p. 6 | NOT THEORY, BUT LIFE by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 3, 1904

NOT THEORY, BUT LIFE.

By Editor

THE truth of God is not a matter of theory, but of life. We have no desire to argue it, in order to get the better of an opponent or to demonstrate the superiority of our belief. We leave that to those who love to live on dry, dead forms.

He whose combativeness is aroused fortifies himself, and more frequently against the theory which his opponent holds than against the man or his argument. The argument may be clear, convincing, cogent, to an unprejudiced, receptive mind; but when it meets or arouses prejudice or combativeness, it closes the ears and heart to the truth which it seeks to force home.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES has strong, unpopular truth to present to the world. It bears a message of reform based on the Word of the living God.

We have given ourselves to this work because we believe the Bible to be the Word of God, and what is therein written is the word of life to perishing men.

We believe that God's moral law, the reflect of His own character, is summarily comprehended for sinful man in the Decalogue, and is obligatory upon all men.

We believe that this is clearly shown by the Word of God.

But we have no desire to argue that this is so in order that we may show our belief to be right, and win some adherent to the theory. We have no desire to debate the theory with some antinomian advocate.

But we do wish to present the evidences from God's Word so clearly that every loyal, obedient heart will gladly yield to such a Ruler, to such a law, and be obedient.

We believe that the Bible teaches clearly that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God; that Christ Jesus is the only Saviour, the only source of righteousness and life to this world; that He is coming again, that He is coming soon, to restore all things, to judge the nations, and to reward His own. We believe that the Bible clearly proves the truth of all this, all theories to the contrary notwithstanding.

To prepare men for the glorious consummation of "the travail of His soul," He has sent to this world a great threefold message of instruction, of reproof, of warning, of salvation. Rev. 14: 6-14.

But we have no desire to argue these things merely to convince you that we are right.

We do desire, however, to tell you the old, old story, ever new with abundant, present, all-sufficient life and truth of God. It has in it all of blessing, none of cursing. It has in it all of joy, none of sorrow. It brings light, not darkness; healing, not hurt.

Received by faith, God's law becomes a code of enabling acts, empowering us to fulfil its every precept; the Gospel becomes indeed good tidings, releasing us from the bonds of sin and transgression, and setting us free to do the will of God. The proving of that law makes us love it with all the heart. The proving of Christ Jesus demonstrates Him a Saviour, a helper, a friend, a companion, dearer than all beside.

But we did not get these and other precious truths by argument; neither will you.

We shall present reasons for their acceptance, because we know they will do you good. We ask you, dear soul, whoever you are, to weigh our reasons in the light of the Word of God, by which you shall be judged in the last day.