36
The Great Controversy
errors, to repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul “in
obeying the truth.” But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously
permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin he invited the
temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant.
He yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he
became angry when his faults were reproved, and thus he was led
to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So do all who
cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb
their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a favorable
opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who for
their good have sought to reprove them.
The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godli-
ness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sap-
phira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice
for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for them-
selves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character
of these pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the church of this
foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit
of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They
could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit
and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and
persecution came upon His followers, those only who were willing to
forsake all for the truth’s sake desired to become His disciples. Thus,
as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively
pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and
devoted, and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold.
[45]
But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When
Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted
from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further
from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so
large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to
bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who
remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true
Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these
apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed
their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of
Christ.