My Vision on The Secrets for Overcoming All Known Sin

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On Sabbath, January 12, 2019, I was shown the Secret Key to overcoming all known sin. By this, I mean the most motivating factors for overcoming. We all know that love for Christ and His “Highest Good, Crowning Sacrifice,” should be our greatest motive for living to vindicate His character of self-sacrifice and love for us. But there are other very serious factors that involve unpardonable sin, that are very motivating as well. I was shown the following revelation of pure truth and instructed that this is next in the most motivating influence in overcoming all known sin. And the Lord knows, we need all the motivating power available to overcome the great deceiver as he is perfecting his arts with all manner of diversions in these last days just before Jesus comes.

 

I was asking Jesus for more strength, and I “arbitrarily” (by the grace of the Holy Spirit), laid hands on Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, and opened to the following passage:

 

“Those who permit themselves to rise in opposition to the plain testimony, become self-deceived. Such have really thought that those upon whom God has laid the burden of his work were exalted above the people of God, and that their counsels and reproofs were uncalled for. They have risen in opposition to the plain testimony which God would have his servants bear in rebuking the wrongs among God’s people. The testimonies borne against hurtful indulgences, as tea, coffee, snuff and tobacco, have irritated a certain class, because it would destroy their idols. Many for awhile were undecided whether to make an entire sacrifice of all these hurtful things, or reject the plain testimonies borne, and yield to the clamors of appetite. They occupied an unsettled position. There was a conflict between their convictions of truth and their self-indulgences. Their state of indecision made them weak, and, with many, appetite prevailed. Their sense of sacred things was perverted by the use of these slow poisons; and they at length fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, that they would not deny self. This fearful decision at once raised a wall of separation between them and those who were cleansing themselves, as God has commanded, from all filthiness of the flesh, and of the spirit, and were perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. The straight testimonies borne were in their way, and caused them great uneasiness; and they found relief in warring against them, and striving to make themselves and others believe that they were untrue. They said that the people were all right, but it was the reproving testimonies which made the trouble. And when the rebellious unfurl their banner, all the disaffected rally around the standard, and all the spiritually defective, the lame, the halt, and the blind, unite their influence to scatter, and to sow discord. {1SP 306.2}

Every advance of God’s servants at the head of the work has been watched with suspicion by those who have had a spirit of insurrection, and all their actions have been misrepresented by the fault-finding, until honest souls have been drawn into the snare for want of correct knowledge. Those who lead them astray are so affected themselves by blind prejudice, and by rejecting the testimonies God has sent them, that they cannot see or hear aright. It is as difficult to undeceive some of these who have permitted themselves to be led into rebellion, as it was to convince the rebellious Israelites that they were wrong, and that Moses and Aaron were right. Even after God, in a miraculous manner, caused the earth to swallow up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the leaders in the rebellion, the people still would have it that Moses and Aaron were wrong, and that they had killed the people of the Lord. The Hebrews were not cured of their rebellion until fourteen thousand and seven hundred of the people who had joined the rebellious had been slain. And then, after all this, God in mercy condescended to perform a remarkable miracle upon the rod of Aaron, to settle their minds forever in regard to the priesthood. {1SP 308.1} (This is from Vol. 1 of the Spirit of Prophecy series of four books—NOT THE TESTIMONIES, VOL. 1.)

 

The words that particularly moved me with great emotion and conviction were:

 

“Their state of indecision made them weak, and, with many, appetite prevailed. Their sense of sacred things was perverted by the use of these slow poisons; and they at length fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, that they would not deny self.”

 

I will tell you the reason why those words moved me greatly: I have personally experienced what those words are saying. At times, I have permitted a state of indecision that made me weak, and I allowed appetite to prevail. After which, my appreciation of sacred things was dimmed, and I had to sorely repent. I know those words experientially! Do you? I was shaken to my core by those words and I wrote in my diary these words:

 

Secret to Overcoming All Known Sin Jan 12, 2019 Vol. 1, Spirit of Prophecy, p. 307.

 

It was then that my angel gave me the great secret of overcoming all known sin—PROPER DIET AND THE ELIMINATION OF ALL POISONS THAT DIM THE ABILITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WOO, CONVICT AND ENLIGHTEN.

