These guidelines are meant to help you as a leader. The first section covers topics related to Ten Days of Prayer 2018, and the second part includes pointers that will help you and your prayer group. Remember that these are just resources and ideas. Feel free to change things as the Spirit leads you.
During the Ten Days of Prayer, January 10-20, 2018, your group should meet daily in person or by phone for an hour of united prayer. The eleventh day, January 20, falls on Sabbath. This day is a celebration of all God has done in answer to united prayer. We hope these ideas and suggestions will help to make Ten Days of Prayer 2018 a powerful experience for your small group or church family.
As you embark on this journey, take time to read the testimonies of those who participated in Ten Days of Prayer 2017:
“Thank you! Our congregation has been revived, and we have witnessed great unity where there was once division. We have seen Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and our prayer is to continue to abide in Him. Unity is the marked answer to prayer we’ve seen so far, and I will send other individual testimonies as they come.”
“Thank you for the wonderful program. I was elected assistant prayer ministry leader in our little church. We started our program with a Sabbath of fasting and prayer, then Ten Days of Prayer began on Wednesday. We had a good membership attendance. In answer to our prayers, our local mission appointed a pastor for our congregation, after several years of not having one. Please pray for me and our little church!”
“Our church arranged for a bus to pick up church members nightly for Ten Days of Prayer. This particular driver had often brought members to our usual Sunday and Wednesday night services, then he would return to pick them up afterward. On the first night of our program, someone invited the driver to remain for the service. He did! That night he went home and shared his experience with his fiancée and encouraged her to attend the next night. They both attended the following evening and were present every night after. Toward the end of Ten Days of Prayer, they spoke with the first elder about their plans to marry soon and follow the Lord. Please keep them in prayer. Every night of these ten days was a blessing. We followed the nightly outline supplied, with the addition of one item. We read episodes from the Scriptures from the life of Christ from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Every night was Spirit-filled. There were nights when we had a total of 40 in attendance, with 20 of them being visitors from the community. We felt the presence of God, and I know people were praying for us during that time. May God continue to pour out His Spirit on His church.”
“The Ten Days of Prayer was a blessing. We experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our speakers, participants, and all who called in on the prayer line. Callers were from five different states and varied denominations. We thank God for using this ministry to reach many souls for His kingdom.”
“What a wonderful experience I had during the Ten Days of Prayer. I prayed for the Lord to provide my school fees—I had no idea where they would come from. We serve a living God! My request was answered the second day, and I will forever praise the Lord for His faithfulness to His people.”
“Near the beginning of the year, Justin was very depressed, especially when it came to finances and his family. After Ten Days of Prayer, he has found peace and contentment. This is something he had never experienced in his life, and he admits that God is surely good and great.”
“Our church (Northside SDA) has been participating in the Ten Days of Prayer program for the past six years. This year our group gathered as usual to continue in prayer and praise, concluded the service, and went home. We received a message that night that one of our members was highjacked outside his home and driven to a deserted place. Usually situations like this end with fatal results. Our church members got on their knees and prayer ascended to the God of glory—that no harm would come to His child. After an hour, we received news that Wesley had been freed, unharmed. I do not know how to explain this miracle other than that God summoned His angels to the aid of His child. The car was recovered, and Wesley was shaken, but his faith in God has been doubled. He was able to fulfill his Sabbath duties as scheduled, just two days after the incident! To God be the glory, and may this story be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters scattered around the globe.”
Everything God makes has a purpose. Every detail has a meaning and a reason for existing. This includes the apparel of the high priest. In the book Patriarchs and Prophets we read that “everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence” (p. 351). Let’s examine the symbols of the priestly apparel to see what can we learn for ourselves in the twenty-first century.
A theme sheet has been prepared for each of the ten days. The first page gives a suggested plan for the prayer time and includes ideas for specific prayer items and songs to sing together. The second page contains passages from the Bible and Ellen White that add insight to the theme. We recommend that you copy the theme sheets so each participant can have one to follow during the prayer time. These could be copied front to back.
Churches around the world will unite in praying about each day’s theme. Join them in praying through the Scriptures, quotes, and prayer requests on each theme sheet. However, don’t feel that you must rush through the entire list of prayer suggestions. You may want to divide into small groups and have each group pray for a portion of the list.
Some of the prayer requests relate specifically to the world Adventist Church. It’s important to pray together for our church family, but you may want to adapt your prayer time and use more general prayer themes if your group includes visitors from the community. Pray about how you can best welcome visitors and make them feel a part of your group.
We have included passages from Ellen White and several Bible verses for each of the ten days. These explain what is represented by the different pieces of priestly apparel. We suggest that you read these together with the group. This could be done at the beginning of the prayer time, to set the stage for the theme, or somewhere halfway through the prayer time.
How much time you spend on each section of prayer will probably vary somewhat each time you pray together. The following timeframes are suggestions for what typically works well:
Encourage each person to ask God to show them seven people to pray for during the ten days. These may be family members, friends, coworkers, church members, etc. Encourage them to pray that the Holy Spirit will lead these seven people to abide in Christ. Group members should also ask God to show them how they can pray for specific needs and reach out to their seven people during the ten days.
Have a special prayer focus and share testimonies of answered prayer during the church services on both Sabbaths. Be creative—there are many ways to share with the church family what is happening during the daily prayer meetings.
The final Sabbath, especially, should be designed as a time of great rejoicing in all that God has done throughout the ten days. Include ample time for testimonies of answered prayer, biblical teaching/preaching on prayer, and singing. Lead the congregation in a time of prayerso that those who have not attended the daily meetings can experience the joy of praying with others. See the Day 11 materials for more ideas.
Pray much about how God wants your church/group to continue what He has begun during Ten Days of Prayer 2018. Perhaps you will continue with a weekly prayer meeting. Or perhaps God wants you to begin a new ministry in your church or an outreach to the community. Be open and follow where God leads. You’re sure to be amazed as you walk with Him.
