"你们查考圣经。因你们以为内中有永生。给我作见证的就是这经。"(约翰福音5:39)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. KJV — John 5:39
“对神是什么以及他要求我们做什么的清晰概念将带来健康的谦卑。正确研究圣言的人会知道人类的智力并不是万能的。他将了解到,如果没有上帝以外任何人都无法给予的帮助,人类的力量和智慧都只是软弱和无知。 CT 53.2
“A clear conception of what God is and what He requires us to be will lead to wholesome humility. He who studies aright the Sacred Word will learn that human intellect is not omnipotent. He will learn that without the help which none but God can give, human strength and wisdom are but weakness and ignorance. CT 53.2
遵循神圣指引的人找到了救恩和真正幸福的唯一真正源泉,并获得了向周围所有人传递幸福的力量。没有宗教,没有人能真正享受生活。对上帝的爱净化并提高了每一种品味和欲望,强化了每一种情感,并照亮了每一种有价值的快乐。它使人能够欣赏和享受一切真、善、美的事物。 CT 53.3
He who is following the divine guidance has found the only true source of saving grace and real happiness, and has gained the power of imparting happiness to all around him. No man can really enjoy life without religion. Love to God purifies and ennobles every taste and desire, intensifies every affection, and brightens every worthy pleasure. It enables men to appreciate and enjoy all that is true, and good, and beautiful. CT 53.3
“但是,最重要的是,我们应该珍视圣经,因为它向人们揭示了上帝的旨意。在这里,我们了解我们创造的目标以及实现该目标的方法。我们学习如何明智地改善现在的生活以及如何保障未来的生活。没有其他书可以满足心灵的疑问或内心的渴望。通过获得上帝话语的知识并加以注意,人们可以从堕落的最深处升起,成为上帝的儿子,无罪天使的同伴。” CT 53.4
“But that which above all other considerations should lead us to prize the Bible is that in it is revealed to men the will of God. Here we learn the object of our creation and the means by which that object may be attained. We learn how to improve wisely the present life and how to secure the future life. No other book can satisfy the questionings of the mind or the cravings of the heart. By obtaining a knowledge of God's word and giving heed thereto, men may rise from the lowest depths of degradation to become the sons of God, the associates of sinless angels.” CT 53.4
阅读约21:1-19。这里揭示了什么重要的真理,特别是关于上帝的恩典和人类的谦卑?
Read John 21:1–19. What crucial truths are revealed here, especially about God’s grace—and human humility?
当服从主人的命令时,成功就不会失败。如果事工不断地询问耶稣在哪里以及如何撒网,就会有大量的“鱼”——归信者——并且永远不会缺乏“肉”——手段。 ——{2SR 296.2}
Success never fails when the command of the Master is obeyed. If the ministry had been constantly inquiring of Jesus where and how to cast the net, there would have been a multitude of “fish” – converts – and never a lack of “meat” – means. --{2SR 296.2}
“他们清楚地回忆起耶稣吩咐他们跟从他时在海边的情景。他们记得,他们是如何按照他的命令,跳入深水中,撒下网的,捕获的鱼是如此之多,以至于填满了网,甚至快要破裂了。然后耶稣呼召他们离开渔船,并应许他们要成为得人的渔夫。为了让他们想起这一幕,加深印象,他再次行了神迹。他的行为是更新了对门徒的使命。这向他们表明,他们的主的死并没有减轻他们完成他指派给他们的工作的义务。尽管他们将失去他个人的陪伴,也失去了以前工作的支持手段,复活的救主仍然会照顾他们。当他们做他的工作时,他会供应他们的需要。耶稣命令他们把网撒在船的右侧是有目的的。他站在那一边的岸边。这就是信仰的一面。如果他们与他合作——他的神圣力量与他们的人类努力相结合——他们就一定会成功。 DA 810.5
“Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had bidden them follow Him. They remembered how, at His command, they had launched out into the deep, and had let down their net, and the catch had been so abundant as to fill the net, even to breaking. Then Jesus had called them to leave their fishing boats, and had promised to make them fishers of men. It was to bring this scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression, that He had again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the commission to the disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master had not lessened their obligation to do the work He had assigned them. Though they were to be deprived of His personal companionship, and of the means of support by their former employment, the risen Saviour would still have a care for them. While they were doing His work, He would provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him,—His divine power combining with their human effort,—they could not fail of success. DA 810.5
