God and Ellen G. White on Ecumenism--Association, Counsel,
Partnership, and Confederacy With Unbelievers
Any connection with infidels and
unbelievers which would identify us with them is forbidden by the word. We are
to come out from them and be separate. In no
case are we to link ourselves with them in their plans or work. E.G. White, FE 482.
The apostle Paul
sends down the note of warning along the line to this time. "Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be
my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a
Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty." (2 Cor. 6:14-18) {LYL 83.4}
Dear Reader,
Ellen White said that Israel
began her trek downward and into apostasy by making alliances with God’s
enemies. From faithful Abraham on
down, the Hebrews were to maintain separation from Association, Council, Girdings and/or Confederacy with unbelievers. Scripture and Ellen White carry this
principle into matters involving spiritual interests, business partnerships,
politics, and marriage. We will deal
with all these facets of the issue.
Because of the example of
Israel’s disobedience to God’s commands regarding their relationship to
unbelievers, and their ultimate destruction for such violation, it behooves us to study their ensample in order to avoid the
same pitfall. It is toward that
specific objective that this document is directed.
Corporate Responsibility for Open Sin in the Church
"For evils that we might have checked, we are just as
responsible as if we were guilty." Desire of Ages, p. 44.
"The plain straight testimony must live in the church, or
the curse of God will rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient
Israel because of their sins. God holds His people, as a body [corporately],
responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them."
Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 269.
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die and
thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked
way, to save his life the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity but his
blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn
not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his
iniquity but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3:18-19.
Implications of Ecumenical Involvement
A commonly heard refrain by
us reformers is: “Well, so what if the
church is ecumenically involved. We
have to come close to others in order to win them to the truth.”
You know something
friends? That statement is not all
untrue. For it is true that we have to
come close to others in order to win them.
Jesus came close to sinners in order to win them. The question is: Would Jesus join Satan’s Synagogue in order
to win ANYONE? The answer to that
question is an emphatic no! if we believe the admonitions of the Word. There are good reasons God warned us three
times that we would be broken in pieces if we Associated, Counsel, Gird
and/or Confederate with my enemies and I will break you in pieces, to wit:
9 Associate yourselves, O ye people,
and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird
yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall
be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, and it shall come
to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. 11
For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I
should not walk in the way of this people, saying, 12 Say ye not,
A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy;
neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the LORD of
hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. Isaiah 8:9-13.
“No confederacy should be
formed with unbelievers, neither should you call together a certain chosen
number who think as you do, and who will say Amen to all that you propose,
while others are excluded who you think will not be in harmony. I was shown
that there was great danger of doing this.” {TM 462.2}
"For the Lord spake thus
to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way
of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this
people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be
your dread. . . . To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not
according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." The
world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work, let the Lord's voice be
heard.’ {TM 463.1}
What is wrong with liaisons
with Satanic forces? The instruction
is in the question! Would Christ
co-labor with Satan? Try to imagine
Christ joining Satan’s Associations, Councils, Girdings
and Confederacies.
Satan always has his own
agenda for those who join his confederacies. For example, the World Council
of Churches stipulates that its members will not steal sheep and will
evangelize only the unchurched. That
is at total cross purposes with the mission and commission of the three angel’s
messages which the SDA church is supposed to give to the entire world.
The church has ceded to the
stipulations of the World Council of Churches and its various National
Councils and Associations on paper, by signing their edicts, but we all know
that the church then violates those edicts. That will eventually infuriate Satan and his
Babylonian forces and this will be the reason the Babylonians wield the
slaughter weapons of Ezekiel 9 against the professing SDA church militant in
the end of it all.
Satan has provided reduced
rates for radio and television broadcasting but he then controls the content
for those watered down programs by SDA’s.
He does the same thing with SDA educational facilities. He provides government aid if the church
will accept the world Accreditation Standards. And what has been the result? The world has been married to the church,
and has thus become the cage of every unclean and hateful bird, just as Ellen
White prophesied.
Probation Closed for the SDA Church Militant in the 1950’s
In the 1950’s,
two SDA ministers by the names of Robert J. Wieland and Donald K. Short,
approached the church with a long manuscript as to how and why it was
corporately responsible for the rejection of the proper version of
righteousness by faith in 1888. SDA
leaders rejected that responsibility outright, and that began the close of
probation for the SDA church militant.
A downward cascading occurred
immediately after the decision to reject corporate responsibility. That rejection was an outright rejection of
biblical principle. Falling fast on
the heels of that apostasy, the church began conferences with the
Evangelicals Walter Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse. In those conferences the leaders decided to
make serious changes to the book Bible
Reading For the Home in order to bend to the criticisms of these men, and
to stifle the threat of Walter Martin, that if the church did not alter their
doctrines, he would brand them as a cult in his forthcoming book Kingdom of the Cults.
Then, in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the
church embarked on its ecumenical escapades by joining the Hungarian Council
of Free churches, which it admitted being a MEMBER of some thirty years
later. You see, the Evangelicals
Martin and Barnhouse wanted the church to prove its sincerity that it was
indeed Evangelical and not a cult.
These men wanted the church to prove their position by joining
Babylon’s Associations, Councils and Confederacies.
Thus, the bobsled ride to
hell began for the church. As any
thinking person can deduce from Jeremiah 11:9-15, conspiracy and confederacy
with God’s enemies is probation’s close for those who violate Isaiah
8:9-13. God says not to even pray for
them in that eventuality, and that means probations close and the removal of
God from the church. God will not
marry a bride that is so defiled, Rev. 14:1-4. He will not smell in the assembly of those
who are thus joined to Satan. The Lord
has shown me in no uncertain terms and on more than one occasion that this is
the path the church took to close its probation.
