THE AUTHORITY IMPARTED TO GODS REMNANT

By Dionne Sabbay Thompson October 14, 2012 Gods remnant must recognize the authority that is vested in GODs body of believers. Notwithstanding the fact that Paul was personally taught by God, he had no strained ideas of individual responsibility. While looking to God for direct guidance, he was ever ready to recognize the authority vested in the body of believers united in church fellowship. He felt the need of counsel, and when matters of importance arose, he was glad to lay these before the church and to unite with his brethren in seeking God for wisdom to make right decisions. Even "the spirits of the prophets," he declared, "are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:32, 33. With Peter, he taught that all united in church capacity should be "subject one to another." 1 Peter 5:5.1 How much authority does GOD impart to HIS remnant, enabling their victory over the government of sin? One can view history based on occurrences in the church; worldly events can also be considered a barometer of such. One should always view history and events in direct relation to the church. The winds of strife loosening imply that the Spirit of God has
1 White, E.G. The Acts of the Apostles p. 200.

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begun the sealing work (Revelation 7:1-4, Early Writings pages 36-38). Occurrences involving Gods true Philadelphian church [a spotless bride] does impact forthcoming events in the world (Ephesians 5:21-31). Worldly occurrences are a direct indication of what is happening in the remnant church. Overcomers must view everything in light of the work of God through His people on the earth.2 Obviously, the church of GOD and their actions determine what worldly events will take place globally. Thus, GODs remnant is invited by CHRIST to: come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in times of need. Heb. 4:16. If GODs remnant correctly understand the quotations above, then they will realize that they have authority to complete historys final events, hastening the return of CHRIST, who is soon to be crowned KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS 2Pet. 3:12-14. The 144,000, once they collectively gain victory over Satans fiery darts, will trigger the closing events. You are therefore instructed by your CREATOR to strive to be among the 144,000, while triumphing over sin. Thus, Let us strive with all power God has given us to be among the 144,000 Review and Herald March 9, 1905. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and he may say: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Abundant grace has been provided that the believing soul may be kept free from sin; for all heaven, with its limitless resources, has been placed at our command. We are to draw from the well of salvation. Christ is the end of law for righteousness to everyone who believeth. In ourselves we are sinners; but in Christ we are righteous. Having made us righteous through the imputed righteousness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and treats us as just. He looks upon us as His dear children.3 Are you ready to triumph over the government of sin? CHRIST has vested HIS remnant with HIS righteous Robe, and HE desires to return for HIS precious gems, 144,000 in number, BE READY, BE READY, BE READY! Probation is closing, and CHRIST does not want you to be lost Rev. 7:1-4, 14:1-5; EW p. 14-15. Here are some closing thoughts regarding the 144,000, as we strive to be among this faithful group. Citing Early Writings p. 279-280: I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writers inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, It is done. And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration. He that
2 Thompson, D. A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection p.22. 3 White, E.G. 1Selected Messages p. 394.

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is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.4 And finally, the time that we have all been patiently awaiting, the closing scenes: When the third angel's message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received "the latter rain," "the refreshing from the presence of the Lord," and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received "the seal of the living God." Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, "It is done;" and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; "the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven," is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.5

4 White, E.G. Early Writings p. 279-280. 5 White, E.G. The Great Controversy p. 613-614.