Study the ninth chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally
fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They
refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while
longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and
important truths revealed to them but who refuse to bring these truths
into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling.
Will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted
before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for
eternity.
-- Manuscript Releases Volume Eighteen, page 236
Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel [Zechariah 3] applies with
peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing scenes
of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will then be brought
into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God
and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts.
Satan numbers the world as his subjects; he has gained control even of
many professing Christians. But here is a little company who are
resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his
triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen nations to
destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers
of earth to destroy the people of God. Men will be required to render
obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law.
Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, proscribed. They
will be "betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and
friends," even unto death. Luke 21:16. Their only hope is in the mercy
of God; their only defense will be prayer. As Joshua pleaded before the
Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and unfaltering
faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus, their
Advocate.
-- Prophets & Kings, page 587
When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread
like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin man
will be unable to discern; angels will do a work which men might have
had the blessing of accomplishing, had they not neglected to answer the
claims of God.
-- Selected Messages Book One, page 118
If you have not found the rest that Christ has offered to give you upon
condition that you learn of him who is meek and lowly of heart, would
you not better without delay yoke up with Christ, bear only his burdens,
and not pile upon your shoulders burdens that weigh you down to the
earth? All your trouble comes because you are so anxious to run things
yourself that you do not wear the yoke of Christ, which he declares is
easy. The yokes of your own manufacturing gall the neck that wears
them. Christ says, Try my yoke, it is easy; lift my burdens, for they
are light.
-- Gospel Herald, April 23, 1902
In the day of judgment, the course of the man who has retained the
frailty and imperfection of humanity will not be vindicated. For him
there will be no place in heaven. He could not enjoy the perfection of
the saints in light. He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to
believe that He can keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will
give him an entrance into the kingdom of God.
-- Selected Messages Book Three, page 360Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try
you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his
glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter
4:12, 13.
One evening a gentleman who was much depressed because of deep
affliction was walking in a garden, where he observed a pomegranate tree
nearly cut through the stem. Greatly wondering, he asked the gardener
why the tree was in this condition, and he received an answer that
explained to his satisfaction the wounds of his own bleeding heart.
"Sir," said the gardener, "this tree used to shoot out so strong that it
bore nothing but leaves. I was obliged to cut it in this manner; and
when it was almost cut through, it began to bear fruit."
Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction God
has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an
idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our
affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be
painful for a time, but afterward it "yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness." We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken
the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. The
fruitless branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Let us be
thankful that through painful pruning we may retain a connection with
the living Vine; for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with
Him. The very trial that taxes our faith the most severely and makes it
seem as though God had forsaken us is to lead us more closely to Him,
that we may lay all our burdens at the feet of Christ and experience the
peace which He will give us in exchange ... God loves and cares for the
feeblest of His creatures, and we cannot dishonor Him more than by
doubting His love to us. O let us cultivate that living faith that will
trust Him in the hour of darkness and trial!
-- My Life Today, page 93
"The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is, that the church has conformed to the world's standard, and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the Word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled."--The Great Controversy, p. 48
If you lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then make this increase a cause of rejoicing, you show great blindness. If numbers were evidence of success, Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for, in this world, his followers are largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading the College, that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our churches, not their numbers, that should be a source of joy and thankfulness." {CE 42.1}
Character is not transferable. It is not to be bought or sold; it is to
be acquired. The Lord has given to every individual an opportunity to
obtain a righteous character through the hours of probation; but he has
not provided a way by which one human agent may impart to another the
character which he has developed by going through hard experiences, by
learning lessons from the great Teacher, so that he can manifest
patience under trial, and exercise faith so that he can remove mountains
of impossibility. It is impossible to impart the fragrance of love, --
to give to another gentleness, tact, and perseverance. It is impossible
for one human heart to pour into another the love of God and humanity.
-- Youth's Instructor, January 16, 1896
"Keep before the people the cross of Calvary. Show what caused the death of Christ--the transgression of the law. Let not sin be cloaked or treated as a matter of little consequence. It is to be presented as guilt against the Son of God. Then point the people to Christ, telling them that immortality comes only through receiving Him as their personal Saviour. {6T 54.1}
Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian
character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the
follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to
the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops
patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It
is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to
suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all
the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the
crown of glory.
