Ellen Chat Conversation

In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the distinction between the two classes is defined by character and spiritual connection rather than outward appearance. While the tares may outwardly resemble the wheat during the early stages of growth, they represent individuals who have joined the church but have not truly joined Christ (COL 74.4). This lack of a vital connection to the Savior means that despite having access to the same spiritual advantages—symbolized by the sun and the shower—they do not experience the internal transformation necessary to produce fruit (COL 74.4). The absence of the Holy Spirit's transforming power is evident in the description of the tares as those who maintain the "attributes of Satan" within the soul rather than allowing them to be expelled (COL 50.3).

While the righteous are characterized by "divine love glowing in the heart" and a "Christ-like harmony" in their lives, the tares are described as hypocrites and "children of darkness" (T31 96.2). They may make a "pretension of piety" and maintain an "external semblance of Christianity," but they lack the moral transformation that only the Spirit can provide (COL 74.4), (2SP 249.1). Ultimately, the tares are identified by their works and their fruit, or lack thereof. They are described as those who "do iniquity," "bear false witness," and "seek to destroy the reputation of God's servants" (COL 75.1), (PH151 87.2).

Because they reject the offered mercy of Christ and do not allow the gospel seed to change their "old habits and practices," they remain "worthless weeds" that bear no likeness to the "precious grain" at the time of the harvest (COL 50.3), (2SP 249.1). Their destiny is determined by the fact that their characters were never molded by the divine Spirit (COL 74.4).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the difference between the wheat and the tares at the harvest?How does she describe the "pretension of piety" in the church?What is the significance of the "sun and shower" in the growth of both classes?