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Choose New Life In Christ

Introduction

The following compilation has helped many individuals better understand the way of victory. The title points to the necessity of of choosing new life, and the fact that new life is found in Christ. As I sometimes share in meetings, victory is not so much a behavior, as it is an indwelling Person—Christ through the Instrumentality of the Holy Spirit—whose indwelling presence changes my behavior!—Dan

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New Life In Christ

Expect NEW Life

John 10:10 “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Ephesians 1:4 “…He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love….”

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God's word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help.” Acts of the Apostles, 532.1

Additional verses to study: Matt. 5: 48; Col. 1: 28; Col. 4;12; James 1: 4; Eph. 1: 4; 3:14-21; 1 Pet. 1: 15,16; Heb. 13:21; 1 74 Cor. 15:34; 1 John 2:1; Eph. 5: 27; Rom. 6: 12; 1 Thess. 5: 23,24; Heb. 12:14.

 

Acknowledge Your TOTAL Inability

Jeremiah 13:23 “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?  Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.”

Ephesians 2:1  “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins….”

“Our condition is helpless and hopeless….” Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883. par. 12

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.” Steps to Christ, p. 18.1

Additional verses to study: Gen. 6:5; Isa. 1:5,6; 6:5; 64:6; Job 14:4;  Jer. 17:9; Rom. 8:7; Rom 7:21-24.

 

CHOOSE New Life

Philippians 2:13 “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

“You must choose to believe, although nothing seems true and real to you. … Your part is to put your will over on the side of Christ in the matter of faith. Just as you yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ, God immediately takes possession of that will, and works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure; and all of your nature is brought under the control of the spirit of Christ, even your thoughts are subject to Him. …” Letter 49, 1887

“The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.” Steps to Christ, p. 47.1

Additional verses to study: Prov. 23:26; John 1:12; James 4:7; Heb. 13:20,21

 

Appropriately CONFESS And TURN From Your Sins

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted ….”

“True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.” Steps to Christ, p. 38.1

“Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” Steps to Christ, p. 23.2

“True repentance can never be mistaken. It bears fruit that testifies to its genuineness. Self is subdued; Christ is magnified. But false repentance results in a make-believe reformation, which reveals itself only by some new feature of self-exaltation. … Often some darling sin is cherished, some indulgence or lust that has brought the soul into bondage is retained.” Manuscript 4, 1904

Additional verses to study: Deut. 4:29,30; 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 32:3-5; Ps. 34:18; Isa. 55:7; Ezek 33:11; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:9,10; 1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13; Lev. 16:41,42; 2 Chron. 6:37-39; Ps. 51:2-5; Dan. 9:4-20.

 

Make An UNRESERVED Surrender

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

“True victory is gained only when the repentant sinner pledges himself to unconditional obedience to God,—only when he pledges himself to honor God in every word, every business transaction, every act of his life.” Youth’s Instructor, January 17, 1911, par. 6

“Give yourself to him. You need no one to tell you how to do this. God is drawing you to himself. Give up your will, your mind, your whole being, in submission to him. He is knocking at the door of your heart, waiting to enter. Will you let him in?” Manuscript 183, 1901.8

 

Formalize And Publicize Your Surrender, And Enter Into A NEW COVENANT RELATIONSHIP With God In Baptism

Romans 6:4 (NKJV) "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

"In baptism we are given to the Lord as a vessel to be used. Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Self is by profession dead to a life of sin. The waters cover the candidate, and in the presence of the whole heavenly universe the mutual pledge is made. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new life of loyalty to God. The three great powers in heaven are witnesses; they are invisible but present."  SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1074.8

"When we were baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” these three great powers pledged themselves to work in our behalf as we strive to live the new life in Christ. And in receiving baptism, the human agent, inspired with new purposes, pledges himself to die to the world and live in obedience to Christ. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost supply the power that makes him victorious in every conflict with the prince of darkness." Letter 200, 1902.20 

 

Consider REBAPTISM If Necessary

Acts 2:38 (NKJV) "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

"The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ (Manuscript 148, 1897)." SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1075.7

"The Lord calls for a decided reformation. And when a soul is truly reconverted, let him be rebaptized. Let him renew his covenant with God, and God will renew His covenant with him.... Reconversion must take place among the members, that as God’s witnesses they may testify to the authoritative power of the truth that sanctifies the soul." Letter 63, 1903

 

RECEIVE Pardon AND Christ’s Righteousness

Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

“It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” Steps to Christ, p. 62.2

Additional verses to study: Jer. 33:16; Hab. 2:4; John 3:14-17; John 5:24; Rom 1:17; 5:1-5; 5:8,9; Gal. 2:15,16; Php 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Isa 44:22.

