PART EIGHTEEN -B
2 - QUOTATIONS FROM THE OTHER PUBLISHED BOOKS
This is the second portion of "heaven quotes" from the Spirit of Prophecy. The first part, which you have Just read, consisted of statements about heaven from the books, Great Controversy and Early Writings. The second part, below, is filled with quotations on this same topic (heaven, the new earth, plus the Importance of striving to be there) from the other published Spirit of Prophecy books.
Here are the sources and arrangement of this second part:
Omitting Early Writings and Great Controversy, the back pages of sixteen Spirit of Prophecy books contain originally-written or complied collections of statements on heaven. Those sixteen collections are here brought together for the first time. As you might expect, there were many duplicate statements. Most of them have been removed. The result is a treasure chest of nearly every Spirit of Prophecy statement about heaven and the new earth. Also included below is every Bible quotation in those sixteen book sections. Once again, duplicate Bible quotations were discarded.
After careful consideration, it was decided to leave the quoted sections from the sixteen books Intact. This makes for a more colorful and varied presentation of material. Some of the statements speak about preparing for heaven, and others describe what it will be like to be there. The paragraph headings and subheads, which were in the books the quotations were taken from, have also been included. However, in each of the sixteen collections of complied material, we have included the original source reference for each separate quotation. In this way, you can always know when a quotation begins and ends. (An example of this would be the quotations on heaven taken from 7 Bible Commentary. An introductory subhead explains that they were all taken from certain pages in that book. But original references are then given at the end of each quotation, so you can identify them as separate quotations.)
Throughout this final section of statements about your eternal home, none of the quoted material from the Spirit of Prophecy Is placed in italics. There was no need to do so, for the events of time will then have been swallowed up by the peace and bliss of eternity.
But some of the paragraphs, consisting totally of Bible quotations, are In Italics. This was done to high light the fact that those are Bible quotations added by E.G. White Estate compliers at the top of Morning Watch book pages. (In some Instances, the only thing Included from a given Morning Watch page was the Bible quotation; everything else on that page had been omitted since it duplicated what had been quoted elsewhere In this section.) Divided Into two major headings (non-compiled books and compiled books), here are these sixteen sections:
Non-compiled books:
1 - Education. 303:1-309:3
2 - Acts of the Apostles, 601:1-602:3
3 - Steps to Christ, 125:1-126:2
4 - Christ's Object Lessons, 421:1-2
Compiled books:
5 - Child Guidance, 560:1-569:2
6 - Adventist Home, 533:1-550:2
7 - Christian Service, 266:1-275:1
8 - Counsels on Stewardship, 348:1-350:2
9 - Publishing Ministry, 402:1-404:1
10 - Gospel Workers, 512:1-517:4; 519:2
11 - 7 Bible Commentary, 988:1-990:6
12 - My Life Today, 347:1-369:4
13 - Faith I Live By, 359:1-371:5
14 - Reflecting Christ, 378:1-8
15 - Amazing Grace, 360:1-367:4
16 - Maranatha, 316:1-334:4; 349:1-373:4
How important it is that each one of us remain close to our Father to the end! Because of the wonderful grace of Jesus Christ, as God's faithful, obedient child, it is your privilege to read about your future. Here it is:
1- Education 303:1-309:3
" 'They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.' Revelation 22:4.
"There, when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed, and our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth shall appear 'in the beauty of the Lord our God,' what a field will be open to our study! There the student of science may read the records of creation, and discern no reminders of the law of evil. He may listen to the music of nature's voices, and detect no note of wailing or undertone of sorrow. In all created things he may trace one handwriting-in the vast universe behold 'God's name writ large,' and not in earth or sea or sky one sign of ill remaining." Education, 303:4.
" 'They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord.' Isaiah 65:25.
"There man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful.
"There will be open to the student, history of infinite scope and of wealth inexpressible. Here, from the vantage ground of God’s word, the student is afforded a view of the vast field of history and may gain some knowledge of the principles that govern the course of human events. But his vision is still clouded, and his knowledge incomplete. Not until he stands in the light of eternity will he see all things clearly.
"The veil that interposes between the visible and the invisible world will be drawn aside, and wonderful things will be revealed.
"Not until the providences of God are seen in the light of eternity shall we understand what we owe to the care and interposition of His angels. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes; they have acted as guides to benighted travelers."
"Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them. Human ears have listened to their appeals. In the council hall, the court of justice, heavenly messengers have pleaded the cause of the persecuted and oppressed. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have brought wrong and suffering to God's children. To the students in the heavenly school, all this will be unfolded.
"Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning-what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life. of heavenly co-operation in every work for humanity!
"All the perplexities of life's experience will then be made plain. Where to us have appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and thwarted plans, will be seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine harmony.
"There all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold the fruit of their labors. The outworking of every right principle and noble deed will be seen. Something of this we see here. But how little of the result of the world's noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer! How many toil unselfishly and unweariedly for those who pass beyond their reach and knowledge! Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not that their faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that can never cease to flow; only by faith they see the children they have trained become a benediction and an inspiration to their fellow men, and the influence repeat itself a thousandfold. Many a worker sends out into the world messages of strength and hope and courage, words that carry blessing to hearts in every land; but of the results he, toiling in loneliness and obscurity, knows little. So gifts are bestowed, burdens are borne, labor is done. Men sow the seed from which, above their graves, others reap blessed harvests. They plant trees, that others may eat the fruit. They are content here to know that they have set in motion agencies for good. In the hereafter, the action and reaction of all these will be seen.
"Of every gift that God has bestowed, leading men to unselfish effort, a record is kept in heaven. To trace this in its wide-spreading lines, to look upon those who by our efforts have been uplifted and ennobled, to behold in their history the outworking of true principles-this will be one of the studies and rewards of the heavenly school.
"There will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived.
" 'As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there.' Psalm 87:7.
" 'They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord.' Isaiah 24:14.
" 'For the Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.' Isaiah 51:3 . .
" 'The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' Matthew 20:28. Christ's work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.
" 'Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.' Isaiah 43:12.
"This also we shall be in eternity.
"For what was the great controversy permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan's existence was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God's justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings. Will they have no testimony as to the science of redemption -nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings?
" 'In His temple doth everyone speak of His glory' (Psalm 29:9), and the song which the ransomed ones will sing-the song of their experience-will declare the glory of God: 'Great and marvelous are Thy works, 0 Lord God, the Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear, 0 Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.' Revelation 15:3, 4.
"Then, in the results of His work, Christ will behold its recompense. In that great multitude which no man could number, presented 'faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy' (Jude 24), He whose blood has redeemed and whose life has taught us, 'shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.' Isaiah 53: 11" (Education, 303:3-309:3).
2-Acts of the Apostles 601:1-602:3
"If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle.
"What sustained the Son of God during His life of toil and sacrifice? He saw the results of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
"We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In the Bible are revealed visions of the future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these are dear to His church. By faith we may stand on the threshold of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life co-operate with Christ, regarding it as an honor to suffer for His sake. As the words are spoken, 'Come, ye blessed of My Father,' they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. . . Honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.' Matthew 25:34; Revelation 5:12, 13.
" 'These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' 'And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.' Revelation 7:14-17; 21 :4." (Acts of the Apostles, 601:1-602:3).
3-Steps to Christ 125:1-126:2
"But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' and He will help us to the end. 1 Samuel 7:12. Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us,-the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,-thus strengthening ourselves for all that Is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage.
"We cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may look on what is past as well as on what is to come, and say, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be.' Deuteronomy 33:25. The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to bear it. Then let us take up our work just where we find it, believing that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the trial will be given.
"In view of the glorious inheritance that may be his, 'what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?' Matthew 16:26. He may be poor, yet he possesses in himself a wealth and dignity that the world could never bestow. The soul redeemed and cleansed from sin, with all its noble powers dedicated to the service of God, is of surpassing worth; and there is joy in heaven in the presence of God and the holy angels over one soul redeemed, a joy that is expressed in songs of holy triumph" (Steps to Christ, 125: 1-126:2).
4- Christ’s Object Lessons 421:1-2
"With uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, 'Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.' Isaiah 25:9.
" 'And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.' Revelation 19:6-7" (Christ's Object Lessons, 421:1-2).
