---

宗教自由和信仰自由是非常具有争议性的话题。问题是，我们如何去推动？

在这一集中，魏泰德牧师从促进宗教自由的角度谈论信仰自由。他也分享了我们如何将上帝所赐——自由意志这份礼物发挥到极致，尊重他人的自由意志在传福音工作中至关重要。

作为复临信徒，我们视尊重宗教自由为本会历史、信仰和使命的重要组成部分。《圣经》甚至对此表达了一种紧迫感。因此，我们非常支持在几个世纪的宗教逼迫中主张宗教自由的信徒。

与此相关，怀爱伦在1883年7月26日的《时兆》中提醒我们：

“个人和国家在改革与拯救的道路上所经历的巨大冲突和胜利，无比的伤痛与特殊的喜乐，其重要性之大，不容我们遗忘。这样的经历让信心的英雄们付出了沉重的代价，不能在历史上重演，也不应该被忽视。那些为争取信仰自由所作斗争的应该成为普世的一个教训，即任何涉及自我否定与牺牲的真理都不会被世界欣然接受。每一个与大众背道而驰的灵魂都需要付出昂贵的代价。所有奉基督之名捍卫真理的人都必须面对冲突与牺牲。除非冒着失去自由与生命的危险，否则他们不能像基督那样在改革中前进。”

此外，宗教自由是一项基本的自由，具体来说是一项基本的人权。然而，在过去的几个世纪里，人们并没有宗教自由。虽然真正的宗教自由是个人选择，其对社会和国家的福祉也是至关重要的。尊重与捍卫宗教自由，能促进社会的和平与公义。

同时，宗教自由与信仰自由是以《圣经》为依据的。诚如上帝创造人类时赋予了自由意志这宝贵的礼物。这是人类尊严的一个组成部分，也是上帝伟大之爱的彰显。

因此，宗教自由具有上帝爱的印记。值得注意的是，宗教自由也在上帝和撒但的善恶大斗争中起着至关重要的作用。

根据《圣经》启示录第13和14章记载，邪恶势力会迫害那些拒绝敬拜兽的人。相反，上帝的子民宣告他们对上帝的信心，并非强迫。

同样，耶稣让祂的门徒预备好面对逼迫，但祂并没有教导门徒去迫害他人，相反，祂教导门徒要爱他们的敌人，而非以暴制暴。

如今，作为复临信徒的我们正经历着末后的挑战。在日益紧张的局势中，我们仍有机会与人分享信仰。我们不应该羞于捍卫真理。

当我们提倡宗教自由与信仰自由时，让我们用文雅的言语、坚定的信念与无比的激情来说话行事。让我们向上帝寻求智慧来完成宣讲“三天使信息”的使命。



---

弟兄姐妹们，我们想通过本平台分享更多国外本会优质影像资料。因为人手有限，希望招募一些志同道合的主内同工，做英文视频字幕翻译，视频字幕合成制作，视频中文配音，配音对轨制作。有意者请留言输入“义工申请”。以马内利！

Freedom of Conscience [How Can We Promote Religious Liberty?] – Pastor Ted Wilson

Religious liberty and freedom of conscience are very controversial topics. The question is, how can we promote them?

In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson talks about freedom of conscience in light of promoting religious liberty. He also shares how we can maximize God’s gift of free will as crucial in the work of evangelism.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we consider religious liberty a significant part of our history, beliefs, and mission. The Bible even expresses a sense of urgency concerning this. Hence, we support believers who once stood for religious freedom during the centuries of religious persecution.

In connection, Ellen White has a reminder for us in the Signs of the Times, July 26, 1883:

“The mighty conflicts and victories, the great sorrows and special joys, by which individuals and nations are carried forward in the path of reform and salvation, are of too great importance to be permitted to pass from the memory. Such experiences cost the heroes of faith too much to be often repeated in history; they should not be lightly regarded. Those struggles for freedom of conscience should be a lesson to all, that no truth which involves self-denial and sacrifice will be favorably accepted by the world. A costly effort is required of every soul that will go in an opposite direction from the multitude. All that stand in Christ’s name in defense of the truth must have a history of conflicts and sacrifices. They cannot advance in reform, as Christ leads the way, except at the risk of liberty and life.”

Moreover, religious freedom is a fundamental freedom, specifically a basic human right. Yet, it has not often been practiced over the centuries. While true religious freedom focuses on a personal decision, it is also fundamental to the well-being of societies and countries. Honoring and protecting it promotes peace and justice.

Meanwhile, religious liberty and freedom of conscience have biblical foundations. For instance, God created us with the gift of free will. It is an integral part of human dignity and an expression of His great love.

Hence, religious freedom bears the signature of the God of love. Significantly, it plays a crucial part in the great controversy between God and Satan.

According to Revelation chapters 13 and 14, evil power persecutes those who refuse to worship the beast. In contrast, God’s people proclaim their faith in Him but without forcing them to worship.

Similarly, Jesus prepared His disciples to face persecution, but He didn’t teach them to persecute others. Instead of using violence, they had to love their enemies.

Now, we Seventh-day Adventists are experiencing the challenges of the end time. But amid the rising tension, there is always an opportunity to share our faith. We should never be ashamed to defend the truth.

As we promote religious liberty and freedom of conscience, let’s speak and advocate with grace, conviction, and passion. Let’s seek wisdom from God to accomplish the task of proclaiming the three angels’ messages.

原文链接：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jM-sDvVeDA