 

My greatest longing and prayer of the soul, is that those words will have the same affect and effect upon you as they did me. Every time we yield to sin, we crucify afresh the Son of God, who FOREVER sacrificed so much for us, taking the death that was ours that we might have the life that was His:

 

"He (Christ) suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which WAS His." Desire of Ages, p. 25 1 Cor. 11:24-265, cf. John 6:53, 54, Titus 3:5, 6.

“Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to come forth from the grave,--not merely as a manifestation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become ours. Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.” Desire of Ages, p. 388.

I felt the deep convicting, converting power of the Holy Spirit, and it continues within my soul today as I write, January 14, 2019. I never want to lose that conviction, which is buoyed up by the following verses of Scripture, with the emphasis my angel placed on Heb. 6:4-6. It doesn’t get any more serious than this my dear friends. What are we willing to sacrifice for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of Christ, abiding IN US and WE IN HIM? “the highest good, crowning gift that heaven can bestow?”

 

My angel emphasized these words. My mind was immediately carried to Hebrews 6, to wit:

 

Heb 6:3   And this will we do, if God permit. 

Heb 6:4   For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 

Heb 6:5   And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 

Heb 6:6   If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 

Heb 6:7   For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 

Heb 6:8   But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 

Heb 6:9    But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 

Heb 6:10   For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 

Heb 6:11   And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12   That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

Heb 6:13   For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 

Heb 6:14   Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 

 Heb 6:15   And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 

Heb 6:16   For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 

Heb 6:17   Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 

Heb 6:18   That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 

Heb 6:19    Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 

Heb 6:20   Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

 

I am fully aware that these days, one can read all manner of studies (pro and con) on the effects/affects of foods like wine, coffee, tea, chocolate etc., so that it is easy to backslide into a state of indecision and weakness so that appetite prevails. But we can and should trust the Holy Spirit gift to the church, that these items are poisons and pervert the appetite and dim the spiritual powers.

 

Dear friends, during my early teen years and all of my adult life, I have been acutely aware of the affects of different foodstuffs on my body. Yet, I had to learn much by experiment rather than taking the instruction of God seriously. I can truly say that when I have taken the more stimulating substances like meat, coffee, etc., these stimulants have led to the yielding to of more temptations, and failure to  overcome. For example, when one consumes meat and/or coffee , they might desire sweets (sugar). One violation leads to another and that is as Satan designed it.

 

Truly, the secret to overcoming is a restrictive appetite. I have experienced this first hand, and I have also experienced the enhanced spiritual state of eating and drinking properly. I know whereof I speak. I am not surmising in the least. I KNOW that Ellen White is truly right.

 

Their state of indecision made them weak, and, with many, appetite prevailed. Their sense of sacred things was perverted by the use of these slow poisons; and they at length fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, that they would not deny self.

 

Ellen White says flat out that coffee drinking is a sin. Is coffee and tea drinking worth the loss of eternal life? That is exactly the truth of the issue. Those who have made these substances a habit, will have to exercise much prayer and restraint to overcome these poisons. There will be withdrawal effects.

 

 

Barbara O’Neill  says: “I don’t drink coffee. People say to me ‘why don’t you drink coffee’ and I say;  ‘I just watch the people suffer on the first day of the detox’. It is a highly addictive substance.”

 

 https://mistymountainhealthretreat.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/12-questions-for-naturopath-and-nutritionist-barbara-oneill/

 

It would help many to watch Barbara O’Neill’s health seminars on YouTube. There is a good list of her videos at this link:

 

https://www.beyondpatmos.org/seriesvideo.aspx?seriesid=107

 

There is an excellent 451 page book entitled: CAFFEINE BLUES WAKE UP TO THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF AMERICA’S #1 DRUG by Stephen Cherniske, M.S., Research and Clinical Nutritionist.

 

"The practice of using liquor, tobacco, tea, and coffee must be overcome by the converting power of God. There shall nothing enter into the kingdom of God that defileth." (MR Vol. 20, p. 6)

 

"I beseech my brethren and sisters to lay aside their darling luxury of tea and coffee, the use of which creates an unnatural state of mind and body. 'Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments' [Rev. 3:4]. How are their garments defiled? By eating of that which brings disease and infirmity." (MR Vol. 20, p. 6)

 

Drugs  "Those who will gratify their appetite, and then suffer because of their intemperance, and take drugs to relieve them, may be assured that God will not interpose to save health and life which is so recklessly periled. The cause has produced the effect. Many, as their last resort, follow the directions in the word of God, and request the prayers of the elders of the church for their restoration to health. God does not see fit to answer prayers offered in behalf of such, for He knows that if they should be restored to health, they would again sacrifice it upon the altar of unhealthy appetite. (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, p. 145).

