"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people . . . This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angels message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure." Testimonies to Ministers, pages 91-92.

"Shall we meet the mind of the Spirit of God? Shall we dwell more upon practical godliness, and far less upon mechanical arrangements?" E.G.W., March 1, 1887. Testimonies, volume 5, pages 538 -539.

"A mere profession of Christ is not enough to prepare one to stand the test of the Judgment." E.G.W., Review, January 25, 1887.

"A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it . . . There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less. Iniquity abounds, and the people must be taught not to be satisfied with a form of godliness without the spirit and power . . .

"We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world. . .

"There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon Gods people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from the assemblies of His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, not by [human] might, nor by [human] power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. " E.G.W., March 22, 1887. Selected Messages, volume 1, pages 121-122.

"There is a wide difference between a pretended union and a real connection with Christ by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but this does not prove that they have a vital connection with the living Vine. When this intimacy of connection is formed, our sins are laid upon Christ, His Righteousness is imputed to us. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him . . .

"The power of evil is so identified with human nature that no man can overcome except by union with Christ. Through this union we receive moral and spiritual power. If we have the Spirit of Christ, we shall bring forth the fruit of righteousness . . .

"Messages bearing the divine credentials have been sent to Gods people; the glory, the majesty, the righteousness of Christ, full of goodness and truth, have been presented; the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus Christ has been set forth among us with beauty and loveliness, to charm all whose hearts are not closed with prejudice. We know that God has wrought among us. We have seen souls turned from sin to righteousness; we have seen faith revived in the hearts of the contrite Ones." E.G.W., Review, May 27, 1890.

"A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness, sin in all its forms, must be overcome, if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols." Review, December 13, 1887.

"Without the presence of Jesus in the heart, religious service is only dead, cold formalism. The longing desire for communion with God soon ceases when the Spirit of God is grieved from us; but when Christ is in us the hope of glory, we are constantly directed to think and act in reference to the glory of God." Review, April 17, 1888.

"We should contemplate the infinite sacrifice of Calvary, and behold the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the righteousness of the law. You will come from a concentrated study of the theme of redemption strengthened and ennobled. Your comprehension of the character of God will be deepened; and with the whole plan of salvation clearly defined in your mind, you will be better able to fulfill your divine commission. From a sense of thorough conviction, you can then testify to men of the immutable character of the law manifested by the death of Christ on the cross, the malignant nature of sin, and the righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus on condition of his future obedience to the statutes of Gods government in heaven and earth." E.G.W., Review, April 24, 1888.

"It is not enough to be familiar with the arguments of the truth alone. You must meet the people through the life that is in Jesus. Your work will be made wholly successful if Jesus is abiding with you, for He has said, Without Me ye can do nothing. Jesus stands knocking, knocking at the door of your hearts, and yet, for all this, some say continually, I cannot find Him. Why not? He says, I stand here knocking. Why do you not open the door, and say, Come in, dear Lord? I am so glad for these simple directions as to the way to find Jesus. If it were not for them, I should not know how to find Him whose presence I desire so much. Open the door now, and empty the soul-temple of the buyers and sellers, and invite the Lord to come in. Say to Him, I will love Thee will all my soul. I will work the works of righteousness. I will obey the law of God. Then you will feel the peaceful presence of Jesus." E.G.W., Review, August 28, 1888.

"A theoretical knowledge of the truth is essential. But the knowledge of the greatest truth will not save us; our knowledge must be practical . . . The truth must be brought into their hearts, sanctifying and cleansing from all earthliness and sensuality in the most private lives. The soul temple must be cleansed." E.G.W., Review, May 24, 1887.

"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was, that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth, often accompanies a hatred of the truth as made manifest in the life. . . They have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence, it is a curse to the world." Desire of Ages, pages 309-310.

"The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where the truth is kept in the outer court, to be admired as we admire a beautiful flower; they demand more than a religion of feeling, which distrusts God when trials and difficulties come. Holiness does not consist in profession, but in lifting the cross, doing the will of God." E.G.W., Review, May, 21, 1908.

"In the lives of many of those whose names are on the church books there has been no genuine change. The truth has been kept in the outer court. There has been no genuine conversion, no positive work of grace done in the heart. Their desire to do Gods will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God. They profess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal acquaintance with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal many blemishes." E.G.W., Review, July 7, 1904.

"There is a form of religion which is nothing more than selfishness. It takes pleasure in worldly enjoyment. It is satisfied with contemplating the religion of Christ, and knows nothing of its saving power. Those who possess this religion regard sin lightly because they do not know Jesus. While in this condition they estimate duty very lightly." E.G.W., Review, May 21, 1908.

"We must unite with Christ. There is a reservoir of power at our command, and we are not to remain in the dark, cold, sunless cave of unbelief, or we shall not catch the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness." E.G.W., Review, January 24, 1893.

"Unless divine power is brought into the experience of the people of God, false theories and erroneous ideas will take minds captive, Christ and His Righteousness will be dropped out of the experience of many, and their faith will be without power or life. Such will not have a daily living experience of the love of God in the heart; and if they do not zealously repent, they will be among those who are represented by the Laodiceans, who will be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord." E.G.W., Review, September 3, 1889.

"Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided for man. The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. A full, complete ransom has been paid by Jesus, by virtue of which the sinner is pardoned, and the justice of the law is maintained. All who believe that Christ is the atoning sacrifice may come and receive pardon for their sins; for through the merit of Christ communication has been opened between God and man. . . Genuine faith appropriates the Righteousness of Christ, and the sinner is made an overcomer with Christ; for he is made a partaker of the divine nature, and thus divinity and humanity are combined . . . Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure." E.G.W., Review, July 1. 1890.

