The Prodigal's
Progress

A Longing For Something Better

`All the longing after a better life is from Christ, and is an evidence that He is drawing you to Himself, and that you are responding to His drawing power. (3SM198)

We Come Home Just as We Are

`Christ has made reconciliation for sin, and has born all its ignominy, reproach, and punishment; and yet while bearing sin, He has brought in everlasting righteousness, so that the believer is spotless before God. ... But there are many who claim to be children of God who are resting their hopes upon other dependencies, rather than on the blood of Christ alone. When urged to rest their faith wholly upon Christ as a complete Saviour, many reveal the fact that they have faith in something that they think they can do. They say, "I have a great deal to do before I can be fit to come to Christ." Another says, "When I have done to the uttermost all that I can do, then the Lord Jesus will come to my help." They imagine that they have a great deal to do themselves to save their own souls, and that Jesus will come in and piece out that part which is lacking, and give the finishing stroke to their salvation. These poor souls will not be strong in God until they accept Christ as a complete Saviour. They can add nothing to their salvation. (SD227).

`There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, of for holier tempers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are.' (SC31).

Then The Kind Father 
Rushes Out to Meet Us

`Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it.' (COL206).

We Can Rest Assured
That We Will Be Accepted

`The Lord would have His people sound in the faith - not ignorant of the great salvation so abundantly provided for them. They are not to look forward, thinking that at some future time a great work is to be done for them; FOR THE WORK IS NOW COMPLETE. The believer is not called upon to make his peace with God; he never has nor ever can do this. He is to accept Christ as His peace, for with Christ is God and peace.' (1SM394).

`When the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.' (Titus 3:4-7).

`You cannot gain an entrance by penance nor by any works that you can do. No, God Himself has the honor of providing a way, and it is so complete, so perfect, that man cannot, by any works he may do, add to its perfection. It is broad enough to receive the greatest sinner if he repents, and it is so narrow, so holy, lifted up so high, that sin cannot be admitted there.' (1SM184).

There Are Conditions of Acceptance

`The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God.' (COL152)

`The condition of our acceptance with God is a practical separation from the world.' (CH51)

What is Repentance?

Matthew 5:3-8 outlines the attitudes of the truly repentant soul. For a detailed study on the beatitudes see The Only Road To True Happiness

His Kindness Leads to Repentance

`As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really are, do not give up to despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save. We have not to reconcile God to us, but - O wondrous love! - God in Christ is "reconciling the world unto Himself." He is wooing by His tender love the hearts of His erring children. No earthly parent could be as patient with the faults and mistakes of his children, as is God with those He seeks to save. No one could plead more tenderly with the transgressor. No human lips ever poured out more tender entreaties to the wanderer than does He. All His promises, His warnings, are but the breathing of unutterable love.' (SC35).

`When the light from Christ shines into our souls, we shall see how impure we are; we shall discern the selfishness of motive, the enmity against God, that has defiled every act of life. Then we shall know that our own righteousness is indeed as filthy rags, and that the blood of Christ alone can cleanse us from the defilement of sin, and renew our hearts in His own likeness. (SC28,29)

`The simple story of the cross of Christ, His suffering and dying for the world, His resurrection and ascension, His mediation in the sinner's behalf before the Father, subdues and breaks the hard and sinful heart, and brings the sinner to repentance.' (SD228).

`God's kindness leads you towards repentance' (Romans 2:4).

`Christ came to reveal to the sinner the justice and love of God, that He might give repentance to Israel and remission of sins. When the sinner beholds Jesus lifted up upon the cross, suffering the guilt of the transgressor, bearing the penalty of sin; when he beholds God's abhorrence of evil in the fearful manifestation of the death of the cross, and His love for fallen man, he is led to repentance toward God because of his transgression of the law which is holy, just, and good.' (1SM324).

Why Should We Repent?

`No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ.' (SC65).

`The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing of the love of Christ. God sends message after message to men, entreating them to repentance, that He may forgive, and write pardon against their names.' (1SM323).

`It is that men may understand the joy of forgiveness, the peace of God, that Christ draws them through the manifestation of His love. If they respond to His drawing, yielding their hearts to His grace, He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge of Himself, and this is life eternal.' (1SM324).

What Happens When We Repent?

`The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.' (SC65)

Forgiveness - When Accomplished

`In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (when was Jesus' blood shed?), in accordance with the richness of God's grace.' (Ephesians 1:7)

`This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.' (Mat 26:28).

`I write to you children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name.' (1 John 2:12).

`To Him who has freed us from our sins by His blood.' (Rev 1:5).

`When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.' (Col 2:13). [Note - made alive while still a sinner - see Hebrews 10:14].

`I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.' (Isaiah 44:22) [Note - Redeemed before we return!].

`But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.' (2 Tim 1:9,10).