“基督必须给予的另一个教训,尤其是与彼得有关的教训。彼得对他的主的否认与他以前所表白的忠诚形成了可耻的对比。他羞辱了基督,并招致了他的弟兄们的不信任。他们认为他不会被允许担任他们以前的职位,而他自己也觉得自己已经失去了信任。在被召唤再次从事使徒工作之前,他必须在众人面前证明他的悔改。如果没有这一点,他的罪虽然已经悔改,但可能会摧毁他作为基督传道人的影响力。救主给了他机会重新获得弟兄们的信任,并尽可能消除他对福音带来的羞辱。 DA 811.1
“Another lesson Christ had to give, relating especially to Peter. Peter's denial of his Lord had been in shameful contrast to his former professions of loyalty. He had dishonored Christ, and had incurred the distrust of his brethren. They thought he would not be allowed to take his former position among them, and he himself felt that he had forfeited his trust. Before being called to take up again his apostolic work, he must before them all give evidence of his repentance. Without this, his sin, though repented of, might have destroyed his influence as a minister of Christ. The Saviour gave him opportunity to regain the confidence of his brethren, and, so far as possible, to remove the reproach he had brought upon the gospel. DA 811.1
“这是给所有基督追随者的一个教训。福音不与邪恶妥协。它不能为罪开脱。秘密的罪要秘密地向神承认;但是,对于公开犯罪,就需要公开认罪。门徒的罪所受的羞辱都归在基督身上。它使撒但得胜,使摇摆不定的灵魂跌倒。通过提供悔改的证据,门徒可以尽其所能消除这种耻辱。” DA 811.2
“Here is given a lesson for all Christ's followers. The gospel makes no compromise with evil. It cannot excuse sin. Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required. The reproach of the disciple's sin is cast upon Christ. It causes Satan to triumph, and wavering souls to stumble. By giving proof of repentance, the disciple, so far as lies in his power, is to remove this reproach.” DA 811.2
“彼得三次公开否认他的主,耶稣也三次从他那里得到他的爱和忠诚的保证,将尖锐的问题逼到他身上,就像一支带刺的箭射向他受伤的心。在聚集的门徒面前,耶稣揭示了彼得悔改的深度,并表明这位曾经自夸的门徒是多么彻底地谦卑。” DA 812.2
“Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple.” DA 812.2
阅读约21:20-22。什么问题使彼得走上了歧途?耶稣又是怎样修正的?
Read John 21:20–22. What question led Peter down a wrong path? How did Jesus straighten the path?
“当彼得在耶稣旁边行走时,他看见约翰跟着他。他渴望知道自己的未来,于是他“对耶稣说,主啊,这个人该怎么办?耶稣对他说,我若要他等到我来的时候,与你何干?你跟随我。彼得应该考虑到他的主会向他揭示他最好知道的一切。每个人都有责任跟随基督,而不必过度担心分配给他人的工作。当耶稣谈到约翰时说:“我若愿意他等到我来的时候”,耶稣并没有保证这个门徒会活到主再来。他只是主张自己的至高无上的权力,即使他愿意这样,也不会影响彼得的工作。约翰和彼得的未来都掌握在他们的主手中。服从他是每个人的义务。 DA 816.2
“As Peter walked beside Jesus, he saw that John was following. A desire came over him to know his future, and he “saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.” Peter should have considered that his Lord would reveal to him all that it was best for him to know. It is the duty of everyone to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the work assigned to others. In saying of John, “If I will that he tarry till I come,” Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the Lord's second coming. He merely asserted His own supreme power, and that even if He should will this to be so, it would in no way affect Peter's work. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord. Obedience in following Him was the duty required of each. DA 816.2
“今天有多少人像彼得一样!他们对别人的事情感兴趣,渴望知道自己的职责,同时却有忽视自己的职责的危险。我们的工作就是仰望基督并跟随他。我们会看到别人生活中的错误,以及他们品格上的缺陷。人类充满了软弱。但在基督里我们会找到完美。仰望祂,我们就会被改变。 DA 816.3
“How many today are like Peter! They are interested in the affairs of others, and anxious to know their duty, while they are in danger of neglecting their own. It is our work to look to Christ and follow Him. We shall see mistakes in the lives of others, and defects in their character. Humanity is encompassed with infirmity. But in Christ we shall find perfection. Beholding Him, we shall become transformed. DA 816.3
阅读约21:23-25。耶稣的话是怎样被误解的?使徒约翰如何纠正这个误解?