 

For those who think there is nothing wrong with Coffee drinking, please read this most interesting article. Also, the comments at the bottom of the article are VERY interesting and informative.

 

https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/symptoms-of-caffeine-withdrawal-worse-than-headaches/

 

I never before knew of the horrible withdrawal symptoms caffeine drinkers can experience. The SINdrome of symptoms are so severe, and caffeine is so addictive, it cannot be a good thing. If you will read all the personal testimony comments at the bottom of the above article telling all the terrible symptoms people have from caffeine withdrawal, I think you will agree with me that Ellen White was right when she said coffee drinking is a sin, and this is true whether or not you choose to drink coffee or tea, because they both have caffeine. Let us not be fools in deceiving ourselves by denying clear evidence from the world as well as the Spirit of Prophecy.

 

How Much Caffeine is in Green Tea?

 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-in-green-tea

 

Through the years, when my wife and I have been waited on in a restaurant by a healthy looking waitress, I have made a habit of asking them if they drink coffee. I have been surprised by their responses which have ranged from NONE, TO VERY LITTLE, and I have thought: What a rebuke to Adventists. Pacific Union College has a coffee house called The Grind. Some new movement “Adventists” drink coffee and eat donuts in the main auditorium where the divine service is supposed to be given. This is an abomination to the Lord, and to our body Temple, which is His, and only loaned to us for wise stewardship healthwise.

 

I am fully cognizant that when one touches the pallet, it’s like touching the pocketbook, but I was instructed by my angel to tell you these things, and if I am to continue receiving God’s instruction, I must be faithful in giving what I am shown. So please indulge me. I want to know all of God’s will for myself and my fellow man.

 

The following section is by Ellen G. White, except for some parts by me which I sign rwb.

 

Part 1—Water Drinking

Pure Water a Blessing

If you have your own well water you are surely blessed. Health authorities say that the poisons of chlorine and fluorine are absorbed by the body even when showering. However, if you do your best in all other areas, the Lord has assured me that He will nullify the affects of things you have no control over. rwb

726. In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven’s choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease.—The Ministry of Healing, 237, 1905 {CD 419.1}

Overeating

Overeating of even good food is a burden on all the digestive system. rwb

727. I should eat sparingly, thus relieving my system of unnecessary burden, and should encourage cheerfulness, and give myself the benefits of proper exercise in the open air. I should bathe frequently, and drink freely of pure, soft water.—The Health Reformer, January, 1871 {CD 419.2}

Use of Water in Sickness

728. Water can be used in many ways to relieve suffering. Drafts of clear, hot water taken before eating (half quart, more or less), will never do any harm, but will rather be productive of good.—Letter 35, 1890 {CD 419.3}

729. Thousands have died for want of pure water and pure air, who might have lived.... These blessings they need in order to become well. If they would become enlightened, and let medicine alone, and accustom themselves to outdoor exercise, and to air in their houses, summer and winter, and use soft water for drinking and bathing purposes, they would be comparatively well and happy instead of dragging out a miserable existence.—How to Live 4:56, 1866. {CD 419.4}

In Fever Cases

730. If, in their fevered state, water had been given them to drink freely, and applications had also been made externally, long days and nights of suffering would have been saved, and many precious lives spared. But thousands have died with raging fevers consuming them, until the fuel which fed the fever was burned up, the vitals consumed, and have died in the greatest agony, without being permitted to have water to allay their burning thirst. Water, which is allowed a senseless building to put out the raging elements, is not allowed human beings to put out the fire which is consuming the vitals.—How to Live 3:62, 63, 186. {CD 419.5}

A Right and Wrong Use of Water

731. Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of the salivary glands; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice water or ice lemonade, drunk with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again. Hot drinks are debilitating; and besides, those who indulge in their use become slaves to the habit. Food should not be washed down; no drink is needed with meals. Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food. The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed. Do not eat largely of salt; give up bottled pickles; keep fiery spiced food out of your stomach; eat fruit with your meals, and the irritation which calls for so much drink will cease to exist. But if anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drunk some little time before or after the meal, is all that nature requires. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquors. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.—The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884{CD 420.1}

