Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #4 — Jacob’s Ladder

Picture: Counsel #4 — Jacob’s Ladder CSL 22.1

One of the most beautiful illustrations of God’s answer to the sinner’s guilty heart cry is the mystical staircase between earth and heaven that Jacob saw when he fled from his father’s home in terror of his brother Esau’s anger (Genesis 28). God saw Jacob—lonely, outcast, and weighed down with guilt—and sent him a dream of angels passing up and down between heaven and earth, bringing messages of comfort and hope. The ladder represented Jesus, and Jacob found reassurance and joy that his sins were forgiven and he could be restored to full harmony and relationship with his Savior.^[19] CSL 22.2

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1, 2 NKJV CSL 22.3

“But in vain are men’s dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race…. The only way to God is Christ.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 21 CSL 22.4

Reflect: Have you had a “Jacob’s ladder” experience, where God especially spoke to your heart about His forgiveness and love? CSL 22.5