Attacking the Citadel by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 22, 1906

Attacking the Citadel

By L. A. S.

IN two points of doctrine Seventh-day Adventists are distinguished from every other religious body in the world. One is the doctrine of the heavenly sanctuary, through which light came to the disappointed advent believers after the ending of the period of twenty-three hundred days, and around which they rallied and became a new denominational body. The other is the belief in the spirit of prophecy, by which from the first the policy of the denomination has been molded and its work directed.

These two fundamental doctrines are now the special objects of attack by the enemy of this advent movement. To obscure and to weaken the confidence of this people in these special points of belief, has been the particular purpose aimed at by an influence that has been exerted upon this denomination for the past two or three years. There is more danger that those weak or careless in the faith will surrender one of these two doctrines, than that they will yield on any of the others. This is where the pressure is being most brought to bear upon all members of this body at this time.

The adversary understands the location of the citadel of our position. He realizes the importance of these two doctrines; would that all Seventh-day Adventists had as clear a view of the matter as he has!

When either of these doctrines is surrendered by an individual, he at once crosses the separating line which had distinguished him from members of other religious bodies. He is no longer distinguished from members of all other bodies in belief or in action. He has dropped out of the line of march of the advent people. He may still hold to the Sabbath truth, in a way; but there are those who have long held this truth, and yet are doing nothing to stir the world. He may also hold to the doctrine of the advent, but he will make no more progress than have those who have long held this doctrine apart from the other vital truths which go with it. The Sabbath truth and the advent truth belong together, and to separate them is like separating faith and works. And their relation to the work of God in the earth to-day is revealed in the subject of the heavenly sanctuary. It is these three great truths together, combined in one system of belief, that are stirring the world at this time.

Let us strengthen the position at which the special attack of the enemy is now directed. L. A. S.