Editorial

Editorial – Will Few Be Saved? (Luke 13:23)

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Felix was convicted on the truth when the apostle Paul spoke to him of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. Paul showed him that God’s law “extends to the deep secrets of man’s moral nature and throws a flood of light upon that which has been concealed from the sight and knowledge of men. … The law searches his thoughts, motives, and purposes. The dark passions that lie hidden from the sight of men, the jealousy, hatred, lust, and ambition, the evil deeds meditated upon in the dark recesses of the soul, yet never executed for want of opportunity—all these God’s law condemns.” The Acts of the Apostles, 424

“[Felix] saw himself licentious, cruel, rapacious. Never before had the truth been thus brought home to his heart. Never before had his soul been so filled with terror. The thought that all the secrets of his career of crime were open before the eye of God, and that he must be judged according to his deeds, caused him to tremble with dread.

“But instead of permitting his convictions to lead him to repentance, he sought to dismiss these unwelcome reflections. … ‘Go thy way for this time,’ he said; ‘when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ ” Ibid., 425, 426

That convenient season never came and you will not see Felix in the kingdom of heaven. Paul had plainly declared to him “that there would surely come a day of judgment when all would be rewarded according to the deeds done in the body … . He showed that this life is man’s time of preparation for the future life. Should he neglect present privileges and opportunities he would suffer an eternal loss; no new probation would be given him.” Ibid., 424

But Felix lost his golden opportunity. There have been multitudes of people in every generation who have planned to be saved, but they wanted to do something else first. “The first step taken in the path of unbelief and rejection of light is a dangerous thing … .” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 226

“[I]f there is a neglect to follow the light, it becomes darkness.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 263

“Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.” Steps to Christ, 48

Editorial – The Big Surprise

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“In such an hour as you think not the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 24:44

“We are now to make diligent work for eternity. Only for a very short time longer will the Lord bear with the gross wickedness that fills the world. Oh, how suddenly will the end come, surprising the world in their increasing iniquity.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 65

“The solemn fact is to be kept not only before the people of the world, but before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 336

“There are those who are waiting and watching and working for our Lord’s appearing. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to shun and a heaven to win.

“The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. … Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying, and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation’s hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. …

“Solemnly there come to us down through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives: ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’ ‘Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 636

“Men are now passing the boundary line, and the Lord is permitting the enemy to do his will. … God is now about to repress iniquity. He will soon, very soon, vindicate the claims of His law.” The Review and Herald, November 23, 1905

“Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet Him cannot be attained in a moment. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and watching, combined with earnest work.” Ibid., November 12, 1914

Editorial – About Not Giving Up

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Abraham Lincoln failed in romance, business, and politics, but today, he is remembered as one of the greatest men—greatest presidents—of all time. Imagine what would have happened if he had given up.

Thomas Edison’s teachers thought him to be a failure in school and that he would never amount to much. But Edison had a quality of mind his teachers didn’t see—he didn’t give up. He said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” In spite of many failures, he succeeded in perfecting and patenting the first electric light and pioneering public electricity in New York City.

We need this same tenacity and persistence in the endeavor to be fit to receive the gift of eternal life and immortality when Jesus comes. “ ‘Strive,’ said Jesus, ‘to enter in at the strait gate’ (Luke 13:24). … All his endeavors will be in vain if he has not virtue of character, a practical knowledge of Christ through obedience to all His requirements. Those who have faith must be careful to show their faith by their works.

“It is common for men and women to speak of themselves as Christians whose whole claim lies in the assuming of the name. They do not reveal that they are partakers of the divine nature. They do not reveal love for Jesus or for religious things. As far as their words and their spirit and their character are concerned, no one would suspect they were Christians. Their assent to the truth has no virtue. This counts for nothing in the sight of God.

“True faith works by love and purifies the soul. Truth is an active, working principle, molding heart and life so that there is a constant upward movement.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 340, 341

Editorial – Disappointment Usually Brings Unbelief

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“Into the experience of all there come times of disappointment and discouragement, days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earth-born children—days when troubles harass the soul till death seems preferable to life. It is at such times that many lose their hold on God, and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual sight the meaning of God’s providences, we should see angels of God seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills; and new faith, new life, would spring into being.” The Review and Herald, October 16, 1913

Job, in the day of affliction and darkness, said to God, “I wish I’d never been born. All these things have happened to me and my grief and fear are too great for me to bear. My life is pointless and I hate it. Please, my God, let me die, and then I will have peace.” (Job 3:1; 6:2, 8–10; and 7:11, 15, 16)

But God did not let Job die, instead giving him a message of hope. “Job, you are faithful and should not fear to live. Misery and suffering are like water that soon washes away. I will make your life to be like the sunshine in the morning. I will keep you safe.” (Job 11:15–19)

