WHY THEY ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED

Warnings and Reproofs - 3

   WHY THEY ARE NOT WANTED  

DATE OF PUBLICATION: MAY 2002  

THE PEOPLE WHOM GOD ESPECIALLY USES  

MATTHEW  EIGHTEEN

"3" The end of Gods forbearance with those who persist in disobedience is approaching rapidly.

Ought men to be surprised over a sudden and unexpected change in the dealings of the Supreme Ruler with the inhabitants of a fallen world? Ought they to be surprised when punishment follows transgression and increasing crime? Ought they to be surprised that God should bring destruction and death upon those whose ill-gotten gains have been obtained through deception and fraud? Notwithstanding the fact that increasing light regarding Gods requirements has been shining on their pathway, many have refused to recognize Jehovah's rulership, and have chosen to remain under the black banner of the originator of all rebellion against the government of heaven.

The forbearance of God has been very great so great that when we consider the continuous insult to His holy commandments, we marvel. The Omnipotent One has been exerting a restraining power over His own attributes. But He will certainly arise to punish the wicked, who so boldly defy the just claims of the Decalogue.

God allows men a period of probation; but there is a point beyond which divine patience is exhausted, and the judgments of God are sure to follow. Prophets and Kings, 276.

"3" In the places where men have gone to the greatest lengths in speaking against the Most High, the voice of stern rebuke will be heard. Boldly will men of Gods appointment denounce the union of the church with the world. Prophets and Kings, 187.

"3" As the people had been held responsible for Aches sin, and had suffered from its consequences, they were, through their representatives, to take part in its punishment. All Israel stoned him with stones. Patriarchs and Prophets, 495. [In ancient Israel, under a theocracy, the wicked in the church were slain; today they should be disfellowshipped, as indicated in the following three quotations.]

Many make a superficial change in their habits and practices, and then suppose that they are Christians. They are received into church fellowship, but they are a great trouble and a great care.8 Testimonies, 184.

"3" The names of those who sin and refuse to repent should not be retained on the church books, lest the saints be held accountable for their evil deeds. Those who pursue a course of transgression should be visited and labored with, and if they then refuse to repent, they should be separated from church fellowship, in accordance with the rules laid down in the Word of God . .

Those who refuse to hear the admonitions and warnings given by Gods faithful messengers are not to be retained in the church. They are to be disfellowshipped; for they will be as Achan in the camp of Israel deceived and deceiving.

Who, after reading the record of Aches sin and punishment, can think it according to the will of God that those who do wickedly, refusing to repent, are to be retained in the church? To retain them would be an insult to the God of heaven. Letter 215, 1902; 5 Bible Commentary, 1096.

The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be understood whether those who profess to be converted are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists or whether they are taking their stand on the Lords side to come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing. When they give evidence that they fully understand their position, they are to be accepted. But when they show that they are following the customs and fashions and sentiments of the world, they are to be faithfully dealt with. If they feel no burden to change their course of action, they should not be retained as members of the church. The Lord wants those who compose His church to be true, faithful stewards of the grace of Christ. Testimonies to Ministers, 128.

"3" In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God. Those upon whom rests the burden of this work will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons, and that severity to a few may prove mercy to many. They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed.

In their work, Ezra and Nehemiah humbled themselves before God, confessing their sins and the sins of their people, and entreating pardon as if they themselves were the offenders. Patiently they toiled and prayed and suffered. That which made their work most difficult was not the open hostility of the heathen, but the secret opposition of pretended friends, who, by lending their influence to the service of evil, increased tenfold the burden Gods servants. These traitors furnished the Lords enemies with material to use in their warfare upon His people. Their evil passions and rebellious wills were ever at war with the plain requirements of God.

The success attending Nehemiah's efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was not a prophet; he made no pretension to high title. He was a reformer raised up for an important time. It was his aim to set his people right with God. Inspired with a great purpose, he bent every energy of his being to its accomplishment. High, unbending integrity marked his efforts. As he came into contact with evil and opposition to right he took so determined a stand that the people were roused to labor with fresh zeal and courage. They could not but recognize his loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God; and, seeing this, they were willing to follow where he led. Prophets and Kings, 675-676.

