Sermon/Thoughts on Hebrews 1
San Diego, California
May 4, 1907
Previously unpublished.
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us His Son, whom he hast appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, ... when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” [Hebrews 1:1-3.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 1
The position of Jesus Christ in reference to His Father is in these verses brought to view. While they are one in purpose, and one in mind, yet in personality they are two. May we not learn from this that there is to be unity between believers? There is no reason why one should feel that it is necessary for him to seek to bring others into the exact line of his own individuality. Upon the vine there are no two leaves exactly alike, yet all receive their nourishment from the same root. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 2
Everyone is to be a constant learner. So long as Satan is permitted to tempt and to annoy, we will all have all that we can possibly attend to if we maintain our own individual relation to God, so that Christ may do for us a work of atonement. And though we may differ in the form of words, and in the expression of character, yet we may all have our words sanctified, and our characters purified through the sacrifice of our Saviour. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 3
Let us each one make of ourselves diligent inquiry, Shall I, with my present attainments of character, stand before the face of the holy God? We shall have no excuse if we come short, for we have access to the Word of God. It is to be our lesson book, for by obedience to its truths we are to be sanctified. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 4
Speaking of the exalted position of Christ, the apostle continues: 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 5
“Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son? And again, when He bringeth the first begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him.” [Verses 4-6.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 6
“And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, if forever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and had iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, thou, Lord, in the beginning has laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of Thine hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest: and they shall all wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 7
“But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, set forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 8
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” [Hebrews 1:7-14; 2:1.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 9
Here is the gift of God to our world to complete the work of our salvation—a gift beyond measurement. Shall we take the things that Jesus Christ has brought to us at such infinite sacrifice? He has opened the way whereby we may be partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 10
Let us not give the impression that our religion consists principally in coming to the church on the Sabbath, and numbering one among a number who listen to a sermon and then go back to their homes to continue in sinful practices. Christ said to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world.” And, He continued, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Christ has given us a pattern to work to, but unless we make diligent effort with the help of God, we shall miss the mark. We must be sanctified to God, soul, body, and spirit. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 11
O, we are so filled with self. We are tied so firmly to our peculiar temperaments and dispositions. Now, let us make the Word of God and the instruction of Jesus Christ our criterion, that great “I” may die, and that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith. He calls us His little children. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 12
Are we learning from Him every day? If we do not, we shall certainly come short of the knowledge that we should have. We know not how long our life may be spared. We cannot afford to be weak and infirm, for we cannot tell when our account may be settled for eternity. While we are in this world we are to be constantly increasing in faith, and in likeness to Jesus Christ. Humble yourselves, and let the Lord lift you up. You need not try to lift yourself up, for this will not be reckoned in your favor when God estimates your character. Grow up into Christ, the living head. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 13
“For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 14
“For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that Thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels: Thou crownest him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him: but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” [Hebrews 2:2-9.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 15
O, that we might know our accountability to God for the wonderful privileges He has bestowed upon us! Here are truths that are worthy of our study. Shall we neglect these great fundamental truths in order that we may enter into speculation over what is not clearly revealed? 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 16
Persons, in writing or speaking to me, often ask me questions that I have not liberty to answer. One says, “I want you to tell me, Sister White, Who are the one hundred and forty-four thousand, that are spoken of in Revelation?” I answer, “You have the Word; have you found out? If the Lord wanted you to know, He would have put it in His Word, and you would not need to ask me. When we get to heaven, then we shall learn exactly who compose the hundred and forty-four thousand. Let us take that which the Lord has given us; it is sufficient to tax our mind to its utmost capacity, and if we will study the Scriptures prayerfully, the Holy Spirit will make the correct application to our hearts.” 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 17
We want to be in Christ’s class of little children. We are too high, to wise, in our own estimation. We forget that we are to be learners continually. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 18
In this chapter in Hebrews there are many precious lessons. If you will take these words, you will never doubt the personality of God or of Christ. Others who may pose as wise men may tell you differently, they may tell you that God is in the leaf of the tree, or the flower. But you will not be deceived by such sophistry if you cling fast to the Word. These things were created for our enjoyment. They represent the power of God in our behalf; they are object-lessons whereby we may know of His power to save us, but they are not God. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 19