-- Acts of the Apostles, page 467
When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?--a changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride (YI Sept. 26, 1901). {4BC 1164.10}
26 (Psalm 51:10). How the New Heart Is Kept.--One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he plead, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." God's response to such a prayer is, A new heart will I give you. This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart, that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord (Letter 224, 1907). {4BC 1165.1}
“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.”--Letter 32, 1903, p. 5. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, January 28, 1903.) 9MR 303
We need not place the obedience of Christ by itself as something for
which He was particularly adapted, by His particular divine nature, for
He stood before God as man's representative and tempted as man's
substitute and surety. If Christ had a special power which it is not
the privilege of man to have, Satan would have made capital of this
matter. The work of Christ was to take from the claims of Satan his
control of man, and He could do this only in the way that He came -- a
man, tempted as a man, rendering the obedience of a man ...
Bear in mind that Christ's overcoming and obedience is that of a true
human being. In our conclusions, we make many mistakes because of our
erroneous views of the human nature of our Lord. When we give to His
human nature a power that it is not possible for man to have in his
conflicts with Satan, we destroy the completeness of His humanity. His
imputed grace and power He gives to all who receive Him by faith. The
obedience of Christ to His Father was the same obedience that is
required of man.
-- Selected Messages Book Three, page 139
"The time has come when we must expect the Lord to do great things for us. Our efforts must not flag or weaken. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Angels from heaven will be in our midst. The present is a fitting-up time for heaven when we must walk in full obedience to all the commands of God."--Letter 30, 1907. {1SM 111.3}
So perfect is the character represented which men must have in order to be Christ's disciples that the infidel has said that it is not possible for any human being to attain unto it. But no less a standard must be presented by all who claim to be children of God. Infidels know not that celestial aid is provided for all who seek for it by faith. Every provision has been made in behalf of every soul who shall seek to be a partaker of the divine nature and be complete in Jesus Christ. Every defect is to be discerned and cut away from the character with an unsparing decision. --HP 201
Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." I saw that none could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence. --EW 72
None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God's assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. –AA 531
The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people. --DA 671
None are living Christians unless they have a daily experience in the things of God and daily practice self-denial, cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality. --2T 505
Men may get up scheme after scheme and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White and has given her a message will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.--3SM 83, 84 (1906).
“God will call us to account if we retain wrong traits of character, refusing to call to our aid the power of the word, and in the name of Jesus correct our faults and subdue the passions of the natural heart. Many enthrone Satan in the heart, to triumph over Christ by the indulgence of evil inclinations. Sin reigns where Christ should reign. Those who thus continue to cherish sin can never be saved as they are. Unless they change, they will never enter heaven themselves, and they make very difficult the path of those who are trying to overcome. Their faulty, unconsecrated lives place them on the side of the power of darkness, while they are professedly on the side of Christ. Jesus makes them the objects of his tender solicitude and unwearied labor, until, notwithstanding all his efforts, they become fixed in sin. Then those over whom he has wept and yearned in love and compassion are left to pursue their own course. The Saviour turns from them, saying, sadly, They are joined to their idols; let them alone. God forbid that this should be said of us”. Youth Instructor, March 5, 1903
"We should not doubt the power of our Lord, but commit the keeping of our souls to him as unto a faithful Creator." {RH, August 6, 1889 par. 11}
The reason why so little is accomplished to fulfill the words of the Lord's prayer. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," is that many of those whose names swell the church list, have never been joined to Christ; but they have so mingled with the world that their lives and characters are fashioned after the world's standard. In place of pointing heavenward, they are as sign-boards directing to the world. They are not in union with Christ as is the branch to the vine, although Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." {RH, August 23, 1892 par. 1}
Christ and the world are not in partnership. The apostle says, "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Conformity to the world will never be the means of converting the world to Christ. Christians must be entirely consecrated to God, if the church is to be efficient in its influence for good upon unbelievers. The slightest diversion from Christ is so much influence, power, and efficiency given to the enemy. The church was called into existence to counteract the influence of Satan; but as member after member of the church allows his ability and power to be diverted, one in one line and another in another line, connections are formed with the world, and the enemy of all righteousness triumphs. Almost imperceptibly the world's standard, the world's maxims and customs, are introduced into the church; and as these find room, the objectionable maxims and customs more boldly appear, and leaven the influence of the church; and Satan's devices are successful, just as he has designed they should be. In this way there is brought into the church a mixed company, a divided service. Many profess to love God, yet they are serving mammon, and bowing at worldly shrines. The world is brought into the church, but not through repentance, contrition, and conversion, but because church-members become wedded to the world; and this unholy union is the explanation of the weakness and inefficiency of the church. It is made manifest when church-members follow the maxims of the world, that spiritual discernment is gone. Where this union is preserved, contention, criticism, faultfinding, strife, and decided hatred one of another comes in among those who should be servants of Jesus Christ. {RH, August 23, 1892 par. 2}
5T 208-212
The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of heaven's blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry, contempt of God, and base ingratitude are against them. They are fast closing up their account with God.
