The Athanasian Creed

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith.  Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.  And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance.

For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit.  But the godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.  The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated.  The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.  And yet they are not three eternals, but one Eternal.

As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible.  So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Spirit Almighty.  And yet they are not three almighties, but one Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.  And yet they are not three gods, but one God.

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord.  And yet not three lords, but one Lord.

For as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be both God and Lord, so we are also forbidden by the catholic religion to say that there are three gods or three lords.

The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten.  The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten.  The Holy Spirit is of the Father, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits.

And in the Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another, but all three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.

He therefore that will be saved must think thus of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man; God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of the substance of his mother, born in the world; perfect God and perfect man, of a rational soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching His godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching His manhood; who, although He is God and man, yet he is not two, but one Christ; one, not by conversion of the godhead into flesh but by taking of the manhood into God; one altogether; not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.  For as the rational soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ; who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead.  He ascended into heaven, He sits at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the quick and the dead.  At His coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works.  And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.

Athanasian Creed (with my edits)

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance.

[I can’t accept all of this, this “whole” creed. And speaking of creed, Jesus said to “keep” His “commandments” (John 14:15), His “words” (vs. 23), His “sayings” (vs. 23). He and His Father also required for salvation the simple formula “that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40), “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9)]

For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.

[Biblically, the Holy Spirit is never called a person, or given any semblance of a being, such as the Father and Son are described. Their glory is equal, but the Son’s glory came from His Father (see John 17:5). They are not co-eval or –equal; the Father is greater and receives the greater worship, even from His Son (see Matthew 19:17; 23:9). And They are not co-eternal since the Father begot His Son.]

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.

[The Son was made comprehensible by the Voice being made flesh. He was made identifiable to us, although His voice was still incomprehensible to all who had not faith to recognize His voice, and hear His grace and truth. The Father is made comprehensible by His Son, and Their Holy Spirit is comprehensible by the Son, as well.]

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet they are not three eternals, but one Eternal.

[Here the creed begins to complicate the simple gospel. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me.” (Matt. 18:3-5). “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matt. 21:16).

As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Spirit Almighty. And yet they are not three almighties, but one Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.  And yet they are not three gods, but one God.

[More Babylonian mystery complicating…]

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord.  And yet not three lords, but one Lord.

[The “holy Spirit” of God is not a person, is not to be prayed to, adored, or worshipped. The Holy Spirit never died for us, as the Son of God did, and as the Father suffered in empathy for His Son and made the heavy decision to keep us and lose His only begotten Son. The Holy Spirit never was tempted by Satan in all points, as was the Son. The Spirit comes to the creature with all the power of the Godhead. Even with Jesus, the Father’s Spirit is a gift. “For God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.” (John 3:34). His Spirit is no less a “thing” than everything else the Son had by virtue of His Father’s giving. “The Father loveth the Son, and hath give all things into His hand.” (John 3:35).]

For as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be both God and Lord, so we are also forbidden by the catholic religion to say that there are three gods or three lords.

[This creed and formula from the days of Arius resulted from the attempt to have the true, biblical one God and also to have the pagan polytheism. The Trinity was the blending of both the one true Godhead with the most popular false godhead. The Trinity was the rationalizing, or devising the means, for keeping the truth in one hand and also the world in the other. And just as Jehovah refused to dwell in a corrupt temple with Dagon, but caused that idol to be broken before Him, likewise, the true Father and Son Godhead cannot mix with the heathen trinities and other multi-god “heads”. To attempt to shuffle them together ends in the complicated mess of this creed, and to force everyone to vouch forit despite its incongruities. And covering the incongruities with the catch-all of “mystery”, “mysteries”, and “mysterious”, only adds to the ruse, and its fraudulent and suspicious nature.]

The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten.  The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten.  The Holy Spirit is of the Father, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

[This paragraph is the only whole part of the Athanasian creed that is true.]

So there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one holy Spirit, not three holy spirits.

[Let us dispense with the complications. No one says that there are three Fathers, three Sons, three Spirits.]

And in the Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another, but all three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.

[I reject this whole paragraph. “Godhead” (“theios”,  “theiotēs”, “theotēs”) biblically means an unspecified number of beings, and more accurately refers to the “divinity” of the Father (“theos”), from whose divinity the Son had the fullness of divinity corporeally. See Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9]

He therefore that will be saved must think thus of the Trinity.

