Danger of Rejecting Light
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Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not
for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous
searching of the Scriptures for greater light. As a people, we are
called individually to be students of prophecy. We must watch with
earnestness that we may discern any ray of light which God shall
present to us. We are to catch the first gleamings of truth; and through
prayerful study, clearer light may be obtained, which can be brought
before others.
When God’s people are at ease, and satisfied with their present
enlightenment, we may be sure that He will not favor them. It is His
will that they should be ever moving forward, to receive the increased
and ever-increasing light which is shining for them.
The present attitude of the church is not pleasing to God. There
has come in a self-confidence that has led them to feel no necessity for
more truth and greater light. We are living at a time when Satan is at
work on the right hand and on the left, before and behind us; and yet as
a people we are asleep. God wills that a voice shall be heard arousing
His people to action.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:703-709
.
* * * * *
The Test of New Light
Our brethren should be willing to investigate in a candid way every
point of controversy. If a brother is teaching error, those who are in
responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth,
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they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what
is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need it. We are all
under obligation to God to know what He sends us. He has given
directions by which we may test every doctrine,—“To the law and to
the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them.” [
Isaiah 8:20
.] If the light presented meets
this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because it does not agree with
our ideas.
No one has said that we shall find perfection in any man’s investi-
gations; but this I do know, that our churches are dying for the want
of teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on
kindred truths.