Character Perfection and the 1888 Message

Review and Herald September 3, 1889

Compiled by Dionne Sabbay Thompson (All Direct Quotations)

E-Book The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection

"The present message--justification by faith--is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear did not receive its benefit. They did not open the door of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest, and they have suffered great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which we must walk; the cross is presented at every step. We must learn to live by faith; then the darkest hours will be brightened by the blessed beams of the Sun of Righteousness" (Review and Herald, September 3, 1889 paragraph 10).

E-Book Christ and His Righteousness

"There is great need that Christ should be preached as the only hope and salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented at the Rome meeting, it came to many as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought" (Review and Herald, September 3, 1889 paragraph 12).

E-Book Lessons on Faith

TESTIMONIES TO MINISTERS AND GOSPEL WORKERS PAGES 91-93:

"The Message of Justification by Faith The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. [SEE APPENDIX.] This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. The uplifted Saviour is to appear in His efficacious work as the Lamb slain, sitting upon the throne, to dispense the priceless covenant blessings, the benefits He died to purchase for every soul who should believe on Him. John could not express that love in words; it was too deep, too broad; he calls upon the human family to behold it. Christ is pleading for the church in the heavenly courts above, pleading for those for whom He paid the redemption price of His own lifeblood. Centuries, ages, can never diminish the efficacy of this atoning sacrifice. The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ.  The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church. As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses, and all that had been bitten by the fiery serpents were bidden to look and live, so also the Son of man must be lifted up, that "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   Unless he makes it his life business to behold the uplifted Saviour, and by faith to accept the merits which it is his privilege to claim, the sinner can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus. Now, it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus and lead men to look to man, and trust to man, and be educated to expect help from man. For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines. John's words are to be sounded by God's people, that all may discern the light and walk in the light: "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all. And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Reproducing Christ's Character

by Dionne Sabbay Thompson January 1, 2009

Christ, the Head of the Church, completed the work, however, His harvest, the body of Christ, his remnant, must be ripe in order for Him to return to reap the harvest (Matthew 5:48, Ephesians 4:12-13, 5:21-31, 1 John 3:9, Revelation 14:1-5, 14:14-16, Christ Object Lessons page 330, SDA Bible Commentary Volume 6 page 1096.4, Testimonies For The Church Volume 3 page 43). A reaper will not return for a harvest that is not ripe, so God the Father, The Husbandman and Pruner, must be granted permission from mankind to initiate the work of removing branches that are not Christ-like, replacing them with fruits of the Holy Spirit (John 15:1-7, Galatians 5:22-23). Sealing requires pro-activity on the part of mankind, as Christ promises to form and fill willing vessels with Latter rain, the Holy Spirit's Outpouring (Zechariah 10:1, Matthew 5:48; Galatians 2:20, 4:19; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:9). Remembering that Enoch and Elijah were not perfectly sinless throughout their lives, one can acknowledge that such Prophets did however reach a point where they were found completely blameless and faultless, successfully overcoming sin, reproducing the Messiah's character while clothed with His perfect righteousness, later being translated from this earth (Genesis 5:24, 2 Kings 2:11, Hebrews 11:5, Philippians 3:9, Revelation 14:1-5). Following our Divine teacher and Savior Christ, Yeshua, our Messiah (who overcame the world John 16:33), we must advance in sanctification, being made holy, daily walking with God, reaching the point of “the ear” as God will not be mocked by Satan (Mark 4:26-29, Romans 8:29-30, Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Peter 3:18). God's word will not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11).

As diligent students of prophecy, we must look for the prophetic waymarks directly connected to the work of God. The Lord has given us His Word as a sure guide, edifying us about where we are in earth’s history. The Development of the world and the work of the enemy must be understood by the remnant, as we journey into the future, unto Christ’s imminent return. We view history based on what is happening in the church; worldly events can be considered as a barometer of such. We should always view history and events in direct proportion to the church. The winds of strife loosening imply that the spirit of God has begun the sealing work (Revelation 7:1-4, Early Writings page 36-38). Winds of strife in prophecy symbolize commotion, natural disasters and/or war. What we see happening in the church is an indication of forthcoming events in the world. Worldly occurrences are a direct indication of what is happening in the church. We must view everything in light of the work of God and His people on the earth.

