The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 379

striking illustration of this truth is presented in the history of the Jewish
people in the time of Christ. By their devotion to the world and
forgetfulness of God and His word, their understanding had become
darkened, their hearts earthly and sensual. Thus they were in ignorance
concerning Messiah’s advent, and in their pride and unbelief they
rejected the Redeemer. God did not even then cut off the Jewish nation
from a knowledge of, or a participation in, the blessings of salvation.
But those who rejected the truth lost all desire for the gift of Heaven.
They had “put darkness for light, and light for darkness,” until the light
which was in them became darkness; and how great was that darkness!
It suits the policy of Satan that men should retain the forms of
religion if but the spirit of vital godliness is lacking. After their rejection
of the gospel, the Jews continued zealously to maintain their ancient
rites, they rigorously preserved their national exclusiveness, while they
themselves could not but admit that the presence of God was no longer
manifest among them. The prophecy of Daniel pointed so unmistakably
to the time of Messiah’s coming, and so directly foretold His death, that
they discouraged its study, and finally the rabbis pronounced a curse
on all who should attempt a computation of the time. In blindness and
impenitence the people of Israel during succeeding centuries have stood,
indifferent to the gracious offers of salvation, unmindful of the blessings
of the gospel, a solemn and fearful warning of the danger of rejecting
light from heaven.
Wherever the cause exists, the same results will follow. He who
deliberately stifles his convictions of duty because it interferes with his
inclinations will finally lose the power to distinguish between truth and
error. The understanding becomes darkened, the conscience callous, the
heart hardened, and the soul is separated from God. Where the message
of divine truth is spurned or slighted, there the church will be enshrouded
in darkness; faith and love grow cold,

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