Doctrinal Debate

Perhaps some may wonder why I have kept silent on the issue (whatever it may be). It is because many louder voices have weighed in before me. And what has been the result? Certainly not clarity nor consensus. Not reconciliation nor revival. Not education nor encouragement. But rather adversity and personal attack. There may come a time in the future suitable for a sensible debate. But by evidence of the present conflict, that time is not now – we are not ready. Perhaps a time will come when we are all Christ-like enough to discuss our disagreements in deference to each other. But for now I will get on with the Father’s business and let others expend energy fighting an unending war on the sidelines of Truth.

Titus 3:9
1 Tim 1:3-7

In laboring in a new field, do not think it your duty to say at once to the people, We are Seventh-day Adventists; we believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath; we believe in the non-immortality of the soul. This would often erect a formidable barrier between you and those you wish to reach. Speak to them, as you have opportunity, upon points of doctrine on which you can agree. Dwell on the necessity of practical godliness. Give them evidence that you are a Christian, desiring peace, and that you love their souls. Let them see that you are conscientious. Thus you will gain their confidence; and there will be time enough for doctrines. Let the heart be won, the soil prepared, and then sow the seed, presenting in love the truth as it is in Jesus.
God will surely help those who seek Him for wisdom. We are not to wait until opportunities come to us; we are to seek for opportunities, and we are to be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in us. If the worker keeps his heart uplifted in prayer, God will help him to speak the right word at the right time.
In seeking to correct or reform others, we should be careful of our words. They will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. In giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech, words not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred to rebellion.
All who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof should be spoken in love. Then our words will reform, but not exasperate. Christ by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power. This is His Work.

(Gospel Workers 119-120)

However intelligent, however learned a man may be, he is not qualified
to teach unless he has a firm hold on the God of Israel. He who is
connected with Heaven will do the works of Christ. By faith in God he
will have power to move upon humanity. He will seek for the lost sheep
of the house of Israel. If divine power does not combine with human
effort, I would not give a straw for all that the greatest man could
do. The Holy Spirit is wanting in our work. Nothing frightens me more
than to see the spirit of variance manifested by our brethren. We are
on dangerous ground when we cannot meet together like Christians, and
courteously examine controverted points. I feel like fleeing from the
place lest I receive the mold of those who cannot candidly investigate
the doctrines of the Bible. Those who cannot impartially examine the
evidences of a position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach
in any department of God’s cause. … Every teacher must be a learner,
that his eyes may be anointed to see the evidences of the advancing
truth of God. The beams of the Sun of Righteousness must shine into
his own heart if he would impart light to others.

(RH, February 18, 1890)