We are near the close of time. I have been shown that the retributive judgments of God are already in the land. The Lord has given us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from His Word; yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them . . and they shall not escape.

It is our duty to inquire the cause of this terrible darkness, that we may shun the course by which men have brought upon themselves so great delusion. God has given the world an opportunity to learn and to obey His will. He has given them, in His Word, the light of truth; He has sent them warning, counsel, and admonition; but few will obey His voice. Like the Jewish nation, the majority, even of professed Christians, pride themselves on their superior advantages, but make no returns to God for these great blessings. In infinite mercy a last warning message has been sent to the world, announcing that Christ is at the door and calling attention to Gods broken law. But as the antediluvians rejected with scorn the warning of Noah, so will the pleasure lovers of today reject the message of Gods faithful servants. The world pursues its unvarying round, absorbed as ever in its business and its pleasures, while the wrath of God is about to be visited on the transgressors of His law.

Our compassionate Redeemer, foreseeing the perils that would surround His followers at this time, has given them special warning: Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. If the church pursue a course similar to that of the world, they will share the same fate. Nay, rather, as they have received greater light, their punishment will be greater than that of the impenitent. 5 Testimonies, 99-100.

When the church is in difficulty, when coldness and spiritual declension exist, giving occasion for the enemies of God to triumph, then, instead of folding their hands and lamenting their unhappy state, let its members inquire if there is not an Achan in the camp. With humiliation and searching of heart, let each seek to discover the hidden sins that shut out Gods presence. Patriarchs and Prophets, 497.

"3" Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable. We will not have this man to reign over us, is the language of thousands. Luke 19:14. The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of Gods Word.

There are many professed Christians who, if they should express their real feelings, would say, What need is there of speaking so plainly? They might as well ask, Why need John the Baptist have said to the Pharisees, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Luke 3:7. Why need he have provoked the anger of Herodias by telling Herod that it was unlawful for him to live with his brothers wife? The forerunner of Christ lost his life by his plain speaking. Why could he not have moved along without incurring the displeasure of those who were living in sin?

So men who should be standing as faithful guardians of Gods law have argued, till policy has taken the place of faithfulness and sin is allowed to go unreproved. When will the voice of faithful rebuke be heard once more in the church?

Thou art the man. 2 Samuel 12:7. Words as unmistakably plain as these spoken by Nathan to David are seldom heard in the pulpits of today, seldom seen in the public press. If they were not so rare, we should see more of the power of God revealed among men. The Lords messengers should not complain that their efforts are without fruit until they repent of their own love of approbation and their desire to please men, which leads them to suppress truth.

Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace, peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving. True love seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking. When souls are in peril, Gods ministers will not consider self, but will speak the word given them to speak, refusing to excuse or palliate evil.

Would that every minister might realize the sacredness of his office and the holiness of his work, and show the courage that Elijah showed! As divinely appointed messengers, ministers are in a position of awful responsibility. They are to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering. 2 Timothy 4:2. In Christ's stead they are to labor as stewards of the mysteries of heaven, encouraging the obedient and warning the disobedient. With them worldly policy is to have no weight. Never are they to swerve from the path in which Jesus has bidden them walk. They are to go forward in faith, remembering that they are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. They are not to speak their own words, but words which One greater than the potentates of earth has bidden them speak. Their message is to be, Thus saith the Lord. God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.

God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand for the right. He calls for men who will do faithful battle against wrong, warring against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is to such as these that He will speak the words: Well done, good and faithful servant . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:23.Prophets and Kings, 140-142.

Would you like to know about the dangers our people are in? Read Satan's plans to destroy the Advent people: Testimonies to Ministers, 472-475. (Originally in Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, pp. 337-340, which is the beginning of the Snares of Satan chapter, in the 1884 Great Controversy.  It is also in our 1884 edition and at the back of our 1888 edition.

"3"As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders he can continue to hold them under his control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God.

Says the great deceiver: We must watch those who are calling the attention of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead many to see the claims of the law of God; and the same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the ministration of Christ in the heavenly Sanctuary, and shows that the last work for mans salvation is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church also.

The Sabbath is the great question which is to decide the destiny of souls. We must exalt the sabbath of our creating. We have caused it to be accepted by both worldlings and church members; now the church must be led to unite with the world in its support. We must work by signs and wonders to blind their eyes to the truth, and lead them to lay aside reason and the fear of God and follow custom and tradition.

