The quotation that got me thinking about the word "keep" was from a wedding devotional that I won't be using this Sunday (for a wedding I'm doing), but it reads:

"Jesus tells us to 'keep' his commandment of love. The Greek word translated 'keep' does not mean to obey. It means to hold in high esteem, to trust ultimately, to value above all else. If Jesus were here calling for perfect obedience, we would all be instant failures. What he is calling for, rather, is that we trust his love for us even when we don't see it or embody it--that a husband and wife cleave to his love even more than they cleave to each other. What he is calling for is not perfection but faith that his love for us is certain and secure. Faith like that is a window through which his love can enter our lives and infuse them with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness."

I agree that knowingly and deliberately comitting sin is not "keeping" the commandments, just like being unfaithful to your wife, either physically or emotionally, is not "keeping" him/her.

Of course, since I got off the computer at the end of my last post, I was obeying her too...

I am posting something to illustrate a point.

***********************

The Funeral Services

As had been planned, Elder Daniells presented the "sketch"; it was more of a history that recounted Ellen White's life and the contribution she had made to the church and the world. Elder Haskell presented a well-prepared funeral sermon on the surety of the hope of one who dies in Christ Jesus. Elder F. M. Wilcox, editor of the Review and Herald, read the Scripture lesson. His brother, M. C. Wilcox, longtime book editor at the Pacific Press, offered the prayer, thanking God for the light and blessing that had come through His servant. {6BIO 437.4}

As W. C. White sat there in the Tabernacle, he reminisced. Recounting his thoughts later, he wrote: {6BIO 437.5}

My mind went back thirty-four years, to the time of my
father's funeral. I remembered the great congregation gathered
then, and the impressive discourse given by Elder Uriah Smith. {6BIO 437.6}

I remembered well the fear felt by many that now Elder White
was laid to rest, we could not expect Sister White to live very
long. And in rapid review there passed before my mind an
outline of her manifold labors since Father's death, . . .in
Australia, then again in California, in Washington city, and at
our camp meetings east and west. I thought also of the changes
that have come to our work and workers during these thirty-four
years. Many of the pioneers have been laid in the grave, and
hundreds of younger laborers have joined the ranks.--WCW to
"Dear Friend," Oct. 20, 1915. {6BIO 438.1}

The Service at the Grave

Following the Tabernacle service, the throng made its way across the city to Oak Hill Cemetery. It was no doubt Battle Creek's largest funeral procession, with more than a hundred vehicles used to move the crowd. The July 25 Enquirer described it: {6BIO 438.2}

Thousands followed the hearse to the cemetery. For this
purpose every carriage in the city was used, and there were a
number of automobiles. And then besides this, there were nine
streetcars. No fares were collected on these cars, as they were
provided by the church.--DF 758. {6BIO 438.3}

The service at the cemetery was brief and impressive. A double quartet sang, Elder I. H. Evans read appropriate scriptures, Elder G. B. Thompson offered prayer, and then "the remains of our dear sister were tenderly and silently lowered into the grave to rest beside the body of her husband, Elder James White, who was buried in the same plot in 1881."--DF 756, In Memoriam, p. 24. {6BIO 438.4}

Ellen White was at rest, not only close to her husband but not far from many close associates and friends. Nearby were J. P. and Ann Kellogg, early believers in Battle Creek and strong supporters of the church. They were the parents of Dr. John Harvey, and W. K., of cornflake fame. Beyond was the grave of David Hewett, to whom Joseph Bates was directed as "the most honest man in town" when he sought to make a beginning in teaching the Sabbath and Advent message in Battle Creek in 1852. Across the cemetery were the graves of Elder Uriah Smith and his family, and just a little to one side, the resting places of John Byington, first president of the General Conference, and a host of others. {6BIO 438.5}

Word was received at Battle Creek that in some of the Adventist churches across the land, memorial services were held on Sabbath morning. The president of the North Pacific Conference sent a telegraphic message that such a service was held at Walla Walla. {6BIO 439.1}

Details of Ellen White's last illness, her death, and the funeral services were reported to the great Adventist family through the Review and Herald and a special issue of Signs of the Times. {6BIO 439.2}

The Public Press

Newspaper notices and articles of various lengths appeared throughout the United States, from the Bay Area, where San Francisco and Oakland papers gave good space, to New York, where a respectable item was published in The New York Times. The careful work done well in advance of her death bore fruit, for the leading newspapers had materials, prepared largely at Elmshaven, in hand when they received telegraph notice of her death. {6BIO 439.3}

Ellen White's hometown newspaper, the St. Helena Star, on its front page printed a large photograph and gave thirty-three column inches to tell the story of her life, work, and death. The San Francisco Chronicle and The Oakland Tribune each gave fifteen column inches, selecting materials from the sheets furnished from Elmshaven. The Mountain View Register-Leader was perhaps the most generous, with 147 column inches used to present the story, together with a two-column picture of Ellen White. The Detroit News-Tribune gave seven inches. {6BIO 439.4}

The Battle Creek papers gave full coverage to the story. The Battle Creek Evening News allotted forty-four inches and the Battle Creek Enquirer, 107 inches. The Moon Journal was also generous with its coverage. Of course the Battle Creek papers had not only the news of her life and work but also the story of the funeral, as well, all of interest to those who lived in the city where Ellen White had so long resided and worked in earlier years. These papers quoted from the life sketch given by Elder A. G. Daniells. One paper published extensive excerpts from S. N. Haskell's funeral sermon. Taking note of some of the reports, we observe: {6BIO 439.5}

The St. Helena Star, July 23, 1915:

