The Pebble Blog

 The sources indicate a strong and divinely appointed connection between sickness and sin, viewing disease as a consequence of violating God's laws, both natural and spiritual. Here's a breakdown of how the sources explain this relationship: Sickness as a Consequence of Transgression: Violation of God's Laws: Sickness is directly stated to be the result of violating the laws of health or nature's law, which are considered to be God's laws. Disregarding these laws leads to consequences like "suffering, disease, imbecility, or death". Specific Sins and Diseases: Indulgence of appetite and lustful passions are frequently cited as primary causes of disease, including corrupting the blood, inflaming passions, weakening digestive organs, and leading to various physical and mental infirmities. Overeating, especially with too many kinds of food at one meal, can cause dyspepsia and exhaust vital forces. Immorality and licentiousness are highlighted as...

 To understand the phrase "sin dwelleth in me," as presented in the sources, it's essential to examine the biblical and theological perspective on the nature of sin within humanity and the subsequent internal struggle. Firstly, the phrase originates from the Apostle Paul's declaration in Romans, where he states, "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin". He elaborates, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me". He continues this thought, observing, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me". Paul recognizes a "law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into cap...

 Yes, according to the sources, it is explicitly stated and repeatedly emphasized that all sin must be removed before the close of probation . This purification is a vital work that occurs during the "hours of probation" allotted to humanity. Here's how the sources elaborate on this crucial concept: Necessity of Perfection: Those who will ultimately stand before God and enter heaven must be "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing" . Every "defect in the moral character must first be remedied, every stain removed by the cleansing blood of Christ, and all the unlovely, unlovable traits of character overcome". This includes the removal of "every sinful tendency, every imperfection". "No sin can be tolerated in those who shall walk with Christ in white" . The church Christ presents before His throne is to be "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing". Holiness is foundational to God's throne, and sin is its ...

 The phrase "sin dwelleth in me" (Romans 7:17, 7:20) refers to a deep-seated, inherent presence of sin within human nature, beyond merely committing individual transgressions. The Apostle Paul described himself as "carnal, sold under sin" (Romans 7:14), acknowledging that even when he desired to do good, "evil is present with me" (Romans 7:21). This points to a fundamental internal conflict, where a "law in my members" wars against "the law of my mind" and seeks to bring him into "captivity to the law of sin" (Romans 7:23). Here's a breakdown of what the sources indicate regarding this concept and its implications: Sin as Nature and Transgression The sources present sin not only as an act of transgression but also as an indwelling nature or corruption : Transgression of the Law : Sin is fundamentally defined as "the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). "By the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom...

 It is understandable why there might be confusion between the concept of a "lifelong process" of overcoming sin and the requirement that all sin be removed before the close of probation, rather than at the Second Coming. The sources provide clear distinctions that can help clarify this vital truth. Here's how to explain it: Sanctification as a Lifelong, Progressive Work: The sources indeed teach that sanctification is a progressive work and "not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day, but of a lifetime" [1T 340.2, 2T 472.1, AA 560.3, 5MR 255.2, SA 169.1, ST, May 19, 1890 par. 2, AA 565.1, TM 507.1, PH011 51.1]. It involves "constant warfare against sin" [4SP 300.2] and requires "persevering effort, sore discipline, and stern conflict" [AA 560.3]. This continuous process means that believers are constantly striving to overcome "every fault" [AA 565.1, RH, September 19, 1912 par. 9]. The goal is to reach a state of "perfe...

 Yes, according to the sources, it is repeatedly stated that the only definition of sin given in the Bible is "the transgression of the law" . This definition is attributed to the apostle John (1 John 3:4). While this is presented as the singular definition, the sources extensively elaborate on what "transgression of the law" entails, highlighting that sin is far more comprehensive than just outward criminal acts. Key insights include: The Law's Broad Reach: God's law is described as "exceeding broad" and "far-reaching," applying not only to external actions but also to the "thoughts and intents, the desires and emotions, of the heart". This means that evil thoughts, lustful looks, and hatred are considered transgressions of the law and therefore sin , even if they are not expressed through words or actions. Sins of Omission and Commission: Sin includes not only acts committed ("sins of commission") but also fail...

 The sources you provided consistently define sin as the "transgression of the law" . This is presented as the "only definition of sin given in the word of God". However, the sources reconcile this with the idea of a "sinful nature" by explaining that this nature is a result of previous transgression and the source from which further transgressions spring. Here's how these concepts are interconnected: The Origin of Sinful Nature through Transgression: Man was originally created perfect, "in the image of God," with pure thoughts and holy aims, and in harmony with God's law. However, through disobedience (transgression) , his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love, weakening his nature. The "fall of man" resulted from Adam and Eve's single act of disobeying God's express command regarding the forbidden fruit. This act, though seemingly small, was a "transgression of God's immutable a...

