Mike, the issue here is that Ellen did not write 25 questions to be or not to be asked. She wrote a book. This suffers the same faults as any other prooftexting, the detachement of context. What I would like to have you answer is, is there any reason why it is more appropriate to remove the context from around these questions compared with keeping the text as it was once written?

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Closely criticize the temper, the disposition, the thoughts, words, inclinations, purposes, and deeds. How can we ask intelligently for the things we need unless we prove by the Scriptures the condition of our spiritual health? {1SM 89.1}

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Some conscientious souls, on reading this, immediately begin to criticize their every feeling and emotion. But this is not correct self-examination. It is not the petty feelings and emotions that are to be examined. The life, the character, is to be measured by the only standard of character, God's holy law. The fruit testifies to the character of the tree. Our works, not our feelings, bear witness of us. {HP 131.2}

Dear brethren, “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Many may respond, “Why, yes, I am in the faith; I believe every point of the truth.” But do you practice what you believe? Are you at peace with God and with your brethren? Can you pray with sincerity, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”? [Matthew 6:12.] Or are you estranged from your brother, because you think he has injured you? Are there no heart-burnings among you? Is there no bitterness in your hearts, no envying, no jealousy, no evil surmising, no misjudging of your brethren? Is there no emulation, no desire for special favor or honors, no wish to have the supremacy? These feelings should not exist among Christians. {GW92 429.2}

I warn all who profess the name of Christ to closely examine them-selves and make full and thorough confession of all their wrongs, that they may go beforehand to judgment, and that the recording angel may write pardon opposite their names. {1T 263}

It is true that there may be an outward correctness of deportment without the renewing power of Christ. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on? {SC 58.1}

Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things. {SC 58.2}

This daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to reach perfection of Christian character. (GW 275)

I think we'd be best spending our time meditating upon the life of Christ, especially the latter scenes.

The followers of Christ are actuated by a higher motivation than concern for self.

I believe that if it is our hearts desire to honor Christ, the question of our salvation will take care of itself.

Tom, do you think the 25 questions Ellen asked are appropriate for us today? Or, do you think they were merely rhetorical, asked for effect, not intended to be answered?

Referring to the questions, Ellen wrote, "You need not be in uncertainty in this matter." "Let not the question remain in perilous uncertainty." "Let no one deceive his own soul in this matter."

Does anyone else, besides Tom and Thomas, feel that the 25 questions Ellen asked are inappropriate for us to answer?