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| Q2: SOP and the Scriptures understanding of sin General Introduction: Most people see sin defined as transgression of the law.. 1Jo 3:4 � Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. This verse in the NT is poorly translated. It should read:- 1Jo 3:4 � Whosoever doeth sin-offering is doing "against torah": for sin-offering is "against torah". The Greek word "a" in "anomia" means to negate, and has the Greek word "nomos" in it, the Hebrew word for "torah" or "Scripture teachings".Thus the Greek word "anomia" means "against torah". The word "poieo" means to do, not "transgress", there is a stronger Hebrew word for "transgress".The real problem is the Greek word "hamartia" which ignores the two Hebrew words for "sin". These words are "missing" and "sin-offering". Most of us do not read Hebrew, so don't just care what the translations say. Fair enough. So let's see if SOP has a gentle way around these problems so readers do not have to bother about translation issues and reading Hebrew. Hypothesis: Does SOP see sinning as only transgression of the law, or is there another aspect to sinning? Scripture Introduction: Scripture defines sin as "missing". Jg 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.(KJV) However this word never applies to humans living before the Great Flood. Ge 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The Hebrew word "ra" is poorly translated as "evil". This cannot be correct, because this makes GOD "intimately know" evil. Ge 3:5 For Elohiym doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as "elohiym", knowing "function" and "dysfunction". The word "good" and "evil" is OK as a possible choice, for these words have to contrast each other. But they carry moral intent, whereas in the Creation of our earth, Elohiym made things well, very well.Thus the contrast of "function" and "dysfunction" is a better choice of English words, because it suggests things designed well or not so well, and also suggests when one chooses to do dysfunction, things become less and less functional, and more and more missing of GOD's power. Notice these verses: Ge 3:22 � And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Ge 3:22 � And YHWH Elohiym said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know "function" and "dysfunction": and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: One cannot makes things not so well and eat the tree of life, this is a direct contradiction. Ge 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Ge 6:5 And Elohiym saw that the "dysfunction" of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only "dysfunctional" continually. God's creation was experiencing an evolutionary running downhill, things were becoming more and more dysfunctional.(Evolution never runs uphill and becomes more functional, that is a scientific myth to hood wink people) If you look through Scripture, there is no code defining wicked behaviour, except this word "ra", which is opposite the tree of life. Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin-offering is death; The sin-offering is for a believer, not a wicked person who cares not for GOD. The ten commandments were also given to believers after being saved....the purpose is to remind believers they need a Saviour continually. This means for the wicked person a running away from GOD, becoming more dysfunctional in one's life. And for the believer... This means the saved person is walking towards GOD, becoming more and more functional in their living. Do you see a slight Scripture difference in what sin is about? It is about a relationship to GOD.This is what "missing" or "sinning" means. However, there are TWO phases of this missing. When a wicked person first sees their dysfunctional life before GOD, they see their sins,as missing the power of GOD, and they are sorrowful for transgressing the moral law, which defines the way we should conduct ourselves functionally.Thus for a babe sin is defined as transgression of the moral law. But when a babe grows up into Jesus, more and more, the moral law broadens into attitudes of love, and our Saviour becomes more and more over our lives,we see ourselves as a chief of missing, we cling more and more to Jesus as a person, not thinking about the moral law and it negative demands on our conduct,we look more towards love and its positive attitudes about how we should be living and loving. Thus the relationship grows. Does SOP see this TWO stage aspect of "sinning"...as a babe it is transgression of the law, but as a mature believer it is about relationship to GOD? Method: See all newer passages of SOP are shown to the reader. Conclusion: One can conclude based on the balance of probabilities that the messages through the Ellen White writings show there are two stages to "sinning".To the babe coming to Jesus for the first time, "sinning" is about transgression of the moral law. But as the believer matures in Christ, our salvation is based on relationship. Discussion: Below is listed (157 of 326) each SOP and comments about them: "Sin is transgression of the law," said Christ. (16MR 117.3) If love is relational, and Law defines love, than sin is missing the relationship. So if the relationship is broken, the love broken, we fnd the sinner is still loved but the sinner does not perceive this... and as the wicked person breaks and tramples love and the relationship of love, than how do we define such a wretched condition? By defining love with moral negatives rather than love