Adventists and Feastkeeping
by
Kevin Straub
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----- Original Message ----- From: Kevin Straub To: Kevin Straub Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:55 PM Subject: Feastkeeping
teacher John Vega gives his spin on the content of the last day message Please pardon me for still harping on
typical feastkeeping. I won’t stay here forever! Having once lent
my own support in my own argument to keep the feasts, I now work to undo the
damage that I have done. John Vega is another one who is a loud
voice for typical feastkeeping in Adventism. I have currently been engaged with
another author, not John, whom I have not mentioned nor brought into any of
these discussions, who has written in a book that the feasts are still
binding upon Christians today and that they are attached to the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment of the moral law, as support to and a guardian hedge
around the 7th day Sabbath, all the while proclaiming that they
are not a “salvational” issue. I have pressed upon this author once
again, this time rather insistently, that the rationale be given for calling
the typical feasts “binding” and at the same time “non-salvational.” I
do not believe it can be done. Generally speaking, the average
Adventist feastkeeper and teacher of contemporary typical feastkeeping, holds
that the call to keep the feasts is part and parcel with the call to keep the
Sabbath of the fourth commandment and as such, they hold it to be the
advanced light to come that would give added impetus to the third angel’s
message, i.e., that it would be the work of the fourth angel to call the
church and the world to “Torah,” the “Law of Moses,” which includes typical
feastkeeping. In their basic work with the public, they give little, if
any, time to the rest of the law as found in the Pentateuch, but direct their
energies virtually solely to the call to keep the feasts. A survey of
the popular literature and the DVD’s will bear this out, in spite of any
protests that may be made by individual teachers of the law. This
message is held to be that which is attended by the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit in the Latter Rain, which is generally expected to happen as another
fulfillment of Pentecost. They hold that they are the repairers of
the breach and it is their work to fulfill the prophecies such as you will read
in the following compilation by John Vega. This message to keep the
typical feasts, or “return to Torah,” is held to be the Elijah Message, the
Loud Cry of the Fourth Angel, and the work of the final generation messengers
aka the 144,000. I have never been able to come to a
position of active and overt support for the idea that keeping the feasts has
to do with the last message to the world, although I probably did flirt with
the possibility, at earlier times in my embrace of typical feastkeeping.
Because of my distance from this position, as held by the majority of modern
Adventist feastkeepers, I have never found a settled meeting of minds with
them and I am thankful for it, because it provided in me a certain cognitive
break that predisposed me to ultimately come to a rejection of the teaching
that the feasts are binding for Christians today. In the following compilation by John,
I have taken the liberty to put my own comments in caps and square brackets,
to highlight exactly what is the position of the teacher of modern Adventist
typical feastkeeping. I am not speaking from opinion, but as one who
has been engaged with feastkeeping teachers; having read their books; watched
their DVD’s; attended their convocations; held convocations at my home; and
as having taught others to keep the feasts. I think you will find this
enlightening. It is time to give this message as a warning to any who
are trifling with the notion of going into typical feastkeeping. ~K Note by Ron: I have further emphasized
Kevin’s bracketed portions by adding this color. -----Original Message----- Dear Messengers of Truth, Please read the EGW quotes below. I
think it will help you to continue to warn the people regardless of what the
"leaders" do. Messiah's words... Matthew 7:14 Because
strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it. The popular ministry, like the
Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will
denounce the message [OF FEASTKEEPING] as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes
to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.--GC 607 (1911). {LDE
210.4} Work for Every True Disciple Every true
follower of Christ has a work to do. God has given to every man his work. A
few are now pointing to the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and proclaiming,
Get ready, show your obedience to God by keeping His commandments [TO KEEP THE FEASTS]. This is no time for the messengers of God to stop to prop up those
who know the truth, and who have every advantage. Let them go on to lift the
standard and give the warning, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out
to meet Him." Many who hear the message--by far the greatest
number--will not credit the solemn warning. Many will be found disloyal to the
commandments of God, [INCLUDING
FEASTKEEPING] which are a test of character. The
Lord's servants will be called enthusiasts. Ministers will warn the people
not to listen to them. Noah received the same treatment while the Spirit of
God was urging him to give the message, whether men would hear or whether
they would forbear. {TM 232.3} Come when it
may, the advent of Christ will surprise the false teachers [WHO ARE SAYING THE FEASTS WERE NAILED TO THE CROSS]
who are saying, "Peace and
safety;" "all things continue as they were from the
beginning." Thus saith the word of Inspiration, "Sudden destruction
cometh upon them." The day of God shall come as a snare upon all who
dwell upon the face of the whole earth. It comes to them as a prowling thief.
