The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 528
understand these truths for himself. God has granted to men a strong
foundation upon which to rest their faith.
Yet the finite minds of men are inadequate fully to comprehend the
plans and purposes of the Infinite One. We can never by searching
find out God. We must not attempt to lift with presumptuous hand
the curtain behind which He veils His majesty. The apostle exclaims:
“How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”
Romans 11:33. We can so far comprehend His dealings with us, and
the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless
love and mercy united to infinite power. Our Father in heaven orders
everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied
and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will reveal to us
as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and beyond that
we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love.
While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove
all excuse for unbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts
upon will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God’s
word until every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an
opportunity for doubt, will never come to the light.
Distrust of God is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart,
which is at enmity with Him. But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and
it will flourish only as it is cherished. No man can become strong in faith
without a determined effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged;
and if men, instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given
to sustain their faith, permit themselves to question and cavil, they will
find their doubts constantly becoming more confirmed.
But those who doubt God’s promises and distrust the assurance of
His grace are dishonoring Him; and their influence, instead of drawing
others to Christ, tends to repel
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