False Sanctification and Holiness
521
law as far as they understand it. Those who are thus living up to
the best light they have, are not of the class whom the apostle John
condemns. His words apply to those who boast of believing in Jesus,
who claim holiness, while they lightly regard the requirements of the
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law of God. While they talk of the love of Jesus, their love is not deep
enough to lead to obedience. The fruit they bear, shows the character
of the tree. It proves that their faith is not genuine. Yet this class,
though entitled to nothing, though they have no right to the promises
of God, boldly claim all His blessings. While they give nothing, they
claim everything. They close their ears to the truth, refuse to listen
to the plain “Thus saith the Lord,” but by professing holiness they
deceive many, leading souls away by their pretentious faith that has no
foundation.—
Gospel Workers, 226, 227
(1892).
False Doctrine—It Makes No Difference What You Believe—
There are many whose religion consists in theory. To them a happy
emotion is godliness. They say, “Come to Jesus, and believe in Him.
It makes no difference what you believe so long as you are honest in
your belief.” They do not seek to make the sinner understand the true
character of sin....
Satan is willing that every transgressor of God’s law shall claim to
be holy. This is what he himself is doing. He is satisfied when men
rest their faith on spurious doctrines and religious enthusiasm; for he
can use such persons to good purpose in deceiving souls. There are
many professedly sanctified ones who are aiding Satan in his work.
They talk much of feeling; they speak of their love for God. But God
does not recognize their love; for it is a delusion of the enemy. God
has given these persons light, but they have refused to accept it. With
the father of lies, they will receive the reward of disobedience.—
The
Review and Herald, June 26, 1900
.
Another Error—Commandments Done Away—Christ warns
His followers, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
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clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” He exhorts us not to
be deceived when false shepherds present their doctrines. These men
tell us that the commandments of God were done away at the death of
Christ. Shall we believe them, these men who claim to be sanctified,
while they refuse to obey God? They say the Lord has told them that
they need not keep the Ten Commandments; but has the Lord told
them this? No, God does not lie.