"No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven." Desire of Ages, page 555.

Here is the beginning of the process of Righteousness that moment when the sinner bows before his God, confessing his sinfulness, and pleading for strength in Christ to do right and obey the law of God. Heaven answers that prayer by bestowing forgiveness for what is past, and enabling strength in Jesus for the present. The walk begins, that will conform his soul into the image of his Master. The first step of Righteousness is the receiving of the forgiveness of God.

"When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then, according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for him, as his atonement and righteousness." E.G.W., Review, November 4, 1890.

"By faith, he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinners account. Christs righteousness is accepted in place of mans failure." E.G.W., Review, November 4, 1890.

Imparted Righteousness is only received in Christ, and only continued in Christ. Apart from Him we cannot have it. Through it we are enabled to obey all of Gods commands. His imputed Righteousness is also only granted to our account, in Christ. The imputed Righteousness of Christ covers our past record, but also leads directly to our living the godly life in Christ in the present. Gods plan for His children is that in Christ, everything shall lead to obedience. Note the following quotations:

"Christ has become our sacrifice and surety. He has become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Through faith in His name, He imputes unto us His Righteousness, and it becomes a living principle in our life." Review, July 12, 1892.

"Our faith is to be constantly strengthened by the knowledge that Christ is our Righteousness . . . The meager views which so many have had of the exalted character and office of Christ have narrowed their religious experience, and have greatly hindered their progress in the divine life . . . Something deeper and more solid must be brought into our religious experience. . . What we need is to know God and the power of His love, as revealed in Christ, by an experimental knowledge . . . Through the merits of His Righteousness, which by faith is to be imputed to us, we are to attain to the perfection of Christian character." E.G.W., written in 1890. Testimonies, volume 5, pages 742-744.

"The present message justification by faith is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness." E.G.W., Review, September 3, 1889.

"Christ imputes to us His sinless character, and presents us to the Father in His own purity. There are many who think that it is impossible to escape from the power of sin, but the promise is that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. We aim too low. The mark is much higher." E.G.W., Review, July 12, 1892.

"Jesus is our great High Priest in heaven. And what is He doing? He is making intercession and atonement for His people who believe in Him. Through His imputed Righteousness, they are accepted of God as those who are manifesting to the world that they acknowledge allegiance to God, keeping all His commandments." E.G.W., Review, August 22, 1893.

"In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating influence that transforms the entire being, lifting man above every debasing, groveling vice, and raising the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven. Linked to the infinite One, man is made partaker of the divine nature. Upon him the shafts of evil have no effect; for he is clothed with the panoply of Christs righteousness." Counsels to Parents and Teachers, pages 51-52.

"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ, becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies, is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world.

"It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling presence of Christ in the heart through faith in His Righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy and shall do his bidding in the end." The Desire of Ages, page 324.

"Christ gave His life as a standard, not to destroy Gods law, not to create a lower standard, but to maintain justice, and to give man a second probation. No one can keep Gods commandments except in Christs power. He bore in His body the sins of all mankind, and He imputes His righteousness to every believing soul." Review, May 7, 1901.

"Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without. He who is righteous within is not hardhearted and unsympathetic, but day by day he grows into the image of Christ, going on from strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the truth will be self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace is lost in glory." E.G.W., Review, November 4, 1890.

"When we are clothed with the Righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working in us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God . . . A door has been opened, and no man can close it, neither the highest powers nor the lowest; you alone can close the door of your heart, so that the Lord cannot reach you." E.G.W., Review, March 18, 1890.

"When Christ is in the heart, it will be so softened and subdued by love for God and man that fretting, faultfinding, and contention will not exist there. The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery." Testimonies, volume 4, page 610.

"When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is created; and he loves the things that God loves; for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises, to the life of Jesus. His heart is drawn out after God. His prayer is, Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. In the immutable standard he sees the character of the Redeemer, and knows that though he has sinned, he is not to be saved in his sins. but from his sins; for Jesus is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." E.G.W., Review, June 12, 1892.

"There are many who seem to feel that they have a great work to do themselves before they can come to Christ for His salvation. They seem to think that Jesus will come in at the very last of their struggle, and give them help by putting the finishing touch to their lifework. It seems difficult for them to understand that Christ is a complete Saviour, and able to save to the Uttermost all that come unto God by Him. They lose sight of the fact that Christ Himself is the Way. the Truth, and the Life. " E.G.W., Review, March 5, 1889.

"Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless condition; nothing can be done for him; but through divine grace, supernatural power is imparted to the man, and works in mind and heart and character. It is through the impartation of the grace of Christ that sin is discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven from the soul temple. It is through grace that we are brought into fellowship with Christ, to be associated with Him in the work of salvation." Review, November 4, 1890.

"But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christs righteousness while practicing known sins or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by love and purifies the soul." Review, November 4, 1890.

"The Righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours. Salvation, with its blood-bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl of great price. It may be searched for and found . . . In the parable the merchantman is represented as selling all that he had to gain possession of one pearl of great price. This is a beautiful representation of those who appreciate the truth so highly that they give up all they have to come into possession of it. . . There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl." Review, August, 8, 1899.

"The Righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive Righteousness by receiving Him." Mount of Blessing, page 34.

"Righteousness has its root in godliness. No man can steadily maintain before his fellow men a pure, forceful life, unless his life is hid with Christ in God. The greater the activity among men, the closer must be the communion of the heart with heaven." Ministry of Healing, page 136.