attitudes, thus sin is trangression of the Ten Comandments, says Christ.Does SOP see sin as a relationship concept, as well as simply breaking the Law? There should not be the faintest misgivings in regard to the perfect freedom from sinfulness in the human nature of Christ. Our faith must be an intelligent faith, looking unto Jesus in perfect confidence, in full and entire faith in the atoning sacrifice. This is essential that the soul may not be enshrouded in darkness. This holy Substitute is able to save to the uttermost, for He presented to the wondering universe perfect and complete humility in His human character, and perfect obedience to all the requirements of God. Divine power is placed upon man, that he may bec ome a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. This is why repenting, believing man can be made the righteousness of God in Him. (16MR 117.1) The purity and holiness of Christ, the spotless righteousness of Him who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth, was heaven's light in contrast with satanic darkness. In Him was a perpetual reproach upon all sin in a world of sensuality and sin. (16MR 117.2) This SOP says sinning is about restoring a relationship with Jesus and GOD. The enmity referred to in the prophecy in Eden was not to be confined merely to Satan and the Prince of life. It was to be universal. Satan and his angels were to feel the enmity of all mankind. "I will put enmity," said God, "between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel." The seed of Satan is wicked men, who resist the Spirit of God, and who call the law, as did their father the devil, a yoke of bondage. "Sin is transgression of the law," said Christ. "He that committeth sin is of the devil." (16MR 117.3) This SOP says sinning is about relationships with either GOD or the DEVIL. The enmity put between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman was supernatural. With Christ the enmity was in one sense natural; in another sense it was supernatural, as humanity and divinity were combined. And never was the enmity developed to such a marked degree as when Christ became a resident of this earth. Never before had there been a being upon the earth who hated sin with so perfect a hatred as did Christ. He had seen its deceiving, infatuating power upon the holy angels, causing them to revolt, and all His powers were enlisted against Satan. In the purity and holiness of His life, Christ flashed the light of truth amid the moral darkness with which Satan had enshrouded the world. Christ exposed his falsehoods and deceiving character, and spoiled his corrupting influence. (16MR 118.1) This SOP says sinning is about relationship. Jesus is our supernatural enmity towards sin. It was this that stirred Satan with such an intense hatred of Christ. With his hosts of fallen beings he determined to urge the warfare most vigorously; for there stood One in the world who was a perfect representation of the Father, and in His character and practices was a refutation of Satan's misrepresentations of the character of God. (16MR 118.2) This SOP says sinning is about relationships and character . The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity. "Whosoever committeth sin," he writes, "transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him." (AA 555.1) This SOP quotes "sin is transgression of the law", immediately following this is another statement, Jesus takes away our sins, which is exactly what the previous verse is about...then goes on to say we should not sin, because those who do sin, have NOT known Jesus.Thus SOP corrects poorly translated verses with better translated vers es, and says "sinning" is about relationships to Jesus. The SOP verses above says : whoever does sin-offering is against torah, Jesus takes away our sin-offerings, in Jesus is no sin-offering, He who does "missing" (sinning) has not seen Jesus, nor is intimate in relationship to Him. They let Satan devise and plan for them. He makes them apostates, disloyal to God, rebels against His precepts and laws. This brings severe, taxing labor upon the true Christian. He must convince the transgressor that he is a sinner, because �sin is the transgression of the law.� (CTr 247.2) This SOP says sinning is about relationship. Satan convinces us we break the law, and the law only, thus we are nothing, we fail and fail again. If we see sinning like this...But sinning is about missing the hand of Jesus and reaching out to Him...Seek the relationship and sinning goes away... "All our righteousness are as filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God "was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin." Sin is defined to be "the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:5, 4. But Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. He said of Himself, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:8. When on earth, He said to His disciples, "I have kept My Father's commandments." John 15:10. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God's commandments. This SOP says Jesus was obedient to His Father's ten commandments, thus a sinless life is defined as perfect obedience to the moral law. Every needless transgression of the laws of our being is virtually a transgression of the law of God, and is sin in the sight of Heaven. The Creator knew how to form the human body. He did not need to consult the mantua-makers in regard to their ideas of beauty. God, who created everything that is lovely and glorious in nature, understood how to make the human form beautiful and healthy. The modern improvements upon his plan are insulting to the Creator. They deform that which he made perfect. (CTBH 87.2) This says every natural law about humans such as eating and sleeping and rest laws, such manmade changes are insults to our Creator, because these added chemcials spoil the relationship of power from Christ to us, these chemcials cause missing in our relationship.For example eating man-made sugar cane sugar spoils our relationship strength to Christ, so we miss in the relationship connection, and hence is a moral sin. Ministers who exhort sinners to be converted should distinctly define what sin is and what conversion from sin is. Sin is the transgression of the law. The convicted sinner must exercise repentance toward God for the transgression of His law, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Con 75.1) This SOP says sinning is about AND for those with faith, The apostle gives us the true definition of sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law." The largest class of Christ's professed ambassadors are blind guides. They lead the people away from the path of safety by representing the requirements and prohibitions of the ancient law of Jehovah as arbitrary and severe. They give the sinner license to overstep the limits of God's law. In this they are like the grea t adversary of souls, opening before them a life of freedom in violation of God's commandments. With this lawless freedom the basis of moral responsibility is gone. (Con 75.2) Here SOP says, sinning is about breaking the ten moral codes of behaviour. Whenever one renounces sin, which is the transgression of the law, his life will be brought into conformity to the law, into perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. The light of the word carefully studied, the voice of conscience, the strivings of the Spirit, produce in the heart genuine love for Christ, who gave Himself a whole sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. And love is manifested in obedience. The line of demarcation will be plain and distinct between those who love God and keep His commandments, and those who love Him not and disregard His precepts. (CCh 295.5) This SOP says sinning is about relationships, first with the Holy Spirit, then with Christ and finally with the heavenly Father, until the ten attitudes of loving is complete. Teach the youth that sin in any line is defined in the Scriptures as "transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4. . . . Teach them in simple language that they must be obedient to their parents and give their hearts to God. Jesus Christ is waiting to accept and bless them if they will only come to Him and ask Him to pardon all their transgressions and take away their sins. And when they ask Him to pardon all their transgressions they must believe that He does it. (CT 169.1) This SOP says sinning is about simple obedience to parents, hence relationships of trust....this is essential for children, who trust implicitly...however to bring them back to relationships, the negative definitions of love tell children what wandering off the path really means.... The soul must first be convicted of sin before the sinner will feel a desire to come to Christ. "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). "I had not known sin, but by the law" (Romans 7:7). When the commandment came home to Saul's conscience, sin revived, and he died. He saw himself condemned by the law of God. The sinner cannot be convinced of his guilt unless he understands what constitutes sin. It is impossible for an individual to experience Bible sanctification while he holds that if he believes in Christ it is immaterial whether he obeys God's law or disobeys it. (FW 31.2) Notice how gently SOP writes this poorly defined Scripture by translation.... "Sin-offering is of the torah-teachings" (1 John 3:4). "I had not known sin-offering but by the torah-teachings" (Romans 7:7). When sinners sin, they had to package this guilt unto a sin-offering in Old Testament times, believing the Sin-Bearer for their sin-offering would remove their guilt and empower them not to sin again. Thus a sin-offering is about the torah teachings of Jesus, our Sin Bearer an atonment for our sins. But this system of restoring relationships is useless unless the sinner realizes the enourmous big deal sinning is for the Sin Bearer...hence the sinner must understand what the sin-offering really means...you have sinned against the ten arrangements of words defining your moral behaviour, you have been found missing in the sight of GOD, you are guilty of trangression of His laws about love.A sinner coming to Jesus in the New Testament will see only the Lamb of GOD that takes away the sin-offering of the world sees Jesus grace as cheap grace, because He sins and sins again, but confesses His guilt again and again thinking Jesus will always forgive....Such a sinner has failed to realize w hat the sin-offering Person does for you...the Old Testament shows how awful sinning is and what a atonment Jesus makes for you, one needs to start with sin as defined by transgression of the law, first, then move in a relationship understanding second. Those who profess to keep the law of God and yet at heart are indulging in sin are condemned by the True Witness. They claim to be rich in a knowledge of the truth; but they are not in harmony with its sacred principles. The truth does not sanctify their lives. God's Word declares that the professed commandment-keeper