The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 317

dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their sins.
Jesus saw His church, like the barren fig tree, covered with pretentious
leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit. There was a boastful observance
of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true humility, peni tence, and
faith—which alone could render the service acceptable to God—was
lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit there were manifested pride,
formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A backsliding church
closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did not forsake them,
or suffer His faithfulness to fail; but they departed from Him, and
separated themselves from His love. As they refused to comply with
the conditions, His promises were not fulfilled to them.
Such is the sure result of neglect to appreciate and improve the light
and privileges which God bestows. Unless the church will follow on in
His opening providence, accepting every ray of light, performing every
duty which may be revealed, religion will inevitably degenerate into the
observance of forms, and the spirit of vital godliness will disappear. This
truth has been repeatedly illustrated in the history of the church. God
requires of His people works of faith and obedience corresponding to
the blessings and privileges bestowed. Obedience requires a sacrifice
and involves a cross; and this is why so many of the professed followers
of Christ refused to receive the light from heaven, and, like the Jews of
old, knew not the time of their visitation. Luke 19:44. Because of their
pride and unbelief the Lord passed them by and revealed His truth to
those who, like the shepherds of Bethlehem and the Eastern Magi, had
given heed to all the light they had received.

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