The Power Of God: Love and Truth Of An Indwelling Christ

Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

The light that shines from the Son of God on Calvary can lead every wanderer heavenly-home.

He will transform your character if you consent. 

Moreover, Jesus is able to take you who are dead in trespasses and change you, restoring to your soul His lost image.

The converting power of God can transform inherited and cultivated tendencies. For the religion of Jesus is uplifting. 

Born again means a transformation, a new birth in Christ.

Thus, those who believe in Him are changed from being rebels against the law of God into obedient servants and subjects of His kingdom. 

They are regenerated and sanctified through the truth as it is in Jesus.

This Gospel truth is the power of God for the salvation of souls. 

All the treasures of heaven are at our command because we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

It works from within outwardly. Through His divine power we receive everything we need to live a godly life.

The power of God is described in His Word as:

• Loving, Inspiring, Infinite, Convincing, Regenerating,

• Motivating, Mighty, Graceful, Creative, Divine, Healing

• Saving, Truthful, Uplifting, Sanctifying, Redeeming

• God Himself

Inspiring And Transforming Power Of God

None have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. The lost image of God will be restored in those who submit themselves to His Spirit and His Word. 

They will implant a new principle of life in them.

Thus the energy comes from God. It is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform humans life.

No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God.

So the grace of God must be received by the sinners before they can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. 

Our first work is within the heart. The heart must be converted and sanctified.

God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus;

That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:4-8. 

The power of love as revealed in Christ

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

And if God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, 

but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:31, 32.

Do you long for the message: Thy sins be forgiven thee. Matthew 9:5.

There is but one answer: Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh the sin of the world. John 1:29.

Christ is your ultimate help from above

You can have it all for free.

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.

God's will is to purify and refine the defiled soul. Then He will implant in the heart His own righteousness, peace and health, and mankind will become complete in Christ. 

This is the kingdom of God within you.

Yet the works of creation testify of God's power and greatness:

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Psalm 19:1.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; 

but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever. Deuteronomy 29:29.

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. 1 Corinthians 2:9.

As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates oneself before it - there is a new creation. 

A new heart is given.

Effect Of Scriptures And Spirit In Character Transformation

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God...

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:3-7.

There's nothing you can do to change yourself.

Christ prayed: Sanctify them through Thy truth; 

Thy word is truth. John 17:17.

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17.

The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body and spirit to His own image.

Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

The leaven of truth works a change in mankind:

• the impure are cleansed and washed in the blood of the Lamb

• full of hope and always trusting in the mercy and love of God

• love is manifested in kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and long-suffering

• making the rough gentle and the selfish generous

• kind and thoughtful, humble in his or her opinion of themselves

• will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the love of ambition and desire to be first.

Thus mankind, though in human nature becomes a partaker of divinity. Christ is honored in excellence and perfection of character.

The Experience Of The Ten Virgins

It illustrates the experience of the church just before Christ second coming. What do they all have in common?

They all:

• claim to be Christians and profess to be waiting for their Lord

• are called virgins because they profess a pure faith and doing God's service

• have a knowledge of the Scriptures

• have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing

• had lamps and vessels for oil.

When the cry is heard, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him, many are unready. 

They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Without the Spirit of God:

• a knowledge of His word is of no avail

• the theory of truth cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart

• mankind will not be able to distinguish truth from error

• the character will not be transformed.

The foolish virgins

They are not hypocrites. Though hey have a regard for the truth they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. 

They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. This is the class that:

• do not know God

• have not studied God's character

• not held communion with Him

• content with a superficial work.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2 Timothy 3:5.

Therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Moreover, in time of peril they are found crying and entreat others to supply their lack. 

But in spiritual things no one can make up another's deficiency.

The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul. 

The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied.

The wise virgins

In the parable the wise virgins had oil in their vessels with their lamps. In the same manner the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. 

Through the Holy Spirit, God's Word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver.

By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in people the attributes of God. 

The light of His glory - His character - is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1.

The power of the risen Savior

Without the cross mankind could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Savior's love.

