My Vision on the Issue of

“Added Probation”

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September 3, 2011

 

What follows is the teaching of Laval Picard (forerunner000), who implies that he fulfills the role of John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah by teaching that he is the forerunner and that he and some select others are to remain outside of church membership in the SDA church to prepare to give a message later to the church, but others are not to be called out.

 

Laval told me that he and some others are being prepared to give a message to the church later at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that it is then that there will be a call out. I have said that my call is to those who desire to be the bride of Christ, for they cannot be defiled by apostate churches. Laval does not know whom God is calling. If he did, he would know who the 144,000 are and no one knows that at this time. So in essence, Laval is judging who is and who is not one of the 144,000. I fully agree that there will be a final call out of all apostate churches when the Holy Spirit is poured out in the final Loud Cry, and that all who have not rejected knowledge of the apostasy and an invitation to come out from it to be the bride of Christ, will then have a final opportunity to heed the call out of Jerusalem, Isaiah 37:31, 32, as well as Babylon.

 

A vision was given to me early this a.m. which proves that certain and serious aspects of Mr. Picard’s theory are patently false. In Laval Picard’s theory is a classic example of just how good and reasonable and true something can sound until put under the microscope of all the weight of evidence.

 

I want to make it very clear that I will publish on this Website any rebuttal to this weight of evidence by one Laval Picard, who is a trained SDA minister. But I will predict that he will not be able to refute this serious weight of evidence testimony which the Lord gave to me in vision this a.m., September 4, 2011. I asked the Lord why He did not give me this testimony sooner. He told me that he wanted Laval Picard and his followers to be tested by a time factor of being immersed in their cherished error. Laval once told me he would never accept Ellen White’s teaching on the Godhead. The Lord showed me he will likewise never accept the truth regarding his error on added probation. I hasten to add the serious warning that it is rejection of the Holy Spirit to persist in the rejection of the evidence of any and all truth. We are told that is unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit.

 

First, let’s investigate Ellen White’s teaching on “added probation:” This is interesting reading in light of the fact that Ellen White says in scores of statements that SDA’s are repeating the history of Israel:

 

Chap. 17 - "Spare it this Year Also"

 

Christ in His teaching linked with the warning of judgment the invitation of mercy. "The Son of man is not come," He said, "to destroy men’s lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56. "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17. His mission of mercy in its relation to God’s justice and judgment is illustrated in the parable of the barren fig tree. {COL 212.1}

 

Christ had been warning the people of the coming of the kingdom of God, and He had sharply rebuked their ignorance and indifference. The signs in the sky, which foretold the weather, they were quick to read; but the signs of the times, which so clearly pointed to His mission, were not discerned. {COL 212.2}

 

But men were as ready then as men are now to conclude that they themselves are the favorites of heaven, and that the message of reproof is meant for another. The hearers told Jesus of an event which had just caused great excitement. Some of the measures of Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, had given offense to the people. There had [BEGIN P.213 (COL)] been a popular tumult in Jerusalem, and Pilate had attempted to quell this by violence. On one occasion his soldiers had even invaded the precincts of the temple, and had cut down some Galilean pilgrims in the very act of slaying their sacrifices. The Jews regarded calamity as a judgment on account of the sufferer’s sin, and those who told of this act of violence did so with secret satisfaction. In their view their own good fortune proved them to be much better, and therefore more favored by God, than were these Galileans. They expected to hear from Jesus words of condemnation for these men, who, they doubted not, richly deserved their punishment. {COL 212.3}

 

Note: The implication (above and as proved erroneous below) is that calamity is not always a judgment on account of the sufferer’s sin. Sometimes calamity and its associated trials are for the purpose of bringing us closer to Christ. End note by Ron.

 

The disciples of Christ did not venture to express their ideas until they had heard the opinion of their Master. He had given them pointed lessons in reference to judging other men’s characters, and measuring retribution according to their finite judgment. Yet they looked for Christ to denounce these men as sinners above others. Great was their surprise at His answer. {COL 213.1}

 

Turning to the multitude, the Saviour said, "Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay; but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." These startling calamities were designed to lead them to humble their hearts, and to repent of their sins. The storm of vengeance was gathering, which was soon to burst upon all who had not found a refuge in Christ. {COL 213.2}

 

As Jesus talked with the disciples and the multitude, He looked forward with prophetic glance and saw Jerusalem besieged with armies. He heard the tramp of the aliens marching against the chosen city and saw the thousands upon thousands perishing in the siege. Many of the Jews were, like those Galileans, slain in the temple courts, in the very act of offering sacrifice. The calamities that had fallen [BEGIN P.214] upon individuals were warnings from God to a nation equally guilty. "Except ye repent," said Jesus, "ye shall all likewise perish." For a little time the day of probation lingered for them. There was still time for them to know the things that belonged to their peace. {COL 213.3}

