Love Is the Test by L. A. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1903

Love Is the Test

By L. A. S.

MANY are the delusions with which the enemy of righteousness counterfeits the work of God in these last days; but there is one thing which he can not counterfeit, and that is Christian charity, or love. Where this is, there is the Spirit of God. Satan may be transformed into an angel of light, or he may move with new power upon his agencies in the world, as he is indeed will be doing at this time; but he never breathes forth the spirit of love. The genuine work of God will be characterized by God's spirit of love for lost humanity. At the last day, when the destiny of each soul shall be made known, many will plead the mighty works which they have done in Christ's name as evidence that they are his followers; but they will receive the answer, “I know you not; . . . depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Their wonderful works, by which they had heralded their names abroad in the earth and passed as God's chief servants before men, fail entirely as a test of their discipleship before God. “Love is the fulfilling of the law,” and they are lacking in love; therefore they are reckoned with the transgressors. Love is the test of discipleship. By this “we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” Only those who receive the love of the truth will be safe from the lying delusions that are to sweep over the earth as the end draws near. If it were possible, the very elect would be deceived by the signs and wonders which the enemy of the truth is able to show; but they will not be deceived; for they are kept by the love of God. It is the love in the voice of the Good Shepherd which makes his voice recognized by his sheep. “He that lovoveth not his brother abideth in death.” L. A. S.