From time to time we read of efforts made to unite different denominations into one. It would appear that some of them are losing their distinctiveness, and could well be merged together. They have lost the message which made them separate from others. But not so with Seventh-day Adventists. We have a definite, positive message which we are bound before God to give to the world. If not, there is no reason for our existence as a separate denomination. Surely there are enough denominations without ours, unless we have a special mission to fulfill that is not being done by any of the others. Verily, we have been raised up to give a distinctive message, to do a definite work, before the coming of the Lord. And we as workers shall be remiss if we do not faithfully give the message which God has committed to us.
In presenting any phase of gospel truth, we must never lose sight of its relationship to the third angel's message, and every doctrinal truth must be given in the setting of that message. There are many gospel truths which we hold in common with other denominations; but each of these should be given by us from the viewpoint of the message which has made us a separate people. This will give compulsive power to these gospel truths. For indeed our message is the everlasting gospel as it applies to this generation. We need not mention the message all the time, but the truths should be so presented that the message will shine through them, giving them added beauty and strength.
Our message must never degenerate into merely a negative message; it is positive, clear, and forceful, and should be presented in a positive way. There may be times when we must present the "negative side" by way of contrast to give force to the message; but we should ever remember that it is the positive message that will give power to our preaching and bring salvation to the hearers. We have not been sent into the world to condemn the world or to tear down other denominations; but to "preach the word" and to save the lost. A railing accusation, though it may be true, will arouse prejudice and close ears to the truth. A positive message, coming from the heart and spoken in love, has uplifting, drawing power.
In order to give the message the "positive ring" which it demands, we must experience its power in our own lives. We must believe it from the heart if we would persuade others to believe it. It must be ever a positive, living message to us. Then we can give it to others.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.