By Stephen Haskell
“Who is Melchisedec? He is the one that fills all the specifications the Bible gives of Melchisedec.
- He was a man. “Consider how great the man was.” Hebrews 7:4.
- He was a king. “King of righteousness.” “King of Salem, which is King of Peace.” Verse 2.
- He “was priest of the most high God.” Verse 1.
- He “abideth a priest continually.” Verse 3.
- He was greater than Abraham, for Abraham paid tithes to him, “and without contradiction the less is blessed of the greater.” Verses 4-7.
- Abraham received the promises, therefore Melchisedec was greater than the one who received the promises of God.
- He is the one “of whom it is witnessed that He liveth.” Verse 8.
- He was made “like unto the Son of God,” and therefore was not the Son of God. Verse 3.
- He was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” Verse 3.
In the Review and Herald of February 18, 1890, page 97, last paragraph, we read from Mrs E. G. White: “It was Christ that spake through Melchisedec, the priest of the most high God. Melchisedec was not Christ, but he was the voice of God in this world, the representative of the Father.”
There is but one being in the universe that fills all these specifications. That is the Spirit of God. He ever lives to intercede. He has no beginning of days or end of life. He represents the Father and the Son. He speaks peace to the troubled soul. He is not an angel of any kind, for angels are amenable to law, and were created. This being is equal to the Father and the Son. It is the voice of God in the world. A careful study of the above and belief of the same will forever settle the question as to who Melchisedec is.
Many speculations have been circulated in answer to this question; but the only sure way to arrive at right conclusions is to carefully study what the Lord has written of Him.
Melchisedec occurs eleven times in the Bible: eight of the instances refer to the priesthood of Christ, as follows;-
Psa. 110:4 Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec
Heb. 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Heb. 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb. 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
Heb. 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb. 7:11 Priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec
Heb. 7:15 After the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest.
The three remaining passages that speak of Melchisedec are descriptive of His character and work. In Genesis 14:18-20 we have the first mention of Melchisedec and in Hebrews 7:1-10, we have a further description of Him, the name Melchisedec occurring in the first and tenth verses. A careful reading of these last texts in will give us the following facts in regard to the work and character of Melchisedec.
- King of Salem
- King of righteousness
- King of peace
- Priest of the most high God
- Blessed Abraham
- Received tithes from Abraham
- Without father
- Without mother
- Without descent (margin, without pedigree).
- Having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.
- Made like unto the Son of God
- Abideth a priest continually
- Descent is not counted from them (Abraham or Levi)
- Greater than Abraham
Who is Melchisedec?
The one who fulfils all these characteristics given by inspiration.
Is it Christ? No, for Christ has a Father and also a mother, and His genealogy is traced in the Bible. He has a descent. Melchisedec is “made like unto the Son of God,” and therefore could not be the Son of God.
Is it the Angel Gabriel? No, for the angels are created beings and therefore had beginning of days. The whole of the first chapter of Hebrews is given to show that Christ is far above the angels and that they in no way compare with Him, therefore Melchisedec, who is “made like unto the Son of Man”, could not be any one of the angels. Gabriel is not a king. Angels are messengers sent to minister.
The Holy Spirit, “the third person of the Godhead”, the soul of Christ’s life, and the light and life of the world, is the only one to whom all of the above specifications will apply. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, and therefore is “King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace.”
The “Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered, and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the satins according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26, 27.
Therefore the Spirit “abideth a priest continually,” and is a “priest of the most high God.”
The Spirit is the “third person of the Godhead,” and therefore has no more “beginning of days nor end of life” than God Himself. There is no record of father, mother, or pedigree given of the Holy Spirit. As the third person of the Godhead, It is greater than Abraham and could bless him. The Spirit comes to the world as representative of Christ and thus is made like unto Christ.
The Holy Spirit has visibly appeared to man under different forms. The Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Christ. Luke 3:22. It came as cloven tongues of fire upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. To Abraham it appeared as a King, Priest. Today it comes as a blessed Comforter to everyone who will open his heart to receive it.
