APPENDIX B
The Bible Basis for Corporate Repentance
IX. THE FRUITS OF CORPORATE AND
DENOMINATIONAL
REPENTANCE
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Recognizing
depth of our corporate guilt brings higher appreciation for
dimensions of Christ’s redemptive love [agape] (Ephesians
3:14-21).
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Our
denominational experience as a corporate "body of soul-winning
love for others (or "caring") is proportionate to our
comprehending the extent of Christ’s forgiving us (Luke
7:47; John 13:34).
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For
what has He forgiven us? Crucifying Him (Romans 3:23-26).
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Sin
never truly removed (aphesis) unless repented of
understandably, intelligently. Involves experience of
justification by faith beyond common Evangelicals’ concept,
but as the Lord sent it to us in 1888.
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"In
Christ" idea of justification effected at the cross for
"all men" liberates from self-centeredness, to
participate in Christ’s last ministry for sinners.
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Possible
only in light of Day of Atonement, most holy place, high
priestly, ministry.
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Calvinist
and Arminian concepts of the atonement transcended by the 1888
"most precious" light.
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"What
shall we do?" question should be, "What shall we
believe?" Then the "doing" will follow.
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Coming: an
unprecedented, worldwide, appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice for
"all men" (Revelation 18:1-4; COL 419).
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Result:
unprecedented drawing of "all men" and soul-winning
(Isaiah 49:13-26; 60; Zechariah 8:20, 21; John 12:32, 33).
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The
church as a body becomes extension of Christ’s power to redeem
lost people (John 13:35; CC 612). Possessed of such a message,
each individual can’t help but become a messenger.
Current history gives some evidence.
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Achieved
not by hierarchical pressure but by clearer concepts of the
gospel.
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When
such a message reaches people, the honest-hearted will respond.
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"Few
great men" involved. Each one who cherishes message becomes
a personal soul-winner like Jesus at Jacob’s well. The message
motivates, not promotional technique nor equipment.
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Thus
corporate repentance prepares church body to receive, nurture, and
hold God’s "My people" who are now in
"Babylon" (Revelation 18:4; cf. 6T 371; 4T 68).
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