But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God's law becomes more manifest, the line of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according as contempt for them increases with another class.
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world.
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them.
The command is: "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking.
In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect.
The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."
Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.
The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide.
God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the
national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is
the people who love God and keep His commandments. "Where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"
(Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is
Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who
inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.
-- Upward Look, page 315
There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they
seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service,
accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is
marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition
and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon
themselves an additional burden of remorse. The continual worry is
wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this
yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, "My yoke
is easy, and My burden is light". He bids them seek first the kingdom of
God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to
them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern
the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every
difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father
has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those
who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God
supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their
feet.
-- Desire of Ages, page 330
The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of
its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find
Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the
darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made
manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit
begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth
and its representatives.
Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as troublers
of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the
world's enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are
treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth.
Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each
fiery trial is God's agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for
their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the
great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their
final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and
patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided.
Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire
upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty,
irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.
-- Desire of Ages, page 306
A refining, purifying process is going on among the people of God, and
the Lord of hosts has set His hand to this work. This process is most
trying to the soul, but it is necessary in order that defilement may be
removed. Trials are essential in order that we may be brought close to
our heavenly Father, in submission to His will, that we may offer unto
the Lord an offering in righteousness ... The Lord brings His children
over the same ground again and again, increasing the pressure until
perfect humility fills the mind, and the character is transformed; then
they are victorious over self, and in harmony with Christ and the Spirit
of heaven. The purification of God's people cannot be accomplished
without suffering ... He passes us from one fire to another, testing
our true worth. True grace is willing to be tried. If we are loath to
be searched by the Lord, our condition is one of peril ...
-- My Life Today, page 92
Love Among Brethren
The characteristics most needful to be cherished by God's commandment-keeping people are patience and long-suffering, peace and love. When love is lacking, irretrievable loss is sustained; for souls are driven away from the truth, even after they have been connected with the cause of God. Our brethren in responsible positions, who have strength of influence, should remember the words of the apostle Paul, spoken by the Holy Spirit: "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." Romans 15:1-3. Again he says: "Brethren, if a man be over taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1, 2. {6T 398.1}
Bear in mind that the work of restoring is to be our burden. This work is not to be done in a proud, officious, masterly way. Do not say, by your manner, "I have the power, and I will use it," and pour out accusations upon the erring one. Do your restoring "in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." The work set before us to do for our brethren is not to cast them aside, not to press them into discouragement or despair by saying: "You have disappointed me, and I will not try to help you." He who sets himself up as full of wisdom and strength, and bears down upon one who is oppressed and distressed and longing for help, manifests the spirit of the Pharisee, and wraps himself about with the robe of his own self-constituted dignity. In his spirit
399
he thanks God that he is not as other men are, and supposes that his course is praiseworthy and that he is too strong to be tempted. But "if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." Verse 3. He himself is in constant danger. He who ignores the grave necessities of his brother will in the providence of God be brought over the same ground that his brother has traveled in trial and sorrow, and by a bitter experience it will be proved to him that he is as helpless and needy as was the suffering one whom he repulsed. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Verse 7. {6T 398.2}
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye My joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:1-5. {6T 399.1}
The closer we keep to Christ, and the more meek and lowly and self-distrustful we are, the firmer will be our hold on Christ, and the greater will be our power, through Christ, to convert sinners; for it is not the human agent that moves the soul. Heavenly intelligences co-operate with the human agent and impress the truth upon the heart. Abiding in Christ we are able to exert an influence over others; but it is because of the presence of Him who says: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. The power we have to overcome Satan is the result of Christ working in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.
400
{6T 399.2}
Present Truth with Gentleness
The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic. We need to have close communion with God, lest self rise up, as it did in Jehu, and we pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or as the still showers that revive the withering plants. Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand, we are to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom Christ died we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the word spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ. {6T 400.1}
God's plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference to what opponents say, but let the truth alone be advanced. The truth can cut to the quick. Plainly unfold the word in all its impressiveness. {6T 400.2}
As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them, will, under one pretext or another, go out from us.
401
Not having received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and will depart from the faith. But, on the other hand, when the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for supremacy will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest. No one of the true believers will say: "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas." The testimony of one and all will be: "I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my personal Saviour." {6T 400.3}
Thus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me." John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord. -
{6T 401.1}
Our convictions need daily to be reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the word. While we each have an individuality, while we each should hold our convictions firmly, we must hold them as God's truth and in the strength which God imparts. If we do not, they will be wrung from our grasp.
The events connected with the close of probation and the work of
preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But
multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if
they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every
impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of
trouble will find them unready.
-- Maranatha, page 160