The love of Christ with its redeeming power has come into the heart. This love masters every other motive, and raises its possessor above the corrupting influence of the world.

When at the foot of the cross the sinners looks up to the One who died to save them, they may rejoice with fullness of joy, for their sins are pardoned. 

Kneeling in faith at the cross they have reached the highest place to which humans can attain.

Christ's death proves God's great love for humanity. It is our pledge of salvation. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14, 15.

All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18.

With the relenting compassion of a father's love, Jehovah looks upon the suffering that His Son endured in order to save the race from eternal death, and accepts us in the Beloved.

When the heart is not in possession of an indwelling Savior, though people may:

• make a profession of Christianity - their works will testify that they know not God

• acknowledge the truth - its place in the heart is occupied by a deceptive spirit.

The resurrection truth

Christ's resurrection proved the truth of His words: I lay down My life, that I might take it again...

I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.

This was fulfillment of the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. John 10:17, 18; 2:19.

Christ triumphantly proclaimed: I am the resurrection, and the life. John 11:25. 

These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God.

Only He who is one with God could say: I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. John 10:18. 

In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14.

When He arose, Christ brought from the grave a multitude. They came forth with Him and were raised to everlasting life. 

They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave.

Christ is the resurrection and the life

Our Savior restored the life that was lost through sin. For He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. John 5:21. 

He has the right to give immortality.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever. John 6:51.

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:54.

Christ declared to the Pharisees that even now the power which gives life to the dead is among them, and they will behold its manifestation. 

This is the same resurrection power that gives life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1.

That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the power of His resurrection, sets humans free from the law of sin and death. Philippians 3:10, Romans 8:2.

The dominion of evil is broken and through faith the soul is kept from sin. 

All who open their hearts to the Spirit of Christ become partakers of that mighty power which shall bring forth their body from the grave.

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Ephesians 1:19.

Paul confirmed the doctrine among Corinthians

He did it with the evidence of his plain testimony. He declared that Christ, after His death, rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and after that, He was seen of many. 

And last of all He was seen of me also. 1 Corinthians 15:4, 8.

With convincing power the apostle set forth the great truth of the resurrection.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 19, 20.

He spoke plainly:

Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump...

O death, where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 51, 52, 55, 57.

Christ came to re-create the image of God in humanity

God has made provision for every soul in Christ. He showed them His love and care. For the human race is His spiritual offspring.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17.

No finite mind can fully comprehend the existence, power, wisdom, or the works of the Infinite One.

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? 

deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9.

The mightiest intellects of earth cannot comprehend God. Humans may be ever searching, ever learning, and still there is an infinity beyond.

The Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The heart and mind are created anew and thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of God.

Those who take the written word as their counselor, will find in science an aid to understand God.

The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1:20.

Jesus came with the truth of Heaven

Thus all who were listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit were drawn to Him. In their attitude toward Christ, all would show on which side they stood. 

And thus everyone passes judgment on oneself.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7.

Christ abides in you through His Word. This union is also represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. 

Furthermore, it is spirit and life, and you receive the life of the Vine. 

Thus you live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4.

The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. You will love as He loved when imbued with His Spirit. 

The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate you in all your dealing with others.

Christ likeness will be revealed in the life of His followers when He is cherished in their hearts. Humility will reign where pride was once predominant. 

Submission, meekness and patience will soften down the rugged features of a naturally perverse personality.

Love to Jesus will be manifested in love to His people. Moreover, Christ will dwell in their hearts and the soul temple of God will be holy. 

God is leading out and establishing them upon the one great platform of faith - the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Show us a sign

When the message of truth is presented in our day, there are many who, like the Jews, cry: Show us a sign. Work us a miracle.

Christ wrought no miracle at the demand of the Pharisees. He wrought no miracle in the wilderness in answer to Satan's insinuations.

He does not impart to us power to vindicate ourselves or to satisfy the demands of unbelief and pride. 

But the gospel is not without a sign of its Divine origin.

Is it not a miracle that we can break from the bondage of Satan? Enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heart. It is implanted by the grace of God.

