April 18, 1900

Christ and Nicodemus

EGW

Christ's lessons of instruction to the Jews appeared to them as altogether new, but in reality they were the old truths which Christ Himself had given to the people of God. The precious treasure committed to Israel was lost sight of as men departed from God, and Christ as the great center of light and life came to the earth to rescue it from the rubbish of error under which it had been buried.ST April 18, 1900, par. 1

As Nicodemus heard Christ, his heart was stirred within him. The words of this humble Teacher aroused him to inquire if these things were so. But Nicodemus was proud of his Jewish faith, and he sought to hide his curiosity from the Saviour. He did not wish to be known as an inquirer, and he put on an appearance of dignity, as tho it were an act of condescension of his part to seek an interview with Jesus. He did not at once make known his errand, but opened the conversation by speaking in praise of the penetration of Christ and of His rare gifts as a speaker. But Christ, after courteously receiving His guest, came directly to the point, and laid open before Nicodemus the object of his visit.ST April 18, 1900, par. 2

Nicodemus was surprised that Christ should understand the burden of his heart. With solemn power the Saviour said: “Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.... The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”ST April 18, 1900, par. 3

At thought of a kingdom so pure that he could have no part in it unless he was born again, Nicodemus was filled with amazement. “How can these things be?” he asked. And Jesus said unto him: “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? and no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even as the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”ST April 18, 1900, par. 4

When the Israelites were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, a brazen serpent was uplifted in the midst of their camp, that all might look and live. But there were some who would not accept the help provided. They stopped to reason concerning the foolishness of looking for relief to such a source. That they should be saved by looking to a piece of brass was absurd to their minds, and they said, We will not look. Their decision was fatal, and many of the children of Israel perished.ST April 18, 1900, par. 5

The brazen serpent was uplifted in the wilderness that those who looked in faith might be made whole. In like manner God sends a restoring, healing message to men, calling upon them to look away from man and earthly things, and place their trust in God. That brazen serpent uplifted in the wilderness was a symbol of Christ. The faith which the believing Israelites exercised as they looked at it, we must exercise as we look to Christ. With the same simplicity sinners must receive the Saviour; for He alone can save from sin. He is our ransom. Whoever rejects the salvation He proffers is lost to God and heaven.ST April 18, 1900, par. 6

What would have become of the wounded Israelites had they all refused the only remedy provided for them,—had they said, We will try other means; we shall try the skill of our physicians; there is wisdom enough among us to heal the disease?—Had they done this, they would all have perished. So those who today slight the remedy God has provided for sin, who refuse to accept Christ as a personal Saviour, will perish in their sins.ST April 18, 1900, par. 7

Today God has given to men the truth with power. He has opened His Word to those who are searching and praying for light. But when these messengers gave the truth they had received to the people, many were as unbelieving as were some of the Israelites. Today many are caviling over the truth brought to them by humble messengers. How can this message be truth? they question. How is it possible that by looking to Jesus, and believing in His imputed righteousness, I can gain eternal life? Those who have thus refused to see the truth do not realize that it is God with whom they are in controversy, that in refusing the message sent them, they are refusing Christ.ST April 18, 1900, par. 8

God designs that the message of redemption shall come to His people as the latter rain; for they are fast losing their connection with God. They are trusting in men, and glorifying men, and their strength is proportionate to the strength of their dependence. We are to know more than we know at the present time. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. There are themes to be dwelt upon which are worthy of more than a passing notice. Angels have desired to look into the truths which are revealed to those who are searching God's Word with contrite hearts. Those who will devote their powers to the study of God's Word, and especially to the prophecies referring to these last days, will be rewarded by the discovery of important truths. The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood. Satan has blinded the eyes of men, and they have been glad of any excuse for not studying this book. But here Christ has declared through His servant John what shall be in the last days.ST April 18, 1900, par. 9

As we search the Scriptures, the character of Christ will appear in its infinite perfection. He is the One in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. He is eternal life to all who will eat His flesh and drink His blood. Those who look to Him may be healed of the serpent's sting. By beholding Him, we may become changed into the same image. Faith, love, and holiness will grow in the soul. “This is life eternal,” Christ said, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” When we realize the value of this knowledge, these glorious truths will glow in our hearts, tremble upon our lips, and pervade our whole being.ST April 18, 1900, par. 10

In giving us His Word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential for our salvation. The storehouse of the unsearchable riches of Christ is open to heart and hand. Thousands of men and women have drawn water from the wells of salvation, yet the supply is not diminished. These men have not exhausted the grand and holy themes of the Word of God. Thousands more may engage in searching out the mysteries of salvation. When the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth, and at every fresh attempt to discover truth, something that has never yet been unfolded will be revealed. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and, looking to heaven, with its unnumbered years, he will exclaim, “Great is the mystery of godliness.”ST April 18, 1900, par. 11

Mrs. E. G. White