Actually, the early
beginnings of the apostasy occurred in the early 1930’s
when the church accepted the Trinity Doctrine, the central doctrine of the
Roman Catholic Church, and also adopted the Accreditation Standards of the
world in its educational facilities.
Some would justly date the emergence of apostasy to 1901, when the
church leaders rejected the minority committee’s proposal that no GC
President be elected, but rather a committee of 25 men should be elected. Ellen White was on that minority committee,
and her instruction was ignored. Three
years later in 1903, the church had another GC President in Arthur Daniels.
Some would date the trek
downward to the time the church first became Laodicean, and one would be hard
pressed to fault them for their belief, for Ellen White made the following
serious warning:
"If the church of God becomes LUKEWARM [LAODICEAN] it
does not stand in favor with God any more than do the churches that are
represented as having fallen and become the habitation of devils and the hold
of every foul spirit and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Those
who have had opportunities to hear and receive the truth, and who have united
with the Seventh-day Adventist church, calling themselves the commandment
keeping people of God, and yet possess no more vitality and consecration to
God than do the nominal churches, will receive of the plagues of God just as
verily as the churches who oppose the law of God." E.G. White, Letter
35, 1898.
The sad fact is that Laodicea thinks she is the last church
and that God is stuck with her no matter what she does, and that simply is
not true. The Lord has shown this
writer that the bride of all generations will be raised to give the final
Loud Cry of the gospel, just as the faithful of past generations were raised
at Christ’s resurrection to give the gospel to the then known world.
No Alliance with
Unbelievers
Those employed in any department of the work whereby the world may be
transformed, must not enter into alliance with those who know not the truth.
The world know not the Father or the Son, and they have no spiritual
discernment as to the character of our work, as to what we shall do or shall
not do. We must obey the orders that come from above. We are not to hear the
counsel or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. Suggestions made by
those who know not the work that God is doing for this time will be such as
to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such
suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at nought. . . . {TM 463.2}
The eye of the Lord is upon
all the work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind; He sees
beneath the surface of things, discerning the thoughts and intents of the
heart. There is not a deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imagination of the
heart, not a thought of the mind, but that He reads it as an open
464
book. Every act, every word, every motive, is faithfully chronicled in the
records by the great Heart Searcher who said, "I know thy works."
{TM 463.3}
I was shown that the follies
of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God
today unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more
trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people. It is only as
divine power is combined with human effort that the work will abide the test.
When men lean no longer on men or on their own judgment, but make God their
trust, it will be made manifest in every instance by meekness of spirit, by
less talking and much more praying, by the exercise of caution in their plans
and movements. Such men will reveal the fact that their dependence is in God,
that they have the mind of Christ. {TM 464.1}
God’s Line in the Sand Regarding Apostasy
We all know that God bore
long with the apostasy of Israel and Judah.
But few of us know that Isaiah 8:9-13 type of apostasy is God’s line
in the sand—the point at which apostasy becomes unpardonable. Notice in the above quoting of Isaiah
8:9-13, that God leaves no room for reconciliation. He states three times that all who commit
such apostasy will be broken in pieces.
That is the only option given.
To further prove that Isaiah
8:9-13 is indeed God’s line in the sand, let’s look at Jeremiah 11:9-15:
9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of
Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10 They are turned
back to the iniquities of their
forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah
have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. 11
Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which
they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will
not hearken unto them. 12 Then shall the cities of Judah and
inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer
incense: but they shall not save them at all
in the time of their [Jacob’s] trouble. 13 For according to
the number of thy cities [also churches] were thy gods, O Judah; and
according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to
that shameful thing, even altars to
burn incense unto Baal. 14 Therefore pray not thou for
this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them:
for I will not hear them in the time that
they cry unto me for their trouble. 15 What hath my beloved
[bride] to do in mine house [Sanctuary], seeing she hath wrought lewdness
with many [other fallen women—churches], and the holy flesh [Christ and His
Holy Spirit] is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest [celebrates].
confederacy
E. G. White on Isaiah Chapter 8
12 (see EGW comments on ch.
5:18-23). Satan Seeks to Widen Distance Between Heaven and Earth.--The
satanic agencies are constantly at work, sowing and watering the seeds of
rebellion against the law of God, and Satan is gathering souls under his
black banner of revolt. He forms a confederacy with human beings to contend
against purity and holiness. He has worked diligently, perseveringly,
increasing the number who will confederate with him. By his representations
he seeks to widen the distance between heaven and earth, and he grows into the
conviction that he can wear out the patience of God, extinguish His love for
man, and bring condemnation upon the whole human family (RH Oct. 21, 1902). {4BC 1141.6}
No Confederacy With Those
Opposing the Truth.--Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who are making of
none effect the truth as it is in Christ. Let them not join the confederacy
of infidelity, popery, and Protestantism in exalting tradition above
Scripture, reason above revelation, and human talent above the divine
influence and the vital power of godliness (RH March 24, 1896). {4BC 1141.7}
The Divine Touch Needed.--The
gospel is now resolutely opposed on every hand. Never was the confederacy of
evil greater than at the present time. The spirits of darkness are combining
with human agencies to set them firmly against the commandments of God.
Traditions and falsehoods are exalted above the Scriptures; reason and
science above revelation; human talent above the teachings of the Spirit;
forms and ceremonies above the vital power of godliness. We need the divine
touch (RH March 19, 1895). {4BC 1142.1}
Fallen Men and Fallen Angels in
Same Confederacy.--Through apostasy, fallen men and fallen angels are in
the same confederacy, leagued to work against good. They are united in a
desperate companionship. Through his evil angels, Satan contrives to form an
alliance with professedly pious men, and thus he leavens the church of God. He knows that if he can induce men,
as he induced the angels, to join in rebellion, under the guise of servants
of God, he will have in them his most successful allies in his enterprise
against heaven. Under the name of godliness, he can inspire them with his own
accusing spirit, and lead them to charge God's servants with evil and guile.
