The Nature of Christ and the Christian Struggle

The nature of Jesus Christ is a perfect and mysterious union of full divinity and true humanity6BC 1082.4+1. He is the "last Adam," the head of a new divine-human family, who combined His original divine nature with our fallen human nature to become our Redeemer and Advocate17MR 24.2+1.

The Dual Nature of Christ 🌟

Jesus Christ possesses two distinct natures in one personECE 175.2+1.

• His Divinity: He is "very God," of the same substance as the Father, and existed from eternity before His advent to this worldECE 175.2+2. He is the express image of the Father’s person and the agent of all creation John 1:317MR 24.2+1.

• His Humanity: He was "made flesh" and took upon Himself the nature of man in its fallen condition, becoming the "seed of David according to the flesh" Romans 1:317MR 24.2+2. He did not merely take the form of a man, but the actual nature of man, being tempted in all points just as we are Hebrews 4:156MR 342.3+1.

The Mystery of the Incarnation 📖

The union of the infinite and the finite is a mystery that was kept in silence for eternal ages6BC 1082.4+2.

• A Miraculous Birth: Christ’s birth was a miracle of God, where the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, resulting in the birth of the "Son of God" Luke 1:3513MR 18.2.

• Divine-Human Combination: In the incarnation, Christ did not exchange His divinity for humanity; rather, He clothed His divinity with humanity, combining the two natures to reach a lost race8T 177.2+2.

• Unveiled Majesty: While His glory was largely veiled by the "habiliments of humanity," His divinity occasionally flashed through His human guise, such as during the cleansing of the temple or when His words forced enemies to admit He spoke like no other manCHR 24.2+2.

Christ as the "Last Adam" and Our Example 🛡️

Jesus came to this world to live out the law of God in human flesh, proving that through total dependence on the Father, man can be an overcomerSpTA03 58.2+2.

• Restoring the Image of God: He came to reveal God’s original idea for humanity and to restore the moral image of God in fallen man10MR 236.2+1.

• Vantage Ground: By passing over the ground where Adam fell and enduring every test without the taint of sin, Christ placed the human family on "vantage ground" with God9MR 236.1+2.

• The Substitute and Surety: He took our nature upon Himself to act as our substitute, bearing our sins and satisfying the justice of God so that we might become partakers of the divine natureFE 379.1+2.

The Purpose of His Nature in Redemption 🕊️

Christ’s human nature allows Him to be a merciful and faithful High Priest who understands our infirmities Hebrews 2:17-18BEST January 13, 1896, page 12.2.

• Connecting Earth to Heaven: The incarnation is the "golden link" that binds earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite GodCT 427.3+2.

• Living for Us Today: Jesus is currently in heaven as the "man Christ Jesus," bearing a glorified human nature while He makes intercession for His people 1 Timothy 2:5BEST January 13, 1896, page 12.2.

• Transformed Characters: Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s nature is implanted in believers, transforming their characters more perfectly after His own image4MR 345.2+1.

It is vital to acknowledge His divinity; denying His deity or His pre-existence is a dangerous error that undermines the entire plan of redemptionDD 10.1+1. By beholding the matchless charms of Christ and His love, we are changed from character to character into His similitude 2 Corinthians 3:18RH June 28, 1892, par. 9+1.

Yes, it is possible and necessary to fight against sin and temptation, but this battle must be fought in the strength and grace provided by Jesus Christ18MR 136.2+2. While we are naturally weak and unable to obey God's law on our own, the Redeemer came in human nature to bring us the power to overcome18MR 136.2+1.

The Nature of the Struggle 🛡️

The Christian life is characterized by a continuous, progressive work of sanctification that requires constant vigilanceFW 85.2.

• A Battle with Self: Every person faces hard battles with self, which include warring against hereditary and cultivated traits of character, perverse temperaments, and natural inclinations2MR 268.2+1.

• A Battle with Satan: We wrestle against principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this worldBEcho January 1, 1893, par. 7. Satan is constantly watching to see us off guard so he can obtain an advantage19MR 94.1.

• The Necessity of Conflict: There is no conquest without a combat; the battle for self-conquest must be fought over and over again as long as Satan urges his temptations upon usFW 85.2+1.

How to Fight Successfully ⚔️

Victory is not achieved through human willpower alone, but through a total dependence on divine aidGW 511.1+1.

• Looking to Jesus: By looking to Jesus and believing in Him, we become partakers of the divine nature and receive strength for every emergency5MR 338.1+1.

• The Power of Prayer: Earnest, persevering prayer and communion with God bring the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against sinPr 89.1+1. When we are ready to lose self-control, we should immediately send a prayer to heaven for help to resistPr 68.4+1.

• Studying the Word: The Word of God is the weapon of divine power that vanquishes the foe, just as Christ used it in the wildernessST March 25, 1886, par. 12.

