“Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to WORSHIP the ONE GOD, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried, out in the households over which they should preside.” – “Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 141. {PH081 34.1}
“And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “For there is ONE GOD, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death . . . they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” {ST, June 28, 1899 par. 1}
“And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, Thou hast said the TRUTH; for there is ONE GOD; and there is NONE OTHER BUT HE; and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love His neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt–offerings and sacrifices.” This response from one of the scribes, the plain statement of his convictions, was more than the scribes and Pharisees expected to hear. TRUTH, that condemned their own traditions and example, had been expressed by Christ and voiced by one of their own number. {ST, September 22, 1898 par. 2}
“In the instruction given in our schools, the natural and the spiritual are to be combined. The laws obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is under the masterly power of an infinite God. The same principles run through the spiritual and the natural world. Divorce God from the acquisition of knowledge, and you have a lame, one–sided education, dead to all the saving qualities that give true power to man. The Author of nature is the Author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have ONE GOD.” – Counsels, p. 395.
“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the TRUTH. For there is ONE GOD, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.” “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.” {ST, March 14, 1895 par. 2}
“Well, Master, thou hast said the TRUTH; for there is ONE GOD; and there is NONE OTHER BUT HE. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt–offerings and sacrifices.” Here was a Pharisee who had some idea of what constitutes true religion; that it is not in outward ceremonies and vain display, but in humble obedience and love to God, and unselfish regard for others. The readiness of the scribe to acknowledge the reasoning of Jesus as correct, the decided and prompt response to that reasoning which he made before the people, manifested an entirely different spirit from that shown by the priests and rulers in their questioning. {3SP 53.2}
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is ONE GOD; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” {RH, January 19, 1897 par. 1}
“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked of Him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, Thou hast said the TRUTH: for there is ONE GOD; and there is NONE OTHER BUT HE: and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” {Ms63–1903}
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Let us take this into consideration. “ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {Ms127–1902}
“Hear, O Israel: the LORD OUR GOD is ONE GOD: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house, and on thy gates.” {Ms69–1897}
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ONE GOD: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house, and on thy gates.” {Lt141–1897}
“I therefore, … beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Read this whole chapter, the fourth of Ephesians. This is a Bible lesson that needs to be more decidedly brought into the life practice. It is the Bible lived that makes us strong in the Lord. When we bring in our own ideas and opinions, we mislead others. Attach importance to a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and then you will be laborers together with Christ. {Lt398–1906}
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Will every institution established in the interests of the work of Seventh–day Adventists take heed to that which is written, and bring this Word of the Lord into the practical life? “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {Lt136–1900}
“The LORD OUR GOD is ONE GOD; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hands, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house, and on thy gates.” {Ms33–1900}
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He saith, When he ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.” {Ms59–1902}
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” How many of us comprehend these words – “According to the measure of the gift of Christ”? When God gave Christ to our world, He gave ALL HEAVEN. That gift places at our command all the facilities and powers of heaven. {Ms38–1901}
“Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. Have we not all one father? hath not ONE GOD created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaining the covenant of our fathers? … Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?” {Ms75–1898}
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the TRUTH. For there is ONE GOD, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:4, 5. This is an all–important point, that all human agencies, in the church and in families, are to receive that education which will lead every member of the church to study the Scriptures for themselves, that they may not dishonor God by looking to human agencies to stand between them and God. “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher (minister), and an apostle, (I speak the TRUTH in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Verses 6–10. {Ms190–1901}
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” Will those who are working for Christ in these last days ask themselves whether they are doers of the Word? Will they remember that they may grieve the Spirit of God by entertaining distrust of those who are working full as conscientiously as themselves, although they may not regard it thus? “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are all called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” {Ms94–1898}