[The Bible also rejects the earthly church’s violent enforcement of this man-made pagan creed, to corral the world into the Church’s domination and bondage or interdict and ex-communication. “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2Thess. 3:14,15). Church creeds do no differently than Nimrod’s pledge of loyalty for totalitarian civil control, upon pain of death for all who would not bow to his empire’s demonic, dictatorial monarchy.]

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man; God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of the substance of his mother, born in the world; perfect God and perfect man, of a rational soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching His godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching His manhood; who, although He is God and man, yet he is not two, but one Christ; one, not by conversion of the godhead into flesh but by taking of the manhood into God; one altogether; not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.  For as the rational soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ; who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead.  He ascended into heaven, He sits at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the quick and the dead.  At His coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works.  And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.

[Does God have a substance? Does glory have a substance? “Substance” infers atomic, molecular, material structures. But “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24). Does a Spirit have a substance, by conventional terminology? When understanding what Jesus meant in the context of verse 24, the word, “substance”, cannot suffice to describe anything of God, the Father. “…and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” What kind of “substance” forms worship? “O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Ps. 22:3). God has as much “substance” as glory has and as our human spirit has. Does my spirit have “substance”? Does yours? Our spirits are thoughts and yearnings and prayers that come from a new heart and a new spirit from the creative and redemptive Spirit of God.]

[This phrase “…as touching His manhood” denies the everlasting Sonship of the Only-begotten through all eternity past. For God to give “His only begotten Son” (John 3:16), He must have had an only begotten Son prior to giving Him up for us all.]

[“God and man is one Christ” is more accurately stated, “the only begotten Son of God and man is one Christ”]

[The Greek for “hell” is more accurately written, “death” or “the grave”. Currently there is no hell, which won’t exist until Judgment, “after the thousand years are expired” (Rev. 20:7-10). And then after Satan, his evil hosts, and the earthly wicked are destroyed, the fires of their destruction will be quenched. “The wicked…shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Mal. 4:3). “All the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” (Mal. 4:1).]

This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.

[“But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:28). “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5,6). “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17). “Ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13). “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7). “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Heb. 3:14). “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14).] 

The Trinity, a big cover-up

The 3-in-1 Trinity is not the deep mystery that it is touted to be. Actually its explanation is very simple and basic.

During the ante-Nicene period, the church was steadily moving away from its original doctrine of the Bible’s true monotheistic Father and only-begotten Son principle to the pagan multi-god religions. In order to cover up their dirty business, the church fathers took both religious systems and joined them together. Now everyone in the Roman Empire could pick which system to worship, so long as they remained under the Christian name. Thus, the trinity doctrine was simply the combining of the two religious systems of faith—the world’s one true religion and the world’s one false religion, i.e. ecumenizing Christianity and paganism.

The Church could worship one God or the three pagan Gods that spanned every religion of the world. This new idea eventually satisfied the whole of the church, after the outspoken opponents were killed or driven into the wilderness.

The relevance of the Trinity history

This concept of “three Gods in one” conflicts with Judaism and monotheism. As Sunday and Easter did, under the pretext of destroying “Judaizing”, the new dogma of the Trinity was an attack on the ancient holy Hebrew religion upon which the church’s foundation had been laid. It raised the apostatizing Church above monotheism. And, having cut the ties between the people and the Old Testament, which was the foundation of the New Testament, the minds of the people could more easily justify the new Trinity God. This is why the politicking bishops fought so hard to hold on to the Trinity idea--they loved the pagan religious philosophy and the pagan’s exciting and emotional worship of their gracious gods. Having lost the vision of Jesus’ gracious and truth-filled character, their first love for Christ brought them no life. The Spirit had disappeared from them, and they struggled to live without faith, hope, and love. Empty emotion would replace the redeeming principle of love and its power to seal their name in the book of life.

Thus, using politics and theology, the Church discomfited their Old Testament competitor in the apostles’ rejuvenation of the original Hebrew religion, as seen in the everlasting gospel. But there was also another competitor holding back their lusted-for possession of the beckoning pagan concepts for worship. The Arians were a strong force of contention. Though Christian, they were not catholic, i.e. they did not confederate with the most idolatrous sector of Christianity.