Leader Of Adventists Dead. Mrs. Ellen G. White
Passes Away After Over Seventy Years of Christian Labor. {6BIO 439.6}
At 3:40 o'clock last Friday afternoon, at her home, "Elmshaven,"
near St. Helena, Mrs. Ellen Gould White, leader and one of
the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, passed from
this life to that reward promised the followers of Jesus
Christ.--DF 758. {6BIO 440.1}

Then follows a biographical account and a resume of denominational accomplishments: in membership, nearly 100,000;thirty-seven publishing houses; thirty-four sanitariums; seventy intermediate schools, academies, and colleges; and 510 elementary schools scattered all over the world. Mrs. White's work as an author was mentioned, noting that some of her writings had been translated into thirty-six languages. The report concluded: {6BIO 440.2}

The prevailing sentiment of the speakers who addressed the
congregations at St. Helena and at Richmond was that Mrs.
White's most enduring monument, aside from her godly life and
conversation, was her published works, which tend to the
purest morality, lead to Christ and to the Bible, and bring
comfort and consolation to many a weary heart. "She hath done
what she could," and now, "being dead, she yet speaketh." {6BIO 440.3}

The Mountain View Register-Leader, July 23, 1915:

Mrs. E. G. White, Eminent Seventh-Day Adventist
Dead. Interesting Sketch of the Life and Works of This
Very Remarkable Woman. {6BIO 440.4}

Mrs. Ellen Gould White, prominent teacher, counselor, and
writer among Seventh-day Adventists, passed away at her home
at Elmshaven, St. Helena, on last Friday, July 16, at 3:40 p.m. She
had been critically ill for some time, and the end came
quietly.--DF 758. {6BIO 440.5}

This news story included references to the visions, and Loughborough's statement at the Elmshaven funeral concerning her condition in vision as he witnessed it. It also included a report of an interview with W. C. White concerning the visions, and his account of the January 3, 1875, vision in which she was shown
printing presses in different parts of the world. This was quite natural inasmuch as Pacific Press, the denomination's large West Coast plant, was in the town. {6BIO 440.6}

The report indicates that in honor of Ellen White, Pacific Press was closed the Monday morning after her death. {6BIO 441.1}

The New York Times, July 17, 1915:

Seventh-Day Founder Dies. Mrs. Ellen G. White,
Adventist, Was Regarded as a Prophetess. {6BIO 441.2}

St. Helena, Cal., July 16.--Mrs. Ellen G. White, one of the
founders of the Seventh-day Adventists, died here today, aged
88. She was widely known among members of that denomination,
and by many she was regarded as their prophetess. {6BIO 441.3}

She is survived by two sons, James Edson White of Marshall,
Mich., and William C. White. {6BIO 441.4}

Then followed a brief life sketch of about 175 words. The story closed with a statement of her beliefs and work: {6BIO 441.5}

She believed in the ultimate annihilation of the wicked. She
traveled extensively, and besides traveling all over this country,
spent two years in Europe and nine in Australia, making
converts. Mrs. White wrote forty books whose circulation is said
to have been more than 1,500,000 copies, and her writings were
translated into forty languages.--DF 756, "News Coverage of
the Death of Ellen White." {6BIO 441.6}

The Battle Creek Evening News, July 24, 1915:

Four Thousand At Funeral Services Of Mother
White. Tabernacle Is Crowded This Morning by Her Followers
and Friends. Many From Out Of Town. Churches in This
Vicinity Come in a Body.--DF 758. {6BIO 441.7}

Then followed a report of the funeral services in the Tabernacle and burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. The paper gave good space to a review of Ellen White's life, in which her contributions in medical and educational work were featured. This is quite understandable considering the proximity of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. The coverage continued: {6BIO 441.8}

For the Good of the Race. Her writings present the
most comprehensive views regarding temperance reform, the
laws of life and health, and the use of rational, effective remedies
for the treatment of sickness and disease. The adoption of these
principles has placed the people with whom she worked in the
front ranks with others who are advocating sane temperance
reforms, and working for the physical improvement of mankind. {6BIO 442.1}

Nor is the social status of the human family lost sight of.
Slavery, the caste system, unjust racial prejudices, the oppression of
the poor, the neglect of the unfortunate, are set
forth as un-Christian and a serious menace to the well-being of
the human race. . . . The responsibilities of the church in both
home and foreign mission service are given the greatest
prominence in the writings of Mrs. White. Every member of the
body is admonished to be a light in the world, a blessing to those
with whom he may associate. {6BIO 442.2}

What About A Successor?

A reporter of the Battle Creek Enquirer cornered W. C. White to get from him word about a possible successor to Ellen White, and published the interview in the July 25 edition. "Has Mrs. White chosen anyone to be her successor?" White was asked. To this, he replied: {6BIO 442.3}

"No, she has never considered that that was a matter
over which she had any control, and has never expressed herself with
reference to any individual as a probable candidate for this
work." {6BIO 442.4}

"Did she know who her successor would be?" he was asked. {6BIO 442.5}

"That is a question that has been asked her many times,"
continued Mr. White, "and she always has stated that it is a
matter that has never been revealed to her, and that she had no
knowledge and no information upon the subject to impart." {6BIO 442.6}

"Does she know another person will be chosen to take up the
work she lays down?" {6BIO 442.7}

"That is another question that has been asked her many
times, and she always has said she did not know. At the same
time she expressed full confidence that God would care for His
work, and that there was no need for her or others to be anxious
about this matter." {6BIO 442.8}

"Will the leading men of the denomination select a person to
take up the work she has carried?" was the next question asked
him. {6BIO 443.1}

"No. It is their belief that God will choose His messengers,
and that it would be presumption for men to undertake to choose
the persons through whom the spirit of prophecy is manifested."--DF
758. {6BIO 443.2}