The prophetic waymarks are an illustration of where we presently stand in history, as we embark now on Revelation 14, in the ongoing saga of the Great controversy. We are now living under the second beast in Revelation 13:11-18, the United States of America, the “Lamb-like Beast”. Such a ruling power is currently marshalling the global world, leading into a time when a death sentence, Enforced Sunday law will be imposed upon the righteous, 144,000, God’s remnant. Before the winds of strife are completely loosed, God’s people must be securely sealed; otherwise they will be symbolically swept away by America’s campaign for Sunday sacredness, unto the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 7:1-5, 13:11-18).

Revelation 14 is a significant chapter in the Seventh-day Adventist movement’s history as well as a significant time period regarding God’s work on the earth. In 1888, God resent the Everlasting Gospel, in full measure to the Adventist Church, through messengers Jones and Waggoner, empowering the Adventist world to proceed in completing His work (Romans 1:16,17, Revelation 14:6,7, Testimonies to Ministers & Gospel Workers page 91-92). This Seventh-day Adventist movement represents God’s attempt to bring an end to the great controversy (Revelation 14:1, Great Controversy page 662). It is thus the duty of the body of Christ, through the power of God to bring closure to His righteous duties.

Revelation 14:1-5 edifies mankind about peculiar individuals who will manifest the character of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). Revelation 14:6-12 is the message of the Gospel that will produce that character of Christ within His people, 144,000 in number. God’s remnant can not be perfected without the everlasting gospel which is God’s power. It required all of the Power of the Godhead to create the earth, bringing something out of nothing. Similarly, it will take something within the power of God to bring sinful man from a state of less than nothing to “having his father’s name written in their foreheads” (Revelation 14:1). Isaiah 40:17 states that as man is sinful, they are less than nothing. Thus, it takes God’s power to recreate, revive and reform mankind, aligning with the Elijah directives, as "the Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world's history" (Great Controversy page 148, Malachi 4:5-6, Matthew 3:2-3, 11:9-15). 2 Corinthians 5:17 edifies that if any man be in Christ, they are a new creature. This is why the gospel was given by God. Finally, Revelation 14:14-16 edifies that when God’s people are perfected, then God will return to claim them as His own.

The remnant, God’s harvest must be ripe, His character must be fully reproduced within us, leading into His return to claim us as His own. Spiritual Israelites, preparing for translation from earth must reproduce the character of Christ, following the Lamb, Yeshua, where ever He goes, refuting false doctrine with guile-free, deceit-free mouths (1 Corinthians 15:50-52, 2 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Peter 2:22, Revelation 14:1-5). The righteous living by faith, by placing themselves in perfect harmony with the Most High and keeping His Ten Commandments, will stand through the day of final destruction (Ephesians 4:30, Revelation 6:17, 7:1-4, 12:17, 14:12, 22:14). We must not fixate only on the Three Angel’s messages but, we must also focus on producing the spot-free character of Christ (Ephesians 5:27). As it appears throughout the course of the history of the Adventist World, teachers have been focused solely on Revelation 14:6-12, failing to preach the required reproduction of the Character of Christ,unto His consequent reaping of the harvest (Revelation 14:14-16). An indicator that one has the gospel of Christ is inherent Character Perfecting goals and objectives; and continual utilization of God’s full gospel power within one’s life (Romans 1:16-20). The Apostle Paul edifies that the gospel is not just a theory, but it is the power of God unto all who believe, delivering us from sin unto eternal salvation (Romans 1:16-17, 20).

7 Steps to Character Purity and Victory Over Sin

by Dionne Sabbay Thompson August 25th 2009 (Revised)

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14).

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).

Friends, please remember that the Loud Cry, the Fourth Angel's message, is the amplification or the swelling of the Third Angel's message of Righteousness by faith (Revelation 14:6-13, 18:1-4, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 91-92, Great Controversy chapters 38 and 39).

