"Divorce and remarriage is the most perplexing and bewildering problem facing the church today."   —  R.R. Bietz, Ministry magazine, September 1954.

That is a fitting introduction to a difficult subject. Yet the solutions to the problem are to be found in our historic beliefs. And where are our historic beliefs to be found? How can we know what is right, since there are so many conflicting voices speaking today? Fortunately, we have an excellent normative standard. It is the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. There is where we find our historic beliefs.

Because the statements are so clear-cut, little comment will be needed. We will begin by noting the pre- and post-1950 changeover in the Because the statements are so clear-cut, little comment will be needed. We will begin by noting the pre- and post-1950 changeover in the Church Manual. Church Manual. Church Manual.

"And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." —  Leviticus 20:10-12.

"For whoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep Mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God." — Leviticus 18:29-30.

"We are to become familiar with the Levitical law in all its bearings; for it contains rules that must be obeyed; it contains the instruction that if studied will enable us to understand better the rule of faith and practice that we are to follow in our dealings with one another. No soul has any excuse for being in darkness. Those who receive Christ by faith will receive also power to become the sons of God." —  Bible Commentary, 1110.

"It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women. The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national God commanded that the leaders in this apostasy be put to death by the magistrates. This order was promptly obeyed. The offenders were slain, then their bodies were hung up in sight of all Israel that the congregation, seeing the leaders so severely dealt with, might have a deep sense of God’s abhorrence of their sin and the terror of His wrath against them. All felt that the punishment was just, and the people hastened to the tabernacle, and with tears and deep humiliation confessed their sin." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 45 4-455.

"When the people of God are faithful to His commandments, ‘there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is their any divination against Israel.’ Hence all the power and wily arts of Satan are exerted to seduce them into sin. If those who profess to be the depositaries of God’s law be transgressors of its precepts, they separate themselves from God, and they will be unable to stand before their enemies." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 457.

"All along through the ages there are strewn wrecks of character that have been stranded upon the rocks of sensual indulgence. As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for every soul." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 457.

"Israel’s sin at Beth-peor brought the judgements of God upon the nation, and though the same sins may not now be punished as speedily, they will as surely meet retribution. ‘If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy.’ (1 Cor 3: 17) . . And beyond this life stands the tribunal of the judgment, with its reward of eternal penalties. ‘They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God,’ but with Satan and evil angels shall have their part in that ‘lake of fire’ which ‘is the second death’ (Galatians 5:21; Revelation 20: 14)." —  Patriarchs and Prophets, 461.

"Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem was opportune. There was great need of the influence of his presence. His coming brought courage and hope to the hearts of many who had long labored under difficulties. Since the return of the first company of exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, over seventy years before, much had been accomplished. The temple had been finished, and the walls of the city had been partially repaired.

Yet much remained undone. Among those who had returned to Jerusalem in former years, there were many who had remained true to God as long as they lived; but a considerable number of the children and the children’s children lost sight of the sacredness of God’s law. Even some of the men entrusted with responsibilities were living in open sin. Their course was largely neutralizing the efforts made by others to advance the cause of God; for so long as flagrant violations of the law were allowed to go unrebuked, the blessing of Heaven could not rest upon the people." —  Patriarchs and Kings, 618-619.

"And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do His pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do." — Ezra 10:10-12.

"And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass." — Ezra 10:19.

The last verse of the chapter reads: "All these had taken strange wives; and some of them had wives by whom they had children." — Ezra 10:44.

"This was the beginning of a wonderful reformation. With patience and tact, and with a careful consideration for the rights and welfare of every individual concerned, Ezra and his associates strove to lead the penitent of Israel into the right way." — Prophets and Kings, 622.

"The unlawful alliances were causing great confusion in Israel; for some who entered into them were men in high position, rulers to whom the people had a right to look for counsel and a safe example. Foreseeing the ruin before the nation if this evil were allowed to continue, Nehemiah reasoned earnestly with the wrongdoers. Pointing to the case of Solomon, he reminded them that among all the nations there had risen no king like this man, to whom God had given great wisdom; yet idolatrous women had turned his heart from God, and his example had corrupted Israel. ‘Shall we then hearken unto you,’ Nehemiah sternly demanded, ‘to do all this great evil?’ ‘Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves."

