Conditions for Being One of the 144,000

----- Original Message -----

From: C.H.

To: AdventistHotIssues@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 9:51 AM

Subject: [AdventistHotIssues] Are we striving to be part of the 144,000?

Hello Friends!

I found an amazing Bible verse (Zech 9:7) today, that to me, shows those who stop eating flesh foods may become part of the 144,000 (includes all dairy products like Cheese, butter, milk, eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese) anything that has had a face or a mother is considered flesh foods or is a product derived of flesh foods...) Yes, it is a challenge to eat most anything today and leave off this stuff - AND any stimulents like acholol, wine, coffee, tea, even decaffinated is bad for us, some spices like mustard, black pepper, etc... see the pledge that God gave to Ellen White for God's people - she gave it to the then GC President who decided NOT to give it to the people - and that was the LAST message from Ellen White for God's people (as I understand it).

But look at what God promises if we do obey the Pledge! See Pledge below...

Do you want to be part of the Remnant of GOD? Do you want to be part of God's specially designated taskforce, the 144,000? The OVERCOMERS? THE SAINTS WHO STAND BESIDE THE SEA OF GLASS AND EAT OF THE TREE OF ETERNAL LIFE? What little it really is to give up - and it's only for our own good that God even asks it of us - so we do not eat the diseases and virusus that are contaminating the flesh pots and meats of the sin burdened animal kingdom. WHY would WE WANT to DISOBEY OUR GOD?

Wake Up, Babylon! (those who receive the 666 and mark of the Beast follow false doctrines of Satan inspired through the traditions of men - baptized pagan/heathen traditions: Isaiah 40 -- Isaiah continues to give us food for thought as we meditate on what and how God is refining and purifying his remnant. (Remnant - the last - leftover - last generation - people of God - the Saints, 144,000, OVERCOMERS! PEOPLE WHO GET TO GO TO HEAVEN!!!! See Rev 18:4! Only when we obey light (put into practice what God shows us) will we be given NEW light that does NOT conflict with OLDER LIGHT.

See Zechariah 9:7:

My complilation of several translations of this verse combining several other verses into this idea:

God/I will grab/take the bloody meat from their mouths. The forbidden/flesh food from between their teeth. (the flesh pots of Egypt-how far are WE willing to obey God and come OUT of Egyptian traditions?) And its abominations from between the teeth of God's people/Saints/overcomers. Those who are left (Saints/overcomers) will belong to our God (the remnant of God or Saints that are OVERCOMERS) and become LEADERS=144,000? of Spiritural Israel (God's people/remnant/saints/overcomers). The former meat eaters will join with God's remnant people and will comprise the saints who overcome all sin. Those who willingly and happily obey God and eat only those things that will not DEFILE HIS TEMPLE (temple=our bodies by anything. meaning what we think, say, eat, or do), and these overcomers/saints delight to do His will without grumbling and complaining like the Israelites of old will become part of the 144,000. Those who are translated without seeing death. We do not know if we will be become martyrers for God or if we will comprise the 144,000 who will not taste death. We should STRIVE to be part of the special 144,000 stong member taskforce of God. = LEADERS comprised from the twelve tribes of Isreal/Jacobs sons - part of Abrahams seed - heirs of the promised land - Heavenly Canaan? Eventually the earth made new?

I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. ...Then they also will be a remnant (Saint/Overcomer/LEADER) for our God, And be like a clan in Judah (Zion/members of the Church of the Firstborn.) Zech. 9:7

1 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV) 17 If any man defile the temple of God (our bodies), him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, "I thirst." He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. His victory is ours.

When we learn the power of God's word, these are the questions we will ask for every situation:

1.) What IS God's Command? and 2.) What IS His Promise?

Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the Word; for to him it is a living reality. Our words should be few and well chosen. The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch or taste the flesh of dead animals. (Or products derived from any animal)

http://bible.cc/zechariah/9-7.htm

I am sending the link so you can see all the various Bible Translations for that one verse on one page....

I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become leaders in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

I will grab the bloody meat from their mouths and snatch the detestable sacrifices from their teeth. Then the surviving Philistines will worship our God and become like a clan in Judah. The Philistines of Ekron will join my people, as the ancient Jebusites once did.

I will take away its blood from its mouth, and its abominations from between its teeth; it too shall be a remnant for our God; it shall be like a clan in Judah, and Ekron shall be like the Jebusites.

And I will remove their blood from their mouth And their detestable things from between their teeth. Then they also will be a remnant for our God, And be like a clan in Judah, And Ekron like a Jebusite.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

I will remove the blood from their mouths and the disgusting things from between their teeth. Then only a few of them will be left for our God like a tribe in Judah, and Ekron will be like a Jebusite.