5 - Child Guidance 560:1-569:2
A Graphic Scene of the Judgment Day. "I had a dream once in which I saw a large company gathered together; and suddenly the heavens gathered blackness, the thunder rolled, the lightning flashed, and a voice louder than the heaviest peals of thunder sounded through the heavens and the earth, saying, 'It is done.' Part of the company, with pallid faces, sprang forward with a wail of agony, crying out, 'Oh, I am not ready.' The question was asked, 'Why are you not ready? Why have you not improved the opportunities I graciously gave you?' I awoke with the crying ringing in my ears. 'I am not ready; I am unsaved-Lost! Lost! Eternally lost!'
"In view of the solemn responsibilities that rest upon us, let us contemplate the future, that we may understand what we must do in order to meet it. In that day shall we be confronted with neglect and contempt of God and His mercy, with rejection of His truth and love? In the solemn assembly of the last day, in the hearing of the universe, will be read the reason of the condemnation of the sinner. For the first time parents will learn what has been the secret life of their children. Children will see how many wrongs they have committed against their parents. There will be a general revealing of the secrets and motives of the heart, for that which is hid will be made manifest. Those who have made sport of solemn things connected with the judgment will be sobered as they face its terrible reality.
"Those who have despised the Word of God will then face the Author of the inspired oracles. We cannot afford to live with no reference to the day of judgment; for though long delayed, it is now near, even at the door, and hasteth greatly. The trumpet of the Archangel will soon startle the living and wake the dead. At that day the wicked will be separated from the just, as the shepherd divides the goats from the sheep." Youth's Instructor, July 21, 1892 (Child Guidance, 560, 1-8).
When God Asks, "Where Are the Children?"-"Parents who have neglected their God-given responsibilities must meet that neglect in the judgment. The Lord will then inquire, 'Where are the children that I gave you to train for Me? Why are they not at My right hand?' Many parents will then see that unwise love blinded their eyes to their children's faults and left those children to develop deformed characters unfit for heaven. Others will see that they did not give their children time and attention, love and tenderness; their own neglect of duty made the children what they are." 4 Testimonies, 424:1 (Child Guidance, 561:1).
"Parents, if you lose your opportunity, God pity you; for in the day of judgment God will say, 'What have you done with My flock, My beautiful flock?' . .
"Suppose you should get to heaven and none of your children be there. How could you say to God, 'Here am I, Lord, and the children which Thou hast given me'? Heaven marks the neglect of parents. It is recorded in the books of heaven." -Manuscript 62, 1901 (Child Guidance, 561:2-8).
Families Will Pass in Review Before God.-"When parents and children meet at the final reckoning, what a scene will be presented! Thousands of children who have been slaves to appetite and debasing vice, whose lives are moral wrecks, will stand face to face with the parents who made them what they are. Who but the parents must bear this fearful responsibility? Did the Lord make these youth corrupt? Oh, no! He made them in His image, a little lower than the angels. Who, then, has done the fearful work of forming the life character? Who changed their characters so that they do not bear the impress of God and must be forever separated from His presence as too impure to have any place with the pure angels in a holy heaven? Were the sins of the parents transmitted to the children in perverted appetites and passions? And was the work completed by the pleasure-loving mother in neglecting to properly train them according to the pattern given her? All these mothers will pass in review before God just as surely as they exist." 8 Testimonies, 568:2-569:0 (Child Guidance, 561:4-562:0).
In Heaven Is a Pictorial Record.--"Let parents and children remember that day by day they are each forming a character, and that the features of this character are imprinted upon the books of heaven. God is taking pictures of His people, just as surely as an artist takes pictures of men and women, transferring the features of the face to the polished plate. What kind of picture do you wish to produce? Parents, answer the question! What kind of picture will the great Master Artist make of you in the records of heaven? . . We must decide this now. Hereafter, when death shall come, there will be no time to straighten the crooked places in the character.
"To us individually this should be a most important matter. Every day our likeness is being taken for time and for eternity. Let each one say, 'I am having my likeness taken today.' Ask yourself daily, hourly, 'How will my words sound to the heavenly angels? Are they as apples of gold in pictures of silver, or are they like a blasting hail, wounding and bruising?' . .
"Not only our words and actions, but our thoughts, make up the picture of what we are. Then let every soul be good and do good. Let the picture made of you be one of which you will not be ashamed. Every feeling we cherish makes its impress upon the countenance. God help us to make our record in our families what we would wish it to be in the heavenly record." Letter 78, 1901 (Child Guidance, 562:1-569:1).