After the dispersion from Babel idolatry again became well–nigh universal, and the Lord finally left the hardened transgressors to follow their evil ways, while He chose Abraham, of the line of Shem, and made him the keeper of His law for future generations. Abraham had grown up in the midst of superstition and heathenism. Even his father’s household, by whom the knowledge of God had been preserved, were yielding to the seductive influences surrounding them, and they “served other gods” than Jehovah. But the true faith was not to become extinct. God has ever preserved a remnant to serve Him. Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, Shem, in unbroken line, had preserved from age to age the precious revealings of His will. The son of Terah became the inheritor of this holy trust. Idolatry invited him on every side, but in vain. Faithful among the faithless, uncorrupted by the prevailing apostasy, he steadfastly adhered to the WORSHIP of the ONE TRUE GOD. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in TRUTH.” Psalm 145:18. He communicated His will to Abraham, and gave him a distinct knowledge of the requirements of His law and of the salvation that would be accomplished through Christ. {PP 125.1}
All who shall feel at liberty to practice their ingenuity of torture of the body upon those they call their property [must remember that] the ONE GOD who created them will deal with the master as He would with the ignorant slave, for they are through education better able to comprehend God’s justice and mercy for all His created subjects. {Lt304–1903}
Another danger that threatens the church, is individual independence. There is a manifest disregard of the prayer of Christ, that his brethren should be one, as he and the Father were one. Let the church, to a man, feel its responsibility to preserve harmony of thought and action. Let every member seek to be in accord with the TRUTH, and with the brethren. Let our prayers go forth from unfeigned lips that the union for which our Lord prayed, may be found among his people. All who are united in church capacity, may be of one mind, of one heart, of one judgment, that Satan may not take any fresh advantage of the followers of Christ. We have one faith, one Lord, ONE GOD and Father, who is above all, and in you all; then let there be a glorifying of God with one mouth, and one spirit. Where there is union there is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. It is the special, declared plan of the enemy of Christ and man, to break up the church into independent factions. He will seek to lead one after another to arise, filled with his own selfish purposes and plans, and each will strive to carry out the suggestions of the adversary, but the hopes of such will certainly be met with disappointment. {RH, July 10, 1888 par. 4}
By the laws of Egypt all who occupied the throne of the Pharaohs must become members of the priestly caste; and Moses, as the heir apparent, was to be initiated into the mysteries of the national religion. This duty was committed to the priests. But while he was an ardent and untiring student, he could not be induced to participate in the worship of the gods. He was threatened with the loss of the crown, and warned that he would be disowned by the princess should he persist in his adherence to the Hebrew faith. But he was unshaken in his determination to render homage to none save the ONE GOD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He reasoned with priests and worshipers, showing the folly of their superstitious veneration of senseless objects. None could refute his arguments or change his purpose, yet for the time his firmness was tolerated on account of his high position and the favor with which he was regarded by both the king and the people. {PP 245.3}
CHRIST is represented as dwelling by HIS SPIRIT in his people; and believers as “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner–stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,” Paul says, “beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {RH, December 31, 1908 par. 1}
He [Cornelius] believed in the ONE GOD, the Creator of Heaven and earth. He revered him, acknowledged his authority, and sought counsel of him in all the business of his life. He was faithful in his home duties as well as in his official responsibilities, and had erected the altar of God in his family. He dared not venture to carry out his plans, and bear the burden of his weighty responsibilities, without the help of God; therefore he prayed much and earnestly for that help. Faith marked all his works, and God regarded him for the purity of his actions, and his liberalities, and came near to him in word and Spirit. {3SP 325.2}
Here is shown the work of the minister of righteousness: “The LAW of TRUTH was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts.” But a solemn charge is made by the God of Israel: “Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of Hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. Have we not all one father? hath not ONE GOD created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? Judah hath dealt treacherously and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of Hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good–will at your hand. . . . Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them: or, Where is the God of judgment?” {RH, December 1, 1896 par. 7}
How are we to labor in order that our work may receive the endorsement of God? Hear the words of Paul: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God; unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” {Ms12–1902}
I am instructed to present to you these words of Paul, spoken by the Spirit, “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called; with all lowliness and meekness, and long–suffering; forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. There is one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {Lt315–1907}
I am so thankful for Jesus. Oh, I feel so thankful wherever I am, on the water, on the land, that Jesus is my Saviour. There is no caste with God, whatever the color, whatever the nationality, however weak we may be, rich or poor, ONE GOD is our Father, and we can come to Him, and ask for the things that we need. Now, here is the word before us. “According as his divine power.” We have no strength, we have nothing of ourselves, we are utter weakness, we cannot make one step toward God unless His grace is working upon human hearts and drawing us. Just as soon as we make the first step toward His mercy and grace, He advances toward us, He advances with His pardon and grace. He taketh away the sins of the world, and imputeth to us His righteousness. Now we may think, “I did not feel just as I wanted to.” {Ms49–1894}
