What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Perfection of Character before the Second Coming"
Answer
The perfection of character is a necessary preparation for the Second Coming of Christ, for He will return only when His nature is perfectly reflected in His people. This development must be completed in this life through cooperation with divine grace and victory over sin. If we are not found with a pure character at the Second Coming, no subsequent change of moral nature will occur.
The Reflection of Christ in His Church
Christ waits with eager longing for the revelation of Himself in His church. When the character of the Savior is perfectly reproduced in His people, He will come to claim His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to expect the coming of our Lord but to hasten it.
Perfection through Divine Cooperation
No one must fail to attain the perfection of Christian character in his sphere. ... In His humanity, perfected through a life of constant resistance against evil, the Savior showed that human beings can attain character perfection through cooperation with the Divine in this life. This is God's assurance to us that we too can achieve complete victory.
Preparation before the Second Coming
The work of cleansing the soul's temple and preparation for Christ's appearing must take place while we are in this world of temptation. Just as Christ will find us in character when He comes, so we will remain.
The Seal of God and the Completion
Do we strive for His fullness and constantly press toward the goal set for us – the perfection of His character? When the Lord's people reach this goal, they will be sealed on the forehead. Filled with the Spirit, they will be perfect in Christ, and the recording angel will declare: “It is finished.”
No Moral Transformation at the Arrival
When Christ appears, He will not come to correct these evils and then grant moral suitability for His coming. This preparation must be made entirely before His coming. It should be a matter of contemplation, study, and serious questioning: What shall we do to be saved?
Transformation into His Image
We must study the life of Christ and imitate the divine pattern. We must dwell in the perfection of His character and be transformed into His image. No one will enter the kingdom of God unless his will is brought into the captivity of Christ's will.
- Character perfection sanctification
- Preparation for the Second Coming
- Victory over sin
Original Sources (English)
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