Editorial

Editorial – Ignorance Can Spell Your Doom

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Probation was about to close for the Jewish nation. BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW IT. Even Jesus’ disciples did not know it. But, on His triumphant entry into Jerusalem just days before the crucifixion, Jesus wept (see Luke 19:41) and said, “ ‘If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!’ Then came a pause, for the Saviour was reluctant to pronounce the irrevocable sentence—‘but now they are hid from thine eyes’ (verse 42). It was with a burst of agony that Christ spoke these words.” The Signs of the Times, July 26, 1899.

“For a few moments the Son of God stands upon Mount Olivet, expressing the intense yearning of His soul that Jerusalem might repent in the last few moments before the westering sun shall sink behind the hill. That day the Jews as a nation would end their probation. … But now the irrevocable sentence is spoken, because ‘she knew not the time of her visitation.’ ” Ibid., February 27, 1896.

“The course taken by the hardhearted and impenitent inhabitants of the doomed city is similar to the attitude of churches and individuals toward Christ at the present time. They neglect His requirements and despise His forbearance. There is a form of godliness, there is ceremonial worship, there are complimentary prayers, but the real power is wanting. The heart is not softened by grace, but is cold and unimpressible. Many, like the Jews, are blinded by unbelief and know not the time of their visitation.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 258.

“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. … He is weeping over and pleading with sinners in these last moments of time. … Will He be obliged to say to those who have had great light and knowledge, as He said to the Jews, ‘If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes’?”  The Review and Herald, October 8, 1901.

Because you “do not know …” (Revelation 3:17 NKJV).

Editorial — Are you Going To Make It

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Heaven is a far more wonderful place than feeble, frail, sinful mortals can imagine. We know the negative things that will not be there—no sickness, no crying, no sorrow, no pain, no sighing, no death. We often think of the absence of these awful things and know that Heaven is a wonderful place. But the real bliss and joy of heaven far surpasses anything that we can imagine. It has not entered into the heart of man. (1 Corinthians 2:9.) Heaven is worth everything. “He [the devil] knew well the value of Heaven far exceeded the anticipation and appreciation of fallen man. The most costly treasures of the world he knew would not compare with its worth. As he had lost through his rebellion all the riches and pure glories of Heaven, he was determined to be revenged by causing as many as he could to undervalue Heaven and to place their affections upon earthly treasures.”

“He had knowledge of the inestimable value of eternal riches that man had not. He had experienced the pure contentment, the peace and exalted holiness of unalloyed joys of the heavenly abode. He had realized before his rebellion the satisfaction of the full approval of God. He had once a full appreciation of the glory that enshrouded the Father, and knew that there was no limit to His power.” Review and Herald, March 3, 1874.

Not only is heaven worth everything, but heaven costs everything. (Luke 14:33.) Although eternal life is spoken of as a gift it is also referred to as costing everything a man has. (Matthew 13:44–46.) The only people who will make it to heaven are those who pay the price and this is the reason that so many professed Christians will lose eternal life. This all-out cost can be listed as:

  1. The chains of our defects of character must be broken moment by moment and hour by hour at any cost to ourselves. “By a momentary act of will you may place yourself in the power of Satan, but it will require more than a momentary act of will to break his fetters and reach for a higher, holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun, but its accomplishment will require toil, time, and perseverance, patience and sacrifice. The man who deliberately wanders from God in the full blaze of light will find, when he wishes to set his face to return, that briers and thorns have grown up in his path, and he must not be surprised or discouraged if he is compelled to travel long with torn and bleeding feet. The most fearful and most to be dreaded evidence of man’s fall from a better state is the fact that it costs so much to get back. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour.” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 165.
  2. We must learn the lesson of self-denial—this is a lesson of the cross that we must learn if we are to enter heaven. “Some hardly know as yet what self-denial is, or what it is to suffer for the truth’s sake, but none will enter heaven without making a sacrifice . . . Those who are willing to make any sacrifice for eternal life will have it, and it will be worth all that it costs. The far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory will eclipse every earthly pleasure.” Review and Herald, August 5, 1884.

