God’s Purpose in the Church
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fully comprehend its obligation to the higher power, but it cannot evade
the obligation. Profound theories and speculations may abound, men
may try to set science in opposition to revelation, and thus do away
with the law of God; but stronger and still stronger will the Holy Spirit
bring before them the command: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”
Matthew 4:10
.
How is the world treating the law of God? Everywhere men are
working against the divine precepts. In their desire to evade the cross
bearing attendant on obedience, even the churches are taking sides with
the great apostate in claiming that the law of God has been changed
or abrogated. Men in their blindness boast of wonderful progress and
enlightenment; but the heavenly watchers see the earth filled with
corruption and violence. Because of sin the atmosphere of our world
has become as the atmosphere of a pesthouse.
[11]
A great work is to be accomplished in setting before men the saving
truths of the gospel. This is the means ordained by God to stem the
tide of moral corruption. This is His means of restoring His moral
image in man. It is His remedy for universal disorganization. It is
the power that draws men together in unity. To present these truths
is the work of the third angel’s message. The Lord designs that the
presentation of this message shall be the highest, greatest work carried
on in the world at this time.
Satan is constantly urging men to accept his principles. Thus he
seeks to counterwork the work of God. He is constantly representing
the chosen people of God as a deluded people. He is an accuser of
the brethren, and his accusing power he is constantly using against
those who work righteousness. The Lord desires through His people
to answer Satan’s charges by showing the result of obedience to right
principles.
All the light of the past, all the light which shines in the present
and reaches forth into the future, as revealed in the word of God, is for
every soul who will receive it. The glory of this light, which is the very
glory of the character of Christ, is to be manifested in the individual
Christian, in the family, in the church, in the ministry of the word, and
in every institution established by God’s people. All these the Lord
designs shall be symbols of what can be done for the world. They are
to be types of the saving power of the truths of the gospel. They are
agencies in the fulfillment of God’s great purpose for the human race.