Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, or heavenly minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world. The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. The true godliness will elevate the thoughts and enable the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian internal purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical Pharisees. (Desire of Ages p.310)
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 21:43:51 +0000