 

Be Transformed in RECEIVING God’s Word

Psalms 119:11 “Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

“The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 100.1

 

Be Transformed Through SECRET Prayer

Matthew 6:6 “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

“Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the soul. Family prayer, public prayer, have their place; but it is secret communion with God that sustains the soul life.” Review and Herald, December 31, 1908 par. 10

 

Be Transformed In RECEIVING God’s Special Messages For Today

2 Chronicles 20:20 “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”

“The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. … The Testimonies are not to belittle the word of God, but to exalt it and attract minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of truth may impress all.” Counsels to the Church, p. 92.1

“It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings.” Counsels to the Church, p. 92.5

 

Be Transformed In DYING To Self

Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.’”

1 Corinthians 15:31 “I die daily.”

Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

“Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after we are dead.” Review and Herald, January 6, 1863, par. 10

“The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1075.7

“Self is the most difficult thing we have to manage. In laying off burdens, let us not forget to lay self at the feet of Christ.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 302.3

Additional verses to study: Luke 9: 23; John 12: 24; Rom. 6: 1-14; Php. 1: 21; Gal. 2: 20; 6: 14; 1 Cor. 2:2.

 

Be Transformed In Being EMPTIED Of Self

Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

“We cannot retain self and yet be filled with the fullness of God. We must be emptied of self. If heaven is gained by us at last, it will be only through the renunciation of self, and the receiving of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified, and the vacuum supplied with the Spirit and power of God. Are we willing to pay the price required of us for eternal life? Are we ready to sit down and count the cost, and conclude that heaven is worth the sacrifice of dying to self, of having our will brought into perfect conformity with the will of God? Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God will not be manifested upon us. When we present our emptied nature to God, he will by his Holy Spirit supply the vacuum made by the renunciation of self, and give us of his fullness.” Signs of the Times, November 21, 1892, par. 4

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159.3

 

Be Transformed In ACCEPTING Trials

John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Hebrews 5:8 “Though He [Christ] was a Son, yet He learned obedience through the things which He suffered.”

“Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan's power without, we must be delivered from his power within. The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, "He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." Psalm 37:6” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 174.3

“Trials are essential in order that we may be brought close to our heavenly Father, in submission to his will, that we may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. God's work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God.” Review and Herald, April 10, 1894, par. 2

“The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him comes from the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing can touch him except by the Lord's permission. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us.” Ministry of Healing, p. 488.4

Additional verses to study: Rom. 8:28; Eph. 5:20; 1Thess. 5:17; Php. 4:6; Col. 4:2.

 

Be Transformed In Receiving NEW Life And POWER In Christ

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

2Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

“When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.” Desire of Ages, p. 324.1

“The Lord Jesus loves His people, and when they put their trust in Him, depending wholly upon Him, He strengthens them. He will live through them, giving them the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to the soul a vital transfusion of Himself. He acts through their faculties and causes them to choose His will and to act out His character.” That I May Know Him, p. 78.4

“Do you ask, “How am I to abide in Christ?” In the same way as you received Him at first. … By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him--by giving and taking. You are to give all,--your heart, your will, your service,—give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all,—Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper,—to give you power to obey.” Steps to Christ, p. 69.2

Additional verses to study: John 15:5; 14:6; 2 Cor. 1:20; Col. 3:4; 1 John 5:11,12; 1 Cor 1: 30; Gal 2: 20; Php. 1: 21; 4: 13; Romans 8: 2; 1 Cor 15: 22; 15: 57; 2 Cor 2: 14; 2 Cor 5: 17; Eph 1: 3; 1 Thess. 5: 23, 24; 2 Peter 1:4; Jude 24.

