The Signs of the Times
July 27, 1891
Results of Refusing to Walk in the Light—No. 2
The condemnation that will fall upon the nations of the earth in this day will be because of their rejection of light, and will be similar to that which fell upon the kings of Babylon; it will be because they have failed to make the most of present light, present opportunities for knowing what is truth and righteousness. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have lived in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for discovering truth. The means of becoming conversant with the truth are within the reach of all; but, like the indulgent, selfish king, we give more attention to the things that charm the ear, and please the eye, and gratify the palate, than to the things that enrich the mind, the divine treasures of truth. It is through the truth that we may answer the great question, “What must I do to be saved?” ST July 27, 1891, par. 1
On every page of God's word the injunction to obedience is plainly written, and yet how often his commands are lightly regarded or wholly set aside! The command for the observance of the holy Sabbath of the Lord is placed in the very bosom of the decalogue, and is so plain that none need err as to its import, and yet it is treated with as great profanation as were the sacred vessels at the feast of Belshazzar. God sanctified and blessed the seventh day, setting it apart to be observed as holy time. Yet the Sabbath of the Lord has been used as a common working day, while a day which possesses no sanctity whatever has been put in the place of God's sanctified day. The religious world has accepted error for truth, and many who claim to be the children of the light are the children of darkness. The condemnation of those who trample upon God's holy Sabbath, and exalt a Sabbath instituted by the man of sin, will not come because they have conscientiously observed the first day of the week, but because they neglected opportunities for searching the Scriptures and learning, not what man has said, not what the ministers say, not what the fathers have said, but what saith the infinite God? What day has God specified as his holy day? What did he command men to honor when he spoke with an audible voice from Sinai? That voice is to be obeyed above every other; the edicts of kings and nations are void before a command of God. The Lord of hosts commands our obedience. ST July 27, 1891, par. 2
If ministers would search their Bibles, they would know what saith the Scriptures; but the voices of false shepherds cry, “Lo here! or, lo there!” but we are safe only in following Him who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The Lord declares, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” ST July 27, 1891, par. 3
In the transgression of Eve there are important lessons for us to learn. Eve was deceived by a strange voice telling a story that contradicted the plain statements of the word of God, and she accepted the words of the deceiver as the words of truth; she believed a lie, and suffered the consequences of her deception and transgression. So it is with the sons and daughters of Eve in our day; they believe the same strange voice. It is not the voice of God or of Christ which declares to you that the law of God is not binding; for Jesus has said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” He said again, “I have kept my Father's commandments.” ST July 27, 1891, par. 4
You should turn from those who promise you wonderful liberty in breaking the commandments of the Lord, and should avail yourself of every opportunity for becoming acquainted with the truth. The fact that you conscientiously believe a lie will not save you from ruin, when the truth might have been yours. You can be saved in honest obedience to the truth; but if God vouchsafes to you the privilege of knowing and obeying the truth, and you neglect so great salvation, your very privileges will be recorded against you, to appear for your condemnation in the judgment. God has sent his ministers, his light-bearers, who hold forth the word of life; he has given you his word, he has sent his Son to be your Saviour and example, and you will be without excuse if you fail to appropriate the promises of God and become his obedient child. ST July 27, 1891, par. 5