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The Divine Commission, October 15
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:18, 19
.
To Christ, and to Christ alone, is given the right of authority over all things.
Those who put their trust in Him, and will hold fast the profession of their
faith firm unto the end, will be protected. As Christ’s disciples, as laborers
together with Him, there must be united action among all the laborers. Some
are converted to the truth in one way, others are best reached by a different
method. So the laborers will act, some in one line, others in another, but all
may blend unitedly. To every man is given his work.
Those who criticize their fellow workers open a door through which the
enemy will enter. What can be more sad than to see brother working against
brother, expressing suspicion and doubts of the other’s sincerity? There is
room enough for all to use their God-given talents. All are laboring with the
one object of inspiring belief in the words of inspiration. Then let every one
so order his speech and work that he may be in harmony with those who are
laboring to the same end as he himself....
Let those who are entrusted with the work of teaching the Word of God
be sure that they are under the control of Him who has declared, “All power
is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (
Matthew 28:18
). His commission to
His disciples includes the words, “Teaching them [all nations] to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you” (
Verse 20
). No man is authorized
to set up his own mind as the standard to which he may compel others to
conform....
The glorious gospel, God’s message of redeeming love, must be brought
to the people, and that love is to be revealed in the hearts of the laborers. The
theme of saving grace is an antidote for a harsh spirit. The love of Christ in
the heart will be expressed in earnest work for the salvation of sinners....
Let the gospel be presented as the word of God for life and salvation....
The gospel will be commended by the revelation of a spirit that works by
love. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth
good tidings, that publisheth peace” (
Isaiah 52:7
).—
Letter 318, October 15,
1906
, to the brethren and sisters in Nashville and in Madison.
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