"The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought." E.G.W., Review, September 3, 1889.

"Righteousness has its root in godliness. No human being is righteous any longer than he has faith in God and maintains a vital connection with Him. As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul. It is only through becoming partakers of His nature that we receive power to obey His commandments. No man, high or low, experienced or inexperienced, can steadily maintain before his fellow men a pure, forceful life, unless his life is hid with Christ in God. The greater the activity among men, the closer should be the communion of the heart with God." Testimonies, volume 7, page 194.

"The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God, and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christians internal purity." Desire of Ages, page 310.

"In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the enemy, we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves. We must maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who has power to give victory to every soul that will maintain an attitude of faith and humility." Review, July 9, 1908.

"By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey Gods commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garments of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us, He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah." Christ's Object Lessons, page 312.

"Christ gave His life as a standard, not to destroy Gods law, not to create a lower standard, but to maintain justice, and to give man a second probation. No one can keep Gods commandments except in Christ's power. He bore in His body the sins of all mankind, and He imputes His righteousness to every believing soul." Review, May 7, 1901.

"The death of Christ was an argument in mans behalf that could not be overthrown. The penalty of the law fell upon Him who was equal with God, and man was free to accept the Righteousness of Christ, and by a life of penitence and humiliation to triumph, as the Son of God had triumphed, over the power of Satan. Thus God is just, and yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus." Great Controversy, pages 502-503.

"As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the Righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind and spirit of Christ, that you may work the works of Christ. If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit, and then you can be a living preacher in your home, in the church, and in the world." Review, February 23, 1892.

"A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, and quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend." Review, February 25, 1902.

"As Christians we are to have a Righteousness that shall be developed and seen a Righteousness that represents the character of Jesus Christ when He was here in our world." SDA Bible Commentary, volume 4, page 1151.

"Christianity how many there are who do not know what it is! It is not something put on the outside. It is a life inwrought with the life of Jesus. It means that we are wearing the robe of Christ's Righteousness." Testimonies to Ministers, page 131.

"If the Church will put on the robe of Christ's Righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance from the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day." Acts of the Apostles, page 601.

"The church of Christ is Gods agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will be true to her allegiance, there is no power that can stand against her. The forces of the enemy will be no more able to overwhelm her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind." Prophets and Kings, page 259-260.

"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the Righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. . . This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the Third Angels message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure." Testimonies to Ministers, page 91-92.

"Justification by Faith will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are practicing the Word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent Christian action." Letter 83, 1896.

"The grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned. The Righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt Gods forgiving grace. . . He believes the promises of God, which through Christ are made unto him sanctification and righteousness and redemption . . . Being Justified by faith, he carries cheerfulness with him in his obedience in all his life. Peace with God is the result of what Christ is to him." Signs, May 19, 1898.

"Many commit the error of trying to define minutely the fine points of distinction between justification and sanctification. Into the definitions of these two terms they often bring their own ideas and speculations. Why try to be more minute than is inspiration on the vital question of Righteousness by Faith? Why try to work out every minute point, as if the salvation of the soul depended upon all having exactly your understanding of this matter? All cannot see in the same line of vision." Manuscript 21, 1891.

"The gospel of good news was not to be interpreted as allowing men to live in continued rebellion against God by transgressing His just and holy law. Why cannot those who claim to understand the Scriptures, see that Gods requirement under grace is just the same He made in Eden perfect obedience to His law. In the judgment, God will ask those who profess to be Christians, Why did you claim to believe in My Son, and continue to transgress My law? Who required this at your hands to trample upon My rules of Righteousness? . . .The gospel of the New Testament is not the Old Testament standard lowered to meet the sinner and save him in his sins. God requires of all His subjects obedience, entire obedience to all His commandments. He demands now as ever perfect Righteousness as the only title to heaven. Christ is our hope and our refuge. His Righteousness is imputed only to the obedient. Let us accept it in faith that the Father shall find in us no sin. But those who have trampled on the holy law will have no right to claim that righteousness.0 that we might see the immensity of the plan of salvation as obedient children to all Gods requirements, believing that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, our atoning sacrifice!" Review, September 21, 1886.

"God requires at this time just what He required of the holy pair in Eden, perfect obedience to His requirements. His law remains the same in all ages. The great Standard of Righteousness presented in the Old Testament is not lowered in the New. It is not the work of the gospel to weaken the claims of Gods holy law, but to bring men up where they can keep its precepts.

"The Faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. Believe, believe, is their cry; only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do. While true Faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation,—it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works. And the apostle John declares, He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar. " Review, October 5, 1886.

"It is impossible for us to exalt the law of Jehovah unless we take hold of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ." Manuscript 5, 1889.

"[Romans 5:12,18-19 quoted] The apostle contrasts the disobedience of Adam and the full, entire obedience of Christ. Think of what Christ's obedience means to us! It means that in His strength we too may obey. . . Christ came to this world to show us what God can do and what we can do in cooperation with God . . . No one need be enslaved by Satan. Christ stands before us as our divine example, an all-powerful Helper." Manuscript 76, 1903.

"Through faith in Christ obedience to every principle of the law is made possible." Manuscript 122, 1901.

"Christ has made every provision for us to be strong. He has given us His Holy Spirit, whose office is to bring to our remembrance all the promises that Christ has made, that we may have peace and a sweet sense of forgiveness. If we will but keep our eyes fixed on the Saviour, and trust in His power, we shall be filled with a sense of security; for the Righteousness of Christ will become our Righteousness . . . We dishonor Him by talking of our inefficiency. Instead of looking at ourselves, a help and a blessing to those around us." Messages to Young People, page 107.