Please share stories of how God has worked through Ten Days of Prayer 2018! Your stories will be an encouragement to many others. Testimonies may be sent to stories@ministerialassociation.org or submitted online at www.tendaysofprayer.org.
We have prepared a document with different promises that can be claimed in prayer. Encourage the group to claim God’s promises as they pray. It is so easy to focus on our problems. But when we claim God’s promises, we increase our faith and remind ourselves that nothing is impossible with God. The promises help us take our eyes off of our weaknesses and difficulties and set them on Jesus. For every weakness and every struggle we can find Bible promises to claim. Encourage people to search for more promises and write them down so they can claim them in the future.
“With heartfelt simplicity we should state our needs to the Lord, and claim His promises with such faith and confidence that the congregation will know that we have learned to prevail with God in prayer. They will be encouraged to believe that the Lord’s presence is in the meeting, and they will open their hearts to receive His rich blessing. Their faith in your sincerity will be increased, and they will be ready to listen with willing ears to the instruction given by the speaker” (Evangelism, p. 146).
“God has a heaven full of blessings for those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises. But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 145).
Invite those joining you in Ten Days of Prayer to consider some type of fasting, such as fasting from TV, secular music, movies, the Internet, sweets, or other types of food that are hard to digest. Use the extra time to pray and study the Bible, asking God to help you and your congregation to abide more fully in Christ. By adopting a simple diet, group members will allow their minds to be more receptive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to show you how or what you should pray for in a person’s life or in a particular situation. The Bible tells us that we do not know what to pray for and that the Holy Spirit is the one making intercession for us.
“We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit ‘maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.’(Romans 8:26). Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.’ (Ephesians 3:20)” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147, emphasis supplied).
As you begin a united prayer session, invite everyone to come close together. When people move close together to form a tight circle, it helps to promote a spirit of unity, which is very important for united prayer. If people are spread out in a room, it is also difficult to hear each other’s prayers.
Keeping a prayer journal during the Ten Days of Prayer can be a good way for participants to internalize the daily prayer theme, make concrete commitments to God, and recognize His blessings to them. Writing out our prayers and keeping a record of God’s answers is a proven path to encouragement.
If you desire, journaling could be included in the Ten Days of Prayer in several ways. You could provide time during the prayer meeting for people to journal their responses to God in their private prayer journals. Or you could keep a group journal of prayer requests and answers—either in a notebook, on a large poster, or online. A simple way to do this is to draw a line down the middle of the paper. Write requests in the left column and answers in the right. It is exciting and faith-building to look back and see how God has answered prayers!
Encourage and model a reverent attitude. We are approaching the throne room of the King of the universe. Let’s not treat this prayer time carelessly in our posture or mannerisms. However, it is not necessary that everyone kneel continuously. You want people to be comfortable for an hour, so encourage people to kneel or sit or stand as God leads and as they are comfortable.
Prayers should be short and to the point. This gives others an opportunity to pray as well. Try to limit your prayers to a few sentences. Each person can pray multiple times. Short sentence prayers keep the prayer time interesting and allow the Holy Spirit to impress the group how to pray. You don’t need to open and close each short sentence prayer with phrases such as “Dear God” and “Amen.” It is an ongoing conversation with God.
As a leader, don’t dominate the prayer time. The goal is to get others praying. Times of silence are wonderful, as they give God time to speak to our hearts. Allow the Holy Spirit to work, and give everyone time to pray.
Spontaneous group songs, mingled between prayers, add beauty to the prayer meeting. Appropriate songs are listed at the end of each theme sheet. Do not feel that you need to use all the songs—these are simply suggestions. Singing is also a good way to transition from one prayer section to another.
Don’t ask for prayer requests from the group. Instead, tell people to pray their requests and encourage others to join in agreement and prayer for those requests. Here’s why: time! Talking about the requests will take up most of your prayer time. Satan is thrilled if he can keep us talking about the problem instead of praying about the problem. Group members will often begin counseling and suggesting solutions. The power is from God! The more we pray, the more His power is unleashed.
This is so important! Make sure that you as a leader are spending time daily at the feet of Jesus, talking with Him and reading His Word. If you will make knowing God a first priority in your life, it will open such a beautiful experience to you. “From the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their feet upon the rock of His promises” (The Great Controversy, p. 210).
We believe your life and the lives of those you pray for will be changed as you join fellow church members in praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom the Father has promised to give to those who ask Him. Read the responses of those who participated in the last Ten Days of Prayer:
“Thank you! Our congregation has been revived, and we have witnessed great unity where there was once division. We have seen Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and our prayer is to continue to abide in Him. Unity is the marked answer to prayer we’ve seen so far, and I will send other individual testimonies as they come.”
“Thank you for the wonderful program. I was elected assistant prayer ministry leader in our little church. We started our program with a Sabbath of fasting and prayer, then Ten Days of Prayer began on Wednesday. We had a good membership attendance. In answer to our prayers, our local mission appointed a pastor for our congregation, after several years of not having one. Please pray for me and our little church!”
“Our church arranged for a bus to pick up church members nightly for Ten Days of Prayer. This particular driver had often brought members to our usual Sunday and Wednesday night services, then he would return to pick them up afterward. On the first night of our program, someone invited the driver to remain for the service. He did! That night he went home and shared his experience with his fiancée and encouraged her to attend the next night. They both attended the following evening and were present every night after. Toward the end of Ten Days of Prayer, they spoke with the first elder about their plans to marry soon and follow the Lord. Please keep them in prayer. Every night of these ten days was a blessing. We followed the nightly outline supplied, with the addition of one item. We read episodes from the Scriptures from the life of Christ from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Every night was Spirit-filled. There were nights when we had a total of 40 in attendance, with 20 of them being visitors from the community. We felt the presence of God, and I know people were praying for us during that time. May God continue to pour out His Spirit on His church.”