Was Melchisedec a real person, or simply a representative of a certain priesthood? The Scriptures plainly say He was both. He was the king of Salem, and he was a priest of the most High God. He was a king priest. He represented a king priesthood. This was fulfilled in Christ. Zech 6:12, 13. “Melchisedec king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of the Most High God.” Gen 14:18; Heb 7:1. He blessed Abraham and said, “Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth,” “and he, (Abram) gave him tithes of all.“ Gen 14:19, 20; Heb 7:2, 4, 6, 7. Here are several terms used, all are literal. “Abram,” “Salem,” “tithes,” “bread and wine,” and “priest of the most High God.” These were as real as the battles fought by Abram and the spoils taken. The victorious triumph of the gospel is also indicated.
Melchisedec was of a priesthood that existed before the giving of the law. He was representing this priesthood. Christ was a priest after this order. “The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Psa 110:4; Heb 5:6, 9, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 17, 21. It will be noticed that Christ is priest “forever” after this order. It is an order that always has and always will exist. The particular work of the priest may change, but the order exists. It was this priesthood that was represented by Melchisedec. A priest that offers and intercedes for others. Who is it that ever has and ever does this? Rom 8:26, 27.
The Holy Spirit
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Salem was the home of Melchisedec. It was the ancient site of Jerusalem, the same as Mount Zion. “In Salem also is His tabernacles, and His dwell place in Zion.” Psa 76:2. The place, the priest, the order of priesthood, his being also a king, and his bringing forth “bread and wine,“ represented something. He was “king of Salem, priest of the Most High God,” “being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also, king of Salem, which is king of peace.” Heb 7:2. But why does the Lord say, “without father, without mother, having neither beginning of days nor end of life?” The next clause explains it, “made like unto the Son of God abideth a priest continually.” The order abideth continually. Heb 7:3. If I understand it correctly, it is simply this: God takes a king priest, to represent an order of a priesthood, that has no beginning or ending, and therefore does not reckon his pedigree, or in the words of the margin, His is “without pedigree”.
The priesthood of Aaron was known by his pedigree. Ex 6:16-27. The reason that tribe was chosen for the priesthood, is given in Deut 33:8-29; Ex 32:25-29. This explains why Moses’ prophecy concerning Levi is so different from the one given by Jacob. Gen 49:4-7.
Elijah the Tishbite, represented the work of John the Baptist and the work of the third angel’s message, and he is only mentioned as a Tishbite of the inhabitants of Gilead. With this simple introduction, without any pedigree given, he is represented as locking heaven and going to the wilderness with the key. 1 Kings 17:1-6. When individuals are mentioned in the Bible representing an office or work, little is said about their pedigree. This must be apparent to every Bible student; so when an order of priesthood is represented that has no beginning or ending, an individual is selected to represent it, without giving their pedigree, or any particulars concerning him except that which pertains to the work represented.”
Stephen Haskell, South Lancaster Papers
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Comments (25)
Melchisedec king of peace the Holy Spirit | Sabbath Sermons - 25/04/2015
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Melchisedec the King of Peace, the Holy Spirit | Sermons and Studies - 23/04/2015
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Larry Davis - 10/12/2011
It was Christ that spoke through Melchisedec, the priest of the most high God. Melchisedec was not Christ, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representative of the Father.
Ellen White {RH, February 18, 1890 par. 10}
Bhekisisa Mtshali - 15/02/2011
Bretheren in Christ i have read almost all of the information, can you please send me all the relevant study so i can read and be able to understand it. Sabbath can you please help with all the sites where i can download the studies you and Ariadne have given us previously.
Brother In Christ
Bhekisisa Mtshali
Michael glinn - 13/10/2010
The point is that as a believer one may not seem to be either a king or a priest but the word of God says otherwise, should one stagger at this or rather be persuaded that what God says is true rather than what experience is telling one?
Michael glinn - 13/10/2010
Whereas the Levitical priests arose according to natural birth Exd 40:15 the Mechisedec priests according to the power of an endless life.
Jesus said: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? Jhn 11:26.
We see then that all believers qualify after the power of an endless life.
Melchizedek was both a king and a priest Gen 14:18 Jesus was called king by men Act 17:7 and a priest by God Hbr 5:6 Believers are called both kings and priests Rev 1:6.