"There is a wide difference between a pretended union and a real connection with Christ by faith. A profession of the truth places men in the church, but this does not prove that they have a vital connection with the living Vine. A rule is given by which the true disciple may be distinguished from those who claim to follow Christ but have not faith in Him. The one class are fruit bearing, the other, fruitless . . . Can we conceive of a closer, more intimate relation to Christ than is set forth in the words: I am the Vine, ye are the branches? The fibers of the branch are almost identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branch. Such is the true believers relation to Christ. He abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him.

"This spiritual relation can be established only by the exercise of personal faith. This faith must express on our part supreme preference, perfect reliance, entire consecration. Our will must be wholly yielded to the divine will, our feelings, desires, interests, and honor identified with the prosperity of Christ's kingdom and the honor of His cause, we constantly receiving grace from Him, and Christ accepting gratitude from us.

"When this intimacy of connection and communion is formed, our sins are laid upon Christ; His Righteousness is imputed to us. He was made sin for us that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him. We have access to God through Him; we are accepted in the Beloved." Testimonies, volume 5, pages 228-229.

"Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might be treated as He deserves, He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share that we might be justified by His Righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. With His stripes we are healed. " Testimonies, volume 8, pages 208-209.

"The cloud of incense ascending with the prayers of Israel represents His Righteousness that alone can make the sinners prayer acceptable to God." Patriarchs and Prophets, page 367.

"As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Christ's atonement in his behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is Justification by Faith. Every believing soul is to conform his will entirely to Gods will, and keep in a state of repentance and contrition, exercising faith in the atoning merits of the Redeemer and advancing from strength to strength, from glory to glory." Manuscript 21, 1891.

"The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of Justification. He must come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree of light after another as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free and ample provision made in the blood of Christ. He believes the promises of God, which through Christ are made unto him Sanctification and Righteousness and Redemption. And if he follows Jesus, he will walk humbly in the light, rejoicing in the light and diffusing that light to others. Being Justified by Faith, he carries cheerfulness with him in his obedience in all his life. Peace with God is the result of what Christ is to him. The souls who are in subordination to God, who honor Him, are doers of His Word, will receive divine enlightenment. In the precious Word of God there is purity and loftiness as well as beauty that, unless assisted by God, the highest powers of man cannot attain to." Signs, May 19, 1998.

"We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Then we are cleansed from all sin all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity." 7 Bible Commentary, page 943.

"By His perfect obedience, He has made it possible for every human being to obey Gods commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness." Christs Object Lessons, page 312.

"And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that while obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service." Desire of Ages, page 666.

"Everyone who by faith obeys Gods commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. When we submit ourselves to Christ we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with His righteousness." Signs, July 29, 1902.

"Those who are registered as holy in the books of heaven are not aware of the fact, and are the last to boast of their own goodness." Faith I Live By, page 140.

"When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour." Christ's Object Lessons, page 420.

".When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ." Christ's Object Lessons, page 314.

"As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require." Christ's Object Lessons, page 162.

"He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement or man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to exercise this power in our behalf We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet, for He loves us. His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold our characters according to His will." Christ's Object Lessons, page 157.

"The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God, we, too, may have." Christ's Object Lessons, page 149.

"The experimental knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, transforms man into the image of God." Christ's Object Lessons, page 114.

"The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man." Christ's Object Lessons, page 102.

"Christ will live in us. His character will be reproduced in our nature." Christ's Object Lessons, page 60.

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you falling, and to present you fault ore the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Saviour, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 24-25.

"Justification by faith in Christ will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are practicing the Word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent Christian action. It declares to a world apostatized that there is a people who believe that our safety is in clinging to the Bible. This testimony is in unmistakable distinction from that of the great apostate church, which adopts human wisdom and authority in place of the wisdom and authority of God ." Letter 83, 1896.

"As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice . . . It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the worlds Redeemer and the Law of God, to exclaim, Thy gentleness hath made me great. We know that the gospel is a perfect and complete system, revealing the immutability of the Law of God . . . If we were defective in character, we could not pass the gates that mercy has opened to the obedient; for justice stands at the entrance, and demands holiness, purity, in all who would see God. Were justice extinct, and were it possible for divine mercy to open the gates to the whole race, irrespective of character, there would be a worse condition of disaffection and rebellion in heaven than before Satan was expelled. The peace, happiness, and harmony of heaven would be broken up. The change from earth to heaven will not change mens characters; the happiness of the redeemed in heaven results from the characters formed in this life, after the image of Christ. The saints in heaven will first have been, saints on earth." Letter 1f, 1890.

The Message of Righteousness by Faith and the Future

"There never will be a time in the history of the church when Gods worker can fold his hands and be at ease, saying, All is peace and safety. Then it is that sudden destruction cometh. Everything may move forward amid apparent prosperity; but Satan is wide awake, and is studying and counseling with his evil angels another mode of attack where he can be successful. The contest will wax more and more fierce on the part of Satan; for he is moved by a power from beneath. As the work of Gods people moves forward with sanctified, resistless energy, planting the banner of Christ's Righteousness in the church, moved by a power from the throne of God, the Great Controversy will wax stronger and stronger, and will become more and more determined. Mind will be arrayed against mind, plans against plans, principles of heavenly origin against principles of Satan. Truth in its varied phases will be in conflict with error in its ever-varying, increasing forms, and which, if possible, will deceive the very elect." Testimonies to Ministers, page 407.