As the questioning continued, he was asked whether any others had made the claim of being Ellen White's successor, and what tests would be applied to anyone who might make the claim. White pointed out that such a matter would be settled by the tests of Scripture. {6BIO 443.3}

The New York Independent

On August 23, 1915, there appeared in The New York Independent (a prestigious monthly journal published in New York) an editorial entitled: "An American Prophetess." {6BIO 443.4}

It is the distinction of our days that the American Church
has enjoyed the teachings of two prophetesses. . . . Our two later
prophetesses, Mrs. Eddy, founder of the Christian Science
Church, and Mrs. Ellen G. White, leader and teacher of the
Seventh-day Adventists, lived and died in comfort and honor,
surrounded by their admiring followers. Many of Mrs. Eddy's
disciples believed she would never die, and Mrs. White hoped to
be one of those who would be taken up alive to meet the Lord in
the air. {6BIO 443.5}

But the Lord delayed His coming, and she entered into rest,
just as others do, at the age of eighty-eight, and her burial took
place a few days ago at the Advent headquarters at Battle Creek,
Michigan. Her husband, Elder White, shares with her the honor
of founding the Seventh-day Advent Church, but she was its one
prophetess.--DF 756, "News Coverage of the Death of Ellen G.
White." {6BIO 443.6}

Then followed a brief life sketch in which was mentioned the revelations given to Ellen White that set the high standards of living followed by Adventists. The article closed with very interesting comments: {6BIO 443.7}

Of course, these teachings were based on the strictest
doctrine of inspiration of the Scriptures. Seventh-day Adventism
could be got in no other way. And the gift of prophecy was to
be expected as promised to the "remnant church," who had held
fast to the truth. This faith gave great purity of life and incessant
zeal. No body of Christians excels them in moral character and
religious earnestness. {6BIO 444.1}

Their work began in 1853 in Battle Creek, and it has grown
until now they have thirty-seven publishing houses throughout
the world, with literature in eighty different languages, and an
annual output of $2,000,000. They have now seventy colleges
and academies, and about forty sanitariums; and in all this, Ellen
G. White has been the inspiration and guide. Here is a noble
record, and she deserves great honor. {6BIO 444.2}

Did she really receive divine visions, and was she really
chosen by the Holy Spirit to be endued with the charisma of
prophecy? Or was she the victim of an excited imagination? Why
should we answer? One's doctrine of the Bible may affect the
conclusion. At any rate, she was absolutely honest in her belief
in her revelations. Her life was worthy of them. She showed no
spiritual pride and she sought no filthy lucre. She lived the life
and did the work of a worthy prophetess, the most admirable of
the American succession. {6BIO 444.3}

A Token of Respect And Honor

After the funeral had been held and the church leaders had
returned to Washington, a gracious action was taken as they met
in committee. Elder Daniells reported on this in a letter to W. C.
White, written July 29, 1915, bringing a message that was both
surprising and reassuring. {6BIO 444.4}

In our council yesterday the brethren very cheerfully voted
the following proposal: That the General [and] North American
Division Conferences, and the Review and Herald and Pacific
Press publishing houses, share equally the entire expense of
your mother's funeral bill. This is to include everything from the
time of her death until you and Sara reach home. Yes, it includes
a proper headstone at the grave. {6BIO 444.5}

I am glad to assure you that there was not a minute's
hesitation on the part of the brethren about this. {6BIO 445.1}

Did Ellen White Expect to Die?

From time to time the question was asked of W. C. White: "Did Sister White expect to die?" It was asked of him at the 1913 General Conference session. He replied: {6BIO 445.2}

The Lord has not told her how long she will live. He has not
told her in a positive way that she is to die; but she expects to rest
in the grave a little time before the Lord comes. {6BIO 445.3}

About fifteen years ago, in one of her night visions, she came
out of a very dark place into the bright light, and Father was with
her. When he saw her by his side, he exclaimed in great surprise,
"What, have you been there too, Ellen?" She always understood
that to mean that the Lord would let her rest in the grave a little
while before the Lord comes. She has been trying to work with
reference to that. {6BIO 445.4}

Oftentimes she has had messages to hasten her work--the
work of preparing her books--because she had but a short time
in which to work.--GCB 1913, p. 219. {6BIO 445.5}

"My Writings will Constantly Speak"

As W. C. White started westward after the Battle Creek funeral, his mind turned to the care and publication of his mother's writings. It would be managed by the newly activated White Estate, under the direction of the five trustees of Ellen White's appointment: A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference; F. M. Wilcox, editor of the Review and Herald; C. H. Jones, manager of the Pacific Press; C. C. Crisler, for fourteen years the leading secretary; and himself, who had traveled and worked with his mother for thirty-four years. {6BIO 445.6}

Ellen White had written in 1907:

Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time
shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people.-- 1SM, p. 55. {6BIO 445.7}

On several occasions in her later years, she had discussed the circulation of her books with W. C. White. "My son," she said, as he reports it: {6BIO 446.1}

"While I live, I want you to do all you can to hasten the
publication of my writings in the English language, and after I
die, I want you to labor for their translation and publication in
foreign languages. There is precious truth and light in these
writings which should go to the ends of the earth."--WCW to
"Dear Friend," Oct. 20, 1915. {6BIO 446.2}

She also had outlined tasks she hoped could be continued after her death. Among these were the preparation of the story of her work in Europe; also, in a similar way, the story of her work in Australia, with the messages regarding the location of the Avondale School. She was eager to have a book prepared on the rise of the health reform movement, together with instruction to physicians and managers (ibid.). And there was the selecting from her writings of materials for publication overseas and the abridging of some of her larger books, which in their fullness could not be published in lands of small memberships and limited finances. All this was a challenge to the trustees and particularly to W. C. White. {6BIO 446.3}