 

"A certain man," He continued, "had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" {COL 214.1}

 

Christ’s hearers could not misunderstand the application of His words. David had sung of Israel as the vine brought out of Egypt. Isaiah had written, "The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant." Isa. 5:7. The generation to whom the Saviour had come were represented by the fig tree in the Lord’s vineyard--within the circle of His special care and blessing. {COL 214.2}

 

God’s purpose toward His people, and the glorious possibilities before them, had been set forth in the beautiful words, "That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified," Isa. 61:3. The dying Jacob, under the Spirit of inspiration, had said of his best-loved son, "Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall." And he said, "The God of thy Father" "shall help thee," the Almighty "shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under." Gen. 49:22, 25. So God had planted Israel as a goodly vine by the wells of life. He had made His vineyard "in a very fruitful hill." He had "fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine." Isa. 5:1, 2. [BEGIN P.215] {COL 214.3}

 

"And He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes." Isa. 5:2. The people of Christ’s day made a greater show of piety than did the Jews of earlier ages, but they were even more destitute of the sweet graces of the Spirit of God. The precious fruits of character that made the life of Joseph so fragrant and beautiful, were not manifest in the Jewish nation. {COL 215.1}

 

God in His Son had been seeking fruit, and had found none. Israel was a cumberer of the ground. Its very existence was a curse; for it filled the place in the vineyard that a fruitful tree might fill. It robbed the world of the blessings that God designed to give. The Israelites had misrepresented God among the nations. They were not merely useless, but a decided hindrance. To a great degree their religion was misleading, and wrought ruin instead of salvation. {COL 215.2}

 

In the parable the dresser of the vineyard does not question the sentence that the tree, if it remained fruitless, should be cut down; but he knows and shares the owner’s interest in that barren tree. Nothing could give him greater joy than to see its growth and fruitfulness. He responds to the desire of the owner, saying, "Let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it; and if it bear fruit, well." {COL 215.3}

 

The gardener does not refuse to minister to so unpromising a plant. He stands ready to give it still greater care. [BEGIN P.216] He will make its surroundings most favorable, and will lavish upon it every attention. {COL 215.4}

 

The owner and the dresser of the vineyard are one in their interest in the fig tree. So the Father and the Son were one in their love for the chosen people. Christ was saying to His hearers that increased opportunities would be given them. Every means that the love of God could devise would be put in operation that they might become trees of righteousness, bringing forth fruit for the blessing of the world. {COL 216.1}

 

Jesus did not in the parable tell the result of the gardener’s work. At that point His story was cut short. Its conclusion rested with the generation that heard His words. To them the solemn warning was given. "If not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." Upon them it depended whether the irrevocable words should be spoken. The day of wrath was near. In the calamities that had already befallen Israel, the owner of the vineyard was mercifully forewarning them of the destruction of the unfruitful tree. {COL 216.2}

 

The warning sounds down along the line to us in this generation. Are you, O careless heart, a fruitless tree in the Lord’s vineyard? Shall the words of doom erelong be spoken of you? How long have you received His gifts? How long has He watched and waited for a return of love? Planted in His vineyard, under the watchful care of the gardener, what privileges are yours! How often has the tender gospel message thrilled your heart! You have taken the name of Christ, you are outwardly a member of the church which is His body, and yet you are conscious of no living connection with the great heart of love. The tide of His life does not flow through you. The sweet graces of His character, "the fruits of the Spirit," are not seen in your life. [BEGIN P.217] {COL 216.3}

 

The barren tree receives the rain and the sunshine and the gardener’s care. It draws nourishment from the soil. But its unproductive boughs only darken the ground, so that fruit-bearing plants cannot flourish in its shadow. So God’s gifts, lavished on you, convey no blessing to the world. You are robbing others of privileges that, but for you, might be theirs. {COL 217.1}

 

You realize, though it may be but dimly, that you are a cumberer of the ground. Yet in His great mercy God has not cut you down. He does not look coldly upon you. He does not turn away with indifference, or leave you to destruction. Looking upon you He cries, as He cried so [BEGIN P.218] many centuries ago concerning Israel, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? . . . I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man." Hosea 11:8, 9. The pitying Saviour is saying concerning you, Spare it this year also, till I shall dig about it and dress it. {COL 217.2}

 

With what unwearied love did Christ minister to Israel during the period of added probation. Upon the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:24. After His ascension the gospel was preached first at Jerusalem. There the Holy Spirit was poured out. There the first gospel church revealed the power of the risen Saviour. There Stephen--"his face as it had been the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15)--bore his testimony and laid down his life. All that heaven itself could give was bestowed. "What could have been done more to My vineyard," Christ said, "that I have not done in it?" Isa. 5:4. So His care and labor for you are not lessened, but increased. Still He says, "I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Isa. 27:3. {COL 218.1}

 

Note: Recall that in Daniel 9, Israel was given 490 years to put away sin from the camp. That 490 year time ended in A.D. 34, at the stoning of Stephen. Yet, Christ added probation for individuals in Israel from the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 31, while His presence left their Sanctuary (Temple) when the veil was rent at His crucifixion, signifying that the organization was no longer His church, because only His presence can constitute a church, The Upward Look, 315. So added probation was then extended to those individuals who would leave that apostate church and join with the disciples who organized home churches all over Judea. End note by Ron.

