The Results Justify the Sifting by R. C. Porter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

The Results Justify the Sifting

By R. C. Porter

SAYS the servant of the Lord concerning this time:—

It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christ-like men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in his strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 36. Let every idler awake, and face the realities of life. . . . The Lord has a place for every one in his great plan.—Id., page 37.

Let not those who write for our papers make unkind thrusts and allusions that will certainly do harm, and that will hedge up the way and hinder us from doing the work that we should do in order to reach all classes, the Catholics included. . . . All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands of those who can exercise it for our injury. Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, especially by way of personalities, unless positively essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us, and arouse their passions to a white heat.—Id., page 241.

This message must be given, but while it must be given, we should be careful not to thrust and crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have. We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics. Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians, and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and God will work in their behalf.—Id., page 243.

When these principles are fully applied, and “when the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. . . . The church will see the providential working of the Lord of hosts. The light of truth will shine forth in clear, strong rays, and, as in the time of the apostles, many souls will turn from error to truth. The earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord.”—Id., page 46.

When “a large class” is being sifted out, it will be a time of trial to those who have been associated with them in the message. The disaffected ones will attribute their leaving the ranks to administrative policies, or will give some other excuse. But as in the days of Gideon and of the apostles the loyal remained in the ranks, so it will be in the last-day sifting time. None should be misled by any such plea for sympathy. There is safety only in abiding in the ranks and marshaling with the forces that are giving the third angel’s message. Those shaken out in the days of Joshua did not enter the Promised Land. Those shaken out in the days of the apostles did not receive the early rain, nor proclaim the message in its fullness of power. So it will be now.

The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the “latter rain” will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest.—“The Great Controversy,” page 611.

Following the sifting time comes the glorious triumphs of the message under the latter rain. We must overcome weaknesses and besetments now or be sifted out when God sifts his people. In that closing proclamation God will be glorified by manifesting his power in contrast with the power of Satan.

Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Rev. 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand.

The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.—Id., page 612.

The results demonstrate God’s wisdom in sifting the church preparatory to its final movements. Our decisions today fix our destinies in the sifting time. Shall we be overcomers, or surrender to the temptations of Satan and be sifted out? Let us say with the apostle, “We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Heb. 10:39.

R. C. PORTER.