Then there was the closing up of Ellen White's financial affairs as her will was probated and her estate closed as required by law. To hasten various features of the Lord's work and to bring out her own books as rapidly as possible, she had borrowed heavily, mostly from Seventh-day Adventists who were pleased to lend her money at modest interest rates. Books of account had been kept, for this work actually had become a business, with its investments in producing books and income in author's returns from book publication. {6BIO 446.4}

According to the records kept in the office, her financial interests in book rights, printing plates, and manuscripts, together with her home property, et cetera, exceeded comfortably her indebtedness, but on her death, or soon thereafter, her creditors would expect the
return of their money. These business interests would call for careful attention. [SEE APPENDIX B FOR A STATEMENT ON THE CLOSING UP OF THE ESTATE AND THE SETTLEMENT WITH THE CREDITORS, AS WELL AS THE BEGINNING OF THE WORK OF ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE.] {6BIO 446.5}

Sunday morning, after his return from the East, W. C. White took the eight-minute walk from his home to the Elmshaven office and residence; there he knew he would have to face new conditions. Already the staff was separating. Sara McEnterfer was in Mountain View, where she obtained employment at the Pacific Press. Maggie Hare Bree and her husband were on their way back to New Zealand. Dores Robinson was in pastoral work to the north, in Willits. Mary Steward had responded to a call from the Review and Herald to serve as a proofreader; Minnie Hawkins Crisler was now at home caring for her stepdaughter and attending to her duties there. The accountant, A. H. Mason, was still at work and would be needed until the estate was settled. {6BIO 447.1}

Clarence Crisler was still in the office, closing up work on the Old Testament history. By this time it was known as "The Captivity and Restoration of Israel"; later it was published as "Prophets and Kings". Two chapters were not quite finished. These were completed from materials in the manuscript files. Crisler's future was yet uncertain, but he would not be continuing with the work at Elmshaven. In 1916 he answered a call to China as secretary of the China Division. W. C. White would be alone, and the nature of his work was at this point in uncertainty. {6BIO 447.2}

He stepped onto the porch of the Elmshaven home. It was unoccupied, and the doors locked. He unlocked the door and entered, as he had so often done. He describes his findings and sentiments: {6BIO 447.3}

Everything was in perfect order, but the life of the place had
gone. Going upstairs to the big east room, where for fifteen years
Mother had studied and prayed and planned and written, I
found it vacant. The old couch and the tables and chairs and
chests of drawers were in their usual places, and the big armchair
with its swing board in front was where it used to be, between
the big bay window and the fireplace; but the dear mother,
whose presence had made this room the most precious place in
all the world to me, was not there. Then I recalled the many times
I had returned from the Eastern States, and had hastened up to
Mother's room, sure of a hearty welcome, and an eager listener
to my reports of meetings attended and of the progress of the
work in which she was so deeply interested. But now there was
no one in the writing chair to listen to my report.--Ibid. {6BIO 447.4}

It was the end of an era, the end of the "Elmshaven" years. {6BIO 448.1}

As he stepped over to the cabinets in the northwest corner and opened the doors to the shelves that held copies of the E. G. White books and copies of her manuscripts and letters, there must have come to his mind Ellen White's words as she at times opened these doors and displayed her books and her papers: {6BIO 448.2}

"Here are my writings; when I am gone they will testify for
me."--WCW Letter, July 9, 1922 (MR, p. 93). {6BIO 448.3}

********************************

The point is this: In her day to "keep" was understood even by non SDA's - notice how they wrote about her. Back then and today to keep Scripture & SOP - does that mean admire or obey in the light of these texts?

John 14:

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
25 ¶ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (esteem is there or is it ?)

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (words of esteem by people toward God's words to them, are here ignored and a Divine decree is issued.)

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Luke 6:
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

[ November 29, 2002, 04:51 PM: Message edited by: Edward F Sutton ]

I agree with Sandra - to "highly esteem" and to "obey" basically mean the same thing. It's like the faith and works argument James wrote about in the Bible - I'll show you my faith by my works.

Jesus simply said: "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."

Ellen White said: "How can the Lord bless those who manifest a spirit of "I don't care," a spirit which leads them to walk contrary to the light which the Lord has given them. But I do not ask you to take my words. Lay Sister White to one side. Do not quote my works again as long as you live until you can obey the Bible. When you make the Bible your food, your meat and your drink, when you make its principles the elements of your character, you will know better how to receive counsel from God. I exalt the precious word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, "Sister White said this," and, "Sister White said that." Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands.--Ms 43, 1901, p. 10. (E. G. White talk in college library, April 1, 1901.) {5MR 141.1}

More damage has been done to our church by a thus saith Ellen White than we can even imagine. Let's let the Bible, in its original context decide what keep really means. I for one know for certain because of a study I did on John 14:15 that the verse should read, "If you love me you will keep my commandments."

Loving Jesus comes first, the rest follows.

God Bless,
Dan

Pastor Dan,

I think you forgot to log in.

I am finding this a most interesting and enlightening topic.

Responding to Gregory who wondered if everyone previous to the SOP, who didn't have the privilege of it's enlightenment, would not have equal chance to be saved: I was always taught that God knows the heart of every person who has ever lived. He judges individuals according to the light they have received and the honesty of their own individual hearts. Of course, His goal is for every one on earth to learn of His Truth, whatever that be. That is the purpose of the Gospel to all the World. But just because a human being has not heard the full true message does not mean he has not responded to the Holy Spirit within his or her culture. What about the American Indians before the coming of the white man? Are they all lost? Can you so easily dehumanize them as to say all those nations and generations of human beings will all be wiped out at the end of time? Or can you have the broadness of mind to see them as individual human beings who have made the best of their lives with what knowledge they had in their time? Honesty, unselfishness, and integrity are qualities every human being can follow, or choose to defy, no matter whether he has the final full truth about God, or not..and I would venture to say that even the best of Adventists is a long cry from being a perfect representitive of the Kindgdom of God.

