In Search Of The One True Christ

This book is about the human nature of Christ. Specifically about the moral or spiritual inheritance through His mother Mary—whether He took man’s nature like that of Adam before the Fall (prelapsarian) or like after the Fall (postlapsarian). These two seemingly, mutually-exclusive, versions of Christ have been a very controversial subject in Adventism for some sixty plus years (May 2015). Many have grown weary of the subject, and some have concluded that “it doesn’t really matter.” It is the purpose of this present book to develop more fully the concept of our new birth experience as a springboard to provide a framework of Christ’s nature that embraces all of the Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy statements on His humanity—the one true Christ. It will be found that both positions—pre-Fall and post-Fall—contain essential components to the complete picture. Spiritual truth is arrived at by harmonizing all of the inspired statements on a given subject. Through that method we have arrived at our commonly held beliefs—Saturday sacredness, state of the dead, second coming of Christ, etc. This can also be true regarding Christ’s humanity—regarding the true Christ. Knowing the complete attributes of the true Christ will add strength and credibility to the true gospel. We can then lay down our disputes among us and unite in promoting the “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism” so essential to the finishing of the Lord’s work in our hearts and on the earth. Preface Why another book about the human nature of Christ? Haven't we covered every aspect of His nature that is necessary for us to know? Well, perhaps not. This book endeavors to tie together some loose threads that have not really been solved yet. First, this subject is never just about the nature of Christ. The issue is much larger. It is about the whole plan of salvation, the gospel, righteousness by faith, and the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Differing views about Christ's human nature radically change our conclusions about how God is solving the problem of sin and rebellion in the universe.hy another book about the human nature of Christ? Haven't we covered every aspect of His nature that is necessary for us to know? Well, perhaps not. This book endeavors to tie together some loose threads that have not really been solved yet. Second, this book addresses the underlying issue in the ongoing debate—the nature of man. When Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed. Suffering and death began, man's nature changed so that rebellion was as natural as breathing, condemnation and annihilation were man's only future, and earth was cut off from heaven. Except for one thing—Christ stepped into the picture. And everything changed again. Mankind received a second chance, annihilation was not inevitable, and most importantly, God placed “enmity” toward Satan in man's nature. Man would not be a helpless slave of Satan, but would have an innate desire to resist him. Third, this book pulls together statements by Ellen White that seem to support opposite conclusions, and shows how they fit together perfectly if loose ends are properly tied off. Inspired statements have a way of harmonizing if we dig down beneath the surface. Fourth, the appendix collection of pioneer writings are valuable resources in this study. This is a significant contribution to a better understanding of God's great plan of salvation. Dennis Priebe Amazing Facts Revivalist

There are important Biblical truths overlooked by much of Christianity. The Devil would have it so, and, unfortunately, our naturally sinful hearts find it attractively so. We prefer to be saved in our sins rather than from our sins. The term Gospel is in reference to the salvation of fallen mankind in Christ’s future, eternal kingdom of peace. Tragically, great differences in understanding of the Gospel is a major reason for the multitude of differing Christian faiths. The Bible speaks of “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:5). Jesus Christ made the claim: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). Thus, the Scriptures teach that there is only One True Way to the heavenly Father, only One True Gospel—the Man Christ Jesus. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden—embedding the trait of selfishness in humanity’s heart—Christ promised them that He would come to earth to take their punishment, and to crush their deceiver Satan’s head. As a perpetual reminder, Christ gave them the sacrificial system. They were to confess their sins over the head of an innocent lamb and then to slay it; symbolizing Christ’s future death on the cross for the sins of man. When the children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt, Christ gave them a much more complete explanation of the various steps in the salvation process. In the earthly sanctuary and its services—a pattern of the true sanctuary in heaven—He gave a much clearer explanation of the salvation process as to how, when, and where the various steps occur in reality. For some 1500 years Christ worked with the children of Israel in an attempt to lead them, in their tabernacle/temple services to depict to the world the gospel of salvation through the coming Messiah. Unfortunately, Satan succeeded in blinding their eyes to the truths of their own religious services, to the degree, that they rejected and nailed to a Roman cross the long-looked-for perfect Lamb of God. Unfortunately still today, many of Christ’s followers are failing to appreciate the important truths of the gospel as depicted for so many centuries in the priestly services of the earthly tabernacle and temples of Israel. We are tending to ignore the New Testament teachings regarding Christ’s High Priestly ministry in the true tabernacle of heaven (see Hebrews chapters 3-10). We tend to not appreciate the important prophecy of Daniel 8:14: “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:14). The dominant Christian faith of the Dark Ages has side-tracked our attention to a still earthly priesthood with the claim to forgive sin. For these and other reasons, Satan is again succeeding to a great degree in blinding Christ’s followers to the great truths of the sanctuary services, now going on in heaven. Through failure to understand as to the how, when, and where Christ is working to save repentant men and women from sin, rather than in sin, many will fail to be benefitted by His death on the cross so many years ago. It is the purpose of this publication to search for clarity as to what is the One True Gospel. It has found that a comprehension of Christ’s role as Surety, as the Lamb of God, and as the Mediator-High Priest of the human race goes far in achieving that goal. “We need . . . much more knowledge in regard to the plan of salvation. There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare. When light begins to shine forth to make clear the plan of redemption to the people, the enemy works with all diligence that the light may be shut away from the hearts of men. If we come to the Word of God with a teachable, humble spirit, the rubbish of error will be swept away, and gems of truth, long hidden from our eyes, will be discovered.” Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, 359, 360.