We want an understanding heart, that we may know what God would have us to do in these last days. God wants us to answer the prayer that Christ made as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. This is His last recorded prayer before His crucifixion. He prays for His disciples individually, and for all who should believe on Him through their word. He prays for a unity in diversity. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 20
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [Verses 1-3.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 21
O, we do not know Him as we should! What comfort, what joy we would have were we to learn the lessons that He would have us learn daily! Let us see to know God by an experimental knowledge. It would be profitable to spend more time in earnest prayer, and to stop all criticizing of others. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 22
In your weakness you may come to Christ and ask Him to impart to your mind understanding of what He is to you, and what He will do for you in separating from you everything that is unlike His character. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 23
O, that we all might truthfully say, as did Christ, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” [Verse 4.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 24
How much time do we spend in reading the Psalms that are full of praise to God, where we read that “whoso offereth praise glorifieth God”? [Psalm 50:23.] Let us see if we cannot get the praises of God in our minds and on our lips, that our life practice may be as a shining light before the world. Let it not be that whoever hears you, or is associated with you, is made sad and discouraged because you speak words that are harsh and sharp. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 25
Parents, teach your children to live together peaceably. As God’s little children they are to speak words that bring happiness. Tell them that you are learning of Christ as His little children, and that they must learn of you. We want a more intelligent knowledge of what true religion means to you and me. “Search the Scriptures;” said Christ, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 26
“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word.” [John 17:5, 6.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 27
What kind of men were they? They were humble fishermen, and Christ called them right away from their occupation to follow Him. During His ministry He educated and trained them for His service. It makes no difference how humble our position in this world may be, we may learn of Christ Jesus, and God will manifest Himself unto us as He doth not to the world. Let us work as for our life. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 28
Remember, there is a world to save, and we are to cooperate intelligently with heavenly intelligences in carrying forward a work of salvation. “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In the formation of character we are represent the One who gave His life to our world. If we were only wide awake, we should see on the right hand and on the left opportunities to speak a word for the Master. We should see where we might build up the most holy faith. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 29
“I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given me; for they are Thine.” [John 17:8, 9.] God must work through them for the salvation of others in the world. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 30
“And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.] Are we in our connection with humanity seeking to be glorified through Jesus Christ? 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 31
“And now I am no more the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be”—so many independent atoms?—No, “that they may be one, as we are one.” [Verse 11.] Let us not rest until there is with us all a unity of action. If we have settled down contentedly short of this high standard, let us arouse and press on. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 32
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 12, 13.] O, there is a joy in love of Christ. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 33
“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 14-18.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 34
We have a work to do, similar to the work that Christ did. Shall we accomplish this work by giving heed to every suggestion and every temptation of the enemy? Will the Word of God divorce us from fellowship and love one to another? That which is temporal must ever be made secondary to the spiritual. It will not pay for us to endeavor to put ourselves forward in this world, at the expense of our Christianity. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 35
“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verse 19.] The truth, as revealed in the Word, is ever to be the standard of our actions. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 36
“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.] Here is brought to view the unity for which we are to strive. If you are ready to separate from your brethren if they do not do exactly as you think is best, it is an evidence that you need to become a Bible Christian. You need to study the character of Christ, that you may understand His love for the world. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 37
“And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 38
“Father I will that they also whom Thou has given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have know that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 22-26.] 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 39
These are the thoughts I wished especially to bring before you today. A sanitarium has been established near here for the glory of God, if all will co-operate intelligently, putting self out of sight, this institution may act its part in the work to be accomplished in this vicinity. There is no reason why there should not be a united effort of the San Diego church with the sanitarium workers in genuine gospel medical missionary work. Let all resolve to stand to their posts of duty, that there may be a strong testimony by the believers in this place before the world that God has sent His Son to save the world. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 40
God is in earnest with every one of us. We have characters to form for eternity. There is a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. May He who has given for your salvation His only begotten Son strengthen and bless you all. 22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 41