with the counsel of the True Witness. To the Laodicean church, one must fully heed Yeshua's straight testimony: and, we must be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, converted in our hearts and minds. A daily self-examination must occur, evaluating Christ’s formation within our hearts (Galatians 4:19, Colossians 1:27). This straight testimonial message was sent by EGW, a messenger, and Prophet, to the Adventist world, instructing those to seek out their sealed position in relationship to Christ (Early Writings page 269-271). There is no neutral ground regarding Christ, the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6, Revelation 14:14-21).
The unadulterated gospel must be presented without reluctance, teaching the need for eye salve, a remedy for Laodicea’s nakedness, wretchedness and blindness (Revelation 3:14-21). Without apology, righteous loud cry messengers are required by God to deliver a straight testimony of Truth, aimed at the final goal, a vindication of God’s government. Such a testimony should be directed to all, calling God’s people out of both Laodicea and Spiritual Babylon. Satan during these end times will unsuccessfully attempt to deceive even the very elect (Matthew 24:24). Thus, God’s remnant are required to maintain an unrelenting, abiding relationship with Christ, allowing God, the Father, to continually replace fruitless branches, preparing them for forthcoming plagues and destruction on earth (John 15:1-7, Revelation 15:1-8, 16:1-21).
Without faith it is impossible to please God, therefore a person lacking faith can not be sealed or have victory over sin, while perfecting character (Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 5:48, 1John 3:9). Christ’s gift of righteousness permits His remnant to continually advance in sanctification (Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 3:9-11, 2 Peter 3:18). Proverbs 4:18 edifies that “… the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day”.
The shaking extends unto the final sealing of God’s people. The first sealing will take place in the Adventist world followed by an additional shaking process within the world at large, Babylon, as judgment will begin at God’s house, later encompassing and affecting the entire Global world, following the passing of Enforced Sunday Law (Hebrews 12:26, 1Peter 4:17, Revelation 13:11-18). The straight testimony will address the prevailing, salient and worrisome Laodicean condition, causing, blindness and nakedness among many lacking sincere repentance (Revelation 3:14-21). This message will begin and apply primarily to God’s people, as Judgment begins at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17).Globally, such a message regarding the necessity of sealing, and having a fixed, sanctified, faithful relationship with the Messiah, must be received and maintained by those who chose salvation over destruction (Ephesians 4:30).
Ultimately, God is looking to seal the entire Earth. Those found guilty will receive His wrath poured out without mercy or mixture (Revelation 14:9-11). The literal shaking process of Haggai 2:6-7 began and applied to ancient Israel, however it has a second symbolic application to modern Israel, as ancient Israel is no longer God’s chosen (Hebrew 8:6-10). God’s true remnant, adhering to such a shaking must continue in a fixed relationship with God, perfectly clothed with Christ’s righteousness, manifesting character perfection and victory over sin (Matthew 5:48, Philippians 3:9, 1 John 3:9).
The stage of “the ear”, will be achieved once God’s remnant have completely put away sin, manifesting a character symbolized as blemish-free garments and guile-free mouths, poised for the outpouring of the latter rain (Revelation 14:4-5, Zechariah 10:1). Such a righteous outpouring of truth, the latter rain, will bring the harvest to the stage of the “Full corn in the ear”, or to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, sealed for eternity (Joel 2:23, Zechariah 10:1, Mark 4:26-29, Ephesians 4:13, 5:21-31).
The latter rain, refreshment from the presence of the Lord, will add increasing power to the third angel’s message and loud cry, binding the remnant with God’s mercy; in preparation for the seven last plagues (Early Writings page 85, Revelation 16). "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" (Revelation 19:8). Those who are sincerely repentant manifesting a true conversion, having deep abhorrence for sin, will be purified, unto perfection (1 John 3:9, Review and Herald September 3rd 1889). Those who heed the message of the True Witness will be zealous about their repentance (Acts 2:38, 3:19). God’s straight testimony exemplifies a standard of Christian characteristics as revealed in the spotless, sinless life of the Messiah (Matthew 5:48, Galatians 2:20, Revelation 14:1-5).
