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What does Ellen White say about Evolution, Propensities and trees?

Q16: Ellen White study about Evolution, Propensities and Trees

(27) : "Aven" : I Genetic vigour II Propensities for vanity.

Hypothesis:What does Ellen White say about Evolution and Propensities?

Introduction: Many say that life just came to be and rambled along through random mutations and natural selection becoming increasingly more and more complex with specific intelligent information stored on the DNA, thus giving arise to new species of living organisms. Can this even be a Christian concept in any modifed form ? Absolutely not!!

{1BC 1086.2} Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord's great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. In the parable of the sower the question was asked the Master, "Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? how then hath it tares?" The Master answered, "An enemy hath done this." All tares are sown by the evil one. Every noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his ingenious methods of amalgamation he has corrupted the earth with tares (MS 65, 1899) [published in F. D. Nichol, Ellen G. White and Her Critics].

What does amalgamation mean in the Bible, and is there any evidence?

Amalgamation may also be the Scientist under the inspiration of Satan,making things of "divers kinds", in other words using technology to invent living things not designed by GOD.See an article on the danger of GMO foods.

Ps 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity "aven", and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth "yalad" falsehood.

The above Bible verse is profound and a key text. It describes the evil one making born "aven", which we will discover leads to Evolution, and the corruption of all life forms designed by GOD perfectly during Creation.

Strong's 205 "aven"

The Ancient Hebrew reads "The Strong secure Seed"

or

"The Strong secure Seed over the nations"

Comes in postive form I and negative form II

Jeff Benner translates these two forms as action words, vigor and vanity (its opposite).

The Bible has two meanings for the �strong fixed seed� Hebrew �Aven� :-

  • (1) The power within the gene pool for functional work or
  • (2) The power within the gene pool for dysfunctional work.

    In a positive sense through Jesus our gene pool can have vigor as it receives divine strength from GOD.

    In a negative sense through Satan our gene pool can express propensities of vanity that make us do wickedness in the sight of GOD.

    The gene pool is inherited from Adam through successive generations; the expression of that gene pool depends upon how the cognitive mind is nurtured.

    Ellen White records correctly that Satan is able to amalgamate our gene pool for vigor and change it into a propensity that leads to vanity.

    Isa 59:4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth "talad" (born) iniquity "aven" "genetic propensities".

  • 5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

    The Bible records here poetry symbols of genetic amalgamations gone wrong. Notice Ellen White comments condemning Evolution, which opposes Creation directly:-

    Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion.

    Geology has been thought to contradict the literal interpretation of the Mosaic record of the creation. Millions of years, it is claimed, were required for the evolution of the earth from chaos; and in order to accommodate the Bible to this supposed revelation of science, the days of creation are assumed to have been vast, indefinite periods, covering thousands or even millions of years. Such a conclusion is wholly uncalled for. {Ed 128.2}

    Akin to the theory concerning the evolution of the earth is that which attributes to an ascending line of germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds the evolution of man, the crowning glory of the creation. {Ed 130.1}

    Millions of years, it is claimed, were required for the evolution of the earth from chaos; and in order to accommodate the Bible to this supposed revelation of science, the days of creation are assumed to have been vast, indefinite periods. . . . Such a conclusion is wholly uncalled for. {FLB 27.3}

    Where does Evolution come from? From Satan of course, as it is a system of death that opposes God's Creation, where nothing was ever meant to die at all.

    Now let us explore the Hebrew word "aven" and see applications for this word.

    Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth "yalad" (born) vanity (propensities of vanity), and their belly prepareth deceit.(KJV)

    Propensities are like our epi-genetics that sit over our "good" genetic expressions of potential and rule over us instead of our "good" genes. Such epi-genetices is born or passed on by parents or other adults making dysfunction through the process of conception.

    Ps 6:8 � Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity(propensities of vanity), for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

    How sad that peer group pressure is the greatest threat to the development of our own "Strong secure Seeds" either for vigor (good) or propensities for vanity (bad)?

    Ps 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity(propensities of vanity), and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth (born) falsehood.

    Satan can influence our "Strong secure Seeds" awaking genes into propensities of vanity, which come ready to give birth to mischief.

    Ps 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and iniquity(propensities of vanity).

    Zones of influence (foul language, and immoral acts) impact upon our epi-genetics, thus we pass on our propensities for vanity, to our children through the conception process.

    Ps 59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity(propensities of vanity), and save me from bloody men.

    Violence is the ultimate climax of Satanic propensities unleashed.

    Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity(propensities of vanity) in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

    This verse explains why so many so called Christians are powerless with Jesus, because they are not overcoming all known and ig norant propensities in their lives.

    This is not a reference to sinning even, wilful or ignorant. This is a reference to the epi-genetic potential in your to sinning, you must pray for the Holy Spirit to remove.

    1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

    This verse is written correctly with power. If we are not overcoming every propensity in our lives, we are powerless before Jesus, and He does not hear us. Pray, fast and meditate in Him, ask Jesus to cut your away your flesh and give you His flesh, the creative task of quickening which only the Holy Spirit can do in you, to Jesus glory. Be clean, and be found with no guile in your mouth.

    Pr 6:18 An heart that deviseth vain (wicked)(propensities of vanity) imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

    Propensities begin in the mind with our thoughts and imaginations. These thoughts awaken certain gene expressions, causing a cognitive habit of the mind leading to some dysfunctional sin.

    Pr 12:21 � There shall no evil(propensities of vanity)happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

    The righteous do not evil propensities, only the wicked do.

    Pr 22:8 � He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity:(propensities of vanity) and the rod of his anger shall fail.

    We reap what we sow. If our minds think dysfunctional thoughts we will awaken genes to produce evil propensities. If we produce children these propensities are inherited by our children in their epi-genetics.

    Now let us consider what Ellen White has to say about propensities, and the inherited tendencies to do evil:-

    Of the 390 references to �propensities� in Ellen White writings, all references are seen in a negative way.

    For example:-

    1 Not for one moment was there in [Jesus] an evil propensity. {FLB 49.4}

    2 Plead with God to take away the wicked propensity to faultfinding, {CTr 214.6}

    3 [Satan] brings us into bondage to this propensity working our ruin. {Con 61.1}

    4 [The tongue]� cares to indulge his scandal-loving propensity. {CCh 176.2}

    5 We need not retain one sinful propensity. . . {FLB 23.3}

    6 This propensity for speech-making dampens religious interest. {GW92 71.1}

    7 They have yielded to a natural propensity ... {GW92 79.2}

    8 This scheming propensity has become second nature with you. {PM 330.2}

    9 Judas fostered this evil propensity until it had (ruled his life). {3SP 82.2}

    10 The conscience ..stops us.. to indulge in selfish propensities. {SD 292.4}

    11 It only increased your money-loving propensity�. {2T 240.1}

    12 Deny your propensity for crowding your mind with everything. {2T 434.1}

    13 Brother B has a propensity for sight-seeing and pleasure-trips. {3T 26.1}

    14 Let no evil propensity, natural or acquired propensity, lead you.{UL 313.5}

    15 The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven {AA 273.2}

    16 It is not pure, holy love which leads the wife to gratify the animal propensities of her husband�(references to excessive sex) {AH 126.2}

    Satan is appealing to the lowest propensities of human nature. But these do not need cultivation, like thistles and briers, selfishness, self-love, envying, jealousy, evil surmising, self-esteem, will grow up luxuriantly if only left to themselves. {1888 419.1}

    Ellen White writes correct Ancient Hebrew thought, the "Strong secure Seeds over the people" are the potentials for vigour or the potential for vanity , depending upon who we awaken those genes and whom is empowering them.

    Here Ellen White writes about the propensities as SEEDS germinating into WEEDS that can grow up poisoning the soul without further help from Satan, yourself or outside influences. Just as the weed grows by itself, certain propensities can develop in the mind, and thus choke out the fruitfulness of the cognitive mind for right doing.

    Thus the author tends to see propensity as a process, the germinating of certain genes in the gene pool that allow the cognitive mind to think along certain lines.

    Now lets test for propensities or "Strong secure seeds" in the New Testament.

    Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers. "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul," is the language of the apostle Peter. Many regard this warning as applicable only to the licentious; but it has a broader meaning. It guards against every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. It is a most forcible warning against the use of such stimulants and narcotics as tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, and morphine. {CD 62.4}

    In her use of Scripture Ellen White opens to us the Bible meaning of �propensities�.Notice the Hebrew Scripture has broad principles for word meanings. The Greek word �sarkikos� is the lusts that war against the soul. Finding the Hebrew word for this is difficult, which we will see later on. This word is often termed �carnal� or �worldly�, now let�s see what happens if we term the word as �propensities�.