Everyone can be saved but most will not, because they are not willing to meet the condition upon which the gift of eternal life is promised. This condition stated in simple language is that each of us, by a conscious decision, choose to surrender our own way, our own will, our own plans, our own ideas, everything that belongs to us and accept in exchange the will and mind and life of Christ. This means a rejection of our past sinful life (repentance) and trustful acceptance of an altogether new life that begins to be lived out and continues to be lived out moment by moment, by faith, until we attain “to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 505.

“If heaven is gained by us at last, it will be only through the renunciation of self, and the receiving of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified, and the vacuum supplied with the Spirit and power of God. Are we willing to pay the price required of us for eternal life? Are we ready to sit down and count the cost, and conclude that heaven is worth the sacrifice of dying to self, of having our will brought into perfect conformity with the will of God? Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God will not be manifested upon us. When we present our emptied nature to God, He will by His Holy Spirit supply the vacuum made by the renunciation of self, and give us of His fullness.” Signs of the Times, November 21, 1892.

 

Will you make it to heaven? Only if you choose now to pay the price.

 

Editorial — When Christians Work for the Devil

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It has often been the case that the most dedicated Christians end up working for the devil! We rarely glimpse our own weaknesses and narrowness of mind. We can feel it when we are on the receiving end of some other “Christian” doing the work of the devil, but rarely do we have the gift to see ourselves as we are seen (and felt).

It took Servetus three hours to die, by burning (with green wood), and this was instigated, at least in part, by John Calvin. Melanchthon wrote to the instigators of this murder, and said that “the church will always owe a debt of gratitude to you for putting the heretic to death!”

If we are going to heaven we must repent and quit doing the work of the devil. Don’t you agree A transformation must come in our speech and actions. Ellen White said about this subject: “Do not strive to have your own way. If other people do not agree with you, do not make a mountain [out] of a mole-hill and feel that you can no longer be united with them in the Lord Jesus. Do not lose your affection and love for those who do not wholly agree with you. Let not the little differences that arise be made an occasion to break up the unity that should exist among brethren. This is the work of Satan. When you quarrel with your brethren, when you are selfish and are jealous if you do not get your own way, you show that you are not meek and lowly.

“Do not allow your individuality to become prominent. If differences arise, do not insist on having your own way, thereby creating strife. Let your individual preferences be unexpressed, when you see that they would create discord. “Unless some question of vital importance is involved, be ready to yield your own opinion rather than to create a dispute. Even though you may by argument gain your point, yet you may place a burden upon someone else, far outweighing the advantage you think you will gain. It is hard to heal the wounds caused by harsh words.

“Often you may preserve peace by guarding the tongue. Never introduce into your conversation matters that will create strife, hurting your own soul and the souls of others. Keep your differences to yourself. Tell them only to God.

“Do not let Satan mold and fashion you. He ever stands ready to put evil insinuations into your mind. He seeks to justify himself in his course of rebellion against God, by demonstrating that human beings upon the earth can no more keep the law of God than could he and his angels in heaven.

‘Ye are not your own.’ The Lord Jesus has a right to your wholehearted and faithful, persevering energies. ‘For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. “The home is a school, where all may learn how they are to act in the church. When all are members of the royal family, there will be true politeness in the home life. Each member of the family will seek to make it pleasant for every other member. The angels of God, who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, will help you to make your family a model of the heavenly family. “Let there be peace in the home, and there will be peace in the church. This precious experience, brought into the church, will be a means of creating a kindly affection one for another. Quarrels will cease. True Christian courtesy will be seen among church members. The world will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and have learned of Him. What an impression the church would make upon the world, if all the members would live Christian lives.

