Editorial

Editorial – Hardships

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In August 1868, Ellen White had a dream that is recorded in Testimonies, vol. 2, 594–597. In this dream, part of a large body of people began a journey in heavily loaded wagons. The road ascended. On one side was a high, smooth, white wall; on the other side was a precipice. As the road grew both narrower and steeper, they, for safety, abandoned the wagons and traveled on by horseback with only a portion of their luggage. But the path grew still narrower, and finally they cut the luggage from the horses and continued. When the road became too dangerous for traveling by horseback, a hand seemed to take the bridle and guide them over the perilous way at the places where it seemed they would lose their balance. The road eventually became so narrow that they left the horses behind and traveled on by foot single file, each following in the footsteps of another. Finally it was decided that to travel safely they would have to take off their shoes and then also their stockings, and they journeyed on with bare feet.

At this point in relating the dream, Ellen White said: “We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end.” Ibid., 595.

Many are not in the revival and reformation movement that were with us a few years ago. The dream partly related above explains why. We have not yet come to the last change! Will you still be in the revival and reformation movement next year? Will you still be in it when Jesus comes?

Hardships have always been, and always will be, a part of evangelism: “The opening labors of the Christian church were attended with hardships and bitter griefs, and the successors of the early apostles find that they must meet with trials similar to theirs; privations, calumny, and every species of opposition meet them in their labors. They must be men of stanch moral courage and of spiritual muscle.” Gospel Workers, 1892, 71, 72.

“The Christian life is compared to the life of a soldier, and there can be no bribes presented of ease and self-indulgence. The idea that Christian soldiers are to be excused from the conflicts, experiencing no trials, having all temporal comforts to enjoy, and even the luxuries of life, is a farce. The Christian conflict is a battle and a march, calling for endurance. Difficult work has to be done, and all who enlist as soldiers in Christ’s army with these false ideas of pleasantness and ease, and then experience the trials, it often proves fatal to their Christianity. God does not present the reward to those whose whole life in this world has been one of self-indulgence and pleasure.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 27, 28.

Editorial – Headhunters

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The word headhunter comes from the practice of cannibals in the South Pacific and elsewhere who killed human beings in order to eat them. Evelyn and I saw some of the headhunters’ weapons (used to smash their victim’s skulls with one blow) while we were in Fiji this spring.

The Bible reveals that the devil is a headhunter, and he has many tools to use to this end. One of the most common tactics is to get you to believe his story because of its apparent truthful, impeccable logic and reasoning. His message to you can come through philosophy and education, through friends and even church members, who relate what they have heard or have been taught, and through all the forms of information delivery in our world.

Often the devil tells the truth. He is a deceiver (John 8:44), and in order to deceive, it often is necessary to tell the truth. The object is to get you to believe his story, which in turn will affect your behavior. The devil has thousands of stories as well as a type of religion suited for every person’s biases and temperament. It is his goal, through the errors of theology and of science, through the human interpretation of history, and through various mind sciences and modern philosophy, to get control of your mind and lead you into a path of sin that will result in you losing eternal life. (Sinners will all be cast into the lake of fire—Revelation 21:8 according to the Byzantine Text-type or Koine tradition proper.)

In the Garden of Eden, Satan succeeded with Eve first—the scriptures say that she was deceived (1 Timothy 2:14). She actually believed his lie, on account of the miracle of a serpent speaking which she could not explain. She believed more in miracles than in what God said! The same thing is going to happen in our day. (See Revelation 16:13, 14.) All nations are going to be deceived. (See Revelation 18:23.) Will this include many Seventh-day Adventists? It will.

“There must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men. . . . Every soul that continues in sin in the face of the light now shining upon our pathway, will be blinded and accept the delusions of Satan. . . . 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.” Review and Herald, March 19, 1895.

“The history of the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram is being repeated, and will be repeated till the close of time. Who will be on the Lord’s side? Who will be deceived, and in their turn become deceivers?” Letter 15, 1892.

If in your mind you have accepted any of Satan’s lies, which are palmed off on the human race as truth, then he has obtained at least a measure of control over you. (See The Desire of Ages, 671.)

“The word of God is the only fixed, changeless thing that the world knows. Like its Author in character, it is ‘the same yesterday, today, and forever.’ It not only causes men to discern what is truth, but it unmasks the soul, and presents men to themselves as perishing sinners, and calls upon them to repent and to be converted, that their sins may be blotted out, and stand no longer against them.” The Bible Echo, May 28, 1894.