• Watchfulness: We must be no longer slothful, but watch and pray lest we enter into temptation16MR 132.1+1. The only safety for the young and old alike is unceasing watchfulness3T 374.1.

The Promise of Victory 🏆

Though the fight is severe, we are never left to struggle alone if we choose to cooperate with GodST April 4, 1895, par. 5+1.

• Divine Cooperation: Heavenly angels cooperate with those who strive to bring their lives into harmony with God's lawST April 4, 1895, par. 5+1.

• Strength in Weakness: Jesus is acquainted with all human weaknesses and will give strength to overcome the most powerful temptations if He is entreated in humilityPr 48.4.

• Overcoming Evil with Good: We are called to overcome evil with good by maintaining an affable mood and speaking kind words, even when treated harshlyARSH October 27, 1863, page 169.2.

• Eternal Rewards: Those who overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will receive a crown of life and a place on Christ’s throne4LtMs, Ms 29, 1886, par. 13+1.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7. "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe" Proverbs 18:10. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you" Ezekiel 36:26. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne" Revelation 3:21.

Yes, it is possible to fight, but the greatest conquest for every individual is the battle to overcome self and bring it into obedience to the law of GodRH August 18, 1885, par. 12+1. While we are weak and erring, the Father has given all heaven in the person of His Son so that we may have every opportunity to overcome the enemy2SAT 230.6+1.

The Nature of the Warfare ⚔️

The Christian warfare is not a battle against other people, but a death to selfAMS July 14, 1898, page 418.7.

• Internal Combat: We must engage in a daily battle against inclination, perverse temperaments, and the selfish traits of character that we may have cherishedDG 165.1+2.

• A Lifelong Work: Overcoming is not the work of a moment but of a lifetime, requiring us to "die daily" to sin and selfishness 1 Corinthians 15:31HS 181.2+1.

• Subduing the Spirit: True self-denial means ruling the spirit when passion seeks mastery and resisting the temptation to censure or find faultRH January 8, 1880, par. 8+1.

The Source of Strength 🛡️

We cannot resist temptation or perform a single good act in our own human strengthPTUK November 30, 1893, page 557.13+1.

• Entire Dependence on God: Just as Christ strengthened His faith by prayer to gather power to resist evil, we must live in a state of entire dependence upon GodGW 511.1.

• The Help of the Holy Spirit: When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard for those who draw nigh to Him Isaiah 59:19Pr 68.4.

• Divine Aid for the Weak: Jesus is acquainted with every weakness of human nature and will give strength to overcome the most powerful temptations to any who entreat Him in humilityPr 48.4.

Practical Steps in the Battle 👣

To be successful in this conflict, we must take hold of the means God has provided for our victory.

• Watchfulness and Prayer: We must watch against "little sins" and cultivate seasons of devotion that are constant and earnestDG 164.2+1.

• Self-Denial and Fasting: Acts of self-denial, including temperance in diet and occasional fasting, help clear the mind to receive the teachings of the Spirit and strengthen the moral powersTSDF 36.4+1.

• Resisting Appetite: As our first parents lost Eden through indulgence, our only hope of regaining it is through the firm denial of appetite and passionTSDF 36.4+1.

• Using the Word: We must arm ourselves with an "It is written," using the Scriptures correctly to meet the enemy Matthew 4:4-1024LtMs, Ms 55, 1909, par. 24.

The Certainty of Victory 🏆

Those who choose to be partakers of Christ's self-denial and sufferings will ultimately share in His triumphTSDF 36.4+1.

• Recorded Victories: Every temptation resisted and every evil overcome is faithfully chronicled in the "book of remembrance" in heaven Malachi 3:16CIHS 174.2+1.

• A Sinless Life Provided: By faith, we can claim the sinless life of Christ as our own, for He came to bring moral power to man and break every band of sinGCDB March 17, 1891, page 139.1+1.

• The Final Reward: To him that overcomes is promised a seat on Christ's throne and a name that will not be blotted out of the book of life Revelation 3:21CG 401.3+1.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life" 1 Timothy 6:12. "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:571T 188.2. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son" Revelation 21:7GC 540.2.

Yes, it is possible for a person to be called into a war or military conflict, but the Christian is specifically called to a higher, spiritual warfare where the weapons are not carnal. In this world, nations are often eager for conflict and are constantly training their soldiers for the duties of actual service, including the use of deadly instruments of warfare1MR 145.3+2.

The Reality of Earthly Warfare ⚔️

History and prophecy show that nations will continue to engage in mortal combat and acts of violence.

• Military Preparation: Governments reserve large areas for military drill where soldiers are trained to pitch tents, move cannon quickly, and practice charges against the enemyGW92 283.2+1.