The Gift of Forgiveness

`Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal.' (MB116)

Forgiveness - For Who?

`Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself [when?] through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.' (2 Cor 5:17-19).

`He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world?' (1 John 2:2) [When was this sacrifice made? For who was it made?]

Forgiveness - How Complete?

`He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.' (Ps 103:3,12)

`Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.' (Acts 13:38,39).

`The atonement that has been made for us by Christ is wholly and abundantly satisfactory to the Father, God can be just, and yet the justifier of those who believe.' (6BC1071).

Forgiveness - How Long?

`This man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God' (Hebrews 10:12)

Forgiveness - When Effective?

`[Rom 3:24-26 quoted]. Here the truth is laid out in plain lines. This mercy and goodness is wholly undeserved. The grace of Christ is freely given 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 God's forgiving grace.' (6BC1071)

The moment true faith in the merits of the costly atoning sacrifice is exercised, claiming Christ as a personal Saviour, that moment the sinner is justified before God, because he is pardoned.' (3SM195)

Forgiveness - Conditions Of

God's forgiveness is like a river - it is always there inviting the thirsty sinner to come and drink, our part is to come and drink.

`If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' (1 John 1:9)

`Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.' (Luke 11:4)

`When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.' (Mark 11:25).

`For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.' (Matt 6:14,15).

`When through repentance and faith we accept Christ as our Saviour, the Lord pardons our sins, and remits the penalty prescribed for the transgression of the law. The sinner then stands before God as a just person; he is taken into favor with Heaven, and through the Spirit has fellowship with the Father and the Son.' (3SM191)

The Righteous Robe

`Pardon (forgiveness) and justification are one and the same thing.' (6BC1070)

`Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The ONLY WAY in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God THE MERITS OF CHRIST, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is accepted in place of man's failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as he loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace [character to character] from light to a greater light. [Titus 3:5-7 Quoted]' (1SM367)

`When God pardons the sinner . . . remits the punishment he deserves . . . and treats him as though he had not sinned . . . 

He . . . receives him into divine favor . . . and justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness.

`The sinner can be justified ONLY through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the sins of a guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of His own.

`He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, ONLY by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust.' (1SM388)

`Sinners can be justified by God only when He pardons their sins, remits the punishment they deserve, and treats them as though they were really just and had not sinned, receiving them into divine favor and treating them as if they were righteous. They are justified alone through the imputed righteousness of Christ. (3SM194)

`The human family are in trouble because of their transgression of the Father's law. But God does not leave the sinner until He shows the remedy for sin. The only-begotten Son of God has died that we might live. The Lord has accepted this sacrifice in our behalf, as our substitute and surety, on the condition that we (1) receive Christ and (2) believe on Him. The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of His merits, lay his sins upon the Sin Bearer, and receive His pardon. . . . Thus the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believing sinner. He becomes a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ.' (1SM215).

`Christ bore the curse of the law, suffering its penalty, carrying TO COMPLETION the plan whereby man was to be placed where he could keep God's law, and be accepted THROUGH THE MERITS OF THE REDEEMER; and by His sacrifice glory was shed upon the law.' (1SM240).

Our Attitude

`"Unworthy, unworthy of the least of Thy favors, O my God," is my cry. My only hope is in a crucified and risen Saviour. I claim the merits of the blood of Christ. Jesus will save to the uttermost all who put their trust in Him.' (3SM148)

`The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ.' (DA300)

`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." When we individually rest upon Christ, with full assurance of faith, trusting alone to the efficacy of His blood to cleanse from all sin, we shall have peace in believing that what God has promised He is able to perform....' (3SM181)

`The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Ex. 12:13). All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin.' (3SM172)

The Wrong Place of Works?

`There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favour. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, "How can these things be?" ' (DA175).

`Let no-one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal deception. If you would understand it, you must stop haggling over your pet idea, and with humble hearts survey the atonement. This matter is so dimly comprehended that thousands upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of the wicked one, because they will depend upon their own works. God always demanded good works, the law demands it, but because man placed himself in sin where his good works are valueless, Jesus righteousness alone can avail. Christ is able to save to the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for us. All that man can possibly do toward his own salvation is to accept the invitation, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest appeals, continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation.' (6BC1071).

The Value of Our Works

`If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason ... any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness. My requests are only made acceptable because they are laid upon Christ's righteousness. The idea of doing anything to merit the grace of pardon is fallacy from beginning to end. "Lord, in my hand no price I bring, simply to thy cross I cling. Men can achieve no praiseworthy exploits that give him any glory. " (FW24).