“The Ten Days of Prayer was a blessing. We experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our speakers, participants, and all who called in on the prayer line. Callers were from five different states and varied denominations. We thank God for using this ministry to reach many souls for His kingdom.”
“What a wonderful experience I had during the Ten Days of Prayer. I prayed for the Lord to provide my school fees—I had no idea where they would come from. We serve a living God! My request was answered the second day, and I will forever praise the Lord for His faithfulness to His people.”
During Ten Days of Prayer 2018, we will examine the apparel of the Old Testament high priest to see what we can learn for ourlives.
We read in TheDesire of Ages: “Everything worn by the priest was to be whole and without blemish. By those beautiful official garments was represented the character of the great antitype, Jesus Christ. Nothing but perfection, in dress and attitude, in word and spirit, could be acceptable to God. He is holy, and His glory and perfection must be represented by the earthly service. Nothing but perfection could properly represent the sacredness of the heavenly service” (The Desire of Ages, p. 709).
Everything that the priest wore and did was intended to leave a certain impression upon the people: “Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 351). During these days of prayer, we will discover some spiritual lessons symbolized by the priest’s garments
God has given us many promises in His Word. It is our privilege to claim them in our prayers. All His commandments and counsels are also promises. He would never ask from us something that we could not do in His strength.
When we pray it is so easy to focus on our needs, our difficulties, our challenges—and to wail and whine about our situation. This is not the purpose of prayer. Prayer is meant to strengthen our faith. That is why we encourage you to claim God’s promises in your prayer time. They will help you take your eyes off yourself and your weaknesses and set them on Jesus. It is by beholding Him that we become changed into His image.
“Every promise in the Word of God is for us. In your prayers, present the pledged word of Jehovah and by faith claim His promises. His word is the assurance that if you ask in faith, you will receive all spiritual blessings. Continue to ask, and you will receive exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think” (In Heavenly Places, p. 71).
How can you claim His promises? For instance, when praying for peace, you can claimJohn 14:27 and say, “Lord, You have told us in Your Word, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ Give me the peace that You promised to leave with us.” Thank the Lord that He is giving you peace, even though you may not feel it right then and there.
We have created a document, “Promises to Claim in Prayer,” with different promises that you can claim. Have the promises nearby when you pray. Claim God’s promises in your private and public prayers
We encourage you to do a Daniel Fast during these ten days. Starting the year with prayer and fasting is a great way to consecrate our lives to God for the upcoming year. Ellen White tells us, “Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. Entire abstinence from foodmay not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most simple food” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 188, 189).
We know about Daniel, who ate fruits and vegetables for 10 days. We likewise encourage you to adopt a very simple diet during these ten days. A simple diet that leaves out sugar, processed and refined foods, and sodas can benefit us on different levels. First, eating simply means less time needed to prepare food and more time available to spend with the Lord. Second, the simpler our diet, the easier it is for the stomach to digest it, and the clearer our minds will be. We all know that sugar beclouds the frontal lobe, the center of our thinking. If we want clearer minds for hearing God’s voice, and if we want to draw closer to Him, we need to make sure that our diet is not hindering us.
Fasting is not only about abstaining from food. We also encourage you to fast from TV, movies, computer games, and even Facebook and YouTube. Sometimes things that are not bad in themselves, like Facebook and YouTube, can take so much of our time. Put aside everything possible so you can have more time to spend with the Lord.
Fasting is not a fast way to obtain a miracle from God. Fasting is all about humbling ourselves so God can work in us and through us. “For certain things fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God” (Medical Ministry, p. 283).
Let’s humble ourselves before God and search for Him with all our heart, mind, and strength. Let’s draw closer to Him through prayer and fasting, and He will draw closer to us.
Be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to show you how or what you should pray for in a person’s life or in a particular situation. The Bible tells us that we do not know what to pray for and that the Holy Spirit is the One making intercession for us.
“We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit ‘maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.’ Romans 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.’ Ephesians 3:20” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147).
We read in the Spirit of Prophecy that “prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 509). We are also encouraged to pray and have faith that God heard and will answer our prayer.
“Christ says, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’ In these words, Christ gives us direction as to how we should pray. We are to come to our heavenly Father with the simplicity of a child, asking Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says again, ‘When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.’ You are to come to the Father repenting and confessing your sins, emptying the soul of every sin and defilement, and it is your privilege to prove the promises of the Lord. . . . We are to believe the word of God; for the test of character is found in the fact that you are building yourselves up in the most holy faith. You are proved of God through the word of God. You are not to wait for wonderful emotions before you believe that God has heard you; feeling is not to be your criterion, for emotions are as changeable as the clouds. . . . While on earth, we can have help from Heaven. . . . for I have tested God a thousand times. I will walk out by faith, I will not dishonor my Saviour by unbelief” (Review and Herald, Oct. 11, 1892, par. 1, 3, 6).
We are also told that “for any gift He has promised, we may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received” (Education, p. 258). So make a habit of thanking God in advance through faith for what He is going to do and how He is going to answer your prayers.
We encourage you to pray during these ten days in a special way for seven people whom you would like to see experiencing a “life more abundant.” They can be relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or simply acquaintances. Take some time and ask God whom would He like you to pray for. Ask Him also to give you a real burden for these people.
Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV). Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Text marked NIV is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Text marked ESV is taken from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Text marked KJV is from the King James Version.
“Sweet, Sweet Spirit” (SDA Hymnal #262); “Spirit of God” (SDA Hymnal #266); “Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “I Need Thee Every Hour” (SDA Hymnal #483); “Seek Ye First”; “Draw Me Nearer” (SDA Hymnal #306); “Hover O’er Me, Holy Spirit” (SDA Hymnal #260); “Baptize Us Anew” (SDA Hymnal #258).
The oil with which the priests were anointed is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit, the only One who can bring unity to our church, in order to succeed in our mission endeavors.
