Peril of Extreme Views
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order to make known to the sinner what God really is—a Father wait-
ing with yearning love to receive the returning prodigal, not hurling at
him accusations in wrath, but preparing a festival of joy to welcome
his return (
Zephaniah 3:14-17
).
O that we might all learn the way of the Lord in winning souls to
Christ! We should learn and teach the precious lessons in the light
that shineth from the sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary. There is but
one way that leads from ruin, and continuously ascends, faith all the
time reaching beyond the darkness into the light, until it rests upon
the throne of God. All who have learned this lesson have accepted the
light which has come to their understanding. To them this upward way
is not a dark, uncertain passage; it is not the way of finite minds, not
a path cut out by human device, a path in which toll is exacted from
every traveler.
You cannot gain an entrance by penance nor by any works that you
can do. No, God Himself has the honor of providing a way, and it is so
complete, so perfect, that man cannot, by any works he may do, add
to its perfection. It is broad enough to receive the greatest sinner if he
repents, and it is so narrow, so holy, lifted up so high, that sin cannot
be admitted there.
When God is seen as He is, the blessed truth shines with a new and
clearer light. That which kept the mind in perplexity is cleared away by
the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. And yet there are many
things we shall not comprehend; but we have the blessed assurance
that what we know not now, we shall know hereafter.—
Letter 15a,
1890
.
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