law among My disciples.”(763) The seal of God’s law is found in the fourth
commandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and
the title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the
heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship
above all others. Aside from this precept, there is nothing in the
decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given. When the Sabbath
was changed by the papal power, the seal was taken from the law. The
disciples of Jesus are called upon to restore it, by exalting the Sabbath
of the fourth commandment to its rightful position as the Creator’s
memorial and the sign of His authority.
“To the law and to the testimony.” While conflicting doctrines and
theories abound, the law of God is the one unerring rule by which all
opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested. Says the prophet, “If
they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in
them.”(764)
Again, the command is given, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like
a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob
their sins.” It is not the wicked world, but those whom the Lord
designates as “My people,” that are to be reproved for their
transgressions. He declares further, “Yet they seek Me daily, and delight
to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the
ordinance of their God.”(765) Here is brought to view a class who think
themselves righteous, and appear to manifest great interest in the service
of God; but the stern and solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts proves
them to be trampling upon the divine precepts.
The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: “Thou
shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be
called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If
thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My
holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable;
and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own
pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in
the Lord.”(766) This prophecy also applies in our time. The breach was
made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by the Roman power.
But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The
breach is to be repaired, and the foundation of many generations to be
raised up.
Hallowed by the Creator’s rest and blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam
in his innocence in holy Eden; by Adam, fallen yet repentant, when he was
driven from his happy estate. It was kept by all the patriarchs, from Abel
to righteous Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. When the chosen people were in
bondage in Egypt, many, in the midst of prevailing idolatry, lost their
knowledge of God’s law; but when the Lord delivered Israel, He proclaimed
His law in awful grandeur to the assembled multitude, that they might know
His will, and fear and obey Him forever.
From that day to the present, the knowledge of God’s law has been
preserved in the earth, and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been
kept. Though the “man of sin” succeeded in trampling under foot God’s holy
day, yet even in the period of his supremacy there were, hidden in secret
places, faithful souls who paid it honor. Since the Reformation, there
have been some in every generation to maintain its observance. Though
often in the midst of reproach and persecution, a constant testimony has
been borne to the perpetuity of the law of God, and the sacred obligation
of the creation Sabbath.
These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with the
“everlasting gospel,” will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of
His appearing. For as the result of the threefold message it is announced,
“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
And this message is the last to be given before the coming of the Lord.
Immediately following its proclamation, the Son of man is seen by the
prophet, coming in glory to reap the harvest of the earth.
Those who received the light concerning the sanctuary and the immutability
of the law of God, were filled with joy and wonder, as they saw the beauty
and harmony of the system of truth that opened to their understanding.
They desired that the light which appeared to them so precious might be
imparted to all Christians; and they could not but believe that it would
be joyfully accepted. But truths that would place them at variance with
the world were not welcome to many who claimed to be followers of Christ.
Obedience to the fourth commandment required a sacrifice from which the
majority drew back.
As the claims of the Sabbath were presented, many reasoned from the
worldling’s standpoint. Said they: “We have always kept Sunday, our
fathers kept it, and many good and pious men have died happy while keeping
it. If they were right, so are we. The keeping of this new Sabbath would
throw us out of harmony with the world, and we would have no influence
over them. What can a little company keeping the seventh day hope to
accomplish against all the world who are keeping Sunday?” It was by
similar arguments that the Jews endeavored to justify their rejection of
Christ. Their fathers had been accepted of God in presenting the
sacrificial offerings, and why could not the children find salvation in
pursuing the same course? So, in the time of Luther, papists reasoned that
true Christians had died in the Catholic faith, and therefore that
religion was sufficient for salvation. Such reasoning would prove an
effectual barrier to all advancement in religious faith or practice.
Many urged that Sunday-keeping had been an established doctrine and a
wide-spread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument
it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and
widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both
of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when
the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy,
then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath.(767) Well may this
institution demand our reverence: it was ordained by no human authority,
and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of
days, and commanded by His eternal word.
As the attention of the people was called to the subject of Sabbath
reform, popular ministers perverted the word of God, placing such
interpretations upon its testimony as would best quiet inquiring minds.