They are his trained detectives; their work is to create feuds, to make
charges which create discord and bitterness among brethren, to set tongues in
active service for Satan, to sow seeds of dissension by watching for evil,
and by speaking of that which will create discord. {4BC
1142.2}
I beseech all who engage in the work of murmuring and complaining
because something has been said or done that does not suit them, and that
does not, as they think, give them due consideration, to remember that they
are carrying on the very work begun in heaven by Satan. They are following in
his track, sowing unbelief, discord, and disloyalty; for no one can entertain
feelings of disaffection, and keep them to himself. He must tell others that
he is not treated as he should be. Thus they are led to murmur and complain.
This is the root of bitterness springing up, whereby many are defiled. {4BC 1142.3}
Thus Satan works today through his evil angels. He confederates with
men who claim to be in the faith; and those who are trying to carry forward
the work of God with fidelity, having no man's person in admiration, working
without hypocrisy and partiality, will have just as severe trials brought
against them as Satan can bring through those who claim to love God.
Proportionate to the light and knowledge these opposers have is Satan's
success. The root of bitterness strikes deep, and is communicated to others.
Thus many are defiled. Their statements are confused and untruthful, their
principles are unscrupulous, and Satan finds in them the very helpers he
needs (RH Sept. 14, 1897). {4BC 1142.4}
What Is a Confederacy?--The
question has been asked, What do you mean by a confederacy? Who have formed confederacies?
You know what a confederacy is,--a union of men in a work that does not bear
the stamp of pure, straightforward, unswerving integrity (MS 29, 1911). {4BC 1142.5}
(2 Cor. 6:17.) The wicked are being bound up in
bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing
to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls
us to come out from the world and be separate. "Come out from among
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing." If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the
world, and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become
like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our
transactions, we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth
(MS 71, 1903). {4BC 1142.6}
Good and Evil Angels in Human Form on Field of Action.--Satanic
agencies in human form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose
the building up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly angels in human guise
will be on the field of action. Men and women have confederated to oppose the
Lord God of heaven, and the church is only half awake to the situation. There
needs to be much more of prayer, much more of earnest effort among professed
believers. {4BC 1142.7}
The two opposing parties will continue to exist till the closing up of
the last great chapter in this world's history. Satanic agencies are in every
city. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment (Letter 42, 1909).
{4BC 1142.8}
God calls to His people, saying, Come
out from among them, and be ye separate. He asks that the love which He has
shown for them may be reciprocated and revealed by willing obedience to His
commandments. His children are to separate themselves from politics, from
any alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their
interests with the interests of the world. "Give proof of your
allegiance to Me" He says, "by standing as My chosen heritage, as a
people zealous of good works." Do not take part in political strife.
Separate from the world, and refrain
from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention or
disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human
beings who are selfish. God wants His servants to have clear perceptions,
true and noble dignity, that their influence may demonstrate the power of
truth. The Christian life is not to be a haphazard, emotional life. True
Christian influence, exerted for the accomplishment of the work God has
appointed, is a precious agency, and
it must not be united with politics, or bound up in a confederacy with
unbelievers. God is to be the center of attraction. Every mind that
is worked by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied with Him. {FE 483.2, 484}
God calls to His people, saying, "Come out from among them,
and be ye separate." He asks that the love which He has shown for
them may be reciprocated and revealed by willing obedience to His
commandments. His children are to separate themselves from politics, from
any alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their interests with
the interests of the world. "Give proof of your allegiance to Me"
He says, "by standing as My chosen heritage, as a people zealous of good
works." Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world,
and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to
contention or disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system
by human beings who are selfish. God wants His servants to have clear
perceptions, true and noble dignity, that their influence may demonstrate the
power of truth. The Christian life is not to be a haphazard, emotional life.
True Christian influence, exerted for the accomplishment of the work God has
appointed, is a precious agency, and it must not be united with politics, or
bound up in a confederacy with unbelievers. God is to be the center of
attraction. Every mind that is worked by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied
with Him. {FE 483.2, 484}
Does Ellen White class the fallen
churches with believers or with the world?
Notice:
"The Sins of Babylon--I saw that since the second angel
proclaimed the fall of the churches, they have been growing more and more
corrupt. They bear the name of being Christ's followers; YET IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH THEM FROM THE WORLD.
Ministers take their texts from the Word of God, but preach smooth
things. To this the natural heart feels no objection. It is only
the spirit and power of the truth and the salvation of Christ that are
hateful to the carnal heart. There is nothing in the popular ministry
that stirs the wrath of Satan, makes the sinner tremble, or applies to the
heart and conscience the fearful realities of a judgment soon to come.
Wicked men are generally pleased with a form of piety without true godliness,
and they will aid and support such a religion.
Said the angel, 'Nothing less than the
whole armor of righteousness can enable man to overcome the powers of
darkness and retain the victory over them. Satan has taken full possession of the churches AS A BODY.
The sayings and doings of men are dwelt upon instead of the plain, cutting
truths of the Word of God. The spirit and friendship of the world are
at enmity with God. When the truth in its simplicity and strength, as
it is in Jesus, is brought to bear against the spirit of the world, it at
once awakens the spirit of persecution. Very many who profess to be
Christians have not known God. The natural heart has not been changed, and
the carnal mind remains at enmity with God. They are Satan's faithful servants, notwithstanding they have assumed
another name.'
I saw that since Jesus left the holy
place of the heavenly sanctuary and entered within the second veil, the
churches have been filling up with every unclean and hateful bird. I
saw great iniquity and vileness in the churches; yet their members profess to
be Christians. Their profession, their prayers, and their exhortations
are an abomination in the sight of God. Said the angel, 'God will not
smell in their assemblies. Selfishness, fraud, and deceit are practiced
by them without the reprovings of conscience.
