Investigation of New Light
31
Inconsequential Matters—I would say to my brethren and sisters,
Keep close to the instruction found in the word of God. Dwell upon
the rich truths of the Scriptures. Thus only can you become one in
Christ. You have no time to engage in controversy regarding the killing
of insects. Jesus has not placed this burden upon you. “What is the
chaff to the wheat?” These side issues which arise are as hay, wood,
and stubble compared with the truth for these last days. Those who
leave the great truths of God’s word to speak of such matters are not
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preaching the gospel. They are dealing with the idle sophistry which
the enemy brings forward to divert minds from the truths that concern
their eternal welfare. They have no word from Christ to vindicate their
suppositions.
Do not spend your time in the discussion of such matters. If you
have any question as to what you should teach, any question as to the
subjects upon which you should dwell, go right to the discourses of
the Great Teacher, and follow His instructions....
Erroneous theories, with no authority from the word of God, will
come in on the right hand and on the left, and to weaklings these
theories will appear as truth which makes wise. But they are as noth-
ingness. And yet many church members have become so well satisfied
with cheap food that they have a dyspeptic religion. Why will men
and women belittle their experience by gathering up idle tales and
presenting them as matters worthy of attention? The people of God
have no time to dwell on the indefinite, frivolous questions which have
no bearing on God’s requirements.—
Preach the Word, p. 10
(1901).
Points Unnecessary for Faith—There are many questions treated
upon that are not necessary for the perfection of the faith. We have
no time for their study. Many things are above finite comprehension.
Truths are to be received not within the reach of our reason, and not for
us to explain. Revelation presents them to us to be implicitly received
as the words of an infinite God. While every ingenious inquirer is to
search out the truth as it is in Jesus, there are things not yet simplified,
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statements that human minds cannot grasp and reason out, without
being liable to make human calculation and explanations, which will
not prove a savor of life unto life.
But every truth which is essential for us to bring into our practical
life, which concerns the salvation of the soul, is made very clear and
positive.—
Preach the Word, 6, 7
(1895).