"If the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would
come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be
broken up." Habitual watching is our only safety. We must be ever ready,
that that day may not overtake us as a thief. {TM 233.1} Influence of the Printed Page More than one
thousand will soon be converted in one day, [TO FEASTKEEPING] most of whom will
trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications.--Ev 693
(1885). {LDE 213.4} The results
of the circulation of this book [The Great Controversy] are not to be judged
by what now appears. By reading it some souls will be aroused and will have
courage to unite themselves at once with those who keep the commandments [INCLUDING THE FEASTS] of God. But a much larger number who read it will not take their
position until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it.
The fulfillment of some of the predictions will inspire faith that others
also will come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with the glory of the
Lord in the closing work, many souls will take their position on the
commandments of God [INCLUDING THE FEASTS] as the result of this agency.--CM 128, 129
(1890). {LDE 214.1} In a large
degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that
other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the
earth with his glory [WHICH INCLUDES THE
CALL TO KEEP THE FEASTS] [Revelation
18:1].--7T 140 (1902). {LDE 214.2} Many Adventists Brace Themselves
Against the Light - The Modern Pharisees Reject The Feasts. [NO CLARIFICATION BY ME IS REQUIRED HERE] There is to
be in the [Seventh-day Adventist] churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of
God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before
the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance. In
the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of
God, [THE PROCLAMATION OF THE MESSAGE TO 'KEEP
THE FEASTS'] they will see only something which in
their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their
fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not
work according to their ideas and expectations they will oppose the work.
"Why," they say, "should we not know the Spirit of God, when
we have been in the work so many years?"--RH Extra, Dec. 23, 1890.
{LDE 209.3} The third
angel's message [TO KEEP THE FEASTS] will not be comprehended, the light which will
lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who
refuse to walk in its advancing glory. [THOSE WHO REFUSE ABANDON THE ANTITYPE SO AS TO REVERT TO TYPICAL
FEASTKEEPING] --RH May 27, 1890. {LDE
210.1} Most Non-Adventists Will Reject the
Warning Many who hear
the message--by far the greatest number--will not credit the solemn warning.
Many will be found disloyal to the commandments of God, [INCLUDING FEASTKEEPING] which are a test of character. The Lord's servants will be called
enthusiasts. Ministers will warn the people not to listen to them. Noah
received the same treatment while the Spirit of God was urging him to give
the message, whether men would hear or whether they would forbear.--TM 233
(1895). {LDE 210.2} Some will
listen to these warnings, but by the vast majority they will be
disregarded.--HP 343 (1897). {LDE 210.3} The popular
ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is
questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving
multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it. [THE FEASTKEEPERS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF THE MOST
POINTED WRATH OF THE WORLD, AS THEY WILL BE ALSO PERSECUTED BY THE
"NOMINAL" ADVENTISTS, LAITY AND LEADERSHIP ALIKE.] --GC 607 (1911). {LDE 210.4} Multitudes Will Answer the Call,
Accept the Feasts and the Torah and Come Out of the Doomed Churches [THE CALL = THE LOUD CRY, THE ELIJAH MESSAGE, THE
4TH ANGEL. . .] Souls that
were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call [TO KEEP THE FEASTS ALONG WITH THE 7TH DAY SABBATH], and the precious were hurried out of the doomed
churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction.--EW 279
(1858). {LDE 211.1} There will be
an army of steadfast believers who will stand as firm as a rock [AND KEEP THE FEASTS] through the last test.--3SM 390 (1888). {LDE 211.2} There are
many souls to come out of the ranks of the world, out of the churches--even
the Catholic Church--whose zeal will far exceed that of those who have stood
in rank and file to proclaim the truth heretofore [BECAUSE THEY ARE THE FINAL REFORMERS, BRINGING US BACK TO THE ENTIRE
LAW, INCLUDING THE KEEPING OF THE FEASTS].--3SM 386, 387 (1889). {LDE 211.3} Multitudes
will receive the faith [IN TYPICAL
FEASTKEEPING] and join the armies of the Lord.--Ev
700 (1895). {LDE 211.4} Many who have
strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd.--6T 401
(1900). {LDE 211.5} In heathen
Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in
India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth,
God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones [THE FEASTKEEPERS] that will yet shine
forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the
transforming power of obedience to His law [WHICH INCLUDES FEASTKEEPING]. Even now they [THE FEASTKEEPERS] are appearing in every nation, among every tongue
and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan's supreme effort
is made to cause "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and
bond," to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a
false rest day, [THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE 'THE LIGHT' ON
FEASTKEEPING ARE INCLUDED AMONGST THOSE WHO RECEIVE THE MARK OF THE BEAST] these faithful ones, "blameless and harmless,
the sons of God, without rebuke," will "shine as lights in the
world."--PK 188, 189 (c. 1914). {LDE 211.6} Thousands Converted in a Day Thousands in
the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth [OF THE 7TH DAY SABBATH ALONG WITH TYPICAL FEASTKEEPING]. . . . These conversions to truth will be made with
a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be
glorified.--2SM 16 (1890). {LDE 212.1} There will be
thousands converted to the truth [OF THE SABBATH OF THE
4TH COMMANDMENT, ALONG WITH TYPICAL FEASTKEEPING] in a day who at the eleventh hour see and acknowledge the truth and
the movements of the Spirit of God.--EGW'88 755 (1890). {LDE
212.2} The time is
coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the Day
of Pentecost, after the disciples [WHO KEEP THE FEASTS] had received the Holy Spirit. [THE REST OF US ARE SEEN TO BE WALKING IN
DISOBEDIENCE AND THEREFORE WILL NOT RECEIVE THE OUTPOURING] --Ev 692 (1905). {LDE 212.3} The Honest-in-Heart Will Not Hesitate
Long [AND THEY WILL COME TO THE LIGHT OF
TYPICAL FEASTKEEPING] A good many
do not see it now, to take their position, [WITH THE FEASTKEEPERS] but these things
are influencing their lives, and when the message [TO KEEP THE 7TH DAY SABBATH AND THE TYPICAL FEASTS] goes with a loud voice they will be ready for it.
They will not hesitate long; they will come out and take their position.--Ev
300, 301 (1890). {LDE 212.4} Soon the last
test [TO KEEP THE FEASTS, ALONG WITH THE TRUE
SABBATH] is to come to all inhabitants of the
earth. At that time prompt decisions will be made. Those who have been
convicted under the presentation of the Word will range themselves under the
bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. [BECOMING FEASTKEEPERS] --9T 149
(1909). {LDE 213.1} Every truly honest
soul will come to the light of truth.--GC 522 (1911). {LDE 213.2}
The message
will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the
Spirit of God. The arguments [TO KEEP THE 7TH DAY
SABBATH AND THE ANNUAL SABBATHS] have been
presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit.
The publications [ADVOCATING TYPICAL FEASTKEEPING] distributed by missionary workers have exerted their
influence, yet many whose minds were impressed [TO KEEP THE SABBATH AND THE FEASTS] have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from
yielding obedience. Now the rays of light [ON FEASTKEEPING AND THE WEEKLY SABBATH] penetrate everywhere, the truth [THAT THE OBSERVANCE OF THE TYPICAL FEASTS ARE STILL BINDING] is seen in its clearness, and the honest children
of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church
relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all
besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large
number take their stand upon the Lord's side. [TO KEEP THE SABBATH DAY AND THE ANNUAL FESTIVALS]--GC 612 (1911). {LDE 213.3} Blessings, John Vega Founder http://www.totalrestitution.com/ Note:
Additional data on the issue of the Feasts: http://www.sdadefend.com/MINDEX-C/CerLaw.pdf Kevin Straub and Vance Ferrell
are entirely correct. Feastkeeping is not binding on true Seventh-day
Adventists. Those who are advocating feastkeeping should also sacrifice
animals and partake of them! This fact lends to the farce of it all because
the 144,000 will not be found eating meat! John Vega is a false prophet who
thus contradicts Ellen White and Scripture. The ceremonies as contained in
ordinances (feasts) was nailed to the cross. It was against the Jews in that
they had to sacrifice their best of flock as a sacrifice for sin. Any
continuance of this type that was met in the antitype by Christ’s sacrifice
of Himself, is blasphemy of the highest order because the type was fulfilled
by Christ atoning for our sin. No animal sacrifice or feastkeeping would now
point to an event that already was fulfilled by Christ. Were they consistent
with their false teaching, these folk would still be confessing their sins on
animals in lieu of Christ. That is truly blasphemy! —rb |