• The Growth of Military Power: The history of nations shows a steady increase in the size of armies and the development of the "fighting art," indicating that no nation can exist in this world without employing physical forcePTUK April 12, 1894, page 226.4+1.

• Restraining Powers: Currently, four mighty angels hold back the powers of the earth to prevent universal conflict until the servants of God are sealed, though nations are eager for the struggle1MR 145.3.

The Christian's Relationship to War 🛡️

The follower of Christ is a citizen of a heavenly kingdom and follows a Leader who taught peace and non-resistance.

• The Principle of Non-Resistance: The Savior taught that His followers should not resist evil, but rather turn the other cheek, submitting even to the loss of earthly possessions rather than engaging in strife 1 Peter 2:20-21+1AMS July 23, 1896, page 227.3.

• A Different Service: The life of a Christian is a service to God that requires the training of the mind to act in ways that are not natural or in harmony with inborn inclinationsCE 122.1.

• Avoiding Provocation: We are instructed not to put on armor to arouse a combative spirit or unnecessarily stir up enmity and the desire to fight in others19MR 103.3.

• The Example of Christ: Jesus lived a life that was the exact reverse of the war spirit; His mission was to inaugurate a reign of universal peaceGCB/GCDB 1895, page 141.7+1.

The Spiritual Battle for the Soul ✝️

While earthly wars involve physical weapons, the most valuable triumph is the victory over self and sin.

• A Lifelong Conflict: There is to be no end to the warfare against hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil this side of eternity7MR 392.1+2.

• Heavenly Coworkers: We are not called to fight alone; Christ and the angels fight our battles for us as we cooperate with themST April 28, 1898, par. 9+1.

• The Weapons of Our Warfare: Our success depends on forming new habits of thought through faith in Christ and wearing the armor of righteousness7MR 392.1+2.

• A Standard Against the Enemy: When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him for those who have a definite aim to serve GodPrT November 3, 1885, par. 8.

The Final Conflict 🎺

The scriptures warn that as we near the close of time, Satanic agencies will lead the kings of the earth to gather for a final great battle.

• The Battle of Armageddon: All who do not have the spirit of truth will eventually unite under Satanic leadership for the great battle of Armageddon Revelation 16:141MR 145.3.

• The Ultimate Conqueror: When heaven opens, the One called Faithful and True will judge and make war in righteousness, leading the armies of heaven to victory over the kings of the earth and their armies Revelation 19:11-21AMS June 22, 1899, page 389.1.

• Our Reasonable Service: In view of these things, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service to God Romans 12:1CTBH 24.1.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" Ephesians 6:10-11.

While you have the physical freedom to choose your actions, the Christian life is a call to a different kind of warfare that prioritizes the principles of peace and non-resistance over carnal conflict14MR 27.3+2. Choosing to engage in earthly combat involves grave spiritual considerations, as the weapons of the believer's true struggle are not physical but spiritual 2 Corinthians 10:4AUCR April 1, 1898, par. 14.

The Principles of Non-Resistance 🕊️

The teachings of Jesus provide a clear standard for those who wish to follow His example in a world of strife.

• The Rule of the Christian Life: Non-resistance is the rule for a follower of Christ, who said that we should not resist evil but rather turn the other cheek Matthew 5:39AMS July 23, 1896, page 227.3+1.

• The Example of Christ: Jesus never used might to demonstrate the power of right; He won by self-sacrifice and non-resistanceGCB/GCDB 1895, page 437.8+2.

• A Wide Distinction: There is a significant difference between the civil magistrate's duty to punish evildoers and the Christian’s duty to follow the Prince of Peace, who forbids rebellion and the use of carnal weapons Romans 13:2-4ARSH April 18, 1865, page 160.36+1.

The Nature of Christian Service 🛡️

Enlisting as a soldier for Christ requires a commitment to a struggle that is often more taxing than earthly warfare.

• A Battle and a March: The Christian life is compared to a soldier's life, but it offers no bribes of ease; it is a battle against tradition, superstition, and error14MR 27.3+2.

• The Highest Discipline: Just as earthly soldiers are thoroughly drilled in military duties, Christian soldiers must be even more painstaking and thorough in their preparation for spiritual warfareGW92 283.2+2.

• Unity and Harmony: An army becomes confused and defeated if individuals move according to their own impulses; likewise, the soldiers of Christ must act in harmony under their Great GeneralSpM 121.1+2.

Considerations on War and Conscience 📜

Deciding to participate in national struggles involves understanding the relationship between the believer and civil government.

• Liberty of Conscience: No person should be forced to act in harmony with human laws that are in direct opposition to the law of God17MR 319.1+1.

• The Cost of Enlistment: Christ does not deceive His followers; He exhorts everyone to count the cost before enlisting in His service, as it is a life of duty and trial Luke 14:28-3215LtMs, Ms 98, 1900, par. 4.

