God's Appointed Way: The Desire Of All Nations

We can be saved only in God's appointed way.

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Beside me there is no Savior. Isaiah 43:11, 45:22.

There is but one way of escape for the sinner.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. Romans 3:23, 6:23.

There is but one method whereby humanity may be cleansed from sin.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.

God is love, and His Law is love. It is a transcript of His own character and reflects the principles of His government.

Its two great principles are love to God and humankind. Love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10.

Therefore, we must accept the propitiation that has been made by the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. John 1:29.

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 

Who being the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of His person; 

in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 2:9.

Furthermore, Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Savior. Acts 5:31.

Thus the shed blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.

I Am the way

I Am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.

I and My Father are one…I am the Son of God… The Father is in Me, and I in Him. John 10:30, 36, 38.

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8.

Furthermore, On that day ye shall know that I Am in my Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. John 14:20.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

Therefore, He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13.

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. 1 John 5:20.

Thus - Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is an antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledges the Son hath the Father also.

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 1 John 2:22, 23, 26.

Moreover, To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself;

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21.

The plan of redemption

God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

The Son of God has paid the infinite price to ransom humanity. Thus sinful and fallen ones may be made complete in Him through His righteousness and forgiveness of sin.

The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.

Furthermore, a way was opened for us that, through obedience to God's Law and faith in Christ as our Redeemer, we might form righteous characters and become children of God.

Christ is the head of the new creation - all, and in all - prophet, priest, and king of all regenerate humanity. He is Emmanuel - God with us.

The eternal Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and of His fullness have all we received. John 1:14, 16.

Moreover, He is the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.

Therefore, as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in His name. John 1:12.

God has made it plain that whosoever will, may come and take the water of life freely, Revelation 22:15.

Inspiration tells us that the plan of redemption has a larger purpose than the salvation of humankind.

Christ reveals the character of the Father. This demonstrates to the whole universe the:

• beneficence of God’s Divine government

• wrong charges of Satan

• nature and result of sin

• perpetuity of His Law.

In the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. Ephesians 1:10.

Divine transformation

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, 

are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The pan of inspiration explains how all this happened to John, the beloved disciple, who did not naturally possess that loveliness of character.

He was:

• self-assertive and ambitious for honor

• impetuous and resentful under injuries.

Nevertheless he beheld in the daily live of the Son of God the:

• strength and patience

• power and tenderness

• majesty and meekness.

Thus, he was filled with admiration and love, drawn toward Christ, until he lost sight of self in love for his Master.

The regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit renewed his heart. The power of the love of Christ wrought a transformation of character.

Thus our whole nature is transformed through the abiding Christ in our hearts.

We can have access to the Father and be fitted for Heaven only through a transformation of our characters - having Christ's righteousness as our credentials.

Moreover, we must be:

• partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, 2 Peter 1:4, through His great and precious promises (grace).

• transformed daily by the influence of the Holy Spirit, presenting to us the matchless love of Jesus.

Restoring the Divine image in us

The purpose of restoring the moral image of God in fallen and debased humanity was the purpose of life and character of Christ and His mission in human flesh.

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, 

seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16.

It was accomplished through the conflict with the powers of darkness. Christ gained the victory on our behalf.

Therefore, Satan Is no longer the owner of humanity, but Christ. He placed His own signature upon the human forehead.

They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. Revelation 22:4.

The gift of Christ makes it possible for us to reach the standard of perfection.

Therefore, all are called to behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

As we contemplate the Majesty of Heaven, who humbled Himself to become our Substitute and Surety, our faith and love will grow stronger.

The love of Christ kindles in the heart of all who continue to behold Him.

Furthermore, we'll desire to be transformed in the image of His purity, hungering and thirsting to become like Him whom we adore.

It is the glory of the Gospel being founded upon the principle of restoring the Divine image in the fallen humanity by a constant manifestation of benevolence.

This work began in Heaven. God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The gift of Christ reveals the Father's character - an unmistakable evidence of His love for us.

Discerning the way of salvation

If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. John 7:17.

Therefore, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive a greater light.

God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8.

We are to taste for ourselves that God is really who He claims to be.

He hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13, 14.

Furthermore, there’s only one way to obtain knowledge of the truths of God’s Word - through the illumination of His Spirit.

The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God; 

For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11, 10.

When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. John 16:13.

Thus the Bible truths of the plan of redemption are unfolded to our needs.

Moreover, we may see the steps we have to take in repentance toward God and faith toward Christ, in order to be saved in God's appointed way.

On the other hand, we as His created beings will never attain a full understanding of Him. Let us thank God that it is so.

God is infinite and in Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3.

Therefore, we’ll never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, goodness, and power.

It is right to study closely the teachings of the Bible and to search into the deep things of God as revealed in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:10.

While the secret things belong unto the Lord our God; those things which are revealed belong unto us. Deuteronomy 29:29.

Preaching of the gospel

It is God's appointed way for converting humanity. One must hear in order to be saved.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: 

and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:19, 20.

The life-time work of humans is to recover through the grace of Christ what they have lost by sin - the likeness to the Divine.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51:6-13.

This transformation takes place in the character when one turns away from human imperfection to behold Jesus.

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The Spirit of Christ working upon the hearts conforms us to His image.

Moreover, making His Word a regenerating power to those that hear. This is God's witness before the world to the Divine mission of His Son.

Then let it be our effort to lift up Jesus, directing the mind of others to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Furthermore, remembering that he who converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:20.

Human's character must be changed before it can harmonize with the pure and holy in God's immortal kingdom. This transformation is the new birth.

Jesus draws humans into Himself and re-creates in us the Divine spiritual image we had been created in the beginning:

So God created man in His own image; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27.

Conclusion

God will save us if we are willing to be saved in His appointed way.

Distrust, disobedience and alienation from God’s will, place us in a position where He cannot give us His Divine grace.

Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Submit yourselves therefore to Him. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10.

Furthermore, God desires you to call Him - Abba Father. He is ever watchful of your true interest, working in benevolence and compassion.

Christ proved that by His words and works. Moreover, He testified to a Divine power that:

• produces supernatural results to a future life beyond the present

• transformation of one’s character can be done only by the Spirit of God.

References

1. DA 407, 605; CE 230; 2SP 250; AUCR 1903; PK 500; Ed 15; YI, Mar 1874; RH, Nov 1904; ST, May 1895, Dec 1914; SC 109; 5T 700; 2SP 133; COL 250; 9T 254; BE, Feb 1893 - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV