True Christianity: Consecration, Purity, and Guarding Against Familiarity

Being a Christian exactly means living a life of unreserved consecration to the service of God, actively embodying the character of Christ through obedience and self-denialChS 235.3+1.

The Christian life is not merely a profession or a set of forms, but a deeply practical and transformative experience that focuses entirely on the life of Jesus Christ being made manifest in the believerYI June 10, 1897, par. 13+2.

1. The Foundation of True Christianity

True Christianity is defined by a complete dedication of oneself to God, leading to transformation in thought, character, and action8LtMs, Lt 45, 1893, par. 6+1.

• Wholeness in Service: True holiness is wholeness in the service of God, requiring an unreserved consecration, where Christ demands the heart, the mind, the soul, and the strengthChS 235.3. Self is not to be cherished, as he who lives to himself is not a ChristianChS 235.3.

• A Living Connection: Genuine conversion brings the soul into a living connection with Christ and begins to fashion the character after the divine PatternST October 13, 1890, par. 1. Our growth, joy, and usefulness depend entirely on our oneness with Christ, spending time with Him day by day, hour by hourSTJ 68.1.

• Spiritual Discernment: The essential righteousness of a living Christianity requires an unction from the Holy Spirit and spiritual discernment, which the true Witness counsels believers to buy, comparing these needs to gold, white raiment, and eye-salveDAR1909 406.1+1.

2. Learning in the School of Christ

To be a follower of Christ means taking on His character traits and submitting to His teaching and discipline4MR 157.2+1.

• Meekness and Lowliness: Jesus invites us to "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls" Matthew 11:29. When people learn this lesson of meekness and lowliness of heart, they become qualified to be Christ's true witnessesAdvance March 1, 1899, par. 2+1.

• Mental Discipline: The mind is to be disciplined, educated, and trained, often requiring that the training and education of a lifetime must be discarded so that one may become a learner in the school of Christ1MCP 5.2. Every thought, word, and act must be in accord with the principles of God’s Word, which are as high as heaven and compass eternity1MCP 5.2.

• Obedience of Thought: We are called to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, realizing that imagination and speculation have no place in God’s work, which deals only in facts 2 Corinthians 10:5PTUK October 20, 1898, page 664.3.

3. Practical Discipleship and Fruits

Being a Christian requires action, demonstrating faith not merely in theory but in the daily, practical aspects of life1888 1753.1+1.

• Doing the Word: True Christians must be diligent in the study of the Bible, the Chart of life, and must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving their own selves James 1:224T 493.2+1. If we know the things Christ teaches, we are happy if we do them John 13:17.

• Service and Ministry: Practical Christianity is the actual operation of Christian principles, requiring us to stand ready to receive the orders of Providence and go about doing good, imitating the divine MasterARSH December 4, 1860, page 18.20+1. Christ's followers must cherish no selfish motives, understanding that the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister Matthew 20:2812LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 18.

• The Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of true Christianity is defined as "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" Galatians 5:22-2312LtMs, Lt 53, 1897, par. 6. By these fruits, the world will know on whose side we stand Matthew 7:2022LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 4.

4. Self-Denial and Separation

The test of discipleship involves forsaking self and the world12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 5+2.

• Taking Up the Cross: If any man will be Christ's disciple, he must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Him Matthew 16:241888 1303.2+1. Self-denial is a definite mark of Christianity12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 5.

• Overcoming Worldliness: The mark of Christian distinction is scarcely discerned in those who yield to carnal minds and seek conformity to the world, spending God's money to make an appearance like worldlings9LtMs, Ms 8a, 1894, par. 4. To follow Christ truly, one must die to self and be crucified to selfAdvance March 1, 1899, par. 2.

• Avoiding Idolatry: Those who love life and desire to see good days must refrain their tongue from evil and their lips from speaking guile 1 Peter 3:10ARSH September 2, 1858, page 125.42. Furthermore, loving the gifts of God more than the Giver reveals that riches are an idol, disqualifying a person from true discipleshipHLv 348.2.

• Choosing Sides: There are only two services—the service of sin leading to death, or the service of Christ leading to obedience unto righteousnessGCDB March 18, 1891, page 159.3. He that is not with Christ is against Him, and he that gathers not with Him scatters abroad Matthew 12:3022LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 4.

That is a wonderful question that delves into the spiritual continuity of God’s purpose! The camp meeting is not the same as the ancient Feast of Tabernacles, but it is a blessed spiritual convocation designed to fulfill similar purposes of gathering, instruction, and dedication to God ✨.

The two gatherings differ in their origin and mandatory requirements, but they both serve as vital times for separation from the world and focus on eternal truth.

The Biblical Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles was a divinely established observance within the law of Moses, primarily serving two major functions2SP 343.4.

• A Commemoration of Sojourn: This feast was celebrated annually to commemorate the time when the Hebrews lived in tents during their sojourn in the wilderness2SP 343.4+1. The people were required to leave their homes and live in booths (or leafy structures) erected outside the city walls, which created a picturesque sight2SP 343.4.

• A Harvest Festival: It was the third great feast, celebrated after the ingathering of the entire harvest, symbolizing God’s provision Exodus 23:16HSFD 86.1. The period of the Feast of Tabernacles covered seven days, with the first and eighth days designated as annual sabbathsRCASDA 31.3.

• The Fulfillment of Types: The sacrificial services pointed to Christ, and the types of the law of Moses—including the autumnal types like the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles—were viewed as pointing toward the events connected with the second advent of ChristLIFIN 191.4+1.

The Modern Camp Meeting

The annual camp meetings are gatherings of great importance, established to bring together believers and proclaim the gospel to outsidersKC 123.4+1.

• Seeking the Lord: The main object of these holy convocation meetings is to ensure that the brethren are separated from business cares and burdens so they may devote a few days exclusively to seeking the LordRH August 15, 1882, par. 1.

• Evangelistic Work: These meetings are designed to be evangelistic, focusing on the study of principles and the work, thereby helping the people receive new light upon the Word of GodPUR March 27, 1902, page 13.3+1. The truth is proclaimed in large camp meetings so that the churches have the opportunity to hear the Bible truthKC 123.4.

• Tenting Experience: Similar to the ancient feast, participants often camp or tent out upon the grounds, sometimes finding improved health from the experience of sleeping with the ends of the tent open to the airHR April 1, 1871, par. 26.

• Essential Attendance: God calls upon His people to take their place among the rank and file of believers at these gatherings, urging them to make no excuse that would keep them from gaining every spiritual advantage possibleLS 345.1.

The Spiritual Connection

Although the external practices differ, the spiritual outcome points to a greater experience: that of continual union with Christ.

While the sacrificial system and the service of the earthly sanctuary have passed away, we now look to Jesus, the High Priest of the new covenant Hebrews 12:24+1. Today, a life of complete consecration and joyful gratitude for God's blessings is regarded as a continual Feast of Tabernacles, a continuous thank offering unto the Lord18MR 270.2.

The camp meeting provides a focused opportunity for believers to humble themselves, confess, repent, and open the door of the heart to the wonderful manifestation of the power of God, preparing them to be men and women of discernment, rich in the grace of His SpiritPC 342.1.

Undue familiarity is unequivocally regarded as forbidden ground, representing a grievous moral danger that must be strictly avoided by all followers of Christ 🙏. This practice is strongly condemned by God and is dangerous terrain upon which it is unsafe to set one's feet5T 593.1+4.

This issue encompasses any conduct that savors of commonness, lovesick sentimentalism, trifling conversation, or an improper disregard for reserved and modest deportment4MR 63.3+7.

1. The Divine Standard of Purity

The true principles of Christian living mandate strict propriety and reserve, contrasting sharply with the laxity of this degenerate age5T 593.1+2.

• The Nature of Truth: The truth of heavenly origin is inherently refining; it never degrades the receiver or leads to the slightest approach toward undue familiarity2SM 30.1+4. On the contrary, genuine truth sanctifies the believer, refines the taste, elevates, and ennobles the character, bringing the individual into a close connection with Jesus2SM 30.1+4.

• Holiness and Action: Holiness of heart is the ultimate safeguard, ensuring that a person will never be led to impure actions5T 593.1+2. Those whose hearts are centered upon God, pure as crystal, and sanctified by virtue, will lead spotless lives, armored against every evil work and temptation5LtMs, Lt 51, 1887, par. 9.

• The Example of Christ: Although highly social, Christ maintained a reserved dignity that never encouraged undue familiarity18MR 115.2+4. Following Him requires acting upon the principle, "Be you holy; for I am holy" 1 Peter 1:16 to become truly courteous without affectationCH 341.3+1.

