Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

God Rules By Love, Not Compulsion

The laws of God are designed to bring His people closer to Himself. He will save them from the evil and lead them to the good if they will be led, but force them He never will.—Testimonies for the Church 5:445. SPCCSR 6.3

God does not employ compulsory measures; love is the agent which He uses to expel sin from the heart.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 77. SPCCSR 6.4

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him.—The Desire of Ages, 480. SPCCSR 6.5