The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

Necessity for Concerted Action

It is God’s longing desire for His people that they present a united front to the enemy of our souls. There must be no division in the ranks of God’s people; otherwise they run the risk of defeat in the conflict. All must move forward, and move forward together. BSPC 191.5

Such a victorious advance of the forces of righteousness calls for a deep and earnest consecration on the part of every member of the church of God. If ever there was a time when the church should be given over to God’s work, that time is now. The end is near, and we must be prepared for the final crisis; it is near, and hastens greatly. Indifference, worldliness, and lethargy must be put aside, and a fervent love and sincere devotion must take their place. We must be all out for God. There can be no halfway measures in this struggle; it will call for all we have. When the members of the church make this entire surrender and yield themselves to the divine will, God will do exploits through His people. It is ours to “consecrate”; it is God’s to “sanctify.” The call in the days of old was, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:5. BSPC 192.1

What shall be our response? Shall we, like Isaiah, reply, “Here am I; send me”? (Isaiah 6:8.) God grant it may be so. BSPC 192.2

God has provided full spiritual equipment for Christian living and for active service. When Aaron and his sons were anointed for the priesthood in the old tabernacle days, there was a beautiful significance to the ritual. This, with other Old Testament incidents, has been recorded for our benefit, and we do well to take heed to the solemn lessons brought to our hearts. When Aaron was anointed, the blood was applied to his car, his hand, and his foot. The right ear was to be anointed, so was the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot. One may wonder why this detail of information, but does it not bring home to us, that as we serve our heavenly Father we are to hear His voice and to keep our cars open for that voice of counsel continually? Does it not mean that now our hands are to labor in His service, and in His alone? Does it not convey the thought that now, like Enoch of old, we are to walk with our God? With ears, with hands, and with feet given over to God, there is no limit to what God can accomplish through human instrumentality. BSPC 192.3

“There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:19. BSPC 192.4