When Abraham was told by God (I have made thee a father of many nations)………being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of (his wife) Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what God had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Rom 4:17ff-22.
A Response to the Question, “Who was Melchizedek?” « Engellion's Blog - 12/05/2010
[…] P.S. I included the above in a reply over on “Sabbath Sermons” http://sabbathsermons.com/2010/05/07/the-order-of-melchisedec-stephen-haskell-south-lancaster-papers… […]
Patrick Rampy - 11/05/2010
I can’t go into detail but I’ve heard some interesting evidence that Melchizedek could have been one of the Godly sons of Noah, Shem.
Sabbath Sermons - 11/05/2010
http://sabbathsermons.com/2009/11/04/why-is-there-so-much-confusion-as-to-the-identity-of-melchizedek/
Paul Chapman - 11/05/2010
I think you need to check your sources as to the article/articles you attribute to Stephen Haskell.
It is not clear that Haskell is the author of all of the above article.
Reading your original scanned sources, there are 3 separate articles. It is clear that Haskell is definitely the author of one of these, namely that part of the above article that begins, “Many Speculations have been circulated in answer to this question…” down to “…Today it comes as a blessed Comforter to everyone who will open his heart to receive it.”
The rest is not attributed to anyone in the original source book you quote from.
Did Haskell write the other portions as well, or was that someone else?
The Typist - 24/01/2024
I obtained the article from the E G White estate but didn’t keep the email. I will ask them for it again
PAT HARVEY - 11/05/2010
Bro. Chapman, I agree with your presentation of the work of the holy Spirit. He and the Bride,the church, are the ones in the world, convicting men of sin and calling them to repentance. Revelation 22: 17 puts it this way:
“And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come…”
PAT HARVEY - 11/05/2010
I cannot agree with you that Melchisedek is the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not follow the Spirit; rather, the Spirit followed Him. Jesus promised that He would send another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth AFTER He would have returned to heaven. Furthermore, that if He did not go the Spirit could not come. Melchisedek was therefore King priest of Salem, who though not of Abraham’s seed (he was before Abraham’s seed), served the Lord faithfully (he received Abraham’s tithes and was obviously well known as a man of God, much as Balaam was before he sinned so greatly as to pervert the word of God) and is now a figure for the type of priesthood manifested by Jesus. Jesus’s priesthood is far superior to that of Aaron because He is priest, sacrifice and everything to do with the priesthood. Again, the title, “Prince of Peace” referred only to Him. See Isaiah 9: 6. he is also king. To be king and priest is to be unique – responsible for your people spiritually, physically, socially and psychologically. See Luke 2: 52.
Note Jesus in the temple when He drove out the money changers. “My house shall be called a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves.” the role of the Holy Spirit in the world now is to lead mankind away from sin and to their great high priest – Jesus.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin…” Hebrews 4: 15. This could only be Jesus as He was the one who suffered and overcame temptation in the flesh. Chapter 5 fully relates Christ to the priesthood and to the kind of priesthood that Melchisedek had. The metaphor is fully explained and its parameters set. There is no mystery or confusion here. If we cannot understand or agree on what Sis. White said, we should go ” to the law and to the testimonies, for if they speak not according to this word, then it is because there is no light in them.”
Sabbath Sermons - 11/05/2010
Then why does the bible say Jesus was led of the spirit into the wilderness?
Paul Chapman - 11/05/2010
Another friend also shared this thought: “…none of the Divine Beings could be made like God. They are God.”
For this reason, I find it difficult to accept that the Holy Spirit is Melchizadek.
Sabbath Sermons - 11/05/2010
Melchisedek, the high priest of your body temple – http://sabbathsermons.com/2009/09/26/6-melchisedec-the-high-priest-of-the-body-temple/
More on Melchisedec;
http://sabbathsermons.com/category/melchisedec/
Paul Chapman - 11/05/2010
Within Adventism there have been two main views on the identification of Melchizadek. For quite a few years I had the same appreciation as that described above by Haskell – that Melchizadek was the Holy Spirit. However, after reading EJ Waggoner’s book, ‘The Everlasting Covenant’, as well as studying The Two Covenants and their relationship to us today, I came to a different conclusion.