 

"If it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that"-- {COL 218.2}

 

The heart that does not respond to divine agencies becomes hardened until it is no longer susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Then it is that the word is spoken, "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" {COL 218.3}

 

Note by Ron: Thirty-six years of added probation was granted individual Jews, until their Temple and all who would not respond to the delivering message of the two calls of the disciples, Matthew 22:1-10, were destroyed when the Roman came and destroyed the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. This was the cutting down mentioned by Christ. But for 36 years before that cutting down, true followers of Christ left that apostate church to join home churches established by the disciples of Christ.

 

Laval Picard says that we are not to leave the church until the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10 are made AFTER the antitypical Day of Pentecost. Then, may I ask: Why does Ellen White reapply Matthew 22:1-10 and say that they have been going on—in Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1: pp. 4-9, to wit:

 

Called to the Wedding Feast

 

(Sermon by Ellen G. White In Washington, Township, Iowa, Cir. 1874.) [Remember this date!]

 

     The words which I have selected as a foundation for a few remarks you will find in the 22nd chapter of Matthew, beginning at the first verse. [Verses 1-10, quoted.] {1SAT 4.1}

 

     The portion of Scripture presented before us, which I have referred to and have presented before your minds, is of intense meaning--much more than I am able to explain. It is of great interest to us, and we should consider it, and let it have due weight upon our minds. We find by perusing God's sacred Word of inspiration that when the promised Messiah, the Son of God, came into the world His own people, even His own nation--the Jews--would not and did not receive Him. As we are told in the first chapter of St. John, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). {1SAT 4.2}

 

     The provision was made, but they would not receive it. The Father Himself provided a ransom, even a sacrifice. His own dear Son submitted Himself to His Father's requirements, came into this sinful world, became a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He went about doing good, speaking in tones of tenderness, saying in the deepest and most fervent and sweetest accents ever uttered, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart"; and He assures us we shall find rest to our souls. {1SAT 4.3}

 

     "Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise."

 

 

                                      -5- {1SAT 4.4}

 

     The great King Himself hath made a marriage for His Son. He hath sent forth His servants for many hundreds of years, saying, "Come, for all things are ready." But how little do they [His people]  heed the invitation! They make light of it and go their ways to their worldly pursuits and worldly pleasures, the same as they have done for centuries. But the King sendeth forth His armies and destroys those murders and burns up their city [church], and we are told in the ninth chapter of Daniel, the 26th verse, that "the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the city...; and the end thereof shall be with a flood." {1SAT 5.1}

 

     "Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage." {1SAT 5.2}

 

     In the 14th chapter of Luke, verse 16, we find that there was made a great supper and many were bidden. Servants were sent forth to say to those that were bidden, "Come; for all things are now ready" [verse 17]. But they made excuses. {1SAT 5.3}

 

     The King of the kingdom hath made a marriage supper for His Son. He hath sent forth His servants to say to those which are bidden, "Come to the marriage." The Lord is sending His servants, saying unto all who will hear, "Come, make ready for the great marriage supper of the Lamb; He is soon coming to receive all the faithful to the mansions prepared by Him, to partake of the feast which He hath prepared." He is sending, and hath been sending His servants for some thirty years past to say unto His people, "Come, make ready, put on your wedding garments; clothe yourselves with meekness, humility, and truth, and have yourselves clad in the righteousness of Christ, that you may be

 

                                      -6-

 

able to appear before Him, and enter into the guest chamber with those who shall sit with Me at the wedding of My Son." {1SAT 5.4}

 

Today He invites you: "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God. . . . I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. . . . I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. . . . They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine. . . . From Me is thy fruit found." Hosea 14:1-8. {COL 218.4}

 

Note by Ron: The date of the statement is circa 1874! Ellen White says the calls of Matthew 22 had been going for 30 years when she made this statement. That dates back to 1844. So the Spirit of Prophecy says that the first awakening calls of Matthew 22:1-10 TO GOD’S PEOPLE, began in 1844. They were awakened by the bride (Philadelphia) which had previously been called of God.