I feel my spirit stirred within me. I feel to the depth of my being that the TRUTH must be borne to other countries and nations and to all classes. Let the missionaries of the cross proclaim that there is ONE GOD, and one Mediator between God and man, who is Jesus Christ the Son of the Infinite God. This needs to be proclaimed throughout every church in our land. Christians need to know this, and not put man where God should be, that they may no longer be worshipers of idols, but of the living God. Idolatry exists in our churches. [Means had] better be employed to save souls from death, which would be placing jewels in the crown of Jesus Christ and stars in our own crowns in the kingdom of heaven. {Ms40–1891}
I had our brother read these words to you, that you might see that heaven and God’s workers on earth are working harmoniously together. It is the ONE GOD, the one faith, the one baptism. Let us draw in even cords. Let us keep our hearts humble and draw close to the Great Teacher. If we have the TRUTH in the heart, we shall feel that it is a positive necessity that we seek to enlighten others. If we will do as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost, pray and believe, and come into harmony with one another and with the Word, the Lord will work with us, opening the understanding and the hearts of those whom we seek to reach and bringing them to the knowledge of the TRUTH. And this work will be acknowledged in the courts of heaven. {Ms77–1909}
In guiding the children of Israel through the wilderness, the Lord often repeated His instructions, that the TRUTH might make an abiding impression upon their minds. He gave parents special instructions to teach their children the TRUTH, that they might gain a knowledge of Him, and, under the most trying circumstances fear and honor Him as their Leader, and extend the knowledge that the Lord is ONE GOD, and beside Him there is none else. He desired them to remember that they could depend on Him to carry them safely through. {Lt162–1900}
In the instruction given in our schools, the natural and the spiritual are to be combined. The laws obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is under the masterly power of an infinite God. The same principles run through the spiritual and the natural world. Divorce God from the acquisition of knowledge, and you have a lame, one–sided education, dead to all the saving qualities that give true power to man. The Author of nature is the Author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have ONE GOD. God is revealed in nature, and God is revealed in His word. In clear rays the light shines from the sacred page, showing us the living God, as represented in the laws of His government, in the creation of the world, in the heavens that He has garnished. His power is to be recognized as the only means of redeeming the world from the degrading superstitions that are so dishonoring to God and man. {CT 395.2}
In the Word are exhortations and warnings. Paul writes: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Let all read the fourth chapter of Ephesians, receiving and putting into practice the instruction given. This Scripture is positive and decided. In it an abundance of light and grace is given. I exhort you to study this chapter and to work to bring unity into the church. There should be no half–way work done in establishing unity among professing Christians. {Ms46–1902}
In these lessons direct from nature, there is a simplicity and purity that makes them of the highest value. All need the teaching to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God. Too often the minds of students are occupied with men’s theories and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They need to be brought into close contact with nature. Let them learn that creation and Christianity have ONE GOD. Let them be taught to see the harmony of the natural with the spiritual. Let everything which their eyes see or their hands handle be made a lesson in character building. Thus the mental powers will be strengthened, the character developed, the whole life ennobled. {COL 24.2}
Jesus also revealed their vanity in loving to be called of men Rabbi, meaning master. He declared that such a title did not belong to men, but only to Christ. Priests, scribes and rulers, expounders of the law and administrators of it, were all brethren, children of ONE GOD. Jesus would impress upon the minds of the people that they were to give no man a title of honor, indicating that he had any control of their conscience or faith. {3SP 60.1}
Just go by yourself and not speak evil words, but pray. Put on the new man, which is peace, grace, righteousness. This is the very advice that every church needs. I, therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He said, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. And He gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists, and [manuscript ends here.] {Ms166–1907}
Our German and Danish and Swedish brethren have no good reason for not being able to act in harmony in the publishing work. Those who believe the TRUTH should remember that they are God’s little children, that they are under His training. Let them be thankful to God for His manifold mercies and be kind to one another. They have ONE GOD and one Saviour; and one Spirit – the Spirit of Christ – is to bring unity into their ranks. {9T 189.3}
Says the apostle James, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the TRUTH. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” And Paul says, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {RH, November 12, 1889 par. 7}