And over all these evil traits they throw the cloak of religion.' I was
shown the pride of the nominal churches. God is not in their thoughts;
their carnal minds dwell upon themselves; they decorate their poor mortal
bodies, and then look upon themselves with satisfaction and pleasure.
Jesus and the angels look upon them in anger. Said the angel, 'Their
sins and pride have reached unto heaven. Their portion is
prepared. Justice and judgment have slumbered long, but will soon
awake. Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.' The fearful threatenings of the third angel are to be realized, and
all the wicked are to drink of the wrath of God. An innumerable host of
evil angels are spreading over the whole land and crowding the
churches. These agents of Satan look upon the religious bodies with
exultation, for the cloak of religion covers the greatest crime and iniquity."
E.G. White, Early Writings, pp. 273-275.
The Lord desires all who
bear the message for these last days to understand that there is a great difference between professors of religion who are
not doers of the word, and the children of God, who are sanctified through
the truth, who have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The Lord speaks of those who claim to
believe the truth for this time, yet see nothing inconsistent in their taking
part in politics, mingling with the contending elements of these last days,
as the circumcised who mingle with the uncircumcised, and He declares that He
will destroy both classes together without distinction. They are doing a
work that God has not set them to do. They dishonor
God by their party spirit and contention, and He will condemn both alike. {FE
482.1}
The question may be asked, Are we to
have no union whatever with the world? The word of the Lord is to be our
guide. Any connection with infidels
and unbelievers which would identify us with them is forbidden by the word.
We are to come out from them and be separate. In no case are we to link ourselves with them in their
plans or work. But we are not to live reclusive lives. We are to do worldlings all the good we possibly can. Christ has given
us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did
not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling
with them could He reach this class. But on every occasion He gave them
talents of words and influence. He opened up themes of conversation which
brought things of eternal interest to their minds. And this Teacher enjoins
us, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." On the temperance
question take your position without wavering. Be as firm as a rock. Be not
partakers of other men's sins. Acts of dishonesty in business deal, with
believers or unbelievers, should be reproved; and if they give no evidence of
reformation, come out from among them and be separate. {FE 482.2, 483}
Ron’s
Commentary: Clearly, mingling with
Babylon to witness to them is very different from linking with them in
Association, Council, Girding and Confederacy.
There
is a large vineyard to be cultivated; but while Christians are to work among
unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings.
They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting as politicians;
for by so doing, they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause
variance and discord. Those in the ministry who desire to stand as
politicians should have their credentials taken from them; for this work God
has not given to high or low among His people. God calls upon all who
minister in doctrine to give the trumpet a certain sound. All who have
received Christ, ministers and lay members, are to arise and shine; for great
peril is right upon us. Satan is stirring the powers of earth. Everything in
the world is in confusion. God calls upon His people to hold aloft the banner
bearing the message of the third angel. We are not to go to Christ through
any human being, but through Christ we are to understand the work He has
given us to do for others. {FE 483.1}
God
calls to His people, saying, "Come out from among them, and be ye
separate." He asks that the love which He has shown for them may be
reciprocated and revealed by willing obedience to His commandments. His
children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with
unbelievers. They are not to link their interests with the interests of the
world. "Give proof of your allegiance to Me" He says, "by
standing as My chosen heritage, as a people zealous of good works." Do
not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from
bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention or
disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human
beings who are selfish. God wants His servants to have clear perceptions,
true and noble dignity, that their influence may demonstrate the power of
truth. The Christian life is not to be a haphazard, emotional life. True
Christian influence, exerted for the accomplishment of the work God has
appointed, is a precious agency, and it must not be united with politics, or
bound up in a confederacy with unbelievers. God is to be the center of
attraction. Every mind that is worked by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied
with Him. {FE 483.2, 484}
God
calls upon the teachers in our schools not to become interested in the study
of political questions. Take the knowledge of God into our schools. Your
attention may be called to worldly wise men, who are not wise enough to
understand what the Scriptures say in regard to the laws of God's kingdom;
but turn from these to Him who is the source of all wisdom. Seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness. Make this first and last. Seek most
earnestly to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. Christ and His
righteousness is the salvation of the soul. Teach the little children what
obedience and submission means. In our schools science, literature, painting,
and music, and all that the world's learning can teach are not to be made
first. Let the knowledge of Him in whom our eternal life is centered come
first. Plant in the hearts of the students that which will adorn the
character and fit the soul, through sanctification of the Spirit, to learn
lessons from the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. Thus students
will be fitted to be heirs of the kingdom of God.--June 16, 1899. {FE 484.1}
Business Partnership and Surety for
Unbelievers
I saw that God was displeased with His
people for becoming surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts:
Proverbs 22:26: "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them
that are sureties for debts." Proverbs 11:15: "He that is surety
for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth
suretyship is sure." Unfaithful stewards! They
pledge that which belongs to another,--their heavenly Father,--and Satan
stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands. Sabbathkeepers should not be in partnership with
unbelievers. God's people trust too much to the words of strangers, and ask
their advice and counsel when they should not. The enemy makes them his
agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God's people. {1T 200.1}
Some have no tact at wise management of
worldly matters. They lack the necessary qualifications, and Satan takes
advantage of them. When this is the case, such should not remain in ignorance
of their task. They should be humble enough to counsel with their brethren,
in whose judgment they can have confidence, before they carry out plans. I
was directed to this text: "Bear ye one another's burdens." Some
are not humble enough to let those who have judgment calculate for them until
they have followed their own plans, and have involved themselves in
difficulties. Then they see the necessity of having the counsel and judgment
of their brethren; but how much heavier the burden then than at first.
