Attitudes Toward the Testimonies
35
Perils of Dissecting Inspired Messages
Some sit in judgment on the Scriptures, declaring that this or that
passage is not inspired, because it does not strike their minds favorably.
They cannot harmonize it with their ideas of philosophy and science,
“falsely so called” (
1 Timothy 6:20
). Others for different reasons
question portions of the Word of God. Thus many walk blindly where
the enemy prepares the way. Now, it is not the province of any man
to pronounce sentence upon the Scriptures, to judge or condemn any
portion of God’s Word. When one presumes to do this, Satan will
create an atmosphere for him to breathe which will dwarf spiritual
growth. When a man feels so very wise that he dares to dissect God’s
Word, his wisdom is, with God, counted foolishness. When he knows
more, he will feel that he has everything to learn. And his very first
lesson is to become teachable. “Learn of me,” says the Great Teacher;
“for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
souls” (
Matthew 11:29
).
You who have been educating yourselves and others in a spirit of
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criticism and accusing, remember that you are imitating the example
of Satan. When it suits your purpose, you treat the Testimonies as if
you believed them, quoting from them to strengthen any statement you
wish to have prevail. But how is it when light is given to correct your
errors? Do you then accept the light? When the Testimonies speak
contrary to your ideas, you treat them very lightly.
It does not become anyone to drop a word of doubt here and there
that shall work like poison in other minds, shaking their confidence
in the messages which God has given, which have aided in laying
the foundation of this work, and have attended it to the present day,
in reproofs, warnings, corrections, and encouragements. To all who
have stood in the way of the Testimonies, I would say, God has given
a message to His people, and His voice will be heard, whether you
hear or forbear. Your opposition has not injured me; but you must
give an account to the God of heaven, who has sent these warnings
and instructions to keep His people in the right way. You will have to
answer to Him for your blindness, for being a stumbling block in the
way of sinners.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them” (
Isaiah 8:20
). Even