"As he set before them God’s commandments and threatenings, and the fearful judgments visited on Israel in the past for this very sin, their consciences were aroused, and a work of reformation was begun that turned away God’s threatened anger and brought His approval and blessing."

"There were some in sacred office who pleaded for their heathen wives, declaring that they could not bring themselves to separate from them. But no distinction was made; no respect was shown for rank or position. Whoever among the priests or rulers refused to sever his connection with idolaters was immediately separated from the service of the Lord. A grandson of the high priest, having married a daughter of the notorious Sanballat, was not only removed from office, but promptly banished from Israel. ‘Remember them, 0 my God,’ Nehemiah prayed, ‘because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.’ How much anguish of soul this needed severity costs the faithful worker for God the judgment alone will reveal. There was a constant struggle with opposing elements, and only by fasting, humiliation, and prayer was advancement made." — Prophets and Kings, 6 73-6 74.

"Many who had married idolaters chose to go with them into exile, and these, with those who had been expelled from the congregation, joined the Samaritans. Hither some who had occupied high positions in the work of God found their way and after a time cast in their lot fully with them." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 674.

"Herod himself had listened to the preaching of the Baptist. The dissolute king had trembled under the call to repentance. ‘Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy; . . and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." John dealt with him faithfully, denouncing his iniquitous alliance with Herodias, his brother’s wife. For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias fastened him the more firmly in her toils, and found revenge upon the Baptist by inducing Herod to cast him into prison." — Desire of Ages, 214.

"In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had dared to face King Herod with the plain rebuke of sin." — Desire of Ages, 215.

"Multitudes left the busy cities and villages and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful prophet John laid the ax to the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God." — Early Writing, 154.

"Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod was unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother’s wife and through her influence, seized John and put him in prison, intending to release him . . Soon John was beheaded through the influence of Herod’s wife." — Early Writings, 154.

"So men have argued, till policy has taken the place of faithfulness. Sin is allowed to go unrebuked. When will be heard once more in the church the voice of faithful rebuke, ‘Thou art the man’? (2 Sam 12:17). If these words were not so rare, we should see more of the power of God. The Lord’s messengers should not complain of their efforts being fruitless until they repent of their love of approbation, their desire to please men, which leads them to suppress truth, and to cry, Peace, when God has not spoken peace., God calls for men who, like Nathan, Elijah, and John, will bear His message with fearlessness, regardless of consequences; who will speak the truth, though to do this calls for the sacrifice of all they have." — Gospel Workers, 150.

"And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." — Leviticus 20:10.

"The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female. And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto Him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. " —  Matthew 19:3-9.

"Your ideas in regard to the marriage relation have been erroneous. Nothing but the violation of the marriage bed can either break or annul the marriage vow." — Adventist Home, 341.

"You reasoned incorrectly in regard to the matter of divorce. Your views cannot be sustained on the ground from which you reason. Men are not at liberty to make a standard of law for themselves, to avoid God’s law and please their own inclination. They must come to God’s great moral standard of righteous.. God gave only one cause why a wife should leave her husband, or the husband leave his wife, which was adultery. Let this ground be powerfully considered." — Adventist Home, 342.

"Jesus answered him, "If a man loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:23-24, RSV

"To a Deserted Husband — ‘Shoulder Your Cross.’ — I cannot see what more can be done in this case, and I think that the only thing that you can do is to give up your wife. If she is thus determined not to live with you, both she and you would be most miserable to attempt it And as she has fully determinedly set her stakes, you can only shoulder your cross and show yourself a man." — Adventist Home, 344.

"A Wife Urged to Change Disposition, Not the Marriage Status .  —  I have received a letter from your husband. I would say that there is only one thing for which a husband may lawfully separate from his wife or a wife from her husband, and that is adultery." — Adventist   Home, 345.

