Necessity of Correct Views on Minor Points.
By C. H. Bliss
It often happens, in the religious world, that individuals become so wrapt up in contemplating the importance of some particular religious tenet as to be really blind to the fact that there is any other point of any value whatever. Such are generally spoken of as riding a hobby. While it is perhaps true that there are degrees of importance to be attached to religious doctrines, none ought to be regarded as non-essential; for “all Scripture given by inspiration . . . is profitable, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” &c. There are no non-essentials taught in the Bible, yet there is, of course, a proper time and place for the presentation of every point of Bible truth. The wants of the people are different at different times. It often happens that the masses of the people fall into error, both theoretical and practical, which is ruinous in its effect; as, for instance, Roman Catholicism, with its legion of errors; also spiritualism, rationalism, Universalism, and many other isms, which are taking thousands in their delusive snares, and deceiving the world by their siren songs of peace and safety. These need to be exposed, and to do it, secondary questions, so-called, must be discussed. The doctrine of the temporal millennium (the world’s conversion) is also heralded from almost every pulpit in the land. This doctrine deceives its millions and causes thousands to fall into that spiritual sleep and lethargy which often knows no waking. This question, pro and con, may be stated as follows: Is the plan of salvation offered through Jesus Christ for the purpose of converting the world, and bringing them up to that standard of piety taught therein? or is it for the purpose of redeeming a class of people out of the world? The decision of this question, called by many a minor point, will have much to do in shaping the conduct of all, and especially of the ministers. It is no wonder that religious leaders who have adopted the theory of the world’s conversion have so lowered the standard of church discipline as to be able to embrace the masses. If they believe in the world’s conversion, and that we are just entering upon the dawn of this glorious era, how can they consistently do otherwise than to bring their religion down to the people? It needs no argument to convince the careful observer that this has been done. It certainly must be admitted that, if that high tone of practical godliness, taught by the founders of most of the religious sects and embraced in their creeds, were strictly enforced among the popular churches of the day, nearly every one of them would be swept out of existence. On the other hand, those who look upon the Christian religion as the means by which a class are to be redeemed out from among the world will direct their labor to that end; and if this were the true position, it would be expected that there would be a great difference between the life of the Christian and that of the worldling. One who believes this, and fails to see this difference manifested by those who profess religion, cannot do otherwise than refuse to acknowledge them as Christians. If it becomes evident (as it certainly has) that the majority of those who profess religion and3are members of the churches are but little better than the world in their daily life, the churches must be regarded as churches of the world, let their profession be what it may. That this last position is the correct one, is evident from the words of Christ. He says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Again “I have chosen you out of the world, . . . ye are not of the world, . . . the world hateth you.” Paul adds, “Come out from among them [the world], and be ye separate.” Surely this is sufficient to settle the matter, though many other equally plain testimonies might be given. There is just as much difference between choosing the world and choosing a people out of the world, as there is between the conversion of the world and its destruction. Those who accept this position will require no evidence, perhaps, except that obtained by a little observation, to convince them, if candid, that the views advocated by S. D. Adventists concerning the fallen condition of the popular churches of the day are correct; and this will open the way for the reception of many of the prominent doctrines advocated by this people. The reception or rejection of one of these so-called minor points will often lead to the reception or rejection of the whole. The truth is much like a chain; if we put our finger firmly in one link, we must either remove it or take the whole of the chain with us, though of course this comparison will not hold in every case. It is true that what we call present truth has its suns, its moons, and its satellites; yet, like the members of the solar system, its doctrines are so closely related, and dependent upon one another for life, that if one is rejected or thrown out, the whole machinery is disturbed. While I pen these thoughts, my confidence in all the various doctrines connected with what we recognize as the third angel’s message is increased. And, with hundreds of others, I would join my voice in publicly giving thanks to God for giving us a clear, harmonious system of Bible truth.