What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Read Colossians 3:1‑4. What prerequisite does Paul indicate as necessary for a heavenly mindset? What does that mean in your opinion?"
Answer
The essential prerequisite for a heavenly mindset, according to Paul, is that the believer has symbolically risen with Christ and regards his old life as \"dead\". This requires a conscious decision to turn away affection from earthly things and instead seek what is in heaven, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. To keep this covenant, a continual effort against evil influences as well as the renewal of the spirit in the image of God is necessary.
The Resurrection with Christ and Its Consequences
»Paul writes to his Colossian brothers as follows: “Since you have been raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Strive for what is above, not for what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”«
Conversion and the Overcoming of the Old
»At the time of their conversion and baptism, the believers in Colossae committed to laying aside beliefs and practices that had previously been part of their lives and to remain faithful to Christ. In his letter, Paul reminded them of this and earnestly urged them not to forget that they must make continual efforts against the evils that seek to dominate them, in order to keep their promise.«
Putting Off the Old Nature
»Now kill your members that are on earth: fornication, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry... Now also lay all these aside: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, disgraceful words from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old man with his deeds and put on the new, which is renewed to the knowledge after the image of Him who created you.«
Focus on the Eternal Rather Than the Temporal
»While He does not despise this world, He points to its proper place of subordination. Then He presents to us the things of eternity in their relative importance, so that we may set the eye of faith on the invisible. Things of temporal interest have the power to occupy thoughts and inclinations, and it is important that we constantly train and discipline our spirit to dwell on things of eternal interest.«
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Original Sources (English)