`Discussions may be entered into by mortals strenuously advocating creature merit, and each man striving for the supremacy, but ... they are misrepresenting the truth as it is in Jesus. ... They need the divine love of God which is represented by gold tried in the fire; they need the white raiment of Christ's pure character; and they need the heavenly eyesalve that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life. There may be a fervor of labour and an intense affection, high and noble achievement of intellect, a breadth of understanding, and the humblest self-abasement, laid at the feet of our Redeemer; but there is not one jot more than the grace and talent first given of God. There must be nothing less given than duty prescribes, and there cannot be one jot more given than they have first received; and all must be laid upon the fire of Christ's righteousness to cleanse it from its earthly odor before it rises in a cloud of fragrant incense to the great Jehovah and is accepted as a sweet savor.' (FW24).

The Right Place Of Works

`Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God's favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love.' (MB149)

`Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God, we shall not work to earn God's love. His love as a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments.' (COL283).

`The faith that justifies always produces first true repentance, and then good works, which are the fruit of that faith. There is no saving faith that does not produce good fruit.' (3SM195).

`All your good works cannot save you; but it is nevertheless impossible for you to be saved without good works.' (3SM147)

`Ministers sometimes tell the people that they have nothing to do but believe; that Jesus has done it all, and their own works are nothing. But the Word of God plainly states that in the Judgement the scales will be balanced accurately, and the decisions will be based on the evidence adduced.'(3SM147)

`We continually remember before our God and Father

(1) your work produced by faith,

(2) your labour prompted by love,

(3) your endurance inspired by hope.' (1 Thes 1:3)

God's Desire For Our Lives

`From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.' (2 Thes 2:13).

`Our sanctification is God's object in all His dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we may be holy. Christ gave Himself for our redemption, that through our faith in His power to save from sin, we might be made complete in Him. In giving us His Word, He has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we shall receive eternal life.' (3SM202)

What is Sanctification?

`Sanctification is not an outward work. It does not consist in praying and exhorting in meeting but it takes hold of the very life and molds the words and actions, transforming the character...' (3SM146)

`When, as erring, sinful beings, we come to Christ and become partakers of His pardoning grace, love springs up in the heart. Every burden is light, for the yoke that Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness, becomes bright with beams from the Sun of Righteousness.' (SC59)

Why Sanctification?

`Mere forgiveness of sin is not the sole result of the death of Jesus. He made the infinite sacrifice not only that sin might be removed, but that human nature might be restored, rebeautified, reconstructed from its ruins, and made fit for the presence of God....' (3SM154)

`As we come to feel our utter reliance upon Christ for salvation, are we to fold our hands, and say, "I have nothing to do; I am saved; Jesus has done it all"? - No, we are to put forth every energy that we may become partakers of the divine nature.' (3SM198)

`Jesus came to suffer in our behalf, that He might impart to us His righteousness. There is but one way of escape for us, and that is found only in becoming partakers of the divine nature.' (3SM197)

Who or What Produces Good Works?

`The perception of God's love works the renunciation of selfishness.' (MB105).

`Justification by faith in Christ will be made manifest in transformation of character. (6BC1071).

`It is a knowledge of Christ as the sin bearer, as the propitiation for our iniquities, that enables us to live a life of holiness. This knowledge is the safeguard for the happiness of the human family.' (1SM264)

`I have revealed You to those whom you gave me out of the world. . . . They have obeyed your word.' (John 17:6).

`Since only THE SERVICE OF LOVE can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence.' (PP42).

`When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek.' (SC45)

`It is the glory of the gospel that it is founded upon the principle of restoring in the fallen race the divine image BY A CONSTANT MANIFESTATION OF [GOD'S] BENEVOLENCE. This work began in the heavenly courts. There God decided to give human beings unmistakable evidence of the love with which He regarded them. . . . The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption. In order fully to carry out this plan, it was decided that Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, should give Himself an offering for sin. What line can measure the depth of His love? God would make it impossible for man to say that He could have done more. With Christ He gave all the resources of heaven, that nothing might be wanting in the plan for man's uplifting. Here is love - the contemplation of which should fill the soul with inexpressible gratitude! Oh, what love, what matchless love! The contemplation of this love will cleanse the soul from all selfishness. It will lead the disciple to deny self, take up the cross, and follow the Redeemer.' (CH223).

`Poor, repentant mortals, hear the words of Jesus, and believe as you hear: "And He answered [the accusing charge of Satan] and spake unto those [angels] that stood before him [to do His bidding], saying, Take away the filthy garments from him." I will blot out his transgressions. I will cover his sins. I will impute to him My righteousness. . . . The iniquity is transferred to the innocent, the pure, the holy Son of God; and man, all undeserving, stands before the Lord cleansed from all unrighteousness, and clothed with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Oh, what a change of raiment is this! This is the honor that God will bestow on those who are clothed with the garments of Christ's righteousness.

`God does not employ compulsory measures; love is the agent which He uses to expel sin from the heart. By it He changes pride into humility, and enmity and unbelief into love and faith.' (MB77)

`With such encouragement as this, how can men continue in sin? How can they grieve the heart of Christ?' (4BC1178)