There will only be two classes in the end—those who live by every word of God and those deceived by the great adversary. Where will you be?

Editorial – Great Wrath, Part I

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When Jesus died, a voice was heard in heaven saying, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:10.

When the dragon was cast down, “he persecuted the woman which gave birth to the male [Child].” Revelation 12:13. The Holy Spirit foresaw this: “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12. This prophecy was fulfilled the first time after the resurrection of Christ. (See Early Writings, 191, 192.) The final fulfillment of this prophecy is in the last days, in our time.

“The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan has been manifested against the church of Christ; and God has bestowed His grace and Spirit upon His people to strengthen them. . . . But as the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. . . . He will work ‘with all power and signs and lying wonders.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9. For six thousand years that mastermind that once was highest among the angels of God has been wholly bent to the work of deception and ruin. And all the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God’s people in the final conflict.” The Great Controversy, ix, x.

“Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. . . . As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ.” Ibid., 624.

“The adversary of our souls will approach us as a heavenly guest . . . .” Testimonies, vol. 3, 374.

“Christ is the only refuge in these perilous times. Satan is at work in secrecy and darkness. Cunningly he draws away the followers of Christ from the cross and brings them into self-indulgence and wickedness.” Ibid., vol. 4, 210.

“The more we learn in reference to the early days of the Christian church, and see with what subtlety Satan worked to weaken and destroy, the better we shall be prepared to resist his devices and meet coming perils. We are in the time when tribulations such as the world has never yet seen will prevail.” Ibid., vol. 5, 297.

“God is leading his people out from the abominations of the world, that they may keep his law; and because of this, the rage of ‘the accuser of our brethren’ knows no bounds. . . . There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many of professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet he will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested, and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” The Gospel Herald, August 1, 1910.

Editorial – Great Wrath, Part II

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We are living in the last days. “Jesus Christ is the only refuge in these perilous times. Satan is at work in secrecy and darkness. Cunningly he draws away the followers of Christ from the cross, and brings them into self-indulgence and wickedness.” Signs of the Times, April 20, 1876.

“Satan was determined to keep his hold on the land of Canaan, and when it was made the habitation of the children of Israel, and the law of God was made the law of the land, he hated Israel with a cruel and malignant hatred, and plotted their destruction. Strange gods were introduced through the agency of evil spirits; and because of transgression the chosen people were finally scattered from the land of promise.

“The same experience is repeating in the history of God’s people. God is leading them out from the abominations of the world to keep his law in the land of the enemy, and the rage of ‘the accuser of the brethren’ knows no bounds. . . .

“It is time to heed the Saviour’s injunction as never before: ‘Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.’ Trust in God, however perplexing may be your situation. Seek his counsel, and turn not after them that have familiar spirits to be defiled by them.” Ibid., August 26, 1889.

We see the truth of the above statements everywhere we look. The great mass of those professing the Adventist faith, in Western countries, is doing very little for the advancement of the three angels’ messages. If a person is not witnessing for his faith, if he is not genuinely converted, is he really a Christian? Is he really part of the body of Christ, if he has not the same spirit as his Master? (See Romans 8:9.) We hear constantly talk about the work being finished, while the great majority are doing almost nothing to help finish it, and there is unconfessed, open sin in the camp of the Lord’s professed people!

“If the youth could only awake to deeply feel their need of strength from God to resist the temptations of Satan, precious victories would be theirs, and they would obtain a valuable experience in the Christian warfare.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 373.

“The only safety for the young is in unceasing watchfulness and humble prayer. They need not flatter themselves that they can be Christians without these. Satan conceals his temptations and his devices under a cover of light.” Ibid., 374.

“I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people. The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or condemnation. Grievous and presumptuous sins have dwelt among us. And yet the general opinion is that the church is flourishing and that peace and spiritual prosperity are in all her borders.” Ibid., vol. 5, 217.

“The time has come when all the differences must be put away fully and thoroughly; and now, without delay attempt a united, systematic effort for the one great object: sanctification through Jesus Christ to the obedience of the truth.” Atlantic Union Gleaner, January 8, 1902.

Are you willing, without delay, to attempt a united systematic effort for the one great object? Your decision will determine your eternal destiny.

[All Emphasis Supplied.]

Editorial – Keep Praying

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“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field” (Zechariah 10:1). “And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

EVERY SINCERE PRAYER

“God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every sincere prayer He answers, ‘Here am I.’ The prayer that ascends from a broken and contrite heart is never disregarded; it is as sweet music in the ears of our heavenly Father: for He waits to bestow upon us the fulness of His blessing.” The Oriental Watchman, December 1, 1909.

PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT

“We need not worry about the latter rain. All we have to do is to keep the vessel clean and right side up and prepared for the reception of the heavenly rain, and keep praying, ‘Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the light of the glorious angel which unites with the third angel shine upon me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be a colaborer with Jesus Christ.’ Thus seeking God, let me tell you, He is fitting you up all the time, giving you His grace.” The Upward Look, 283.

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN

“When my [Ellen White’s] children were small we had a large family of adopted children. We would have our work away before the setting of the sun. The children would hail the Sabbath as a joy. They would say, ‘Now Father and Mother will give us some of their time.’ We would take them out for a walk. We would take the Bible and some religious instruction to read to them, and explain to them the Scriptures. We would keep praying that they should know the truth of God’s word. We would not lie abed Sabbath mornings because it was Sabbath. We would have our preparations all ready the day before so that we could go to service without the hurry and worry. We would not stroll off and have a nice time to ourselves. We wanted our children to have all the privileges and blessings of God’s sanctified rest day.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 104.

PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO MINISTER TO

“Be always kind and courteous, cheerful and hopeful. Keep praying and working for souls.” Ibid.,vol. 6, 379.

Editorial – The Accommodation Principle

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In our last editorial we quoted the following statement, “Satan is at work in secrecy and darkness. Cunningly he draws away the followers of Christ from the cross, and brings them into self-indulgence and wickedness.” Signs of the Times, April 20, 1876. [Emphasis Supplied.]

Notice that Satan works with cunning. This word is sometimes used to mean “skillful” or “clever” or “shrewd.” However, another basic meaning of this word is “skillful in deception,” and if you look at the context of this reference, this is the way Ellen White is using it. There are many elements involved in the devil’s skillful deception; we will study one of the principal elements in this editorial. Why should we study this subject? “Too often it is the case that the people of God are not on the watch, and are therefore ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices. He works by means which will best conceal himself from view, and he often gains his object.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 304.

One of the devil’s principal tools, that he has used with overwhelming success, is the accommodation principle. The accommodation principle is simply the fact that both the human body and mind have the capacity to adapt themselves automatically to the situations in which an individual finds himself. This principle is a primary factor of casuistry—that science by which standards of right and wrong are gradually changed over a long period of time (often many generations). Each change is slight enough so as not to evoke a public outcry. It is in this way that sinful practices can become almost universal. This includes physical, mental, and spiritual situations.

Example 1—Modesty: How much of your body should be covered when you are in a mixed group away from your house? Even the devil cannot get the whole world to go naked—at least not yet—but he uses the accommodation principle. New fashions are introduced which uncover and reveal some part of the body that has customarily been covered. At first people are shocked, and only fashion models or the “Hollywood crowd” wear the new style, but gradually, as these people are seen in the media and in newspapers and magazines, people become accustomed to seeing such attire, and they do not think anything about it. If it was sinful at first, it is still just as sinful, but people have accommodated to it. A few texts to consider, to see if you are in harmony with Bible teaching on modesty or whether the accommodation principle is working in your life, are: Genesis 3:7, 21(the original word apron in Genesis 3:7 means girdles or belts or literally a loin covering); Deuteronomy 22:5; Exodus 20:26; Isaiah 3:16; Leviticus 18:17. (Compare Zechariah 3:4; Revelation 16:15. Notice what a “robe” is in your own dictionary.)

Example 2—Adornment: Adornment is the act of decorating or doing something to add to the beauty of the person. There is both righteous and unrighteous adornment for Christians, as clearly explained in the Old and New Testaments. Today we see most Christians in direct violation of the plainest Biblical commands about adornment. How did this happen? Through the accommodation principle over a period of many years! A few texts on this subject would include Genesis 35:1–4; 2 Kings 9:30; Isaiah 3:16–25; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:1–5.

Many more examples could be cited in the fields of music, worship, diet, recreation, amusement; in the study of theology; in the practice of medicine and in the fields of education and philosophy. The accommodation principle has been used by the devil with masterful success since the days of Eve or before. It is so universal in the world and is so unnoticed that your only chance of avoiding it is to study your Bible and live by its every word and principle.

Inspired: “God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms.” The Great Controversy, 595.

Editorial – Divorce, Part I

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Divorce is generally the end of a relationship that was originally intended to continue. Although Lucifer could have chosen to remain as a covering cherub, the highest of all the angelic host, he left his position. Eventually, “He who was once the covering cherub, whose work it was to hide from the heavenly intelligences the glory of God, perverted his intellect, and divorced himself from God. If a being so exalted could fall so low as to become the author of sin, let not man boast, but learn to wear gracefully the yoke of Christ, revealing His meekness and lowliness, believing on Him, cooperating with Him.” The Upward Look, 286.

