Many who, like ancient Israel, profess to keep God’s commandments have hearts of unbelief while outwardly observing the statutes of God. Although favored with great light and precious privileges, they will nevertheless lose the heavenly Canaan, even as the rebellious Israelites failed to enter the earthly Canaan that God had promised them as the reward of their obedience. {4T 162.3}

Mange der, ligesom i det gamle Israel, bekender sig til at holde Guds bud har vantro hjerter, medens de i det ydre overholder Guds love. Selvom de begunstiges med stort lys og dyrebare privilegier, vil de ikke desto mindre miste det himmelske, ligesom de oprørske israelitter allerede gjorde ved ikke at gå ind i det jordiske Kanaan som Gud havde lovet, som løn for deres lydighed.