Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

one of the good things which God had promised to his people would fail if
they would comply with the conditions upon which these blessings were
bestowed. If God's angels wrought with the armies of Israel to drive out the
inhabitants of Canaan because of their wickedness, the Hebrews must be free
from the sins of those nations. They must maintain a high standard of purity
and holiness, and must show in all their words and acts that they loved,
feared, and obeyed, the great Ruler of the universe.
God could not sanction sin, nor protect iniquity. Justice and love are the
ruling attributes of his character. While he will punish the transgressors of
his law, that others may fear, he has ever tempered judgment with mercy.
God singled out the Hebrew nation and connected them with himself, that he
might make them representatives of his own character. He would make them
a beacon of light to all surrounding nations, that his name might be glorified,
and his service exalted. By communion with God, the Israelites were to
become partakers of the divine nature, their hearts, debased by sin, were to
be purified, their aspirations ennobled. They were to stand forth before the
world as an example of what men may become through Jesus Christ. Those
whom God would elevate and ennoble by connection with himself, would
become, by transgression, wholly debased and Satanic in character. It was
for them to choose the course which they would pursue.
The history of the children of Israel is written for our admonition. We
are probationers as they were. We may connect with God as was their
privilege. We may become strong in the strength of Israel's God, if we will
believe and obey his word as did Caleb and Joshua. But if we are doubting,
and unbelieving, and rebellious, as were the multitudes who fell in the
wilderness, we shall be found unworthy to possess those mansions which
Christ has gone to prepare for us.
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