How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine
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very message that must be given to our people; we are near the end
of time, and the message is, Clear the King’s highway; gather out
the stones; raise up a standard for the people. The people must be
awakened. It is no time now to cry peace and safety. We are exhorted
to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my
people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (
Isaiah
5:1
).
The light of the glory of God shone upon our Representative, and
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this fact says to us that the glory of God may shine upon us. With
His human arm, Jesus encircled the race, and with His divine arm He
grasped the throne of the Infinite, connecting man with God, and earth
with heaven.
The light of the glory of God must fall upon us. We need the holy
unction from on high. However intelligent, however learned a man
may be, he is not qualified to teach unless he has a firm hold on the
God of Israel. He who is connected with Heaven will do the works of
Christ. By faith in God he will have power to move upon humanity.
He will seek for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. If divine power
does not combine with human effort, I would not give a straw for all
that the greatest man could do. The Holy Spirit is wanting in our work.
Nothing frightens me more than to see the spirit of variance manifested
by our brethren. We are on dangerous ground when we cannot meet
together like Christians, and courteously examine controverted points.
I feel like fleeing from the place lest I receive the mold of those who
cannot candidly investigate the doctrines of the Bible.
Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of a position
that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any department of God’s
cause. What we need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without this,
we are no more fitted to go forth to the world than were the disciples
after the crucifixion of their Lord. Jesus knew their destitution, and
told them to tarry in Jerusalem until they should be endowed with
power from on high. Every teacher must be a learner, that his eyes
may be anointed to see the evidences of the advancing truth of God.
The beams of the Sun of Righteousness must shine into his own heart
if he would impart light to others.
No one is able to explain the Scriptures without the aid of the
Holy Spirit. But when you take up the Word of God with a humble,
teachable heart, the angels of God will be by your side to impress you