"If mothers neglect to properly educate their children, their neglect is reflected back upon them again, making their burdens and perplexities harder than they would have been if they had devoted time and patient care in training their children to obedience and submission. It will pay in the end for mothers to make the formation of the characters of their children their first and highest consideration, that the thorns may not take root and yield an abundant harvest." Signs, August 5, 1875 (Child Guidance, 563:3).
Children Will Condemn Unfaithful Parents.- "The curse of God will surely rest upon unfaithful parents. Not only are they planting thorns which will wound them here, but they must meet their own unfaithfulness when the judgment shall sit. Many children will rise up in judgment and condemn their parents for not restraining them and charge upon them their destruction. The false sympathy and blind love of parents cause them to excuse the faults of their children and pass them by without correction, and their children are lost in consequence, and the blood of their souls will rest upon the unfaithful parents." 1 Testimonies, 219:1 (Child Guidance, 563:4-564:0).
Children Will Pay Tribute to Faithful Parents. "When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened; when the 'well done' of the great Judge is pronounced, and the crown of immortal glory is placed upon the brow of the victor, many will raise their crowns in sight of the assembled universe and, pointing to their mother, say, 'She made me all am through the grace of God. Her instruction, her prayers, have been blessed to my eternal salvation.' " Messages to Young People, 330:1 (Child Guidance, 564:1).
Parents May Bring Children With Them to Promised Land.- "God has permitted light from His throne to shine all along the path of life. A pillar of cloud by day, a pillar of fire by night, is moving before us as before ancient Israel. It is the privilege of Christian parents today, as it was the privilege of God's people of old, to bring their children with them to the Promised Land." Signs, November 24, 1881 (Child Guidance, 565:1).
"You want a household for God; you want your family for God. You want to take them up to the gates of the city and say, 'Here am I, Lord, and the children that Thou hast given me.' They may be men and women that have grown to manhood and womanhood, but they are your children all the same; and your educating, and your watchfulness over them have been blessed of God, till they stand as overcomers. Now you can say, 'Here am I, Lord, and the children.'" Manuscript 49, 1894, (Child Guidance, 565:2).
Broken Family Chains Will Be Relinked.-"Jesus is coming, coming with clouds and great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to honor those who have loved Him and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them or His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain." Review, November 22, 1906 (Child Guidance, 565:3).
Comfort for a Bereaved Mother. "You inquire in regard to your little one being saved. Christ's words are your answer: 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.' Remember the prophecy, 'Thus salth the Lord: A voice was heard In Raman, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted. . Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to thine own border.'
"This promise is yours. You may be comforted and trust in the Lord. The Lord has often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the time of trouble. We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly courts. Put your trust in the Lord, and be not afraid." Letter 196, 1899 (Child Guidance, 564:3-565:1).
The Day Long Hoped For. -"From the day when the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer's power and bring them again to the lost Paradise." -Great Controversy, 299:1 (Child Guidance, 566:4-567:0).
"Heaven will be cheap enough if we obtain it through suffering. . As I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how much Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich." Early Writings, 67:1-2 (Child Guidance, 567:1).
"Heaven is Worth Everything! -"Heaven is worth everything to us. We must not run any risk in this matter. We must take no venture here. We must know that our steps are ordered by the Lord. May God help us in the great work of overcoming. He has crowns for those that overcome. He has white robes for the righteous. He has an eternal world of glory for those who seek for glory, honor, and Immortality. Everyone who enters the City of God will enter it as a conqueror. He will not enter it as a condemned criminal, but as a son of God. And the welcome given to everyone who enters there will be, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' Matthew 25:34." Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 149 (Child Guidance, 567:2).
Partakers of Christ's Joy.- "We see a retinue of angels on either side of the gate; and as we pass in, Jesus speaks, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom that is prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' Here He tells you to be a partaker of His joy, and what is that? It is the joy of seeing of the travail of your soul, fathers. It is the joy of seeing that your efforts, mothers, are rewarded. Here are your children; the crown of life is upon their heads, and the angels of God immortalize the names of the mothers whose efforts have won their children to Jesus Christ." Manuscript 12, 1895 (Child Guidance, 567:3-568:0).
"These visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be dear to His children. .
"We need to keep ever before us this vision of things unseen. It is thus that we shall be able to set a right value on the things of eternity and the things of time. It is this that will give us power to influence others for the higher life." Ministry of Healing, 506:1; 508:2 (Child Guidance, 568:3-4).
