In All Points Tempted Like As We Are

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In Hebrews we read: «God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.»

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To save the fallen race, Christ laid aside his royal robe and kingly crown, clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to this earth. Without leaving heaven and taking the nature of man, he could not pay the ransom for our salvation; therefore he left his high command in the heavenly courts, and assumed the weaknesses of humanity, sacrificing all in our behalf. He came to this earth, and stood at the head of humanity, to work out for you and for me a faultless character by obedience to God’s law. He «was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.»

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The second Adam was a free moral agent, held responsible for his conduct. Surrounded by intensely subtle and misleading influences, he was much less favorably situated than was the first Adam to lead a sinless life. Yet in the midst of sinners he resisted every temptation to sin, and maintained his innocency. He was ever sinless.

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Not only did Satan seek to tempt Christ to yield to appetite, but he appealed to his ambition. Notwithstanding the enemy’s determined efforts, Christ did not manifest a grasping spirit to gain possession of the kingdoms of this world. He did not worship Satan in order to gain worldly wealth. By this he taught a lesson of steadfastness to principle. Integrity should never be yielded for any earthly advantage. Power and riches obtained at the expense of principle will prove a terrible curse.

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The temptations that Christ withstood were as much stronger than ours as his nobility and majesty are greater than ours. Having been tempted so strongly on every point, he is able to succor every one whom Satan is now tempting. And to-day it is the privilege of men and women to gain the victory over temptation through the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour, who is familiar with every trial of humanity.

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In giving Christ, God gave all the facilities of heaven. His pledges of help are made to every troubled soul. None need fear defeat if they walk obediently and gratefully before him with all humility. Christ has gained the victory over the enemy; and in every conflict with the powers of darkness we have his assurance, «All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.» The Lord God of heaven «hath put all things under» Christ’s «feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.»

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«Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly [resolutely] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.» Mrs. E. G. White.