Relationships Within the Church
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able to talk upon doctrinal points, but they are ignorant of the lessons
of Christ. Such men cannot be a blessing either in the pulpit or at the
fireside.—
The Review and Herald, September 2, 1890
.
Genuine love for Christ will lead directly to hearty obedience
to all the law of God—While men profess to rejoice in the interces-
sion and grace of Jesus Christ they should not forget that harmony with
Christ cannot be gained while there is a spirit of war in their hearts
against his Father’s commandments. Love genuine love to Jesus Christ
will lead directly to hearty obedience of all the law of God, and there
will be the deepest repentance whenever they break, or teach men
by their example to break one of the least of God’s commandments.
Ministers who soothe the consciences of the people by participating
with them in transgression through any cause, are rejoicing in iniquity.
And when Christ comes, to judgment, the stoutest hearts, the most
confident boasters of religious attainments while breaking the law of
God, will faint and fail, every excuse will then be silenced, every heart
corrupt in its disobedience will be revealed just as it is. There will be
recriminations with the companions in pouring contempt upon the law
of God; but the heaviest denunciations will come upon the unfaithful
minister who professed to be sent of God to show them the way of
salvation. Tempter and tempted will suffer condemnation according
to their responsibility and the wrong that they have done in leading
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souls to transgression. Of all the crimes that God will visit none are
in His sight so grievous as those who tempt and encourage others in
sin. God would have His ministers ever in all places show themselves
decidedly on the Lord’s side, loyal and true to His commandments in
a rebellious world, thus rebuking the disobedient however difficult or
contrary to the natural feelings. “Those that honor me,” saith God, “I
will honor.” God looks to those who bear His commission to be true
and faithful, and to exalt the dignity of his claims.—
The Signs of the
Times, May 20, 1880
.
Do not clothe yourself in Christ’s righteousness, and trample
underfoot His rule of right—That law flashes conviction on every
side. Sinners desire to be freed from it, and many who call themselves
Christians clothe their sinful, hypocritical souls in the garments of
Christ’s righteousness, and trample under their feet God’s great rule of
right. The worship offered to God by this class is similar to Balaam’s