Brethren should not go to law if it can be possibly avoided; for they thus
give the enemy great advantage to entangle and perplex them. It would be
better to make a settlement at some loss. {1T
200.2}
Linking Up With Unbelievers
The Lord has repeatedly instructed me to
say to His people that they are not to bind up with the world in business
partnerships of any kind, and especially in so important a matter as the
establishment of a sanitarium. Believers and
unbelievers, serving two masters, cannot properly be linked together in the
Lord's work. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" God
forbids His people to unite with unbelievers in the building up of His
institutions. {6BIO 42.1}
She
laid out clearly the involvements:
One of the dangers to be met if we
should link up with unbelievers is that we
cannot depend upon the opinions and judgment, regarding the sacred interests
of the Lord's work, of men who, with the Bible open before them, are living
in open transgression of the law of God. We cannot depend upon them, because the enemy of Christ influences
their minds. {6BIO 42.2}
They may be ever so favorable to our work now, but in the future there will
come times of crisis, and then our people will be brought into a position of
extreme trial, if they are bound up in any way with the worldlings.
Our people may think that they can guard against these difficulties that
would naturally arise in their union with worldlings,
but in this they will be disappointed. {6BIO 42.3}
In connection with any combination
with outside parties, there will be disappointment. It behooves
us to move very guardedly, for thereby we shall save ourselves much burden
and trouble, for the light given me is that to link up with them and to lean
upon them is folly and disappointment. {6BIO 42.4}
"Wait," she counseled. "Wait until the Lord shall manifest
Himself in a more distinct and striking manner than He has done." {6BIO 42.5}
She
reminded the two physicians:
Our health institutions are of value
in the Lord's estimation only when He is allowed to preside in their
management. If His plans and devisings are regarded
as inferior to plans of men, He looks upon these institutions as of no more
value than the institutions established and conducted by worldlings.--Letter
283, 1905. {6BIO 42.6}
The Canon City enterprise was
reluctantly abandoned. Boulder Sanitarium survived. {6BIO
43.1}
To place in permanent form before church
members throughout Colorado the history and the testimonies concerning the
Sanitarium matters, a pamphlet of eighty pages was published at Pacific Press
in the late fall of 1905. It carried the title "Record of Progress and
an Earnest Appeal in Behalf of the Boulder, Colorado, Sanitarium." The
pamphlet was designated as Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 5. This made it
a part of a growing series of special testimonies, issued to meet special or
local situations. The next year, after some developments in the situation in
Colorado, a second printing was made with added material bringing the
presentation up-to-date. {6BIO 43.2}
God does not
at one time send a message of warning, and later another message, encouraging
a movement against which He had previously given warning. His messages do not
contradict one another.—E.G. White, Letter 287,
1905.
Special Testimony Relating To Politics
To the
Teachers and Managers of our Schools:--
Those who have charge of our
institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by
their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who
teach the Bible in our churches and in our schools are not at liberty to
unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures,
because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to
advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe
present truth some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments
and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.
{FE 475.1}
The Lord would have His people bury
political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon
His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly
revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political
parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety
take part in any political schemes. We cannot labor to please men who will
use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation
oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow men to keep Sunday as the
Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a
spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate
with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon
His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office;
for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they
commit while in office. {FE 475.2}
We are not compromise principle by
yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before
we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army
of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of
Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit,
in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true
vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in
Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of
Christ. {FE 475.3}
What are we to do, then? -- Let
political questions alone. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and
what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with
Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" What can
there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion.
The word fellowship means participation, partnership. God employs the
strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly
parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion
can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? -- None
whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, error, sin,
unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They
have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are
governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His
life. But the world is governed by principles of dishonesty and injustice.
{FE 476.1}
"Therefore seeing we have this
ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the
hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word
of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is
hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of
Christ, who is the image of God, should shine upon them.
For we preach
not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for
Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath
shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ." Two parties are here brought to view, and
it is shown that there can be no union between them. {FE 476.2}
Those teachers in the church or in the
school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be
relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will
not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for
speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in
our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political
questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work.
His influence must tell as a laborer together with
God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If
he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm. {FE 477.1}
In the name of the Lord I would say to
the teachers in our schools, Attend to your appointed work. You are not
called upon by God to engage in politics. "All ye are brethren,"
Christ declares, "and as one you are to stand under the banner of Prince
Emmanuel." "What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear
the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the
Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the
commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for
thy good? . . . For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a
great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth
not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the
fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and
raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of
Egypt. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; Him shalt thou serve, and to Him
shalt thou cleave, and swear by His name. He is thy praise, and He is thy
God." {FE 477.2}
The Lord has given great light and
privileges to His people. "Behold, I have taught you statutes and
judgments," He says; "keep therefore and do them; for this is your
wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear
all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and
understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh
unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for?
And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so
righteous as all this law, which I have set before you this day? Only take
heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things
which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days
of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons." {FE 478.1}
As a people we are to stand under the
banner of Jesus Christ. We are to consecrate ourselves to God as a distinct,
separate, and peculiar people. He speaks to us, saying, "Incline your
ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an
everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." "In
righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression;
for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by Me: whosoever shall
gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. . . . No weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of
the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord." {FE 478.2}
I call upon my brethren who are
appointed to educate, to change their course of action. It is a mistake for
you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with
them or for them. Those who stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any line, have no battles
to fight in the political world. Their citizenship is in heaven. The Lord
calls upon them to stand as separate and peculiar people. He would have no
schisms in the body of believers. His people are to possess the elements of
reconciliation. Is it their work to make enemies in the political world?--No,
no. They are to stand as subjects of Christ's kingdom, bearing the banner on
which is inscribed, "The commandments of God, and the faith of
Jesus." They are to carry the burden of a special work, a special
message. We have a personal responsibility, and this is to be revealed before
the heavenly universe, before angels, and before men. God does not call upon
us to enlarge our influence by mingling with society, by linking up with men
on political questions, but by standing as individual parts of His great
whole, with Christ as our head. Christ is our Prince, and as His subjects we
are to do the work appointed us by God. {FE 478.3}
It is of the highest importance that the
youth understand that Christ's people are to be united in one; for this unity
binds men to God by the golden cords of love, and lays each one under
obligation to work for his fellow men. The Captain of our salvation died for
the human race that men might be made one with Him and with each other. As
members of the human family we are individual parts of one mighty whole. No
soul can be made independent of the rest. There is to be no party strife in
the family of God; for the well-being of each is the happiness of the whole.