"If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of His Righteousness, which He imputes to the repentant sinner." Selected Messages, book one, page 363.

"The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchman to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ's Righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the Third Angel." Testimonies, volume 6, page 19.

"Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be a channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and His Character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity." Acts of the Apostles, page 600.

"If the Church will put on the robe of Christ's Righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day." Acts of the Apostles, page 601.

"The church of Christ is Gods agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will be true to her allegiance, there is no power that can stand against her. The forces of the enemy will be no more able to overwhelm her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind." Prophets and Kings, pages 259-260.

"Clad in the armor of Christ's Righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners, she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." Prophets and Kings, page 723.

"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the Righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God . . . This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the Third Angels Message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure . . . As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins, and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin, and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove . . .

"For years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the Third Angels Message, in clear, distinct lines . . . This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole . . . Never was there a time when the Lord would manifest His great grace unto His chosen ones more fully than in these last days when His law is made void. The Lord is well pleased for His Righteousness sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable. " Testimonies to Ministers, pages 91-96.

Man always has a way of slipping from a divinely given truth into a near-by error. And thus it was shortly after the Message was given in 1888. An error began to creep into the presentations of Righteousness by Faith. We should know what it is, for we today can slip into it just as easily.

"Brother A.T. Jones: I was attending a meeting and a large congregation were present. In my dream you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed Righteousness of Christ by faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be confused, and would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works, and I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly. There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the Righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning, but you leave a wrong impression upon many minds. While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. God saves us under a law, that we must ask if we would receive, seek if we would find, and knock if we would have the door opened unto us. . . You make these subjects, through your expressions, confusing to minds.

"The young man came to Jesus with the question, Good Master, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life? Mark 10:17. And Christ saith unto him, . . . if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto Him, Which? Jesus quoted several, . . . Here are conditions, and the Bible is full of conditions.

"Then when you say there are no conditions, and some expressions [you make] are quite broad, you burden the minds, and some cannot see consistency in your expressions. They cannot see how they can harmonize these expressions with the plain statements of the Word of God. Please guard these points . . . Do not lay one pebble, for a soul that is weak in the faith to stumble over, in overwrought presentations or expressions. Be ever consistent, calm, deep, and solid. Do not go to any extreme in anything, but keep your feet on solid rock. 0 precious, precious Saviour. He that hath My commandments. and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. John 14:21.

"This is the true test the doing of the words of Christ. And it is the evidence of the human agents love to Jesus, and he that doeth His will giveth to the world the practical evidence of the fruit he manifests in obedience, in purity, and in holiness of character . . .

"There is no place in the school of Christ where we graduate. We are to work on the plan of addition, and the Lord will work on the plan of multiplication. It is through constant diligence that we will, through the grace of Christ, live on the plan of addition, making our calling and election sure . . . For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. " Letter 44, 1893, Selected Messages, book 1, pages 377-379

"We cannot afford to neglect one ray of light God has given. To be sluggish in our practice of those things which require diligence is to commit sin. The human agent is to cooperate with God, and to keep under those passions which should be in subjection. To do this he must be unwearied in his prayers to God, ever obtaining grace to control his spirit, temper, and actions. Through the imparted grace of Christ, he may be enabled to overcome. To be an overcomer means more than many suppose it means.

"Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, Without Me ye can do nothing. John 15:5. From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Mans efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End in the salvation of every soul.

"But though Christ is everything, we are to inspire every man to unwearied diligence. We are to strive, wrestle, agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be overcome by the wily foe. For the power and grace with which we can do this comes from God, and all the while we are to trust in Him, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he may be successful in overcoming.

"Let no one say that your works have nothing to do with your rank and position before God. In the judgment the sentence pronounced is according to what has been done or to what has been left undone." (Matthew 25:34-40) Manuscript 26a, 1892, Selected Messages, book one, pages 380-382.

"Let my brethren be very careful how they present the subject of faith and works before the people, lest minds become confused. The people need to be urged to diligence in good works. They should be shown how to be successful, how to be purified, and their offerings may be fragrant before God. It is by virtue of the blood of Christ. Messages of a decided character must be borne to the people. Men must go forth reproving. rebuking every manner of evil . . .

"Never seek to cover sin; for in the message of rebuke, Christ is to be proclaimed as the first and the last, He who is all in all to the soul. His power awaits the demand of those who would overcome. The reprover is to animate his hearers so that they shall struggle for the mastery. He is to encourage them to struggle for deliverance from every sinful practice, to be free from every corrupt habit, even if his denial of self is like taking the right eye, or separating the right arm from the body. No concession or compromise is to be made to evil habits or sinful practices." Manuscript 26a, 1892, Selected Messages, pages 379 -380.

Desmond Ford teaches that all sins were forgiven at the cross, 2,000 years ago, and that the atonement was completed at that time, and that we are saved totally by justification alone. Here are some statements of his which support this:

"Justification and not Sanctification is the substance of Righteousness by Faith." Ford, The Scope and Limits of the Pauline Expression, Righteousness by Faith, " page 5, section 18.

"It [Sanctification] has to be His gift; but it can never be our attainment in this life . . . Thus Righteousness by Faith must always mean Justification whereby we receive as a gift the imputed merits of Christ. We need this Justification at every step of our Christian walk, for our own works [even those prompted by the Spirit] are ever defective, deserving only the wrath of God." ibid., page 3, section 7.