I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their hearers from the commandments of God. That which the Scriptures declare to be a perfect law of liberty shall be represented as a yoke of bondage. The people accept their ministers explanations of Scripture and do not investigate for themselves. Therefore, by working through the ministers, I can control the people according to my will.

But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbath keepers. We must excite popular indignation against them. We will enlist great men and worldly-wise men upon our side, and induce those in authority to carry out our purposes. Then the sabbath which I have set up shall be enforced by laws the most severe and exacting. Those who disregard them shall be driven out from the cities and villages, and made to suffer hunger and privation. When once we have the power, we will show what we can do with those who will not swerve from their allegiance to God. We led the Romish Church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and death upon those who refused to yield to her decrees; and now that we are bringing the Protestant churches and the world into harmony with this right arm of our strength, we will finally have a law to exterminate all who will not submit to our authority. When death shall be made the penalty of violating our sabbath, then many who are now ranked with commandment keepers will come over to our side.

But before proceeding to these extreme measures, we must exert all our wisdom and subtlety do deceive and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath. We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think themselves safe because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the lower passions, which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination, will cause their fall.

Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with the cares of this life. Present the world before them in its most attractive light, that they may lay up their treasure here and fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost to prevent those who labor in Gods cause from obtaining means to use against us. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more means they obtain, the more they will injure our kingdom by taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money than for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of the truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we know that every selfish, covetous person will fall under our power, and will finally be separated from Gods people.

Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.

Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against commandment keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their gatherings. In their large meetings especially our cause will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance and employ all our seductive arts, to prevent souls from hearing the truth and becoming impressed by it.

I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones present who will express doubts in regard to the Lords messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit His words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, Gods mercy will be withdrawn and He will give them up to our full control.

  THE PEOPLE WHOM GOD ESPECIALLY USES

Who are the men of God most honored of Heaven in holy Scripture? The name of Enoch comes to mind. Then there is Moses. And, of course, Elijah and Daniel. We cannot forget John the Baptist and Paul. Others could be mentioned, but those are the outstanding ones.

What trait of character did they all have in common? Well, they with many others loved God and were kind to others.

But there is a special trait the above six men had in common, superior to that of most Bible heroes. That trait sets them apart as special men whom God could use to do a special work.

It was not fancy robes, polished shoes, and flowery sermons that they were distinguished for. No, these men stood out for a different reason.

They fearlessly reproved sin. Forgetful of how doing so would surely cause problems for themselves, they defended God and His law at a time in history when others were afraid to do so.

To that list, we could have added the names of Noah, Christ, and Ellen White, all of whom strongly rebuked wrongdoing.

It is not by accident that all those individuals ranked high in the estimation of God. Their sincere concern for the honor and defense of God could not permit them to be content with merely living a good life.

What special trait did all the major and minor prophets have in common? Men such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Joel, and Malachi and their brethren. It was not ordination into the ministry. Not one of them was a minister or priest. They fearlessly reproved sin. That is why God called them to be His special messengers. You and I cannot read a page in their writings without quickly coming across their strong denunciation of iniquity. What is it that made Samuel and Nathan so special? They defended God, even in the presence of kings. (Read PK 147-148, not quoted here.)

Throughout human history, the people of God have continually veered toward apostasy. Enticed by Satan's temptations, compromise and sin has always been thought the pleasant way to go. And in every age, there have been the seven thousand who have not bowed the knee. But a few have stepped forward; and, in spite of the reviling and contempt it would bring upon themselves, they declared to everyone, There is sin in the camp. Unless you put it away, you will erelong share in it. We must return to God in humility of soul and heartfelt surrender or we will be lost!

Would you like to be among that special number? Think not that it is predestination which selects the special ones whom God appoints to defend Him in a time of growing apostasy. He selects those who are selectable! Individuals who love Him, His Word, and His cause more than they love their own ease and security.

There is a reason why, of the millions who lived before the time of Christ, that only Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven without seeing death, and Moses alone was raised from the dead. There is a reason. Read again their bibliographies, as given in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. There is a reason why Jesus spoke so highly of John the Baptist. Read his story too, and be inspired to emulate his life of self-sacrificing devotion to God. Read about Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and Noah.

