Foreword

As we continue our studies this quarter on Christian Character, we will keep on building upon the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, considering how we can cultivate a close relationship with Him. By virtue of His sacrificial death and resurrection in our behalf, we are raised up with Him to walk in newness of life. This is made possible through His own creative power-the same power that called the universe into existence. The fact that God was able to create our entire planet in six literal days out of nothing should inspire our hearts to realize what a powerful Lord we serve.

The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence. And wherever, in the Bible, His claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there is cited the evidence of His creative power. 'All the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens' (Psalm 96:5). 'To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things.' 'Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it: . . . I am the Lord; and there is none else' (Isaiah 40:25, 26; 45:18). Says the psalmist: 'Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.' 'O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker' (Psalms 100:3; 95:6). And the holy beings who worship God in heaven state, as the reason why their homage is due to Him: 'Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things' (Revelation 4:11).-The Great Controversy, pp. 436, 437.

Christ came to the earth to give to men the pattern of the perfect character that all must obtain who would be welcomed to the future heavenly world. He found His pleasure in unwearied works for the good of men. His object in coming to our world was to leave an example of what the human character must become in order to be fitted for the society of heaven.

The Holy Spirit leaves no member of the church to develop a character that is without comeliness. He claims for every man and woman the privilege of becoming a child of light, an influence for righteousness, an example of a Christlike life. This is God's way of helping the church. Satan is working in every way to thwart the purpose of God, and God desires that His professing people shall make no mistakes, but that every move may be a right move."-The Upward Look, p. 184.