 Yes, according to the sources, sinful nature and tendencies can be changed , though it requires a profound, continuous work involving both divine power and human cooperation. Here's how the sources explain this transformation: The Nature of the Sinful Condition: Man was originally created perfect, in God's image, with pure thoughts and holy aims, and in harmony with God's law. However, through disobedience (the original transgression), human powers were perverted, and selfishness replaced love, leading to a weakened and corrupted nature. This perverted nature is often referred to as the "carnal mind," which is "enmity against God" and "not subject to the law of God". This "natural inclination" or "sinful nature" is the source from which specific "transgressions" spring. The Possibility of Change – A "New Birth": Man's condition through sin is "preternatural" or "unnatural...

 Based on the sources, it is not stated that Jesus inherited a "sinful nature" from Eve. Instead, the sources emphasize a nuanced understanding of the human nature Jesus took: Adam and Eve's Original Nature: Adam and Eve were created pure, upright, and sinless , in the image of God, with perfect thoughts and holy aims, and in harmony with God's law. There were "no corrupt principles, no tendencies to evil" in Adam before the Fall. The Effect of Adam's Transgression on Humanity: Through Adam and Eve's disobedience (transgression), their nature became perverted and weakened . As a result, their posterity, including Seth, inherited a fallen nature and were born with "inherent propensities of disobedience" or "sinful propensities". Sin corrupted the "whole human organism," perverted the mind, and degraded the soul's faculties. This is described as humanity being "tainted and corrupted". Jesus's Natur...

 Yes, according to the sources, the "sinful nature" and its accompanying tendencies can and must be changed and overcome before the close of probation and the second coming of Christ. Here's a detailed breakdown from the sources: The Nature of the Sinful Condition and Its Origin: Man was originally created in God's image, pure and without corrupt principles or tendencies to evil. However, "by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners". Adam's "transgression" perverted human powers, replacing love with selfishness and weakening humanity's nature. This fallen state, often referred to as the "carnal mind" or "natural inclinations," is described as "enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be". This corrupted nature is the origin from which specific "transgressions" spring. The Necessity and Possibility of Change: Man cannot, by mere human effort, effec...

 While individuals are not directly punished for the "sinful genes" or inherited tendencies they receive from their parents, the sources emphasize that the consequences of parental sin are indeed transmitted through generations , and individuals are held accountable for their own choices and actions in dealing with these inherited propensities. Here's a breakdown of how the sources address this complex topic: Inherited Tendencies and a Fallen Nature: Humanity inherited a "fallen nature" from Adam and Eve's transgression. This means people are born with "inherent propensities of disobedience" or "sinful propensities". Parents transmit their "perverted appetites," "lustful propensities," "irritable tempers," "evil tendencies," and various physical and mental deficiencies to their offspring. This "degeneracy" is seen in dwarfed forms, crippled limbs, misshapen heads, and physical and...

 Based on the sources provided, infants are understood to inherit a fallen nature with propensities toward evil , but they are not held accountable or punished for sin in the same way as those who consciously transgress God's law after reaching an age of understanding . Here's a detailed explanation: Inherited Fallen Nature and Tendencies to Evil: Humanity inherited a "fallen nature" from Adam and Eve's transgression. Even "very small children, infants," are described as being "born with natural irritability of the sexual organs," which can lead to habits that increase irritation and form a habit that grows with them. This is a "moral pollution" that contributes to the race's degeneration. Parents transmit their "perverted appetites," "lustful propensities," "irritable tempers," "evil tendencies," and various physical and mental deficiencies to their children. This can result in chil...

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   The final demonstration of what the gospel can do in and for humanity is still in the future. “Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.” –  Gospel Workers , p. 113 ( Digging for Truth ) Christ showed the way. “Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.” –  The Desire of Ages , p. 664 ( Scribd ) He took a human body, and in that body demonstrated the power of God. “Just that which you may be He was in human nature. His life testified that by the aid of the same divine power which Christ received, it is possible for man to obey God’s law.” –  Selected Messages , vol. 3, p. 132 ( Scribd ) Men are t...

Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines in Last Generation Theology with Bible and EGW Quotes Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines Highlighted by Last Generation Theology The Great Controversy (Cosmic Conflict): LGT emphasizes the cosmic struggle over God’s character. Ellen White portrays Satan’s effort “to cast dishonor upon God” in the heavenly rebellion m.egwwritings.org . She warns that the “great final test comes at the close of human probation” whiteestate.org , when God’s government is vindicated and Christ returns. Close of Probation: LGT stresses that Earth’s probation will close before Christ returns. Ellen White writes that “the events connected with the close of probation” are clearly outlined in Scripture m.egwwritings.org . Believers are urged that “during these hours of probation they are to seek for perfection of character” m.egwwritings.org . All spiritual preparation (sanctification) must be completed before the Lord comes, for “the Refiner does not then sit…to pursu...