Will God Say, "Well Done"? -"When you stand -before the great white throne, then your work will appear as it is. The books are opened, the record of every life made known. Many in that vast company are unprepared for the revelations made. Upon the ears of some the words will fall with startling distinctness, 'Weighed in the balance, and found wanting.' To many parents the Judge will say in that day, 'You had My Word, plainly setting forth your duty. Why have you not obeyed its teachings? Knew ye not that it was the voice of God? Did I not bid you search the Scriptures, that you might not go astray? You have not only ruined your own souls, but by your pretensions to godliness you have misled many others. You have no part with Me. Depart; depart.'
"Another class stand pale and trembling, trusting in Christ, and yet oppressed with a sense of their own unworthiness. They hear with tears of joy and gratitude the Master's commendation. The days of incessant toil, of burden bearing, and of fear and anguish are forgotten as that voice, sweeter than the music of angel harps, pronounces the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter ye into the joy of your Lord.' There stand the host of the redeemed, the palm branch of victory in their hand, the crown upon their head. These are the ones who by faithful, earnest labor have obtained a fitness for heaven. The lifework performed on earth is acknowledged in the heavenly courts as a work well done.
"With joy unutterable, parents see the crown, the robe, the harp, given to their children. The days of hope and fear are ended. The seed sown with tears and prayers may have seemed to be sown in vain, but their harvest is reaped with joy at last. Their children have been redeemed. Fathers, mothers, shall the voices of your children swell the song of gladness in that day?" Signs, July 1, 1886 (Child Guidance, 568:4-569:2).
6- Adventist Home 533:1-550:2
A Rich Reward Awaits Faithful Parents.-"If parents give their children the proper education, they themselves will be made happy by seeing the fruit of their careful training in the Christlike character of their children. They are doing God the highest service by presenting to the world well ordered, well-disciplined, families, who not only fear the Lord, but honor and glorify Him by their influence upon other families; and they will receive their reward." Review, November 17, 1896 (Adventist Home, 533:1).
"Believing parents, you have a responsible work before you to guide the footsteps of your children, even in their religious experience. When they truly love God, they will bless and reverence you for the care which you have manifested for them, and for your faithfulness in restraining their desires and subduing their wills." 1 Testimonies, 403:0 (Adventist Home, 533:2).
"There is a reward when the seed of truth is early sown in the heart and carefully tended." Counsels to Teachers, 144:0 (Adventist Home, 533:3).
"Parents should labor with reference to the future harvest. While they sow in tears, amid many discouragements, it should be with earnest prayer. They may see the promise of but a late and scanty harvest, yet that should not prevent the sowing. They should sow beside all waters, embracing every opportunity both to improve themselves and to benefit their children. Such seed sowing will not be in vain. At the harvest time many faithful parents will return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them." Review, October 30, 1908 (Adventist Home, 533:4).
"Give your children intellectual culture and moral training. Fortify their young minds with firm, pure principles. While you have opportunity, lay the foundation for a noble manhood and womanhood. Your labor will be rewarded a thousandfold."-Counsels to Teachers, 131:1 (Adventist Home, 534:1).
Parents Will Be Revered by Children Fitted for Heaven. "In the word of God we find a beautiful description of a happy home and the woman who presides over it: 'Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,' What greater commendation can be desired by the mistress of a home than that which is here expressed?" Health Reformer, December 1877 (Adventist Home, 534:2).
"If she [the true wife and mother] looks to God for her strength and comfort, and in His wisdom and fear seeks to do her daily duty, she will bind her husband to her heart and see her children coming to maturity honorable men and women, having moral stamina to follow the example of their mother." Signs, November 29, 1877 (Adventist Home, 534:3).
"The great stimulus to the toiling, burdened mother should be that every child who is trained aright, and who has the inward adorning, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, will have a fitness for heaven and will shine in the courts of the Lord." 3 Testimonies, 566:2 (Adventist Home, 534:4).
The Joys of Heaven to Begin In the Home.- "Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's command," Desire of Ages, 48:4.
"The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. 'Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.' By the life we live through the grace of Christ, the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master's use; they are trusted to do His work in His name." Desire of Ages, 312:2 (Adventist Home, 535:2).