Read John 21:23–25. How was Jesus’ statement misunderstood? How did the apostle John correct that misunderstanding?
当耶稣谈到约翰时说:“我若愿意他等到我来的时候”,耶稣并没有保证这个门徒会活到主再来。他只是主张自己的至高无上的权力,即使他愿意这样,也不会影响彼得的工作。约翰和彼得的未来都掌握在他们的主手中。服从他是每个人的义务。 DA 816.2
In saying of John, “If I will that he tarry till I come,” Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the Lord's second coming. He merely asserted His own supreme power, and that even if He should will this to be so, it would in no way affect Peter's work. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord. Obedience in following Him was the duty required of each. DA 816.2
“约翰活得很老。他目睹了耶路撒冷的毁灭,以及庄严圣殿的毁灭——象征着世界的最终毁灭。约翰直到晚年都紧紧跟随他的主。他向众教会作见证的负担是:“亲爱的弟兄姊妹,让我们彼此相爱;” “住在爱里的,就是住在神里面,神也住在他里面。”约翰一书 4:7, 16. DA 816.4
“John lived to be very aged. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, and the ruin of the stately temple,—a symbol of the final ruin of the world. To his latest days John closely followed his Lord. The burden of his testimony to the churches was, “Beloved, let us love one another;” “he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:7, 16. DA 816.4
“彼得已经恢复了使徒的身份,但是他从基督那里得到的荣耀和权柄并没有使他凌驾于他的弟兄之上。基督在回答彼得的问题时已经清楚地表明了这一点:“这个人要做什么?”他曾说:“那与你何干?你跟随我。彼得没有被尊为教会的领袖。基督宽恕他的背道,并委托他喂养羊群,向他表示恩惠,加上彼得自己忠心跟随基督,这些都为他赢得了弟兄们的信任。他在教会中有很大的影响力。但基督在加利利海边所教导他的教训却伴随他一生……” DA 817.1
“Peter had been restored to his apostleship, but the honor and authority he received from Christ had not given him supremacy over his brethren. This Christ had made plain when in answer to Peter's question, “What shall this man do?” He had said, “What is that to thee? follow thou Me.” Peter was not honored as the head of the church. The favor which Christ had shown him in forgiving his apostasy, and entrusting him with the feeding of the flock, and Peter's own faithfulness in following Christ, won for him the confidence of his brethren. He had much influence in the church. But the lesson which Christ had taught him by the Sea of Galilee Peter carried with him throughout his life…” DA 817.1
阅读约1:4-10;3:19-21;5:35;8:12;9:5;11:9、10;12:35。这里有什么巨大的反差,为什么这种反差对理解真理如此重要?
Read John 1:4–10; John 3:19–21; John 5:35; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 11:9, 10; and John 12:35. What great contrast is present here, and why is this contrast so foundational to understanding truth?
“这些话与耶稣自己的话是一致的,耶稣在前往大马士革的路上逮捕扫罗时宣称:‘我为此目的向你显现,要立你为这两件事的执事和见证人。你已经看见了,并且我将在其中向你显现那些事;救你脱离百姓和外邦人,我现在差你到他们那里去,打开他们的眼睛,使他们从黑暗转向光明,从撒但的权势归向神,使他们的罪得赦免,并且得着赦免。 ” 使徒行传 26:16-18。 AA 126.3
“These words were in harmony with the words of Jesus Himself, who, when He arrested Saul on the journey to Damascus, declared: ‘I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.’” Acts 26:16-18. AA 126.3
黑色、肮脏的物体永远不会反射,它会消耗掉所有的光。月亮之所以发光,是因为它的表面是白色的物质。如果它是由黑色物质制成的,它就不会反射任何光。属灵之光也是如此:如果我们渴望发光,我们现在就必须起身清理,脱去黑色污秽的衣服,在圣灵的监督下积极参与这场复兴和改革。必须抛弃愚蠢、狂热和冷漠,把神圣的思想付诸行动,主如此命令:——{1TG40 16.4}
A black, dirty object never reflects, it consumes all the light to itself. The moon shines because its surface is of white substance. If it were made of black substance it could not reflect any light whatever. The same is true with spiritual light: If we are eager to shine, we must now arise and clean up, put away our black, filthy garments – take an active part in this revival and reformation under the supervision of the Holy Spirit. Stupidity, fanaticism, and indifference must be abandoned and Divine thinking put in action, so commands the Lord: --{1TG40 16.4}
阅读约8:42-44。耶稣怎样描述以色列的宗教领袖建立信仰的错误基础?
