The Will Of God: He Desires You Call Him Abba Father

The will of God is made plain in His Word. He has made a pledge to restore His moral image in you. 

It is His desire that you shall be one with Christ and complete in Him. Furthermore, that you shall be heir of Heaven.

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.

In Christ was the embodiment of God Himself. The Son of God came to earth to reveal to humankind the:

• Father's character

• principles of His spiritual kingdom

• wisdom and knowledge essential to salvation.

Moreover, to restore the confidence of humans in the love of God - their Maker and Redeemer.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1.

We can call now the Supreme Ruler of the universe Our Father, making our peace with Him through the virtue of the cross of Calvary. 

Thus we find Him a merciful Father, reconciled to human species through His Son.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; 

but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14, 15, 17.

Alienated from the life of God

By transgression humans have separated themselves from God. In carrying out the plan of salvation Christ revealed that God is love. 

The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation. But He provided the propitiation because He loves us.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1.

Though, God left us free to choose, He prompts us to make our choice on the right side. 

Moreover, to connect with heaven and adopt the principles which will restore in us the moral image lost through disobedience.

Thus the saving truth for these last days such as:

• the love of Jesus

• His salvation offered to fallen mankind

• holiness of heart

• the grace of Christ,

will bring to life our souls full of joy and divine strength.

The great heart of infinite Love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion.

We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7.

Believe that God has your best interest. He wants to restore His moral image in you. 

As you draw nigh to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw nigh to you with mercy and forgiveness.

We owe the Lord everything. He is the author of our salvation. 

As you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 

it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.

A new birth from above

As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12.

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.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.

Christ knocks at the door of your heart, asking to sub with you. He longs to renew your heart, filling it with a love for all that is pure and true. 

Moreover, raising you to newness of life in Him.

It is the active principle of love, the life of Christ in you imparted by the Holy Spirit, that alone will make you fruitful unto good works. 

Holy Spirit's transforming influence will establish a living connection between earth and heaven.

The operations of the divine Spirit will burn away the dross of selfishness and reveal a love which is tried in the fire, a love that maketh rich. 

He who has these riches is in close sympathy with Christ who so loved us that He gave His life for our redemption.

Satan's misrepresentation of God

He has represented God as:

• selfish and oppressive

• claiming all and giving nothing

• requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory

• making no sacrifice for their good.

But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are thoughts of peace, and not of evil. Jeremiah 29:11. 

It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death.

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3.

God undertook our redemption and He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. 

Moreover, Christ chose to bear the results of mankind's transgression, that they might escape eternal death. He was not compelled to do this.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Romans 1:16.

No truth essential to our salvation is withheld. 

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.

Jesus came with the truth of heaven, and 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 himself and herself.

Take My yoke upon you

The yoke that binds believers to the will of God in service is the Law of God. 

The great law of love was revealed in Eden, proclaimed upon Sinai, and written in the heart in the new covenant.

If we were left to follow our own inclinations we will become possessors of Satan's attributes of character.

Therefore God desires that we shall patiently and wisely take up the duties of service. The yoke of service Christ Himself has borne in humanity.

I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. John 6:38.

Love for God, zeal for His glory, and love for fallen humanity brought Jesus to earth to suffer and to die. This was the controlling power of His life. 

This principle He bids us to adopt.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: 

Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; 

Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10.

The yoke of Christ lightens the burden

The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing the load, to lighten the burden. 

We will find life's burden light when our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use His gifts to bless others.

Believer who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in company with Christ. And in His love the heart is at rest.

When Moses prayed: 

Show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee, the Lord answered him: 

My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Exodus 33:13, 14.

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, 

where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16.

God asks us to love Him back with all our hearts and mind. Moreover, to trust Him and appreciate His goodness and develop a Christlike character.

O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! 

then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18.

Christ's obedience

God stands toward His people in the relation of a father. He has a Father's claim to our faithful service. 

Standing at the head of humanity Christ was serving His Father.

Christ served His Father with love, in willingness and freedom.

I delight to do Thy will, O My God, yea, Thy law is within My heart. Psalm 40:8.

In order to accomplish the work which He came to do, He counted no sacrifice too great and toil too hard. At the age of twelve He said:

Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? Luke 2:49.

He had heard the call, and had taken up the work.

