The
apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while
they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira acted the
part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when
they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of
truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders,
and the judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its
purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the
church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They could not long
remain in connection with those who were, in habit and disposition,
constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came
upon His followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the
truth's sake desired to become His disciples. Thus, as long as
persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure. But as it
ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the
way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold.
But
there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When
Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted
from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further
from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so
large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to
bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who
remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true
Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these
apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed
their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of
Christ.
It
required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand
firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in
sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The Bible was not
accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was
termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed.
After
a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all
union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from
falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute
necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate
errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil
the faith of their children and children's children. To secure peace and
unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity
to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at
the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the
compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and
even war.
Well
would it be for the church and the world if the principles that
actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God's
professed people. Great Controversy pp. 44,45