And those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves were content to
accept conclusions that were in accordance with their desires. By
argument, sophistry, the traditions of the Fathers, and the authority of
the church, many endeavored to overthrow the truth. Its advocates were
driven to their Bibles to defend the validity of the fourth commandment.
Humble men, armed with the Word of truth alone, withstood the attacks of
men of learning, who, with surprise and anger, found their eloquent
sophistry powerless against the simple, straightforward reasoning of men
who were versed in the Scriptures rather than in the subtleties of the
schools.
In the absence of Bible testimony in their favor, many with unwearying
persistence urged,—forgetting how the same reasoning had been employed
against Christ and His apostles,—“Why do not our great men understand this
Sabbath question? But few believe as you do. It cannot be that you are
right, and that all the men of learning in the world are wrong.”
To refute such arguments it was needful only to cite the teachings of the
Scriptures and the history of the Lord’s dealings with His people in all
ages. God works through those who hear and obey His voice, those who will,
if need be, speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear to reprove
popular sins. The reason why He does not oftener choose men of learning
and high position to lead out in reform movements, is that they trust to
their creeds, theories, and theological systems, and feel no need to be
taught of God. Only those who have a personal connection with the Source
of wisdom are able to understand or explain the Scriptures. Men who have
little of the learning of the schools are sometimes called to declare the
truth, not because they are unlearned, but because they are not too
self-sufficient to be taught of God. They learn in the school of Christ,
and their humility and obedience make them great. In committing to them a
knowledge of His truth, God confers upon them an honor, in comparison with
which earthly honor and human greatness sink into insignificance.
The majority of Adventists rejected the truths concerning the sanctuary
and the law of God, and many also renounced their faith in the Advent
Movement, and adopted unsound and conflicting views of the prophecies
which applied to that work. Some were led into the error of repeatedly
fixing upon a definite time for the coming of Christ. The light which was
now shining on the subject of the sanctuary would have shown them that no
prophetic period extends to the second advent; that the exact time of this
event is not foretold. But, turning from the light, they continued to set
time after time for the Lord to come, and as often they were disappointed.
When the Thessalonian church received erroneous views concerning the
coming of Christ, the apostle Paul counseled them to test their hopes and
anticipations carefully by the word of God. He cited them to prophecies
revealing the events to take place before Christ should come, and showed
that they had no ground to expect Him in their day. “Let no man deceive
you by any means,”(768) are his words of warning. Should they indulge
expectations that were not sanctioned by the Scriptures, they would be led
to a mistaken course of action; disappointment would expose them to the
derision of unbelievers, and they would be in danger of yielding to
discouragement, and would be tempted to doubt the truths essential for
their salvation. The apostle’s admonition to the Thessalonians contains an
important lesson for those who live in the last days. Many Adventists have
felt that unless they could fix their faith upon a definite time for the
Lord’s coming, they could not be zealous and diligent in the work of
preparation. But as their hopes are again and again excited, only to be
destroyed, their faith receives such a shock that it becomes well-nigh
impossible for them to be impressed by the great truths of prophecy.
The preaching of a definite time for the judgment, in the giving of the
first message, was ordered of God. The computation of the prophetic
periods on which that message was based, placing the close of the 2300
days in the autumn of 1844, stands without impeachment. The repeated
efforts to find new dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic
periods, and the unsound reasoning necessary to sustain these positions,
not only lead minds away from the present truth, but throw contempt upon
all efforts to explain the prophecies. The more frequently a definite time
is set for the second advent, and the more widely it is taught, the better
it suits the purposes of Satan. After the time has passed, he excites
ridicule and contempt of its advocates, and thus casts reproach upon the
great Advent Movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in this error
will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming of
Christ. Thus they will be led to rest in a false security, and many will
not be undeceived until it is too late.
The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past
experience of the Adventist body. God led His people in the Advent
Movement, even as He led the children of Israel from Egypt. In the great
disappointment their faith was tested as was that of the Hebrews at the
Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that had been with
them in their past experience, they would have seen of the salvation of
God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had received the
third angel’s message and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit,
the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts. A flood of light
would have been shed upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the
earth would have been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would
have come for the redemption of His people.