 

So take your choice friends and followers of Laval Picard. He is awaiting the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10 in the future, and Ellen White says they have been going on to God’s people since 1844. However, to be totally fair to the issue, Ellen White did say that the Midnight Cry would be repeated. I fully believe and have always taught since the inception of my ministry that the Midnight Cry now applies to Adventists because they took their eyes off that lighted pathway to heaven by ecumenical retrogression back to association, council/counsel, girding and confederacy with their forefathers, the enemies of God, just as the Jews did in Jeremiah 11:9-15. Words to the Little Flock, p. 14, says that all who take their eyes off the Midnight Cry by saying it led them too far out of Babylon (implied), find it “impossible” to get back on the pathway to heaven.  And Ellen White reapplies the words of Jeremiah 11 to God’s people at the end-time.

 

In light of the fact that the 490 years of Israel’s probation (Daniel 9) ended in A.D. 34, God gave about 39 years of added probation to apostate Israel (from A.D. 31-70). During that 39 years, the faithful were gathered out into home churches. So I fully believe that at least 39 years prior to the destruction of apostate Jerusalem (the SDA church) at the end-time, the faithful will be gathered out of the apostate SDA church into home churches, for Ellen White said Ezekiel 9 was a prefigure (GC p. 25) beginning at His church (5T211). If Laval Picard wants to say it’s all like it was in the type involving the typical Day of Pentecost, then he must allow for the 39 year gathering out before the antitypical Ezekiel 9 destruction BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY, JERUSALEM, the apostate SDA church.

 

So how long do you think time will go on given the serious events occurring all around us?! How long does Laval’s theory delay His coming if all is according to the Day of Pentecost in the type—when there was 36 years of separation from the apostate church after that event? By his reckoning, there would be 36 more years after antitypical Pentecost until the coming of Christ, for that is how long the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10 extended in the type and he says it will be exactly as it was then! Laval said: “The latter rain will be another Pentecost and the scenario described above will be fulfilled again to the very letter!” And how can we say the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10 are all future to Adventists, when Ellen White says they have been on-going to Adventists since 1844? End Ron’s note.

 

“We are living in a time when the last message of mercy, the last invitation, is sounding to the children of men. The command, "Go out into the highways and hedges," is reaching its final fulfillment. To every soul Christ’s invitation will be given. The messengers are saying, "Come; for all things are now ready." Heavenly angels are still working in co-operation with human agencies. The Holy Spirit is presenting every inducement to constrain you to come. Christ is watching for some sign that will betoken the removing of the bolts and the opening of the door of your heart for His entrance. Angels are waiting to bear the tidings to heaven that another lost sinner has been found. The hosts of heaven are waiting, ready to strike their harps and to sing a song of rejoicing that another soul has accepted the invitation to the gospel feast.” {COL 237.2}

 

Here is Laval’s spurious teaching to the Adventist people, and keep in mind that he was trained as an SDA minister at Canadian Union College.

 

---- Original Message -----
 From: "forerunner000" forerunner000@...
 To: DefendEGW@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 10:33 PM
 Subject: [DefendEGW] Re: A STRAIGHT AND NARROW PATH (Time of added
 probation)
 
 
 
TIME OF ADDED PROBATION
 
Now we should all be able to appreciate the truth that in spite of   the fact that the "new organization" has fallen off the path, that we are living in the time of "added probation".
 
This is exactly what happened in the days of Christ. At the time of  His crucifixion the entire Jewish structure was off the path and out of the light and was left unto them desolate.
 

"Your house is left unto you desolate."
 
However, though the Jewish "organization" had gone beyond the point of no return by crucifying Jesus, "the Lord's care and labor for His  people had not lessened but increased." C.O.L.218. The time following the crucifixion was a time of "added probation" when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost:

"This was the message borne to the Jewish people after the crucifixion of Christ; but the nation that claimed to be Christ's peculiar people rejected the gospel brought to them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many did this is the most scornful manner. Others were so exasperated by the offer of salvation and the offer of pardon for rejecting the Lord of glory, that they turned upon the bearers of the message. There was 'a great persecution.' Acts 8:1. Many both of  men and women were thrust into prison, and some of the Lord's messengers, as Stephen and James were put to death. Thus the Jewish people sealed their rejection of God's mercy. The result was foretold in the parable." C.O.L.308, 309.
 

History is about to be repeated. The latter rain will be another Pentecost and the scenario described above will be fulfilled again to the very letter! If you wish to read more about what is going to take place, turn to THE ADVENT MOVEMENT ILLUSTRATED from Early Writings, pp. 240, 241 and THE SHAKING from the same book, pp. 269-271.