Our lives must be hid with Christ in God. We must have a personal knowledge of Christ. Then only can we rightly represent Him before the world. Wherever we are, we must let our light shine forth to the glory of God in good works. This is the great, the important work of our lives. Those who are really under the influence of the Holy Spirit will reveal its power by a practical application of the eternal principles of truth. They will reveal that the holy oil is emptied from the two olive branches into the chambers of the soul temple. Their words will be imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit to soften and subdue the heart. It will be manifest that the words spoken are spirit and life. (Reflecting Christ, p. 130) He who feels his weakness, and wrestles with God as did Jacob, and like this servant of old cries, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me,” will go forth with the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere of heaven will surround him. His influence will be a positive force in favor of the religion of Christ. . . . (Medical Ministry, p. 203)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
Let us increase in a knowledge of the truth, giving all praise and glory to Him who is one with the Father. Let us seek most earnestly for the heavenly anointing, the Holy Spirit. Let us have a pure, growing Christianity, that in the heavenly courts we may at last be pronounced complete in Christ. (Reflecting Christ, p. 219)
There must be an interchange of taking in and giving out, receiving and imparting. This links us up as laborers together with God. This is the lifework of the Christian. He that will lose his life shall find it.
The capacity for receiving the holy oil from the two olive trees is increased as the receiver empties that holy oil out of himself in word and action to supply the necessities of other souls. Work, precious, satisfying work—to be constantly receiving and constantly imparting.
We need and must have fresh supplies every day. And how many souls we may help by communicating to them! All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil, to be a joy and a blessing to others. I have no fear that any will make blundering work if they will only become one with Christ. If He is abiding with us, we shall work continuously and solidly, so that our work will abide. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agent to be given forth to others. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 116, 117)
When the Holy Spirit controls the minds of our church members, there will be seen in our churches a much higher standard in speech, in ministry, in spirituality, than is now seen. The church members will be refreshed by the water of life, and the laborers, working under one Head, even Christ, will reveal their Master in spirit, in word, in deed, and will encourage one another to press forward in the grand, closing work in which we are engaged. There will be a healthy increase of unity and love, which will bear testimony to the world that God sent His Son to die for the redemption of sinners. Divine truth will be exalted; and as it shines forth as a lamp that burneth, we shall understand it more and still more clearly. (Counsels for the Church, p. 100)
We are nearing the end of the earth’s history, and God calls upon all to lift the standard bearing the inscription, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” He calls upon His people to work in perfect harmony. He calls upon those engaged in our medical work to unite with the ministry; He calls upon the ministry to co-operate with the medical missionary workers; and He calls upon the church to take up their appointed duty, holding up the standard of true reform in their own territory, leaving the trained and experienced workers to press on into new fields. No word is to be spoken to discourage any, for this grieves the heart of Christ and greatly pleases the adversary. All need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit; all should refrain from censuring and disparaging remarks and draw near to Christ, that they may appreciate the heavy responsibilities which the co-workers with Him are carrying. “Press together; press together,” are the words of our divine Instructor. Unity is strength; disunion is weakness and defeat. (Counsels on Health, pp. 517, 518)
“Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #290); “Take Time to Be Holy” (SDA Hymnal #500); “Wholly Thine” (SDA Hymnal #308); “I Would Be Like Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #311); “Whiter Than Snow” (SDA Hymnal #318).
“Holiness to the Lord” was the inscription on the mitre of the High Priest. The Lord is calling us, just as He called the priests in the old times, to live set-apart and holy lives. Our lives are a witness for Him.
Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by. (Zechariah 3:4, 5)
The Lord does not deny the charge of Joshua’s unworthiness, but demonstrates that He has bought him with a price. He clothes him with His garments of righteousness, not putting these garments over the filthy garments of disobedience and transgression, but first He says, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head,” upon which was written, “Holiness unto the Lord.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, pp. 190, 191)
The Christian is to stand as a representative of the principles of heaven. He is bound by sacred obligations to represent the truth in its virtue and loveliness. Gentleness and kindness and strict truthfulness should mark his words and actions. Consecrated to God, set apart to His service, he will always honor his religious faith. No thread of selfishness is to be woven into the character. We are to educate ourselves to reveal the Spirit of God in all our lifework. The Spirit of God will never lead the steps of God’s children astray. Through the power that the Holy Spirit imparts, we may weed out from our lives every questionable thing. If we will come out of the darkness with which a lack of faith enshrouds the soul, and place ourselves where the clearshining of the light of God’s word can fall fully upon us, we shall be led step by step in the path that leads to holiness. . . . (This Day with God, p. 281)
God has from eternity chosen men to be holy. “This is the will of God concerning you, even your sanctification.” The echo of His voice comes to us, ever saying, “Holier, holier still.” And ever our answer is to be, “Yes, Lord, holier still.”
No man receives holiness as a birthright, or as a gift from any other human being. Holiness is the gift of God through Christ. Those who receive the Saviour become sons of God. They are His spiritual children, born again, renewed in righteousness and true holiness. Their minds are changed. With clearer vision they behold eternal realities. They are adopted into God’s family, and they become conformed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit from glory to glory. From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to cherish supreme love for God and for Christ. (Signs of the Times, Dec. 17, 1902)
Our Saviour is a Saviour for the perfection of the whole man. He is not the God of part of the being only. The grace of Christ works to the disciplining of the whole human fabric. He made all. He has redeemed all. He has made the mind, the strength, the body as well as the soul, partaker of the divine nature, and all is His purchased possession. He must be served with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength. Then the Lord will be glorified in His saints in even the common, temporal things with which they are connected. “Holiness unto the Lord” will be in the inscription placed upon them. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 230)
If men in any line of work ought to improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient, it is those who are using their ability in the work of building up the kingdom of God in our world. In view of the fact that we are living so near the close of this earth’s history, there should be greater thoroughness in labor, more vigilant waiting, watching, praying, and working. All the religious service and every branch of business are to bear the signature of heaven. “Holiness unto the Lord” is to be the motto of the laborers in every department. The human agent should strive to attain to perfection, that he may be an ideal Christian, complete in Christ Jesus. (Review and Herald, Oct. 5, 1905)
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16)
“Live Out Thy Life Within Me” (SDA Hymnal #316); “I Need Thee Every Hour” (SDA Hymnal #483); “Moment by Moment” (SDA Hymnal #507); “I Surrender All” (SDA Hymnal #309); “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (SDA Hymnal #462); “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” (SDA Hymnal #319).
