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Not an Emotion or Rapture, November 14
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not
walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s
conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:1, 2
.
My brother, there is danger of those in our ranks making a mistake in
regard to receiving the Holy Ghost. Many suppose an emotion or a rapture
of feeling to be an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is
danger that right sentiments will not be understood, and that Christ’s words
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”
(
Matthew 28:20
) will lose their significance. There is danger that original
devisings and superstitious imaginings will take the place of the Scriptures.
Tell our people, Be not anxious to bring in something not revealed in the Word.
Keep close to Christ. Remember His words: “Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world” (
verse 20
).
He is with us as we teach the words He spoke in the Old Testament as
well as in the New. He who gave commandment in the New Testament is
the One also who gave the instruction contained in the Old Testament. The
Old and New Testaments are both sacred; for they both contain the words
of Christ. All communication from heaven to earth since Adam’s fall has
come through Christ. He who believes the instruction contained in the New
Testament and in the Old, doing those things which Christ has commanded
therein, has the Saviour always with him.—
The Kress Collection, 126
.
The apostles and prophets and holy men of old did not perfect their
characters by miracles, by some wonderful and unusual demonstration; but
they used the ability given them by God, trusting alone in the righteousness
of Christ. And all who will use the same means may secure the same result.—
The General Conference Bulletin, July 1, 1900
.
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.—
Evangelism, 597
.
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