 

Laval Picard
 

My Vision Exposing the Errors of Mr. Picard’s Position

 

I was shown that Laval Picard is teaching serious error on the following issues per the weight of all the evidence:

 

1.    The close of probation for the apostate corporate organization of the Jews, as a church body, was when they crucified Christ, for it was then that Christ’s presence left the Sanctuary when the veil was rent at His death. God’s presence then ceased and only His presence can constitute a church, The Upward Look, 315.

2.    Added probation for Israel consisted in added probation for INDIVIDUALS ONLY. There was no virtue in the apostate Jewish organization to seal or save anyone after the leaders of that apostate Temple crucified Christ.

3.    The Jews could not receive the Ezekiel 9 Mark (Seal) by the Man in Linen, until after the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, 10 days after the ascension of Christ in A.D. 31. The Daniel 9, 490 years of general probation, ended for individuals in A.D. 34, although the outpouring on the disciples and the 120 occurred in A.D. 31. God had departed at the renting of the veil in A.D. 31. But the added probation by the God’s grace was from A.D. 31, to A.D. 70.

 

My point is that there was no virtue in remaining with the apostate church from A.D. 31, the time of the crucifixion of Christ, to the time of the general close of probation for the Jews in A.D. 34, and even after the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred on the typical Day of Pentecost in A.D. 31. That outpouring was the Ezekiel 9 sealing (Mark by the Man in Linen) on all who received it at that time. So it was by no virtue of the apostate Temple church that one received the sealing or Mark by the Man in Linen.

4.    The reason the disciples were told to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit (power from on high), was because they were to go to Jewish individuals first after the general close of Israel’s probation. Empirically, probation had closed for the Temple (organization) at the crucifixion of Christ, and an added time for probation extended for individuals only.

5.    As the first act of His ministry, Jesus gathered out His disciples, those who were to take the gospel to the world. Desire of Ages, 232. Those disciples constituted His bride. Ibid. p. 179. The disciples were gathered out seven full years before the general close of probation for Israel as individuals in A.D. 34. The 490 years given to the Jews to put away sin ended with the stoning of Stephen in A.D 34. But as previously stated, God added probation for individuals until the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

6.    In Acts 1:12-15, there were about 120 others who stood with the disciples and received the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, to wit:

12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

 

The Lord showed me that these 120 followers of the disciples were separated from the apostate church as well when the Holy Spirit was poured out in A.D., 31—3 ½ years before the 490 years of general probation for individuals in the Jewish church was ended in A.D. 34. By Laval Picard’s personal opinion theology, these 120 should not have left the apostate church of Israel, for he said the end-time fulfillment of Pentecost will all be exactly as it was in the type. In that case, you can see that others—than the bride of Christ, (the disciples), had left the apostate Jewish church and were followers of the disciples. So more than just John the Baptist, the forerunner, were separated from the apostate Temple.

7. The bride at the time of Christ was composed of 12. At the end-time it is composed of 144,000. Only the 144,000 enter the Temple on Mt. Zion, Early Writings, p. 19. Philadelphia is the 144,000 because they are made “pillars” (priests—leaders) in the Temple in heaven, Revelation 3:10-12 and Zion gets the New Name, New Jerusalem, Isaiah 62 and Revelation 3:10-12. Zion is married, Isaiah 62:1-5 and she had sons and daughters—verses 5-12. She gives the Loud Cry which awakens all ten virgins, Christ’s Objects Lessons, 405-406, for all those virgins slumbered and slept, Matthew 25:1-5.

8. So at the very least, the 144,000 will leave the apostate church for they are not defiled with women (Revelation 14:1-4), which are apostate churches. In Isaiah 4:1-4, seven women (all formally organized churches) at the end-time, are eating their own bread (the commandments of men in lieu of the commandments of God), and wearing their own apparel (their own robes of Laodicean, rich, increased with goods, in need of nothing – self-righteousness). And Ellen White cites the Laodicean message as part of the final message to the fallen churches, to wit:

 

     “Will the churches heed the Laodicean message? Will they repent, or will they, notwithstanding that the most solemn message of truth--the third angel's message--is being proclaimed to the world, go on in sin? This is the last message of mercy, the last warning to a fallen world. If the church of God becomes lukewarm, it does not stand in favour with God any more than do the churches that are represented as having fallen and become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Those who have had opportunities to hear and receive the truth and who have united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, calling themselves the commandment-keeping people of God, and yet possess no more vitality and consecration to God than do the nominal churches, will receive of the plagues of God just as verily as the churches who oppose the law of God. Only those that are sanctified through the truth will compose the royal family in the heavenly mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him and keep His commandments.” E. G. White, Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 171-178.