    1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from propensities [which] lust, [and] war against the soul;

    Suddenly the KJV comes alive when brought into Ellen White�s use of English meaning for modern times. We are to stay away from propensities which make us lust. Peter tells us to watch for our propensities to desire things that make war against our soul that is alive in GOD. The broad principle include all kinds of propensities, such as drugs, sugar, coffee, porn and rock music.

    Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity� adikia� 2 Timothy 2:19. Why is this weakness? It is because the animal propensities have been strengthened by exercise, until they have gained the ascendancy over the higher powers (441) {CH 440.4} {CG 446.2}

    Here Ellen White alludes to other Hebrew words in Scripture, as shown by the use of the Greek word �adikia�. Let us again replace the word �adikia� with propensity and see what meanings we can deduce from Scripture:-

    Lu 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of propensity .

    Nothing worse than a �pretend Christian� who still love the pet-sinning propensities

    Ro 1:29 Being filled with all propensities, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

    Notice the gene expressions that can be awakened to produce propensities such as wantonness , wickedness, covetousness and envy.

    Ro 9:14 � What shall we say then? Is there propensities with God? God forbid.

    The Bible clearly says that sinful habits arising from awakening genes contrary to God�s plan for our body, did not come from GOD. Our bodies were designed with certain ingredients in mind to keep us healthy and switch off evil propensities. Our "Strong secure Seeds" were designed for vigour.

    Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their propensities, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

    Jesus has dealing with our propensities with kindness and mercy even though He wants us to get rid of them.

    2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of propensities ;

    Notice the religion of Baal is a religion that promotes propensities.

    Does Ellen White agree with Scripture that our "Strong secure seeds" can be passed onto our children ? Can immoral behaviour be inherited?

    When a child reveals the wrong traits which it has inherited from its parents, shall they storm over this reproduction of their own defects? No, no! Let parents keep a careful watch over themselves, guarding against all coarseness and roughness, lest these defects be seen once more in their children. {AH 174.1}

    In their important work parents must ask and receive divine aid. Even if the character, habits, and practices of parents have been cast in an inferior mold, if the lessons given them in childhood and youth have led to an unhappy development of character, they need not despair. 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 Jesus. {AH 206.1}

    Many children have inherited selfishness from their parents, but parents should seek to uproot every fiber of this evil tendency from their natures.{CG 132.4}

    These examples show that the messages of Ellen White are the same as Scripture, propensities can be and are often inherited unto our children.

    Conclusion: The "Strong secure Seeds" comes expressing two different contrasting forms, in a positive way our genetic pool provides us with vigour and health as God wanted it; orin a negative was our genetic pool expresses itself as propensities of vanity that rob us of our health and longevity and this expression is just as Satan wants it. The Bible says that propensities of vanity are inherited and become a source of evil and mischief to the next generation because of the parents sinning.

    (28) : "Ets" : Tree.

    Strong's 6086.

    The Ancient Hebrew reads "The eye travels"

    How fitting the Ancient Hebrew is, the "eye travels" up the limbs of those who are firm and upright in their leadership.

    The Bible says Christians grow as trees.

    Ps 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

    In fact GOD and Humans are symbols of trees.

    Ho 14:5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebano n. 6 His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree , and his smell as Lebanon. 7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. 8 � Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree . From me is thy fruit found.

    Amazing and profound lessons await in looking into the Science of how trees grow ! They are similes of how Christians grow!

    Ps 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree (tamar) :

    Do the messages of Ellen White also confirm Christians are symbols of trees?

    {3BC 1151.3} If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright like the palm tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm tree's roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands. Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. Christians indeed may be fitly represented by the palm tree.

    Let's discuss some applications of trees and how they are similes of Christians.

    (1) Fruit forms best after vernalization

    Fruit is always of higher quality after a period of vernalization. Vernalization is a Science word to describe the plant experiencing a cold or hot period, or some stressed period which stimulates fruit production, or make the quality of the fruit improve. Apples taste sweeter if experiencing cooler nights, watermelons are sweeter if facing hotter days, wheat has a high protein content during a hot stressed finish, and many Australian plants only germinate after a fire. In other words, fruit and tribulation go hand in hand with plant production of good quality fruit.

    But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord's return.{CCh 302.3}

    Soon we heard His lovely voice again, saying: "Come, My people, you have come out of great tribulation, and done My will, suffered for Me, come in to supper; for I will gird Myself and serve you." We shouted, "Alleluia, glory," and entered the city. Here I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. {1T 69.2}

    How fitting the redeemed who are similes of fruit, eat at the wedding table, literal fruits of many kinds.