Constantine, whose only interest in the Nicaean Council was the unification of the empire, was influenced by a minority of bishops. So, to unify his kingdom the pagan Emperor voted in favor of the pagan Trinity, giving the final word on the subject. Constantine in connection with a politically maneuvering church leadership, denounced Arius and anathematized his books. But, later, maybe as he saw such a popular revolt against the new gods of the Trinity, he regretted his use of state power in this matter, and switched to Arius’ faction against the new dogma.

Another reason the church desired the trinity doctrine was because they had lost the love of God to the extent that their souls were black with Satan’s presence as prophesied of in Revelation 6:5. Spiritual formation or “channeling” had taken the place of prayer. Jesus was no longer their Spirit of truth and instructive reproof; and therefore neither could He be their Comforter.

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (Prov. 28:9). The control of Satan drove those in the church to seek stronger measures to have peace of mind than simple trusting in a God who hears them if they strive to do His will. Their minds were prevented from communion with God; the Holy Spirit of God had left them.

Thus the common practice from Egypt of visualizing peace through transcendental meditation moved into the church. The Trinity doctrine gave an object to visualize and a new mystery to contemplate in their mystical meditations, and that ancient heathen practice of channelling became accepted as heaven ordained. Yet it was simply mental idolatry with the Trinity as the mental icon for their centering prayer. Meditation on God through His word vanished from the Church and they never regained their high position in the world, which the apostles had given the people of God. Deeper and deeper the Church traversed the path to hell.

The Trinity also satisfied the curiosity of the unconverted church. They had “figured out” the mysteries of the Holy Spirit. They knew what it was, even though they were unconverted and separated from God when they arrived at their understanding. The intellect was the only thing brought to the study.

Yet the Bible clearly states that that is not the way to understand God and His priorities. “But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1Cor. 2:10-14). “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deut. 29:29).

A point against the church’s acceptance of the Trinity doctrine is the atmosphere of hatred and debate that surrounded its approval in the council. Such animosity so reined among all present that pagan Constantine had to act as arbitrator. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (Jas. 3:14-16). “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1Tim. 6:3-6).

The “fathers’” attitudes alone should leave us highly suspicious of the Trinity debate. Certainly, the unconverted church influenced every heart in the Nicean Council, yes even the Arian faction. Jesus, and His Holy Spirit, will work to call, convert, cleanse, and commission us. But beyond that we should leave the mysteries of the Godhead to their proper sphere. Let’s not trample on holy ground with our unholy theological feet.

Despite the weakness of men, let’s remember that the church was/is the only object upon which Christ bestowed His supreme regard. But, we need to let the Bible remain our constant study and meditation. Although He always kept His precious Israel under His constant care for 2,000 years, as a nation, He finally had to cut them off from His tenderness and grace because they had cut themselves off by their attraction to pagan worship. The Law no longer became their practice. Their love of the truth left them, never to return.

And, let’s not allow our deep feelings for ancestry (apostolic succession) or for the ancient traditions of an apostatized Christianity to cause us to be pulled into the rising and ominous power of the neo-Papacy now coalescing into the final beast power. As “Sunday sacredness...creates a bond of sympathy with the Roman power” Great Controversy, p. 588; so will every dogma of Rome. But the Trinity tradition is the chief of dogmas, since it is the very foundation of all Roman dogma. “Unless (people) keep this Faith whole and undefiled, without doubt (they) shall perish everlastingly. And the Catholic faith is this: we worship one God in Trinity. The mystery of the trinity is the central doctrine of the Catholic faith. Upon it are based all the other teachings of the church.” Handbook for Today’s Catholic, p. 16.

Soon the Church will be back to its old self of the Dark Ages. Soon it will unleash the Inquisition, and force the whole world to serve Spiritual Formation and the Trinity, on pain of confiscation of property and of death.

The great falling away, twice told

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” (2Tim. 3:1,2,5).

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1Tim. 4:1,2).

As in ages past, the introduction of pagan doctrines into the chosen people is again on the upsurge and soon to overcome those who have held the truth in righteousness. The Trinity has no foundation in scriptures, according to the SDA-publication, The Trinity, Understanding God’s love, His plan of salvation, and Christian relationships. “While no single scriptural passage states formally the doctrine of the Trinity, it is assumed as a fact….” The Trinity. And the Vatican states that the Trinity is the foundation for all other “Christian” dogma.

“The holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth…. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them.” (Rev. 11:2-4,7).

“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days…. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:6,17).