The Author of nature is the Author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have ONE GOD. All who engage in the acquisition of knowledge should aim to reach the highest round of progress. Let them advance as fast and as far as they can. Let their field of study be as broad as their powers can compass, making God their wisdom, clinging to Him who is infinite in knowledge, who can reveal the secrets hidden for ages, who can solve the most difficult problems for minds that believe in Him who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light that no man can approach unto. {Lt67–1894}
The doctrine of the divine decrees, unalterably fixing the character of men, had led many to a virtual rejection of the law of God. Wesley steadfastly opposed the errors of the Antinomian teachers, and showed that this doctrine which led to Antinomianism was contrary to the Scriptures. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the TRUTH. For there is ONE GOD, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all.” [Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3–6.] The Spirit of God is freely bestowed, to enable every man to lay hold upon the means of salvation. Thus Christ, “the true light,” “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] Men fail of salvation only through their own willful refusal of the gift of life. {GC88 261.3}
The faith that accepts Christ as One who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him, means perfect belief and trust. To be intelligently convinced is not enough. The apostle James writes: “Thou believest that there is ONE GOD; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Many there are who believe that Christ has died for the sins of the world, but they make no appropriation of this grand TRUTH to their own souls. Their hearts are not enlisted in the service of God, their lives are not reformed. They are not sanctified by the TRUTH they profess to believe. Not having the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, no genuine good appears in their lives. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” asks the apostle. “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” {YI, March 1, 1900 par. 2}
The great apostle Paul speaks of the varied work of varied individuals: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long–suffering, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” {Lt149–1900}
The instruction given in the fourth chapter of Ephesians show us that one man is not to be looked upon as a whole. We need to understand the lessons contained in this chapter. Paul writes, “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended, first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. {Ms158–1898}
The knowledge of God is eternal life; the wisdom of God is true wealth. The fear of God ruling in the heart, the love of Christ, constraining those who receive Him as their personal Saviour, is the highest education the human family can receive. By walking humbly with God, obeying His commandments and bearing the cross daily, we obtain a knowledge which will fit us for this life and for the future life. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the TRUTH. For there is ONE GOD, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” {Ms20–1895}
The natural and the spiritual are to be combined in the studies of our schools. The operations of agriculture illustrate the Bible lessons. The laws obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is under the masterly power of an infinite God. The same principles run through the spiritual and the natural world. Divorce God and his wisdom from the acquisition of knowledge, and you have a lame, one–sided education, dead to all the saving qualities which give power to man, so that he is incapable of acquiring immortality through faith in Christ. The author of nature is the author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have ONE GOD. All who engage in the acquisition of knowledge should aim to reach the highest round of progress. Let them advance as fast and as far as they can; let their field of study be as broad as their powers can compass, making God their wisdom, clinging to him who is infinite in knowledge, who can reveal the secrets hidden for ages, who can solve the most difficult problems for minds that believe in him who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light that no man can approach unto. The living witness for Christ, following on to know the Lord, shall know that his goings forth are prepared as the morning. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” By honesty and industry, with a proper care of the body, applying every power of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom in spiritual things, every soul may be complete in Christ, who is the perfect pattern of a complete man. {SpTEd 215.2}
The people of Israel had been taken out of idolatry, to become the depositaries of sacred, ever–living TRUTH. The knowledge of the ONE TRUE GOD was given to them. They were greatly blessed with divine revelations, enshrouded in symbols and ceremonies, until type met antitype in the death of Christ. Everything in both their private and their public life was connected with a revealed religion. The law of God was given by Christ, and specified so plainly the duties of private, social, and public life, that none needed to err. ONE GOD, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, was brought to view in the fourth commandment, and his will was to be their will. Those who WORSHIPED the ONE TRUE GOD were strengthened in moral power, and developed strong and symmetrical characters, while those who worshiped other gods grew more and more debased, because they exalted human passions and sanctioned vice in their religious services. {ST, August 12, 1889 par. 1}
The principles that should govern our actions are plainly marked out in the divine word. Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, are the conditions of salvation. In James’ day there were men arising who were doing just as many are doing in our day, – preaching that faith in Christ releases men from obedience to the law of God. James declares that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is ONE GOD; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” He presents before them the case of Abraham, who was justified by living faith, his works proving, or corresponding to, his faith. “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.” It is by the constant exercise of faith and love that believers are made to shine as lights in the world. {ST, January 7, 1897 par. 8}
