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Controversial Way of Presenting the Truth

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jun 13, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 24.

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Controversial Way of Presenting the Truth

By H. J. Rogers

H. J. ROGERS
OBSERVATION and long experience have taught me that in presenting the truth to persons, either privately or publicly, it is not best to assail what we conceive to be their views of Scripture doctrine, or the "popular view," but to give the word of the Lord direct and straight; then the Spirit of the Lord will impress the heart more than could all the controversy we might bring to bear. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7:17. Human nature is always ready when assailed to vindicate "our position," especially long-cherished ideas and customs.
To plant the truth in the minds of the conscientious I have found it better to present the Sabbath as recognized by Christ and the disciples, rather than to tear down the observance of Sunday. Combating in a critical spirit their errors does not convert them, but leaves them of the same opinion still. This is true also of the doctrines of natural immortality, the conscious state of the dead, and eternal torment. These ideas have been instilled into the minds of the people from earliest recollection, and are hard to give up until they learn that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Thus we get a view of God's love, and lose sight of his wrath as seen in the doctrine of eternal torment.
God is love, and desires to impute unto us righteousness through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. Then, as the mist of darkness rolls away, we can see the truths of his Word as a light shining more and more.
Los Angeles, Cal.