Chapter 18—No Complicated Reasoning nor
Argument
Right to the Point—Christ seldom attempted to prove that truth
is truth. He illustrated truth in all its bearings, and then left His hearers
free to accept or reject it, as they might choose. He did not force anyone
to believe. In the Sermon on the Mount He instructed the people in
practical godliness, distinctly outlining their duty. He spoke in such a
manner as to commend truth to the conscience. The power manifested
by the disciples was revealed in the clearness and earnestness with
which they expressed the truth.
In Christ’s teaching there is no long, far-fetched, complicated
reasoning. He comes right to the point. In His ministry He read every
heart as an open book, and from the inexhaustible store of His treasure
house He drew things both new and old to illustrate and enforce His
teachings. He touched the heart, and awakened the sympathies.—
Evangelism, 171
.
The Inquiring Mind—He did not present a great mass of truth, to
be accepted all at once. He led the inquiring mind from truth to truth,
from lesson to lesson, opening up the significance of the Scripture,
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as they were able to bear it. In every age the truth appropriate for
the time, and essential to character and life, must be revealed in this
manner.—
The Review and Herald, October 14, 1890
.
Obedience Not Claimed Through Argument—Christ came into
the world to bring all resistance and authority into subjection to Him-
self, but He did not claim obedience through the strength of argument
or the voice of command; He went about doing good and teaching His
followers the things which belonged to their peace.—
Testimonies for
the Church 4:139
.
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