whose life contradicts his faith is blind, wretched, poor, and naked. (FW 31.3) If we continue wilfully sinning, there is no sin-offering sacrifice left...Hebrews 10:26 . If you have a knowledge of truth, without relationship to Jesus, it does nothing for you. Nor is confessing your pet sinning over and over any good, without a relationship that causes true conviction. God's law is the mirror presenting a complete reflection of the man as he is, and holding up before him the correct likeness. Some will turn away and forget this picture, while others will employ abusive epithets against the law, as though this would cure their defects of character. Still others who are condemned by the law will repent of their transgressions and, through faith in Christ's merits, will perfect Christian character. (FW 31.4) The Father's mirror defining relationships to Him first begin showing the man as he really is, by defining the behaviours he does wrong. Once the man connects in relationship to GOD, the mirror changes the reflection showing the man how ever increasingly deep is our need for a Saviour, we feel the chief of sinners when we look into the ten attitudes of love. A terrible doom awaits the sinner, and therefore it is necessary that we know what sin is, in order that we may escape from its power. John says, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). Here we have the true definition of sin; it is "the transgression of the law." How often the sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come to Jesus; but has the messenger who would lead him to Christ clearly pointed out the way? Has he clearly pointed out the fact that "sin is the transgression of the law," and that he must repent and forsake the breaking of God's commandments? . . . (FW 117.2) Notice the two stages of dealing with the sin-offering, first define the sin, second show the relationship....BOTH stages must be done correctly according to SOP... When such men form a part of the congregation, the speaker generally strains every power to preach an intellectual discourse; he chooses a subject that will have in it as little of the simplicity of true Bible religion and heart service to God as possible. He does not preach Christ. He does not show that sin is the transgression of the law. He seldom makes plain the plan of salvation. He seldom tells what one must do to be saved. That which would have touched the hearts of the hearers would have been to show them Christ upon the cross of Calvary to bring redemption within their reach. They need to be taught as children how to make Jesus their friend, how to bring him into their life-work. (GW92 262.2) Notice the two stages of dealing with the sin-offering, first define the sin, second show the relationsh ip.... Every ray of light rejected, every warning despised or unheeded, every passion indulged, every transgression of the law of God, is a seed sown, which yields its unfailing harvest. The Spirit of God, persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn from the sinner, and then there is left no power to control the evil passions of the soul, and no protection from the malice and enmity of Satan. (GC88 36.2) Notice the two stages of how the sinner becomes wicked, first is the persistent pushing away having a relationship with GOD, until finally , secondly; the sin seeds its harvest of transgression, and finally, Satan begins the relationship with the wicked person. The first step in reconciliation to God, is the conviction of sin. �Sin is the transgression of the law.� �By the law is the knowledge of sin.� [1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20.] In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character, and enables him to discern the defects in his own. (GC88 467.2) Notice how SOP defines the first step in understanding the sin-offering process, is to understand our part in our sinning...the sinner has sinned, and needs to fully understand this sinning.... Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God's requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. �Sin is the transgression of the law.� And �whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him.� [1 John 3:6.] Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. �He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.� [1 John 2:4, 5.] Here is the test of every man's profession. (GC88 472.3) The purpose of the sinner presenting a sin-offering to Jesus, is not only for pardon, but for power...then the relationship of walking with Christ without sinning begins....but one who is found missing over and over again, over the same pet sins has not understood the power found in Jesus. Overcoming our propensity to do a pet sin, is difficult for us in our human power, but Jesus divine power is what we need, next time the temptation comes say in your mind, Lord you can remove this sinful temptation coming upon me, I am asking you to do your power in me...I believe you can because I have asked...thank you.... It is impossible to so explain the origin of sin as to give a reason for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the origin and the final disposition of sin, to fully make manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all his dealings with evil. Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was in nowise responsible for the entrance of sin; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be s hown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is �the transgression of the law;� it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government. (GC88 492.2) Notice how SOP defines sin, as a mystery, but is really Lucifer found missing a relationship connection with GOD. Love requires one to remain in a relationship. Such relationships have attitudes which know no rules, so sin is the outworking principle of a war against the great principles of love. Lucifer proposed one could develop love on one's own without rules or moral boundaries. Thus "self love" is really a new definition of humanism for humans or Satanism for Lucifer. Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator's will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,�one in nature, in character, and in purpose,�the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ, the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. �By him were all things created, that are in Heaven, . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers;� [Colossians 1:16.] and to Christ, equally with the Father, all Heaven gave allegiance. (GC88 493.1) The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all his creatures the service of love,� homage that springs from an intelligent appreciation of his character. He takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all he grants freedom of will, that they may render him voluntary service. (GC88 493.2) Love is a relational communication with GOD. What is to bring the sinner to the knowledge of his sins unless he knows what sin is? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in 1 John 3:4. "Sin is the transgression of the law." The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor. Christ dying upon the cross of Calvary is drawing his attention. Why did Christ die? Because it was the only means for man to be saved. . . . He took upon Himself our sins that He might impute His righteousness to all who believe in Him. . . . The goodness and the love of God lead the sinner to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The awakened sinner . . . is pointed to the law he has transgressed. It calls to him to repent, yet there is no saving quality in law to pardon the transgression of law, and his case seems hopeless. But the law draws him to Christ. However deep are his sins of transgression, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse him from all sin. . . . (OHC 141.3) Notice the two steps, first the sinner must know what sinning is and how sinful his own sinning is. Second, the sinner must come to Jesus in a relationship of power by faith, to overcome all sinning. Imperfection of character is sin, and sin is the transgression of the law. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness. (RC 35.2) The sin-offering process is about offering our fallen flesh with all its guilt and sinnin g....the character developed from our fallen flesh must die, the old sinning character, and being raised in Christ, we have our old fallen flesh back in our bodies now dead, we develop a new character through Christ, in our fallen flesh, now subdued by Christ. This is the science of transplanting a new holy character into our fallen flesh. And it is achieved only as long as we are willing to let GOD control our minds. The sinner, upon being exhorted to forsake his sins, has a right to ask, What is sin? Those who respect the law of God can answer, Sin is the transgression of the law. In confirmation of this the apostle Paul says, I had not known sin but by the law. (1SM 229.1) Those only who acknowledge the binding claim of the moral law can explain the nature of the atonement. Christ came to mediate between God and man, to make man one with God by bringing him into allegiance to His law. There was no power in the law to pardon its transgressor. Jesus alone could pay the sinner's debt. But the fact that Jesus has paid the indebtedness of the repentant sinner does not give him license to continue in transgression of the law of God; but he must henceforth live in obedience to that law. (1SM 229.2) Well said by SOP, desipte the Scripture translation saying, I had not known sin-offering but by the torah -teachings. The law of God existed before the creation of man or else Adam could not have sinned. After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were not changed, but were definitely arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition. Christ, in counsel with His Father, instituted the system of sacrificial offerings; that death, instead of being immediately visited upon the transgressor, should be transferred to a victim which should prefigure the great and perfect offering of the Son of God. (1SM 230.1) SOP suggests moral law has always existed because it defines love should one sin, but ceremonial law came only from Jesus after man sinned, so they would not die immediately, even though they did experience chaos and entropy and a dying death that very day. The sins of the people were transferred in figure to the officiating priest, who was a mediator for the people. The priest could not himself become an offering for sin, and make an atonement with his life, for he was also a sinner. Therefore, instead of suffering death himself, he killed a lamb without blemish; the penalty of sin was transferred to the innocent beast, which thus became his immediate substitute, and typified the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would atone for the sins of the world. (1SM 230.2) The solution for sinning is a sin-offering, the penalty for sinning is immediately transferred unto the innocent victim. Jesus became our Sin-offering