The Sons and Daughters of God, May 4

Pardon and Acceptance

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. John 1:12.FLB 130.1

It is through faith in Jesus Christ that the truth is accepted in the heart, and the human agent is purified and cleansed.... He has an abiding principle in the soul, that enables him to overcome temptation. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:6. God has power to keep the soul that is in Christ who is under temptation....FLB 130.2

A mere profession of godliness is worthless. It is he that abideth in Christ that is a Christian.... Unless the mind of God becomes the mind of men, every effort to purify himself will be useless; for it is impossible to elevate man except through a knowledge of God.^{11SDA Bible Commentary 7:951.}FLB 130.3

The question you need to put to yourselves is, “Am I a Christian?” To be a Christian is to be far more than many understand. It means more than simply having your name upon the church records. It means to be joined to Christ. It means to have simple faith, unwavering reliance upon God. It means to have childlike confidence in your heavenly Father through the name and merit of His dear Son. Do you love to keep the commandments of God, because the commandments of God are God's precepts, the transcript of His character, and can no more be altered than can the character of God? Do you respect and love the law of Jehovah? ^{12The Youth's Instructor, May 18, 1893.}FLB 130.4

As sons and daughters of God, Christians should strive to reach the high ideal set before them in the gospel. They should be content with nothing less than perfection.^{13Messages to Young People, 73.}FLB 130.5

To those who receive Him He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout eternity. If during this life they are loyal to God, they will at last “see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4. And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father? ^{14The Ministry of Healing, 421.}FLB 130.6