My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34.

He is an example of what every son and daughter should and may be. God requires the same obedience from human beings today.

Obedience is not a mere outward compliance

Obedience is a service of love.

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

God longs to pour upon men and women the rich current of His love. He longs to see them delighting to do His will.

Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love. We will not work in order to earn God's love when surrendering our will to Him.

His love as a free gift will be received into the soul.

Thus, from love to Him we'll delight to obey His commandments.

Furthermore, we'll use all entrusted power in His service, teaching all who come within the sphere of our influence that the way to be treated as righteous for Christ's sake is to obey the law.

Of those who faithfully serve Him the Lord says:

They shall be Mine...in that day when I make up My jewels; 

and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17.

The Lord desires through His people to answer Satan's charges by showing the results of obedience to right principles.

Abide in Me

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.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; 

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35.

Our Savior is able and willing to do for us more than we can ask or even think. He would have us abide in Him every moment, that we may be complete in Him and accepted in the Beloved.

Peculiar people

They will accomplish His purposes and will yield their will to His will. 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.

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; 

that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9.

God requires of His people now the same distinction from the world in customs, habits and principles, as of ancient Israel.

The warnings given to the Hebrews against assimilating with the heathen were not more explicit than are those forbidding Christians to conform to the spirit and customs of the world today.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15.

The friendship of the world is enmity with God; whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4.

While we pray, Lead us not into temptation, we are to shun temptation as far as possible.

God requires His chosen people to be elevated, refined and sanctified - partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4.

Our sanctification is the will of God

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication; 

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4.

The sanctification of God's people is the object in all His dealings with them. He has chosen them from eternity to be holy.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

We are sanctified through obedience to the truth and a personal surrender. 

Moreover, we can honor God only as we conform to His image and be controlled by His Spirit.

Then, as witnesses for our Savior, we may make known what divine grace has done for us.

True sanctification is the result of constantly dying to sin and constantly living for Christ. It comes through the working out of the principle of love.

The life of those in whose heart Christ abides will reveal practical godliness. 

Their character will be purified and elevated. Their believe will blend with works of righteousness.

Moreover, they will know the meaning of self-sacrifice.

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24.

As long as Satan reigns in this world, we have self to subdue and sins to overcome.

Furthermore, as long as our life last, there will be no point which we can reach and say: I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience.

Is it your will also?

Faith in Christ and love for Him will give you a vital force in everything you undertake. Then all the daily work will promote Christian growth.

This is true sanctification - the cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect obedience to the will of God.

God demands perfect obedience to His law

God's Law is the expression of God's  character. It is the echo of His voice, saying to us: 

Holier, yes holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Hunger and thirst after righteousness.

The promise is - Ye shall be filled. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for this righteousness.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:31.

It is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature. God has plainly stated that He requires us to be perfect. 

Because He requires this, He has made provision that we may be partakers of the divine nature.

Only thus we could gain success in our striving for eternal life. The power is given by Christ.

As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God. John 1:12.

The law of God is to be lived out. Thus in the character of God's people a living testimony will be borne that will contradict the deception of Satan, who has declared that the law of Jehovah is arbitrary, and holds its subjects under a cruel bondage.

They have the law of God written in their hearts. Thus they signify their loyalty to the God of Heaven by yielding obedience to the laws of His government.

Come out of her my people

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, 

that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:4.

This message is an addition to the Third Angel's Message of Revelation 14. 

After repeating the fall of Babylon again in Revelation 18:2, the voice of Heaven gives God's people the last solemn warning - come out of her my people.

Thus they have the chance to escape her doom.

Babylon made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 

This is her great sin - apostasy and falls doctrines. They become the result of her unlawful connection with the great ones of the earth.

Friendship with the world corrupted her faith and in her turn she exerts a corrupting influence upon the world by teaching falls doctrines contrary to the Word of God.

The work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination. 

The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work with all power signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.

Thus those that received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, will be left to receive strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11.

Not until this condition will be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished, throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete.

The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.

God's will does not compel

Our heavenly Father is calling us: Come up higher. Though, He compels none to accept Heaven's most precious gift.

Furthermore, He never coerce the obedience of His creatures. God leaves all free to choose whom they will serve.