2. Warning Signs of Unacceptable Conduct

Christians, especially those in positions of responsibility, must maintain a high moral standard and avoid even the appearance of evil2SM 30.1+4.

• Behavior of Ministers and Teachers: If one who claims to teach the truth is frequently in the company of young or married women, lays a hand familiarly upon them, or converses with them intimately, he should be avoided5T 593.1+3. Such behavior indicates that the pure principles of truth are not truly established in the soul, and these individuals need a thorough conversion before God can accept their labors5T 593.1+3.

• Abstaining from Appearance of Evil: Christ’s ambassadors must keep their proper place with becoming dignity, standing aloof from everything that savors of commonness and familiarityEv 679.1+1. They must regard the apostle Paul’s injunction to abstain from even the appearance of evil, lest their good be spoken of in a negative light2SM 30.1+4.

• Failing to Maintain Propriety: Undue familiarity, flirtations, and coquetry, often seen in environments like singing exercises, demoralize and reveal a heart stained by the moral pollution of this degenerate age6LtMs, Lt 5, 1890, par. 8+1. If men placed at the head of a mission lack the firmness to preserve themselves from every vestige of commonness and unbecoming familiarity with young girls and women, they should be dischargedGCDB February 6, 1893, par. 7.

3. Essential Deportment for Safety

Safety is found only in the strictest adherence to propriety, modesty, and reservePH167 38.4.

• For Women: Women should cultivate modesty of deportment and becoming reserve, "with shamefacedness and sobriety" 1 Timothy 2:922LtMs, Ms 174, 1907, par. 6. They should be circumspect, modest, and slow to speak, knowing they are unsafe unless constantly on guard22LtMs, Ms 174, 1907, par. 6. They must resent the slightest insinuation of evil or any unwarrantable familiarity as the worst of insults to their dignified womanhood22LtMs, Ms 174, 1907, par. 6+1.

• The Shield of Purity: Sisters should not be forward, talkative, or bold, but should encourage true meeknessAH 334.1. If they occupy a position of true humility and kindness, a sacred circle of purity will surround them, shielding them from any unwarrantable liberties or undue attention from the other sexAH 334.1+1.

• Dignity in All Actions: Every word and action must tend to elevate, refine, and ennoble the character5T 593.1+3. Thoughtless consideration regarding such matters is considered sin5T 593.1+3.

4. Consequences and Contexts

The results of allowing familiarity are disastrous, leading to a breakdown of moral fiber and spiritual vitalityTSB 162.2.

• Spiritual Paralysis: Allowing thoughts to run in certain channels and giving preference or attention to young girls or married women is death to spiritualityTSB 162.2+1. The result of familiarity is comparable to an arm being touched by an animal that immediately paralyzes the muscles, spiritually weakening the personTSB 162.2.

• Professional Propriety: In health institutions, medical staff must be affable and courteous to all, but must carefully shun the appearance of undue familiarityMM 145.5+3. Physicians must be governed by a strict sense of propriety, being chaste and modest during examinations, as indelicacy is a sinMM 149.1+1.

• Removing Temptation: Because "too great commonness" has been practiced, women should take charge of women and men should take charge of men, especially when dealing with the sick privately, to remove temptationsDG 96.3+1. The corrupting doctrine that sexes must mingle together from a health standpoint has done mischievous workPH011 67.2.

• Integrity of Home Life: Associating with other women and girls can lead them to take liberties and overstep the restraints that the marriage relation imposes10LtMs, Lt 17, 1895, par. 10. Married men who accept the attention, praise, and petting of women should understand that the sympathy and love of this class is valuelessST October 15, 1885, par. 3.

The only safety for men and women, whether married or unmarried, is to shun love-sick sentimentalism and all undue familiarity, as these practices have already produced great evil in the worldSpTB16 4.1+1.

Lovesick sentimentalism is a dangerous, much-dreaded spiritual disease that must be guarded against as carefully as one would guard against leprosy, for it ruins moral character and disqualifies individuals for usefulness and positions of trust . This condition is essentially an unnatural and selfish centering of affections, leading to distorted judgment, foolish conduct, and the utter loss of spiritual discernment .

1. The Nature and Danger of Sentimentalism

Lovesick sentimentalism is a profoundly demoralizing curse that poisons the soul and institutions where it is allowed to flourish .

