Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Unconsecrated Ministers 411thereof. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh andspirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.In almost every case where persons become unsettled in regard tothe inspiration of the word of God, it is on account of their unsanctifiedlives, which that word condemns. They will not receive its reproofsand threatenings because these reflect upon their wrong course ofaction. They do not love those who would convert and restrain them.Difficulties and doubts which perplex the vicious heart will be clearedaway before the one practicing the pure principles of truth.Many possess talents which would accomplish much good if sanctifiedand used in the cause of Christ, or much harm if employed inthe service of unbelief and Satan. The gratification of self and itsvarious lusts will pervert the talents and make them a curse instead of ablessing. Satan, the archdeceiver, possesses wonderful talents. He wasonce an exalted angel, next to Christ. He fell through self-exaltation,and created a rebellion in heaven, and caused many to fall with him. [441]Then his talents and skill were employed against the government ofGod, to cause all whom he could control to despise the authority ofheaven. Those who are charmed with his Satanic majesty may chooseto imitate this fallen general and share with him his fate at last.Purity of life imparts refinement, which will lead those possessingit to shrink more and more from coarseness and indulgence in sin.Such will not be led away from the truth or be given up to doubt theinspiration of the word of God. On the contrary, they will engage inthe daily study of the sacred word with ever-increasing interest, andthe evidences of Christianity and inspiration will stamp their impresson the mind and life. Those who love sin will turn away from theBible, will love to doubt, and will become reckless in principle. Theywill receive and advocate false theories. Such will ascribe man’s sinsto his circumstances, and when he commits some great sin they makehim a subject of pity instead of looking upon him as a criminal to bepunished. This will always suit a depraved heart, which in course oftime will develop the principles of fallen nature. By some generalprocess, men abolish sin at once to avoid the unpleasant necessityof individual reformation and exertion. In order to free themselvesfrom the obligation of present effort, many are ready to declare of noaccount all the labor and effort of their lives while following the sacredprinciples of God’s word. Elder Hull’s philosophical necessity has its