by Dionne Sabbay Thompson August 27, 2008 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). As we examine the book of Romans (chapter one), we notice that the Apostle Paul appears to be writing to a body of believers who were confronted with the evil doings of the Caesars during their time. Such a body of believer's difficulty remaining faithful, required encouragement and support; Christ's gift of righteousness (Philippians 3:9). Romans 1:1-17 sets forth the everlasting gospel which is to be "preached to every nation kindred tongue and people" without shame (Revelation 14:6). Spiritual Israel, God's chosen, overcomers, will be messengers of truth in this end time crisis. Romans 1:18-22 appears to address the issue of a falling away, rejection of this gospel message: a result of working contrary to the Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). The Ten Commandments are the character of Christ and once these guidelines are accepted and obeyed, true believers will bear Harvest Ripe fruits (Mark 4:28,29). "The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of His character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men become changed to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine nature, and grow more and more like their Saviour, advancing step by step in conformity to the will of God, till they reach perfection" (SDA Bible Commentary Volume 6 page 1096.4). A tree bears fruits according to it's nature (John 1:12,13). The Latter rain, the Holy Spirit, will bring God's harvest to the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Zechariah 10:1, James 5:7, Ephesians 4:13).
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
John 15 edifies that the purpose for the raising up of the Body of Christ is to be a witness for God. The reason the Great Controversy remains incomplete is that we have not manifested the full and true Witness for the Messiah.
Jeremiah 31:35,36 shows that God made a covenant with Ancient Israel. Once certain conditions are met, the Promise will follow through. We must not bank on a past relationship with God, as Ancient Israel's house was left unto them desolate because they failed to maintain a constant relationship with God. Failing to maintain a New Covenant Experience or failing to abide in the Messiah will cause an Old Covenant Experience, a falling away. Once a falling away occurs, the Gospel is lost and works of the flesh incite self-righteous legalism, righteousness by works (Isaiah 64:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 Philippians 3:1-6). For every born again believer, there is a need to maintain a relationship, abiding completely in the Messiah.
Abiding in Christ is essential for the plan of salvation. Within 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul identifies the two Adams, "the first Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit...". Flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). The Apostle Paul brings to view that there was a first Adam, made a living soul and a last Adam made a quickening spirit. This is a revelation of Christ's Infinite Wisdom. Genesis 2:7 edifies that God formed Adam from the dust of the ground; God breathing life into him. Adam was the father of mankind, as all human beings came out of him. There is only one human life-line which is through the first Adam, made a living soul. Genesis 2:21 edifies that God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, later creating eve from Adam's rib. Thus, there is only one stream of human life. So we surmise that all other human beings came from the original source, the living souls, Adam and eve. The latter statements show us the remarkable creative ability of God. God, by initial intent, made us as a unique and distinct order. The wisdom of God is demonstrated as His ability to connect an entire planet from one life form, the first Adam.
Romans 5:12 presents the plan of salvation that affects all human beings. Adam's corruption affected all within his lineage. Had Adam not sinned, no scriptures would have been written, as the scriptures, by purpose, are related to overcoming sin (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Jude 24,25). The last Adam is Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45). Adam's sinless nature created by God could have caused us to all be born sinless and unfallen. However, Adam's disobedience corrupted his nature, therefore all within Adam's reproductive line were impacted. Hence, we need a Savior, namely Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). God devised a plan, allowing mankind to be rescued from sin. The first reproductive line is flesh and blood which multiplies and reproduces human beings; the second reproductive line is spiritual, creating spiritual beings born again in Christ. Once we are redeemed from the earth, we will possess Divine unfallen Heavenly bodies.
Angels fell from heaven, one third in number, maintaining their spiritual bodies (Revelation 12:4). The spiritual beings fallen in nature can take control over human beings in the absence of the Power of God. Adam was created from the earth and Christ came from Heaven. Therefore, those who are born of Adam are earthly and those born of Christ are heavenly. The flesh is used to multiply human beings and the spirit creates subjects for Heaven. When we are born again we bear the image of heavenly unfallen nature. The reproductive line of Christ produces human beings born of the spirit. Christ tried to explain this to Nichodemus in John 3:3, "except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God". Similarly, Paul says that "flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of Heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:50). Thus we must be born of the Last Adam in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven. John 1:12,13 edifies that..."but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Humans reproduce, limiting them to be subjects of this earth. We can not be subjects of Heaven without God's Divine nature, the reproductive line; enabling us to be partakers of Heaven.