A definition of "keep" I like is "to guard and preserve" or "to set a hedge around." This way it can be the same as saying "remember."

"Remember the Sabbath day" means to "keep" it.

The opposite is to let atrophy set in.

The Bible is pretty clear that Christ's body is responsible to "keep" his laws, statutes and commands when secularists and apostate churches tend to neglect, change and forget them.

Unfortunately the Pharisees in Jesus' day set so high a hedge around the commandments (eg. hundreds of picky Sabbath laws so that people would never come close to breaking that commandment) that the folks only saw the hedge!

Their eagerness to "keep" the law ended up obscuring the real thing.

Comparison of Scripture passages that are the same story restated, looking at the word usage & context.

In John ch 14, Jesus is talking about the conditions of abiding in God, in Matthew 7:13-28 He has likened such abiding to bearing good fruit or bad that can be seen by others(people in present tense), people in the judgement that profess but refuse to do and for that crime are refused salvation(people in future tense), the word picture and simile in Luke is that of dwelling upon a high unmovable cliff of solid rock.

Here in John ch 14 He further defines this abiding as a mutual co-habitation brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost within an obedient Christian who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ from the heart with all loyalty. The keep & keepeth of John ch 14 & the do & doeth of Luke ch 6 - tell the same story - that keeping & doing are part of the same thing - obeying from the heart as the results of inward change in attitude toward God and His indwelling within by His Spirit.

In Scripture a word can have many definitions, but it takes context and cross referencing to use the most appropriate one. Too often the mindset gets focused on a definition that is not the best answer and the mindset gets stuck there. Relying upon SOP for a correct understanding is capable of solving the problem of getting mentally stuck in a rut and not being able to get unstuck.

John 14:
8 Philip <5376> saith <3004> (5719) unto him <846>, Lord <2962>, shew <1166> (5657) us <2254> the Father <3962>, and <2532> it sufficeth <714> (5719) us <2254>.
9 Jesus <2424> saith <3004> (5719) unto him <846>, Have I been <1510> (5748) so long <5118> time <5550> with <3326> you <5216>, and yet <2532> hast thou <1097> <0> not <3756> known <1097> (5758) me <3165>, Philip <5376>? he that hath seen <3708> (5761) me <1691> hath seen <3708> (5758) the Father <3962>; and <2532> how <4459> sayest <3004> (5719) thou <4771> then, Shew <1166> (5657) us <2254> the Father <3962>?
10 Believest thou <4100> (5719) not <3756> that <3754> I <1473> am <2076> (5748) in <1722> the Father <3962>, and <2532> the Father <3962> in <1722> me <1698>? the words <4487> that <3739> I <1473> speak <2980> (5719) unto you <5213> I speak <2980> (5719) not <3756> of <575> myself <1683>: but <1161> the Father <3962> that dwelleth <3306> (5723) in <1722> me <1698>, he <846> doeth <4160> (5719) the works <2041>.
11 Believe <4100> (5720) me <3427> that <3754> I <1473> am in <1722> the Father <3962>, and <2532> the Father <3962> in <1722> me <1698>: or else <1490> believe <4100> (5720) me <3427> for <1223> the very <846> <0> works <2041>‘ sake <846>.
12 ¶ Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> (5719) unto you <5213>, He that believeth <4100> (5723) on <1519> me <1691>, the works <2041> that <3739> I <1473> do <4160> (5719) shall he do <4160> (5692) also <2548>; and <2532> greater works than <3187> these <5130> shall he do <4160> (5692); because <3754> I <1473> go <4198> (5736) unto <4314> my <3450> Father <3962>.
13 And <3739> <2532> whatsoever <3748> <302> ye shall ask <154> (5661) in <1722> my <3450> name <3686>, that <5124> will I do <4160> (5692), that <2443> the Father <3962> may be glorified <1392> (5686) in <1722> the Son <5207>.
14 If <1437> ye shall ask <154> (5661) any thing <5100> in <1722> my <3450> name <3686>, I <1473> will do <4160> (5692) it.
15 ¶ If <1437> ye love <25> (5725) me <3165>, keep <5083> (5657) my <1699> commandments <1785>.
16 And <2532> I <1473> will pray <2065> (5692) the Father <3962>, and <2532> he shall give <1325> (5692) you <5213> another <243> Comforter <3875>, that <2443> he may abide <3306> (5725) with <3326> you <5216> for <1519> ever <165>;
17 Even the Spirit <4151> of truth <225>; whom <3739> the world <2889> cannot <3756> <1410> (5736) receive <2983> (5629), because <3754> it seeth <2334> (5719) him <846> not <3756>, neither <3761> knoweth <1097> (5719) him <846>: but <1161> ye <5210> know <1097> (5719) him <846>; for <3754> he dwelleth <3306> (5719) with <3844> you <5213>, and <2532> shall be <2071> (5704) in <1722> you <5213>.
18 ¶ I will <863> <0> not <3756> leave <863> (5692) you <5209> comfortless <3737>: I will come <2064> (5736) to <4314> you <5209>.
19 Yet <2089> a little while <3397>, and <2532> the world <2889> seeth <2334> (5719) me <3165> no more <3765>; but <1161> ye <5210> see <2334> (5719) me <3165>: because <3754> I <1473> live <2198> (5719), ye <5210> shall live <2198> (5695) also <2532>.
20 At <1722> that <1565> day <2250> ye <5210> shall know <1097> (5695) that <3754> I <1473> am in <1722> my <3450> Father <3962>, and <2532> ye <5210> in <1722> me <1698>, and I <2504> in <1722> you <5213>.
21 He that hath <2192> (5723) my <3450> commandments <1785>, and <2532> keepeth <5083> (5723) them <846>, he <1565> it is <2076> (5748) that loveth <25> (5723) me <3165>: and <1161> he that loveth <25> (5723) me <3165> shall be loved <25> (5701) of <5259> my <3450> Father <3962>, and <2532> I <1473> will love <25> (5692) him <846>, and <2532> will manifest <1718> (5692) myself <1683> to him <846>.
22 Judas <2455> saith <3004> (5719) unto him <846>, not <3756> Iscariot <2469>, Lord <2962>, how <5101> is it <1096> (5754) that <3754> thou wilt <3195> (5719) manifest <1718> (5721) thyself <4572> unto us <2254>, and <2532> not <3780> unto the world <2889>?
23 Jesus <2424> answered <611> (5662) and <2532> said <2036> (5627) unto him <846>, If <1437> a man <5100> love <25> (5725) me <3165>, he will keep <5083> (5692) my <3450> words <3056>: and <2532> my <3450> Father <3962> will love <25> (5692) him <846>, and <2532> we will come <2064> (5695) unto <4314> him <846>, and <2532> make <4160> (5692) our abode <3438> with <3844> him <846>.
24 He that loveth <25> (5723) me <3165> not <3361> keepeth <5083> (5719) not <3756> my <3450> sayings <3056>: and <2532> the word <3056> which <3739> ye hear <191> (5719) is <2076> (5748) not <3756> mine <1699>, but <235> the Father’s <3962> which <3588> sent <3992> (5660) me <3165>.
25 ¶ These things <5023> have I spoken <2980> (5758) unto you <5213>, being yet present <3306> (5723) with <3844> you <5213>.
26 But <1161> the Comforter <3875>, which is the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, whom <3739> the Father <3962> will send <3992> (5692) in <1722> my <3450> name <3686>, he <1565> shall teach <1321> (5692) you <5209> all things <3956>, and <2532> bring <5279> <0> all things <3956> to <5279> <0> your <5209> remembrance <5279> (5692), whatsoever <3739> I have said <2036> (5627) unto you <5213>.
27 Peace <1515> I leave <863> (5719) with you <5213>, my <1699> peace <1515> I give <1325> (5719) unto you <5213>: not <3756> as <2531> the world <2889> giveth <1325> (5719), give <1325> (5719) I <1473> unto you <5213>. Let <5015> <0> not <3361> your <5216> heart <2588> be troubled <5015> (5744), neither <3366> let it be afraid <1168> (5720).