Job’s heart was uplifted with implicit trust in the mercy and power of God, and with triumphant rejoicing he declared:

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. … He also shall be my salvation … . For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth. And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 13:15, 16; Job 19:25–27

“The Lord … revealed to His servant the might of His power. When Job caught a glimpse of his Creator, he abhorred himself, and repented in dust and ashes. Then the Lord was able to bless him abundantly, and to make his last years the best of his life.” The Review and Herald, October 16, 1913

Editorial – Teaching Courtesy to Children

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Jesus was always an example of true courtesy. He “was never cold and unapproachable. The afflicted often broke in upon His retreat when He needed refreshment and rest, but He had a kind look and an encouraging word for all. He was a pattern of true courtesy.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 488

Heaven is a place where all the inhabitants are courteous to each other, and now is the time to become courteous as Jesus always was. Ellen White wrote about 150 years ago of the necessity of teaching courtesy to our children.

“No pleasanter sight is there than a family of young folks who are quick to perform little acts of attention toward their elders. … But if mamma never returns a smiling ‘Thank you, dear,’ if papa’s ‘Just what I was wanting, Susie,’ does not indicate that the little attention is appreciated, the children soon drop the habit. … By example, a thousand times more quickly than by precept, can children be taught to speak kindly to each other, to acknowledge favors, to be gentle and unselfish, to be thoughtful and considerate of the comfort of the family.

“Scolding is never allowable; reproof and criticism from parents must have their time and place, but should never intrude so far upon the social life of the family as to render the home uncomfortable. A serious word in private will generally cure a fault more easily than many public criticisms. In some families, a spirit of contradiction and discussion mars the harmony… . It interferes seriously with social freedom when unimportant inaccuracies are watched for, and exposed for the mere sake of exposure. Brothers and sisters also sometimes acquire an almost unconscious habit of teasing each other, half in earnest, half in fun. This is particularly uncomfortable for everybody else, whatever doubtful pleasure the parties themselves may experience.

“In the home where true courtesy prevails, it seems to meet you on the very threshold. You feel the kindly welcome on entering. No rude eyes scan your dress. No angry voices are heard upstairs. No sullen children are sent from the room. No peremptory orders are given to cover the delinquencies of housekeepers or servants. A delightful atmosphere pervades the house—unmistakable, yet indescribable.” The Health Reformer, February 1, 1874

Editorial – Why the Law Cannot Be Changed

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“The kingdom of heaven is of a higher order than any earthly kingdom. Whether we shall have a higher position or a lower position, will not be determined by our rank, wealth, or education, but by the character of the obedience rendered to the word of God. Those who have been actuated by selfishness and human ambition, who have been striving to be greatest, who have been self-important, who have felt above confessing mistakes and errors, will have no place in the kingdom of God. Whether men will be honored as members of the royal family of God, will be determined by the manner in which they bear the test and proving of God that is brought to bear upon them in this life. … The laws of Christ’s kingdom are unalterable; for they have their foundation in His own unchangeable righteous character. Not one of His precepts will be weakened or altered in the slightest degree. Heaven and earth will pass away rather than one tittle of His law shall fail.” The Review and Herald, March 26, 1895

“Abraham recognized the fact that Jehovah had a law, and he determined that he would keep that law as the apple of His eye. He recognized the fact that he was amenable to the Lawgiver, and he would not be turned aside from his duty. God rules by the combined influence of authority and affection, and blessings follow in the track of those who obey His law. The Holy One has given us rules by which we are to be guided to the courts of heaven, and these rules form the standard, from which there can be no turning aside. The first principles of holiness are yet to be learned when God’s voice is not heard and obeyed as the supreme authority.” The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1895

“If you are careful, prompt, and conscientious in your homelife; if in your prayers you claim the Lord’s promises, and expect an answer; if you discharge your duties faithfully, you will not be left to stumble on in darkness. The Lord of heaven will be present with you; by His Holy Spirit He will guide you. Everyone who is to receive the overcomer’s reward must first overcome every sin; and not until he overcomes through divine grace, can he entertain hope of entering the haven of eternal bliss.” Testimonies to the Church Regarding Individual Responsibility and Christian Unity, 13

Editorial – What If?

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What would happen if every professed Christian decided today that following Jesus Christ in faithful discipleship and willing obedience to His instruction, would be the number one priority in life?

Many people who profess to be Christians are afraid to make this decision although it is a prerequisite to being one of Jesus’ followers. The reason is because of the devil’s lies. The devil tempts people to distrust God when they are perplexed by circumstances or dealing with poverty or sickness because God has allowed such conditions to exist.

