| 
INTRODUCTION
TWO KINDS OF UNITY
TRUE UNITY – OUR GREAT NEED TODAY
WE MUST BE UNIFORM IN SUBJECTS OF MAJOR
DOCTRINES
DIFFERENCES MAY EXIST IN SUBJECTS OF MINOR
IMPORTANCE
NON-ESSENTIAL AND UNIMPORTANT SUBJECTS
OF HARLOTS, FOOLS—AND THE FATHER OF
LIES
THE WORLD AND THE COUNTERFEIT REFORMATIONS
IN FALSE UNITY
HOLINESS
THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST
A SOLEMN COVENANT
GOD’S HOLY LAW AND HIS CALL FOR UNITY
GOD’S COMMAND AND CALL
|
NON-ESSENTIAL
AND UNIMPORTANT SUBJECTS
1. MATTERS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE MADE INTO TEST OF
FELLOWSHIP
“There were some who had capabilities to help the church,
but who needed first to set their own hearts in order. Some had
been bringing in false tests, and had made their own ideas and
notions a criterion, magnifying matters of little importance into
tests of Christian fellowship, and binding heavy burdens upon
others. Thus a spirit of criticism, faultfinding, and dissension
had come in, which had been a great injury to the church. And
the impression was given to unbelievers that Sabbathkeeping Adventists
were a set of fanatics and extremists, and that their peculiar
faith rendered them unkind, uncourteous, and really unchristian
in character. Thus the course of a few extremists prevented the
influence of the truth from reaching the people.
“Some were making the matter of dress of first importance,
criticizing articles of dress worn by others, and standing ready
to condemn everyone who did not exactly meet their ideas. A few
condemned pictures, urging that they are prohibited by the second
commandment, and that everything of this kind should be destroyed.
“These one-idea men can see nothing except to press the
one thing that presents itself to their minds. Years ago we had
to meet this same spirit and work. Men arose claiming to have
been sent with a message condemning pictures, and urging that
every likeness of anything should be destroyed. They went to such
lengths as even to condemn clocks which had figures, or "pictures,"
upon them.”
Selected Messages, book 2, p 318-319
What is the test/sign between God and His people?
“The keeping of God’s holy law, the Sabbath, is a
test, a sign between God and His people throughout their generations
forever. Forever, this is the burden of the third angel’s
message—the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus
Christ.”
Selected Messages, book 3, p 287.
2. QUESTIONS OF NO VITAL IMPORTANCE
“Some who in Paul's day listened to the truth, raised questions
of no vital importance, presenting the ideas and opinions of men,
and seeking to divert the mind of the teacher from the great truths
of the gospel, to the discussion of non-essential theories and
the settlement of unimportant disputes. Paul knew that the laborer
for God must be wise enough to see the design of the enemy, and
refuse to be misled or diverted. The conversion of souls must
be the burden of his work; he must preach the word of God, but
avoid controversy…
“A devoted, spiritual worker will avoid bringing up minor
theoretical differences, and will devote his energies to the proclamation
of the great testing truths to be given to the world. He will
point the people to the work of redemption, the commandments of
God, the near coming of Christ; and it will be found that in these
subjects there is food enough for thought.
“In time past there have been presented to me for my opinion
many non-essential, fanciful theories. Some have advocated the
theory that believers should pray with their eyes open. Others
teach that, because those who ministered anciently in sacred office
were required, upon entering the sanctuary, to remove their sandals
and wash their feet, believers now should remove their shoes when
entering the house of worship. Still others refer to the sixth
commandment, and declare that even the insects that torment human
beings should not be killed. And some have put forth the theory
that the redeemed will not have gray hair --as if this were a
matter of any importance.
“I am instructed to say that these theories are the production
of minds unlearned in the first principles of the gospel. By such
theories the enemy strives to eclipse the great truths for this
time.
“Those who in their preaching pass by the great truths of
God's word to speak of minor matters, are not preaching the gospel,
but are dealing in idle sophistry. Let not our ministers spend
time in the discussion of such matters. Let those who have any
question as to what they should teach, any question as to the
subjects upon which they should dwell, go to the discourses of
the great Teacher, and follow His lines of thought. The subjects
that Jesus regarded as essential are the subjects that we are
to urge home today. We are to encourage our hearers to dwell upon
those subjects which are of eternal moment.