Luke 6:

47 Whosoever <3956> cometh <2064> (5740) to <4314> me <3165>, and <2532> heareth <191> (5723) my <3450> sayings <3056>, and <2532> doeth <4160> (5723) them <846>, I will shew <5263> (5692) you <5213> to whom <5101> he is <2076> (5748) like <3664>:
48 He is <2076> (5748) like <3664> a man <444> which <3739> built <3618> (5723) an house <3614>, and <2532> digged <4626> (5656) deep <900> (5656), and <2532> laid <5087> (5656) the foundation <2310> on <1909> a rock <4073>: and <1161> when the flood <4132> arose <1096> (5637), the stream <4215> beat vehemently <4366> (5656) upon that <1565> house <3614>, and <2532> could <2480> (5656) not <3756> shake <4531> (5658) it <846>: for <1063> it was founded <2311> (5718) upon <1909> a rock <4073>.
49 But <1161> he that heareth <191> (5660), and <2532> doeth <4160> (5660) not <3361>, is <2076> (5748) like <3664> a man <444> that without <5565> a foundation <2310> built <3618> (5660) an house <3614> upon <1909> the earth <1093>; against <4366> <0> which <3739> the stream <4215> did beat vehemently <4366> (5656), and <2532> immediately <2112> it fell <4098> (5627); and <2532> the ruin <4485> of that <1565> house <3614> was <1096> (5633) great <3173>.

The phrase “is like” tells that this is a word picture comparison illustrating a deeper spiritual truth. In order to actually abide within Christ and be accepted and sheltered within Him, the loyalty and obedience to what He says do and not do must be accomplished within a person and demonstrated in the life of that person.

This agrees completely with Christ’s teaching within the great commission “teaching them to observe...

Matt 28:
(Jesus tells His followers He has the resources to start, maintain, and finish the mission and will extend those resources to them as needed. He always has conditions attached with the fulfilling of those conditions being the prerequisite of receiving such resources.)

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

(Jesus restates and defines the mission.)

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

(Jesus specifically tells what to teach, He does not leave it up to human disgression what to teach, or how to treat the whatsoever has been commanded by Him, He states that these commandments are not just to be understood or just looked at; but kept - or in plainer language - obeyed as they are written & cross referenced throughout Scripture - hence the wording “all things whatsoever”.)

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Jesus states this process continues until the World ends, or to be more specific - human probation closes.)

5083 threw tereo tay-reh’-o * *

from teros (a watch, perhaps akin to 2334); TDNT-8:140,1174; v

AV-keep 57, reserve 8, observe 4, watch 2, preserve 2, keeper 1, hold fast 1; 75

1) to attend to carefully, take care of
1a) to guard
1b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
1c) to observe
1d) to reserve: to undergo something

For Synonyms see entry 5874

5083. threw tereo tay-reh’-o; from terov teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):—hold fast, keep(-er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch.

