Homeward Bound

Jesus, a Righteous Judge, October 30

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.—Hebrews 2:17. HB 331.1

Jesus clothed His divinity with humanity in order that He might reach humanity. The apostle says, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same. . . . For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” Jesus is the only one that has ever walked in the flesh who is able to judge righteously. Looking at outward acts, people may condemn and root up that which they think to be tares; but they may greatly mistake. Both ministers and laity should be Bible students, and understand how to act in regard to the erring. They are not to move rashly, to be actuated by prejudices or partiality, to be ready with an unfeeling heart, to uproot one and tear down another; for this is most solemn work. In criticising and condemning their brethren and sisters, the accusers wound and bruise the souls for whom Christ has died. Christ has purchased them with His own precious blood; and although others, judging from outward appearances, pronounce sentence against them, their judgment in the courts of heaven is more favorable than that of their accusers. Before any of you speak against other believers, or act decidedly to cut them off from church fellowship, follow the injunction of the apostle: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” HB 331.2

Let those who would dispose of their brethren and sisters, look well to the character of their own thoughts, their motives, their impulses, purposes, and deeds. . . . If upon careful, prayerful examination of ourselves, we discover that we are not able to bear the test of human investigation, then how shall we endure the test of the eyes of God, if we set ourselves up as judges of others? HB 331.3

Before judging others, our first work is to watch and pray, to institute a warfare against the evils of our own hearts through the grace of Christ.—Review and Herald, January 3, 1893. HB 331.4