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Profession Not Enough, April 17
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is
in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
.
A profession of religion is of no value unless good works testify to
the sincerity and reality of its claim.... Those who make great professions
and do not bear the fruits of godliness make it manifest that they are not
abiding in the True Vine, for “by their fruits ye shall know them.” They are
dead branches....
Conversion has become a matter of perplexity to many because of the
confusing doctrines that are taught in regard to what is religion. Coming
to Christ means something more than belonging to the church. There are
many whose names are registered on the leaves of the church record but
whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. Coming to Christ
does not require a severe mental effort and agony. It is simply accepting
the terms of salvation that God has made plain in His Word
God desires the willing service of our hearts. He has endowed us with
reasoning faculties, with talents of ability, and with means and influence,
to be exercised for the good of mankind, that we may manifest His spirit
before the world. Precious opportunities and privileges are placed within
our reach, and if we neglect them we rob others, we defraud our own
souls, and dishonor our Maker. We shall not want to meet these slighted
opportunities and neglected privileges in the day of judgment. Our eternal
interests for the future depend on the present diligent performance of duty
in improving the talents that God has given into our trust for the salvation
of souls....
True religion works out the principles of God’s law—love to God and
love to man. Those who will be accepted of Heaven will have put their
talents out to the exchangers for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
They will have become laborers together with God, and will receive the
approval of the Master when He comes in the clouds of heaven. Religion
is something more than a profession, something deeper than an impulsive
feeling. It is doing the will of God
[114]
24
The Review and Herald, February 14, 1888
.
25
Ibid
.
114