No partition walls are to be built up between man and man. Christ as the
great center must unite all in one. {FE 479.1}
Christ is our teacher, our ruler, our
strength, our righteousness; and in Him we are pledged to shun any course of
action that will cause schism. The questions at issue in the world are not to
be the theme of our conversation. We are to call upon the world to behold an
uplifted Saviour, through whom we are made necessary to one another and to
God. Christ trains His subjects to imitate His virtues, His meekness and
lowliness, His goodness, patience, and love. Thus He consecrates heart and
hand to His service, making man a channel through which the love of God can
flow in rich currents to bless others. Then let there be no shade of strife
among Seventh-day Adventists. The Saviour invites every soul, "Come unto
Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light." He who approaches nearest to the perfection of Christ's divine
benevolence causes joy among the heavenly angels. The Father rejoices over
him with singing; for is he not working in the spirit of the Master, one with
Christ as He is one with the Father? {FE 479.2}
In our periodicals we are not to exalt
the work and characters of men in positions of influence, constantly keeping
human beings before the people. But as much as you please you may uplift
Christ our Saviour. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory [from
character to character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Those who
love and serve God are to be the light of the world, shining amid moral
darkness. But in the places which have been given the greatest light, where
the gospel has been preached the most, the people -- fathers, mothers, and
children -- have been moved by a power from beneath to unite their interests
with worldly projects and enterprises. {FE 480.1}
Great blindness is upon the churches,
and the Lord says to His people, "What agreement hath the temple of God
with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be
My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a
father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty."{FE 480.2 481}
The condition of being received into the
Lord's family is coming out from the world, separating from all its
contaminating influences. The people of God are to have no connection with
idolatry in any of its forms. They are to reach a higher standard. We are to
be distinguished from the world, and then God says, "I will receive you
as members of My royal family, children of the heavenly King." As
believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice from sin and
sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven. {FE 481.1}
We should realize more clearly the value
of the promises God has made to us, and appreciate more deeply the honor He
has given us. God can bestow no higher honor upon mortals than to adopt them
into His family, giving them the privilege of calling Him Father. There is no
degradation in becoming children of God. "My people shall know My
name," the Lord declares; "therefore they shall know in that day
that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I." The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth
peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth
salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice
together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall
bring again Zion." {FE 481.2}
Why is so much attention given to human
agencies, while there is so little reaching up of the mind to the eternal
God? Why are those who claim to be children of the heavenly King so absorbed
in the things of this world? Let the Lord be exalted. Let the word of the
Lord be magnified. Let human beings be placed low, and let the Lord be
exalted. Remember that earthly kingdoms, nations, monarchs, statesmen, counselors, great armies, and all worldly magnificence
and glory are as the dust of the balance. God has a reckoning to make with
all nations. Every kingdom is to be brought low. Human authority is to be
made as naught. Christ is the King of the world, and His Kingdom is to be
exalted. {FE 481.3, 482}
The Lord desires all who bear the
message for these last days to understand that there is a great difference
between professors of religion who are not doers of the word, and the
children of God, who are sanctified through the truth, who have that faith
that works by love and purifies the soul. The Lord speaks of those who claim
to believe the truth for this time, yet see nothing inconsistent in their
taking part in politics, mingling with the contending elements of these last
days, as the circumcised who mingle with the uncircumcised, and He declares
that He will destroy both classes together without distinction. They are doing
a work that God has not set them to do. They dishonor
God by their party spirit and contention, and He will condemn both alike. {FE
482.1}
The question may be asked, Are we to
have no union whatever with the world? The word of the Lord is to be our
guide. Any connection with infidels and unbelievers which would identify us
with them is forbidden by the word. We are to come out from them and be
separate. In no case are we to link ourselves with them in their plans or
work. But we are not to live reclusive lives. We are to do worldlings all the good we possibly can. Christ has given
us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did
not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling with them could He reach
this class. But on every occasion He gave them talents of words and
influence. He opened up themes of conversation which brought things of
eternal interest to their minds. And this Teacher enjoins us, "Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven." On the temperance question take your
position without wavering. Be as firm as a rock. Be not partakers of other
men's sins. Acts of dishonesty in business deal, with believers or
unbelievers, should be reproved; and if they give no evidence of reformation,
come out from among them and be separate. {FE 482.2, 483}
There is a large vineyard to be
cultivated; but while Christians are to work among unbelievers, they are not
to appear like worldlings. They are not to spend
their time talking politics or acting as politicians; for by so doing, they
give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord. Those
in the ministry who desire to stand as politicians should have their
credentials taken from them; for this work God has not given to high or low
among His people. God calls upon all who minister in doctrine to give the
trumpet a certain sound. All who have received Christ, ministers and lay
members, are to arise and shine; for great peril is right upon us. Satan is
stirring the powers of earth. Everything in the world is in confusion. God
calls upon His people to hold aloft the banner bearing the message of the
third angel. We are not to go to Christ through any human being, but through
Christ we are to understand the work He has given us to do for others. {FE
483.1}
God calls to His people, saying,
"Come out from among them, and be ye separate." He asks that the
love which He has shown for them may be reciprocated and revealed by willing
obedience to His commandments. His children are to separate themselves from
politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their
interests with the interests of the world. "Give proof of your
allegiance to Me" He says, "by standing as My chosen heritage, as a
people zealous of good works." Do not take part in political strife.
Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school
ideas that will lead to contention or disorder. Dissension is the moral
poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish. God wants His
servants to have clear perceptions, true and noble dignity, that their
influence may demonstrate the power of truth. The Christian life is not to be
a haphazard, emotional life. True Christian influence, exerted for the
accomplishment of the work God has appointed, is a precious agency, and it
must not be united with politics, or bound up in a confederacy with
unbelievers. God is to be the center of attraction. Every mind that is worked
by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied with Him. {FE 483.2, 484}
God calls
upon the teachers in our schools not to become interested in the study of
political questions. Take the knowledge of God into our schools. Your
attention may be called to worldly wise men, who are not wise enough to
understand what the Scriptures say in regard to the laws of God's kingdom;
but turn from these to Him who is the source of all wisdom. Seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness. Make this first and last. Seek most
earnestly to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. Christ and His
righteousness is the salvation of the soul. Teach the little children what
obedience and submission means. In our schools science, literature, painting,
and music, and all that the world's learning can teach are not to be made
first. Let the knowledge of Him in whom our eternal life is centered come
first. Plant in the hearts of the students that which will adorn the
character and fit the soul, through sanctification of the Spirit, to learn lessons
from the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. Thus students will be
fitted to be heirs of the kingdom of God.--June 16, 1899. {FE 484.1}
Marriage with Unbelievers
Dear Sister L: I have learned of your
contemplated marriage with one who is not united with you in religious faith,
and I fear that you have not carefully weighed this important matter. Before
taking a step which is to exert an influence upon all your future life, I
urge you to give the subject careful and prayerful deliberation. Will this
new relationship prove a source of true happiness? Will it be a help to you
in the Christian life? Will it be pleasing to God? Will your example be a
safe one for others to follow? {5T 361.3}
Before giving her hand in marriage,
every woman should inquire whether he with whom she is about to unite her
destiny is worthy. What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the
love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere
emotional fondness? Has he the traits of character that will make her happy?
Can she find true peace and joy in his affection? Will she be allowed to
preserve her individuality, or must her judgment and conscience be
surrendered to the control of her husband? As a disciple of Christ, she is
not her own; she has been bought with a price. Can she honor the Saviour's
claims as supreme? Will body and soul, thoughts and purposes, be preserved
pure and holy? These questions have a vital bearing upon the well-being of
every woman who enters the marriage relation. {5T
362.1}
Religion is needed in the home. Only
this can prevent the grievous wrongs which so often embitter married life.
Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will
be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God
will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow
the marriage chamber. Debasing sensuality will be banished. Upward to God
will the thoughts be directed; to Him will the heart's devotion ascend. {5T 362.2}
The heart yearns for human love, but
this love is not strong enough, or pure enough, or precious enough, to supply
the place of the love of Jesus. Only in her Saviour can the wife find wisdom,
strength, and grace to meet the cares, responsibilities, and sorrows of life.
She should make Him her strength and her guide. Let woman give herself to
Christ before giving herself to any earthly friend, and enter into no
relation which shall conflict with this. Those who would find true happiness
must have the blessing of heaven upon all that they possess and all that they
do. It is disobedience to God that fills so many hearts and homes with
misery. My sister, unless you would have a home where the shadows are never lifted,
do not unite yourself with one who is an enemy of God. {5T
362.3}
As one who expects to meet these words
in the judgment, I entreat you to ponder the step you contemplate taking. Ask
yourself: "Will not an unbelieving husband lead my thoughts away from
Jesus? He is a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God; will he not lead
me to enjoy the things that he enjoys?" The path to eternal life is
steep and rugged. Take no additional weights to retard your progress. You
have too little spiritual strength, and you need help instead of hindrance. {5T 363.1}
The Lord commanded ancient Israel not to
intermarry with the idolatrous nations around them: "Neither shalt thou
make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor
his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son." The reason is given.
