Chapter 2—Unity of the Church
Dear Brethren,
As all the different members of the human system unite to form
the entire body, and each performs its office in obedience to the intelli-
gence that governs the whole, so the members of the church of Christ
should be united in one symmetrical body, subject to the sanctified
intelligence of the whole.
The advancement of the church is retarded by the wrong course
of its members. Uniting with the church, although an important and
necessary act, does not make one a Christian nor ensure salvation. We
cannot secure a title to heaven by having our names enrolled upon the
church book while our hearts are alienated from Christ. We should
be His faithful representatives on earth, working in unison with Him.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” We should keep in mind this
holy relationship and do nothing to bring dishonor upon our Father’s
cause.
Our profession is an exalted one. As Sabbathkeeping Adventists
we profess to obey all God’s commandments and to be looking for
the coming of our Redeemer. A most solemn message of warning has
been entrusted to God’s faithful few. We should show by our words
and works that we recognize the great responsibility laid upon us. Our
light should shine so clearly that others can see that we glorify the
Father in our daily lives; that we are connected with heaven and are
joint heirs with Jesus Christ, that when He shall appear in power and
great glory, we shall be like Him.
We should all feel our individual responsibility as members of the
visible church and workers in the vineyard of the Lord. We should not
wait for our brethren, who are as frail as ourselves, to help us along;
for our precious Saviour has invited us to join ourselves to Him and
unite our weakness with His strength, our ignorance with His wisdom,
our unworthiness with His merit. None of us can occupy a neutral
position; our influence will tell for or against. We are active agents for
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Christ or for the enemy. We either gather with Jesus or scatter abroad.
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