immediately when Adam sinned, first as a type through animal sacrifice, and later in actual person of His blood, salvation for sinners has always been through relationship to Jesus. But it was necessary to show the sinner how awful sinning really is. If Adam had not transgressed the law of God, the ceremonial law would never have been instituted. (1SM 230.3) Correct, love would have remained as ten complete broad attitudes. Cain was an unbeliever in regard to the necessity of sacrifices; he refused to discern that Christ was typified by the slain lamb; the blood of beasts appeared to him without virtue. The gospel was preached to Cain as well as to his brother; but it was to him a savor of death unto death, because he would not recognize, in the blood of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ the only provi sion made for man's salvation. (1SM 231.1) Cain's sinning solution was to make the sin-offering by himself, without relationship to GOD. Such is an impossibility because all have been found missing relationship with GOD, such an act defies GOD and your need of a relationship with GOD, there is no love in your soul, only human powered "self-love" which is not true love at all. No one can live alone, so Satan forced his way into Cain's mind, as a consequence of missing the relationship to GOD, and His sin-offering Cain offered meant nothing to GOD. (Christ) kept the moral law, and exalted it by answering its claims as man's representative. (1SM 231.2) Jesus kept both His Father's laws and His own ceremonial Laws, the first guarenteees His own salvation because Jesus remained without missing on His relationship with His Father, and the second becomes a system of salvation for those found missing in the relationship to GOD. When we accept the cermemonial system for sinning, through Jesus, He empowers us to live in Him as He did, living a full life of loving His Father's ten attitudes of love. The Jews acknowledged their faith in a Messiah to come in the offering of sacrifices which typified Christ. Yet when Jesus appeared, fulfilling all the prophecies regarding the promised Messiah, and doing works that marked Him as the divine Son of God, they rejected Him, and refused to accept the plainest evidence of His true character. The Christian church, on the other hand, who profess the utmost faith in Christ, in despising the Jewish system virtually deny Christ, who was the originator of the entire Jewish economy. (1SM 232.3) The ceremonial laws of Jesus, is the Churches only means of salvation....were these laws abolished at Jesus' death, or typified by His coming as a human sin-offering for sinning ? Do we need only Jesus now, that the schoolmaster has brought us to Christ? The purpose of ceremonial laws is to teach us the awful cost of sin-offering, and the infinite cost missing brings to Jesus and the sinner...do we catch the spiritual significance of all this ? Especially if we do away with all the feasts unto Jesus...The disciples who were Christian Hebrews, kept all the feasts of Jesus, as the book of Acts show. Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The death of Abel was in consequence of Cain's refusing to accept God's plan in the school of obedience to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain refused the shedding of blood which symbolized the blood of Christ to be shed for the world. This whole ceremony was prepared by God, and Christ became the foundation of the whole system. This is the beginning of its work as the schoolmaster to bring sinful human agents to a consideration of Christ the Foundation of the whole Jewish economy. (1SM 233.2) A pupil who comes to the teacher has also a tutor as a backup and personal guide to keep bringing the pupil back to the teacher. The tutor's job is not over once the pupil meets the teacher. Thus the ceremonial laws should always remnd us of the awful consequences of our sinning inflicted upon our lovely sinless Saviour. We need to feel eternal gratitude. That would be like saying once baptism brings the sinner to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, who is a tutor for Jesus, is no longer required for helping us be convicted of further sinning. We catch all their is of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit is done? Is that what we think of ceremonial laws? Do these laws have no role to play in our daily life with Jesus and our victory overcoming sinning? The sacrificial offering was to be an object lesson of the love of God revealed in Christ--in the suffering, dying victim, who took upon Himself the sin of which man was guilty, the innocent being made sin for us. (1SM 233.3) An object lesson, requires then daily study and application of its spiritual principles to the sinner. We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death. (1SM 235.2) SOP defines sinning as missing in relationship. Why it is not mentioned like this all the time in other places, is because as sinners we also need to define our sins properly, and as we mature the moral law also matures and deepens until we see ourselves as missing daily before GOD even in our attitudes....things that the moral law does not directly define.... Why did He die? In consequence of sin. What is sin? The transgression of the law. Then the eyes are open to see the character of sin. The law is broken but cannot pardon the transgressor. It is our schoolmaster, condemning to punishment. Where is the remedy? The law drives us to Christ, who was hanged upon the cross that He might be able to impart His