All to Be Fitted for the Society of Heaven.- "God desires that heaven's plan shall be carried out, and heaven's divine order and harmony prevail, in every family, in every church, in every institution. Did this love leaven society; we should see the outworking of noble principles in Christian refinement and courtesy and in Christian charity toward the purchase of the blood of Christ. Spiritual transformation would be seen in all our families, in our institutions, in our churches. When this transformation takes place, these agencies will become instrumentalities by which God will impart heaven's light to the world and thus, through divine discipline and training, fit men and women for the society of heaven." 8 Testimonies, 140:0 (Adventist Home, 535:3).
Reward at the last Great Day. - "In your work for your children take hold of the mighty power of God. Commit your children to the Lord in prayer. Work earnestly and untiringly for them. God will hear your prayers and will draw them to Himself. Then. at the last great day, you can bring them to God, saying, 'Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given me.' " Manuscript 14, 1903 (Adventist Home, 536:1).
"When Samuel shall receive the crown of glory, he will wave it in honor before the throne and gladly acknowledge that the faithful lessons of his mother, through the merits of Christ, have crowned him with immortal glory." Good Health, March, 1880 (Adventist Home, 536:2).
"The work of wise parents will never be appreciated by the world, but when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, their work will appear as God views it and will be rewarded before men and angels. It will be seen that one child who has been brought up in a faithful way has been a light in the world, It cost tears and anxiety and sleepless nights to oversee the character building of this child, but the work was done wisely, and the parents hear the 'Well done' of the Master." Signs, July 13, 1888 (Adventist Home, 536:3).
Title to Admission to the King's Palace.- "Let the youth and the little children be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven's loom, the 'fine linen, clean and white' which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This robe, Christ's own spotless character, is freely offered to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here." Education, 249.
"Let the children be taught that as they open their minds to pure, loving thoughts and do loving and helpful deeds, they are clothing themselves with His beautiful garment of character. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here and will hereafter be their title of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is: 'They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' " Education, 249:2-4 (Adventist Home, 536:4-537:1).
Eden to Be Restored. "The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be 'a new heaven and a new earth,' it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.
"Then they that have kept God's commandments shall breathe in immortal vigor beneath the tree of life; and through unending ages the inhabitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in that garden of delight, a sample of the perfect work of God's creation, untouched by the curse of sin-a sample of what the whole earth would have become had man but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan." Patriarchs and Prophets, 62, 2-3.
"The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God's original purpose in its creation is accomplished. 'The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.' " Patriarchs and Prophets, 342 (Adventist Home, 539:1-540:0).
The Redemption of the Purchased possession. "God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. 'The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.' The time has come to which holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first pair from Eden-the time for 'the redemption of the purchased possession.' The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption," Signs, December 29, 1909 (Adventist Home, 540:1).
"All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. The prophet says, '0 Tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.' And Paul points forward to the 'redemption of the purchased possession.'
"God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. That purpose will be fulfilled when, renewed by the power of God and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal home of the redeemed." Review, October 22, 1908 (Adventist Home, 540, 2-3).
Privileges of the Redeemed. -"Heaven is a good place. I long to be there and behold my lovely Jesus, who gave His life for me, and be changed into His glorious image. Oh, for language to express the glory of the bright world to come! I thirst for the living streams that make glad the city of our God." Early Writings, 39:2.
Adam Restored to His Eden Home.- "There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the righteous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
"We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the City of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God." 9 Testimonies, 286:2; 287:1 (Adventist Home, 542:2-543:0).
"From that scene of heavenly joy [the ascension of Christ] there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ's own wonderful words, 'I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.' The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. 'Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.'" Desire of Ages, 835:2 (Adventist Home, 543:1; 544:3).
Though Delayed, the Promise Is Sure.-"Long have we waited for our Saviour's return. But none the less sure is the promise. Soon we shall be in our promised home. There Jesus will lead us beside the living stream flowing from the throne of God and will explain to us the dark providences through which on this earth He brought us in order to perfect our characters. There we shall behold with undimmed vision the beauties of Eden restored. Casting at the feet of the Redeemer the crowns that He has placed on our heads and touching our golden harps, we shall fill all heaven with praise to Him that sitteth on the throne. " 8 Testimonies, 254:3 (Adventist Home, 544:4-545:0).
"Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home-that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe. 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Review, July 11, 1882 (Adventist Home, 545:1).
