Personal Relationship to Christ

Jesus said,

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 NKJV)

“Know” has a deeper meaning in the Bible than it does today in the English language. It means a complete, mutual and loving commitment. It is only present in a life with the Holy Spirit. This thought is expressed in the following quote,

“We must have a living connection with God. We must be clothed with power from on high by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that we may reach a higher standard; for there is help for us in no other way.” Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, April 5, 1892

In the parable of the 10 virgins Jesus said to the foolish ones, “I do not know you.” What was the reason? The lack of oil, which represents the lack of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 25:1-13). The men, who crucified Jesus, had great knowledge of the Old Testament. But because of their false interpretation they didn’t look for a personal relationship with Jesus.

Righteousness by Faith

God’s last message to humanity in the three angels’ message has to do with the question of the proclamation of the “eternal gospel” (Revelation 14: 6-7),

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water’.”

What is the essence of this message that the whole world should and will hear?

It is righteousness by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9),

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Those who proclaim this last day message with power, must experience the power of the message themselves. They have to know and experience righteousness by faith through Jesus alone as the forgiver and redeemer from sin. This is only possible in a life filled with the Holy Spirit through which Jesus Christ who enables our obedience. Jesus dwelling in us is shown by obedience to all of God’s commands. The world will be illuminated with this message (Revelation 18:1),

“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.”

Love for the Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:10 NKJV says,

“... those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved”.

Those, who cannot be misled, have the love of truth in their hearts. How do we get this love? We can only have heavenly love when Jesus Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 says that the love in our hearts comes from the Holy Spirit. Eph 3:17 tells us that we will be “rooted and grounded in love” through the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13 the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of truth”. This shows us clearly that it is necessary to be a spiritual Christian in order to have a love for the truth. Do we have problems today with the love for the truth, to God’s word, to prophetic writings? Consider the times ahead of us,

“Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive... Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses?” Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (1911), p.625

God doesn’t ask if we have discovered all truth, but rather He asks if we love the truth.

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION

1. Are we aware that the generation of the last days, due to end time circumstances, will we need an intimate connection to God?

2. What is the essence of this message that the whole world should and will hear in Revelation 14:6,7?

3. What effects will be present in our lives today with or without a life filled with the Holy Spirit in reference to love for the truth, studying God’s word and implementing the truth in our lives?

4. In your opinion, what is the difference in between knowing the truth and loving the truth?