    The seeds of truth that are being sown by missionary efforts will then spring up and blossom and bear fruit. Souls will receive the truth who will endure tribulation and praise God that they may suffer for Jesus. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."{5T 82.1}

    (2) Fruit forms from seeds sown, of its own kind

    Fruit comes from seeds sown. You can tell your Christian experience by the fruits you produce.

    Mt 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

    Nearly all of them were in darkness, opposed to the work of God. Their sympathy had been withdrawn from the Review Office, and from the church of God generally. Satan had planted the seeds of dissatisfaction, and the fruit was ripening. {LS88 329.2}

    As a fresh water spring does not make salty water, neither does a believer in Jesus also produce weeds along with high quality grapes.

    We must learn when to speak and when to keep silent, learn to sow the seeds of faith, to impart light, not darkness. {6T 69.3}

    Sowing seeds of faith, is a simile of the power of Jesus as the WORD found in Scripture, ready to germinate a fruit of promise if you should claim this as your own for the garden of your soul. See studies on how to prayerfully sow such seeds of promise.

    (3) Plants grow roots and shoots

    Plant Christians grow roots looking for Jesus in the dark near the fallen rock they humbly seek the blood plasma mixed with the Holy Spirit water of life. Plant Christians also grow shoots which seek the Son-Yahweh rays of light in order to experience and endure the presence of the Father without fainting and wilting. The transpiration of the Holy Spirit keeps them cool so they can endure a meeting with GOD each day, but the quality of this experience is directly proportional to the time spent in the dark with roots in prayer and Bible uptake, before the day begins with GOD.

    Many professed Christians are well represented by the vine that is trailing upon the ground and entwining its tendrils about the roots and rubbish that lie in its path. {FLB 221.2}

    O that the young might realize that they may be as precious plants in the Lord's garden . . . . Let the delicate tendrils of the affections twine about Jesus, to receive nourishment from Him; and instead of creeping upon the earth, turn the face toward the Sun of Righteousness, that you may catch divine rays of light.{FLB 221.3}

    The roots of faith strike deep down. Genuine Christians, like the cedar of Lebanon, do not grow in the soft surface soil, but are rooted in God, riveted in the clefts of the mountain rocks. {OFC 112.4}

    If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright like the palm tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm tree's roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands. Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. Christians indeed may be fitly represented by the palm tree.{3BC 1151.4}

    Faith, like the rootlets of the palm tree, penetrates beneath the things which are seen, drawing spiritual nourishment from the Fountain of life (ST July 8, 1886). {3BC 1151.4}

    What a goodly cedar might not every follower of Christ become, if he were but rooted and grounded in the truth, firmly united to the Eternal Rock (RH June 20, 1882). {3BC 1151.5}

    (4) Plants do not grow in sour soils

    Of all the soils that are the worst, the bitter sour soil is impossible to heal. Such soils are best left alone for years of healing, for they are impossible to cure except with time and the addition of lime which soothes the watery condition in the soil. But even than bitter soils do not respond.

    When Christians accuse and condemn their brethren, they show themselves to be in the service of the accuser of the brethren. When they talk of the faults and failings of others, they plant roots of bitterness, whereby many will be defiled. {15MR 155.3}

    Selfish, complaining, sour Christians bar the way so that sinners do not care to approach Christ. --RH, Sept 1, 1885. (HC 229.) {2MCP 433.1}

    Sour Christians are often the cause for an unhealthy Church experience.

    Pleasant, kind, and well-bred Christians will have an influence for God and His truth; it cannot be otherwise. The light borrowed from Heaven will shed its brightening rays through them to the pathway of others. . . . The words we speak, our daily deportment, are the fruit growing upon the tree. If the fruit is sour and unpalatable, the rootlets of that tree are not drawing nourishment from a pure source.{OHC 238.4}

    The roots of the sour Christian plant are not drawing from the sweet waters of life, but from some other kind of water. Your Plant Hydration (pH) is wrong.

    (5) Sow the SEED of GOD (with its own life germinating principle)

    Each SEED comes with it's own life germinating principle, and does not rely on your own power, but the seed is a gift promising power from GOD. The Holy Spirit waters the SEED and soon shoots reach up for more power received from Jesus who rays His light into the soul of the garden home.

    When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the soul is "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." This new birth is the result of receiving Christ as the Word of God. When by the Holy Spirit divine truths are impressed upon the heart, new conceptions are awakened, and the energies hitherto dormant are aroused to co-operate with God. {AA 520.1}

    We should ask the blessing of God on the seed sown, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will take hold of even the little ones. {CG 502.1}

    Sowing Jesus SEEDS is fun and exciting that even a child can experiment with GOD's promises.