“   Thousands were imprisoned and slain, but others sprang up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured to Christ and accounted of Him as conquerors. They had fought the good fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ should come. The sufferings which they endured brought Christians nearer to one another and to their Redeemer. Their living example and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and where least expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service and enlisting under the banner of Christ. 

     Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the government of God by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey. 

     The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection, but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ. 

     Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no compromise. Others were in favor of yielding or modifying some features of their faith and uniting with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt their faith and turn their minds from the word of truth. 

     Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped God alone. 

     There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet He connected with Himself men who were faulty in character, and granted them the benefits of His teachings and example, that they might have an opportunity to see their errors and correct them. Among the twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not because of his defects of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with the disciples, that, through the instruction and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul ‘in obeying the truth.’ But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant. He yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were reproved, and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So do all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who for their good have sought to reprove them. 

     The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon His followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth’s sake desired to become His disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold. 

     But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ. 

     It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed. 

     After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children’s children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war. 

     Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.” Great Controversy, p. 42-46. 

Knowing the Intercessor

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3).

How well do we know the Intercessor? Do we need to know Him? Yes, according to Jesus it is a matter of eternal life or death. So, what details can we bring to mind that prove to our heart and mind that our personal Intercessor is holy and just before God and good to us? Who is your Intercessor? Who is mine? Is it Jesus, a tangible, personal Saviour, the only-begotten Son of the Highest?  Or, is it an invisible, intangible, impersonal entity, third member of a Trinity of Gods?

Who can we know best? Can we know a human? Or, can we know a spirit? Who can we really know, remembering that eternal life and eternal death teeter on knowing God and His Son? Does our knowing come by studying a doctrine or by witnessing, and being drawn to, a wonderful human life? Who is our wonderful counselor, our wonderful comforter, advocate, mediator, intercessor? Scripture declares for us who this is.

“For there is one God, and one Mediator^G3316 between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1Tim. 2:5). G3316 mesitēs From G3319; a go between, that is, (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor): - mediator.

An Internunciator stands between two alienated parties. The intercessor is a middle man. And when it comes to exceeding sinfulness and shame and guilt, we need a middle man of gigantic proportions. This exceeding Intercessor must speak for man and for God. And He can. He speaks for us and for the Father because our Intercessor is both God and man, divine and human. He can speak both languages and for both authorities, both of which have sovereign wills because God makes it so. He speaks from both dispositions of infinite perfection and infinite sin, infinite power and infinite weakness. Our Internunciator Intercessor thinks like God and He thinks like a human; He thinks like both a divinely begotten Creator and a humanly birthed creature. He was and has been the Propitiation for us; He assumed all the wrath of God upon sin. Therefore, God recognizes the mind of our Internunciator to be 100% loyal to the righteous Law of God’s kingdom. Therefore, all of His counsels to God are acceptable to Him and to His angelic hosts. And so God leaves us under the charge of His Internunciator.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate^G3875 with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1Jn. 2:1). Our one Internunciator, Intercessor is our Advocate and our “another” Comforter, both English “Advocate” and “Comforter” translated from the same Greek word.

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter^G3875, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18). G3875 paraklētos An intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter.

“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him…. If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” (John 14:21,23).

So, how well do you know your Comforter? Do you see Him? Do you know Him like the disciples did who walked with theirs? Do you see Him, as He required for eternal life?

“And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life.” (John 6:40).

We must see in order to know our Comforter. Where there is no vision the people perish. And there is nothing recognizable to the human in the wispy, vaporous, vague third being of the erroneous Trinity doctrine.

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17).

But, how can we see our Comforter? In the same way that the disciples saw Him—through the things that appeal to God-forsaken humans—His righteousness and His love. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not…. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:4,5,9). We must see Him through faith. It is by beholding our Comforter that we become changed into His same image. The disciples, likewise, were learning to see Him through faith. They were seeing more than His enemies were seeing, and even more than the multitudes were seeing.

“Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets. But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:26,27).

By needing a friend in Jesus and looking for evidence of His friendship, through faith we can see Jesus in the New and Old Testament scriptures.

“God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.… Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1Cor. 2:10,13).

The scriptures are brightened by the presence of Jesus by the view of Him in the precepts and exemplary experiences of sacred history.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Ps. 119:105, 130).

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” (Ps. 89:15,16).

“How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.

For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.

O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.” (Ps. 36:7-10).

