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Counsels on Health
There are some professed believers who accept certain portions of
the Testimonies as the message of God, while they reject those portions
that condemn their favorite indulgences. Such persons are working
contrary to their own welfare and the welfare of the church. It is
essential that we walk in the light while we have the light. Those who
claim to believe in health reform, and yet work counter to its principles
in the daily life practice, are hurting their own souls and are leaving
wrong impressions upon the minds of believers and unbelievers.
Strength Through Obedience
A solemn responsibility rests upon those who know the truth, that
all their works shall correspond with their faith and that their lives
shall be refined and sanctified, and they be prepared for the work that
must rapidly be done in these closing days of the message. They
have no time or strength to spend in the indulgence of appetite. The
words should come to us now with impelling earnestness, “Repent ye
therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when
the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Acts
3:19
. There are many among us who are deficient in spirituality, and
who, unless they are wholly converted, will certainly be lost. Can you
afford to run the risk?
Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings
of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before
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the Lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard,
“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.”
Matthew 25:6
. They have the
theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their
lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief
in, the theory of the third angel’s message. We must have the oil of
the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to
shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness.
If we would escape having a sickly experience, we must begin
in earnest without delay to work out our own salvation with fear and
trembling. There are many who give no decided evidence that they
are true to their baptismal vows. Their zeal is chilled by formality,
worldly ambition, pride, and love of self. Occasionally their feelings
are stirred, but they do not fall on the Rock Christ Jesus. They do not
come to God with hearts that are broken in repentance and confession.