The Church is not Perfect
The church militant is not the church
triumphant, and earth is not heaven. The church is composed of
erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school
of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated, for this life and
for the future, immortal life.--ST Jan. 4, 1883.
Some people seem to think that upon entering the church they will
have their expectations fulfilled, and meet only with those who are
pure and perfect. They are zealous in their faith, and when they see
faults in church members, they say, "We left the world in order to
have no association with evil characters, but the evil is here
also;" and they ask, as did the servants in the parable, "From
whence then hath it tares?" But we need not be thus disappointed,
for the Lord has not warranted us in coming to the conclusion that
the church is perfect; and all our zeal will not be successful in
making the church militant as pure as the church triumphant.--Testimonies
to Ministers and Gospel Workers p. 47 (1893).
The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of her
Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His
people. He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found
in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies
of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not
triumph in the destruction of God's people. He has borne long with
their waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance
and compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His
instruction He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving
them with an everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments
of the power of His grace.--ST Nov. 13, 1901.
conclusion
"we
need not be thus disappointed, for the Lord has not warranted us in
coming to the conclusion that the church is perfect; and all our
zeal will not be successful in making the church militant as pure as
the church triumphant."
--Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers p.
47 (1893).
