Charismatic Experiences In Early Seventh-day Adventist History

Chapter 2—Conversion to Jesus

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heavens? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” CEESDAH 20.4

Now, I teach that no matter what the doctrine is—that is—that a man has, that he accepts, that he believes, even though it be the truth itself—that does not necessarily convert him, only to that doctrine but not to Jesus Christ; that the thing we are to do is to seek Jesus for the power of conversion. That is, if we accept the Sabbath truth, the state of the dead, and all those things—I may accept those things, and advocate and teach them, and yet lose heaven, and am not a converted man, unless I have sought Jesus for His converting power. CEESDAH 20.5

In the next place, I turn to John 17, and read the prayer that Jesus offered before His crucifixion. There He prayed for sanctification. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” CEESDAH 20.6

Then I turn to Luke 24, to show when they came into possession of that blessing termed sanctification—the apostles—and the experience of their lives; and I read from verse 45 and onward to the end of the chapter: CEESDAH 20.7

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” CEESDAH 20.8