[More about Drinking with Meals—165, 166]

[One of God’s Medicines—451, 452, 454]

Part 2—Tea and Coffee

The Stimulating Effects of Tea and Coffee

732. The stimulating diet and drink of this day are not conducive to the best state of health. Tea, coffee, and tobacco are all stimulating, and contain poisons. They are not only unnecessary, but harmful, and should be discarded if we would add to knowledge temperance.—The Review and Herald, February 21, 1888 {CD 420.2}

733. Tea is poisonous to the system. Christians should let it alone. The influence of coffee is in a degree the same as tea, but the effect upon the system is still worse. Its influence is exciting, and just in the degree that it elevates above par, it will exhaust and bring prostration below par. Tea and coffee drinkers carry the marks upon their faces. The skin becomes sallow, and assumes a lifeless appearance. The glow of health is not seen upon the countenance.—Testimonies for the Church 2:64, 65, 1868 {CD 421.1}

734. Diseases of every stripe and type have been brought upon human beings by the use of tea and coffee and the narcotics, opium and tobacco. These hurtful indulgences must be given up, not only one but all; for all are hurtful, and ruinous to the physical, mental, and moral powers, and should be discontinued from a health standpoint.—Manuscript 22, 1887 {CD 421.2}

[Sowing Seeds of Death—655]

735. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquors. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.—The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884 {CD 421.3}

736. Tea, coffee, and tobacco, as well as alcoholic drinks, are different degrees in the scale of artificial stimulants. {CD 421.4}

The effect of tea and coffee, as heretofore shown, tends in the same direction as that of wine and cider, liquor and tobacco.... {CD 421.5}

Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the aftereffect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened. All these nerve irritants are wearing away the life forces, and the restlessness caused by shattered nerves, the impatience, the mental feebleness, become a warring element, antagonizing to spiritual progress. Then should not those who advocate temperance and reform be awake to counteract the evils of these injurious drinks? In some cases it is as difficult to break up the tea-and-coffee habit as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor. The money expended for tea and coffee is worse than wasted. They do the user only harm, and that continually. Those who use tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol, may sometimes live to an old age, but this fact is no argument in favor of the use of these stimulants. What these persons might have accomplished, but failed to do because of their intemperate habits, the great day of God alone will reveal. {CD 421.6}

Those who resort to tea and coffee for stimulation to labor, will feel the evil effects of this course in trembling nerves and lack of self-control. Tired nerves need rest and quiet. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies. But if her forces are goaded on by use of stimulants, there is, whenever this process is repeated, a lessening of real force. For a time more may be accomplished under the unnatural stimulus, but gradually it becomes more difficult to rouse the energies to the desired point, and at last exhausted nature can no longer respond.  {CD 422.1}

Harmful Effects Attributed to Other Causes

The habit of drinking tea and coffee is a greater evil than is often suspected. Many who have accustomed themselves to the use of stimulating drinks, suffer from headache and nervous prostration, and lose much time on account of sickness. They imagine they cannot live without the stimulus, and are ignorant of its effect upon health. What makes it the more dangerous is, that its evil effects are so often attributed to other causes. {CD 422.2}

Effects on Mind and Morals

Through the use of stimulants, the whole system suffers. The nerves are unbalanced, the liver is morbid in its action, the quality and circulation of the blood are affected, and the skin becomes inactive and sallow. The mind, too, is injured. The immediate influence of these stimulants is to excite the brain to undue activity, only to leave it weaker and less capable of exertion. The aftereffect is prostration, not only mental and physical, but moral. As a result we see nervous men and women, of unsound judgment and unbalanced mind. They often manifest a hasty, impatient, accusing spirit, viewing the faults of others as through a magnifying glass, and utterly unable to discern their own defects. {CD 422.3}

When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others. Their words are not few or well chosen. The tidbits of gossip are passed around, too often the poison of scandal as well. These thoughtless gossipers forget that they have a witness. An unseen Watcher is writing their words in the books of heaven. All these unkind criticisms, these exaggerated reports, these envious feelings, expressed under the excitement of the cup of tea, Jesus registers as against Himself. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” {CD 423.1}