 

9. Laval Picard’s personal opinion theory is that he is one of a select number called to come out of the church and that all others should remain members until the Day of Pentecost. But the disciples of Christ, as prepared by John the Baptist (DA 179), were gathered out by Jesus long before the Day of Pentecost. It was John the Baptist who prepared them, but it was God (Jesus) personally, who called them to service. The 120 were also in accord with the disciples before the Day of Pentecost. So it is not for Laval to decide who is one of the true reformers called of God. Also, Ellen White says that the calls of Matthew 22 have been on-going to SDA’s since 1844.  Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, pp. 4-9.

 

    "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.

 

10. Ellen White, not Laval Picard, fulfilled the role of John the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elijah, because two men refused that role. It is not for Laval Picard to decide that he and who else are the ones who calls the 144,000 to service, for Ellen White said it is God alone who does that, just as it was God alone (Jesus) who did it in the type. Laval and others can help prepare a bride, but it is God who calls His bride and no man is to say who that bride is and is not by saying who should and should not leave the apostate SDA church in order to not be defiled by women (apostate churches) in the context of Revelation 14:1-4.

 

11. Jeremiah 11:9-15, teaches that a chosen people can commit unpardonable sin on a generational basis to the point that we are not to even pray for them.

 

12. Ellen White reapplies Jeremiah’s treatise on the Jews of his generation to the time of the end, to wit:

 

COUNTERPART: "The Lord commanded one of his ancient servants, 'Pray not thou for this people [Jer. 7:16 and 11:9-15], neither lift up cry nor prayer for them neither make intercession to me for I will not hear thee.' The prophet thus describes the sins which had called forth this fearful denunciation: 'The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means and my people love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof?' 'From the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to covetousness and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace.' The apostles declare that this state of things will find its COUNTERPART in the last days. Many have a form of godliness, but in their daily life deny the power thereof. They have ceased to be convicted of their sins or alarmed at their state. They say in their hearts, 'The church is flourishing. Peace and spiritual prosperity are within her borders.' The words of the prophet may well apply to these self-deceivers, 'They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them." E. G. White, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald,  11-07-82.

 

"Shall the Lord be compelled to say, `Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to Me: for I will not hear thee' [Jeremiah 7:16]? `Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain....Wilt thou not from this time cry unto Me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth' [Jeremiah 3:3-4]?

 

We are to be judged by the light that has been given us,(159) and we can find no excuse by which to extenuate our course." Review and Herald, Vol. 3, p 69-70 (August 1, 1893). (Brackets by Ellen White)

 

COUNTERPART: "In the time of the Saviour, the Jews had so covered over the precious jewels of truth with the rubbish of tradition and fable, that it was impossible to distinguish the true from the false. The Saviour came to clear away the rubbish of superstition and long-cherished errors, and to set the jewels of God's word in the framework of truth. What would the Saviour do if he should come to us now as he did to the Jews? He would have to do a similar work in clearing away the rubbish of tradition and ceremony. The Jews were greatly disturbed when he did this work [As are SDAs today!]. They had lost sight of the original truth of God, but Christ brought it again to view. It is our work to free the precious truths of God from superstition and error." E.G. White,  Review and Herald, Vol. 2, 308. 

 

“The Lord commanded one of his ancient servants, "Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee." The prophet thus describes the sins which had called forth this fearful denunciation: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?" "From the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. The apostles declare that this state of things will find its counterpart in the last days. Many have a form of godliness, but in their daily life deny the power thereof. They have ceased to be convicted of their sins or alarmed at their state. They say in their hearts, "The church is flourishing. Peace and spiritual prosperity are within her borders." The words of the prophet may well apply to these self-deceivers, "They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them." {RH, November 7, 1882 par. 9}

 

     The carnal mind is enmity against God. Not one of us can love and keep his commandments, only as we deny self, and take upon ourselves the yoke of Christ. Divine truth has never been in harmony with the traditions and customs of the world; it has never conformed to their opinions. Christ himself received not honor from men. He was meek and lowly of heart, and made himself of no reputation. His simple dress and unpretending manners were in so marked contrast to the pomposity, self-conceit, and vain display of the Pharisees, that they would not accept him. All witnessed the manifestation of divine power, but few saw in Christ, amid his sufferings and humiliation, the Saviour of the world. {RH, November 7, 1882 par. 10}

 

At the present day a form of godliness is popular, even in the world. A profession of Christianity costs little. But those who follow Jesus must walk in the same path of self-denial and cross-bearing which the Master trod. They may be lightly esteemed by the world, but they are honored of God. {RH, November 7, 1882 par. 11}

 

