Danger in Depending Upon Human Plans and Methods

“While we are incased in self-righteousness, and trust in ceremonies, and depend on rigid rules, we cannot do the work for this time.”-The Review and Herald, May 6, 1890.COR 84.2

“The observance of external forms will never meet the great want of the human soul. A mere profession of Christ is not enough to prepare one to stand the test of the judgment.”-The Review and Herald, January 25, 1887.COR 84.3

“Let us not forget that as activity increases, and we become successful in doing the work that must be accomplished, there is danger of our trusting in human plans and methods. There will be a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith.”-The Review and Herald, July 4, 1893.COR 84.4

“Spiritual things have not been discerned. Appearance and machinery have been exalted as of power, while the virtues of true goodness, noble piety, and heart holiness, have been made a secondary consideration. That which should have been made first has been made last and of least importance.”-The Review and Herald, February 27, 1894.COR 85.1

“When fastings and prayers are practiced in a self-justifying spirit, they are abominable to God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposed sacrifice,-all proclaim to the world the testimony that the doer of these things considers himself righteous. These things call attention to the observer of rigorous duties, saying, This man is entitled to heaven. But it is all a deception. Works will not buy for us an entrance into heaven.... Faith in Christ will be the means whereby the right spirit and motive will actuate the believer, and all goodness and heavenly-mindedness will proceed from him who looks unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith.”-The Review and Herald, March 20, 1894.COR 85.2

“There are many who seem to imagine that outside observances are sufficient for salvation; but formalism, rigorous attendance on religious exercises, will fail to bring the peace of God which passeth understanding. It is Jesus alone who can give us peace.”-The Review and Herald, November 18, 1890.COR 85.3

“Those who have not a daily experience in the things of God will not move wisely. They may have a legal religion, a form of godliness, there may be an appearance of light in the church; all the machinery-much of it human invention-may appear to be working well, and yet the church may be as destitute of the grace of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain.”-The Review and Herald, January 31, 1893.COR 86.1