4160 poiew poieo poy-eh’-o

apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; TDNT-6:458,895; v

AV-do 357, make 113, bring forth 14, commit 9, cause 9, work 8, show 5, bear 4, keep 4, fulfil 3, deal 2, perform 2, not tr 3, misc 43, vr do 3; 579

1) to make
1a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
1b) to be the authors of, the cause
1c) to make ready, to prepare
1d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
1e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one’s self
1f) to make a thing out of something
1g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1g1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
1g2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
1h) to put one forth, to lead him out
1i) to make one do something
1i1) cause one to
1j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
2a) to act rightly, do well
2a1) to carry out, to execute
2b) to do a thing unto one
2b1) to do to one
2c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
2d) to celebrate, keep
2d1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
2e) to perform: to a promise

For Synonyms see entry 5871 & 5911

4160. poiew poieo poy-eh’-o; apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):—abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.

____________
conjugations referring to the word - “keep” from John ch 14 & “do” Luke ch 6.

5657 Tense-Aorist See 5777
Voice-Active See 5784
Mood -Imperative See 5794
Count-375

5723 Tense-Present See 5774
Voice-Active See 5784
Mood -Participle See 5796
Count-2549

5660 Tense-Aorist See 5777
Voice-Active See 5784
Mood -Participle See 5796
Count-714

5692 Tense-Future See 5776
Voice-Active See 5784
Mood -Indicative See 5791
Count-813

5719 Tense-Present See 5774
Voice-Active See 5784
Mood -Indicative See 5791
Count-3014

(Tense-Aorist See 5777) = 5777 Tense-Aorist

The aorist tense is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar
action; that is, the concept of the verb is considered without
regard for past, present, or future time. There is no
direct or clear English equivalent for this tense, though it is
generally rendered as a simple past tense in most translations.

The events described by the aorist tense are classified into a
number of categories by grammarians. The most common of these
include a view of the action as having begun from a certain
point ("inceptive aorist"), or having ended at a certain point
("cumulative aorist"), or merely existing at a certain point
("punctiliar aorist"). The categorization of other cases can
be found in Greek reference grammars.

The English reader need not concern himself with most of these
finer points concerning the aorist tense, since in most cases
they cannot be rendered accurately in English translation,
being fine points of Greek exegesis only. The common practice
of rendering an aorist by a simple English past tense should
suffice in most cases.

(Voice-Active See 5784) = 5784 Voice-Active

The active voice represents the subject as the doer or
performer of the action. e.g., in the sentence, "The
boy hit the ball, " the boy performs the action.

(Mood -Imperative See 5794) = 5794 Mood-Imperative

The imperative mood corresponds to the English imperative, and
expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action
by the order and authority of the one commanding. Thus,
Jesus’ phrase, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" #Mr 1:15
is not at all an "invitation, " but an absolute command
requiring full obedience on the part of all hearers.

(Mood -Participle See 5796) = 5796 Mood-Participle

The Greek participle corresponds for the most part to the
English participle, reflecting "-ing" or "-ed" being suffixed
to the basic verb form. The participle can be used either
like a verb or a noun, as in English, and thus is often termed
a "verbal noun."

(Mood -Indicative See 5791) =

5791 Mood-Indicative

The indicative mood is a simple statement of fact. If an
action really occurs or has occurred or will occur, it will be
rendered in the indicative mood.

* * Strong’s numbers & definitions & conjugations and their definitions, provided as is from Online Bible software.

Since translators are not prophets, it is best and safest method, to; after finding their declarations, go to SOP and use the Bereans approach of comparing prophet with prophet and English translated rendering with English authored SOP. Then take the sum of the weight of evidence & context of cross referenced Scripture in it’s context & cross referenced SOP in it’s context. Such methods built old fashioned substantial Advent believers no matter their location or era, both in groups of inhabitants or in isolated circumstances. Such type & extent of study and subordination to Inspiration produced the “one hearted ness one mindedness” of the experience of the “one faith one Lord one baptism” as was enjoyed in much earlier centuries by Apostolic era Christendom. Adventist from such backgrounds shared a missionary comradery and mutual faith as is too rarely seen today, and seems strange to too many in modern Adventism.

SOP Scripture references : Not an exhaustive list only from the Indexed References, Scripture Text & passage key word & phrase search will yield more references. IE: “keep my” = 544 SOP quotes or hits.

Luke Chapter 6 - Indexed SOP References * * *

Chapter 6

6:1 - 5 DA 284-6, 395; PK 183; PP 531; TM 294
6:3 , 4 DA 211; PP 656
6:6 - 11 DA 286-9, 395; PK 183; 1SM 314
6:12 CT 260, 323; DA 151, 260, 321, 362, 419; Ev 663; FE 402; GC 666; GW 115, 256; MH 509; SC 93; 1T 505; 2T 201-2, 508, 582; 3T 322-3, 379; 4T 373, 528; 5T 385
6:12 - 19 DA 290-8; Ed 84-6; MB 4; MH 52-3
6:16 GC 43-4
6:17 - 19 RV MB 4
6:20 MB 6-9; MH 52-3; WM 176
6:21 MB 18-21
6:22 , 23 MB 31-5; 1T 285; 2T 491-2
6:24 2T 492
6:26 GC 144; 2T 491; 8T 124
6:31 7BC 942; Ed 292-3; MB 134-7; 1T 416; 2T 551; WM 155
6:35 DA 311; MB 73, 76; MH 208, 423; 8T 286
6:36 CS 164; MB 76-8; MH 423; 6T 284; 8T 286-7
6:37 5BC 1087, MB 123-4
6:38 AA 345; COL 86, 374; DA 249; Ed 103, 140; FE 338; MB 20; MH 208; PK 234
6:39 - 42 MB 125-9
6:43 , 44 MB 127; 1T 328; 3T 443
6:45 SD 109
6:47 - 49 3BC 1158; 4BC 1164; DA 599-600; Ed 102; Ev 561; MB 147-52

