It was the prevalence of this very sin, fornication, among ancient Israel, which brought upon them the signal manifestation of God’s displeasure. His judgments then followed close upon their heinous sin; thousands fell, and their polluted bodies were left in the wilderness. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” {2T 451.1}

Kristus er vort eksempel. Blev Kristi tjenere fristet og får de kraftige stød af Satan? således var det også med ham som ikke kendte til synd. Han vendte sig til sin fader i pinslens stunder. Han kom til jorden så hans kraft kunne bane en vej hvorved vi kunne finde nåde og styrke til at hjælpe i enhver nødens stund, hvis vi følger hans eksempel i hyppig og alvorlig bøn. Hvis Kristi tjenere ville efterligne dette mønster, ville de besjæles af hans ånd og engle vil tjene dem.