“When at one time a brother came to me with the message
that the world is flat, I was instructed to present the commission
that Christ gave His disciples, "Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations:... and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end."
[MATT. 28:19, 20.] In regard to such subjects as the flat-world
theory, God says to every soul, "What is that to thee? follow
thou Me. I have given you your commission. Dwell upon the great
testing truths for this time, not upon matters that have no bearing
upon our work."
“Workers for God should not spend time speculating as to
what conditions will prevail in the new earth. It is presumption
to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that
the Lord has not revealed. He has made every provision for our
happiness in the future life, and we are not to speculate regarding
His plans for us. Neither are we to measure the conditions of
the future life by the conditions of this life...
“When questions arise upon which we are uncertain, let us
ask, What saith the Scripture? And if the Scripture is silent
upon the question at issue, let it not be made the subject of
discussion.”
Gospel Workers, p 311-314
In the judgment, what is the only question we will
be asked of?
“The only question asked in the judgment will be, ‘Have
they been obedient to My commandments?”
Gospel Workers, p 315
3. FANCIFUL AND SPECULATIVE TEACHINGS
“In these days many deceptions are being taught as truth.
Some of our brethren have taught views which we cannot endorse.
Fanciful ideas, strained and peculiar interpretations of the Scripture
are coming in. Some of these teachings may seem to be but jots
and tittles now, but they will grow and become snares to the inexperienced.
“We have a decided work to do. Let not the enemy cause us
to swerve from the proclamation of the definite truth for this
time, and turn our attention to fanciful ideas…
“We need to search the Scriptures daily, that we may know
the way of the Lord, and that we be not deceived by religious
fallacies. The world is full of false theories and seductive spiritualistic
ideas, which tend to destroy clear spiritual perception, and to
lead away from truth and holiness. Especially at this time do
we need to heed the warning, "Let no man deceive you with
vain words" (Eph. 5:6).
“We must be careful lest we misinterpret the Scriptures.
The plain teachings of the Word of God are not to be so spiritualized
that the reality is lost sight of. Do not overstrain the meaning
of sentences in the Bible in an effort to bring forth something
odd in order to please the fancy. Take the Scriptures as they
read. Avoid idle speculation concerning what will be in the kingdom
of heaven…
“Letters have come to me, asking in regard to the teaching
of some who say that nothing that has life should be killed, not
even insects, however annoying or distressing they may be. Is
it possible that anyone claims that God has given him this message
to give to the people? The Lord has never given any human being
such a message. God has told no one that it is a sin to kill the
insects which destroy our peace and rest. In all His teaching,
Christ gave no message of this character, and His disciples are
to teach only what He commanded them.
“There are those who are always seeking to engage in controversy.
This is the sum of their religion. They are filled with a desire
to produce something new and strange. They dwell upon matters
of the smallest consequence, exercising upon these their sharp,
controversial talents.
“Idle tales are brought in as important truths, and by some
they are actually set up as tests. Thus controversy is created,
and minds are diverted from present truth. Satan knows that if
he can get men and women absorbed in trifling details, greater
questions will be left unheeded. He will furnish plenty of material
for the attention of those who are willing to think upon trifling,
unimportant subjects. The minds of the Pharisees were absorbed
with questions of no moment. They passed by the precious truths
of God's Word to discuss the traditionary lore handed down from
generation to generation, which in no way concerned their salvation.
And so today, while precious moments are passing into eternity,
the great questions of salvation are overlooked for some idle
tale...
“You have no time to engage in controversy regarding the
killing of insects. Jesus has not placed this burden upon you.
"What is the chaff to the wheat?" (Jer. 23:28). These
side issues which arise are as hay, wood, and stubble compared
with the truth for these last days. Those who leave the great
truths of God's Word to speak of such matters are not preaching
the gospel. They are dealing with the idle sophistry which the
enemy brings forward to divert minds from the truths that concern
their eternal welfare. They have no word from Christ to vindicate
their suppositions…
“Do not allow anything to draw your attention from the question,
"What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25).
This is a life and death question, which we must each settle for
eternity. Let the mind be weighted with the importance of the
solemn truth which we possess. Those who allow the mind to wander
in search of cheap, unimportant theories need to be converted.
. . .
“Erroneous theories, with no authority from the Word of
God, will come in on the right hand and the left, and to weaklings
these theories will appear as truth which makes wise. But they
are as nothingness. And yet many church members have become so
well satisfied with cheap food that they have dyspeptic religion.
