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Third Message Rejected
193
The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past
experience of the Adventist body. God led his people in the Advent
movement, even as he led the children of Israel from Egypt. In the
great disappointment their faith was tested as was that of the Hebrews
at the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that had
been with them in their past experience, they would have seen of
the salvation of God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work
in 1844 had received the third angel’s message, and proclaimed
it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord would have wrought
mightily with their efforts. A flood of light would have been shed
upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the earth would have
been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would have
come for the redemption of his people.
[292]
It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years
in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of
Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But “they
could not enter in because of unbelief.” [
Hebrews 3:19
.] Because
of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and
others were raised up to enter the promised land. In like manner, it
was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long
delayed, and his people should remain so many years in this world
of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they
refused to do the work which he had appointed them, others were
raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus
delays his coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the
warning, and find in him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be
poured out.
Now, as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves
the errors and sins of the times, will call forth a storm of opposition.
“Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved.” [
John 3:20
.] Those who cannot
sustain their position by the Scriptures are stubbornly determined
that it shall be sustained at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit
they attack the character and motives of those who stand in defense
of unpopular truth. Though very unbelieving in regard to the sure
word of prophecy, they manifest the utmost credulity in accepting
anything detrimental to the Christian integrity of those who dare to