• A Contagious Disease: This malady is referred to as a "much-to-be-dreaded disease" that brings every faculty into subjection, making those afflicted devoid of good sense and their actions disgusting to all observersBDOC 6.32+3. It is so potent and strong that there is little hope for the recovery of souls unless they repent deeply and see the matter as God sees it18MR 296.1+2.

• Ruining Character: This form of romantic sentimentalism does not elevate, but only lowers the character, spoiling the experience and preventing the development of a noble, virtuous lifeAH 52.3+2. It is characterized by an unbalanced mind and a loss of that sense of propriety of conduct essential for a virtuous character4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 69+1.

• Contrasted with True Religion: True religious experience is defined by purity, true goodness, and humility of soul, whereas this lovesick sentimentalism is often carried on under the cover of religion but actually stems from the lust of the flesh and depraved feelings2T 252.2.

2. Roots in Imagination and Impracticality

This sickly condition stems from allowing the mind to dwell in an imaginary, unreal world rather than focusing on practical Christian duties and labor .

• Mental Causes: The imagination becomes diseased and unbalanced by novel-reading, low books, love-stories, day-dreaming, and romantic castle-building, fostering a strange appetite for unwholesome mental food . Many thousands who are now in insane asylums had their minds unbalanced by novel reading which led to this lovesick stateMYP 290.3+1.

• Impracticality in Life: Women afflicted by this condition frequently do not bring their ideas down to the common, useful duties of life, making them useless wives and mothersSA 158.1+3. They lean heavily upon their husbands, constantly thinking they are unappreciated, and often imagine themselves martyrsSA 158.1+2.

• A Hindrance to Duty: This enervating influence unfits individuals for their assigned duties in God's cause, whether in institutions or in mission work, leading to slothfulness and a dread of exercise18MR 296.1+4.

3. Manifestations in Conduct and Institutions

Lovesick sentimentalism manifests as undue familiarity and a spirit of courtship, which is strictly prohibited in settings dedicated to spiritual work .

• In Institutions: Nothing can so effectually demoralize institutions like sanitariums, colleges, and missions as the lack of prudence and watchful reserve in the association of young men and young women . The rules must be strict, as those who plead for the liberty to associate together are soon spoiled by this emotional weakness18MR 296.1+2.

• Infatuation and Ruin: The mania for courtship and marriage often bewitches the young, leading them to be easily infatuated and allowing blind impulse to control reason and judgmentBDOC 6.32+2. This infatuation causes spirituality to die and the momentous responsibilities of a sincere Christian life to be laid asideBDOC 6.32.

• Adultery of the Heart: This emotional entanglement leads to impure thoughts, indiscreet actions, and unholy conduct, often resulting in the transgression of the seventh commandment4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 69+1. It is particularly deplorable when married men, who have companions and children, pursue foolish courses, encourage attention from girls, or allow themselves to be charmed by women, resulting in blurred moral sensesTSB 243.3+4.

• Ungodly Marriages: The crisis of this spiritual disease often results in immature marriages where the parties quickly find themselves ill-mated, leading to misery, disappointment, and sometimes even desperate actions when the novelty of lovemaking is overBDOC 6.32.

4. Safeguarding Against Undue Familiarity

The only safe course is to maintain the highest moral standard, shunning this influence as an instrument of Satan .

• Strict Reserve: Safety lies in shunning love-sick sentimentalism and all undue familiarity, whether one is married or unmarriedSpTB16 4.1+1. Individuals must be reserved, modest, and maintain a high moral tone, preserving dignity to avoid giving encouragement to temptationPH167 34.2.

• Moral Discipline: The heart must be garrisoned, as only those who maintain close communion with God can resist temptations to depart from integritySpTB16 14.1. We must abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, and ensure our deportment is honest, so that our good works will glorify God 1 Peter 2:11-12.

• Practical Work: Engaging in manly, useful occupations and active employment provides a legitimate scope for youthful energy and is a safeguard against the frivolity and corruption that lead to sickly sentimentalismCE 244.2.

• Judgment and Caution: Young people, while they are permitted to rejoice in their youth, must be cautioned that God will bring them into judgment for their chosen path; therefore, they must put away evil from their flesh Ecclesiastes 11:9-104LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 76. When anything approaches love-sick sentimentalism, it should be decidedly rebuked and the guilty parties must be converted, proving their repentance through spirit and deportmentTSB 245.1+2.