Why will men and women belittle their experience by gathering
up idle tales and presenting them as matters worthy of attention?
The people of God have no time to dwell on the indefinite, frivolous
questions which have no bearing on God's requirements…
“There are men today who express their belief that there
will be marriages and births in the new earth; but those who believe
the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that
children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the "sure
word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19). The words of Christ are
too plain to be misunderstood.
“They should forever settle the question of marriages and
births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised from
the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing death,
will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the angels
of God, members of the royal family...
“Christ withheld no truths essential to our salvation. Those
things that are revealed are for us and our children, but we are
not to allow our imagination to frame doctrines concerning things
not revealed.
“The Lord has made every provision for our happiness in
the future life, but He has made no revelations regarding these
plans, and we are not to speculate concerning them. Neither are
we to measure the conditions of the future life by the conditions
of this life.
“Matters of vital importance have been plainly revealed
in the Word of God. These subjects are worthy of our deepest thought.
But we are not to search into matters on which God has been silent.
Some have put forth the speculation that the redeemed will not
have gray hair. Other foolish suppositions have been put forward,
as though these were matters of importance. May God help His people
to think rationally. When questions arise upon which we are uncertain,
we should ask, "What saith the Scripture?"…
“It is not His plan that His people shall present something
which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It
is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions
which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose
the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect
of God will in a short time know without question.
“My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths
God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in
seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. "What
shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10: 25). This
is the all-important question, and it has been clearly answered.
"What is written in the law? how readest thou?"
Selected Messages, book 1, p 169-175
4. SPECULATION REGARDING GOD’S NATURE
"Those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our
children forever;" but "the secret things belong unto
the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 29:29. The revelation of Himself
that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek
to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest
intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures
regarding the nature of God; but the effort will be fruitless.
This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can
comprehend God. Let not finite man attempt to interpret Him. Let
none indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence
is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion.”
Testimonies, vol. 8, p 279
5. TRUTH MINGLED WITH SUPPOSITIONS
“There are those who pick out from the Word of God, and
also from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs or sentences that
may be interpreted to suit their ideas, and they dwell upon these,
and build themselves up in their own positions, when God is not
leading them. Here is your danger.
“You will take passages in the Testimonies that speak of
the close of probation, of the shaking among God's people, and
you will talk of a coming out from this people of a purer, holier
people that will arise. Now all this pleases the enemy. We should
not needlessly take a course that will make differences or create
dissension. We should not give the impression that if our particular
ideas are not followed, it is because the ministers are lacking
in comprehension and in faith, and are walking in darkness.
“Your mind has been on an unnatural strain for a long time.
You have much truth, precious truth, but mingled with suppositions.
Your extreme ideas and strong language often destroy the effect
of your best efforts. Should many accept the views you advance,
and talk and act upon them, we would see one of the greatest fanatical
excitements that has ever been witnessed among Seventh-day Adventists.
This is what Satan wants…”
“And mysteries which neither you nor your hearers can understand
or explain might better be left alone…
“There is a time of trouble coming to the people of God,
but we are not to keep that constantly before the people, and
rein them up to have a time of trouble beforehand. There is to
be a shaking among God's people, but this is not the present truth
to carry to the churches....”
Selected Messages, book 1, p 179-180
6. TIME-SETTING
“Again and again have I been warned in regard to time setting.
There will never again be a message for the people of God that
will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either
for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ…
“The Lord showed me that the message must go, and that it
must not be hung on time; for time will never be a test again…
“The times and the seasons God has put in His own power.
And why has not God given us this knowledge?--Because we would
not make a right use of it if He did. A condition of things would
result from this knowledge among our people that would greatly
retard the work of God in preparing a people to stand in the great
day that is to come. We are not to live upon time excitement.
We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the
times and the seasons which God has not revealed. Jesus has told
His disciples to "watch," but not for a definite time.
His followers are to be in the position of those who are listening
for the orders of their Captain; they are to watch, wait, pray,
and work, as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord;
but no one will be able to predict just when that time will come;
for "of that day and hour knoweth no man." You will
not be able to say that He will come in one, two, or five years,
neither are you to put off His coming by stating that it may not
be for ten or twenty years.”
Selected Messages, book 1, p 188-189
More >> |