God warned Moses not to approach irreverently. The removal of shoes symbolized the respectful attitude necessary for true worship.
Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252) In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. . . . God is greatly to be reverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252)
To be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives, shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real humility fulfills God’s purposes by depending upon His strength. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 270)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work, for His power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule. We are not to suppose that what is great to us must be great to God, or that what is small to us must be small to Him.
All boasting of merit in ourselves is out of place. . . . The reward is not of works, lest any man should boast; but it is all of grace. . . . There is no religion in the enthronement of self. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself destitute of that grace which alone can make him efficient in Christ’s service. Whenever pride and self-complacency are indulged the work is marred. . . .
The Christian who is such in his private life, in the daily surrender of self, in sincerity of purpose and purity of thought, in meekness under provocation, in faith and piety, in fidelity in that which is least, the one who in the home life represents the character of Christ—such a one may in the sight of God be more precious than even the world-renowned missionary or martyr. . . . (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 270)
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” All heaven enters into co-partnership with those who come to Christ for eternal life, submitting themselves to him as those who have made a surrender of all to God. God requires his servants to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, striving in his power to keep the principles of truth pure and uncorrupted. They must never step aside from the path of self-denial and humility which every true Christian must travel. As they thus co-operate with God, Christ is formed within, “the hope of glory.” Clad in his meekness and lowliness, they find their highest joy in doing his service. Earthly ambition gives way to a desire to serve the Master. (Review and Herald, May 11, 1897, par. 14)
We need to draw nigh to God, and see if there are not jealousies and evil surmisings that are keeping the Saviour away. Selfishness and selfsufficiency close the door of the heart against Jesus, saying, “I want not thy way but my way.” Humble yourselves under the hand of God, and He will lift you up. Your simple, heartfelt confessions of hard-heartedness, worldliness, and love of display and pleasure will be heard by God, and these sins will be seen as they appear in the sight of a holy God. (Testimonies to Southern Africa, p. 78)
The Lord has men of his appointment whom he will use in his work so long as they allow themselves to be used in accordance with his good pleasure. He can never use any one who is seeking to humble some one else. Humble yourselves, brethren. When you do this, it is possible for holy angels to communicate with you, and place you on vantage ground. Then your experience, instead of being faulty, will be filled with happiness. Seek to relate yourselves in harmony with God’s leadings, and then you will be susceptible to the moving of his Holy Spirit. (North Pacific Union Gleaner, March 23, 1910, par. 5)
“What a Wonderful Savior” (SDA Hymnal #335); “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (SDA Hymnal #334); “There Is a Fountain” (SDA Hymnal #336); “Jesus Saves” (SDA Hymnal #340); “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #290); “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #329); “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” (SDA Hymnal #343).
The Robe is a symbol of Christ’s righteousness that covers our nakedness when we accept it.
All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of Christ. Not one soul that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. His word is pledged: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. The promise given to Joshua is made to all: “If thou wilt keep My charge, . . . I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” Zechariah 3:7. Angels of God will walk on either side of them, even in this world, and they will stand at last among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Counsels for the Church, pp. 351, 352) It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works his justification. However sinful has been his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, he stands before God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness. (Faith and Works, p. 106) And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. (Philippians 3:9) The sinner so recently dead in trespasses and sins is quickened by faith in Christ. He sees by faith that Jesus is his Saviour, and alive forevermore, able to save unto “the uttermost [all] that come unto God by Him.” In the atonement made for him the believer sees such breadth and length and height and depth of efficiency—sees such completeness of salvation, purchased at such infinite cost, that his soul is filled with praise and thanksgiving. He sees as in a glass the glory of the Lord and is changed into the same image as by the Spirit of the Lord. He sees the robe of Christ’s righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, wrought by his obedience, and imputed to the repenting soul through faith in His name. When the sinner has a view of the matchless charms of Jesus, sin no longer looks attractive to him; for he beholds the Chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. He realizes by a personal experience the power of the gospel, whose vastness of design is equaled only by its preciousness of purpose. (Faith and Works, pp. 106, 107) As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, “Take away the filthy garments” from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” The spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted, yet faithful children of God. The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world. Their names are retained in the Lamb’s book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon’s roar. Now they are eternally secure from the tempter’s devices. Their sins are transferred to the originator of sin. (Counsels for the Church, p. 353) A general faith is not enough. We must put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and wear it openly, bravely, decidedly, exhibiting Christ, and not expect too much of finite man, but keep looking unto Jesus, and become ravished with the perfections of His character. Then we shall individually make manifest the character of Jesus, and make it evident that we are invigorated by the truth; because it sanctifies the soul and brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (Reflecting Christ, p. 108) The truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ’s righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike. Self-denial, selfsacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience, fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation and wrong. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 31) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24, ESV) Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self. (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 31) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3, KJV)
“He Leadeth Me” (SDA Hymnal #537); “I Will Early Seek the Savior” (SDA Hymnal #539); “Savior, Like a Shepherd” (SDA Hymnal #545); “Be Thou My Vision” (SDA Hymnal #547); “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” (SDA Hymnal #551).
As the high priest carried the ephod on his shoulders, so our High Priest carries our burdens, strengthens us in our trials, and enables us to witness for Him even in difficult circumstances.