Concerning this divorce there was no hope of a reinstatement: “Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him.” The Desire of Ages, 762.

However not all divorces are final. “It is a wonderful thing that after man had violated the law of God and separated himself from God, was divorced, as it were, from God—that after all this there was a plan made whereby man should not perish, but that he should have everlasting life. . . .” In Heavenly Places, 11.

“The world, divorced from God by sin, has been restored to favor by the sacrifice of his Son. With his own body the Saviour has bridged the gulf that sin has made.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 8, 1901.

“Christ took upon him the nature of man, that he might carry man with him, and place him in the domains of mercy, in the arms of the infinite God. Through disobedience, man had divorced himself from God, and had become an apostate against his government. But it was God’s design that man should be restored, and again have access to the tree of life.” Review and Herald, May 30, 1899.

Following a divorce, the relationship cannot be developed again without a price being paid. In the case of Adam’s sin, the price involved all heaven in sacrifice. For the human being, who wants again to have the benefits of this atonement, a price must be paid—this price is not in terms of money or merit developed from human works. It is repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ as both savior and Lord. (See Acts 2:36; Acts 20:21.) This price includes everything, every asset that a man has. (See Luke 14:33.)

The development of a relationship with God again, after a divorce has occurred, has happened many times in human history. For example, Isaiah writes, “Thus says the Lord, where is the certificate of divorce by which I sent your mother away? . . . Behold you were sold for your iniquities and for your transgressions your mother was sent away. . . . Is my hand so short that it cannot ransom or have I no power to deliver?” Isaiah 50:1, 2. (See also Jeremiah 3:1–20.)

The forbearance of God, in allowing rebels or offenders against His law and government to return and repent, is beyond our comprehension. It happens over and over again, often for a period of many years. However, the forbearance of God does have limits, and there comes a time, just as in the case of Lucifer, when the choice becomes final, and an irrevocable or final divorce is enacted. We want to understand this, because during the closing period of the age of grace, Bible prophecy predicts a final divorce occurring again.

To be continued . . .

Editorial – Divorce, Part II

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When man broke the first commandment of God’s Law in the Garden of Eden, the world was divorced from God. That could have been the end for us all. “There was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die.” Early Writings, 149. But, “It is a wonderful thing that after man had violated the law of God and separated himself from God, was divorced, as it were, from God—that after all this there was a plan made whereby man should not perish, but that he should have everlasting life.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 1, 74. “The world, divorced from God by sin, has been restored to favor by the sacrifice of his Son.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 8, 1901.

After this great sacrifice was made, if the church tampers with God’s Law or teaches people to break it, our covenant with God as Christians has been broken, and a divorce is pending. “Although those standing at the head of the papacy claim to have great love for God, He looks upon them as haters of Him. They have turned the truth of God into a lie. Tampering with God’s commandments and placing in their stead human traditions, is the work of Satan, and will divorce the religious world from God . . . .” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 182.

In the days of Caiaphas, the divorce of the Jewish nation became final. Although individuals could still be saved, the nation would never again be God’s chosen people. “Virtually Caiaphas was no high priest. He wore the priestly robes, but he had no vital connection with God. He was uncircumcised in heart. With the other priests he instructed the people to choose Barabbas instead of Christ. They cried out for the crucifixion of Christ and, as representatives of the Jewish nation, placed themselves under the Roman jurisdiction, which they despised, by saying, ‘We have no king but Caesar.’ When they said this, they unchurched themselves.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 388.

The same fate that happened to the Jewish nation at the first advent is predicted to happen again at the second advent! “When the Saviour saw in the Jewish people a nation divorced from God, He saw also a professed Christian Church united to the world and the papacy. And as He stood upon Olivet, weeping over Jerusalem till the sun sank behind the western hills, so He is weeping over and pleading with sinners in these last moments of time.” Review and Herald, October 8, 1901.

By studying the type, we get a glimpse of the future. The Jewish church was a type of God’s professed people today. (See Selected Messages, Book 1, 406.) “In the Jewish nation we behold a chosen nation divorced from God because of unbelief. Jesus, the lover of humanity, was called upon to pronounce sentence against the people for whom he had lived and labored, but from whom he had borne insult, mockery, and rejection. He had borne everything from them, he had done all that was possible that he might save them from ruin. . . . The salvation of the Jews would have been the joy of Christ, the rejoicing of the angels, but they would not. No man will be saved against his will.” Review and Herald, April 18, 1893.

