7BC 989
(S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 7 989)
After the entrance of sin, the heavenly Husbandman transplanted the tree of life to the Paradise above; but its branches hang over the wall to the lower world. Through the redemption purchased by the blood of Christ, we may still eat of its life-giving fruit. (7BC 989.1) MC VC
Of Christ it is written, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. He is the fountain of life. Obedience to Him is the life-giving power that gladdens the soul. (7BC 989.2) MC VC
Christ declares: “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” [John 6:57, 63; Revelation 2:7, last part, quoted] (The Signs of the Times, March 31, 1909). (7BC 989.3) MC VC
(Psalm 19:10; John 6:54-57.) Tree of Life Planted for Us—The sons of men have had a practical knowledge of evil, but Christ came to the world to show them that He had planted for them the tree of life, the leaves of which were for the healing of the nations (Manuscript 67, 1898). (7BC 989.4) MC VC
The leaves of the tree of life are proffered you. They are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Take them, eat them, digest them, and your faintheartedness will pass away (Manuscript 71, 1898). (7BC 989.5) MC VC
Christ ... was the tree of life to all who would pluck and eat (Manuscript 95, 1898). (7BC 989.6) MC VC
Bible the Tree of Life to Us—Let all bear in mind that the tree of life bears twelve manner of fruits. This represents the spiritual work of our earthly missions. The Word of God is to us the tree of life. Every portion of the Scripture has its use. In every part of the Word is some lesson to be learned. Then learn how to study your Bibles. This book is not a heap of odds and ends. It is an educator. Your own thoughts must be called into exercise before you can be really benefited by Bible study. Spiritual sinew and muscle must be brought to bear upon the Word. The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance the words of Christ. He will enlighten the mind, and guide the research (Letter 3, 1898). (7BC 989.7) MC VC
Christ the Tree of Life—Christ is the source of our life, the source of immortality. He is the tree of life, and to all who come to Him He gives spiritual life (The Review and Herald, January 26, 1897). (7BC 989.8) MC VC
3, 4. A Definition of Heaven—Christ is the truth of all that we find in the Father. The definition of heaven is the presence of Christ (Und. Manuscript 58). (7BC 989.9) MC VC
4. See EGW comment on Revelation 7:2, 3. (7BC 989.10) MC VC
10-12 (chs. 4:3; 10:1; see EGW comment on Revelation 10:7; 2 Peter 3:9). Christ′s Intercession Soon to Cease—The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right—the office of Supreme Judge (The Review and Herald, January 1, 1889). (7BC 989.11) MC VC
Probation Ends When Least Expected—When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly—at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us; and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven (Manuscript 95, 1906). (7BC 989.12) MC VC
No Second Probation—There is not a second probation for anyone. Now is probationary time, before the angel shall fold her golden wings, the angel of mercy, and shall step down from the throne, and mercy, mercy is gone forever (Manuscript 49, 1894). (7BC 989.13) MC VC
(John 9:4.) Time of Probation′s Close Not Revealed—God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close, or when probation will have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children; but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty.... (7BC 989.14) MC VC
Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as to the time when probation will close; and I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Now, just now, it is time for us to be watching, working, and waiting. (7BC 989.15) MC VC
The Word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand, and its testimony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanctify the character. The Spirit of the Lord is working to take the truth of the Inspired Word and stamp it upon the soul so that the professed followers of Christ will have a holy, sacred joy that they will be able to impart to others. The opportune time for us to work is now, just now, while the day lasts. But there is no command for anyone to search the Scriptures in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has hidden in His secret councils (The Review and Herald, October 9, 1894). (7BC 989.16) MC VC