Infinite Wisdom, foreseeing the result of such unions, declares: "For
they will turn away thy son from following Me, that they may serve other
gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee
suddenly." "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the
Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all
people that are upon the face of the earth." "Know therefore that
the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and
mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand
generations; and repayeth them that hate Him to
their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that hateth Him, He will repay him to his face." {5T 363.2}
In the New Testament are similar
prohibitions concerning the marriage of Christians with the ungodly. The
apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, declares: "The
wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be
dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the
Lord." Again, in his second epistle, he writes: "Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be
My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a
Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty." {5T 363.3}
My sister, dare you disregard these
plain and positive directions? As a child of God, a subject of Christ's
kingdom, the purchase of His blood, how can you connect yourself with one who
does not acknowledge His claims, who is not controlled by His Spirit? The
commands I have quoted are not the word of man, but of God. Though the
companion of your choice were in all other respects worthy (which he is not),
yet he has not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you
are forbidden of heaven to unite yourself with him. You cannot, without peril
to your soul, disregard this divine injunction. {5T
364.1}
I would warn you of your danger before
it shall be too late. You listen to smooth, pleasant words and are led to
believe that all will be well; but you do not read the motives that prompt
these fair speeches. You cannot see the depths of wickedness hidden in the
heart. You cannot look behind the scenes and discern the snares that Satan is
laying for your soul. He would lead you to pursue such a course that he can
obtain easy access to aim his shafts of temptation against you. Do not give
him the least advantage. While God moves upon the minds of His servants,
Satan works through the children of disobedience. There is no concord between
Christ and Belial. The two cannot harmonize. To connect with an unbeliever is
to place yourself on Satan's ground. You grieve the Spirit of God and forfeit
His protection. Can you afford to have such terrible odds against you in
fighting the battle for everlasting life? {5T
364.2}
You may say: "But I have given my
promise, and shall I now retract it?" I answer: If you have made a
promise contrary to the Scriptures, by all means retract it without delay,
and in humility before God repent of the infatuation that led you to make so
rash a pledge. Far better take back such a promise, in the fear of God, than
keep it and thereby dishonor your Maker. {5T 365.1}
Remember, you have a heaven to gain, an
open path to perdition to shun. God means what He says. When He prohibited
our first parents from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge, their
disobedience opened the floodgates of woe to the whole world. If we walk contrary
to God, He will walk contrary to us. Our only safe course is to render
obedience to all His requirements, at whatever cost. All are founded in
infinite love and wisdom. {5T 365.2}
The spirit of intense worldliness that
now exists, the disposition to acknowledge no higher claim than that of
self-gratification, constitutes one of the signs of the last days. "As
it was in the days of Noah," said Christ, "so shall it be also in
the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they
were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the
Flood came, and destroyed them all." The people of this generation are
marrying and giving in marriage with the same reckless disregard of God's
requirements as was manifested in the days of Noah. There is in the Christian
world an astonishing, alarming indifference to the teaching of God's word in
regard to the marriage of Christians with unbelievers. Many who profess to
love and fear God choose to follow the bent of their own minds rather than
take counsel of Infinite Wisdom. In a matter which vitally concerns the
happiness and well-being of both parties for this world and the next, reason,
judgment, and the fear of God are set aside, and blind impulse, stubborn
determination, is allowed to control. Men and women who are otherwise
sensible and conscientious close their ears to counsel; they are deaf to the
appeals and entreaties of friends and kindred and of the servants of God. The
expression of a caution or warning is regarded as impertinent meddling, and
the friend who is faithful enough to utter a remonstrance is treated as an
enemy. All this is as Satan would have it. He weaves his spell about the
soul, and it becomes bewitched, infatuated. Reason lets fall the reins of self-control
upon the neck of lust, unsanctified passion bears sway, until, too late, the
victim awakens to a life of misery and bondage. This is not a picture drawn
by the imagination, but a recital of facts. God's sanction is not given to
unions which He has expressly forbidden. For years I have been receiving
letters from different persons who have formed unhappy marriages, and the
revolting histories opened before me are enough to make the heart ache. It is
no easy thing to decide what advice can be given to these unfortunate ones,
or how their hard lot can be lightened; but their sad experience should be a
warning to others. {5T 365.3}
In this age of the world, as the scenes
of earth's history are soon to close and we are about to enter upon the time
of trouble such as never was, the fewer the marriages contracted, the better
for all, both men and women. Above all, when Satan is working with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, let Christians beware
of connecting themselves with unbelievers. God has spoken. All who fear Him
will submit to His wise injunctions. Our feelings, impulses, and affections
must flow heavenward, not earthward, not in the low, base channel of sensual
thought and indulgence. It is time now that every soul should stand as in the
sight of the heart-searching God. {5T 366.1}
My dear sister, as a disciple of Jesus
you should inquire what will be the influence of the step you are about to
take, not only upon yourself, but upon others. The followers of Christ are to
be co-workers with their Master; they must be "blameless and harmless,
the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom," says Paul, "ye shine as lights in the
world." We are to receive the bright beams from the Sun of
Righteousness, and by our good works let them shine forth to others in clear,
steady rays, never fitful, never growing dim. We cannot be sure that we are
doing no harm to those about us unless we are exerting a positive influence
to lead them heavenward. {5T 366.2}
"Ye are My witnesses," said
Jesus, and in each act of our lives we should inquire: How will our course
affect the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom? If you are indeed Christ's
disciple, you will choose to walk in His footsteps, however painful this may
be to your natural feelings. Said Paul: "God forbid that I should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified
unto me, and I unto the world." You, Sister L, need to sit at the feet
of Jesus and learn of Him, as did Mary of old. God requires of you an entire
surrender of your will, your plans and purposes. Jesus is your leader; to Him
you must look, in Him you must trust, and you must permit nothing to deter
you from the life of consecration which you owe to God. Your conversation
must be in heaven, from whence you look for your Saviour. Your piety must be
of a character to make itself felt by all within the sphere of your
influence. God requires you in every act of life to shun the very appearance
of evil. Are you doing this? You are under the most sacred obligation not to
belittle or compromise your holy faith by uniting with the Lord's enemies. If
you are tempted to disregard the injunctions of His word because others have
done so, remember that your example also will exert an influence. Others will
do as you do, and thus the evil will be extended. While you profess to be a
child of God, a departure on your part from His requirements will result in
infinite harm to those who look to you for guidance. {5T
367.1}
The salvation of souls will be the
constant aim of those who are abiding in Christ. But what have you done to
show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness?
"Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the
dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Shake
off this fatal infatuation that benumbs your senses and palsies the energies
of the soul. {5T 367.2}
The very strongest incentives to
faithfulness are set before us, the highest motives, the most glorious rewards.
Christians are to be Christ's representatives, sons and daughters of God.
They are His jewels, His peculiar treasures. Of all who will maintain their
steadfastness He declares: "They shall walk with Me in white: for they
are worthy." Those who reach the portals of eternal bliss will not count
that any sacrifice which they have made was too great. {5T
368.1}
May God help you to stand the test and
preserve your integrity. Cling by faith to Jesus. Disappoint not your
Redeemer. E.G. White, St. Helena,
California, Feb. 13, 1885. {5T 368.2}
|