We are already suffering because of the wrong habits of our fathers, and yet how many take a course in every way worse than theirs! Opium, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor are rapidly extinguishing the spark of vitality still left in the race. Every year millions of gallons of intoxicating liquors are drunk, and millions of dollars are spent for tobacco. And the slaves of appetite, while constantly spending their earnings in sensual indulgence, rob their children of food and clothing and the advantages of education. There can never be a right state of society while these evils exist.—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 34-36, 1890  {CD 423.2}

Create Nervous Excitement, Not Strength

737. You are highly nervous and excitable. Tea has an influence to excite the nerves, and coffee benumbs the brain; both are highly injurious. You should be careful of your diet. Eat the most wholesome, nourishing food, and keep yourself in a calm state of mind, where you will not become so excited and fly into a passion.—Testimonies for the Church 4:365, 1879 {CD 423.3}

738. Tea acts as a stimulant, and, to a certain extent, produces intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar. The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart, and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is forgotten, the strength seems to be increased. The intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid. {CD 424.1}

Because of these results, many suppose that their tea or coffee is doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not nourish the system. Their effect is produced before there has been time for digestion and assimilation, and what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement. When the influence of the stimulant is gone, the unnatural force abates, and the result is a corresponding degree of languor and debility. {CD 424.2}

The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many other evils, for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies. When her forces are goaded on by the use of stimulants, more will be accomplished for a time; but as the system becomes debilitated by their constant use, it gradually becomes more difficult to rouse the energies to the desired point. The demand for stimulants becomes more difficult to control, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving. Stronger and still stronger stimulants are called for, until exhausted nature can no longer respond.—The Ministry of Healing, 326, 327, 1905 {CD 424.3}

[Tea and Coffee Ruin the Stomach—722]

No Food Value

739. The health is in no way improved by the use of those things which stimulate for a time, but afterward cause a reaction which leaves the system lower than before. Tea and coffee whip up the flagging energies for the time being, but when their immediate influence has gone, a feeling of depression is the result. These beverages have no nourishment whatever in themselves. The milk and sugar it contains constitute all the nourishment afforded by a cup of tea or coffee.—Letter 69, 1896 {CD 425.1}

Note by Ron: Sugar is a pure carbon chemical after it goes through a twelve hour process of refining. If you apply heat to some white sugar in a teaspoon, it will turn to a pure carbon chemical, which is all that remains after processing. This pure carbon is carcinogenic, and produces one of the most powerful acids known to man, oxolic acid. It is very acid forming to the system.

If you Google the words: Is oxalic acid harmful to humans?, you will get the following information: rwb

“Oxalic acid is toxic because of its acidic and chelating properties. It may cause burns, nausea, severe gastroenteritis and vomiting, shock and convulsions. It is especially toxic when ingested. As little as 5 to 15 grams (71 mg/kg) may be fatal to humans

Spiritual Perception Blunted

740. Tea and coffee are stimulating. Their effects are similar to those of tobacco; but they affect in a lesser degree. Those who use these slow poisons, like the tobacco user, think they cannot live without them, because they feel so very bad when they do not have these idols....Those who indulge a perverted appetite, do it to the injury of health and intellect. They cannot appreciate the value of spiritual things. Their sensibilities are blunted, and sin does not appear very sinful, and truth is not regarded of greater value than earthly treasure.—Spiritual Gifts 4a:128, 129, 1864 {CD 425.2}

741. Tea and coffee drinking is a sin, an injurious indulgence, which, like other evils, injures the soul. These darling idols create an excitement, a morbid action of the nervous system; and after the immediate influence of the stimulants is gone, it lets down below par just to that degree that its stimulating properties elevated above par.—Manuscript 44, 1896 {CD 425.3}

742. Those who use tobacco, tea, and coffee should lay aside those idols, and put their cost into the treasury of the Lord. Some have never made a sacrifice for the cause of God, and are asleep as to what God requires of them. Some of the very poorest will have the greatest struggle to deny themselves of these stimulants. This individual sacrifice is not required because the cause of God is suffering for means. But every heart will be tested, every character developed. It is principle that God’s people must act upon. The living principle must be carried out in the life.—Testimonies for the Church 1:222, 1861 {CD 425.4}