“When Jerusalem was divorced from God it was because of her sins. . . . And if God spared not His people that He loved, because they refused to walk in the light, how can He spare the people whom He has blessed with the light of heaven in having opened to them the most exalted truth ever entrusted to mortal man to give to the world?” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 319, 320.

[All emphasis supplied.]

Editorial – The Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

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Could we receive the latter rain of the Holy Spirit if we pray long enough and hard enough?

Many people think so. The problem is that the latter rain does not do any good for a plant that has not received the former rain.

“As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.

“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of Man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.” Review and Herald, March 2, 1897.

So no matter how much we pray, even if we fast and pray, we will not receive the latter rain of the Holy Spirit unless we have received the former rain. What is involved in receiving the former rain? The following nine points summarize the requirements. (Unless otherwise cited, for all statements see Review and Herald, March 2, 1897.)

  1. The heart must be emptied of every defilement.
  2. The heart must be cleansed for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
  3. All sin must be confessed to God and to any others whom we have injured.
  4. All sin must not only be confessed but forsaken.
  5. Not only must we confess, repent, and forsake our sins but, as far as possible, make restitution. (See Ezekiel 33:15; Selected Messages, Book 3, 181.)
  6. There must be earnest prayer and consecration of ourselves to the Lord. We must daily be seeking God by faith.
  7. We must live up to all the light that we have, daily walking with God in His light and not in the sparks of our own kindling.
  8. We must daily be advancing in the practice of Christian virtues, keeping ourselves separate from the iniquity in the world.
  9. There must be perseverance, a firm continuance in acts of faith; untiring effort is required in fighting the fight of faith. (See 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Luke 18:1.)

If these things do not happen in our lives, then we will not be among those receiving the latter rain. If these things do not happen in our church, then our church will not be one of the churches receiving the latter rain.

A group of people will receive the latter rain. We must fulfill the conditions to be part of this group. Are our thoughts and feelings right? Is there bitterness, animosity, jealousy, contention, anger, or backbiting in our hearts? Are they finding expression, or are we gaining victories? Are our thoughts pure, honest, loving, gentle and in every respect a manifestation of love to God and love to man?

“You should keep off from Satan’s enchanted ground and not allow your minds to be swayed from allegiance to God. Through Christ you may and should be happy and should acquire habits of self-control. Even your thoughts must be brought into subjection to the will of God and your feelings under the control of reason and religion. . . .If the thoughts are wrong the feelings will be wrong, and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 310.

Editorial – The Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit, Part II

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In our editorial last month we looked at some of the requirements for receiving the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. “I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.” Early Writings, 71.

We can see clearly from this statement that there are things in our characters that can prevent or hinder us from receiving the latter rain, and these hindrances must be removed before we can receive what God is waiting to give us.

“God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes, and grieve His Spirit; but when we repent, and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away. There are hindrances to be removed. Wrong feelings have been cherished, and there have been pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and murmurings. All these separate us from God. Sins must be confessed . . . .” Selected Messages, Book 1, 350.

These hindrances include wrong feelings as well as impatience and wrong words. “The law of God, as presented in the Scriptures, is broad in its requirements. Every principle is holy, just, and good. The law lays men under obligation to God; it reaches to the thoughts and feelings; and it will produce conviction of sin in every one who is sensible of having transgressed its requirements. If the law extended to the outward conduct only, men would not be guilty in their wrong thoughts, desires, and designs. But the law requires that the soul itself be pure and the mind holy, that the thoughts and feelings may be in accordance with the standard of love and righteousness.” Ibid., 211.

If we begin to work and to ask God to help us to have only right feelings and thoughts, when the thoughts and feelings are right, the rest of the problem of overcoming will be worked out, and we will be in a condition to receive the latter rain. How many of us will never get to participate in the latter rain, because we have not brought our thoughts and feelings into harmony with God’s law?

“Let us here resolve that we will not sin against God with our lips, that we will never speak in a light and trifling manner, that we will never murmur or complain at the providence of God, and that we will not become accusers of our brethren. We cannot always hinder the thoughts that come as temptations; but we can resist the enemy so that we shall not utter them. The adversary of souls is not permitted to read the thoughts of men; but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words and actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations accordingly. If all would labor to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or acts, Satan would be defeated; for he would not know how to prepare his specious temptations to meet their cases.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 146.

[All emphasis supplied.]