Comments for SDA Ecumenism Take Gigantic, Unbelievable Leap at http://www.worldslastchance.com , comment 1 to 1 out of 1 comments http://www.worldslastchance.com Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:16 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.worldslastchance.com/for-sdas-only/sda-church-take-gigantic-ecumenical-leap.html#comment-331 "[b][u]The church that holds to the word of God is irreconcilably separated from Rome.[/u][/b] Protestants were once thus apart from this great church of apostasy, [b][u]but they have approached more nearly to her[/u][/b], and [b][u]are still in the path of reconciliation to the Church of Rome[/u][/b]. Rome never changes. Her principles have not altered in the least. She has not lessened the breach between herself and Protestants; [b][u]they have done all the advancing[/u][/b]. But what does this argue for the Protestantism of this day? It is the rejection of Bible truth which makes men approach to infidelity. [b][u]It is a backsliding church that lessens the distance between itself and the Papacy.[/u][/b] {ST, February 19, 1894 par. 4} "Jesus sends his people a message of warning to prepare them for his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing work in the great plan of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying "in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." [REV. 14:6, 7.] The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message, symbolizes a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of earth. [b][u]This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had refused the light from Heaven[/u][/b]; therefore they were not of the number described by the apostle Paul: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night nor of darkness." [1 THESS. 5:4, 5.] The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 199. "[b]A backsliding church[/b] closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did not forsake them, or suffer his faithfulness to fail; but [b][u]they departed from him, and separated themselves from his love[/u][/b]. As they refused to comply with the conditions, his promises were not fulfilled to them. Love for Christ and faith in his coming waxed cold. Such is the sure result of neglect to appreciate and improve the light and privileges which God bestows. Unless the church will follow on in his opening providence, accepting every ray of light, performing every duty which may be revealed, religion will inevitably degenerate into the observance of forms, and the spirit of vital godliness will disappear. [b][u]This truth has been repeatedly illustrated in the history of the church[/u][/b]. God requires of his people works of faith and obedience corresponding to the blessings and privileges bestowed. Obedience requires a sacrifice and involves a cross; and this is why so many of the professed followers of Christ refused to receive the light from Heaven, and, like the Jews of old, knew not the time of their visitation. [LUKE 19:44.] [b][u]Because of their pride and unbelief, the Lord passed them by[/u][/b], and revealed his truth to men in humble life, who had given heed to all the light they had received." The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 200. In His love and service, WLC Team. - afolabi samuel Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:58:16 +0100