Cravings Interfere With Spiritual Worship

743. Tea and coffee, as well as tobacco, have an injurious effect upon the system. Tea is intoxicating; though less in degree, its effect is the same in character as that of spirituous liquors. Coffee has a greater tendency to becloud the intellect and benumb the energies. It is not so powerful as tobacco, but is similar in its effects. The arguments brought against tobacco may also be urged against the use of tea and coffee. {CD 426.1}

Those who are in the habit of using tea, coffee, tobacco, opium, or spirituous liquors, cannot worship God when they are deprived of the accustomed indulgence. Let them, while deprived of these stimulants, engage in the worship of God, and divine grace would be powerless to animate, enliven, or spiritualize their prayers or their testimonies. These professed Christians should consider the means of their enjoyment. Is it from above, or from beneath?—The Review and Herald, January 25, 1881 {CD 426.2}

The Stupefied Transgressor Not Guiltless

744. Satan sees that he cannot have so great power over minds when the appetite is kept under control as when it is indulged, and he is constantly working to lead men to indulgence. Under the influence of unhealthful food, the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and its susceptibility to impressions is impaired. But the guilt of the transgressor is not lessened because the conscience has been violated till it has become insensible. {CD 426.3}

Since a healthy state of mind depends upon the normal condition of the vital forces, what care should be exercised that neither stimulants nor narcotics be used! Yet we see that a large number of those who profess to be Christians are using tobacco. They deplore the evils of intemperance; yet while speaking against the use of liquors, these very men will eject the juice of tobacco. There must be change of sentiment with reference to tobacco using before the root of the evil will be reached. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee are fostering the appetite for stronger stimulants. And then we come still closer home, to the preparation of food, and ask, Is temperance practiced in all things? are the reforms which are essential to health and happiness carried out here? {CD 426.4}

Every true Christian will have control of his appetites and passions. Unless he is free from the bondage of appetite, he cannot be a true, obedient servant of Christ. The indulgence of appetite and passion blunts the effect of truth upon the heart.—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 79, 80, 1890 {CD 427.1}

A Losing Battle With Appetite

745. Intemperance commences at our tables, in the use of unhealthful food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive organs become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea, coffee, and flesh meats produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons, the nervous system is excited, and, in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid. Because these stimulants produce for the time being such agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them, and continue their use. But there is always a reaction. The nervous system, having been unduly excited, borrowed power for present use from its future resources of strength. All this temporary invigoration of the system is followed by depression. In proportion as these stimulants temporarily invigorate the system, will be the letting down of the power of the excited organs after the stimulus has lost its force. The appetite is educated to crave something stronger, which will have a tendency to keep up and increase the agreeable excitement, until indulgence becomes habit, and there is a continual craving for stronger stimulus, as tobacco, wines, and liquors. The more the appetite is indulged, the more frequent will be its demands, and the more difficult of control. The more debilitated the system becomes, and the less able to do without unnatural stimulus, the more the passion for these things increases, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving for these indulgences.—Testimonies for the Church 3:487, 488, 1875 {CD 427.2}

The Only Safe Course

The only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines, tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks. The necessity for the men of this generation to call to their aid the power of the will, strengthened by the grace of God, in order to withstand the temptations of Satan, and resist the least indulgence of perverted appetite, is twice as great as it was several generations ago. {CD 428.1}

The Conflict Between Truth and Self-indulgence

746. The facts relative to Korah and his company, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and against Jehovah, are recorded for a warning to God’s people, especially those who live upon the earth near the close of time. Satan has led persons to imitate the example of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, in raising insurrection among the people of God. Those who permit themselves to rise in opposition to the plain testimony, become self-deceived, and have really thought that those upon whom God laid the burden of His work were exalted above the people of God, and that their counsels and reproofs were uncalled for. They have risen in opposition to the plain testimony which God would have them bear in rebuking the wrongs among God’s people. The testimonies borne against hurtful indulgences, as tea, coffee, snuff, and tobacco, have irritated a certain class, because it would destroy their idols. Many for a while were undecided whether to make an entire sacrifice of all these hurtful things, or reject the plain testimonies borne, and yield to the clamors of appetite. They occupied an unsettled position. There was a conflict between their convictions of truth and their self-indulgences. Their state of indecision made them weak, and with many, appetite prevailed. Their sense of sacred things was perverted by the use of these slow poisons; and they at length fully decided, let the consequence be what it might, they would not deny self. This fearful decision at once raised a wall of separation between them and those who were cleansing themselves, as God has commanded, from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, and were perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. The straight testimonies borne were in their way, and caused them great uneasiness, and they found relief in warring against them, and striving to make themselves and others believe that they were untrue. They said the people were all right, but it was reproving testimonies which made the trouble. And when the rebellious unfurl their banner, all the disaffected rally around the standard, and all the spiritually defective, the lame, the halt, and the blind, unite their influence to scatter and sow discord.—Spiritual Gifts 4a:36, 37, 1864 {CD 428.2}