"There is no such thing as weakening or strengthening the law of Jehovah. As it has been, so it is. It always has been, and always will be, holy, just, and good, complete in itself. It cannot be repealed or changed. To ‘honor’ or ‘dishonor’ it is but the speech of men." — Prophets and Kings, 625.

"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let the husband put away his wife." — 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

"For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband." — Romans 7:2-3.

"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 7:39.

"Never should God’s people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God." — Fundamentals of Christian Education, 500.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, not abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." — 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

"A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." — Titus 3:9-11.

"After a first and second warning have no more to do with a factious person; you may be sure a man like that is perverted, he is sinning and he knows it." — Titus 3:9-11, Moffatt’s translation.

"Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s Supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches (1 Cor 5:11). But beyond this none are to pass judgment. " —  Desire of Ages 656.

"I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters: for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." — 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

"Men are to beware how they, in their human blindness, judge and condemn their fellow man; but when God commands them to execute His sentence upon iniquity, He is to be obeyed." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 324.

"Thus poor, blind mortals finally adopt the maxim, ‘Whatever is, is right.’ They acknowledge no rule to measure their course." — 1 Testimonies, 295.

"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him." — Proverbs 24:24.

"An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked." — Proverbs 29:27, RSV

"I saw that many souls have been destroyed by their brethren unwisely sympathizing with them, when their only hope was to be left to see and realize the full extent of their wrongs.

But as they eagerly accept the sympathy of unwise brethren, they receive the idea that they are abused; and if they attempt to retrace their steps, they make halfhearted work.

They divide the matter to suit their natural feelings, lay blame upon the reprover, and so patch up the matter. It is not probed to the bottom, and is not healed, and they again fail into the same wrong, because they were not left to feel the extent of their wrong, and humble themselves before God, and let Him build them up. False sympathizers have worked in direct opposition to the mind of Christ and ministering angels. Ministers of Christ should arise and engage in the work of God with all their energies. God’s servants are not excused if they shun pointed testimony. They should reprove and rebuke wrong, and not suffer sin upon a brother." — Testimonies, 213-214.

"Instead of watching for their danger, and warning them of it, you have cast your influence against those who have followed the convictions of duty, and reproved and warned the erring. These are perilous times for the church of God, and the greatest danger now is that of self-deception. Individuals professing to believe the truth are blind to their own danger and wrongs. They reach the standard of piety which has been set up by their friends and themselves, they are fellowshipped by their brethren, and are satisfied, while they entirely fail to reach the gospel standard set up by our divine Lord. If they regard iniquity in their hearts, the Lord will not hear them. But with many it is not only regarded in the heart, but openly carried out in the life; yet in many cases the wrongdoers receive no rebuke." — 1 Testimonies, 214.

"I was shown that you had been wrong in sympathizing with E. The course you have taken in regard to him has injured your influence, and has greatly injured the cause of God. It is impossible for E to be fellowshipped by the church. He has placed himself where he cannot be helped by the church, where he can have no communication with, nor voice in the church. He has placed himself there in the face of light and truth. He has stubbornly chosen his own course, and refused to listen to reproof. He has followed the inclinations of his corrupt heart, has violated the holy law of God, and has disgraced the cause of present truth. If he repents ever so heartily, the church must let his case alone. If he goes to heaven, it must be alone, without the fellowship of the church. A standing rebuke from God and the church must ever rest upon him, that the standard of morality be not lowered to the very dust. The Lord is displeased with your course of things." — 1 Testimonies, 215.

"God has given men no liberty to depart from His requirements. The Lord had declared to Israel, ‘Ye shall not do. . every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes’; but ye shall ‘observe and hear all these words which I command thee. (Deuteronomy 12:8, 28). In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways   of death.’ (Proverbs 14: 12)." —  Patriarchs and Prophets, 634.

"Yet with the sin of Saul and its results before us, how many are pursuing a similar course. While they refuse to believe and obey some requirement of the Lord, they persevere in offering up to God their formal services of religion. There is no response of the Spirit of God to such service. No matter how zealous men may be in their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of His commands." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 634.

