Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 586—Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers

In all the relationships of life, whether in the intimacy of the home circle or in the business and social world, there are many ways in which Seventh-day Adventists may acknowledge their Lord, and win souls for His kingdom. We are living in the closing years of this earth's history, and it is especially important that we lose no time in acquainting others with the precious truth that will prepare them to stand blameless before God in the day of judgment. 8MR 212.1

Those who claim to be looking for the return of the Saviour, should bring into active service all the powers of their being. The church on earth is to be the light of the world. God designs that through the individual members of His church, life-giving beams shall shine forth into the dark places of earth, and into the heart of every benighted soul. Thus the whole earth is to be lightened with His glory.... 8MR 212.2

“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15.) The fear here spoken of does not mean distrust or indecision, but with due caution, guarding every point, lest an unwise word be spoken, or excitement of feeling get the advantage, and thus leave unfavorable impressions upon minds, and balance them in the wrong direction. Godly fear, humility, and meekness are greatly needed by all, in order to represent correctly the truth for this time. 8MR 212.3

God desires every believer to be a soul winner; and He will bless all who look to Him in confidence for wisdom and guidance. As they move guardedly, walking in wisdom's way, and remaining true to the Lord God of Israel, the purity and simplicity of Christ, revealed in the life-practice, will witness to the possession of genuine piety. In all that they say and do, they will glorify the name of Him whom they serve. 8MR 212.4

The believer who is imbued with a true missionary spirit, is a living epistle, known and read of all men. The truth goes forth from his lips in no feigned words. His piety and zeal and consecrated judgment grow with the passing days, and the unbelieving world sees that he is in living communion with God, and is learning of Him. The words spoken by converted lips are accompanied by a power that touches the cold hearts of unbelievers; for even those who know not God are enabled to distinguish between the human and the divine. 8MR 213.1

My brethren and sisters, do you feel the sanctifying power of sacred truth in your heart and life and character? Have you the assurance that God, for the sake of His dear Son, has forgiven your sins? Are you striving to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and man? Do you often plead with God in behalf of your friends and neighbors? If you have made your peace with God, and have placed all upon the altar, you may engage with profit in soul-winning service.—Manuscript 2, 1914, 3, 4. (“Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers,” June 5, 1914.) 8MR 213.2

Released December 6, 1977.