The Roots of Intemperance

747. Great efforts are made to put down intemperance; but there is much effort that is not directed to the right point. The advocates of temperance reform should be awake to the evils resulting from the use of unwholesome food, condiments, tea, and coffee. We bid all temperance workers Godspeed; but we invite them to look more deeply into the cause of the evil they war against, and to be sure that they are consistent in reform. {CD 429.1}

It must be kept before the people that the right balance of the mental and moral powers depends in a great degree on the right condition of the physical system. All narcotics and unnatural stimulants that enfeeble and degrade the physical nature tend to lower the tone of the intellect and morals. Intemperance lies at the foundation of the moral depravity of the world. By the indulgence of the perverted appetite, man loses his power to resist temptation. {CD 429.2}

Temperance reformers have a work to do in educating the people in these lines. Teach them that health, character, and even life, are endangered by the use of stimulants, which excite the exhausted energies to unnatural, spasmodic action.—The Ministry of Healing, 334, 1905 {CD 429.3}

Persevere, and Nature Will Rally

In relation to tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss, and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving, and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally, and perform her work nobly and well. {CD 430.1}

748. Satan is corrupting minds and destroying souls through his subtle temptations. Will our people see and feel the sin of indulging perverted appetite? Will they discard tea, coffee, flesh meats, and all stimulating food, and devote the means expended for those hurtful indulgences to spreading the truth?...What power can the tobacco devotee have to stay the progress of intemperance? There must be a revolution in our world upon the subject of tobacco before the ax is laid at the root of the tree. We press the subject still closer. Tea and coffee are fostering the appetite which is developing for stronger stimulants, as tobacco and liquor.—Testimonies for the Church 3:569, 1875 {CD 430.2}

749. Concerning flesh meat we can all say, Let it alone. And all should bear a clear testimony against tea and coffee, never using them. They are narcotics, injurious alike to the brain and to the other organs of the body.... {CD 430.3}

Let the members of our churches deny every selfish appetite. Every penny expended for tea, coffee, and flesh meat is worse than wasted; for these things hinder the best development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers.—Letter 135, 1902 {CD 430.4}

A Suggestion of Satan

750. Some think that they cannot reform, that health would be sacrificed should they attempt to leave the use of tea, tobacco, and flesh meats. This is the suggestion of Satan. It is these hurtful stimulants that are surely undermining the constitution and preparing the system for acute diseases, by impairing nature’s fine machinery and battering down her fortifications erected against disease and premature decay.... {CD 431.1}

The use of unnatural stimulants is destructive to health, and has a benumbing influence upon the brain, making it impossible to appreciate eternal things. Those who cherish these idols cannot rightly value the salvation which Christ has wrought out for them by a life of self-denial, continual suffering, and reproach, and by finally yielding His own sinless life to save perishing man from death.—Testimonies for the Church 1:548, 549, 1867 {CD 431.2}

[The Effect of Tea and Coffee upon Children—354, 360]

[Tea and Coffee in Our Sanitariums—420, 424, 437, 438]

[Tea, Coffee, and Flesh Foods Unnecessary—805]

[Refusal of Tea and Coffee, etc., Proves Workers to Be Practical Health Reformers—227, 717]

[Results of Partaking [Tea occasionally used by E. G. White as medicine—Appendix 1:18]

of Tea and Coffee at Dinners and Suppers—233]

[Those with Cravings for Tea and Coffee to Be Enlightened—779]

[Making a Covenant with God to Give up Tea, Coffee, etc.—41]

[Tea and coffee not used by E. G. White—Appendix 1:18, 23]

 

Ms 93, 1901

 

Care to be Shown in the Establishment of Sanitariums

 

NP

 

September 23, 1901

 

Portions of this manuscript are published in MM 153-154; CD 136, 281, 297; 1MCP 179; 2MCP 391-392; VSS 64; CG 548.

