The Review and Herald
January 7, 1904
Our First-Page Message
The epistle of Jude contains warning and instruction applicable to our own time and work. It should be read as if addressed to Seventh-day Adventists. This is the conclusion which can properly be drawn from the following paragraphs taken from a communication from Sister White, dated August 27, 1903: RH January 7, 1904, par. 1
At this time, Jude's testimony is of great force to all who desire to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. RH January 7, 1904, par. 2
Jude bears this message to guard believers against the seductive influences of false teachers, men who have a form of godliness, but who are not safe leaders. In these last days, false teachers will arise and become actively zealous. All kinds of theories will be presented to divert the minds of men and women from the very truth that defines the position we can occupy with safety in this time when Satan is working with power upon religionists, leading them to make a pretense of being righteous, but to fail of placing themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. RH January 7, 1904, par. 3
False theories will be mingled with every phase of experience, and advocated with satanic earnestness in order to captivate the mind of every soul who is not rooted and grounded in a full knowledge of the sacred principles of the Word. In the very midst of us will arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves. Creeping in unawares, they will use flattering words, and make skilful misrepresentations with seductive tact. RH January 7, 1904, par. 4
The Lord is guarding his people against a repetition of the errors and mistakes of the past. There have always abounded false teachers who, advocating erroneous doctrines and unholy practises, and working upon false principles in a most specious, covered, deceptive manner, have endeavored to deceive, if possible, the very elect. They bind themselves up in their own fallacies. If they do not succeed, because their way becomes hedged by warnings from God, they will change somewhat the features of their work, and the representations they have made, and bring out their plans again under a false showing. They refuse to confess, repent, and believe. Confessions may be made, but no real reformation takes place, and erroneous theories bring ruin upon unsuspecting souls because these souls believe and rely upon the men advocating these theories. RH January 7, 1904, par. 5
E.G.W.