Do You Have the Faith of Jesus?

“Here the patience of the saints is. Here are those keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” 

Revelation 14:12, literal translation (Hendrickson)

From the writings of Ellen G. White, we understand that Seventh-day Adventists have always held this verse to be an integral part of the third angel’s message. However, early in our history the law was emphasized to the point of minimizing the faith of Jesus. A number of statements bear this out. One statement in point is the following:

“The law of God has been largely dwelt upon and has been presented to congregations, almost destitute of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His relation to the law as was the offering of Cain.” Faith and Works, 18.

At another time Sister White described such discourses as being as dry as the hills of Gilboa upon which neither dew nor rain would fall (see 2 Samuel 1:21 for context).

The law demands righteousness from the sinner, which he is utterly incapable of producing. However, through faith in Christ’s righteousness, which He wrought out in His life of perfect obedience, that sinner is accounted righteous—hence, righteousness by faith.

The above is a very brief introduction to what is presented next. During a week of prayer held by Ellen G. White and Elder A. T. Jones at the Battle Creek Tabernacle—following shortly after the 1888 Minneapolis Conference—Sister Ellen wrote these significant words:

“The message that was given to the people in these meetings presented in clear lines not alone the commandments of God—a part of the third angel’s message—but the faith of Jesus, which comprehends more than is generally supposed. And it will be well for the third angel’s message to be proclaimed in all its parts [Revelation 14, including verses 9–11], for the people need every jot and tittle of it. If we proclaim the commandments of God and leave the other half scarcely touched, the message is marred in our hands.

“There was precious truth and light presented before the people, but hearts that were obdurate received no blessing. They could not rejoice in the light which, if accepted, would have brought freedom and peace and strength and courage and joy to their souls.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 227.

Another very clear statement about the “faith of Jesus” is provided in the Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 217:

“The third angel’s message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness.

“ ‘The faith of Jesus.’ It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel’s message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. Faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the faith of Jesus.”

These words are full of meaning to each one of us. Should we not be so thrilled with all that Jesus means to us that we cannot help but share our experience with others? Ellen White had that urgency with which to share. On March 28, 1889, she, along with her secretary Fanny Bolton and Elder A. T. Jones, left Battle Creek for Chicago where they held meetings especially for Adventists. However, Sister White stated that she wished “every church, whatever their faith and doctrines, could … have the precious light of truth as it has been so clearly presented. I know it would have been a rich feast to very many souls not of our faith to see the plan of salvation so clearly and simply stated.” Ibid., 280.

This next quotation shows what a precious relationship we might have with the Lord Jesus. 

“The religion of Jesus Christ has not been as clearly defined as it should be, that the souls who are seeking for the knowledge of the plan of salvation may discern the simplicity of faith. In these meetings this has been made so clear that a child may understand that it is an immediate, voluntary, trustful surrender of the heart to God—a coming into union with Christ in confidence, affectionate obedience to do all His commandments through the merits of Jesus Christ. It is a decisive act of the individual, committing to the Lord the keeping of the soul. It is the climbing up by Christ, clinging to Christ, accepting the righteousness of Christ as a free gift. The will is to be surrendered to Christ. Through faith in the righteousness of Christ is salvation.” Ibid., 281.

Thus Galatians 2:20 takes on new meaning: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Consider some of the ways in which Jesus in His earthly life revealed faith, even in His youth. “To every temptation He had one answer, ‘It is written.’ … Often He was accused of cowardice for refusing to unite with them [his brothers] in some forbidden act; but His answer was, It is written. ‘The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:28).” The Desire of Ages, 88, 89. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). 

Jesus and His disciples were in a boat when a storm arose. While the disciples battled to keep the boat afloat Jesus was peacefully sleeping.

“When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the ‘Master of earth and sea and sky’ [“Master, the Tempest is Raging,” Mary Ann Baker, 1875] that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, ‘I can of Mine own self do nothing’ (John 5:30). He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God.

“As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 336. How beautiful! 

There is more. “In all that He did, Christ was co-operating with His Father. Even He had been careful to make it evident that he did not work independently; it was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles.” Ibid., 536.

On the cross of Calvary Christ won His greatest victory of faith. “Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.” Ibid., 756.

Are we to have the same kind of faith that Jesus exhibited? Above in the quote from The Desire of Ages, 336, we learn that is so. We have the privilege of resting “in the care of our Saviour.”

Remember, it was by faith and prayer that Jesus accomplished all that He did for humanity. We too may do this. “As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. … The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch.” Ibid., 668.

Finally, “Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.” Ibid., 664.

O Lord, grant us the faith of Jesus, and may it grow and grow.

E. M. Anderson King was a former teacher of Marshal Grosboll (2 classes) and his sister Gwen (4th Grade) at the Longmont SDA School, Colorado.