Opinion (897)

     Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the word . . .

                    O p i n i o n            (  12  RELATED  PHRASES )                      

                          The  word  'Opinion'  appears  897  times in the published writings of EGW                              page not on Original site                                                       Related Phrases:   

         +    express opinion  (  )

         +    general opinion  (  )

         +    high opinion  (  )

         +    individual opinion  (  )

         +    popular opinion (  )

         +    preconceived opinion  ( 5 )   +++   preconceived opinions  ( 72 )

         +    Prevailing opinion  (  )

         +    Pride of opinion  (  )

         +    Public opinion   (  )    see favorites below

         +      (  )   see favorite below

                                     difference  of  opinion     ( appears  times )                                

 

         +       different opinion  (  )    >   differ in opinion  (  )

         +       difference of opinion  ( 69 )    ►   differences of opinion  (  )   
                                                                   ►   disagreement of opinions  ( 3 )
                                                                   ►      

                                 opinion  of  . . .                                              


         +      opinion of himself  (  )

         +      opinion of men  (  )

         +      opinion of others  (  )

         +      opinion of the Bible  (  )   +   opinion of Bible teaching

 

      Our  favorites 

  The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among God’s people, should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminating between truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves, to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition, and worship they know not what. { GW 298.1} 
 
  Public opinion favors a profession of Christianity. Little self-denial or self-sacrifice is required in order to put on a form of godliness, and to have one’s name enrolled upon the church book. Hence many join the church without first becoming united to Christ. In this Satan triumphs. Such converts are his most efficient agents. They serve as decoys to other souls. They are false lights, luring the unwary to perdition. It is in vain that men seek to make the Christian’s path broad and pleasant for worldlings. God has not smoothed or widened the rugged, narrow way. If we would enter into life, we must follow the same path which Jesus and His disciples trod,—the path of humility, self-denial, and sacrifice.—Testimonies For The Church 5:172 (1882).   { Ev 319.4} 

 

  Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” Jesus asked. Surely one entrusted with the religious instruction of the people should not be ignorant of truths so important. His words conveyed the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, Nicodemus should have had a very humble opinion of himself, because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus was not offended as he realized his humiliating condition. { DA 173.4} 

 

  The tall reeds that grew beside the Jordan, bending before every breeze, were fitting representatives of the rabbis who had stood as critics and judges of the Baptist’s mission. They were swayed this way and that by the winds of popular opinion. They would not humble themselves to receive the heart-searching message of the Baptist, yet for fear of the people they dared not openly oppose his work. But God’s messenger was of no such craven spirit. The multitudes who were gathered about Christ had been witnesses to the work of John. They had heard his fearless rebuke of sin. To the self-righteous Pharisees, the priestly Sadducees, King Herod and his court, princes and soldiers, publicans and peasants, John had spoken with equal plainness. He was no trembling reed, swayed by the winds of human praise or prejudice. In the prison he was the same in his loyalty to God and his zeal for righteousness as when he preached God’s message in the wilderness. In his faithfulness to principle he was as firm as a rock. { DA 218.4} 

 

  Closely connected with Christ’s warning in regard to the sin against the Holy Spirit is a warning against idle and evil words. The words are an indication of that which is in the heart. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” But the words are more than an indication of character; they have power to react on the character. Men are influenced by their own words. Often under a momentary impulse, prompted by Satan, they give utterance to jealousy or evil surmising, expressing that which they do not really believe; but the expression reacts on the thoughts. They are deceived by their words, and come to believe that true which was spoken at Satan’s instigation. Having once expressed an opinion or decision, they are often too proud to retract it, and try to prove themselves in the right, until they come to believe that they are. It is dangerous to utter a word of doubt, dangerous to question and criticize divine light. The habit of careless and irreverent criticism reacts upon the character, in fostering irreverence and unbelief. Many a man indulging this habit has gone on unconscious of danger, until he was ready to criticize and reject the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” { DA 323.1} 

 

  The testimony of the prophecies which seemed to point to the coming of Christ in the spring of 1844 took deep hold of the minds of the people. As the message went from state to state, there was everywhere awakened widespread interest. Many were convinced that the arguments from the prophetic periods were correct, and, sacrificing their pride of opinion, they joyfully received the truth. Some ministers laid aside their sectarian views and feelings, left their salaries and their churches, and united in proclaiming the coming of Jesus. There were comparatively few ministers, however, who would accept this message; therefore it was largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise, professional men their positions; and yet the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to be accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in wickedness, burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering, that they might call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the advent truth was accepted by many thousands. { GC 368.2}  Read entire Chapter 20

 

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Related Information

EGW Quotes-N-O Nature (Separate page) Near the close of Earth's history Need (21,117) Neighbor (1,490) Never (17,548) New Covenant (78) New Year New York City Noble (Separate page) None (5,421) Not one in Twenty (22) Now is the time Obedience (Separate Offensive to God (120) Offering / Offerings (page) Old fashioned Omnipotence Open the door (561) Open the eyes (83) Oppressed Ordained (1,172) Order in the church (34) Origin (622) Other worlds (93) Outcast (106) Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Overcome Overreach (37) Overrule (36) Difference of opinion (69) Disagreement of opinions Preconceived opinions (72)