Historically, the Three Angels' Messages (Revelation 14:6-12) have left their mark, each Angel, reserving a space in Earth's history. The first Angel's message occurred in 1831 A.D., (Great Controversy page 331, Early Writings pages 232-237) the Second Angel's Message in 1844 A.D. (Summer), (Great Controversy page 389) and the Third Angel's Message in 1844 A.D. (Fall)(Great Controversy page 432). Herein lies our focus for this study, as the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's message is where we stand today in 2010, a time of judgment, where the populace's skepticism will increase, and devastation will visit the earth. The Lord and His Eternal power are causing a shaking on the earth by way of His straight testimony which will continue to its second shaking for Spiritual Babylon, as He is earnest to seal His chosen (Hebrews 12:26, 1Peter 4:17,Early Writings pages 269-271). Unquenchable earthly fires will devour refined estates; while navies, air crafts and railways experience calamities without a moment's warning. Probation for the world is closing: the end is near (Signs of the Times April 21st 1890 paragraph 11, 1Peter 4:17, Revelation 22:11). The onset of the Loud Cry Message, 1888, set forth the occurrence of Latter Rain, an Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, sent to revive the Seventh-day Adventist Church of its Laodicean condition which existed since 1859 (Testimonies For The Church Volume 1, page 185-186). Thus, it remains imperative that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). We must search the scriptures daily for light and knowledge, as "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalms 119:130, 1Selected Messages 359 paragraph 2). Once God's chosen begin to study diligently, the enemy, Satan, will make every effort to attempt to shut out their light, thus it is imperative that our hearts be filled with the Word, Christ the Messiah (Galatians 4:19, Colossians 1:27).

Purposefully, the Latter rain (the Fourth Angel's message Revelation 18:1-4) provides an outpouring of righteous teachings, flowing through righteous Loud Cry messengers; for the Sealing and Sanctification of God's people (Zechariah 10:1, Joel 2:23, Romans 8:30, Ephesians 4:30, James 5:7, Revelation 7:1-4). Historically, we know that the Early and Former Rain, the Holy Spirit's Outpouring, began in 31 A.D. following the resurrection of Christ. “The Day of Pentecost, the Former Rain, Christ’s Coronation symbol, occurred fifty days following the Messiah’s resurrection (precisely seven Sabbaths after His resurrection: Leviticus 23:15-17; Psalms 110:4, 133:2; Acts 1:3-4, 2:1-5; Hebrews 6:20, 8:3-4). ‘In the heavenly courts, Christ, with the angels who had accompanied him to heaven, had been received’. ‘All the heavenly intelligences joined in this coronation service of their Lord’. ‘The pentecostal outpouring upon the disciples was heaven’s communication to them that his inauguration was complete’ (Review and Herald April 30, 1908 paragraph 6)” [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 13]. Praise God, as Christ's Victory at the Cross is a Joyous Event for all mankind HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH (John 19:30).

The 7 Steps to Character Purity and Victory over sin is the application of the righteous Third Angel's Message and Loud Cry to the remnant's CHARACTER EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT (Revelation 14:1-5). The righteous harvest's CHARACTER RIPENESS is essential for Christ's consequential reaping (Revelation 14:14-16). “I then saw the third angel.”“Said my accompanying angel, ‘Fearful is his work’. ‘Awful is his mission.’ ‘He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner’.‘These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention’” (Early Writings page 118).“God's true remnant, 144,000 in number, will permanently and completely surrender to Yeshua; preparing for the LATTER RAIN, a divine outpouring, that will fill out the “ears” of corn and ripen the virtuous elect or good grain for the righteous harvest (Joel 2:23, Zechariah 10:1, Matthew 13:23-40, Mark 4:28)” [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection—back cover].

STEP #1. Abiding in Christ is paramount (John 15:1-7). Becoming best friends with Christ is the first step, telling Him everything about your life, confiding in Him fully, holding NOTHING back, having Him "formed in you" (Galatians 4:19). Additionally, we must accept His perfect Righteous Robe, clothing ourselves with it as a Shield against ungodliness (Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 3:9-11).