There is ONE GOD, one faith, one baptism. There is one Lord Jesus, who must abide in the soul of every one of these brethren. When the brethren of one nationality separate themselves from the brethren of another nationality, to build up a separate interest, they are doing that which God never designed should be done. The very same TRUTH which sanctifies my heart will sanctify the hearts of brethren of other nations. The fact that my brethren and sisters are obliged to talk another language is no reason that their characters should not be fashioned according to the one true Pattern, Christ Jesus. In order to be fitted for heaven they need the same discipline that I need. It is because our foreign brethren have thought the work must be carried on to suit the peculiarities and prejudices of the people that the cause of present TRUTH has not advanced as it should have advanced during these years. {RH, November 12, 1889 par. 8}
These wretched, selfish practices dishonored God. When the Lord sent His messengers to ask for that which was His own, they were insulted, abused, and murdered. Then the Lord sent more responsible men, but they were despitefully used. Then the ONLY ONE GOD had in reserve was sent to call them to their duty – even One equal with Himself, His only begotten Son. He said, “Surely they were reverence my Son. But when they saw the Son they said among themselves, “This is the heir: Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” {Ms149–1898}
This is your work – to abhor that which is evil in yourselves, and walk worthy of the vocation whereunto ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. There is one body, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ONE GOD and Father of all. The religion that shines through the medium of a thoroughly converted life will bring souls to Christ. {Ms162–1905}
We are favorably situated, we can make use of every opportunity to know the ONE TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. The delusive snares of Satan we do not need to experience. It is the privilege of the young to be enabled through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to return to the Lord His own with usury. Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents, behold I have gained beside them five talents more. {Lt12–1893}
We must have a higher sense of the work and claims of God upon us than did the Pharisees. It is for our present and eternal interests to make friends with Jesus. We need him in every trial and perplexity of life. We should have living faith in him, – faith to trust him as a little child trusts its earthly parents. He invites us to come to him. Let us tell him all about our troubles and our sins, and he will know just what to do in our case. We have a great High Priest to whom we may come boldly; we have a Mediator in the heavens. “For there is ONE GOD, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5, 6. {RH, May 7, 1889 par. 5}
2ch15.3 Now for a long season Israel [hath been] without the TRUE GOD, and without a teaching priest, and without LAW.
Je10.10 But the LORD [is] the TRUE GOD, he [is] THE LIVING GOD, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
Ml2.10 Have we not all ONE FATHER? hath not ONE GOD created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? [de6.4; is42.8; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19]. [How true; trinity brothers fighting brothers in Christ – because they point out that church error is NOT God’s Word.]
Mk12.32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: FOR THERE IS ONE GOD; and there is none other but HE: [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19] [Singular in context and not a plural god]
Jn17.3 AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, whom THOU hast sent. [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19]. [What is life eternal ? THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST ]. [ THEE and THOU are singular – not a 3 in 1 god.]
Ro3.30 Seeing [it is] ONE GOD, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19]
1co8.6 But to us [there is but] ONE GOD, THE FATHER, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; AND ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom [are] all things, and we by him. [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4; ep4.6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19]. [Again, just 2 individual persons and not 3.]
Ep4.6 ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL, WHO [IS] ABOVE ALL, and through all, and in you all. [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; 1ti2.5; ja2.19]
1th1.9 For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the LIVING AND TRUE GOD;
1th1.10 And to wait for HIS SON from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. [Note: The One True God of the Bible is a singular “I”, “Me”, “He”, or “Him”. It is never “They” or any other plural.]
1ti2.5 FOR [THERE IS] ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR between God and men, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS; [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; ja2.19] [Note: A mediator is an impartial person. Note also the only reference to THE MAN CHRIST JESUS. Paul is writing to Timothy AFTER Christ’s ascension to heaven. Jesus’ work as the perfect mediator between God and man is not only dependent on His death but also in his continuing humanity. In His humanness, we are united to Him by faith, and only in Him are we united to God.]
Ja2.19 Thou believest that there is ONE GOD; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [de6.4; is42.8; ml2.10; mk12.29-30,32; jn17.3; ro3.30; 1co8.4&6; ep4.6; 1ti2.5]. [So even the devils, including Satan, know that there is only ONE GOD.]
1j5.20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know HIM that is true, and we are in HIM that is true, [even] in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is the TRUE GOD, and ETERNAL LIFE.
For more detailed information, refer to the trinity webpages on this webite.
