Is it true that we are to enter into repentance on behalf of others?
Bible Answer
"As we see souls out of Christ, we are to put ourselves in their place, and in their behalf feel repentance before God, resting not until we bring them to repentance. If we do everything we can for them, and yet they do not repent, the sin lies at their door; but we are still to feel sorrow of heart because of their condition, showing them how to repent, and trying to lead them step by step to Jesus Christ. Let us tell them that His arms are open to receive them, and that His promise is, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.]" {Ms92-1901.8}
I can't explain this, but that's what she said. It comes from a talk she gave to teachers in 1901 where she spoke of the challenges facing them and how they could look to God to help them.
Here are a few more of the paragraphs that refer to repentance from that talk:
"We are to “hold fast” and live up to all the light we receive from heaven. Why? Because God wants us to grasp the eternal truth, and act as His helping hand by communicating the light to those who are not acquainted with His love for them. When you gave yourself to Christ, you made a pledge in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—the three great personal dignitaries of heaven. “Hold fast” to this pledge. {Ms92-1901.5}
“And repent.” [Revelation 3:3.] The life we live is to be one of continual repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we have victory. The enemy never can take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlightening the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ Jesus! {Ms92-1901.6}
"A true sense of repentance before God does not hold us in bondage, causing us to feel like persons in a funeral procession. We are to be cheerful, not sorrowful. But all the time we are to be sorry that after Christ had given His precious life for us, we gave so many years of our lives to the powers of darkness. We are to feel sorrow of heart as we remember that after Christ had given His all for our redemption, we used in the service of the enemy some of the time and capabilities which the Lord entrusted to us as talents to use to His name’s glory. We are to repent because we have not endeavored in every way possible to become acquainted with the precious truth which enables us to exercise that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. {Ms92-1901.7}
"As we see souls out of Christ, we are to put ourselves in their place, and in their behalf feel repentance before God, resting not until we bring them to repentance. If we do everything we can for them, and yet they do not repent, the sin lies at their door; but we are still to feel sorrow of heart because of their condition, showing them how to repent, and trying to lead them step by step to Jesus Christ. Let us tell them that His arms are open to receive them, and that His promise is, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] {Ms92-1901.8}
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[She concludes by encouraging the students that it is not so hard to manage school children if they look to God for help]
"As soon as our minds harmonize with the mind of God, we are in touch with an Intelligence that can communicate to each of us every lesson that will be beneficial in the education of the youth entrusted to us. In telling to children the precious story of the cross, our own souls will be lifted from despondency, gloom, and darkness. In considering the Redeemer’s infinite sacrifice, we shall lose all desire for the things of this world. {Ms92-1901.27}
Church school teachers should carry a burden for souls—not that they themselves can save souls, but as God’s helping hand you have the privilege of winning them to Christ. The words that you speak may be very precious. Let there be no folly in your conversation. In the schools you shall undertake to conduct, set a proper example before the children by presenting them to God in prayer every morning. Then look to Him for strength every hour, and believe that He is working, and that you are representing Him. When you do this, you gain the affection of the children. It is not such hard work to manage children, thank God. We have a Helper, One altogether above ourselves. O, I am so thankful that we do not have to depend upon our poor, miserable selves, but that we can depend upon the strength which comes from God. {Ms92-1901.28}
Teachers, if your life is hid with Christ in God, a Helper will stand by your side, and you will be one with Christ and one with those you are teaching. Never exalt self, for this shows that you are not humbling yourself before God. Exalt Him, glorify Him, honor Him before the world. Say, “I stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. I have left the banner of the powers of darkness and am wholly on the Lord’s side.” {Ms92-1901.29}