Heb chapter 7 is closely connected with Paul’s line of reasoning in Chapter 6. His purpose in writing this epistle is to establish the fact and legitimacy of Christ’s ministry for us in heaven as an eternal Priest. His main argument hinges on the fact that the “old covenant” (the one made at Sinai) is no longer of force, and consequently that the Aaronic Priesthood connected with it is no longer of force.
To establish his reasoning regarding the convenants and their respective priesthoods, he uses the history of Melchizadek and the incident with the Father of their nation, Abraham, as an illustration. So who was Melchizadek?
He was the Priest of the Most High God and King of Salem. He lived around Abraham’s time. The expression used by Paul in Heb 7:3 “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life” is an important one in laying the foundation for his case concerning the relative merits of the two covenants and, by implication, the two priesthoods. He reminds his readers–obviously Jews who know the history of Israel–that Melchizedek, as far as the scripture record and Jewish history is concerned, there is no record of his father and no record of his mother. He has no record of birth or death in their writings. He was outside of the commonwealth of Israel, outside of the covenant blessings, and more importantly outside of the line of the Levitical Priesthood. The word “descent” is actually the word for “genealogy” in the Greek. He had no record of genealogy that could place him among the line of the priests, nor even within the line of Abraham.
To show how important the genealogical records were to the Jews, particularly in regard to the priesthood, in Nehemiah 7:63-65 a group of priests sought to find their birth registration “among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore they were as polluted, put from the priesthood.” Unless your genealogy could be traced back to the line of Levi, you could not be a priest. Hence, Christ could not be a Priest after the order of Aaron as He was not from the tribe of Levi. He was from the tribe of Judah. There was no way He could be a Priest if that Priesthood still existed. (Heb 7:13-14).
To show how great Melchizadek’s priesthood was in comparison to Aaron’s, Paul reminds his readers that Melchizadek blessed the Levitical priesthood when he blessed Abraham (what is done to the father is reckoned as being done to the decendents). And Levi paid tithes to Melchizadek when Abraham paid tithes to him (again as what the father does is reckoned as being done also by his decendents.) Evidently then, as the less is blessed of the better, Melchizadek’s priesthood is greater than Levi’s.
Paul’s point is that Christ has been ordained a Priest after another order of Priesthood – that of Melchizadek – which as far as the sacred record is concerned, is a Priesthood that had no record of its beginning nor of its ending. It was a priesthood established outside of the Covenant made to Israel at Sinai. Chapter 8 discusses further the priesthood in relation to the covenants – more specifically, the new covenant. Paul’s point is to show that as there has been a change in the Priesthood, there is by necessity has been also a change in the Law governing the priesthood. And therefore, establishing the legitimacy of Christ’s priesthood.
Christ has been made a Priest forever after the order of Mechizadek – under this order we receive the blessings and promises of the Everlasting Covenant. These promises include justification by faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit – which brings about a regeneration and renewing in our lives – and thus causing as to turn away from our iniquities. (Gal 3:8,14; Acts 3:25-26. Ezek 36:26-27) The only way for us to become a priest under the order of Melchizadek, is to experience this new birth – to become a member of Christ’s spiritual kingdom – to be ‘one in Christ’ as Galations 3:26-29 puts it, and therefore counted as heirs of the covenant. We are to be a “holy priesthood” “a royal priesthood” (1Pet2:5,9) and a “nation of kings and priests” — thus fulfilling God’s original purpose for all the children of Israel, not just the Levites. The whole nation of Israel were meant to be a “kingdom of priests” (Ex19:6).
When we partake of this spiritual birth it is then that we are partakers of Christ’s nature and counted as members of his body and thus a “priest” in his kingdom. As Melchizedek was both a King and a priest, we also become a “royal priesthood”.
The Holy Spirit is not our Priest. There is only one mediator, or priest, of the new covenant–‘the man Christ Jesus’ (1 Tim2:5) It is true the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bu not in the same way as Christ does. Note:
“Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart. {6BC 1077.13}
“The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary; but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor who is at God’s right hand presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. ” {6BC 1078.1}
These are my own thoughts on the subject – trust they may be of help to you.
