Formal Religion Devoid of Saving Faith
“High pretensions, forms, and ceremonies, however imposing, do not make the heart good and the character pure. True love for God is an active principle, a purifying agency.... The Jewish nation had occupied the highest position; they had built walls great and high to enclose themselves from association with the heathen world; they had represented themselves as the special, loyal people who were favored of God. But Christ presented their religion as devoid of saving faith.”-The Review and Herald, April 30, 1895.COR 82.3
“It is possible to be a formal, partial believer, and yet be found wanting, and lose eternal life. It is possible to practice some of the Bible injunctions, and be regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you are lacking in essential qualifications that constitute Christian character.”-The Review and Herald, January 11, 1887.COR 82.4
“To subscribe the name to a church creed is not of the least value to anyone if the heart is not truly changed.... Men may be church members, and may apparently work earnestly, performing a round of duties from year to year, and yet be unconverted.”-The Review and Herald, February 14, 1899.COR 83.1
“There is a form of religion which is nothing more than selfishness. It takes pleasure in worldly enjoyment. It is satisfied with contemplating the religion of Christ, and knows nothing of its saving power. Those who possess this religion regard sin lightly because they do not know Jesus. While in this condition they estimate duty very lightly.”-The Review and Herald, May 21, 1908.COR 83.2
“It is painful to see the unbelief that exists in the hearts of many of God’s professed followers. We have the most precious truths ever committed to mortals, and the faith of those who have received these truths should correspond to their greatness and value.”-The Review and Herald, March 5, 1889.COR 83.3
“There are many who do not feel averse to suffering, but they do not exercise simple, living faith. They say they do not know what it means to take God at His word. They have a religion of outward forms and observances.”-The Review and Herald, March 5, 1889.COR 83.4
“All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.”-Testimonies for the Church 5:81.COR 83.5
“The five foolish virgins had lamps (this means a knowledge of the Scripture truth), but they had not the grace of Christ. Day by day they went through a round of ceremonies and external duties, but their service was lifeless, devoid of the righteousness of Christ. The Sun of Righteousness did not shine in their hearts and minds, and they had not the love of the truth which conforms to the life and character, the image and superscription, of Christ. The oil of grace was not mingled with their endeavors. Their religion was a dry husk without the true kernel. They held fast to forms of doctrines, but they were deceived in their Christian life, full of self-righteousness, and failing to learn lessons in the school of Christ, which, if practiced, would have made them wise unto salvation.”-The Review and Herald, March 27, 1894.COR 84.1