516
Evangelism
it is now. Many apparently good things will need to be carefully
considered with much prayer, for they are specious devices of the
enemy to lead souls in a path which lies so close to the path of truth
that it will be scarcely distinguishable from it. But the eye of faith may
discern that it is diverging, though almost imperceptibly, from the right
path. At first it may be thought positively right, but after a while it is
seen to be widely divergent from the way which leads to holiness and
heaven. My brethren, I warn you to make straight paths for your feet,
lest the lame be turned out of the way.—
Undated Manuscript 111
.
Heresies Now Presented as Bible Doctrines—The time has
come when we cannot depend upon the doctrine which comes to
our ears, unless we see that it harmonizes with the Word of God. There
are dangerous heresies that will be presented as Bible doctrines; and
[591]
we are to become acquainted with the Bible so that we may know
how to meet them. The faith of every individual will be tested, and
everyone will pass through a trial of close criticism.—
The Review and
Herald, May 3, 1887
.
Satan Misquotes Scripture—All should become familiar with
God’s Word; because Satan perverts and misquotes Scripture, and men
follow his example by presenting part of God’s Word to those whom
they wish to lead in false paths, withholding the part which would
spoil their plans. All have the privilege of becoming acquainted with a
plain “Thus saith the Lord”....
There are false shepherds who will say and do perverse things.
Children should be so instructed that they will be familiar with God’s
Word, and be able to know when part of a Scripture is read and part left
unread in order to make a false impression.—
Manuscript 153, 1899
.
Fallacies Introduced by Religious Leaders—With the open
Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many
of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the
word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the Word, and set
their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God’s
Word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and
iniquity is rife.
When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men
to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself.
Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting
power of God’s Holy Spirit, are inviting the control of demons. Criti-