    The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation.{COL 77.1}

    As Jesus spoke this parable, the mustard plant could be seen far and near, lifting itself above the grass and grain, and waving its branches lightly in the air. Birds flitted from twig to twig, and sang amid the leafy foliage. Yet the seed from which sprang this giant plant was among the least of all seeds. At first it sent up a tender shoot, but it was of strong vitality, and grew and flourished until it reached its prese nt great size. So the kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant. {COL 77.2}

    How humble and small an idea for Christ begins. As the tree gets bigger so does its thirst for more water of the Holy Spirit and for more food of Jesus, and for more meetings with the Father in the basking sun.

    Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated. {COL 78.1}

    And in this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. {COL 79.2}

    (6) The Holy Spirit empowers growth

    The Holy Spirit waters the seed and specializes in growing in the dark recesses of your soul, a comforter of your darkness and bring you into the marvellous light of Jesus, once the shoot emerge. Once the seedling begins grasping the Son-Yahweh's rays during photosynthesis, the quickening powers of the Holy Spirit capture the Lord GOD and make your experience with GOD into something sweet and food for your character, unto eternal life. Indeed during the process of miracles it is the transpiration of the Holy Spirit that ensures you succeed with your other Comforter among your heavenly Father. For we have TWO Comforters, one lives in you in the dark places of your soul, and the other awaits for you to come into His presence in His marvellous light.

    The Holy Spirit will water the seed sown, and often it will spring up after many days, and bear fruit to the glory of God. {CE 39.1}

    The out-pouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 54, 55. {ChS 250.4}

    Ever since the fall of Adam Christ had been committing the seed of the word to His chosen servants, to be sown in human hearts. And an unseen agency, even an omnipotent power, had worked silently but effectually to produce the harvest. The dew and rain and sunshine of God's grace had been given, to refresh and nourish the seed of truth. Christ was about to water the seed with His own blood. {DA 192.1}

    Christ was the revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed--the Word of God-- was sown in the hearts of men. {FLB 19.3}

    In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit . . . . {FLB 334.2}

    As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ. {LDE 183.2}

    (7) The Sower (Jesus) sows HIS SEED in others..

    Finally we look at a parable in which it speak of Jesus, the SOWER sowing HIS SEED in others and their various reactions to His effort.We too are sowers of HIS SEED in others.

    But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience. "The sower sowed his seed." Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching.{COL 43.1}

    That with which the parable of the sower chiefly deals is the effect produced on the growth of the seed by the soil into which it is cast. By this parable Christ was virtually saying to His hearers, It is not safe for you to stand as critics of My work, or to indulge disappointment because it does not meet your ideas. The question of greatest importance to you is, How do you treat My message? Upon your reception or rejection of it your eternal destiny depends. {COL 43.2}

    "He that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." {COL 46.2}

    The seed sown upon stony ground finds little depth of soil. The plant springs up quickly, but the root cannot penetrate the rock to find nutriment to sustain its growth, and it soon perishes. Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfishness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of its guilt.{COL 46.3}

    The roots of the plant strike down deep into the soil, and hidden from sight nourish the life of the plant. So with the Christian; it is by the invisible union of the soul with Christ, through faith, that the spiritual life is nourished.{COL 47.1}

    The hot summer sun, that strengthens and ripens the hardy grain, destroys that which has no depth of root. So he who "hath not root in himself," "dureth for a while"; but "when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." {COL 47.2}

    There are very many who claim to serve God, but who have no experimental knowledge of Him. {COL 48.1}

    Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character.{COL 49.1}

    The gospel seed often falls among thorns and noxious weeds; and if there is not a moral transformation in the human heart, if old habits and practices and the former life of sin are not left behind, if the attributes of Satan are not expelled from the soul, the wheat crop will be choked. The thorns will come to be the crop, and will kill out the wheat. {COL 50.3}

    "The cares of this world." No class is free from the temptation to worldly care. To the poor, toil and deprivation and the fear of want bring perplexities and burdens. To the rich come fear of loss and a multitude of anxious cares. But many become so absorbed in business that they have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God. {COL 51.2}

    Conclusion: The messages of Ellen White really do magnify the messages of the Bible. The similes of trees is a powerful way to recognize salvation in biological systems, and make simile applications to those systems. Thus we gain better picture of our own salvation and the mysteries of GOD working inside of us. Shalom

    Ellen White theme

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