Shall We Be Found Wanting?
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they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their
abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their
fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I
spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose
that in which I delighted not.” “God shall send them strong delusion,
that they should believe a lie,” because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved,” “but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Isaiah 66:3, 4
;
2 Thessalonians 2:11, 10, 12
.
The heavenly Teacher inquired: “What stronger delusion can be-
guile the mind than the pretense that you are building on the right
foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are
working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning
against Jehovah? Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion,
that takes possession of minds when men who have once known the
truth, mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof;
when they suppose that they are rich and increased with goods and in
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need of nothing, while in reality they are in need of everything.”
God has not changed toward His faithful servants who are keeping
their garments spotless. But many are crying, “Peace and safety,” while
sudden destruction is coming upon them. Unless there is thorough
repentance, unless men humble their hearts by confession and receive
the truth as it is in Jesus, they will never enter heaven. When purifi-
cation shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease,
boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing.
Who can truthfully say: “Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments
are unspotted by the world”? I saw our Instructor pointing to the
garments of so-called righteousness. Stripping them off, He laid bare
the defilement beneath. Then He said to me: “Can you not see how
they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of
character? ‘How is the faithful city become an harlot!’ My Father’s
house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine
presence and glory have departed! For this cause there is weakness,
and strength is lacking.”
A Call For Reformation
Unless the church, which is now being leavened with her own
backsliding, shall repent and be converted, she will eat of the fruit