 

COOPERATE With The Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

“Transformation of character is wrought through the operation of the Holy Spirit, which works upon the human agent, implanting in him, according to his desire and consent to have it done, a new nature. The image of God is restored to the soul, and day by day he is strengthened and renewed by grace, and is enabled more and more perfectly to reflect the character of Christ in righteousness and true holiness.” Review and Herald, September 17, 1895, par. 7

"The juices of the vine, ascending from the root, are diffused to the branches sustaining growth, and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from Christ, and imparted to every disciple, pervades the soul, renews the motives and affections, and even the most secret thoughts, and brings forth the precious fruit of holy deeds. The life attests the union with the true and living Vine." Sketches From The Life Of Paul, p. 133.2

 

GRASP The Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:4 “By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

“In Christ it is our privilege to come to God and to lay hold of Him with living faith, and to say, “I believe in myself I can do nothing, but through the provision thou hast made, I believe that humanity can grasp divinity. I grasp it in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Now that is the very work many neglect to do. What is at stake? Your souls.” Manuscript 115, 1909.35 

“Partakers of the divine nature.” Is this possible? Of ourselves we can do no good thing. How, then, can we be partakers of the divine nature?—By coming to Christ just as we are, needy, helpless, dependent. He died to make it possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature. He took humanity upon himself that he might reach humanity. With the golden chain of his matchless love he has bound us to the throne of God. We are to have power to overcome as he overcame.” Review and Herald, April 14, 1904, par. 2

“It is our privilege to so fully partake of the divine nature that we may be one with Christ as He is one with the Father. When this is so, Christ can confess His people before His Father and before the heavenly angels. By our love and unity we show to the world the credentials that God sent His Son to this earth to save the human race.” Manuscript 11, 1899.22 

 

RECEIVE And MAINTAIN New Life

John 15:1-5 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ….”

1 Corinthians 5: 57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

“In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the enemy, we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves. We must maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who has power to give victory to every soul that will maintain an attitude of faith and humility.” Sons and Daughters of God, p. 370.4

"Jesus came to our world and graciously stands inviting us to come unto Him and learn of Him. Believe in Him, and as we come, He grafts us into His life and into His character. Our drawing nigh to Christ is faith, and the grafting process is adoption; and by this mutual act we become sons of God and joint heirs with Christ, partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. This ingrafting in Christ separates us from the world. No longer will we love the society of the vile and contaminated and contaminating. We will be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Then rich clusters of fruit are borne. The graces of the Spirit are borne in love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness. We have new affections, new appetites, new tastes; old things have passed away, and lo, all things have become new." Letter 1e, 1890.9 & 10

 

Exercise LIVING Faith

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

“We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every fault, resist every temptation, and sit down at last with Him in His throne.” Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 367.2

 

Do Not CONSULT Your Feelings

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

“If you look to yourself, you will see only weakness. There is no Saviour there. You will find Jesus away from yourself. You must look and live; [look] to Him who became sin for us, that we might be cleansed from sin and receive of Christ’s righteousness.” Daughters of God, p. 146.3

“Satan may try to bind you to his car [chariot] as a helpless soul. But shout in victory that Christ has made you a free man. Do not dishonor God by one expression of inefficiency and inability to overcome fully, entirely, and gloriously through Jesus Christ, who has died to redeem you, and make you a free man. Conquer, yes, conquer. Put your will every moment on the side of God’s will. Think hopefully and courageously. In faith cry out against Satan, and looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith, say, ‘Jesus, my Redeemer, I am weak. I cannot do anything without Thy special help. I hang my helpless soul on Thee.’ Then let your imagination dwell on the thought that you are in the presence of Jesus, walking with God, your life hid with Christ in God.... You will say, ‘Jesus lives, and because He lives I will live also. He has conquered Satan in my behalf, and I will not be conquered by the devil once. I will not disgrace my Lord and Leader; but I will triumph in His holy name, and come off more than conqueror.’” Our High Calling, p. 41.3

 

REVEL In Victory

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

“God will put a new song [on] your lips when you surrender your will and way to Him. Give yourself without reserve to God. Do not make a single reserve. Not a single compromise with the prince of darkness. Wrench yourself away from him. Cut loose from all that binds you to Satan's chariot wheels. Do you know what it is to be free in Jesus Christ? I have experienced it. A new heart will He give you and a new song will He put [on] your lips, even praise to God. When Satan tells you to groan, begin to sing. When he tells you to pour out your doubts to him, praise God.” Manuscript 17, 1894.26

Compiled by Dan Augsburger

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