STEP #2. Praying for God the Father, the Pruner, to remove Character defects in your Character Experience, replacing them with the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is essential (John 15:1, Galatians 5:22-23). By exercising the Will of God, His remnant through His righteous power can resist temptation: as they fully surrender to God, for it is Him that "doeth the works" (Matthew 4:1-4, John 14:10, Hebrews 4:15, James 4:7).

STEP #3. Studying daily and advancing with the new light you receive, focusing on Reproducing the Character of Christ is required (Proverbs 4:18, 2Timothy 2:15, Revelation 14:1-5, Faith I live by page 333). "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." (Hosea 4:6). It is essential to have morning daily devotional time with the Lord. We should not permit anything to interfere with our relationship with God. If we neglect to spend time with God, we will suffer the consequences of such actions: we must refrain from making excuses. Jesus Christ made time for God the Father, spending morning hours in prayer with Him (Isaiah 50:4, Mark 1:35). If we fully surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will wake us up morning by morning, empowering us to pray (John 14:26).

STEP #4. Keeping the Ten Commandments, the Character Transcript of God, containing the Sanctified Sabbath, a visible manifestation of the living Sealing Truth is nonnegotiable (Exodus 20, Ezekiel 20:12). "Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbathkeepers. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, either in the letter or in the spirit. He calls for a reform in the observance of the Sabbath." (Testimonies for the Church Volume 6 page 353. Making the Life of Christ, your life, "following the Lamb whithersoever He goes" (Revelation 14:4). The people of God must understand the seriousness of the times. We must evacuate spiritually from Babylon, following God with NO COMPROMISE. Seventh-day Adventists must reform their ways, teaching the world about the need to abstain from worldly, earthly appetites and lusts: unhealthful diets, smoking, drinking alcohol, dangerous meat eating, caffeine consumption, pornography, television addiction, romance novels, diabolical video games, cursing, worldly adornment, attending bars and worldly concerts, just to mention a few (Revelation 18:1-4, Ministry of Healing pages 125-127, Testimonies for the Church volume 3 page 43, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers page 445, 507).

STEP #5. Preparing for Redemption from Earth or Translation from Earth, receiving new Heavenly bodies is vital. Translation is death and resurrection instantaneously or in the "twinkling of an eye" (1Corinthians 15:51-52, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 14:3). Genesis 1:29 edifies: "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat". Now is the time to evaluate and apply the 8 LAWS OF HEALTH to our CHARACTER EXPERIENCES: "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them" (Ministry of Healing page 127).

STEP #6. Refuting FALSE Doctrines, like the Sunday rest, Immortality of the Soul and the Secret Rapture theory, remaining pure is critical (virgin-like), as Christ provided us with the undefiled WORD. False wine is False Doctrine (2Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 14:4, Great Controversy page 588).

STEP #7. Refraining from Deceitful ways and mannerisms is compulsory, as Guile means Deceit, Gossiping and Back-biting (1Peter 2:22). Asking God to "create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10). "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid" (Zephaniah 3:13). "If we have in any manner defrauded or injured our brother, we should make restitution. If we have unwittingly borne false witness, if we have misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and take back all our injurious misstatements." (Mount of Blessing page 59).

Congratulations friend, as now you are a new creature in Christ! I can not wait to see you in heaven (2Corinthians 5:17).

Christ loves you and He is returning soon (2Peter 3:12-15, Revelation 19:11-16).

Character Purity Ministries
Three Angels' Messages - Donations and Gift Offerings

Christian Perfection
7 Steps to Character Purity
Sanctified Sabbath
The Time of Visitation
A Cleansed Sanctuary
The Latter Rain
A New Covenant Experience
Purging Unto Perfection
Streams of Beneficence
Reproducing Christ's Character
God's Final Warning
Church and State Emersion
Redeemed From Earth

The Sin Virus

A Philadelphian Condition