But to the wicked God says:

"What right have you to recite My statues, or take My covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you. If you see a thief, you are a friend of his; and you keep company with adulterers. You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you." — Psalm 51:16-21,RSV

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them. Take no part in the unfruitful words of darkness, but instead expose them." — Ephesians 5:6-7,11, RSV

"We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ while living in transgression of God’s law. There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the prosperity of the early church; and the teachings of the apostle John on these points should be carefully heeded. ‘Ye must have charity,’ is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious and call this charity. God requires His people In this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors." —  Acts of the Apostles, 554-555.

"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." — 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.

"It has been truly said, ‘Show me your company, and I will show you your character." — Counsels to Teachers, 221.

"These young men should choose for their associates those who love the purity of truth, whose morals are untainted, and whose habits are pure." — 3 Testimonies, 126.

"If choice is made of companions who fear the Lord, the influence will lead to truth, to duty, and to holiness. A truly Christian life is a power for good. But, on the other hand, those who associate with men and women of questionable morals, of bad principles and practices, will soon be walking the same path. The tendencies of the natural heart are downward." — 4 Testimonies, 587.

"Little do parents consider that injurious impressions are far more readily received by the young than are divine impressions; therefore their associations should be the most favorable for the growth of grace and for the truth revealed in the Word of God to be established in the heart." — 5 Testimonies, 544-545.

"In order to form correct habits, we should seek the company of persons of sound moral and religious influence." — 4 Testimonies, 655.

"The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, choosing their society only when there is opportunity to do them good. We cannot be too decided in shunning the company of those who exert an influence to draw us away from God. While we pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation,’ we are to shun temptation, so far as possible." — Patriarchs and Prophets 459.

"Corrupt men think it easier to misinterpret the Scriptures to sustain them in their iniquity than to yield up their corruption and sin and be pure in heart and life." — 5 Testimonies, 141.

"After the moral standard has been lowered in the minds of men, their judgment becomes perverted, and they look upon sin as righteousness, and righteousness as sin. By associating with these, whose inclinations and habits are not elevated and pure, others become like them. Their tastes and principles are almost unconsciously adopted." — 5 Testimonies, 143.

"And what strong delusion could come upon them than that there is nothing displeasing to God in licentiousness and adultery? The Bible contains warnings against these sins." — 5 Testimonies, 145.

"Under any and every circumstance, transgression is a dishonor to God and a curse to man. We must regard it thus, however fair its guise, and by whomsoever committed. As Christ’s ambassador, I entreat you who profess present truth to promptly resent any approach to impurity and forsake the society of those who breathe an impure suggestion. Loathe these defiling sins with the most intense hatred. Flee from those who would, even in conversation, let the mind run in such a channel; ‘for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ 5 Testimonies, 146.

"Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from Achans." — 5 Testimonies, 147.

"No stronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makes them believe that they are right, and that God accepts their works, when they are sinning against Him." — 1 Testimonies, 407.

It is a perilous step to slight the reproofs and warnings of God’s Word or of His Spirit. Many, like Saul, yield to temptation until they become blind to the true character of sin. They flatter themselves that they have had some good object in view, and have done no wrong in departing from the Lord’s requirements. Thus they do despite to the Spirit of Grace, until its voice is no longer heard, and they are left to the delusions which they have chosen." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 635.

"Many at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 95.

"The people mourned because their sins had brought suffering upon themselves, but not because they had dishonored God by transgression of His holy law. True repentance is more than sorrow for sin. It is a resolute turning away from evil." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 557.

"When His people put away the sins that had shut out His presence, He heard their prayers and at once began to work for them." — Patriarchs and Prophets, 558.

"That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin." — Acts of the Apostles, 324.

"Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin." — 5 Testimonies, 640.

"Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God." — Great Controversy, 486.

"The wisdom which God gives will lead men to self-examination. The truth will convict them of their errors and existing wrongs. The heart must be open to see, realize, and acknowledge these wrongs, and then, through the help of Jesus, each must earnestly engage in the work of overcoming them." — 4 Testimonies, 361.

"There are those who profess holiness who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tell us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments." — Acts of the Apostles, 562-563.

"The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to God’s will . . The directions laid down in the Word of God leave no room for compromise with evil His children must follow where He has lead the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self." — Acts of the Apostles, 565.