A miracle is wrought when one who has been:

• controlled by a stubborn will is set free, and yields oneself wholeheartedly to the drawing of God's heavenly agencies

• under strong delusion comes to understand moral truth.

The following promise of God is fulfilled when a soul is converted and learns to love God and keep His commandments.

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. Ezekiel 36:26.

God's power gives efficiency to our service

In social intercourse, Christians have altogether too little to say in regard to the things that belong to the kingdom of God. 

Those who have an indwelling Savior will have something to say of His love and grace.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. Matthew 10:20.

To one, who has felt the sanctifying power of the grace of Christ in their own heart, the truth is a living principle. They can speak with an assurance that carries conviction to the heart of the unbeliever.

They teach as Christ taught, of whom His hearers said: Never man spake like this man. John 7:46.

Assurance of a living experience:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: 

and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.

Through His Spirit Christ is working to draw everyone to Himself. We, the believers, are to co-operate with Him.

A higher, purer and nobler life

In their efforts to reach God's ideal for them, Christians are to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all.

Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. He brings us to His Word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick souls.

He leads us to the throne of God and puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with Himself. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven.

The heart is the citadel of mankind. Until new affections and moral tastes are created through the power of Christ, the enemy finds his stronghold in the heart. It is in the heart that people establish their idols.

Thus the love of the Savior is not there. The Lord is not honored in their hearts, and the principles of the religion of Christ are not woven in the character. 

They go through a cold formal service and worship, which they call religion, but Christ is not formed within, the hope of glory.

Moreover, no power on earth can dislodge the enemy when humans are satisfied to live in separation from God.

The miracle of a consistent life in Christ

The change in human heart and character transformation reveal an ever-living Savior, working to rescue souls. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit making the word a regenerating power to those that hear.

This is God's witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son.

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking. The glorification of themselves was the object of their lives. 

It was this that led them to pervert and misapply the Scriptures and blinded them to the purpose of Christ's mission.

Though the disciples had left outwardly all for Jesus' sake, they had not in heart ceased to seek great things for themselves.

They were often swayed between faith and unbelief and did not discern Christ's wisdom. It was the self-seeking spirit that prompted the strife as to who should be the greatest.

The secret desire to exalt self is widespread among the followers of Christ today, as of old. It is found in our:

• service to Christ

• communion with one another.

Experience of Paul

The people of God living near the close of time should learn a lesson from Paul's experience. 

We should not be disheartened because those who have no love for truth refuse to be convinced by the clearest evidence.

We need not flatter ourselves that the formal and world-loving churches of this age are more ready to receive the teachings of God's word than were those of ages past.

Paul's worst enemies were among the Jews, who made the highest claims to godliness. It was to this class that Christ said:

Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God. Matthew 22:29.

The most bitter adversaries of truth today are found among those who profess to be its defenders.

Paul pleaded with those who had once known the power of God in their lives, to return to their first love of gospel truth. 

With undeniable arguments he set before them their privilege of becoming free men and women in Christ.

Thus through His atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. 

He took the position that every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God.

Conclusion

Through the power of God souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into His image. 

This change is in itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word. It is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word.

We cannot understand it. We can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures - it is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

In the search after truth humans are to depend upon God. Through His own appointed channels the Lord will impart a knowledge of Himself to every seeker. 

The truths of redemption are capable of constant development and expansion.

Though old, they are ever new, constantly revealing to the seeker for truth a greater glory and a mightier power.

This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3.

The sanctification of the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity.

 Gospel religion is Christ in the life - a living, active principle. It is the grace of Christ revealed in character and wrought out in good works.

References

1. RH, Jan, 1891; AA 65, 209, 388, 478; COL 97; 1MR 205; DA 407, 409 - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Your Creator And Redeemer Longs For You - Take Him At His Word

Learn to trust in God's love and His power to save and restore His moral image in you.

The Spirit of God is pleading with you to seek for those things that alone can give you peace and rest - the grace of Christ and the joy of holiness.

Give to Christ your guilt and fear today. He can satisfy the craving of your heart. Believe the Son of God.

His hand is stretched out still.