Self-justification Keeps One in Darkness—Those whose deeds are evil, will not come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved and their real characters revealed. If they continue in the path of transgression, and sever themselves entirely from the Redeemer, stubbornness, and sullenness, and a spirit of revenge will take possession of them, and they will say to their own souls, Peace, peace, when there is every reason that they should be alarmed, for their steps are directed toward destruction. As Saul resisted the reproofs of the servant of the Lord, this spirit took possession of him. He defied the Lord, he defied His servant, and his enmity toward David was the outworking of the murderous spirit that comes into the heart of those who justify themselves in the face of their guilt (The Signs of the Times, June 22, 1888). {2BC 1017.9}

Selvretfærdighed holder een i mørke. - De mennesker med onde gerninger, vil ikke komme til lyset, medmindre deres gerninger bliver sat i rette og deres virkelige karaktertræk afsløres. Hvis de fortsætter på overtrædelsens (1018) sti, og skiller sig selv helt fra Genløseren, vil hårdnakkethed, en tvær og hævngærrig ånd tage dem i besiddelse, og de vil sige til deres egne sjæle: Fred, fred, skønt der er al grund til at være foruroliget, for deres skridt styrer direkte mod udslettelse. Idet Saul modsatte sig Herrens tjeneres irettesættelser, tog denne ånd ham i besiddelse. Han fornægtede Herre, han fornægtede Hans tjener, og hans misundelse imod David førte til den morderiske ånd som kommer i deres hjerter som retfærdiggør dem selv i deres skyld (ST 22. juni, 1888).