In the divine arrangement God does nothing without the cooperation of humans. He forces none to believe. 

They can choose to rely upon the evidences He has been given, or doubt and perish. It is the matter of life or death.

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19.

God compels no mankind's will. That must be given freely to the Lord. If not, He is not able to accomplish His divine work in the believer.

The humble and trusting ones are guided and protected in the way of peace.

Everyone is permitted to choose for himself or herself the narrow way that leads to Heaven, or the broader and easier way which ends in death.

For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; 

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13, 14.

We are free to obey or to disregard the will of God. As He coerces no one to be righteous, so none are compelled to be impenitent and vicious.

Human passions may be strong, but help has been laid upon One who is mighty.

While that help will not be forced upon any who despise the gift, it is freely given to all who seek it in sincerity.

There is no election but one's own

God has set forth in His Word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life. It is by obedience to His commandments, through faith in Christ. 

He has elected a character in harmony with His law.

Thus anyone who will reach the standard of His requirement will have an entrance into the kingdom of glory.

Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21.

In Revelation Jesus says:

Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, 

and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14.

Every one is elected who will:

• work out his own salvation with fear and trembling

• put on the armor and fight the good fight of faith

• watch unto prayer, search the Scriptures, and flee from temptation

• be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The redemption of mankind is free to all. Its results will be enjoyed by those who have complied with the conditions.

This is the only election brought to view in the Word of God.

Work of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of God is not commissioned to do our part of the work, either in willing or doing.

It is our work to co-operate with divine agencies. As we align our will with God's will, the grace of Christ is supplied to help our resolve.

Nevertheless, it doesn't work in spite of our intentions and actions. Therefore, our success will depend upon our acceptance of the light given.

Yet we should not lose courage when temptation comes. In that situation we often doubt if the Spirit of God leads us.

However, the Spirit brought Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

This is the evidence that God brings us into trial and has a purpose to accomplish for our good. 

Jesus did not presume on God's promises by going voluntary into temptation. Furthermore, He didn't give up to despondency when temptation came upon Him. Nor should we.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; 

but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

When we resist that voice we will suppress conviction and resist evidence. Thus we put away the forgiveness which our Redeemer is so graciously offering to us. 

When we continue rejecting mercy and truth, we have no power to do otherwise.

Walk in the light

A point is reached where the desire to submit to God and to do His will is no longer felt. The spiritual senses become dulled. 

God will give us up to our own inclinations.

Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; 

for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. John 12:35.

The light will indeed become darkness to those who do not walk in it. On the other hand, it will shine with increasing brightness on the path of those who do walk in it.

The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18.

The warning of God will come to you:

As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: 

turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die. Ezekiel 33:11.

Then take heed today to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Thank God it is not too late for wrongs to be righted. 

Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Conclusion

We may address God by the dear name, Our Father, which is a sign of our affection for Him and a pledge of His tender regard and relationship to us.

The image of God in humans has been ruined and obliterated. It is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost.

God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family - sons and daughters of the heavenly King.

Furthermore, He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father.

Then if earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, 

how much more shall our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Matthew 7:11.

Our salvation depends upon our knowledge of God's will as it is contained in His Word. And it is God's will that you shall know what He has said to you.

Furthermore, you must exercise faith. As you search the Scriptures, you must believe that God is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.

God is our surety who:

• beautifies all who serve Him with a whole heart and the spirit of holiness

• clothes us with His righteousness

• loves those who do His will and express His image.

All who are true and faithful are conformed to the image of His Son.

In their mouth is found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:5.

Getting ready to meet the King?

Search the Bible with a heart hungry for spiritual food! Do not give up your search till you have learned your relation to God and His will concerning you.

When Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, will you be able to say:

Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: 

this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9.

To those who could say this, Christ will answer:

Come up higher. Upon this earth you have loved me. You have loved to do My will. 

You can now enter the Holy City, and receive the crown of everlasting life.

References:

1. FE 526; DA 57, 329, 331, 677; TM 153; YI, Jul, 1902; COL 142, 282, 296, 360; TM 410; CG 81; 3SP 186; PK 510; RH, Jan, 1886; PP 207, 458; BTS, Feb, 1904; GCB, Apr, 1903; RH, Jul, 1897; AA 560; 5T 49; EW 277; GC88 388 - 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.