Our precious Saviour has invited us to join ourselves to Him and unite our weakness with His strength, our ignorance with His wisdom, our unworthiness with His merit. (The Faith I Live By, p. 96)
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
For the disheartened there is a sure remedy—faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . . . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. (Prophets and Kings, p. 164)
The strength of those who love and serve Him will be renewed day by day. His understanding will be placed at their service, that they may not err in the carrying out of His purposes. There is to be no despondency in God’s service. Our faith is to endure the pressure brought to bear upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need. He will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. He will give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 10, 11)
Of ourselves, we can neither obtain nor practice the religion of Christ; for our hearts are deceitful above all things; but Jesus Christ, the great physician of souls, who, with unerring skill, can read the heart of man better than he himself can, has shown us how we may be cleansed from sin. “My grace is sufficient for thee,” he says to those who mourn their inefficiency. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Every burden is considered by the one who bids us follow him, before it is placed upon our shoulders. To every tried, tempted soul, Christ says, I am able to strengthen you for the duties of the Christian life. Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, we shall catch the light of his countenance, reflect his image, and grow up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Our religion will be attractive, because it will possess the fragrance of the righteousness of Christ. We shall be happy; for our spiritual meat and drink will be to us righteousness and peace and joy. (Review and Herald, May 4, 1897, par. 11)
It is a great thing to be right with God, the soul in harmony with its Maker. Amid the contagion of evil example, which by its deceitful appearance would lure the soul from duty, angels will be sent to our rescue. But if we invite temptation, we can not have divine aid to keep us from being overcome. The three worthies endured the fiery furnace, for Jesus walked with them amid the flames. If they had, of themselves, walked into the fire, they would have been consumed. Thus it will be with us. If we do not deliberately go into temptation, God will sustain us when the temptation comes. (Signs of the Times, Sept. 2, 1897, par. 11)
The Lord will raise up men, and place his Spirit upon them, and prepare them for the work which must be done. He himself, the God of truth, will qualify them to bear a fresh, living testimony for him. They will be witnesses for God. They will not spring up from their own prompting; they will be constrained by the Spirit of God to volunteer to advocate truth. God will sustain them. He sees what is needed, and year by year he arranges for his plan of operation. He will not allow men to drift as they choose. If men will be men, God will work in and through them. (Review and Herald, May 25, 1897, par. 11)
“Give of Your Best to the Master” (SDA Hymnal #572); “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (SDA Hymnal #573); “Let Your Heart Be Broken” (SDA Hymnal #575); “So Send I You” (SDA Hymnal #578); “This Little Light of Mine” (SDA Hymnal #580).
For the high priest to be girded with his sash meant that he was fully arrayed in his garments and ready to serve. Likewise, we should always be prepared to serve and witness.
God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully, whole-heartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord, and Him only. (Christian Service, p. 236)
What is it to serve God?—It is to resemble Him in character, to imitate Him. To serve God is to obey Him, to keep His commandments, to make an open confession of standing, not under the black banner of the great apostate, but under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Those who serve God strive earnestly to obey His will. Thus they show to what army they belong. (Signs of the Times, Feb. 1, 1899, par. 3) Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 346)
Always be ready to give to others the light you have received. Avow your principles of action; scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors; for you are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Shun not responsibility. You can not serve God and Baal. God desires His sons and daughters to stand bravely for the right, that the world may know where they will be found in the time of trial. (Signs of the Times, Aug. 1, 1900, par. 4) The Lord desires you to be soul-winners; therefore, while you should not force doctrinal points upon the people, you should “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15. Why fear?— Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words be spoken, lest the words and manner should not be after Christ’s likeness. Connect firmly with Christ, and present the truth as it is in Him. (Manual for Canvassers, p. 34)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
God desires every believer to be a soulwinner; and He will bless all who look to Him in confidence for wisdom and guidance. As they move guardedly, walking in wisdom’s way, and remaining true to the Lord God of Israel, the purity and simplicity of Christ, revealed in the life-practice, will witness to the possession of genuine piety. In all that they say and do, they will glorify the name of Him whom they serve.
The believer who is imbued with a true missionary spirit, is a living epistle, known and read of all men. The truth goes forth from his lips in no feigned words. His piety and zeal and consecrated judgment grow with the passing days, and the unbelieving world sees that he is in living communion with God, and is learning of Him. The words spoken by converted lips are accompanied by a power that touches the cold hearts of unbelievers; for even those who know not God are enabled to distinguish between the human and the divine.
My brethren and sisters, do you feel the sanctifying power of sacred truth in your heart and life and character? Have you the assurance that God, for the sake of His dear Son, has forgiven your sins? Are you striving to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and man? Do you often plead with God in behalf of your friends and neighbors? If you have made your peace with God, and have placed all upon the altar, you may engage with profit in soul-winning service. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, pp. 212, 213)
Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand. We are to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give an answer to every one who asks a reason for the hope that is in us. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom Christ has died, we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake to work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the truth spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ. (The Publishing Ministry, p. 307)
“God Is So Good”; “Higher Ground” (SDA Hymnal #625); “ ’Tis Love That Makes Us Happy” (SDA Hymnal #579); “Not I, But Christ” (SDA Hymnal #570); “Standing on the Promises” (SDA Hymnal #518); “Like Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #492).
The 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel were kept in the breastplate close to the heart of the High Priest. From this we learn how important it is for us to press together, to be united in Christ’s love, and to reveal this love to people, inside and outside the church.
