p. 127 | Unbelief by A. M. Weeks

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1873

Unbelief.

By A. M. Weeks

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Heb. 3 : 19.

In this text of Scripture we have a fact stated that is important to us, particularly so if, as is commonly conceded by Seventh-day Adventists, the journeyings of the children of Israel from Egypt toward the land of Canaan illustrates our position in the last days, as we are nearing the heavenly Canaan. That it is the children of Israel at that particular time that Paul refers to, see the verses preceding the text.

“It would seem the greatest ingratitude on the part of any people, after they had experienced so much of God’s mercy as the Israelites had, to doubt the leading of their Deliverer. But thus it was. After God had, with a mighty hand, wrested them from the grasp of their task-masters, destroyed their pursuers, miraculously supplied their wants, and, in every way possible, manifested his love toward them, they were guilty of unbelief to the extent that God, in all his love for them, could not permit them to enter the land of promise.”

But, before using much reproach, let us consider our own case, lest we, as in the matter of David and Nathan, pass judgment upon ourselves. The words of Paul in Rom. 2 : 1, may prove true of us. “For thou that judgest doest the same things.”

That the sin of unbelief is almost universal is apparent to all; especially to the religious teacher does this fact come with force. And this only appears as another sign that we are in the last days of the present age. Thus speaks our Saviour upon this point: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18 : 8. Forcibly does the idea come to the mind that there will be a very small amount of that without which it is impossible to please God. The same sin is rife, when the Son of man cometh, that kept the Israelites out of the promised land.

Is this unbelief in the last days confined to the world’s people? Would that were the fact. Tremblingly do we read, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 24 : 12. Those that have once had their hearts warmed by the love of God and his truth are affected by the condition of society, and now their touch is chilling. They have an influence. Their insinuations are harbored. Thus is accomplished a falling out by the way, of many.

The evidence of the divine authenticity of our faith and hope is not always before the mind in all its completeness, of which fact Satan takes advantage. Unbelief steps in. The remedy is suggested in a continual review of the reasons that at first led us to embrace the truth. Sometimes it may be necessary to pray, “Lord, help mine unbelief.” Better offer such a prayer now, than, a short time in the future, to pray to “mountains and rocks” for shelter from the wrath of God.

Of how many that are now in the ranks of those who “keep the commandments of God” will it finally be said, “They could not enter in because of unbelief”? If all would make that earnest effort necessary to keep right in the sight of God, there need not be any. But alas! the testimony of Jesus tells us that that effort will not be made. As the children of Israel fell in the wilderness, even so many at the present time are to fall out by the way. Having come out of Egyptian darkness, and taken up our march toward the heavenly land, let us be diligent, possessing our souls in patience, knowing that he that endures unto the end shall be saved. Let us arise, rid ourselves of every weight, and press toward the mark which is at the end of the race. And may God give us deliverance. A. M. WEEKS.