• The Witness of History: Many faithful groups, such as the Waldenses, maintained that homicide was not permitted under any circumstances, even in war, choosing instead the path of non-resistanceECE 482.3.

The Spiritual Victory 🏆

Ultimately, the most important battles are those fought within the soul against sin and selfishness.

• The Whole Armor of God: Every soldier of the Lord is to put on the whole armor of God to fight courageously in full view of the invisible universe Ephesians 6:11-17AUCR April 1, 1898, par. 14.

• Patience and Endurance: To those whose wages are kept back by fraud or who face oppression, the instruction is to be patient until the coming of the Lord rather than resorting to force James 5:7PTUK August 3, 1893, page 288.5.

• The Final Reward: The reward of eternal life is not given to those who seek self-indulgence, but to those who endure the trials of the Christian conflict14MR 27.3.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" Matthew 26:52.

The Seventh-day Adventist position is rooted in the principle of non-resistance, teaching that the followers of Christ are citizens of a peaceable kingdom and should not engage in carnal warfareAMS February 14, 1895, page 52.6+2. While the church recognizes the authority of civil government, it maintains that an individual’s allegiance to Jesus Christ and the commandments of God must come before any human legislation that requires the taking of life Matthew 26:52EVRR562+1.

The Principle of Non-Resistance 🕊️

The fundamental stance of the faith is that the spirit of war is contrary to the spirit of ChristAMS February 14, 1895, page 52.6+1.

• The Example of Christ: Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His gospel is a message of harmony that forbids the use of might to establish rightBEcho March 12, 1894, par. 2+2. He taught His followers to love their enemies and to do violence to no man Luke 3:14SITI April 19, 1899, page 260.14+1.

• A Spiritual Warfare: The weapons of the believer are not carnal but spiritual, such as the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God 2 Corinthians 10:4EVRR562+1. The real battle is a spiritual conflict against evil forces where eternal destinies are at stakePr 301.3+2.

• The Rights of Conscience: The church holds that the rights of conscience are inalienable and that no government has the authority to compel a Christian to violate the law of God, which says, "Thou shalt not kill"GC 295.3+2.

The Historical Stand on Military Service 📜

The church's position has consistently leaned toward non-combatancy since its early history.

• Early Perspectives: During the American Civil War, it was shown that God’s people could not engage in the war because it was opposed to every principle of their faith7MR 112.2. However, when the draft was enacted, the church utilized provisions for non-combatant service rather than total resistance to the law7MR 112.2.

• The Waldensian Example: Historically, groups like the Waldenses are respected for their characteristic belief that homicide was under no circumstances permitted, whether in war or by judicial sentenceECE 482.3.

• Non-Combatant Service: While the church counsels against the war spirit, it has recognized the validity of serving in capacities that save life rather than take it, such as medical service, provided it does not require the violation of the Sabbath or the taking of human life7MR 112.2+2.

The Situation in World War II and Global Conflicts 🌍

While the provided texts do not explicitly detail the specific administrative actions of the Adventist Church during World War II, they outline the enduring principles that governed the believers' behavior during such times of universal ruinPTUK July 6, 1893, page 209.7+1.

• A Time of Testing: During world-wide conflicts, the issue of allegiance to Christ versus the government becomes a direct and forced issue for every genuine ChristianAMS February 14, 1895, page 52.6.

• The Pressure of Patriotism: In times of war, those who refuse to participate in military drill or the war spirit are often called cowards or unpatriotic, yet the Christian must remain loyal to Christ’s standard of peaceGCB February 13, 1895, page 139.13.

• The Failure of "Christian" Nations: It is noted with sadness that during great wars, many professing Christians on both sides pray to God to aid them in killing each other, which is a mockery of the gospel of peaceAMS October 12, 1899, page 628.2+1.

• Individual Steadfastness: Even when nations are watching one another like wild beasts, there remains an army of steadfast believers who stand as firm as a rock for the principles of God's lawEVRR562+1.

The Final Conflict 🎺

The ultimate view is that earthly peace is temporary and that the world is preparing for a final, literal conflict.

• Preparing for the End: The current arming of nations and the prevalence of the war spirit are signs of the end of earthly historyAMS May 19, 1898, page 308.4+1.

• The Two Armies: In vision, two great armies are seen in conflict: one led by the world’s insignia and the other by the blood-stained banner of Prince EmmanuelCET 228.1+2.

• The Final Triumph: True peace will only be established when the Prince of Peace returns to displace earthly kingdoms with His own, after which the meek shall inherit the earth and delight in the abundance of peace Psalms 72:7PTUK April 11, 1895, page 227.2+1.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" Matthew 5:9. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" Romans 12:18. "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" Isaiah 2:4.