Warnings Against Sensational Teachings and Emotional Religion
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His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work
with his master power to bring in fanaticism on the one hand and cold
formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls. Now
is our time to watch unceasingly. Watch, bar the way to the least step
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of advance that Satan may make among you.
There are dangers to be guarded against on the right hand and on
the left. There will be inexperienced ones, newly come to the faith,
who need to be strengthened, and to have a correct example before
them. Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification
by faith. They will present it in a one-sided manner.
Others will seize the ideas that have not been correctly presented,
and will go clear over the mark, ignoring works altogether.
Now genuine faith always works by love. When you look to
Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not
to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that
will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we
lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has
corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare.
Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of
Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid
of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of
pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use
harsh words, and censure and condemn.
The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion
means constant work. “Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”
(
Matthew 5:16
). Work out your own salvation with fear and trem-
bling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His
good pleasure. We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to
maintain good works. And the true Witness says: “I know thy works”
(
Revelation 2:2
).
While it is true that our busy activities will not in themselves ensure
salvation, it is also true that faith which unites us to Christ will stir the
soul to activity.
Those who have no time to give attention to their own souls, to
examine themselves daily whether they be in the love of God, and
place themselves in the channel of light, will have time to give to the
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suggestions of Satan and the working out of his plans.