The secret of our success in the work of God will be found in the harmonious working of our people. There must be concentrated action. Every member of the body of Christ must act his part in the cause of God, according to the ability that God has given him. We must press together against obstructions and difficulties, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world. (Christian Service, p. 75)
There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing, for it involves the performance of the highest moral duties. Those who engage in this work need always to be under the control of the Spirit of God. There must be no exalting of self. What have any of us that we did not receive from Christ? We must love as brethren, revealing our love by helping one another. We must be pitiful and courteous. We must press together, drawing in even cords. Only those who live the prayer of Christ, working it out in practical life, will stand the test that is to come upon all the world. Those who exalt self place themselves in Satan’s power, preparing to receive his deceptions. The word of the Lord to His people is that we lift the standard higher and still higher. If we obey His voice, He will work with us, and our efforts will be crowned with success. In our work we shall receive rich blessings from on high and shall lay up treasure beside the throne of God. (The Colporteur Evangelist, p. 25)
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:2, 3)
There is too much of an independence of spirit indulged in among the messengers. This must be laid aside, and there must be a drawing together of the servants of God. There has been too much of a spirit to ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Said the angel, “Yea, thou art thy brother’s keeper. Thou shouldst have a watchful care for thy brother, be interested for his welfare, and cherish a kind, loving spirit toward him. Press together, press together,” God designed that man should be open-hearted and honest, without affectation, meek, humble, with simplicity. This is the principle of heaven; God ordered it so. (Gospel Workers [1892], p. 259)
There is too much coldness and indifference—too much of the “I don’t care” spirit—exercised among the professed followers of Christ. All should feel a care for one another, jealousy guarding each other’s interests. “Love one another.” Then we should stand a strong wall against Satan’s devices. Amid opposition and persecution we would not join the vindictive ones, not unite with the followers of the great rebel, whose special work is to accuse the brethren, to defame and cast stain upon their characters.
Let the remnant of this year be improved in destroying every fiber of the root of bitterness, burying them in the grave with the old year. Begin the new year with more tender regard, with deeper love, for every member of the Lord’s family. Press together. “United, we stand; divided, we fall.” Take a higher, nobler stand than you ever have before. (Our High Calling, p. 370)
If Satan can excite criticism among any of the Lord’s professed people, then it is communicated like leaven from one to another. Give the spirit of criticism no quarter, for it is Satan’s science. Accept it, and envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings of one another follow.
Press together, is the command I hear from the Captain of our salvation. Press together. Where there is unity, there is strength. All who are on the Lord’s side will press together. There is need of perfect unity and love among believers in the truth, and anything that leads to dissension is of the devil. The Lord designs that His people shall be one with Him as the branches are one with the vine. Then they will be one with each other. (Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 351, 352)
Let everyone seek to answer the prayer of Christ: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.” Oh, what unity is this! and says Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 488, 489)
“I Surrender All” (SDA Hymnal #309); “Take My Life and Let It Be” (SDA Hymnal #330); “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” (SDA Hymnal #567); “Open My Eyes That I May See” (SDA Hymnal #326); “Make Me a Captive, Lord” (SDA Hymnal #568).
The Urim and Thummim were placed on the shoulders of the High Priest and revealed God’s will to His people. It is essential for us to understand the work of Christ on our behalf and His will for our life today.
Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days. (Evangelism, p. 222)
In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life the first question should be, “What is God’s will?” “To obey is betterthan sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Christ calls upon His children to rid themselves of all selfishness, all covetousness, all impurity. “Come unto Me,” He says, “and I will give you rest.” Yield yourselves to My training. Submit your will to My will, your way to My way. Let your life be one with My life. So shall you gain treasure that will endure unto life eternal. (Signs of the Times, Feb. 19, 1902, par. 13)
What is God’s will? What shall I do to glorify God? I am pledged to serve my Saviour with undivided affection. I count everything but dross that I may win Christ. Heaven, eternal life, is worth everything to me, and Christ has died that I might come into possession of the eternal weight of glory. . . . (That I May Know Him, p. 203)
Every effort made to break away from the power of a bad habit is manly. It is God’s will that we should, by determined effort, rise to the dignity of a pure life, gaining in spiritual strength, and obtaining moral power through the exercise of the faculties which God has given us. There is joy in the presence of the heavenly angels when the youth gain decided victories in the name of Jesus. (The Youth’s Instructor,Nov. 12, 1896, par. 6) “This is the will of God,” the apostle Paul wrote, “even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The sanctification of the church is God’s object in all His dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity, that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, divested of all the littleness of self. From them He requires a personal work, a personal surrender. God can be honored by those who profess to believe in Him, only as they are conformed to His image and controlled by His Spirit. Then, as witnesses for the Saviour, they may make known what divine grace has done for them. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 559)
“This is the will of God” concerning you, “even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. God demands of you entire conformity to His law. This law is the echo of His voice saying to you, Holier, yes, holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which God’s word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 566)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Ample provision has been made that the people of God may attain perfection of character. The apostle says, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Let every individual draw for himself from the inexhaustible source of all moral and intellectual power, in order that he maywork the works of righteousness. Through the cross of Calvary every facility is furnished whereby man may be in union with his fellow men, and in harmony with Christ in God. The Father says that he will love those who believe that Christ died for them, even as he loves his only begotten Son. The cross of Christ isthe assurance that we may be complete in him. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In Christ is excellence, in him is intellectual greatness and moral efficiency. (Review and Herald,Nov. 30, 1897, par. 9)
God bids you with one hand, faith, take hold of His mighty arm, and with the other hand, love, reach perishing souls. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Him. Walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Walk even as He walked. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. The work you have to perform is to do the will of Him who sustains your life for His glory. If you labor for yourselves, it can profit you nothing. To labor for others’ good, to be less selfcaring and more in earnest to devote all to God, will be acceptable to Him and be returned by His rich grace. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 170)
“What a Wonderful Savior” (SDA Hymnal #335); “There Is a Fountain” (SDA Hymnal #336); “Jesus Saves” (SDA Hymnal #340); “I Must Tell Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #485).
The censer and the incense are a symbol of Christ’s intercession for us.
As our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 156)
Christ, as our Mediator, at the right hand of the Father, ever keeps us in view, for it is as necessary that He should keep us by his intercessions as that He should redeem us with His blood. (Our High Calling, p. 50)
I am so thankful that we can trust in God. And the Lord is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. . . . The Lord Jehovah did not deem the principles of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His own appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom by His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son. . . .
