What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "I am looking for a statement by Ellen White that essentially means: Whoever remains silent in times of crisis sins."
Answer
Ellen White emphasizes clearly that silence in times of crisis or in the face of injustice can be equivalent to a lie and brings about God's displeasure. Whoever withholds the truth out of fear of others becomes complicit in the sins of the guilty and is held jointly responsible for their wrongdoing. God calls for courageous advocacy for what is right, as cowardly silence and passivity can lead to the “shipwreck of faith.”
The Danger of Cowardly Silence
»Whoever tries to evade the truth by remaining silent because he fears offending someone bears witness to a lie. Treating the truth carelessly and disguising oneself to please the opinions of others means the shipwreck of faith. Let us abhor falsehood. Let us never, by a word, an act, or by silence, bear witness to a lie.«
Complicity Through Indifference
»When injustice is evident among His people and the servants of God pass by indifferently, they factually support and justify the sinner; they are equally guilty and will surely experience God's displeasure; for they will be held responsible for the sins of the guilty.«
God's Displeasure Over Silence
»God was displeased with their cowardly silence and lack of action. They feared rebuke and opposition. They watched the brethren in general to see how their pulse beat before they manfully stood up for what they considered right.«
Call for Decisive Action in Danger
»God cannot use people who, in times of danger, when strength, courage, and the influence of all are needed, fear to take a firm stand for what is right. He calls for people who will wage a faithful battle against injustice...«
Testifying to Truth in Darkness
»Should those who possess the truth remain silent as if they were paralyzed? ... Now is the time for God's people to show principled fidelity. When the religion of Christ is most despised, when His law is most disregarded, then our zeal should be the most burning and our courage and steadfastness the most unshakable.«
- Silence as sin
- Courage to witness in crisis
- Responsibility for others' sins
Original Sources (English)