John chapter 14 SOP Indexed References * * *

Chapter 14

14: MM 194
14:1 MH 123; WM 22
14:1 - 3 AA 34, 334, 536; AH 120, 146, 323, 542, 547; 6BC 1054; 7BC 955; CG 84; CH 213, 500; COL 40, 179, 374; CSW 79; DA 113, 632, 663, 832; EW 190; FE 452; GC 37, 301, 339, 548, 675; GW 259; LS 50, 293; MH 419; ML 345; MYP 346, 410; 2SM 195; SR 430; 1T 41, 124, 680; 2T 212, 286; 4T 490, 653; 5T 732; 6T 368; 8T 140, 254, 266; Te 213; TM 121, 130, 150, 446
14:1 - 4 AA 21
14:1 - 27 DA 662-72
14:5 - 7 DA 293, 663; MH 420; 1SM 292; 8T 266
14:6 AA 31; 6BC 1078; CH 500; CM 50; COL 39-40, 105, 110, 173; CSW 85; DA 24, 353; Ev 290; FE 239, 251, 399, 405, 466; GW 154, 263; ML 260; MM 22, 327; MYP 16; SC 21; 1SM 249, 334, 342, 368; 2T 123, 170; 3T 193; 4T 230, 316; 5T 49; 6T 67; 7T 38; 8T 210; 9T 152; TM 105, 332
14:7 TM 123-4
14:8 - 11 5BC 1141-2; DA 293; MH 420; SC 11; 1SM 292; 5T 739; 8T 266; TM 123
14:8 - 14 DA 663-8
14:9 7BC 914; SD 21; 8T 265
14:10 SC 75
14:12 AA 22; 1SM 264; WM 297
14:13 AA 28; SC 74; 1SM 328; 2SM 370; 8T 23, 177
14:13 , 14 COL 111, 148; FE 399; GC 477; MH 226; MM 41
14:15 1BC 1105; 5BC 1142; COL 143; FE 125, 399; ML 250; MM 129
14:15 - 17 1SM 263; 5T 432; TM 137
14:15 - 24 COL 283
14:15 - 27 DA 668-72
14:16 DA 277; Ev 615; MH 249; 1SM 404; 8T 19; TM 218, 517
14:16 , 17 AA 47; ML 36; 2SM 367; 7T 30
14:16 - 18 marg. DA 669
14:17 DA 494; SC 75
14:17 - 19 TM 137
14:18 2SM 244; 8T 19; TM 517
14:19 MH 244; ML 295; 1SM 302; TM 95
14:21 AA 85; 5BC 1142; COL 143; CS 346; FE 399; MM 129-30; MYP 409; 1SM 379; TM 68-9, 137
14:21 - 24 FE 125; 5T 432
14:23 COL 61; MM 46; TM 169
14:23 , 24 TM 137-8
14:24 COL 139; 4T 355
14:26 AA 52, 520; AH 350; 3BC 1154; 6BC 1052-3, 1068-9, 1097; 7BC 989; CH 371, 561; COL 113, 127, 368-9; CSW 35, 39-41, 160; CT 357, 450; CW 95, 166; DA 355, 670; Ed 94; Ev 615; EW 190, 221; FE 433, 473; GC 8, 600; LS 323; MH 420; ML 45, 50; MM 32; MYP 259; PK 627; 1SM 109, 187, 404, 413; 6T 249; 8T 19; TM 36, 111, 476
14:27 AA 84; DA 659, 672; MB 16; MH 123-4, 247; ML 77, 176; SC 124
14:28 1SM 263
14:29 9T 235
14:30 5BC 1128-9, 5BC 1142; 7BC 927, 933; DA 114, 123, 679; GC 623; 5T 293, 422; Te 286

* * * as is, From Legacy of Light Research Edition CD, Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings - from the Ellen G. White Estate.

Examine the evidences on your own & believe what you choose based upon them.

*******************

Gregory,
Jesus & Paul have already answered your question.

(Jesus in His rebuke to some and teaching and edification to others reveals a truth for all to learn)
Luke 12:
41 ¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

(Paul in His rebuke to some and teaching and edification to others reveals a truth for all to learn)

Romans 2:
1 ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

SOP Quote to illustrate in unmistakable language.

"Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God's Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The "Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God. {COL 385.1}

In the light of that this Thanksgiving season reconsider the standing of Squanto, and others like him - who helped the white man, instead of killing him. Who moved within them to do thus?

That Same Person, Who during the 1260 years moved upon the friends of the reformers - to truly be their friends in adversity & shield them at considerable personal cost. That same Person moves within hearts across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and all lands today seeking whom He may fill.

[ November 30, 2002, 03:21 AM: Message edited by: Edward F Sutton ]

Both Strong's and Young's Concordances are of great value in Bible study. I happen to own Young's. However, they are not used at their best when used to define Greek and Hebrew words. There are a couple of reasons for this. An English concordance has a primary focus of allowing one to reference Biblical verses that contain the same English word. Both Strong and Young take this focus one step further to allow one to see which verses use the same Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic word. That is their focus, and not a defination of that foreign word.

In addition, while these are both excellent concordances of the KJV, they are old. Our knowledge of those Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic has advanced. We now have a greater understnding.

It is true that both have been revised. My edition of Young's is the 22nd edition. (even this is old.) But even these revisions do not make them equal to a good lexicon. For a study of the meanings of the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, one should go to a lexicon.