God bless
Paul Chapman
Sabbath Sermons - 11/05/2010
Stephen Haskells explanation is very biblical and sound.
Paul Chapman - 11/05/2010
Haskell’s explanation is Biblical but his conclusions are not sound.
There is only one eternal mediator between God and Man – not two.
There is only one eternal mediator that partook of our flesh and blood – not two.
There is only one eternal mediator that intercedes for us before the Father – not two.
Was Melchizedek a real person? According to the above article/s (the part not attributed to Haskell) he was.
Quote: “Was Melchisadec a real person, or simply a representative of a certain priesthood? The scriptures plainly say he was both.”
Did Melchizedek partake of our flesh and blood? If so, where does that leave the truth of the incarnation?
Or did he appear as a man to Abraham, but really he wasn’t a man? The apostle Paul affirms that Melchisedec WAS a man when he says, “Now, consider how great this man was…” (Heb 7:4).
In harmony with the last portion of the article you quote, “When individuals are mentioned in the Bible representing an office or work, little is said about their pedigree. This must be apparent to every Bible student; so when an order of priesthood is represented that has no beginning or ending, an individual is selected to represent it, without giving their pedigree, or any particulars concerning him except that which pertains to the work represented.”
Clearly, Melchizedek is a representative or Type of Christ’s priesthood. He was an individual ‘selected to represent it’. He was a real king and a real priest who lived in the time of Abraham. However. on whether he is the Holy Spirit, the scripture is silent. So should we be.
Paul Chapman - 11/05/2010
Did you not read the SOP quotes in my original reply.
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in a different way to Christ. The Holy Spirit intercedes between us and Christ, working upon our hearts. “drawing out prayers and penitance, praise and thanksgiving.” Christ then offers those prayers etc to the Father.
“Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart. {6BC 1077.13}
“The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary; but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor who is at God’s right hand presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. ” {6BC 1078.1}
Paul Chapman - 14/10/2010
Hi. The passage from 6BC 1077.13 is EGW’s comments on Rom 8:26.
We need to make a difference as to who is mediating to whom. The Holy Spirit mediates between us and Christ. Christ is wanting all of us to give our hearts to Him so that He can forgive and cleanse us from sin.
We can’t do this of ourselves. Therefore Christ’s has sent the Holy Spirit out into the world to convince men of their sin and to draw them to Himself.
“The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the hearts of men and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their longing. The Spirit of God is pleading with them to seek for those things that alone can give peace and rest–the grace of Christ, the joy of holiness…” Steps to Christ, p 29.
The word “pleading” is the meaning of the Greek word for “intercession” in Rom 8:26.
The Holy Spirit pleads with us to the end that we will be led to the foot of the cross in repentence for our sins. It is through a knowledge of God’s love in giving His only begotten Son to die for us that the Holy Spirit does this. It is the work of the Spirit to glorify Christ. (John 16:14) (incidentally – a true teacher does not glorify himself John 7:17-18, therefore the Holy Spirit is not Christ.) The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by revealing Him to us. One of the ways is by “shedding abroad” God’s love in our hearts (Rom 5:5). Herein is love, that God sent His son into our world to be a sacrifice for sin. (1 John 4:10).
“The sinner may resist this love, may refuse to be drawn to Christ; but if he does not resist he will be drawn to Jesus; a knowledge of the plan of salvation will lead him to the foot of the cross in repentance for his sins, which have caused the sufferings of God’s dear Son.” Steps to Christ, p 28.
This work of drawing, pleading, or interceding is the work of the Holy Spirit in leading us to Christ.
However, the work of Christ is to intercede for us in reconciling us to the Father. Hence, Christ is our High Priest who is now in heaven mediating for us to the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit mediates, or intercedes for us on earth within our hearts to lead us to Christ.
The EGW statement from 6BC1077 clarifies that the interceding of the Spirit is to bring forth from us prayers penitence praise and thanksgiving etc. But these things do not ascend direct to the Father. They ascend to Christ, who then mingles them with His own merits and presents them to His Father. So their work of interceding is very different.