“Much may be gained by self-discipline in the home life. If the husband and wife show respect for each other, a healthful, wholesome atmosphere will pervade the home. Let each make life as pleasant as possible for the other. Cultivate respect in the speech. Preserve unity and love. Satan will have no power over those who fully control themselves in the home.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 67–70.

 

Editorial – The Abomination of Desolation

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One of the major themes of the book of Daniel (chapters 8:10–13; 9:26, 27; 11:29–35; 12:8–13) is the abomination of desolation. Jesus told His disciples to understand what it meant when Daniel said it would stand where it should not (Mark 13) or in the Holy Place (Matthew 24).

Adventists have understood this abomination as referring to events in past history—the destruction of Jerusalem and His church being trampled for 42 months—but it also refers to events in the future. See the following quotes by Ellen White:

“As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 464, 465.

“Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. … He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. …

“There was one object before the praying ones—the final and eternal salvation of their souls. This object was before them constantly—that immortal life was promised to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how earnest and fervent had been their desires. The judgment and eternity were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed on the blazing throne, before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This restrained them from the indulgence of sin.” Last Day Events, 164, 165.

“One effort more, and then Satan’s last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.” Ibid., 165.

Editorial – The Law of Moses

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In the days of the apostles a dispute arose over circumcision and the question of whether Gentile Christians needed to keep “the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5). So there is a law that is referred to in scripture as “the law of Moses,” and it includes circumcision even though circumcision goes back to the time of Abraham. We know that Moses received those precepts from the Lord Jesus Christ and so the law of Moses can also rightfully be called the “law of the Lord.” See Luke 1:22–24 where the two terms are used synonymously. This law of Moses was referred to by Peter as a yoke which neither their fathers nor they themselves had been able to bear. Paul refers to it as a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). The yoke of bondage that Peter and Paul were talking about is not simply the law of Moses, but the teaching that had developed that you were justified, or made righteous, by the keeping of that law (Galatians 5:4).

When we compare all the texts in the New Testament, and if we believe that truth is always consistent with itself in all its manifestations and therefore must always agree with itself, we are forced to the conclusion that there are two laws—one which is unchangeable and will last for eternity and the other which was temporary and ceased to be in force after the death of Christ. This conclusion is actually made first of all in the writings of Moses. In Exodus 24:12, the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give to you tablets of stone, and a law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” You notice in this verse of Scripture that there is a document written by God on stone and that this document is called “a law.” Obviously then the Ten Commandments constitute one law. The Ten Commandments are not ten laws but one law (James 2:12). There are many more lines of evidence to support this conclusion. However, before we examine them in another editorial, we must understand something about the law of Moses that many Christians do not seem to comprehend.

The law of Moses contains many precepts which are simply explanations of the meaning of the Ten Commandments. As such, these precepts were not part of a temporary law but are as unchangeable as the Ten Commandments. Examples of this would be Leviticus 18 which explains the seventh commandment; the health laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 which explain the breadth of the sixth commandment; and the instructions about mixed marriages in Deuteronomy 7 which explain, in part, the meaning of the first commandment. (To be continued.)

Editorial — The Abomination Of Desolation

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Matthew says, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.” Matthew 24:15, 16. Luke says it this way: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” Luke 21:20–22.

Jesus was here answering two questions asked by His disciples. The questions were, “When shall these things [the destruction of the Jewish temple] be? And what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3. The disciples mistakenly thought they were asking only one question. Thus “the prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day.” The Great Controversy, 25.

What will be the sign today that the Roman armies have besieged Jerusalem? The prophet of God has not left us to guess, but has clearly told us what the sign for flight will be. “As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. And now, instead of seeking expensive dwellings here, we should be preparing to move to a better country, even a heavenly.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 464, 465.

“When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.

“As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return.” Ibid., 451.

In that fearful day, men in responsible positions in God’s professed church will work contrary to God. Speaking of these men the prophet says: “In churches and in large gatherings in the open air, ministers will urge upon the people the necessity of keeping the first day of the week.” Review and Herald, March 18, 1884.

