Ellen Chat Conversation

The transformation of character is not a sudden event that occurs at the second coming of Christ; rather, it is a progressive work that must take place during our time of probation. This process involves a daily and yearly effort to conquer self and grow into a noble heroism through the help of Jesus (5T 345.1). While God works within the believer, there is a necessary human effort required to expel unlovely natural traits and develop a character that resembles the divine (T32 101.1). This change is described as a gradual assimilation to the image of Christ through constant communion and contemplation of His life (8MR 183.1).

The experience of the thief on the cross illustrates that while salvation can be found at the "eleventh hour," it still involves a specific mental and spiritual process. Even in his final moments, the Spirit of God illuminated the thief's mind, allowing him to connect the evidence of Christ's divinity and exercise active faith (3SP 158.2). His heart was changed because he chose to believe in the Word of God, which is the agency that reproduces the image of God in man (1SM 346.1). His case demonstrates that the "redeeming power of grace" can work upon a faulty character even at the brink of eternity, but the transformation itself is the result of this spiritual illumination and the soul's response to it (5Red 78.1).

For those living today, the development of character is intended to be a testimony to the world of Christ's indwelling love (6T 43.1). This transformation happens "from glory to glory" as the believer beholds Jesus and becomes a partaker of the divine nature (19MR 298.3). It is through the prayer of living faith and the careful study of the "great Example" that defective human characters are transformed into the image of His glorious character (3SP 244.1).

This preparation is essential, as the character we develop here is what fits us for eternal life (PaM 20.3).

You might also want to explore:
What did Ellen White teach about the difference between the transformation of the body and the transformation of the character at the Second Advent?
How does the process of "beholding" Jesus practically change a person's natural temperament?
What practical counsel did she give regarding the "personal battle" each individual must fight in character building?

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The resurrection of infants is a theme of great comfort, emphasizing that the Life-giver will break the fetters of the tomb to bring forth these precious captives in health and immortal beauty (2SM 259). At the second coming of Christ, the living righteous are changed in an instant, and the risen saints are gathered by angels from across the earth (GrH_c 47.1). During this glorious scene, little infants are depicted coming forth immortal from their graves and winging their way directly to their mothers' arms (LDE 293).

The care of heaven for these little ones is so extensive that even those who have no earthly mother present at the resurrection are not overlooked. In such cases, holy angels receive the motherless infants and conduct them personally to the tree of life (LDE 293). This celestial attention highlights that children are considered the Lord's heritage, purchased by the blood of His Son and watched over with intense interest by heavenly intelligences (1NL 93.5). The reunion of families is a central feature of the transition to the city of God, where friends and loved ones long separated by death are united to nevermore part (GrH_c 47.1).

For parents who have laid their children in the grave, there is a firm hope that they are not parted forever but shall meet those who sleep in Jesus when He appears (2SM 259). This promise of immortality and eternal life is extended to the child whose life is hid with Christ in God, ensuring they will appear with Him in glory (DG 218.1). Furthermore, the importance of children in the kingdom is underscored by the fact that Jesus made a little child His model disciple, teaching that one must become as a little child to enter heaven (3MR 132.3).

The angels of these little ones are said to always behold the face of the Father in heaven, reflecting the high value placed upon them by the plan of redemption (2SAT 301.1).

You might also want to explore:
What did Ellen White teach about the salvation of children whose parents are unbelievers?
How does the character of the parents affect the future of their children according to her writings?
What practical counsel did she give regarding the age at which children can have their own religious experience?

The question of whether children of unbelieving parents will be saved is one that has caused significant anxiety for many. In addressing this concern, it is emphasized that we are not at liberty to express a definitive position or opinion because God has not explicitly revealed His purpose regarding this matter in His Word (2MR 146.6). If such knowledge were essential for our salvation or spiritual growth, it would have been stated plainly in the Scriptures (3SM 313). Because God has not made His specific purpose known regarding the children of unbelievers, it is considered best to leave the matter where He has left it (LDE 293.3).

Rather than speculating on subjects that remain unrevealed, the focus should remain on the truths and subjects that are made plain in the Word of God (3SM 313). In contrast, there is a clearer principle regarding the children of believing parents. While some have questioned how infants can be saved without a personal test of character, it is taught that the faith of believing parents covers their children (3SM 313.4). This is compared to the experience of the Israelites in Egypt, where the faith of the parents protected the first-born from the judgments of God (2MR 147.2).

Ultimately, the focus for parents and teachers should be on pointing children to Christ as a personal Savior and sharing the story of His life (HLv 345.1). While the specific fate of children of unbelievers is not detailed, the overarching theme of the resurrection remains one of hope, where angels are seen conducting motherless infants to the tree of life (LDE 293).

You might also want to explore:
What did Ellen White teach about the role of parents in the salvation of their children?
How does the faith of parents "cover" their children according to her writings?
What is the role of angels in caring for children in the resurrection?

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