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Called to be Witnesses, December 9
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
.
In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen
and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world.
On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a
work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third
angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow
nothing else to absorb their attention.
The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim
to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work. The world is to be
warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them. They are
not to engage in speculation, neither are they to enter into business enterprises with
unbelievers; for this would hinder them in their God-given work.
Christ says of His people: “Ye are the light of the world” (
Matthew 5:14
). It is
not a small matter that the counsels and plans of God have been so clearly opened to
us. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to understand the will of God as revealed in
the sure word of prophecy. This places on us a heavy responsibility. God expects us
to impart to others the knowledge that He has given us. It is His purpose that divine
and human instrumentalities shall unite in the proclamation of the warning message.
So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received the light of truth is
under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the word:
“Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou
shalt hear the word of my mouth, and warn them from me” (
Ezekiel 33:7
)....
In clear, distinct rays light has come to us, showing us that the great day of the
Lord is near at hand, “even at the doors.” Let us read and understand before it is too
late.
We are to be consecrated channels, through which the heavenly life is to flow
to others. The Holy Spirit is to animate and pervade the whole church, purifying
and cementing hearts. Those who have been buried with Christ in baptism are to
rise to newness of life.... Upon us is laid a sacred charge. The commission has been
given us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (
Matthew 28:19
, RSV)....
You are dedicated to the work of making known the gospel of salvation. Heaven’s
perfection is to be your power (
Testimonies for the Church 9:19-21
).
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