Graduate Work in the Hereafter. "Do you think we shall not learn anything there? We have not the slightest idea of what will then be opened before us. With Christ we shall walk beside the living waters. He will unfold to us the beauty and glory of nature. He will reveal what He is to us and what we are to Him. Truth we cannot know now because of finite limitations, we shall know hereafter." Counsels to Teachers, 162:2 (Adventist Home, 547:2).
"The Christian family is to be a training school from which children are to graduate to a higher school in the mansions of God." Review, March 30, 1897 (Adventist Home, 547:3).
"Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school. .
"Between the school established in Eden at the beginning and the school of the hereafter there lies the whole compass of this world's history -the history of human transgression and suffering, of divine sacrifice, and of victory over death and sin. . Restored to His presence, man will again, as at the beginning, be taught of God: 'My people shall know My name: . . they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I.'
"There, when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed and our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth shall appear 'in the beauty of the Lord our God,' what a field will be open to our study!" Education, 301:1, 6; 302:0,3; 303:4. (Adventist Home, 547:4- 548:0).
On the Verge of Fulfillment. "We are living in a most solemn period of this earth's history, there is never time to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression, but in a special sense is this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now let every person search his own heart and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement" Testimonies to Ministers, 147:1-2.
"To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come -events for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!
"Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities, but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter, as pictured by the hand of God," Prophets and Kings, 731:3-732:0 (Adventist Home, 549:3-550:1).
7 Christian Service 266:1-275:1
Priceless
"It is not a vain thing to serve God. There is a priceless reward for those who devote their life to His service. " 4 Testimonies, 107:9 (Christian Service, 266:1).
"Every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to 'the exceeding riches of His grace.' " The Desire of Ages, 249:1 (Christian Service, 266:2).
"Our reward for working with Christ in this world is the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come." Christ's Object Lessons, 361:4 (Christian Service, 266:3).
Basis of Valuation
"The value of service to God is measured by the spirit in which it is rendered, rather than by the length of time spent in labor." 9 Testimonies, 74:2 (Christian Service, 266:4).
"Their success in advancement in the divine life depends upon the improvement of the talents lent them. Their future reward will be proportioned to the integrity and earnestness with which they serve the Master." Review, March 1, 1887 (Christian Service, 266:5).
"The Lord has a great work to be done, and He will bequeath the most in the future life to those who do the most faithful, willing service in the present life." Christ's Object Lessons, 330:1 (Christian Service, 266:6).
"Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the goodness of the householder, or the generous compensation they had received.
"Thus it is with the sinner, who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the Master's vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a coworker with Christ. This spirit God delights to honor." Christ's Object Lessons, 397:3-398:0 (Christian Service, 266:7-267:1).
Sure Reward
"He who has appointed 'to every man his work,' according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God's favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, 'He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' " 5 Testimonies, 395:4 (Christian Service, 267:2).
"However short our service or humble our work, if in simple faith we follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That which even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most humble may receive. Heaven's golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It is not lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will open wide to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be the recompense of grace to those who have wrought for God in the simplicity of faith and love. "Christ's Object Lessons, 404:2 (Christian Service, 267:3).
"The brows of those who do this work will wear the crown of sacrifice. But they will receive their reward." 6 Testimonies, 348:3 (Christian Service, 267:4).
"Every act, every deed of justice and mercy and benevolence, makes music in heaven, The Father from His throne beholds and numbers the performer of them with His most precious treasures. 'And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, when I make up My jewels.' Every merciful act to the needy or the suffering is as though done to Jesus. Whoever succors the poor, or sympathizes with the afflicted and oppressed, and befriends the orphan, brings himself into a more close relationship to Jesus," Review, August 16, 1881 (Christian Service, 268:1).
"Christ regards all acts of mercy, benevolence, and thoughtful consideration for the unfortunate, the blind, the lame, the sick, the widow, and the orphan, as done to Himself; and these works are preserved in the heavenly records, and will be rewarded." 3 Testimonies, 512:1-513:0 (Christian Service, 268:2).
A Just Reward
"The Lord is good. He is merciful and tender-hearted. He is acquainted with every one of His children. He knows just what each one of us is doing. He knows just how much credit to give to each one. Will you not lay down your credit list and your condemnation list, and leave God to do His own work? You will be given the crown of glory if you will attend to the work that God has given you." Southern Watchman, May 14, 1903 (Christian Service, 268:3),
"The Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of reward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service." Christ's Object Lessons, 398:1 (Christian Service, 268:4).