“Hearken unto Me, My people; and give ear unto Me, O My nation: for a law shall proceed from Me, and I will make My judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near; My salvation is gone forth, and Mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon Me, and on Mine arm shall they trust.” (Isa. 51:4,5).

“The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” (Num. 6:25,26). His countenance means His very presence, as in the scripture, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” (Ex. 33:14).

“For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but Thy right hand, and Thine arm, and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst a favour unto them.” (Ps. 44:3).

In the faithful, redeemed people of His sacred history, and of today, we see Jesus.

“When the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.” (1Sam. 17:42). [When the Pharisees looked about, and saw Jesus, they disdained Him: for He was youthful, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.]

“Abigail: …a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance.” (1Sam. 25:3). [Again, Jesus was a Son of good understanding and beautiful countenance.]

“And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down  to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.” (Gen. 24:15). [Jesus is fair and pure, and full of service to everyone He ever met, family members, friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike!]

“And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured…. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” (Gen. 39:6,22,23).

[Jesus is faithful, trustworthy, intensely righteous, efficient, intelligent, and a good manager of people. Doesn’t the picture of Him through Joseph start our wheels turning to see more details of Jesus? Don’t we begin to look around us at good managers, efficient employees, intelligent, trustworthy, faithful people, and look for the perfection of Jesus in every respect of human capabilities. And doesn’t that make this life interesting and adventurous and hopeful, and filled with the presence of Jesus in our hearts everywhere we go?]

“God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.” (Gen. 46:2-4).

[Didn’t Jacob’s beloved son Joseph put his hand ever so loving on the eyes of his long lost loving father? Do we see Jesus testified of here? Wouldn’t Jesus be as gentle and loving when He lays His hand on us?]

“Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.” (Ps. 18:35).

“I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Ps. 16:8-11).

“Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” (Ps. 31:5).

[When Jesus’ presence is tangible to our faith and sight, can’t we surrender our spirit to Him and commit  our souls to His keeping? “Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence.” Desire of Ages, p. 331.]

“Though [the justified person] fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand.

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” (Ps. 37:24-26).

“O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary.

Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee.

Thus will I bless Thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name.

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips:

When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches.

Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.

My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.” (Ps. 63:1-8).

“Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Ps. 77:20).

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence.” (2Sam. 22:2,3).

[How about the Son of God’s earthly father, David? Didn’t David reveal Jesus more than anyone in sacred history?]

“When he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” (1Sam. 18:1-3).

In life and in death for our second birth, we see the only true Intercessor. The third person of the trinity dogma never died. Only the eternal Father died with us when He died with His only begotten Son.

“And … Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.” (1Sam. 4:19,20).

“And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.” (Gen. 35:16-18).

“The scriptures … testify of Me.” (John 5:39). “My words... they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63).

Do you see your Comforter in people who He redeemed from sin and selfishness, who offered their lives in order to give life to others? Do you see Jesus in Rachel and Phinehas’ wife, dying to bring a new life into the world? Don’t you see Jesus through them, when He was caught in the storm of saving us, and finally died to bring new life to a world of sinners? Do you here see Jesus, the Master Teacher and wonderful Counselor, the mighty Healer and Great Physician, the meek and lowly Lamb of God? Are you getting to know your Intercessor through the redeemed children of the scriptures? Can you see “the Man Christ Jesus” (1Tim. 2:5) through His workmanship in those men and women?

“[Aaron] ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.” (Num. 16:47,48).

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:39,40).

Will we come to Jesus for comfort? Do you have on your eye salve? Are you seeing and getting to know the only true God and Jesus Christ who He sent? Don’t wait for the mysterious, invisible third person of the Trinity doctrine to ever show up to get acquainted with you. Don’t wait for that post-apostolic, Babylonian construct to move your deepest yearnings for righteousness and liberty like Jesus can, by using His written word as the medium for the transmission of Himself. The love for righteousness and liberty comes from “the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:17) Jesus Christ who gives us a new heart that is freed in obedience. “The Lord is that Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:17). The Spirit is Jesus. Only Jesus has come to us in the flesh, to enable us to see God as He really is. Therefore, it is Jesus who has been working overtime since the beginning to reveal Himself to us and to spiritually bring us home again to His Father. The sole biblical Mediator/Advocate/Intercessor is Jesus, the beloved only begotten Son of God. The greatest news ever was the promise that a precious Child born to us would be called, “Wonderful, Counselor” (Isa. 9:6).