 

“The Lord has instructed me that as a general rule, we place too much food in the stomach. Many make themselves uncomfortable by overeating, and sickness is often the result. The Lord did not bring this punishment on them. They brought it on themselves; and God desires them to realize that pain is the result of transgression.

 

Many eat too rapidly. Others eat at one meal food which does not agree. If men and women would only remember how greatly they afflict the soul when they afflict the stomach, and how deeply Christ is dishonored when the stomach is abused, they would be brave and self-denying, giving the stomach opportunity to recover its healthy action. While sitting at the table, we may do medical missionary work by eating and drinking to the glory of God.

 

Sugar is not good for the stomach. It causes fermentation and this clouds the brain and brings peevishness into the disposition.”

 

Natural Alternatives

 

Anyone will benefit greatly by viewing a video by Barbara O’Neill on Natural Remedies

https://www.google.ca/search?dcr=0&ei=x_hBXPfkFcyw0PEPnJ-xuAU&q=barbara+o%27neill+natural+remedies+youtube&oq=barbara+o%27neill+natu&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0l4.2719.13741..16947...1.0..2.144.2740.8j18......0....1..gws-wiz.....6..0i71j35i39j0i20i263j0i131j0i67j0i131i67.xgY5AhhfAmY

Conclusions

·       The bride of Christ, the 144,000 are the earthly representatives, ambassadors of the church in heaven. The Great Controversy, pp. 426, 427; Isa. 62:1-5. All nations are to see her glory as she is to project the glory of Christ in health and purity.

·       Ellen White said we are to be Reformers. She said we are to strive to be one of the 144,000. Much of that striving has to do with health and restraining from foods that are deleterious to the health.

·       True Reformers are registered/written in heaven:

"Characteristics of True Reformers.--Here are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their names are registered [written--Heb. 12:22, 23] in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the foundations of many generations." E. G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1151, & Review and Herald, Oct. 13, 1891.

“Men will go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is their work to make crooked things straight. Some things must be torn down, some things must be built up. The old treasures must be reset in a framework of truth. They are to preach God's Word; their testimony must not be molded by the opinions and ideas that have been regarded as sound, but by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” [1888 Mtl. p. 169 para. 01] p. 506, Para. 3, [1888MS].

·       As a bride prepares herself for her wedding, the bride of Christ should do this work all of the time. It is sad that heaven is waiting for this preparation, and in all the years since 1844, the bride has not yet aspired to making herself ready with the aid of the Holy Spirit Divine Nature of Christ.

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 

·       The Adornment of the Bride of Christ is the garments of salvation: Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

·       The Jewels are righteousness and the healthful glow that righteous living produces. The right choice of what we put into our bodies as fuel, will yield the glory of heaven’s glow of health.

·       Just as the health of certain waitresses impressed me to inquire if they drank coffee, so the world should see the superior health of True Reformer Seventh-day Adventists.

·       We must be representatives of Christ in all that we do. The world will see a certain superiority and will be more apt to listen to us and our message. We can thus hasten the coming of Christ by aiding in the preparation of His bride.

·       We are ambassadors of the King of the Universe. We should strive to fulfill such a role. What a responsibility.

·       Everything we eat has an effect for good or bad on our health and appearance. What are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus when He sacrificed so much for us?

·       You may have heard the expression: “You are what you eat.” This is more true that we often think! Let us strive to glorify Christ in all that we do and partake of. Let us put forth the effort of a bride preparing herself for marriage, for that is exactly what we are supposed to do.

·       How will you appear when the King inspects the wedding party, the bride and the guests? That is what is going on in the Investigative Judgment.

·       For you military men, think of the rigors of a military inspection. How will we do when inspected by the greatest General who every lived—Jesus Christ?

·       A huge part of the inspiration to achieve all of these requirements is to study the Word to show thyself approved.

·       2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

·       All of the above is what it means to strive to be the bride of Jesus Christ.

 

In the Name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

 

R. William Beaulieu