172
Evangelism
church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say
that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or
believe Christ.
The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the
people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon
its merits....
For years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much
from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life
are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that
presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel’s message,
in clear, distinct lines.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers,
91-93
(1896).
Christ vs. Penance—When the third angel’s message is preached
as it should be, power attends its proclamation, and it becomes an
[192]
abiding influence. It must be attended with divine power, or it will
accomplish nothing....
Penances, mortifications of the flesh, constant confession of sin,
without sincere repentance; fasts, festivals, and outward observances,
unaccompanied by true devotion—all these are of no value whatever.
The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient; He made a whole, efficacious
offering to God; and human effort without the merit of Christ, is
worthless....
The plan of salvation is not understood to be that through which
divine power is brought to man in order that his human effort may be
wholly successful....
Without the transforming process which can come alone through
divine power, the original propensities to sin are left in the heart in
all their strength, to forge new chains, to impose a slavery that can
never be broken by human power.—
The Review and Herald, August
19, 1890
.
A Present-Truth Message—We thank the Lord with all the heart
that we have precious light to present before the people, and we rejoice
that we have a message for this time which is present truth. The tidings
that Christ is our righteousness has brought relief to many, many souls,
and God says to His people, “Go forward.”—
The Review and Herald,
July 23, 1889
.
A Message for the Churches and New Fields—Ministers are to
present Christ in His fullness both in the churches and in new fields,