Read John 8:42–44. How does Jesus describe the false foundation on which the religious leaders of Israel had based their faith?
“耶稣否认犹太人是亚伯拉罕的子孙。他说:“你们行你们父亲所行的事。”他们嘲笑地回答说:“我们不是从淫乱生的,我们是从淫乱生的。”我们只有一位父亲,就是上帝。”这些话暗指他出生的情况,目的是在那些开始相信基督的人面前对他进行攻击。耶稣没有理会这种卑鄙的暗示,而是说:“如果神是你们的父,你们就会爱我,因为我是从神而来的。” DA 467.2
“Jesus denied that the Jews were children of Abraham. He said, “Ye do the deeds of your father.” In mockery they answered, “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.” These words, in allusion to the circumstances of His birth, were intended as a thrust against Christ in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. Jesus gave no heed to the base insinuation, but said, “If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God.” DA 467.2
“他们的作品证明了他们与他的关系,他是一个骗子和杀人犯。耶稣说:“你们是出于你们的父魔鬼,你们父的私欲,你们却愿意去行。他从一开始就是一个杀人犯,不坚持真理,因为他里面没有真理……因为我说的是真理,你们不相信我。”约翰福音 8:44, 45, R.V. 耶稣说的是真话,而且是肯定的,这就是他不被犹太领袖接受的原因。正是事实冒犯了这些自以为是的人。真理揭露了错误的谬误;它谴责了他们的教导和实践,而且不受欢迎。他们宁愿对事实视而不见,也不愿谦卑地承认自己的错误。他们不喜爱真理。他们并不想要它,尽管这是事实。” DA 467.3
“Their works testified of their relationship to him who was a liar and a murderer. “Ye are of your father the devil,” said Jesus, “and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.... Because I say the truth, ye believe Me not.” John 8:44, 45, R. V. The fact that Jesus spoke the truth, and that with certainty, was why He was not received by the Jewish leaders. It was the truth that offended these self-righteous men. The truth exposed the fallacy of error; it condemned their teaching and practice, and it was unwelcome. They would rather close their eyes to the truth than humble themselves to confess that they had been in error. They did not love the truth. They did not desire it, even though it was truth.” DA 467.3
阅读约4:46-54。什么问题把这位官员带到耶稣面前?这里真正潜在的问题是什么?
Read John 4:46–54. What problem brought the official to Jesus, and what was the real underlying issue here?
“尽管有所有证据表明耶稣是基督,请愿者仍决定以满足他自己的请求为条件,以相信他。救主将这种质疑性的不信与撒玛利亚人的简单信仰进行了对比,撒玛利亚人不求任何奇迹或神迹。他的话语是他神性的永恒证据,具有令人信服的力量,直击他们的心。基督感到痛苦的是,他自己的子民(他们已被托付了神圣的神谕)却听不到上帝通过他的儿子向他们说话的声音。 DA 198.2
“Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting of his own request. The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His word, the ever-present evidence of His divinity, had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was pained that His own people, to whom the Sacred Oracles had been committed, should fail to hear the voice of God speaking to them in His Son. DA 198.2
“然而,这位贵族还是有一定程度的信仰的;因为他来是为了寻求在他看来最珍贵的祝福。耶稣有更伟大的恩赐要赐予。他不仅希望治愈孩子,而且希望使军官和他的家人分享救恩的祝福,并在迦百农点燃一盏明灯,这里很快就会成为他自己工作的领域。但贵族必须先认识到自己的需要,然后才能渴望基督的恩典。这位朝臣代表了他的许多国家。他们对耶稣感兴趣是出于自私的动机。他们希望通过他的力量得到一些特殊的好处,并把自己的信心押在这种世俗恩惠的赐予上。但他们对自己属灵的疾病一无所知,没有看到自己需要神圣的恩典。 DA 198.3
“Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors. But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace. DA 198.3
“救世主对贵族所说的话就像一道闪光,暴露了他的心。他看出自己寻求耶稣的动机是自私的。他的摇摆不定的信仰在他看来是真实的。在深深的痛苦中,他意识到他的怀疑可能会夺走他儿子的生命。他知道他面前的是一位能读懂思想的人,对他来说一切皆有可能。他痛苦地哀求道:“先生,请在我的孩子死之前下来吧。”他的信心像雅各一样抓住了基督,当他与天使摔跤时,他喊道:“你不给我祝福,我就不容你走。”创世记 32:26。” DA 198.4
“Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.” DA 198.4
阅读约12:32。这句引人注目的话怎样描述了耶稣基督的权威?