13. Laval Picard does not attend the SDA church, but he believes he is the only one who should not do so. He apparently believes he is John the Baptist and is the only one who is preparing a bride for Jesus Christ. But soon after John’s preparation of the bride, the disciples, DA 179, those disciples were gathered out of the apostate Jewish church seven years before any general close of probation for individual Jews and 3 ½ years before the corporate apostate Jewish church closed its probation by removing God by killing Jesus. These facts of history completely destroy Laval’s personal spurious, personal opinion teaching that only a John the Baptist “forerunner” type was to leave the apostate church BEFORE the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10. Such a spurious teaching is totally false and absurd, especially as deriving from a trained SDA minister. At the very least, 144,000, as the bride of Christ, called of God, would leave so as not to be defiled with women—an apostate church (Rev. 14:1-4). Just as the bride, Philadelphia, left the apostate churches of 1844, before they called others out, so the bride at the end-time would leave before they call others out of the apostate SDA church. The call to come out, in this case, is just like an invitation from Christ to His disciples to be His bride. Can one refuse that call and still be saved? I think not! And Ellen White has that call extending from 1844. 

 

God’s people have left apostate churches in every succeeding generation since Christ and His followers left, to wit:

 

"The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ's message and was bent upon His death therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.
As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience." E.G. White, Desire of Ages, 232.

 

How many generations before the general close of probation for the individual Jews in A.D. 34, did the following separation occur? Hint: Shiloh was the first civilized settlement of the Jews when they first exited the Sinai Desert!

 

Why does Ellen White cite this statement below? Does the Holy Spirit make such serious statements for sport, or for our admonition and example?

 

"The recreant priests added licentiousness to the dark catalogue of their crimes yet they still polluted by their presence the tabernacle of the Lord, and, laden with sin, dared to come into the presence of a holy God. As the men of Israel witnessed the corrupt course of the priests, they thought it safer for their families not to come up to the appointed place of worship. Many went from Shiloh with their peace disturbed, their indignation aroused, until they at last determined to offer their sacrifices themselves, concluding that this would be fully as acceptable to God, as to sanction in any manner the abominations practiced in the Sanctuary." E.G. White, The Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 264, col. 3, December 1, 1881.

 

In the above statement, are those Jews of Shiloh to be faulted for separating from the apostate Jewish church centuries before the Day of Pentecost, and the two calls of Matthew 22:1-10? I think not!

 

Never forget, the time of added probation for the Jews was AFTER probation was closed for their apostate Temple, at the crucifixion of Christ, and AFTER the general probation of 490 years closed in A.D. 34, at the stoning of Stephen—and one could say AFTER the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 31. The time frame for the “added probation” was entirely AFTER the close of all probationary times and AFTER the disciples began to gather out the faithful for 36 years before the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. But even centuries before the circumstances of the “added probation” were applied by Christ, faithful Jews were worshipping at home because they thought it was safer for their families if they did not attend the appointed place of worship which was conducted by recreant, apostate, corrupt priests. That is the principle taught by the above statement as opposed to considering any general end of probation for God’s first chosen people. The above separation had nothing to do with “added probation.” It was a principle sanctioned by God Almighty and Ellen White second’s it by citing it.

 

In light of the above facts, one must consider a fact that Laval Picard totally ignores—the fact that the apostasy of the SDA church beginning in the mid 1950’s and on, involved unpardonable sin relative to ecumenical violation of Isaiah 8:9-12, the Midnight Cry, the Second Angel’s Message, the Godhead, the Sanctuary/Atonement and the human nature of Jesus Christ, all of which has constituted the teaching of antichrist doctrine. What virtue, pray tell, has any “once church” which has removed God (1SM 204-205) and teaches antichrist doctrine? But God has shown me that in mercy He did give the SDA church time (from the mid-1950’s to 1986) to see their serious apostasies and the principle of corporate responsibility for those antichrist errors. Even before they were committed, He sent Wieland and Short to SDA leaders with a thick manuscript on corporate responsibility for the rejection of righteousness by faith in 1888. The church still participates in that 1888 rejection by turning the true teaching of righteousness by faith on its head and implementing cheap grace and a false gospel in its place. This is another accursed of God abomination for which we are to be sighing and crying.

 

The church is guilty of every specification of Jeremiah 11:9-15 in principle. The prime call out of the apostate SDA church has been given primarily since 1996. That is a 25 year time span. How long will that call continue? Only God knows for sure, but I don’t believe it will be long. The Lord has shown me that the reason He does not reveal such time factors is because His people would tend to delay their preparation and attempt to jump on the bandwagon at the very end. This is so true, because many professing SDA’s who are not preparing have told me personally that they will not take the mark. They think they will be able to make the necessary preparations (character development) at that time. That will not be possible!

 

Added probation is on-going for SDA church individuals since 1986, and will continue until the church is destroyed just before the final call to the highways and byways just as Matthew 22:1-10 teaches. But it does not linger for those who have heard of the apostasy and continue to support it, any more than probation would have lingered for Christ’s disciples after He gathered them out (DA 232) and taught them of the apostasy of the Jewish Temple and no more than it would have lingered for the bride of 1844, if she had rejected the light that exposed the apostasy of Babylon, and chose to remain a member of the fallen churches. This will be clear and understood by the wise virgins.