Once sin entered this world, the end result of the life-line was death, thus we require a Redeemer. Romans 5:14 edifies that Adam was a similitude or a figure of that which is to come. Within the example of Adam we are to identify what God wishes for us to understand about the last Adam, Christ. As we remark on the sacrifices of the Earthly sanctuary, as they are figures of the Heavenly Sanctuary, we must edify that the Lamb without blemish points to Christ. The earthly sanctuary was a model of the Heavenly sanctuary. Christ is the originator of incorruptible, new humanity.
Within Romans 5:12-18, Paul is explaining that Adam's first offense brought judgment to all men. Yet it is not all bad news, as Christ can justify all of mankind, utilizing His Infinite wisdom. Romans 5:19 edifies that Adam's disobedience made us all born in sin, made under the law, as was Christ, yet he was without a blemish, spotless in Character (Galatians 4:4, Hebrews 4:15). God is therefore fair and just and He will remove every excuse for mankind's condemnation of Adam for their sins. God is fair and merciful, justifying all mankind in Christ, the last Adam. Christ has thus leveled out the playing field at the cross of Calvary. We must abide in the last Adam, being justified for our sins. Christ justified all men whom the first Adam had condemned (Romans 8:30). Romans 5:20 further edifies that the sin that Adam brought in abounded greatly and affected all men, yet we have a provision of grace far more exceeding, permitting complete redemption from this earth and our sinful natures. We can rejoice as God has provided far greater grace then sin can impact, much more than enough for the redemption of all mankind. Christ, the last Adam, a quickening spirit, has brought us Eternal Spiritual Life, HALLEJUAH (1 Corinthians 15:45). In order to be justified we need to be born again, obeying the Ten Commandments, maintaining faith in the Messiah, righteously by faith (Exodus 20, 1 John 3:9, Philippians 3:9, Revelation 14:12).
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Enoch similar to mankind in October of 2008 had many trials during his times as we read: "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). That was the environment in which Enoch lived. Yet, victoriously over sin both Enoch and Elijah exemplified the principle of dying to Christ (Galatians 2:20). Enoch walked with God and God took him, similarly as we must daily walk with God, not requiring 300 years as did Enoch, we can also be taken among those redeemed (Genesis 5:24). We are legally and federally justified by the life of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:45 edifies that Adam was flesh and blood and the Last Adam was made a quickening spirit, as we too become once spiritually reborn. The first man is of the earth and the second Man which is Christ, is spiritual. Thus we are to abide in the heavenly spirit of Christ (John 15:1-7).
Within John 3, Jesus Christ in his interview with Nicodemus edified that that which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of spirit is spirit. As the human reproductive line is used to create more human beings; the Divine Reproductive line is created to make more sons of God. When we are born again, we are converted to Christ's kingdom as His subjects. The Second Adam brought us back to the Perfected, Spiritual line of Christ, righteously by faith. God gave Adam a choice, allowing him to choose to remain in God or to choose another ruler. Without freedom of choice, humans have no intelligence, preventing growth or development as God's subjects. Christ made the correct choice conquering sin, justifying us all (Romans 5:12,18).
When Adam sinned and chose Satan as the ruler, he restricted his freedom, as the only true freedom comes from the Lord. Christ speaking to the Pharisees during His day, stated that they were as their father "the devil", meaning that they did not have freedom of choice (John 8:44). The first Adam due to his poor choice, disobeying God's law, gave us bondage. Thus God put enmity between the woman's seed and Satan (Genesis 3:15). God wants us to understand that without freedom of choice, we are in bondage. We can be victors in our rebirth with Christ, overcoming sin (1 John 3:9). We have the choice to serve God as free intelligent agents. Every time a human being chooses to sin, it is not because of Adam's sin, as Christ paid the penalty, affording us the freedom to stay in sin or be reconciled by Christ (2 Corinthians 14,15). Thus, at the day of judgment, we will not have an excuse for sin, as every sin is a deliberate choice to rebel against the government of God. Christ as the Second Adam justifies all humankind. Sin therefore, is a choice by the free-willed, intelligent individual who decides to rebel against the government of God. Each of us at the day of judgment will stand before God (Romans 14:10). Thus we can not blame our Pastors, family or loved ones, as we are responsible for all our decisive actions and consequences thereof.
