Why Rejecting Righteousness by Faith Delays Christ's Return

It is a certainty that the rejection and opposition to the precious message of justification by faith are deeply connected with the fatal mindset expressed by those who inwardly or outwardly declare, "My Lord delayeth His coming" Matthew 24:48. This spiritual resistance hinders the preparation necessary among God's people for Christ's quick return, as this message is the very essence of the Third Angel's Message, or "the third angel's message in verity"6LtMs, Ms 8, 1890, par. 4+1.

Here is an understanding of how opposition to this divine truth reveals an unprepared state:

The Essential Nature of the Message

The message of justification by faith is a gift from God and bears divine credentials, resulting in holiness among those who accept itMMM 351.1+1.

• The Power of Christ's Righteousness: This doctrine emphasizes that Christ’s imputed righteousness alone is the basis of our acceptance by God, covering the sinner's defects and providing the perfection and sufficiency needed, as we are accepted in the Beloved11MR 284.4+1.

• A Call to Action: The themes of justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ must be proclaimed to a perishing world, as they are crucial components of the Laodicean message sounding forth to prepare a people for heavenSpM 420.2+1.

• Spiritual Strength: Those who fully grasp this message are fed with large morsels from the Lord's table, experiencing light, relief, and the blessing of God, enabling a growth in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ1MR 143.4+1.

The Spirit of Opposition and Delay

Those who have had abundant light and evidence but reject the special truths for this time, specifically the righteousness of Christ, are actively working against the preparation of the churchPC 60.6+1.

• Mirroring the Evil Servant: The spiritual blindness and unbelief shown in resisting the message of justifying righteousness is characteristic of the evil servant who says in his heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming" Matthew 24:48DA 635.1+1. This attitude is not always an open scoffing, but rather a presumption that the Lord's coming is delayed, leading to careless habits and worldlinessDA 635.1.

• The Consequence of Unbelief: When men and women in leadership positions slight God's messages, they show attributes of Satan, often seeking to control the minds and talents of God's servants, resisting the very messengers sent with light and grace9MR 212.2+1. When people become convinced that Christ's coming is delayed, they begin to smite their fellow servants and eat and drink with the drunken, confirming their worldliness and stuporTM 237.1+1.

• Hate for the Messenger: Just as Christ was hated and despised at His first advent, those who brought the message of blessing (justification by faith) have also been hated and despised by men in responsible positions9MR 212.2. The resistance to this light is not excused by God, because light has been given, and those who reject it are enclosing themselves in impenetrable darkness, calling light darkness11MR 287.3.

The Immediate Need for Preparation

The refusal to accept the spiritual light connected with justification by faith threatens the foundation of true Christian experience and unity, which must precede the Second Coming.

• The Remedy: The safety of God's people is found in coming to His living Word, recognizing that justification by faith is the article of our true standing in the sight of God, followed by sanctification through the Holy Spirit13MR 191.1.

• Warning Against Delay: We are living in the closing scenes of earth's history, and no one should say in heart or by works, "My Lord delayeth His coming," as hours of probation are fast passingSW November 5, 1907, par. 8. Those who are impenitent under the beams of light are near the line where God's forbearance is exhaustedGCB January 1, 1900, par. 2.

• Personal Acceptance: Although human agents bearing the message may fail, the message itself—the righteousness of Christ—remains unchanged and vitalizing to the human soul9LtMs, Lt 31a, 1894, par. 39. We must continually put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, for connection with the power of God is our only salvation, and we must trust entirely in Him, not in ourselves5MR 337.5+1.