The Story of Redemption

THE FAITHFUL SEPARATED

After a long, difficult struggle, the few faithful Christians decided they must separate from the apostate church. The faithful Christians saw they must separate if they wanted to obey the Word of God. The Christians were afraid they might lose their own souls if they stayed in the church that was teaching error. They did not want to set a wrong example that would endanger the faith of their children and grandchildren. The Christians were willing to do anything they could to have peace and unity as long as they could do so and remain faithful to God and His Word. But to give up their principles for peace was asking too much. If the Christians could have unity and peace only by giving up truth and righteousness, then they would separate. The Christians were willing to fight for their beliefs. The church and the world today need the principles that moved those brave souls renewed in the hearts of God's people! SRme 1.1460

The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). Why is there little persecution today? The only reason is that Christians have accepted many of the world's standards. The world sees no need to fight the church. Today's religion needs the pure and holy character that was a sign of the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. SRme 1.1461

Christianity appears to be popular today. Christianity is popular because Christians have accepted many sins. Christians do not take seriously the great truths of the Word of God. If the church today regains the faith and power of the early church, the followers of Christ will be persecuted again. SRme 1.1462