Loading...
Larger font
Smaller font
Copy
Print
Contents
  • Results
  • Related
  • Featured
No results found for: "".
  • Weighted Relevancy
  • Content Sequence
  • Relevancy
  • Earliest First
  • Latest First
    Larger font
    Smaller font
    Copy
    Print
    Contents

    Wrested From Its Context

    A brief examination of the setting of the paragraph in question, perverted by the writer as evidence of our final sentence, is sufficient to show clearly to the candid mind that it was far from the intention of the author of the Testimonies, speaking by the Spirit of Prophecy, to pronounce a final, irrevocable doom upon the church as an organization. That is left for this young man to do, under the influence of “the accuser of the brethren.” Note that the preceding paragraph is inseparably linked with the first sentence, and gives the clue to the antecedent of the pronoun “who.” Two classes are brought to view in the church, and there is also assurance of a purification.SDACBB 5.4

    “God has not changed toward His faithful servants who are keeping their garments spotless. But many are crying, ‘Peace and safety,’ while sudden destruction is coming upon them. Unless there is thorough repentance, unless men humble their hearts by confession and receive the truth as it is in Jesus, they will never enter heaven. When purification shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:250.SDACBB 6.1

    Purification where? “In our ranks,” not outside. Is the church always to remain in the condition set forth by the first part of the Laodicean message? No; we “shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing.” Thank God, there is hope for such an experience “in our ranks.”SDACBB 6.2

    Surely this is far from being a statement of hopeless doom for the church. Furthermore, hardly are the solemn words penned regarding the departure of “the divine presence and glory,” than the servant of God hastens to bring hope, not despair. Under the heading, “A Call for Reformation,” is the assurance regarding “the church” at this time without doubt:SDACBB 6.3

    “When she resists the evil and chooses the good, when she seeks God with all humility and reaches her high calling in Christ, standing on the platform of eternal truth, and by faith laying hold upon the attainments prepared for her, she will be healed. She will appear in her God-given simplicity and purity, separate from earthly entanglements, showing that the truth has made her free indeed. Then her members will indeed be the chosen of God, His representatives.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:250, 251.

    In this glorious consummation may we all share by acting our part in the reformation to which the church is called.SDACBB 6.4

    Paul speaks of certain ones who “wrest the scriptures to their own destruction.” What shall we say regarding an interpretation of a single paragraph in such a manner as to make it directly contradict plain statements in immediate connection, before and after, and especially when, in order to do so, it is necessary to make interpolations which would not occur to the careful reader?SDACBB 6.5

    Larger font
    Smaller font
    Copy
    Print
    Contents