Called to Be Witnesses
In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the
world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted
the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful
light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the
most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third
angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance.
They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.
The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given
us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to
be our work. The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to
be true to the trust committed to them. They are not to engage in
speculation, neither are they to enter into business enterprises with
unbelievers; for this would hinder them in their God-given work.
Christ says of His people: “Ye are the light of the world.”
Matthew 5:14
. It is not a small matter that the counsels and plans of
God have been so clearly opened to us. It is a wonderful privilege to
be able to understand the will of God as revealed in the sure word
of prophecy. This places on us a heavy responsibility. God expects
us to impart to others the knowledge that He has given us. It is His
purpose that divine and human instrumentalities shall unite in the
proclamation of the warning message.
So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received
the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet
of Israel to whom came the word: “Son of man, I have set thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the
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word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the
wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak
to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his
iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if
thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn
from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy
soul.”
Ezekiel 33:7-9
.
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