"Is Justification Salvation? No, the term comprehends Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. But the Christians acceptance and assurance depends only on the first, for it [Justification] rests upon a completed work namely, our Lords sacrifice on the cross." Ford, in the Australian Signs of the Times, January, 1979, page 31.

"Thus, as our Representative He [Christ] vicariously took the steps of repentance, confession, and resurrection . . . That which is imputed to them at the Last Judgment, is then imparted at Glorification." Ford, in the Australasian Record, April 12, 1979, article, "We have such an High Priest," page 6.

"The good news declares that all men have been redeemed, that Justification has been secured for all, that the whole human race has been restored to favor with God, and that all sins which could never have found forgiveness through human effort are canceled for the whole world." Ford, Scope and Limits, page 6, last paragraph.

The last paragraph quoted above, clearly summarizes Dr. Fords theology of salvation. "Have been. . . has been" are the key phrases. Dr. Ford knows the English language well and he uses it clearly. "All men" were saved at Calvary, according to the teachings of Desmond Ford. This is his "new theology." Salvation, according to Dr. Ford, is a judicial [legal] act begun and completed at the cross.

When does Sanctification take place? "Christ imputes His perfection and righteousness to the believing sinner when he does not continue in sin, but turns from transgression to obedience of the commandments." Faith I Live By. page 115.

When does God perfect us? "At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if Gods purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be constant advancement." Education, page 106.

When are we to begin obeying Gods Law?   "It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ's Righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His Commandments." Christ's Object Lessons, page 319.

Must all character change wait till the Second Coming? "If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a saint on earth . . Jesus does not change the character at His coming. This work of transformation must be done now." Adventist Home, page 16.

Can the Holy Spirit enable us to stop sinning? "He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul to keep him from sinning . . . There is no excuse for sinning." Desire of Ages, page 311.

Was the work of Christ as our Saviour completed on Calvary? "The intercession of Christ in mans behalf in the Sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in Heaven." Great Controversy, page 489.

Did Christ, as our Representative, do everything for us vicariously? "It is Satan's studied effort to divert minds from the hope of salvation through faith in Christ and obedience to the Law." Acts of the Apostles, page 387.

Does God require that men keep His Law? "It is not that man cannot keep the Law, but that they will not. Each person as a rational being is under the most sacred obligation to obey the Law." Review, May 28, 1901.

Old Testament Justification is shown in Leviticus chapters 3, 4, 16, and 18 to be justification not by the sacrifice (the cross) alone. In our Justification, there are three parts: the Sacrifice, the Mediation of the Blood, and the Holy Spirits Application. It is not the spilled blood that saves, but the spilled blood combined with the applied blood that saves. New Testament Justification is equally clear. Only when Justification (forgiveness) and Sanctification (reclamation) are inseparably bonded as component parts of the Restoration Process may it be said:

"There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1. "Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our Justification." Roman, 4:25. "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:17.

The book, "Christ Our Righteousness," was compiled in the early 1920's by Elder Arthur G. Daniels, at the request of the Ministerial Association Advisory Council, held in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 22, 1924. When the book was first published in 1924, it included Spirit of Prophecy from printed articles in our denominational papers between the years 1887 and 1912, and was somewhat larger than our present volume.

When the second revised edition came off the presses in 1941, some material was omitted for mechanical reasons. I can very well understand the reasons myself, for in preparing these tracts I often have to leave out excellent material in order to fit the space requirements.

Be it as it may, material was left out. Would you like to know what was left out?

Here it is:

1 "Urge them to give their attention to securing the richest gift that can be given to mortal man the robe of Christ's Righteousness." Testimonies, volume 9, page 114.

2 "All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's Righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness." Testimonies, volume 5, page 81. The above deletions are on page 34 in the old edition, and would go at the end of page 22 in the new edition of "Christ Our Righteousness."

3 "Christians are Christ's jewels. They are to shine brightly for Him, shedding forth the light of His loveliness. Their luster depends on the polishing they receive. They may choose to be polished or to remain unpolished. But every one who is pronounced worthy of a place in the Lords temple must submit to the polishing process. Without the polishing that the Lord gives they can reflect no more light than a common pebble . . .

"The divine Worker spends little time on worthless material. Only the precious jewels does He polish after the similitude of a palace, cutting away all the rough edges. This process is severe and trying: it hurts human pride. Christ cuts deep into the experience that man in his self-sufficiency has regarded as complete, and takes away self-uplifting from the character. He cuts away the surplus surface, and putting the stone to the polishing wheel, presses it close, that all roughness may be worn away. Then, holding the jewel up to the light, the Master sees in it a reflection of Himself, and He pronounces it worthy of a place in His casket." Review, December 19, 1907. This deletion was on page 134 of the old edition, and would go at the end of page 111 in the new book..

4 "The Lord knocks at the door of your heart, desiring to enter, that He may impart spiritual riches to your soul. He would anoint the blind eyes, that they may discover the holy character of God in His Law, and understand the love of Christ, which is indeed gold tried in the fire." Review, February 25, 1890. This deletion was on page 137 of the first edition, and belongs on page 114 of the second edition.

5 "We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the out-working of His Righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do, is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord ." Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 148. Page 139 in the original edition, and would therefore go on page 115 of the new edition.

6 "That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will, if possible, lead them to do again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and today, unless the people of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of Satan. Among those who claim to believe in the near coming of the Saviour, how many are backslidden, how many have lost their first love, and come under the description of the Laodicean church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost to keep them in a state of indifference and stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that are before them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim their lamps and be found watching for the Bridegroom when He shall return from the wedding." Review, November 22, 1892. Page 114 in the old book and belongs on page 118 of the new one, just above the title, "Spiritual Blindness."

