From Heaven With Love

Power to Discriminate Between Right and Wrong

God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. He designs that men shall decide not from impulse but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture. Had the Jews compared written prophecy with the facts, they would have perceived a beautiful harmony between the prophecies and their fulfillment in the life and ministry of the lowly Galilean. HLv 308.3

Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, but yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will understand the Scriptures. “If any man's will is to do His will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority.” RSV. HLv 308.4

On the last day of the feast, the officers who had been sent to arrest Jesus returned without Him. They were angrily questioned, “Why have ye not brought Him?” They answered, “Never man spake like this Man.” HLv 309.1

Hardened as were their hearts, they were melted by His words. While He was speaking, they had lingered near, to catch something that might be turned against Him. But as they listened, Christ revealed Himself to their souls. They saw that which priests and rulers would not see—humanity flooded with the glory of divinity. HLv 309.2

The priests and rulers, on first coming into the presence of Christ, had felt the same conviction. Their hearts were deeply moved and the thought was forced on them, “Never man spake like this Man.” But they had stifled the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Now, enraged, they cried, “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people, who knoweth not the law are cursed.” HLv 309.3

Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, “Is it true?” but, “By whom is it advocated?” Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who accept it, and the question is still asked, “Have any of the learned men or religious leaders believed?” It is not an argument against the truth that large numbers are not ready to accept it, or that it is not received by the world's great men, or even by the religious leaders. HLv 309.4

Again it was urged that if Jesus were left at liberty, He would draw the people away from the established leaders and the only safe course was to silence Him without delay. In the full tide of their discussion, they were suddenly checked. Nicodemus questioned, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” Silence fell on the assembly. They could not condemn a man unheard. But the haughty rulers were startled and chagrined that one of their own number had been so impressed by Jesus as to speak a word in His defense. “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” RSV. HLv 309.5

Yet because of the protest, the rulers were defeated for the time, and “every man went unto his own house.” HLv 310.1