If we are lost on that day of judgment, then we will have no one else to blame but ourselves, as Christ being that Second Adam has redeemed us from the flesh. The act of sin is the act of the individual rebelling against Christ. If we are in Christ spiritually, we as victors will be of Christ's reproductive line, spiritually. True liberty and freedom allows us to be sanctified, permitting us to submit to God fully, identifying and manifesting the Character of God, through His Constitutional Heavenly Ten Commandments (Exodus 20, Revelation 14:12).
Abiding in Christ is a choice, as we were born in the flesh, a spiritual rebirth requires our decision-making action, determining where we are spiritually (John 15:1-7). Christ in this chapter of John 15 ideally is saying that the spirit of Christ must live in us, as the Redeemer is the vine and we are the branches. A Christian, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, glorifies God (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22:23). We can be free from dishonoring God, by abiding in Him, in our Christian walk. Thus, we must be constantly surrendered to the Messiah, Christ the Righteous Lamb that has Overcome the world through obedience and righteousness (Exodus 20, John 16:33).
With God, there is no neutral ground, as a Laodicean Condition is offensive to God (Revelation 3:14,15). Henceforth, for our lives in the year of 2008, a year of judgment, 120 years after the inception of the message of RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH, WE MUST MAINTAIN TRUE REPENTANCE, VICTORIOUSLY OVER SIN. Seventh-day Adventists have had this message for over 120 years, revived in 1888 by God through messengers, Elders Waggoner and Jones: we must NOT repeat the serious mistake of the children of Israel, losing faith in God, our Deliverer.
God wants us to be zealous, earnest and repentant, avoiding strange acts and behaviors outside of the life of the Messiah. An evacuation from Babylon is necessary (Revelation 18:1-4). As the branches to the vine once separated will wither away and die, similarly when a person separates from Christ they too will die spiritually and physically in the second death (Revelation 20:6; 21:8). Without the Messiah, we can do NOTHING. At the end of the world the wheat will be separated from the tares, as those withered branches, failing to abide in Christ fully, consequently will be bundled and burned (Matthew 13:30, 38,39). All things were made by God (John 1:1-3). Therefore, since God does all things through His Word, the relationship we have with Him is based on the Word. As Christians, we will have no life without a direct relationship with God: The Deity does every thing through The Word. God spoke and it was done (John 1:1-3, Psalms 33:6,9). Without God we can do NOTHING (John 15:5). Thus it is essential for us to know the Word in order to completely abide in Christ. Our study must be accompanied by a genuine relationship with Christ, RIGHTEOUSLY BY FAITH (Philippians 3:9).
by Dionne Sabbay Thompson September 26th, 2008 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14,15).
Christ has complete jurisdiction over all humanity. Federally, Christ became one with Us, taking on our humanity. Emmanuel meaning God is with us, as the Father was with Christ while the Savior was on this earth. Romans 1 edifies the purpose of God, as an eternal purpose, thus identifying the connection between God and man. Christ became the Second and Last Adam, helping us while under the Law of God. Within this chapter we can comprehend the writings of all the Prophets compiled by the Apostle Paul who captures the essence of the Everlasting Gospel. The apostle Paul's thinking appeared to be highly complex as per Peter (2 Peter 3:16). Peter edifies that we must be cautious while studying the apostle Paul's writings as misunderstandings of such can lead to our own destruction. Peter explains further that we must take time when studying the writings of the apostle Paul, as a misunderstanding of Paul's writings can cause a detriment to our soul salvation.