7 "It is not enough to make the heart empty; we must have the vacuum filled with the love of God. The souls must be furnished with the graces of the Spirit of God. We may leave off many bad habits, and yet not be truly sanctified, because we do not have a connection with God." Review, January 24, 1893. This quotation would come just above the ninth deletion (146 in the old edition, and 120 in the new).

8 The eighth deletion is a lengthy article entitled, "The Great Need of the Church," that is well worth your careful study. It was originally published in the Review of March 22, 1887, and appeared in its entirely in the appendix of the first edition of "Christ Our Righteousness." Fortunately, it has been reprinted and is now available in Selected Messages, book 1, pages 121:1127:0. Note the comments on page 120 and 121, footnote, of that book. This article was found on pages 146 to 152 of the first edition, and would come on page 120 and onward of the second.

Subtitle, "A REFORMATORY MOVEMENT," followed by deletions 9, 10, and 11, given below.

9 "God calls upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation. I see a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for His laborers to come into line. Every soul should now stand in a position of deeper, truer consecration to God than during the years that have passed . . . I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement a work of revival going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to Gods call. My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice? Shall we not trim our lamps, and act like men who look for their Lord to come? The time is one that calls for light bearing, for action." Testimonies, to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pages 514-515.

10 "The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place. When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer, and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another. One member working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in making intercession for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. There will be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind of the Spirit. The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and Gods servants will speak the same thing. The Lord will cooperate with His servants. All will pray understandingly the prayer that Christ taught His servants; Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10. " Testimonies, volume 8, page 251.

11 "In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among Gods people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families, and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifested. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844." Testimonies, volume 9, page 126. Deletions 9, 10, and 11 were located on pages 157-158 of the original edition, and if inserted into the revised edition would be found on page 123, just above "The Perils and Privileges of the Last Days."

The above selection of passages, along with your own copy of "Christ Our Righteousness," will provide you with the original complete material of this invaluable study book.

The above study on the Righteousness of Christ was drawn from a wealth of available material. Included among this is every statement by Alonso T. Jones, Ellet J. Waggoner and Ellen G. White dealing with the actual "what" and "how" of Righteousness by Faith to he found in that monumental historical study by Robert J. Wieland and Donald K. Short, "1888 Re-examined." In addition to this, the larger part of the material in "Christ Our Righteousness," by Arthur G. Daniels was employed. The third primary source was an unpublished book on this topic by the present compiler, prepared nearly twenty years ago. A significant amount of material from various major studies in the published Spirit of Prophecy writings was also used. For further study on this subject, from material we did not have space for, you will want to read the closing chapters of as well as its appendix, and also the many excellent chapters dealing with this topic to be found in "Selected Messages, Book One."

In preparing this study, I have discovered that the first aspect of Righteousness by Faith (forgiving grace) is spoken of far less in Spirit of Prophecy 1886 to 1892 and related Righteousness by Faith quotations, than is its second as ECT (enabling grace). As one example of this, carefully read through the collection of quotations on this subject in the book, "Christ Our Righteousness," compiled by Elder A. G. Daniels. You will find not over a dozen passages that clearly speak only of Christ's covering grace for our sins, without also going on to speak of, the truth of Obedience by Faith the experience that invariably follows initial Justification in the life of the genuine follower of Christ.

Because there are so few passages in the Spirit of Prophecy that deal with the Forgiving Righteousness of Christ which covers our past sins, without also speak the Enabling of His Fathers Law, you will find very, very few in this present tract compilation.

But here are seven of these precious quotations on the Forgiving, Covering Righteousness of Christ:

"He who would become a child of God must receive the truth that forgiveness and repentance are to be obtained through nothing less than the atonement of Christ. Assured of this the sinner must put forth an effort in harmony with the work done for him, and with unwearied entreaty he must supplicate the throne of grace, that the renovating power of God may come into His soul. Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He must first make penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal Righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul." Selected Messages, book 1, pages 393-394.

"Make sure that you are accepted by Christ because you rely on the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. His Righteousness must be your Righteousness. He wrought it out for you, and when you receive it you stand justified in the presence of God." Medical Ministry, page 115.

"By faith he [The sinner] can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinners account. Christ's Righteousness is accepted in place of mans failure." Review, November 4, 1890.

"When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then, according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for him as his atonement and righteousness." Review, November 4, 1890.

"The thought that the Righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought." Review, September 3, 1889.

"In My name, Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ's name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lords sight. Because of the imputed Righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ's sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe." Desire of Ages, page 667.

"All the plan of redemption is expressed in these precious words: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Christ actually bore the punishment of the sins of the world, that His Righteousness might be imputed to sinners, and through repentance and faith they might become like Him in holiness of character. He says, I bear the guilt of that mans sins. Let Me take the punishment and the repenting sinner stand before Thee innocent. The moment the sinner believes in Christ, he stands in the sight of God uncondemned; for the Righteousness of Christ is his: Christ's perfect obedience is imputed to him. But he must cooperate with the divine power, and put forth his human effort to subdue sin, and stand complete in Christ." Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 429.

Mankind must cooperate with God in the work of overcoming, and as they do so, Christ adds to their work His perfection, He atones for their shortcomings in the sight of God, and His divine merit make up for their deficiency. But in every case, this on-going mediation of Christ in the Sanctuary in heaven is one alone on behalf of those who in the strength of Christ are seeking to follow in His Word and obey His commandments.

