Editorial

Editorial – The Gateways We Must Watch

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The eyes, the ears, the sense of smell, the taste, and the sense of touch are the gateways to the mind and soul of man. The devil has temptations prepared for all five of these senses and uses most effectively the eyes and the ears. It is our responsibility to guard the things we allow ourselves to see and hear.

What are you looking at? On Saturday, May 19, 1764, John Wesley wrote the following in his journal: “We rode by a great house I had frequently heard of. The front is truly noble. In the house I saw nothing remarkable but what was remarkably bad: such pictures as an honest heathen would be ashamed to receive under his roof, unless he designed his wife and daughters to be common prostitutes. And this is the high fashion!” (See Psalm 101:3.)

The ear is a particular target to bring people into sin. I recommend several good books that describe how Satan uses sound, especially music, to capture a man’s soul: What God Says about Music by Eurydice V. Osterman; The Crisis in Church Music by Dr. Jack Wheaton; or Drums, Rock and Worship: Modern Music in Today’s Church by Karl Tsatalbasidis.

Even apparently good high class music is often objectionable because of certain unfortunate components found in it. And many godly musicians seem oblivious of these things and young people are turned off by the objectionable matter which is part of the high class music.

Interestingly, John Wesley noticed this, too, and he was outspoken enough and direct enough about it to give this subject a paragraph in his journal on Wednesday, February 19, 1764: “I heard Judith an oratorio performed at the Lock. Some parts of it were exceeding fine, but there are two things in all modern pieces of music which I could never reconcile to common sense. One is singing the same words ten times over; the other, singing different words by different persons at one and the same time. And this, in the most solemn addresses to God, whether by way of prayer or of thanksgiving. This can never be defended by all the musicians in Europe till reason is quite out of date.”

“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart.” Proverbs 4:20, 21

Editorial – On Being Perfect

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Nobody can go to the kingdom of heaven who is not perfect. “The Lord requires at this time just what He required of Adam in Eden—perfect obedience to the law of God. We must have righteousness without a flaw, without a blemish. God gave His Son to die for the world, but He did not die to repeal the law which was holy and just and good. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is an unanswerable argument showing the immutability of the law. Its penalty was felt by the Son of God in behalf of guilty man, that through His merits the sinner might obtain the virtue of His spotless character by faith in His name.” Faith and Works, 89, 90

We are imperfect, but there is One who is perfect, with a divine character that He wants to impart to us: “Our claim to Christ’s righteousness is without a flaw, if we meet the conditions upon which it is promised … if we accept Christ as our personal Saviour.” Sons and Daughters of God, 189

“The Son of God so conducted His life that even His unbelieving countrymen were compelled to say, ‘He hath done all things well.’ His character was without a flaw. He did not leave the example of a life of idleness and self-indulgence, although He was heir of all things in heaven and earth, the only-begotten Son of the Father.” The Signs of the Times, November 12, 1896

“The law requires righteousness—a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can ‘be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.’ Romans 3:26.” The Desire of Ages, 762

Editorial – Have you left out of your life what is most important?

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“That which in the counsels of heaven the Father and the Son deemed essential for man’s salvation is clearly presented in the Holy Scriptures.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 438

“Christ’s words contain nothing that is nonessential. The Sermon on the Mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child can study it without misunderstanding. … Every word He uttered came from God, and He spoke with the authority of heaven. … His teaching is full of ennobling, saving truth, to which men’s highest ambitions and most profound investigations can bear no comparison. He was alive to the terrible ruin hanging over the race, and He came to save souls by His own righteousness, bringing to the world definite assurance of hope and complete relief.

“It is because Christ’s words are disregarded, because the word of God is given a second place in education, that infidelity is riot and iniquity is rife. … A mass of tradition, containing merely a semblance of truth, is brought into the courses of study given in the schools of the world. The force of much human teaching is found in assertion, not in truth. … There is a painful uncertainty, a constant searching, a reaching for assurance, that can be found only in God. The trumpet of human greatness may be sounded, but it is with an uncertain sound; it is not reliable, and the salvation of souls cannot be assured by it.

“In acquiring earthly knowledge, men have thought to gain a treasure; and they have laid the Bible aside, ignorant that it contains a treasure worth everything else. A failure to study and obey God’s word has brought confusion into the world. Men have left the guardianship of Christ for the guardianship of the great rebel… .

“When in difficulty, philosophers and men of science try to satisfy their minds without appealing to God. They ventilate their philosophy in regard to the heavens and the earth, accounting for plagues, pestilences, epidemics, earthquakes, and famines by their supposed science. Questions relating to creation and providence they attempt to solve by saying, This is a law of nature.” Ibid., 439, 440

If you are uncertain about why the world is in the mess it is in, read these predictions found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Peter 4, and 2 Peter 3.

Editorial – The Final Invitation to be Saved

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When Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform His final work as a mediator and High Priest, to perform the closing work of the atonement, He committed to His servants the last message of mercy found in Revelation 14:6–12 to give to the world.

This message exalts Christ as the sinner’s refuge (Revelation 14:6), and involves the preaching and understanding of repentance and faith (Acts 20:21). But the gospel must be presented with the law of God and the fact that we are living in the day of judgment: “Our duty to obey this law is to be the burden of this last message of mercy to the world. God’s law is not a new thing. It is not holiness created, but holiness made known. It is a code of principles expressing mercy, goodness, and love. It presents to fallen humanity the character of God, and states plainly the whole duty of man.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, 1104, 1105

“In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in this world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last message of mercy for a perishing world.” The Review and Herald, November 23, 1905

“The Lord calls upon you, O church that has been blessed with the truth! to give a knowledge of this truth to those who know it not. From one end of the world to the other must the message of Christ’s soon coming be proclaimed.” Ibid., November 17, 1910

“Those who think that they can please God by obeying some other law than His, and by performing works other than those which the gospel has enjoined, are mocking God. They are insulting the Holy One of Israel. Warning after warning is given … . The worst of sinners are to hear the call. All are to be given a final test. …”

“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.” Ibid., October 8, 1901

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