God has warned us of this fearful time. “The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 81.

Are we among those who are enjoying the comforts of the world and waiting for some future time to make a thorough preparation for eternity? “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.” Early Writings, 71.

Dear reader, may this not be your experience. In the name of Jesus, who died for us, I plead with you to make your calling and election sure. Agonize with God in prayer to help you make that necessary preparation, before it is too late. He will never turn one weeping contrite one away. In the fearful days ahead, you can be among that number who have found a place of safety and shelter in the Rock of Ages.

 

Editorial — To All the Believers Around the World

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The year of 1997 has slipped into the annuls of history. What is on the record? What have we done for Jesus? Have we strengthened the feeble knees that hang down? Have we dared to risk everything to spread the Three Angels’ Messages? Have we stood boldly against apostasy?

Another year has now come. What will we do for Jesus this year? We must take a united stand against error. It is time for us to gird on the armour of God and take up our charges against the enemy of truth. It is not time to be downcast and discouraged. We must lift up our heads, for our redemption draweth nigh. Jesus is coming soon. When it looks as though all is lost, then it is that God will work. David said, “It is time for the Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law.” Psalms 119:126.

As we look around us, we can surely see that that time has come again. The world is trampling on the law of God, and worse yet, those who profess to be God’s elect are teaching that God’s law cannot be kept. I am ashamed to hear of it and ashamed to write it. God’s professed people have dishonored His name. The barriers of God’s holy law are being weakened and torn down within God’s professed church. “Those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 209.

It is time to raise a cry of warning, a cry full of love and entreaty. It is a time to expose the prevailing iniquity in the world and the church, in hopes that some may be saved. “While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any.” Ibid., 210.

Do we love the souls for whom Jesus died? Then, in the name of our all powerful Redeemer, tell them (and show them) that through His grace we can and must keep His law. Warn them that those who despise His law will perish in their iniquities. Assure them that the only way of peace is to turn from sin and to learn to love and obey God’s law. Jesus will never turn one weeping, contrite one away. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3. But those who cling to sin and worldliness will eventually pass the boundaries of His grace.

The day is coming when even respected ministers and leaders, who have been indifferent to the prevailing apostasy, will cross that fearful boundary. “Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God’s mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy.” Ibid., 212.

Oh, what a fearful day that will be! Only those who are sheltered under God’s wings of truth, those whose minds are fortified with the Bible, will be saved. Will you and I be among that blessed number?

Let us make 1998 a great year of preparation to meet Jesus. “It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character . . .

“What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.

“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” Ibid., 215, 216.

May you be among that blessed number!

 

Editorial — This Man has a Devil, part 2

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In our first look at this subject we saw how Jesus was considered to be possessed of a demon by earthly relatives. The Apostle Paul was considered insane and thought to be serving the devil. (See Sketches from the Life of Paul 59, 259.) Paul said that he and Apollos were the refuse of the world and the offscouring of all things. He was not just talking about the heathen—at that very time he was being judged by the church in Corinth and they said his speech was contemptible. (See 1 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 10.) The spirit in that church resulted in their losing one of the greatest Christian teachers—Apollos hastily left Corinth because of the strife in the church.

To God’s professed people (the professed church) the Master of the House said, “Behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and of them you shall kill and crucify; and of them you shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth.” Matthew 23:34, 35.

Will the history of the Jews be repeated by modern Israel? “Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 609.

“Those who believe and teach the truths of God’s word in these last days, meet with similar opposition [as Paul in Lystra from the professed people of God] from unprincipled persons who will not accept the truth, and who do not hesitate to prevaricate, and even to circulate the most glaring falsehoods in order to destroy the influence and hedge up the way of those whom God has sent with a message of warning to the world. While one class make the falsehoods and circulate them, another class are so blinded by the delusions of Satan as to receive them as the words of truth. They are in the toils of the arch-enemy, while they flatter themselves that they are the children of God.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 60. [All emphasis supplied.]