"When He sees men lifting the burdens, trying to carry them in lowliness of mind, with distrust of self and with reliance upon Him, He adds to their work His perfection and sufficiency, and it is accepted of the Father. We are accepted in the Beloved. The sinners defects are covered by the perfection and fullness of the Lord our Righteousness. Those who with sincere will, with contrite hearts, are putting forth humble efforts to live up to the requirements of God, are looked upon by the Father with pitying, tender love; He regards such as obedient children, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed unto them." Letter 4, 1889, Heavenly Places, page 23.

"Christ looks at the spirit, and when He sees us carrying our burden with faith, His perfect holiness atones for our shortcomings. When we do our best, He becomes our righteousness, It takes every ray of light that God sends to us to make us the light of the world." Letter 33, 1889, Selected Messages, book one, page 368.

"There is no excuse for sin or for indolence. Jesus has led the way, and He wishes us to follow in His steps. He has suffered, He has sacrificed as none of us can, that He might bring salvation within our reach. We need not be discouraged. Jesus came to bring divine power to man, that through His grace, we might be transformed into His likeness. When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as mans best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Fathers commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easy-going, accommodating, crossless religion. But Jesus says, if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Signs, June 16, 1890, part of which is in Selected Messages, book one, page 382.

Hungering and Seeking for the Righteousness of Christ

"The child of God will not rest satisfied until he is clothed with the Righteousness of Christ and sustained by His life-giving power." My Life Today, page 99.

"If our hearts are united with Christ's heart, we shall have a most intense desire to be clothed with His Righteousness."    Testimonies to Ministers, page 131.

"Ministers and people, if saved at all, must be saved day by day, hour by hour. They must hunger and thirst for the Righteousness of Christ, the illumination of the Holy Spirit." Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 140.

"In order to accept the invitation to the gospel feast, they must make their worldly interests subordinate to the one purpose of receiving Christ and His Righteousness. God gave all for man, and He asks him to place His service above every earthly and selfish consideration. He cannot accept a divided heart. The heart that is absorbed in earthly affections cannot be given up to God." Christ's Object Lessons, page 223.

"We are to surrender our hearts to God, that He may renew and sanctify us, and fit us for His heavenly court. We are not to wait for some special time, but today we are to give ourselves to Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you can leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love the things that Christ loves. Has He not by His death and suffering made provision for your cleansing from sin? When we begin to realize that we are sinners, and fall on the Rock to be broken, the everlasting arms are placed about us, and we are brought close to the heart of Jesus. Then we shall be charmed with His loveliness, and disgusted with our own righteousness. We need to come close to the foot of the cross. The more we humble ourselves there, the more exalted will Gods love appear. The grace and Righteousness of Christ will not avail for him who feels whole, for him who thinks he is reasonably good, who is contented with his own condition." Selected Messages, book 1, pages 327-328.

"The words of Christ are worth more than the opinions of all. . . Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. This is the first great object the kingdom of heaven, the Righteousness of Christ. Other objects to be attained should be secondary to these." Testimonies, volume 1, page 502.

"In the struggle for eternal life, we cannot lean upon one another. The bread of life must be eaten by each one. Individually we must partake of it. Each one must hunger and thirst after Righteousness for himself. Leaning upon men, and trusting in their wisdom, is dangerous to the spiritual life of any Christian."   Testimonies to Ministers, page 385.

"Those who are seeking the Righteousness of Christ will be dwelling upon the themes of the great salvation. The Bible is the storehouse that supplies their souls with nourishing food. They meditate upon the incarnation of Christ, they contemplate the great sacrifice made to save them from perdition, to bring in pardon, peace, and everlasting Righteousness. The soul is aglow with these grand and elevating themes. Holiness and truth, grace and Righteousness, occupy the thoughts. Self dies, and Christ lives in His servants. In contemplation of the Word, their hearts burn within them." Testimonies to Ministers, pages 87-88.

"We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the robe of Christ's Righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him concerning them." Mount of Blessing. page 133.

"We must be content to enter into life in the very same way as the chief of sinners. We must renounce our own righteousness and plead for the Righteousness of Christ to be imputed to us. We must depend wholly upon Christ for our strength."   Testimonies, volume 5, page 219.

"The Righteousness of Christ is given freely to every soul hungering for it." Mount of Blessing, page 18.

"The poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do Gods will, these will gain an abundant entrance [into the kingdom of heaven] . . .Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after Righteousness. The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for Righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image." Desire of Ages, page 302.

"One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other Christ our Righteousness. . . God wants every soul to turn to the first love. He wants all to have the gold of faith and love, so that they can draw from the treasure to impart to others who need it." Sons and Daughters of God, page 259.

"Justification by Faith in Christ will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are practicing the Word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent Christian action." Bible Commentary, volume 6, page 1071.

"The religion of Jesus Christ means something more than talk. The Righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives . . . Christ came to do His Fathers will. Are we following in His steps?" My Life Today, page 217.

"Our claim to Christ's Righteousness is without a flaw, if we meet the conditions upon which it is promised." Youths Instructor, July 12, 1894.

"Christ came from the courts of glory to this sin-polluted world and humbled Himself to humanity. He identified Himself with our weaknesses and was tempted in all points like as we are. Christ perfected a righteous character here upon the earth, not on His own account, for His character was pure and spotless, but for fallen man. His character He offers to man if he will accept it. The sinner, through repentance of his sins, faith in Christ, and obedience to the perfect law of God, has the Righteousness of Christ imputed to him; it becomes his Righteousness, and his name is recorded in the Lambs book of life. He becomes a child of God, a member of the royal family." Testimonies, volume 3, pages 371-372.