In a nutshell, they both intercede, but do so in different manners and to different parties. One intercedes for us to Chirst, the other intercedes for us to the Father.
In terms of Melchisedec, his priesthood is a type of the eternal Priesthood, of which Christ’s work of intercession for us to the Father is the anti-type. This should not be confused with the work of the Holy Spirit in inteceding for us to Christ.
The Typist - 24/01/2024
He took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. Exodus 24:7. – {AG 142.1}
The covenant that God made with His people at Sinai is to be our refuge and defense….This covenant is of just as much force today as it was when the Lord made it with ancient Israel…. – {AG 142.2}
This is the pledge that God’s people are to make in these last days. Their acceptance with God depends on a faithful fulfillment of the terms of their agreement with Him. God includes in His covenant all who will obey Him. To all who will do justice and judgment, keeping their hand from doing any evil, the promise is, “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off” (Isaiah 56:5). – {AG 142.3}
The Father sets His love upon His elect people who live in the midst of men. These are the people whom Christ has redeemed by the price of His own blood; and because they respond to the drawing of Christ, through the sovereign mercy of God, they are elected to be saved as His obedient children. Upon them is manifested the free grace of God, the love wherewith He hath loved them. Everyone who will humble himself as a little child, who will receive and obey the Word of God with a child’s simplicity will be among the elect of God. – {AG 142.4}
To make God’s grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. – {AG 142.5}
Let the human agent compare his life with the life of Christ…. Let him imitate the example of Him who lived out the law of Jehovah, who said, “I have kept my father’s commandments.” Those who follow Christ will be continually looking into the perfect law of liberty, and through the grace given them by Christ, will fashion the character according to the divine requirements. – {AG 142.6}
Yussuf Nyameri - 08/05/2010
Dear Friends in Christ,
The topic of Melchisedec is what I had been needing and the Lord has given at the right time.Praise Yah. God is able to all who call Him faithfully.Please, send us the teachings, spiritual materials( Books), Bibles and sermons.
Yussuf
Sabbath Sermons - 08/05/2010
Hello, am glad you liked. Read more on this topic here;
http://sabbathsermons.com/category/melchisedec/
David Barron - 07/05/2010
Haskell seriously only believed in one God the father and that Jesus Chirst was begotten in eternity past. He was a non-trinitarian. You misuse his quotes.
The rainbow in the clouds is but a symbol of the rainbow which has encircled the throne from eternity. Back in the ages, which finite mind cannot fathom, the Father and Son were alone in the universe. Christ was the first begotten of the Father, and to Him Jehovah made known the divine plan of Creation. The plan of the creation of worlds was unfolded, together with the order of beings which should people them. Angels, as representatives of one order, would be ministers of the God of the universe. The creation of our own little world, was included in the deep-laid plans. The fall of Lucifer was foreseen; likewise the possibility of the introduction of sin, which would mar the perfection of the divine handiwork. It was then, in those early councils, that Christ’s heart of love was touched; and the only begotten Son pledged His life to redeem man, should he yield and fall. Father and Son, surrounded by impenetrable glory, clasped hands. It was in appreciation of this offer, that upon Christ was bestowed creative power, and the everlasting covenant was made; and henceforth Father and Son, with one mind, worked together to complete the work of creation. Sacrifice of self for the good of others was the foundation of it all. (Stephen N. Haskell, The Story of the Seer of Patmos, pages 93, 94, 1905)
Before the creation of our world, “there was war in heaven.” Christ and the Father covenanted together; and Lucifer, the covering cherub, grew jealous because he was not admitted into the eternal councils of the Two who sat upon the throne. (Stephen N. Haskell, The Story of the Seer of Patmos, pages 217, 1905)
Christ was the firstborn in heaven; He was likewise the firstborn of God upon earth, and heir to the Father’s throne. Christ, the firstborn, though the Son of God, was clothed in humanity, and was made perfect through suffering. He took the form of man, and through eternity, He will remain a man. (Stephen N. Haskell, The Story of the Seer of Patmos, pages 98, 99, 1905)