All that Jesus did in the flesh on earth is not what the third person of a Trinity does for us. Rather, all that Jesus did in the past He is doing now. The whole reason for His incarnation into human experience and the details of that 33 year life written from four perspectives is for humanity to know exactly what He would continue to do for them until He returned. His visible, tangible life was written out in order for us to know exactly how He would be toward us until He would return. Jesus was to be the Comforter who was supposed to get all the attention, “and not another” (Job 19:27, cf John 14:16). That was the plan for our salvation. 

“I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” (John 12:32).

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner Stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” (1Pet. 2:6).

Jesus, the only Spirit, the only Comforter

“A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:16).

“A certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;…

 And [all the people] knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled.” (Acts 3:2,10-18).

The people who saw the miracle were in shock and trembling. They were convinced that the healing the lame man was real and must have come from heaven. They were primed for conviction and repentance. And they knew that the despised followers of Jesus were involved. Their first thought was to give the glory to the disciples.

But, other than first denying the men’s applause, Peter’s most important mission was to save the hearts of his Jewish people. He desired above all things to lead them into repentance and salvation. This he did after speaking the unvarnished truth to them with unvarnished mercy. Now Peter could make the appeal.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.…

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:19-21,25,26). And many believed and repented, as the next verses inform us—about 5,000 men.

“As they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1-4).

But, how did the multitude come to believe? Was it by Peter’s expert evangelistic talent? No. As Jesus had come down in Spirit during the building of Babel, (see Genesis 11:5), the 5,000 conversions happened by Him spiritually coming down from heaven to give the Israelite men repentance and refreshing from His presence in their heart, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27). “God, having raised up [glorified (vs. 13)] His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you.” (Acts 3:26).

The Father’s sending Jesus to bless them was not speaking of God sending Jesus during His 3½ year ministry. Neither was it about a third person of the Godhead interceding for us. It was about the Man Christ Jesus our only Intercessor and Comforter. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Tim. 2:5), who “ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Heb. 7:25). This event of healing was God sending Jesus after “having raised up His Son Jesus” (Acts 3:26). This was the Father sending Jesus weeks after His resurrection and ascension and glorification. Jesus, the crucified and risen Son, having ascended to sit with His Father on His Father’s throne, was sent to His people to bless them with conviction, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation with His Father, their Father.

“Unto you first” (Acts 3:26). For the first 3½ years after His crucifixion, Jesus would continue to intercede for the beloved children of His beloved Abraham. The prophecy of Daniel 9 showed this in the last seven years (one week of prophetic time) of its prophetic period.

“Seventy weeks [490 literal years] are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” (Dan. 9:24). “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven literal years]: and in the midst of the week [after the first 3½ years] He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” (Dan. 9:27).

The full 490 literal year, or 70 symbolic week prophecy, would not leave the Jews to their due punishment immediately after they had “killed the Prince of life” (Acts 3:15), but would offer mercy on top of mercy by giving another 3½ years of probation. The miracle upon the lame man took place within that 3½ year probation, shortly after Israel had “denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto [them].” (vs. 14).

“Unto you first.” The Jews were the first to be offered the privilege of the promised “blessing of Abraham … that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal. 3:14). “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Eph. 1:13). The Jews had first dibs at being “justified by the faith of Christ” (Gal. 2:16) through the “Spirit of Christ” (Rom. 8:9), “in turning away every one of [them] from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:26).

Jesus was sent to heal the lame man by His Spirit, “through faith in His name” (Acts 3:16). Jesus was there in person, but in the personality of His Spirit. Jesus by His Spirit was the third person of the heavenly trio; yet, it was truly Jesus, nonetheless. It was Jesus as the Spirit; that is, as the Spirit of His Father.

“Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent.” Manuscript Release, vol. 14, p. 23.3.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” (Rom. 8:9). The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ, without which no man shall see God.

“Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:26). Jesus came to the lame man as Peter and John spoke His name to the disabled beggar.

His spiritual coming was what Jesus had tried to explain to His disciples in the upper room. “A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:16). This statement was not speaking of His disciples losing sight of Jesus during His crucifixion and burial, which did test them to the core of their faith. Rather, the context speaks of what would happen after Christ’s ascension. John 16:16 referred to them seeing Him again after their baptism of the Spirit, as is plainly seen in its post-ascension context.

“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:12-16).

“Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

At that day ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

For the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God.

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” (John 16:19-28).