righteousness to fallen, sinful man and thus present men to His Father in His righteous character. (1SM 341.2) We need daily to study the ceremonial laws and ceremonial feasts so we can appreciate the character of the schoolmaster teachings, that bring us to Christ...today, too few of us see how awful missing Jesus as a sin-offering really is..we do not know the awfulness of sinning...was to our Saviour, who loves us... The passover of Jesus contrasts the same Jesus who was a Destroyer of those found sinning, is renewed as the Lord's Feast, and points to the wedding feast in heaven, for those who choose to be saved by Jesus blood, we look forward to Jesus at the wedding table in heaven. The feast of unleaven bread should be practiced once a week, to remind us during this fast, how easily appetite spoils our relationship with Jesus, who knew no sin. This feast teaches us to do with less, that less is more, less of the foods of this world, and more of the foods of Jesus. The feast of atonement reminds us of Jesus standing before His Father, while they judge the earth every day, even now.... Ever since 1844, this judgement is ongoing, and soon in the future the judgement will end with Jesus standing up saying it is finished, all cases are closed forever. We need to practice this ceremony every week, for it teaches us deeply to cost of our daily missing and our need for overcoming all sinning before GOD. The feast of tabernacles is a future practice of living during Jacbo's trouble, yet future, in the mountains, without mod cons, relying only on Jesus. We need to practice this so we are ready to give up all materialism for Jesus once we have to flee...We teach ourselves we are pilgrims on a journey to heaven with Jesus....practice liviing in a tent in the bush eating wild herbs and praying to Jesus....live a simple life of devotiion.... Do we see the function these feasts play today ? Object lessons they are, but practicing them we also need to do....they point to future events coming upon all of us.... Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them aw ay from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. . . . Thus he deceived angels. Thus he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word of God, and to distrust His goodness. . . . Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world. (TMK 15.3) SOP defines sin as missing in relationship.....a relationship that dies, and is alone....self seeking....is this love ? NO....it is not....selfishness is not love, neither is self seeking. Sin appeared in a perfect universe. . . . The reason of its inception or development was never explained and never can be, even at the last great day when the judgment shall sit and the books be opened. . . . At that day it will be evident to all that there is not, and never was, any cause for sin. At the final condemnation of Satan and his angels and of all men who have finally identified themselves with him as transgressors of God's law, every mouth will be stopped. When the hosts of rebellion, from the first great rebel to the last transgressor, are asked why they have broken the law of God, they will be speechless. There will be no answer to give. (TMK 15.4) Speechless ? Because the Sin-offering Bearer will show the cost of sin on Himself, the provision of power to overcome your own sin, and the mustard seed of faith to claim God's power over your missing...all many choose to ignore and neglect....they are speechless... The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of God's mind, God's will. God requires from His creatures conformity to His will. Imperfection of character is sin, and sin is the transgression of the law. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Every one who receives Christ as his personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness. . . . (TMK 131.2) Sin is defined as missing divine attributes of character, in a word "missing relationship" to GOD The glory of God is His character. . . . This character was revealed in the life of Christ. That He might by His own example condemn sin in the flesh, He took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh. Constantly He beheld the character of God; constantly He revealed this character to the world. Christ desires His followers to reveal in their lives this same character. (TMK 131.3) Ro 8:3 For what the torah -teachings could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sin-offering flesh, and for sin-offering, condemned sin-offering in the flesh: The phrase "likeness of sin-offering flesh" is a Hebrew idiom, and SOP quotes this term often without explaining it. Jesus was to take the "sin-offering" of the world upon Himself, and thus becomes the "Lamb of GOD that takes away the sin-offering of the world". God's law is a copy of His mind and will. The sins forbidden there could never find a place in Heaven. It was love that prompted God to express His will in the ten precepts of the decalogue. Afterward He showed His love for man by sending prophets and teachers to explain and illustrate His holy law. (BEcho, April 16, 1894 par. 12) God's ten attitudes of love also define His will for man, to be loving children...notice love is a relationship concept. Not a bunch of rules. Unless the truth is presented in its purity and enthroned in the heart, the hearer of the truth will not experience a thorough transition from darkness to li ght, from sin, which is the transgression of the law, to obedience and conformity to the character of God, which is expressed in His