What condescension! What a privilege is granted us! Christ is the connecting link between God and man. . . . As we approach God through the virtue of Christ’s merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits as sweet incense in a censer in our hands in order to encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our supplications. Yes; Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He also has become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has combined divinity and humanity. (In Heavenly Places, p. 77)
And as Christ intercedes for us, the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing forth prayer and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from human lips is the result of the Spirit striking the chords of the soul, awakening holy music.
The prayer and praise and confession of God’s people ascend as sacrifices to the heavenly sanctuary. But they ascend not in spotless purity. Passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by the righteousness of the great High Priest, they are not acceptable by God. Christ gathers into the censer the prayers, the praise, and the sacrifices of his people, and with these he puts the merits of his spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the incense of Christ’s propitiation, our prayers, wholly and entirely acceptable, rise before God, and gracious answers are returned. (The Youth’s Instructor, April 16, 1903, par. 11, 12)
God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is itself the highest attraction because occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father. But God did not deem the principle of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 363)
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16)
No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request.
As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others. “Ask in My name,” Christ says; “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, ‘ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.’” John 16:24. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 364)
“Joy By and By” (SDA Hymnal #430); “I Shall See the King” (SDA Hymnal #426); “The Glory Song” (SDA Hymnal #435); “How Far from Home” (SDA Hymnal #439); “I’m a Pilgrim” (SDA Hymnal #444); “Lo, What a Glorious Sight Appears” (SDA Hymnal #446); “O, When Shall I See Jesus” (SDA Hymnal #448).
The bells on the garment of the High Priest gave the people an audible sign that he was alive and interceding for them in the Most Holy Place. As Christ intercedes for us in the Most Holy Place, even though we cannot hear the bells on His garment, we should pay attention to signs that He is about to finish His work as High Priest and come back as a Judge and King.
Only once a year could the high priest enter into the most holy place, after the most careful and solemn preparation. No mortal eye but that of the high priest could look upon the sacred grandeur of that apartment, because it was the especial dwelling-place of God’s visible glory. The high priest always entered it with trembling, while the people waited his return with solemn silence. Their earnest desires were to God for his blessing. Before the mercy-seat, God conversed with the high priest. If he remained an unusual time in the most holy, the people were often terrified, fearing that because of their sins, or some sin of the priest, the glory of the Lord had slain him. But when the sound of the tinkling of the bells upon his garments was heard, they were greatly relieved. He then came forth and blessed the people. (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pp. 274, 275)
As Jesus moved out of the most holy place, I heard the tinkling of the bells upon His garment; and as He left, a cloud of darkness covered the inhabitants of the earth. There was then no mediator between guilty man and an offended God. (Early Writings, p. 280) Christ had bidden his people watch for the signs of his advent, and rejoice as they should behold the tokens of their coming King. “When these things begin to come to pass,” he said, “then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” He pointed his followers to the budding trees of spring, and said: “When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” (Luke 21:28, 30, 31.) (The Great Controversy [1888], p. 308)
Christ on the Mount of Olives had spoken to His disciples of His second advent to the world. He had specified certain signs that were to show when His coming was near, and had bidden His disciples watch and be ready. Again He repeated the warning, “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working. (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 325)
There are in the world today many who close their eyes to the evidences that Christ has given to warn men of His coming. They seek to quiet all apprehension, while at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the world is hastening to the time when the Son of man shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven. Paul teaches that it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. He encourages the vigilant and watchful with these words: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 260)
We feel deeply over the present state of the church whose members have long possessed a knowledge of those events which are to transpire near the close of time in fulfillment of prophetic history. Christ is coming in power and great glory, and the dead are to be “judged out of those things which are written in the books, according to their works.” The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling his head, is soon to cease his work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom his people have looked will assume his right,—the office of Supreme Judge. “The Father . . . hath committed all judgment unto the Son. . . . And he hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” It was he, says Peter, who was ordained to “judge the quick [the living] and the dead.” “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.” (Review and Herald, Jan. 1, 1889, par. 1)
There is nothing holy in staying awake and praying a whole night or part of a night. However, night might be the only time when people are not busy or in a rush. We believe that your purpose should not be to stay up the whole night but to pray as long as necessary and until you have prayed for all the things you feel God wants you to pray for.
We suggest that several people lead out during the night. Be sure to have some breaks. As a leader, you can sense the atmosphere and know when a break is needed andwhen you need to move on to the next section of prayer. We suggest that you take a ten-minute break at least every ninety minutes. You can also incorporate the reading of Bible passages into your prayer time. You may want to do all of the suggested items or only some of them, depending on what it is best for your group. Feel free to change the order.
Here is our suggested format for the night of prayer:
This final Sabbath should be a time of great rejoicing in all that God has done for you and your church during the Ten Days of Prayer. Design your day to celebrate God’s goodness and mighty power. Consider how you have experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the past ten days. This Sabbath is an opportunity to rejoice in what He has done, is doing, and will do.
The needs of each congregation are unique, so please work with local leaders to develop a specific plan for your church. Some suggested items to include in your final Sabbath church service:
All scripture NKJV
The garments of the high priest were of costly material and beautiful workmanship, befitting his exalted station. In addition to the linen dress of the common priest, he wore a robe of blue, also woven in one piece. Around the skirt it was ornamented with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Outside of this was the ephod, a shorter garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white. It was confined by a girdle of the same colors, beautifully wrought. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its gold-embroidered shoulder pieces were set two onyx stones, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Saysthe psalmist, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.” Psalm 40:17.
At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation.
The miter of the high priest consisted of the white linen turban, having attached to it by a lace of blue, a gold plate bearing the inscription, “Holiness to Jehovah.” Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence.
(Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 350, 351)