His disciples would see Him again as their Comforter. And would they ever be glad when they could again see Him that way! Perfectly trustworthy, He was the same Friend who could only be good to them, the same Helper, the same Teacher sent from God. Everything that they had needed before from Him was increased. And now they were more surrendered, and thus more open to their Master’s holy influence. This explains Judas’ earlier question.

“Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:22). His question came on the tail end of Christ’s first introduction of the new subject of “the Spirit” to fishermen. “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17). Jesus was with them, but unable to fully be in them because of their shallow, yet untried attachment to Him. But, after their big test and humbling, they would receive Him fully and then He could dwell in them forever.

The whole nation could not see Jesus as the Comforter because they never received Him into their heart. If they had surrendered to John the Baptist’s Law of God and to the cross of God’s Son, their self-will and heart broken, Jesus would have manifested Himself to the whole nation in the power. However Satan kept that from happening.

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12,13). The nation, almost wholly, had rejected Him. But to the part who loved the holy, just, and good Law which He exemplified in love, the same experience of second birth that happened to Jesus in His incarnation, would happen to them spiritually.

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35). The power of the Most High God would come upon them, and therefore they would be enabled to see “the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32). And through looking to the precious Son, and imitating Him, His Father’s Holy Ghost would live in them. His Father’s Spirit, would come to them through His beloved Son. The revelation of truth and wisdom would come through Christ’s intercession for His Father’s Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of your Father” (Matt. 10:20), a revelation from “My Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:17). Jesus ever lived to make intercession for them and us. He could rightly claim His Father’s Spirit as His own, being the only one qualified and worthy to mediate it to all His children who fear and love His Father. Jesus could call the Holy Spirit Himself because it came from His Father in heaven, and He was 100% tuned in to His Father’s influence. His Father’s truth was Jesus’ own truth, to such an extent that He was the truth.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: …because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Rom. 5:1-5).

The disciples could not see or know the Spirit of truth until Jesus would be sent to them after His ascension. Through His personal presence He would baptize His disciples in His Father’s Spirit and turn them into unstoppable apostles and overcomers of the world. It would be Jesus speaking to them with the voice of authority, and with everything divinely powerful.

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” (Acts 16:6,7).

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?

And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:3-6).

No longer weakened and limited by His human frame, “divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof” Manuscript Release, vol. 14, p. 23.3, Jesus would speak for Himself through His own powerful, trumpet-like, spiritual medium without losing any of His familiar intent and purposes. His loving authority would still be recognizable, which is why His disciples loved to be in communion with Him.

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” (Rev. 1:10). They were in communion with their same Master from earlier days of personal ministry. He had not changed; His promise had not changed, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the [age].” (Matt. 28:20). And neither had His demands changed for them to save the world. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19,20).

“As they met together after the ascension they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.’ John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher with the mighty argument, ‘It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.’ Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ had said, He ‘shall be in you.’ And He had further said, ‘It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.’ John 14:17; 16:7. Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light, and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, ‘marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.’ Acts 4:13.

     All that Christ was to the disciples, He desires to be to His children today; for in that last prayer, with the little band of disciples gathered about Him, He said, ‘Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.’ John 17:20.  

     Jesus prayed for us, and He asked that we might be one with Him, even as He is one with the Father. What a union is this! The Saviour has said of Himself, ‘The Son can do nothing of Himself;’ ‘the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.’ John 5:19; 14:10. Then if Christ is dwelling in our hearts, He will work in us ‘both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ Philippians 2:13. We shall work as He worked; we shall manifest the same spirit. And thus, loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall ‘grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.’ Ephesians 4:15.” Steps to Christ, p. 74,75.

“A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:16).

They saw their Lord in His written word, they could visualize Him in their improved mind’s eye, they saw Him in the humbled people around them, they saw Him as their hands and words did the work that He had done. “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Pet. 1:8). Their crisis of separation from their beloved Master behind them in the past, they could never again lose sight of Him.

Because He was at the apostles’ right hand, they could not be moved. As disciples, He had led them into the waters of surrender, and now they were sealed in susceptibility to His Spirit and to His righteousness. They would forever hear His voice and see His so much loved mannerisms—His warmth and kindness, His staunch loyalty to His Father’s commandments, His ever enduring patience toward disciples and enemies alike. They continually saw that He had never met a soul who He didn’t love and seek to win back to eternal life with Him and His Father.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (2Pet. 1:2,3).