Gods Sabbath

L ABORING TO E NTER G OD ’ S R EST

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them depends the well-being of every individual. They guarantee prosperity and success, and the ultimate triumph of God’s cause against sin. We cannot be true Sabbath-keepers unless we know these great absolutes and operate in harmony with them.

Christ as God and Man

In the first three verses of the first chapter of Hebrews , Christ is introduced as the One through whom the almighty Source cre ated the worlds and upholds them to this present point of time. He is also identified as the mighty Connector through whom light is channelled to all dependant creatures. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the pro phets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he [God] made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1–3. From verse 4 onwards, various reasons are given to explain why Christ’s position is higher than the angels. From the begin ning, the great controversy has centered on Christ’s role as the living Connector between the Source and the receiver. Therefore, Paul found it necessary to spell out in considerable detail Christ’s unique position and work in God’s perfect and eternal organiza tion. There is very good reason for this. Many to whom Paul’s writings were directly sent, had actually seen Christ as a Man, had heard Him teach, and had witnessed His wonderful mira cles. But while they had no difficulty in recognizing Christ as an extraordinary man, they failed to perceive that at the same time, He was also the Creator. This is a common failing with humani ty. Consequently, both for the people of his time and all succeed ing generations, Paul found it necessary to explain Christ’s one ness and equality with the everlasting and almighty Father.*

* For further study refer to The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection, by A. T. Jones.