Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

We Are Not To Attack Authorities

Our work is not to make a raid on the Government but to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The fewer attacks we make on authorities and powers, the more work will we do for God.... SPCCSR 31.2

While the truth must be defended, this work is to be done in the spirit of Jesus. If God’s people work without peace and love, they work at a great loss, an irretrievable loss. Souls are driven from Christ even after they have been connected with His work. SPCCSR 31.3

We are not to pass judgment on those who have not had the opportunities and privileges we have had. Some of these will go into heaven before those who have had great light but have not lived up to the light. SPCCSR 32.1

If we wish to convince unbelievers that we have the truth that sanctifies the soul and transforms the character, we must not vehemently charge them with their errors. Thus we force them to the conclusion that the truth does not make us kind and courteous, but coarse and rough. SPCCSR 32.2

Some, easily excited, are always ready to take up the weapons of warfare. In times of trial they will show that they have not founded their faith on the solid rock.... SPCCSR 32.3

Let Seventh-day Adventists do nothing that will mark them as lawless and disobedient. Let them keep all inconsistency out of their lives. Our work is to proclaim the truth, leaving the issues with the Lord. SPCCSR 32.4

Do all in your power to reflect the light, but do not speak words that will irritate or provoke.—Manuscript 117a, 1901. Printed in Evangelism, 173. SPCCSR 32.5