The Remedy for the Church by A. C. ANDERSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 23, 1914

The Remedy for the Church

By A. C. ANDERSON

A. C. ANDERSON

"JOHN came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days, and saw that John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus."

"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey."

John's diet and manner of dress were a rebuke to the professed people of God in his day, who spent most of their time in preparation of garments for the outward adorning, and entirely forgot the inward adorning, which is in the sight of God of great price. Their manner of eating and drinking had been greatly perverted. The flesh which their fathers so exceedingly lusted after, they were now enjoying to the full. "He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." "Now these things were our figures [see margin], to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." If John represented those who bear this message, why should not our manner of life and deportment be more like his in simplicity of dress and living? It is wonderful, when we think of it, what great light God is focusing upon this generation. Every ray of light given in ages past is refracted, or concentrated, on the Laodicean message. And we need every ray of light, in this awful spiritual darkness which is settling down upon the earth. It is just at this time that we are admonished: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." Isa. 60: 1, 2.

The servant of the Lord has told us: "If we would be wise, and use diligently, prayerfully, and thankfully the means whereby light and blessing are to come to God's people, no power upon earth would be able to withhold these gifts from us. But if we refuse God's means, we need not look for him to work a miracle to give us light and vigor and power; for this will never be done." God has indeed given us great light, and soon we shall have to give an account to him for the way we have treated the light sent. If ancient Israel was guilty of rejecting light sent to them by their prophets, how much more guilty are we? We are told that there is now the same falling away from our holy calling as God's peculiar people.

If we were truly converted, the desire for the things of this world would all be taken out of the heart. To be truly converted to the present truth, as revealed in the Bible and the Testimonies, means to live it. One must not only preach the truth to others, but he must live according to its teachings. If we really live the truth, we ourselves will know it and feel it; Satan will also know it; the angels will know it; and the unsaved around us will know it. Our lives will have an influence for good upon others; but all who have a mere profession are like salt that has lost its savor, good for nothing, but "to be trodden underfoot of men."

If we follow the Master, we must die to self; we cannot be self-shielding or self-seeking. We must "make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." The doctrine of Christ is not to gratify self, but to sacrifice. To shrink from the cross is to forfeit eternal life. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." He who would follow Jesus must not only come out from the world and suffer its reproach and condemnation, but must die to self. Paul said, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." We must all do the same if we expect to obtain an incorruptible crown. God in love is rebuking the sin of this people through the spirit of prophecy; many of us have disregarded the instruction. The hearts of men are being tested. The ax is being laid unto the root of the tree. The question is, Will it produce "fruits answerable to amendment of life," or shall the tree be cut down?

The attacking forces must beat back the hordes of the enemy; the standard bearer in front must stand his ground, even if the troops retreat. Our Captain is shouting, "Bring the men up to the colors!" This is the work that devolves upon every faithful standard bearer,—to bring the men up to the colors. The Lord calls for whole-heartedness. We all know that the sin of many professing Christians is that they lack the courage and energy to bring themselves and those connected with them up to the standard.

Unless the watchman gives the trumpet a certain sound, the people do not prepare for battle. Unless we arise to a higher, holier state in our religious life, we will not be ready for the great crisis before us. God cannot pour out upon us his Spirit in the listless attitude in which we are at present. We are unprepared to cooperate with God. We are in a lukewarm condition, not awake to the situation, not realizing the threatening danger. There must be more spirituality, and a deeper consecration to God; we must feel now as never before the need of vigilance. We must have a zeal in the work that has never yet been reached. Great light has been given, and the Lord expects corresponding zeal, earnest faithfulness, and devotion on the part of his people.