law of righteousness. (BEcho, May 28, 1894 par. 2) Notice sinning is a process from darkness to sin, from transgression of negative aspects of moral law, to a fully expression of love, as also shown in the ten attitudes of love in the positive aspects of moral law. This process is functional only through RELATIONSHIP. Sin is the transgression of the law. Will you transgress the commandments of God? Will you trample them under foot, and publish, as Satan has done, that God has no law? He has a law to govern the heavenly intelligences; and He has a law to govern this kingdom upon the earth which Christ came to wrest from the hands of the usurper. (BEcho, November 12, 1894 par. 5) Sin is transgression of the law...is only one aspect of this theme....an important one... What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of his people? It is a mark which angels, not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord's adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God's commands. (GH, June 11, 1902 par. 4) Sin is transgression of the law...is only only aspect of this theme....the second aspect is the relationship of the sinner to GOD...technically speaking when one says sin is transgression of the law....we are speaking of relationship anyway....whose LAW is this ? GOD...what is transgression ? trampling over a Relationship to Strong Authority. It is a relationship gone wrong. None can glorify God in their body, as he requires, while they are living in transgression of the law of God. If the body violates the seventh commandment, it is through the dictation of the mind. If the mind is impure the body will naturally engage in impure acts. (RH, March 8, 1870 par. 10) If we live missing, we cannot glorify GOD, who still chooses to keep us living for a while. Notice sinning is a violation first in the mind, we choose to become sinners. The world's Redeemer declares, "I have kept my Father's commandments." "I counsel thee," saith the True Witness, "to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." Christ's righteousness will not cover the unrighteousness of any one. "All unrighteousness is sin," and "sin is the transgression of the law," therefore, those who are breaking the law of God and teaching others to break it, will not be covered with the garments of Christ's righteousness. He came not to save men in their sins; but from their sins. (RH, July 24, 1888 par. 12) If we live missing, we cannot glorify GOD, who still chooses to keep us living for a while. Instead GOD wants us to choose Him daily in relationship, so we no longer are missing....but found living in Him and His power minute by minute. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Here is a most solemn statement, and one which should often be presented to souls, to show them the danger of entering into sin after they have received a knowledge of the truth of God. We would warn men and women off this ground. All would do well to remember, when tempted to leave the st raight path of right, that those who, having received a knowledge of the truth, apostatize, "sin willfully," transgress the law of God ("for sin is the transgression of the law"),--for such there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sin. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." (RH, July 31, 1888 par. 6) No sacrifice for sin-offering remains if you continue wilful sinning, wilful missing...either you walk with GOD, or you walk away from HIM, the walk on the path is your choice minute by minute... The love of God now reaches out to embrace the lowest, vilest sinner that will come to Christ with contrition. It reaches out to transform the sinner into an obedient, faithful child of God; but not a soul can be saved if he continues in sin. Sin is the transgression of the law, and the Arm that is now mighty to save will be strong to punish when the transgressor passes the bounds that limit divine forbearance. (RH, June 17, 1890 par. 5) If sinning is missing, Jesus cannot save if you continue missing, if you walk away from Him, He cannot walk with you...this is a contradiction in terms....either you walk towards Jesus or walk away from Jesus....if you have Jesus, you also have His power, and missing flees....overcome your sinning by spending time thinking about Jesus..... Remember this next time your missing or sinning a pet sin....you cannot spend time thinking about Jesus at exactly the time time thinking about sinning...you cannot think both at the same time, one thought must overpower the other....either you think about Jesus during this time, or you think about missing during this time and allowing the pleasure of sin to flood your mind....Once you realize this, you have always a choice with your fallen flesh....to choice to think about Jesus during this time, or not to think about Jesus during this time....it is a war about the will of choice... This does not mean we have to be stronger willed people...., no....just with child like faith ask GOD to come in, and Satan to go out, and your propensities of fallen flesh to remain silenced by Jesus presence. Claim a specfic seed promise for your temptation and your mind.... control your thinking... spend time singing a song to Jesus, so He continues in your thinking.... No soul can be saved if he continues in sin-offering because there comes a time when no sin-offering is left. On the next webpage, we look at how does SOP view the two Rocks in Scripture, that followed Israel (1 Corinthians 10:4) ? |
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