We must face the reality that, in practice, Ellen White has been rejected as a prophet for a long time. While we have professed to believe in her as a prophet, many Adventists not only reject some of the plainest things that she wrote but oppose anybody who is conscientiously trying to live according to these testimonies of God’s Spirit.

In 1888 the Adventist people rejected what could have been the beginning of the latter rain and the loud cry and the final finishing of God’s work on the earth.

Following 1888 the brethren sent Ellen White to Australia, which she said was not God’s will. (See 1888 Materials, 1622.) After thirteen crisis years, there was an attempt to correct the problems at the 1901 General Conference. This 1901 General Conference was in essence reversed at the 1903 General Conference. During this time, the devil was trying to destroy the second Advent movement completely, by attacking it from multiple directions at once with the pantheism crisis, then the Ballenger crisis, which eventually took root in the Adventist church in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

When the Lord sent messengers to Adventism, they were rejected by the majority and all manner of false charges were used to destroy their influence. This has happened many times but just a few cases will suffice to prove the case. In 1904, when the Lord directed through the Spirit of Prophecy in the development of Madison Sanitarium and College, by Sutherland and Magan, the message on educational reform was not accepted. Rather, it was largely rejected by leaders in the General Conference and, consequently most leaders never accepted this institution. (One of the highest officials in this school when it was finally closed by church leaders, told me that its closure was entirely unnecessary.) The Lord sent reformer after reformer to bring Adventism back into harmony with Divine Counsel. Julius Gilbert White was not accepted. B.G. Wilkinson was not accepted. W.D. Frazee was not accepted. Strong opposition and charges were leveled against these reformers. Where did these charges come from—not from Babylon generally, but from the professed remnant of God. Elder Frazee’s father told me privately that the brethren “scorched him.” I heard charges against him at Loma Linda in the late 1970’s and both earlier and later in the south. With such a history—a history of almost constant rejection of every reformer that has appeared in Adventism for over 100 years, what should we expect as we approach the last great crisis? “If they have called the Master of the House Beelzebub how much more those of His household.” Matthew 10:25. This has special meaning in the very last days as we shall see.

 

Editorial — This Man has a Devil, part 1

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The disciples (and all the followers of Jesus when He dwelt among men) would never have come to Jesus had they listened to the leaders of the professed people of God. They would have stayed away and denounced Him as an imposter. (See The Desire of Ages, 213.) “He who had come to break the power of Satan would be denounced as Beelzebub.” The Desire of Ages, 111. The leaders of God’s chosen professed people became the instruments of Satan. (See The Desire of Ages, 36, 206.) They tried, by every means in their power, to keep God’s professed people from the only means of salvation. But to hate Christ was to love death. (Proverbs 8:36.)

When this One was denounced by the leaders as an imposter or as one possessed of the devil, (John 7:19, 20, 25; 8:48, 52; 10:20) He sent out His disciples to speak in His name. He also pronounced a future judgement on those who would reject the message of truth. To reject the truth, or the messenger of truth, is to reject the author of truth, by whom both the message and the messenger are sent. Jesus said, “Whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14, 15. And again, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” Matthew 10:40, 41. This has universal application: “Most assuredly I say to you, He who receives whomever I send, receives Me; and he that receives Me receives Him that sent Me.” John 13:20.

When the Father sent His Son into the world, His professed people hated and despised the divine revelation. Several times they attempted to kill Him. (See Luke 4:29; John 7:30; 8:58; 10:31.) They expressed their resentment with the worst condemnation that they could conjure up concerning His life, miracles and teachings. They accused Him of working through Satan (Matthew 9:34), and concerning this common epithet against Him they said to Jesus, “Do we not say well that You have a devil?”