"From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day is near when 'God is judge Himself.' Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke of His people shall He take away.' White robes will be given to everyone of them. And 'they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.'" Christ's Object Lessons, 179:3-180:0 (Christian Service, 268:5-269:0).
Future Reward
Eternal Life. "By earnest, thoughtful efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service; but when Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it again." 9 Testimonies, 56:3 (Christian Service, 271:5).
A Gracious Welcome Home.- "If the record shows that this has been their life, that their characters have been marked with tenderness, self-denial, and benevolence, they will receive the blessed assurance and benediction from Christ, 'Well done.' 'Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' " 3 Testimonies, 525:1 (Christian Service, 272:1).
Joy. -"It is the reward of Christ's workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself looks forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father, 'I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.' " 6 Testimonies, 309:2 (Christian Service, 272:3).
"In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted, though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found, -witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew 'the riches of the glory of this
mystery,' 'which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' "Education, 309:1 (Christian Service, 272:4-273:0).
"They share in the sufferings of Christ, and they will share also in the glory that shall be revealed. One with Him in His work, drinking with Him the cup of sorrow, they are partakers also of His joy." Mount of Blessing, 13:0 (Christian Service, 273:1).
Fruitage of Seed-Sowing. "Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness and to God, is noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of God every one who has given himself as an instrument for the Holy Spirit's working will be permitted to behold what his life has wrought." 6 Testimonies, 310:1 (Christian Service, 273:2).
"When the redeemed stand before God, precious souls will respond to their names who are there because of the faithful, patient efforts put forth in their behalf, the entreaties and earnest persuasions to flee to the Stronghold. Thus those who in this world have been laborers together with God will receive their reward." 8 Testimonies, 98:3 (Christian Service, 273:3).
"What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet those who have had a burden in their behalf! And those who have lived, not to please themselves, but to be a blessing to the unfortunate who have so few blessings, -how their hearts will thrill with satisfaction! They will realize the promise, 'Thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.' " Gospel Workers, 519:1 (Christian Service, 273:4).
"In heaven we shall see the youth whom we helped, those whom we invited to our homes, whom we led from temptation. We shall see their faces reflecting the radiance of the glory of God." 6 Testimonies, 348:3 (Christian Service, 273:5).
"To be a coworker with Christ and the heavenly angels in the great plan of salvation! What work can bear any comparison with this! From every soul saved, there comes to God a revenue of glory, to be reflected upon the one saved, and also upon the one instrumental in his salvation." 2 Testimonies, 232:1 (Christian Service, 273:6).
"The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose attention they have directed to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed converse they will have with these souls! 'I was a sinner,' it will be said, 'without God and without hope in the world; and you came to me, and drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope. And I believed in Him. I repented of my sins, and was made to sit together with His saints in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' Others will say: 'I was a heathen in heathen lands. You left your friends and comfortable home, and came to teach me how to find Jesus, and believe in Him as the only true God. I demolished my idols, and worshiped God, and now I see Him face to face. I am saved, eternally saved, ever to behold Him whom I love. I then saw Him only with the eye of faith, but now I see Him as He is. I can now express my gratitude for His redeeming mercy to Him who loved me, and washed me from my sins in His own blood." Gospel Workers, 518:2 (Christian Service, 274:1).
"Others will express their gratitude to those who fed the hungry and clothed the naked. 'When despair bound my soul in unbelief, the Lord sent you to me,' they say, 'to speak words of hope and comfort. You brought me food for my physical necessities, and you opened to me the Word of God, awakening me to my spiritual needs. You treated me as a brother. You sympathized with me in my sorrows, and restored my bruised and wounded soul, so that I could grasp the hand of Christ that was reached out to save me. In my ignorance you taught me patiently that I had a Father in heaven who cared for me. You read to me the precious promises of God's Word. You inspired in me faith that He would save me. My heart was softened, subdued, broken, as I contemplated the sacrifice which Christ had made for me. I became hungry for the bread of life, and the truth was precious to my soul. I am here, saved, eternally saved, ever to live in His presence, and to praise Him who gave His life for me.' " Gospel Workers, 518:3-519:0 (Christian Service, 274:02).
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