Editorial — Can You See the Dividing Line?

God has drawn a separating line and the devil is constantly at work to blur the separating line and get God’s professed people to overstep the line unto the enchanted ground as he did to Eve in the garden when he caused the ruin of the human race. Through the messenger to the Remnant we have been given strict instruction about being separate from evil whatever may be its garb: “All error is mixed with truth, and this makes the deceptions of Satan harder to see.” This Day With God, 163

When our people have so little discernment that they will strengthen the hands of him who lies and continues to do evil, they make themselves accountable for his evil course…when men and women will take the side of those who are working against the truth, the Lord will not keep them…Now we cannot come into willing association and intercourse with the workers of evil.” Manuscript Release, vol. 18, 55,56. “I saw that God would separate the precious from the vile. There would be truth or something from God to call for a decision, and the corrupt would have not disposition to receive that call for a decision, but are separated from the precious by the precious receiving this truth [that] by the others [was] neglected. Here is the separation made. God will work in mysterious ways to save the true, honest ones.’ Manuscript Release, vol. 18, 250.

“As character develops man and woman will take their position, for varied circumstances brought to bear upon them will cause them to reveal the spirit which prompts them to action. Every one will reveal the character of the bundle with which he is binding himself. The wheat is being bound up for the heavenly garner. The true people of God are now bound up for the heavenly garner. The true people of God are now pulling apart, and the tares are being bound in bundles ready to burn. Decided positions will be taken. Satan will move upon minds that have been indulged, upon men who have always had their own way, and anything presented to them in counsel or reproof to change their objectionable traits of character is considered faultfinding, binding them, straining them, that they cannot have liberty to act themselves.” 1888 Materials, 995. “The time is soon coming when the work of God’s judgments will begin at His sanctuary. God Himself is now drawing the line.” Letter 3, Jan. 1, 1900

“Vice is not to be commingled with virtue.” Upward Look, 23

“The churches, represented by Babylon, are represented as having fallen from their spiritual state to become a persecuting power against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To John this persecuting power is represented as having horns like a lamb, but as speaking like a dragon.” Manuscript 139, October 1903

“Those whom God has exalted to high positions of truth may turn from heaven’s light to human wisdom. Their light will then become darkness, their God-entrusted capabilities a snare, their character an offense to God. God will not be mocked. A departure from Him has been and always will be followed by its sure results. The commission of acts that displease God will, unless decidedly repented of and forsaken, instead of seeking to justify them, lead the evildoer on step by step in deception till many sins are committed with impunity. All who would possess a character that would make them laborers together with God and receive the commendation of God, must separate themselves form the enemies of God, and maintain the truth which Christ gave to John to give to the world.” Manuscript 139, October 23, 1903.

“We must stand apart from those who are determined to make shipwreck of the faith. We must not sell our Lord at any price. We are to refuse to listen to the sophistries that have been brought in to make of no effect the truth for this time. Not a stone is to be moved in the foundation of this truth—not a pillar moved.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 188.

“Many sapless and unfruitful branches are to be removed from the parent vine…Every deviation from the truth as we have advocated it in the past a departure from truth that has been witnessed by the Holy Spirit, and upon which God has placed His seal.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 189

“The time has come when the Lord would have all who will honor Him take their stand firmly on the side of truth and righteousness. No longer are we to be a mixed multitude.” Manuscript Release, vol. 3, 226.

“He draws the dividing line between those who bear his name by profession, and those who character shows them to be His children.” The Signs of the Times, June 30, 1881.