The Importance of Truth
“And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:5
Honesty and Integrity
Do you think there is anything more we can learn from the ninth commandment?
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16.
What example did Jesus leave us?
“21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:21, 22.
GUILE, n. Craft; cunning; artifice; duplicity; deceit; usually in a bad sense.
If we follow His example what does it mean?
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.
Why is this important in the sealing work?
“And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:5.
How does this relate in a practical way to God’s people?
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10.
“I have been shown that here is where many will fail to bear the test. They develop their true character in the management of temporal concerns. They manifest unfaithfulness, scheming, dishonesty, in dealing with their fellow men… [T]he strictest integrity is indispensable to the formation of a righteous character. Dishonesty is practiced all through our ranks, and this is the cause of lukewarmness on the part of many who profess to believe the truth. They are not connected with Christ and are deceiving their own souls. I am pained to make the statement that there is an alarming lack of honesty even among Sabbathkeepers.” Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 309, 310.
How does this relate to business matters?
“If a workman in the daily vocations 311 of life is unfaithful and slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly if they estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in business.” Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 310, 311.
“The children of God should not fail to remember that in all their business transactions they are being proved, weighed in the balances of the sanctuary.” Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311.
How widespread is it among God’s people?
“It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon.” Christian Service, p. 41:1.
Why is this such a serious matter for God’s people?
“A slight deviation from truth, a little variation from the requirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property by false representations are bringing condemnation on their souls. All that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver.” Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311:3.
What You Believe
Why are specific beliefs so important?
“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Revelation 14:4.
What call have they heeded?
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4.
Why is what we believe so important?
“The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith.” The Great Controversy, p. 597:2.
What must we do with the distinct points of truth?
“There is to be no change in the general features of our work. It is to stand as clear and distinct as prophecy has made it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world, supposing that by so doing we could accomplish more…. No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the world.” Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 17:2.
How does this relate to the sealing message?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15.
“Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come.” SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1161:6.
What is Satan doing since he knows the importance of settling into the truth?
“Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.
“Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth.” Early Writings, p. 43:2, 3.
How does he distract in doctrinal lines?
“Satan is working in many ways that the very men who ought to preach the message may be occupied with fine-drawn theories which he will cause to appear of such magnitude and importance as to fill the whole mind; and while they think they are making wonderful strides in experience, they are idolizing a few ideas, and their influence is injured and tells but little on the Lord’s side.” Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 1, p. 43:2.
“Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always brings confusion and dissension. It is always dangerous. The enemy has great power over minds that are not thoroughly fortified by prayer and established in Bible truth.” Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 292:2.
Sealed by the Spirit
What is the antidote and remedy?
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17.
What agency does God use to achieve this?
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.
How does the Spirit do this?
“22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:22-23.
“The Comforter is called ‘the Spirit of truth.’ His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.” The Desire of Ages, p. 671:1.
Revival of Bible study
What should we be doing with our time?
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.
“I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables. Our minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied with the present truth, and seeking wisdom that we may obtain a more thorough knowledge of our position, that with meekness we may be able to give a reason of our hope from the Scriptures.” Early Writings, p. 125:1.
“Every position of our faith will be searched into; and if we are not thorough Bible students, established, strengthened, and settled, the wisdom of the world’s great men will lead us astray.” Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 546:1, 2.
“I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time can last but a very little longer. What leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day.” Early Writings, p. 58:1.
Therefore what kind of reformation do we need?
“Throughout the world there should be a reform in Bible study, for it is needed now as never before.” Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 131:2.
The principle of strict integrity is not valued as it should be …. Interesting that it affects the character …as a man thinks in his heart so is he!! We are called to stand against every form of evil….which calls for divine strength, wisdom and courage!!!
Well said, thanks for your contribution.