"The church is in a great degree responsible for the sins of her members. She gives countenance to evil if she fails to lift her voice against it" — Prophets and Kings, 651.

"The only question asked in the judgment will be, "Have they been obedient to My commandments?" —  Gospel Workers, 315.

"There are only two classes in the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment — those who violate God’s law and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which to prove our loyalty or disloyalty. ‘If ye love Me,’ He says, ‘Keep My commandments’ ‘If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.’(John 14:15-24; 15:10)." Christ’s Object Lessons, 283.

"With this history before the peculiar people of God in these last days, there is no excuse for any one who will follow the example of ancient Israel in sin. But Satan will work in this special temptation to make void the law of God, and make light of God’s special injunctions and warnings. The point to be marked is, that Moses’ prayer were not heard, neither his weeping nor the sorrow and prayers of those who had maintained their integrity, until justice was executed upon that demoralized, God defying prince Something besides prayers and tears are needed in a time when reproach and peril are hanging over God’s people. The wicked works must be brought to an end. The very work of justice done by Phineas was an atonement for Israel." — Review and Herald, May 1 7, 1887.

"All who leave the common track of custom, and advocate reform, will be opposed, accounted mad, insane, radical, let them pursue ever so consistent a course."  —  2 Testimonies, 377.

"It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people." — Great Controversy, 478.

"When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another. One member working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in making intercession for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. There will be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind of the spirit. The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things." — 8 Testimonies, 251.

"Will those who claim to be children of the Most High elevate the standard as long as time shall last? Will you not be on the Lord’s side and serve Him with full purpose of Heart?" — 5 Testimonies, 541.

Oh, my friend, let us befaithful to God and His Word to the end!

"When it was necessary to rescind a major action of a very important board a number of years ago, we were told that a board member told the G.C. president that there would be some red faces. His answer was ‘better be red and right.’ We would like to suggest in the kindest way possible the advisability of returning to the reading of the old Church Manual, prior to 1950, on the subject. It gave our ministry support to call sin by its right name, and deny membership for those ‘living in sin.

Under the old Church Manual, this was not a debatable question. Since 1950 and the change in the Manual, there is endless discussion and people are put out or retained in membership by margins of even one vote. It is not a healthy situation. This alone should tell us that our guidelines are not guiding very well. In a few of these unpublished letters, Sister White says that God may forgive and accept them IF.. In no place does she say that the church should accept them into good and regular standing.

She indicates that if they are truly repentant we may fellowship with them and not deny them working for the Lord in a humble capacity, it is true. But this surely does not mean that we are to create an indulgence to sin, by accepting them back as is now being done in many churches. Sister White set us an example of working for the souls of all that had fallen into this sin. When they had put themselves in an impossible position where they could not extricate themselves without wronging someone else, she was most sympathetic, but she always called sin by its right name. Sin always carries a penalty. We remove that penalty entirely by accepting these people back in good and regular standing or retaining them while ‘living in sin’ as is now frequently being done in our churches. We leave the flood gates wide open to divorce. When the church forgives, God must accept them, is the reasoning of many.

We are aware that it borders on heresy to call attention to error in our Church Manual. Our workers dare not do it, even though we are sure that some would like to do so, in reading between the lines in our correspondence. Our study has not weakened our faith in our Message, but has strengthened it, and in the ministry of Ellen White. We have not lost faith in our leadership. We hope we are assisting in checking the tide of liberalism that is growing in our church, that is fostering sin in the camp, and delaying the coming of Jesus. A letter just received from an influential doctor says. ‘I don’t think I am moving away from the church. I think the church is moving away from what they taught me, from what I learned in church school, at home, and in church while growing up.’ We can echo these words.

"It is only as the law of God is restored . . ‘Thus saith the Lord . . ask for the old paths.’ (OC 478) We are asking for the old Church Manual on this subject. May God bless all our dedicated workers." — R.0. Williams, D.D.S., and M.S. Williams, M.D., God’s Seventh Commandment, Second Edition, pages 1 72-1 73.

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