GOD'S LAST APPEAL by R. C. Porter

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 31, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 34.

GOD'S LAST APPEAL

By R. C. Porter

A Message of Hope—Triumph and Joy Are Offered

This is the concluding one of four articles by Elder Porter on the general theme of the seal of the living God contrasted with the mark of the beast, as set forth in the prophecy of Rev. 14: 9-12. In his first article, Elder Porter showed what the symbol of the beast in that prophecy referred to. The second article pertained to the seal of the living God, which is offered in contrast to the mark of the beast, that the apostate powers of earth propose to enforce under the pains and penalties of death. Last week he gave evidence to show the meaning of the mark of the beast. His article this week presents God's appeal for us to stand on the side of Christ, regardless of any of the terrifying efforts of men to overthrow us.

WE are living in the last days. Time is almost finished. The coming of Christ, for which the church has long looked as the consummation of her hopes, is soon to be realized.

The message is hastening to all the world. Its mission is to save the lost. Its transforming work is presented in Rev. 14: 12: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." The impatient man cannot excuse his impatience; he must be transformed into a patient man. The sinner can make no acceptable apology for his sins; he must repent, and be changed into a loyal keeper of the commandments of God. The unbeliever cannot be accepted on the plea that he is a cautious man; he must be changed to a child of faith, even "the faith of Jesus."

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

This message is to lift men from worldliness and sin, and fit them for the kingdom of God. It is the hope of the perishing in the last generation. Every phase of it is equally important. God is now calling upon His people to arouse from their indifference, put away their sins, and reach a higher standard of consecration. The church must arise to her position, "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." She must stand "without fault before the throne of God," in preparation for the finishing of the work and the coming of Christ.

Commandment keeping is a prominent feature of the message. With too many, this is formal, and falls far below the standard of preparation for the Judgment. The purpose of God in developing a commandment-keeping people is, to develop a people who will dwell in love. "Love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom. 13: 10. The law is an expression of the character of the kingdom of God. "He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4: 16. "Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit." Verse 13. This is more than an occasional visitation of the Holy Spirit. The text applies to a people who are so constantly controlled by that indwelling Spirit that they are wholly transformed into the spirit, or disposition, of Christ. "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." There is no basis for hope unless we constantly live in the Spirit of the Master. "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world." 1 John 4: 17.

THE OPENING HEAVENS REVEAL HIM

Soon the opening heavens will reveal the coming of the Son of man. Unless we have become like Him in our daily lives, we cannot be trusted to enter His kingdom, lest its love and harmony should be broken by our unsubdued spirits and our lack of love and kindness.

It was not the purpose of God, in sending His Son into the world, to bear to dying men merely a cold, formal message of warning, leaving them in condemnation to perish. He came with a message of love and hope to save the lost. He was the sinner's friend. He came close to the needy with a warmth of sympathetic interest that melted their hearts and won them back to God. "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3: 17.

HIS LOVING-KINDNESS WINS

Christ "loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood." Rev. 1: 5. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Rev. 12: 10. On which side are we standing? Hearts that are burdened with sin are not subdued by accusation and condemnation. It is the loving-kindness of the Saviour that wins hearts. Those pierced hands, outstretched to lift our burdens, melt the heart, and create a longing to be like Him.

If the spirit of condemnation comes into the life, it will be manifest in the home. As Christ lived, so should we live in our daily association with our loved ones. No unkind or impatient words should escape our lips. No criticism from us should strike like a dart to the heart of some poor, struggling soul, and add to his burden, and weaken him in his struggle for victory. Words of confidence, hope, and love should the rather be spoken, to lighten the burden, and lift the tempted soul to God.

Are these principles important in our preparation for the finishing of the work of this message? Let Jesus answer: "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13: 35.

FAIR, CLEAR, AND TERRIBLE

If the love of Christ controls our lives, then will the church go forth on her mission, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." S. of S. 6: 10. Then the light will quickly be carried through the waiting lands.

The Lord is sending out His last message before His coming. Shall we not accept it, and dedicate ourselves and our all to God and to this message, in preparation for Christ's coming? If we do this in the spirit of Christ, and move forward in the faith of Jesus, the world will feel the mighty impulse of a strong forward movement in the work of this message, the work will soon be finished, and the people of God will stand triumphant, and hear the "Well done, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," from a Master who appreciates their devotion to His work.