A more enticing temptation is the offer of the kingdom of this world. It was this that caused the fall of the early church in the first few hundred years after Christ. It works like this: “By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were offered Christ, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would not be bought; He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not abandon His purpose. With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here he has better success than with Christ. To men he offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience, indulge selfishness. … While he allures them with the hope of worldly dominion, he gains dominion over the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 130

But amid all the pretense and false professions by millions of Christians, God has always had a remnant, for whom following Christ in faithful discipleship and in obedience to His word is the first priority in life.

“Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word.” The Great Controversy, 464

Editorial – Tyranny and Tyrants

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When the fathers of the United States signed the Declaration of Independence, they stated that their reason for making this declaration was that “[t]he history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. …” They then listed over thirty complaints among which were, making judges subject to his will alone, creating a police state, depriving citizens of trial by jury and sending armies of mercenaries to support his tyranny. They concluded by saying, “… In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”

Notice their repeated charge was that King George was a tyrant, and they had decided to free themselves from his tyranny. All these excesses, and more, could happen again in the United States or in any nation, but what is more important is to know that the devil is the real tyrant. Human beings become tyrants because they are under his control.

“The time of trouble is the crucible that is to bring out Christlike characters. It is designed to lead the people of God to renounce Satan and his temptations. The last conflict will reveal Satan … [as] a cruel tyrant, and it will do for them what nothing else could do, uproot him entirely from their affections. …

“The work of the enemy is not abrupt … it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It commences in small things—the neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him wholly … . Our only safety is in searching the Scriptures and in being much on our knees before God, entreating Him to imbue us with His Spirit, that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall for us lift up a standard against him.” The Review and Herald, August 12, 1884

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:11, 12

Editorial – Seekest Thou Great Things for Thyself? Seek Them Not.

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John Harvey Kellogg was a visionary who also had the ability to get the entire Adventist denomination deeply in debt with his propositions for many medical buildings in the United States and Mexico for which there was not adequate funding. At the turn of the twentieth century the Adventist institutional indebtedness was approximately half a million dollars. To give some perspective regarding the size of this debt, physicians and ministers working for the denomination were only paid $12-$15 per week. Dr. Kellogg had a vision for Battle Creek to be the worldwide headquarters for the Adventist medical work.

At the same time, the leaders in the Adventist publishing work wanted to make Battle Creek a worldwide publishing center with the publishing house in Oakland, California, and the publishing work in Nashville, Tennessee, simply subsidiaries directed and controlled from Battle Creek.

Many reproofs and cautions against centralization were delivered, apparently in vain. But on February 18, 1902, the Battle Creek Sanitarium burned to the ground. On December 30, 1902, the Review and Herald building burned to the ground. God’s word does not return to Him void. If men will not listen to warning or reproof, He has other ways of speaking.

What happened in Battle Creek at the turn of the twentieth century is a warning to the whole world today. God gives warnings, reproofs, and rebukes. For 177 years, He has sent messengers all over the world with the three angels’ messages, the last message of warning and available mercy for the repentant. If we do not listen, what is going to happen?

“We are warned that the Lord will come suddenly, surprising the world in their idolatrous wickedness.” Letter 243, 1903

“The solemn fact is to be kept not only before the people of the world, but before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly. The fearful warning of the prophecy is addressed to every soul. Let no one feel that he is secure from the danger of being surprised.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 336

Editorial – What Is Your Attitude Toward Sin?

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Sin is the breaking of God’s law and your attitude toward sin is a revelation: (1) whether you are converted, (2) whether you are getting ready to go to heaven or hell, and (3) whether or not you are sanctified (Hebrews 12; 1 Peter 1).

“The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. … While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.” The Desire of Ages, 306

“Christ hated one thing only, and that was sin. But although He represented in His spotless character the character of His Father, yet the world hated and refused Him. … The atmosphere that surrounded His soul was so pure, so elevated, that it placed the hypocritical rabbis, priests, and rulers in their true position, and revealed them in their real character as claiming sanctity, while misrepresenting God and His truth. … when He reproved sin, made open war upon selfishness, oppression, hypocrisy, pride, covetousness, and lust, they hunted Him down as a malefactor.” The Bible Echo, April 9, 1894

“We are never alone. Whether we choose Him or not, we have a companion. Remember that wherever you are, whatever you do, God is there. Nothing that is said or done or thought can escape His attention. To your every word or deed you have a witness—the holy, sin-hating God. Before you speak or act, always think of this.” The Ministry of Healing, 490

“A sin-hating God calls upon those who claim to keep His law to depart from all iniquity. A neglect to repent and to render willing obedience will bring upon men and women today as serious consequences as came upon ancient Israel.” Prophets and Kings, 416

“Do you see the defects in your character, and are you compelled to admit that you have made no decided advance in overcoming these unholy traits? Remember that if not overcome, these will surely separate you from the presence of a pure, holy, sin-hating God, and close the doors of the heavenly mansions against you.” The Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883