The editor of "St. Anthony Messenger" magazine for many years, Fr. McCloskey has answered many questions in his "Ask a Franciscan" column. He mines that wealth of material to find the most helpful questions and answers for readers to help them see the connection between their faith and their spiritual growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Are you tired of playing church? Have you truly experienced the presence of the Living God in your life? If you have not experienced the presence of the Lord God in your life, then the transformation starts now! Seeking the One True Living God is written to help you begin understanding who you are in Christ. Christianity is not attending church every Saturday or Sunday, singing in the choir, wearing a religious symbol, or being a minister. Christianity is a lifestyle, one of holiness and righteousness in the eyes of the Lord God Almighty. Dr. C. L. Friend’s spiritual journey may be similar to others who have left the church, in search of something real. Finding that missing piece of your life starts within these pages. Seeking the One True Living God will probe your thinking in what you truly believe. This book will encourage you to stand strong on your faith and seek the Scriptures for understanding. Salvation is a journey, and you must walk with a clear understanding of what you believe. This book was designed so people are not scattered about wandering around the world lost and not fully able to explain their beliefs. Many people do not know what they believe; however, this book will put into perspective the dire need to seek after the Lord of Hosts. The Lord does not wish for any to perish, so seek the wisdom from above. True Christians are called to be an example, a light in this world. Seeking the One True Living God points out the importance that followers of Christ need to let their light shine brightly! This book also encourages professing Christians to be the church and not just be in the church. Glory be to the One True Living God. 2 2

God has provided a way for all people, not just scholars, to know that the Bible is the Word of God. John Piper has devoted his life to showing us that the glory of God is object of the soul’s happiness. Now, his burden in this book is to demonstrate that this same glory is the ground of the mind’s certainty. God’s peculiar glory shines through his Word. The Spirit of God enlightens the eyes of our hearts. And in one self-authenticating sight, our minds are sure and our hearts are satisfied. Justified certainty and solid joy meet in the peculiar glory of God.

The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own.

Not since C.S. Lewis has a writer so accurately and empathetically described our human condition—our deep longing for meaning and purpose. Lewis himself called it “the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” With fresh insight and authenticity, Thann Bennett invites you to join him on the journey of discovering the one true King. Thann weaves biblical application with personal illustration in a compelling call to action. Bound to be a timeless classic, you will come away knowing your true purpose—intimacy with and service to the King that will echo beyond your years. “In Search of the King is informative and inspirational. It is a must read.” —Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), New York Times best-selling author “Thann Bennett’s book, In Search of the King, provides wise souls with an excellent road map. I highly recommend this book.” —Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and author of Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend “Thann Bennett’s very personal and engaging style will captivate your heart and imagination and send you on a relentless journey to learn the character of Jesus, walk in His ways, and join His mission.” —Heather Zempel, Discipleship Pastor at National Community Church, and author of Community Is Messy, and Amazed and Confused