 

Laval Picard does teach the truth on the message of righteousness by faith, which makes his spurious teaching on added probation so much more acceptable by unwary followers. Satan has a counterfeit for everything, and Laval is teaching Satan’s counterfeit on added probation.

 

Laval said to me: "However, though the Jewish "organization" had gone beyond the point of no return by crucifying Jesus, ‘the Lord's care and labor for His people had not lessened but increased.’ C.O.L.218. The time following the crucifixion was a time of ‘added probation’ when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost.”

 

Ron responds: There was added probation for individuals, but not for the organization, because as Laval admits above, the Jewish organization had gone beyond the point of no return by crucifying Jesus. So what good was there in remaining a member of an organization that had gone beyond the point of no return? Some might say it gave better opportunity to witness to the members to whom added probation had been granted. That is disproven by the fact that the disciples who did that witnessing were “gathered out” as the first act of Christ’s ministry, DA, 232. It is also disproven by the fact that at the very time the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, A.D. 31, and 10 days after Christ ascended to heaven, they began gathering out true believers in Christ into home churches.

 

Just as Laval won’t cede to the truth on the Godhead, neither will he cede to the truth on added probation. Teaching that Adventists are not corporately responsible for antichrist apostasy before the antitypical Day of Pentecost, is insane! And that, in essence, is what Laval Picard is teaching. Saying that Adventists cannot close their probation before the general time for the close of probation and/or before the antitypical Day of Pentecost, as a generation of Jews did in Jeremiah 11:9-15, is spiritual insantity. Saying that Adventists can be impervious to recreant apostasy in the church is like the ancient Jews of Shiloh saying that they and their children would not be affected by it and considered themselves not corporately responsible for it.

 

And by the way, General Conference President Ted Wilson, now admits to corporate responsibility—BUT ONLY WHEN IT COMES TO UNITY AND PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT—not when it comes to apostasy for which the leaders deny exists! So essentially, one would have to conclude that we are not to sigh and cry for all the abominations in the church per Ezekiel 9, and Ellen White, because NONE EXIST!

 

“Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God, and murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! These, unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work, and holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of all the wicked, represented by the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done" in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying. Read Ezekiel, chapter nine.” {RH, September 23, 1873 par. 5}

 

Do you believe there are abominations done in the church? Do you believe those abominations are mere faults and defects such as we all have? Were the disciples of Christ guilty of and corporately responsible for all the abominations of the Jewish leaders in light of the fact that all the disciples has serious personal defects? Are serious personal defects the same as antichrist apostasy being taught by unfaithful watchmen to God’s people? What is the only way to avoid corporate responsibility for the abominations? Leave! Fear and Shun such!

 

Fear and Shun "'They that forsake the law praise the wicked.' Proverbs 28:4. When those who are uniting with the world, yet claiming great purity, plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should fear and shun them as decidedly as did Nehemiah. Such counsel is prompted by the enemy of all good. It is the speech of timeservers, and should be resisted as resolutely today as then. Whatever influence would tend to unsettle the faith of God' people in His guiding power, should be steadfastly withstood." E.G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 660.

 

"We should never give sanction to sin by our words, our deeds, our silence or our presence." Desire of Ages, 152.

“It would be poor policy to support from the treasury of God those who really mar and injure His work, and who are constantly lowering the standard of Christianity.” Testimonies, Vol. 3 p. 553.

“There are fearful woes for those who preach the truth, but are not sanctified by it, and also for those who consent to receive and maintain the unsanctified to minister to them in word and doctrine.” Testimonies, Vol. 1 pp. 261- 262.

“As there are woes for those who preach the truth while they are unsanctified in heart and life, so there are woes for those who receive and maintain the unsanctified in the position which they cannot fill.” Testimonies, Vol. 2 p. 552.

 

"Even though you may not be able to speak a word to those who are working on wrong principles, leave them. Your withdrawal and silence may do more than words. Nehemiah refused to associate with those who were untrue to principle, and he would not permit his workmen to associate with them. The love and fear of God were his safeguard-Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone. Thus as did Moses, you will endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. But a cowardly and silent reserve before evil associates, while you listen to their devices makes you one with them. Come out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Review & Herald Vol. 4, p. 42.

 

"If God has any new light to communicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand it, without their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing those who are in darkness and error. {EW 124.2}

 

“I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go to listen to error, without being obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those meetings where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him and the power of his evil angels; and the light around us becomes contaminated with the darkness. {EW 124.3}

 

“I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables. Our minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied with the present truth,..." EW p. 125.

 

The days  of  “playing church” are over my friends.

 

—rwb