Ephesians 3:10,11 teaches that God attempts to make known the wisdom of Christ and its eternal purpose. As overcomers what remains difficult to worldians can be easily understood through the Holy Spirit's assistance with discernment. Such complex Truth can be made easy by grace through faith in the Righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8). The knowledge of God allowed the apostle Paul to understand and enlighten those that are grounded in Christ, in these precious Last Days. Romans 8:3 edifies that Christ had to come in the flesh in order to identify with us, granting us Victory over sin, while in the likeness of mankind. Christ provided us a solution for sin, as He was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, made in the likeness of mankind. Meeting us at such a point was essential since that was and is where sin exists, in sinful fallen flesh. Hebrews 1 while teaching that Jesus is God, leads us right into Hebrews 2:9 as God was made a little lower than the angels: He tasted death for all mankind. Death on earth did not exist until Adam sinned. Christ was made for the suffering of death, made in fallen flesh that contains death: He was made a little lower than angels, following Adam's transgression. We must understand the human nature that Christ had when he was made sin, tasting death for every human. 2 Corinthians 5 aligning with Hebrews 2:9, edifying that Christ was made a little lower than angels as all are subject to death. As Christ was raised from the dead, all that are found righteous by faith will too be raised in redeemed bodies, resurrected spiritually and eternally. Mankind must taste death because of sin. Selfishness is the root cause of death. However, those that accept Christ's death, resurrection and purposeful Victory, will rise with Him.
Romans 5:12,18 exhibits the purpose of God, showing us that we become one with Christ "Emmanuel, God with us", once we place our trust fully in Christ, obeying and remaining faithful: we will be redeemed from this earth. Hebrews 2:10-18 teaches that we can be made perfect by the process of suffering, persecution (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:1-3). Using the analogy of a furnace, once enough heat is applied to the furnace, gold or silver can become refined. Subsequently such a process removes all waste matter, simply by increasing the temperature of the furnace. Similarly, the more we grow and mature in Christ, the more intense the tests may become. "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
Hebrews 5:8 edifies that although Christ was made perfect, persecution through trials was necessary in order to refine His human Character. Currently, the financial instability in our world is a test. However, the crashing of the stock market and collapsing of the economic system's act of shaking our faith, reveals that our confidence is in worldly possessions. Thus we must rest fully in the Lord, as the time is coming that we, the righteous, will not be able to buy or sell. More specifically, in recovery of Pagan Rome's Sunday Persecutory acts from the 4th century, the Roman Catholic Church's Papacy, the first Beast , will join with America's False Protestant Entites, the second Beast, forbidding 7th-day Sabbath rest. Under the reign of Lucifer, a fallen covering Cherub, 7th-day Sabbath keepers will be persecuted for refusing Enforced Sunday Law, Pagan Worship, 666, The Mark of the Beast, (Ezekiel 28:14-15, Revelation 13:11-18).
We are all sinful and fallen in nature, requiring sanctification. As per the apostle Paul, Christ was not ashamed to be called one with us. Human beings are flesh and blood and Christ took part of the same, destroying Satan's power over death (Hebrews 2:14,15). It is the fear of death that keeps us in bondage to sin, thus our earthly desires and appetite must be fully submitted to God, as Christ has delivered us from the bondage of sin. It was Adam's fear of losing eve that motivated him to hunger and thirst, leading him to the transgression of God's law. God has promised the righteous the bread of eternal life, hidden manna, coriander seed, honey wafers (Exodus 16:31, John 6:58, Revelation 2:17). Christ taking on the form of an angel would not have been helpful to mankind, as Christ had to be made even lower than angels, reconciling with humans. Beginning with Abraham, Christ took on the seed of Abraham, rescuing us from sinful, fallen, degenerate nature. Following Adam's sin, mankind was lost, but Christ redeemed us as the last Adam. Christ became like us in all things in order to make a reconciliation for the sins of all people. In order to reconcile with mankind, He became a man, Emmanuel, God with us. The only way that one can identify with someone fully, is if one has experienced the same life trials. Once we are born of the Spirit of Christ, in His Infinite, Perfection; we take on His Divine Righteous nature by Faith.
Dionne Sabbay Thompson LMSW is a devoted, published writer for God: and, she is the founder of AdventistWheat Publishing® and Character Purity Ministries. As an alumna of New York University, licensed with a Master's Degree in Social Work, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Communications; she spends her free-time hosting a Christian Radio Show on Blogtalkradio.com/CharacterPurity. She is also an awardee of Columbia University's D.I.S.C. Project certificate of completion, after assisting disadvantaged families within some of New York City's most challenging populations.