Who were the martyrs? Men and women who openly defended God, when they knew it would cost them their lives. Who were the leaders in the Great Reformation? Men who. at the peril of their lives, condemned religious apostasy.

Throughout this compilation, you will frequently come across many of the above-named champions of past ages. It is quite obvious why they were mentioned.

God wants to use you also. A new century has begun, and our denomination is now nearly 150 years old. With the passing of years, it has steadily moved closer to the world. Its preachers are trained under men who were taught liberal religion in outside universities.

On all sides, we see lowered standards; restructured doctrines; worldly entertainment; changed church services; sports and music; and ecumenical books.

Public sins, lowered standards, changed doctrines in our church should be publicly reproved. Yet none of us can name even one of our ministers or leaders who does it.

God has a work for you to do. Oh, but you say, I will get into trouble if I openly defend our historic beliefs and standards. But is it better to be honored by God or by men? There are those around you who need the encouragement you can give them. They are watching your example.

Many of our people will awaken, as from a dream, when they discover how very far we have wandered from Gods blueprint. Show it to them. Explain the utter seriousness of the situation.

MATTHEW EIGHTEEN

What is the meaning of Matthew 18:15-17 and how does it relate to 1 Timothy 5:20, which seems to say the opposite? Only the Word of God can explain this.

The following passage of Inspiration explains that Matthew 18:15-17 refers to secret sins, which are known to no one except the one indulging it, while 1 Timothy 5:20 refers to sins which are known by others in the local congregation or, of course, more generally to Gods people.

Never, in his writings, has the present compiler ever published about a secret sin known only to one, or even a few people; a private sin which would be covered by Matthew 18:15-17. He has only written about sins more generally known, which are, by their nature, injuring the entire church.      vf

Thursday morning we went to Watrousville, a distance of sixteen miles. I wrote sixteen pages, and attended an evening meeting, in which I gave a very pointed testimony to one present. The next morning I wrote twelve pages before breakfast, and returned to Tuscola, and wrote eight pages more.

Sabbath my husband spoke in the forenoon, and I followed for two hours before taking food. The meeting was then closed for a few moments, and I took a little food, and afterward spoke in a social meeting for one hour, bearing pointed testimonies for several present. These testimonies were generally received with feelings of humility and gratitude. I cannot, however, say that all were so received.

The next morning, as we were about to leave for the house of worship to engage in the arduous labors of the day, a sister for whom I had a testimony that she lacked discretion and caution, and did not fully control her words and actions, came in with her husband and manifested feelings of great unreconciliation and agitation. She commenced to talk and to weep. She murmured a little, and confessed a little, and justified self considerably. She had a wrong idea of many things I had stated to her. Her pride was touched as I brought out her faults in so public a manner. Here was evidently the main difficulty. But why should she feel thus? The brethren and sisters knew these things were so, therefore I was not informing them of anything new. But I doubt not that it was new to the sister herself. She did not know herself, and could not properly judge of her own words and acts. This is in a degree true of nearly all, hence the necessity of faithful reproofs in the church and the cultivation by all its members of love for the plain testimony.

Her husband seemed to feel unreconciled to my bringing out her faults before the church and stated that if Sister White had followed the directions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 he should not have felt hurt: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

My husband then stated that he should understand that these words of our Lord had reference to cases of personal trespass, and could not be applied in the case of this sister. She had not trespassed against Sister White. But that which had been reproved publicly was public wrongs which threatened the prosperity of the church and the cause. Here, said my husband, is a text applicable to the case: 1 Timothy 5:20: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

The brother acknowledged his error like a Christian and seemed reconciled to the matter. It was evident that since the meeting of Sabbath afternoon they had got many things about the matter wonderfully magnified and wrong. It was therefore proposed that the written testimony be read. When this was done, the sister who was reproved by it, inquired: Is that what you stated yesterday? I replied that it was. She seemed surprised and quite reconciled to the written testimony. This I gave her, without reserving a copy. Here I did wrong. But I had such tender regard for her and her husband, and such ardent desires and hopes for their prosperity, that, in this case, I broke over an established custom.  2 Testimonies, 14-16 [italics mine]