It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the
wilderness; He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and
establish them there, a holy, happy people. But “they could not enter in
because of unbelief.”(769) Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they
perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the promised
land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ
should be so long delayed, and His people should remain so many years in
this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As
they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were
raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His
coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning, and find
in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.
Now, as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves the sins
and errors of the times, will excite opposition. “Every one that doeth
evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved.”(770) As men see that they cannot maintain their position by
the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a
malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand
in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has been
pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel,
Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this,
those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious,
heretical, or schismatic. Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the
sure word of prophecy, will receive with unquestioning credulity an
accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit
will increase more and more. And the Bible plainly teaches that a time is
approaching when the laws of the state will so conflict with the law of
God that whosoever would obey all the divine precepts must brave reproach
and punishment as an evil-doer.
In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he
conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only
effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more
reason for withholding the testimony of God’s word, because it excites
opposition, than had earlier reformers. The confession of faith made by
saints and martyrs was recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations.
Those living examples of holiness and steadfast integrity have come down
to inspire courage in those who are now called to stand as witnesses for
God. They received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that,
through them, the knowledge of God might enlighten the earth. Has God
given light to His servants in this generation? Then they should let it
shine forth to the world.
Anciently the Lord declared to one who spoke in His name, “The house of
Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me.”
Nevertheless He said, “Thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they
will hear, or whether they will forbear.”(771) To the servant of God at
this time is the command addressed, “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and
show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
So far as his opportunities extend, every one who has received the light
of truth is under the same solemn and fearful responsibility as was the
prophet of Israel, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying: “Son of man,
I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt
hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the
wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to
warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity;
but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the
wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he
shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”(772)
The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of
truth, is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is
the only argument against the truth which its advocates have never been
able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ.
These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their
duty, they deliberately accept the cross, with the apostle Paul counting
that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”(773) with one of old,
“esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt.”(774)
Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world-servers
at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things.
We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences
with God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, the world is indebted
for its great reforms. By such men the work of reform for this time must
be carried forward.
Thus saith the Lord: “Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the
people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither
be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a
garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall
be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.”(775)
27. MODERN REVIVALS.
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Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have
followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied
the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinners felt
their consciences quickened. The “light which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world,” illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and
the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took
hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the
righteousness of Jehovah, and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt
and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out,
“Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” As the cross of
Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed,
they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for
their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith
and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of
the world. Through the blood of Jesus they had “remission of sins that are
past.”
These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and
were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life,—new creatures in
Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but
by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps, to reflect His
character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they
once hated, they now loved; and the things they once loved, they hated.
The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and
supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent,
the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world
were laid aside. Christians sought not the “outward adorning of plaiting
the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but ... the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price.”(776)
Revivals brought deep heart-searching and humility. They were
characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning
compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed
and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such
revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice,
but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial
for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those
who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their
influence. They gathered with Christ, and sowed to the Spirit, to reap
life everlasting.
It could be said of them: “Ye sorrowed to repentance.” “For godly sorrow
worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of
the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed
after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing
of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement
desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved
yourselves to be clear in this matter.”(777)
This is the result of the work of the Spirit of God. There is no evidence
of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the
pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and
his fellow-men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God.
Such were the effects that in former years followed seasons of religious
awakening. Judged by their fruits, they were known to be blessed of God in
the salvation of men and the uplifting of humanity.
But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast
to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the
labors of God’s servants. It is true that a wide-spread interest is
kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the
churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief
that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The
light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more
dense than before.
Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by
exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and
startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible
truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a
religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no
attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason
awakens no response. The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly
to their eternal interests, are unheeded.
With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things
will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of
to-day, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce
their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self,
to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before
their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels and skeptics
because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The
power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches.
Picnics, church theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display,
have banished thoughts of God. Lands and goods and worldly occupations
engross the mind, and things of eternal interest receive hardly a passing
notice.
Notwithstanding the wide-spread declension of faith and piety, there are
true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of
God’s judgments upon the earth, there will be, among the people of the
Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed
since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon
His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those
churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and
His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those
great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to
prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires
to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come,
he will endeavor to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit. In those
churches which he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it
appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest
what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that
God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another
spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence
over the Christian world.