Read John 12:32. In what ways does this striking statement describe the authority of Jesus Christ?
“他说这话,象征着他应该怎样的死。”这是世界的危机。如果我成为人类罪孽的挽回祭,世界就会被照亮。撒旦对人类灵魂的控制将会被打破。被玷污的上帝形象将在人类身上得到恢复,相信圣徒的家庭将最终继承天国。这是基督之死的结果。救主沉浸在他面前的胜利场景的沉思中。他看到了十字架,残酷、可耻的十字架,伴随着所有的恐怖,却闪耀着荣耀。 DA 625.4
“This He said, signifying what death He should die.” This is the crisis of the world. If I become the propitiation for the sins of men, the world will be lighted up. Satan's hold upon the souls of men will be broken. The defaced image of God will be restored in humanity, and a family of believing saints will finally inherit the heavenly home. This is the result of Christ's death. The Saviour is lost in contemplation of the scene of triumph called up before Him. He sees the cross, the cruel, ignominious cross, with all its attending horrors, blazing with glory. DA 625.4
“但是,十字架所完成的并不是人类救赎的全部工作。神的爱向宇宙彰显。这世界的王子被赶了出去。撒但对神的控告被驳斥了。他对天所加的羞辱已被永远除去。天使和人都被救赎主所吸引。他说:“我若从地上被举起来,就会吸引所有人归向我。”” DA 626.1
“But the work of human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The prince of this world is cast out. The accusations which Satan has brought against God are refuted. The reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as men are drawn to the Redeemer. “I, if I be lifted up from the earth,” He said, ‘will draw all unto Me.’” DA 626.1
阅读约15:1-11。属灵成长和健康的秘诀是什么?
Read John 15:1–11. What is the secret of spiritual growth and health?
耶稣说:“你们多结果子,我父就因此得荣耀。”神希望通过你彰显他自己的圣洁、仁慈、怜悯的品格。然而,救主并没有吩咐门徒努力去结果子。他告诉他们要住在他里面。他说:“你们若常在我里面,我的话也常在你们里面,凡你们所愿意的,祈求就给你们成就。”基督借着道住在他的跟随者里面。这与吃他的肉、喝他的血所代表的生命结合是一样的。基督的话就是灵,就是生命。接受它们,你就接受了葡萄树的生命。你活着“靠神口里所出的一切话”。马太福音 4:4。基督的生命在你里面结出与在他里面同样的果子。在基督里生活,坚持基督,得到基督的支持,从基督汲取营养,你就会结出基督的样式的果实。” DA 677.1
“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. “If ye abide in Me,” He says, “and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.” DA 677.1
“根通过树枝将营养输送到最外面的嫩枝。因此,基督将属灵力量的电流传递给每一个信徒。只要灵魂与基督联合,就不会有枯萎或腐烂的危险。 DA 676.3
“The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. So Christ communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay. DA 676.3
“葡萄树的生命将体现在枝子上芬芳的果实上。耶稣说:“常在我里面的,我也常在他里面,这人就多结果子;因为离了我,你们就不能做什么。”当我们凭着对神的儿子的信心而生活时,圣灵的果子就会在我们的生活中显现出来;一个也不缺。 DA 676.4
“The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing. DA 676.4
“‘我的父亲是农夫。凡在我里面不结果子的枝子,他都剪去。虽然嫁接物表面上与葡萄树相连,但可能没有重要的联系。那么就不会有成长或结果子。因此,可能与基督有表面上的联系,但没有因信仰而与他真正联合。宗教信仰将人置于教会中,但他们的品格和行为表明他们是否与基督有联系。如果不结果子,那就是假枝子。他们与基督的分离意味着彻底的毁灭,正如枯枝所代表的那样。基督说:“人若不常在我里面,他就如枝子丢在外面枯干。”人们把它们收集起来,扔进火里烧掉。’” DA 676.5
“‘My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.’ While the graft is outwardly united with the vine, there may be no vital connection. Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness. So there may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. Their separation from Christ involves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, ‘he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.’” DA 676.5