The Importance of Righteousness by Faith

by Ellen White

The many argumentative sermons preached, seldom soften and subdue the soul. . . . It should be the burden of every messenger to set forth the fullness of Christ. When the free gift of Christ's righteousness is not presented, the discourses are dry and spiritless; the sheep and lambs are not fed. Said Paul, "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." There is marrow and fatness in the gospel. Jesus is the living centre of everything. Put Christ into every sermon. Let the preciousness, mercy and glory of Jesus Christ be dwelt upon; for Christ formed within is the hope of glory. 1SM 158 (1892)

An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord's message through Brethren [E.J.] Waggoner and [A.T.] Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people in a large measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world. 1SM 234

Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed; for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there should not now be a necessity of calling special attention to it. 1SM 372

The foundation of Christianity is Christ our Righteousness. 5T 725

The absence of devotion, piety, and sanctification of the outer man comes through denying Jesus Christ our Righteousness. 6MR 147

The only defence against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. DA 324

The third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and this truth must be brought before the world; but the great Centre of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel's message.... EV 184

This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. EV 190

The point which has been urged upon my mind for years is the imputed righteousness of Christ. I have wondered that this matter was not made the subject of discourses in our churches throughout the land, when the matter has been kept constantly urged upon me, and I have made it the subject of nearly every discourse and talk that I have given to the people. FW 18 (MS 36 1890)

The light given me of God places this important subject above any question in my mind. Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do. FW 20

This truth (sabbath), with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great centre of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out. It is at the cross of Christ that mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must be led to look to Calvary; with the simple faith of a little child he must trust in the merits of the Saviour, accepting His righteousness, believing in His mercy. GW 156

The sweetest melodies that come from human lips - justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ. RH APR.4,1885 (6T 426)

Christ and His righteousness - let this be our platform, the very life of our faith. RH AUG.31,1905 (EV 190)

One interest will prevail. One subject will swallow up every other - Christ our Righteousness. RH DEC.23,1890 (SD 259)

Several have written to me enquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, `It is the third angel's message in verity'....

The loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. RH NOV.22,1892

There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our eternal welfare. RH SEP.3,1889 (1SM 360)

No one has said that we shall find perfection in any man's investigations; but this I do know, that our churches are dying for want of teaching on righteousness by faith and on kindred subjects. RH SEP.3,1889 (GW 301)

The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones (Minneapolis 1888). This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented Justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the Third Angel's message which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. TM 91

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