Even His closest friends and earthly relatives were so dismayed by His life, His attitude and His relationship to the leaders of the church that they feared He was becoming insane: “They were unable to account for His attitude toward the Pharisees, and there were some who feared that His reason was becoming unsettled. His brothers heard of this, and also of the charge brought by the Pharisees that He cast out devils through the power of Satan. They felt keenly the reproach that came upon them through their relation to Jesus. They knew what a tumult His words and works created, and were not only alarmed at His bold statements, but indignant at His denunciation ofthe scribes and Pharisees.” The Desire of Ages, 321.

We plan to look at the reason for all this later, but first we need to understand that if we are following in the footsteps of Jesus we will face similar situations to what He did. Inspiration says, “The trials of the children of Israel, and their attitude just before the first coming of Christ, have been presented before me again and again to illustrate the position of the people of God in their experience before the second coming of Christ.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 406.

Christ’s servants just before the second coming of Christ will go through experiences very similar to what Jesus went through when He was here. Their worst enemies will not be from Babylon, Tyre or even from Sodom, but rather their worse enemies will be from God’s professed people. Those who profess to be modern Israel, and who possess not only the Bible but the Spirit of Prophecy, will become their worst enemies.

“While they [the professed people of God—Israel] professed to have great zeal for the honor of God and the good of Israel, they were the worst enemies of both.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 230. “Paul’s worst enemies were among the Jews, who made the highest claims to godliness . . . The most bitter opposers of truth to-day are found among those who profess to be its defenders.” Ibid., 278.

“The worst enemies we have are those who are trying to destroy the influence of the watchmen upon the walls of Zion.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 294.

“If they have called the Master of the House [who was sinless and had a perfect character] Beelzebub, how much more those of His?” Matthew 10:25.

 

Editorial — The Passive Generation

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There is a time to be passive: “When self ceases to wrestle for the supremacy, and the heart is worked by the Holy Spirit, the soul lies perfectly passive; and then the image of God is mirrored upon the heart.” Sons and Daughters, 142.

But while we are to be passive under the remolding and fashioning of the character by the hand of God, we cannot be saved if our characters are only passive: “A passive piety will not answer for this time; let the passiveness be manifested where it is needed, in patience, kindness, and forbearance. But we must bear a decided message of warning to the world. The Prince of Peace thus proclaimed His work, ‘I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword.’ Evil must be assailed; falsehood and error must be made to appear in their true character; sin must be denounced; and the testimony of every believer in the truth must be as one. All your little differences which arouse the combative spirit among brethren, are devices of Satan to divert minds from the great and fearful issue before us.” General Conference Bulletin, February 6, 1893.

One of the great dangers of our time is passivity. In 1964, it made national news when 38 people saw a person being murdered in a large American city and not one of them did anything significant to help the victim. Many people were shocked. But people are much more passive than in 1964. The most glaring departures from the faith that Adventists have espoused for over 100 years are scarcely even noticed by many. “The church is asleep.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 159. Upon those who are spiritually asleep the end of all things will come as a snare, as an overwhelming surprise. (Matthew 25; 1 Thessalonians 5.) This will happen also to many Adventists: “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. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” I saw that none could share the “refreshing” unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.” Early Writings, 71.

“When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again . . .While their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 191.

Inspired: “But man is no passive being, to be saved in indolence. He is called upon to strain every muscle and exercise every faculty in the struggle for immortality, yet it is God that supplies the efficiency. No human being can be saved in indolence. The Lord bids us, ‘Strive to enter in at the strait gate.’ ” Counsels to Teachers, 366.

“We are not to be altogether passive, thinking that there has been no task allotted to those who would win immortality. No; no; God calls upon us to do our best with the powers that He has given us,—to put to the stretch every faculty, and exercise every ability, that we may not fail of everlasting life. That man can be saved in indolence, in inactivity, is an utter impossibility.” Review and Herald, October 30, 1888.