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remains, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be like a leader in Judah, and Ekron like a Jebusite.

American King James Version

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remains, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

American Standard Version

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

Douay-Rheims Bible

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: and even he shall be left to our God, and he shall be as a governor in Juda, and Accaron as a Jebusite.

Darby Bible Translation

and I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; but he that remaineth, he also shall belong to our God, and shall be as a leader in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

English Revised Version

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God: and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

Webster's Bible Translation

World English Bible

I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also will be a remnant for our God; and he will be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

Young's Literal Translation

And turned aside his blood from his mouth, His abominations from between his teeth, And he hath remained, even he, to our God, And he hath been as a leader in Judah, And Ekron as a Jebusite.

The Lord has given clear light regarding the nature of the food that is to compose our diet: he has instructed us concerning the effect of unhealthful food upon the disposition and character. Shall we respond to the counsels and cautions given? Who among our brethren will Sign a Pledge to dispense with Flesh Meats, tea, coffee, and all injurious foods and become health reformers in the truest sense of the term? If we could be benefited by indulging the desire for flesh meats, I would not make this appeal to you; but I know that we can not. They are injurious to the physical well being and we should learn to do without them. In this experience of backsliding from the principles of reform, our people have been repeating the experience of the children of Israel in the wilderness during the forty years of travel.

Those who continue to follow their own course in this respect, eating, drinking, as they please, will gradually grow careless of the instructions the Lord has given regarding other phases of the present truth; they surely reap as they have sown. I have been instructed that the students in our schools are not to be served with flesh foods, or with food preparations that will cause disturbances of the stomach.

Nothing that will serve to encourage a desire for stimulants should be placed upon the table. I appeal to young and old and middle aged. Deny your appetites of these things that are doing you injury. Serve the Lord by sacrifice. Let the good work begin at Washington and go forth from there to other places. I know whereof I am writing. If a temperance pledge providing for the abstinence from flesh foods, tea, and coffee, and some other foods, that are known to be injurious, were circulated through our ranks a great and good work would be accomplished.

I ask you at this time, will you not circulate such a pledge? The means saved by such a sacrifice if used for the furtherance of the cause of God would be blessed to the salvation of many souls. Let the children have a part in this work. We are all members of the Lord's family; and the Lord would have his children, both young and old, pledge themselves to deny appetite and to save the means needed for building meeting houses, and the support of missionaries. I am instructed to say to parents, place yourselves, soul and spirit on the Lord's side of this question. We need to ever bear in mind that in these days of probation we are on trial before the Lord of the universe. Will you not give up indulgences that are doing you such injury? Words of profession are cheap; let your acts of self-denial testify that you will be obedient to the demands that God makes of his peculiar people. Then put into the treasury a portion of the means that you save by your acts of your self-denial and there will be that which is to carry on the work of God. {PH128 1.2}

There are many who feel that they can not get along without flesh meat; but if they would place themselves on the Lord's side resolved to obey his requirements in this matter, they would receive strength and wisdom as did Daniel and his fellows. They would find that the Lord would give them sound, judgment and they would be surprised to see how many could be saved for the cause of God by self-denial. And the small sums gained by deeds of sacrifice will do more than larger gifts will accomplish that have not called for self-denial of self. I am sure that if you will Begin at Washington to do this work of reform, in school, in the Printing Office and among All the Working Forces, the Lord will help you to present a pledge that will help the people to return from their backslidings on the question of health reform. As you seek to carry out the will of the Lord in this particular, he will give you clear understanding of what the health reform will do for you. {PH128 3.1}

There are those among us who occupy important positions of trust, and who have refused to follow the light, and their course has been displeasing to God. Let those now turn to the Lord that their example may no longer be a temptation to others. Because of the example set by influential men in the indulgence of appetite, the truth has not made the impression on other hearts that it might have done. I appeal to you to now set an example of self-denial.

Cut off every needless indulgence, that God may bless you with his approval and acceptance. "If any man will come after me," said Jesus, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Let us follow the Saviour in his simplicity and self-denial. Let us lift up the man of Calvary by word and by holy living. The Saviour comes very near to those who consecrate themselves to God. If there was ever a time when we needed the working of the Spirit of God upon our hearts and lives it is now. Christ is speaking to each of us individually saying, "I am he that holdeth thy right hand. I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive forever more."

There is a decided message to be borne to our people upon the question of health reform. Let us come into line that our prayers be not hindered. God can not be glorified in the lives of ministers, who give up these principles of reform; but he will reveal himself to every soul who will be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. We need now to arouse, and in all our schools follow closely the light that God has given on this question. Let the teachers in our schools return from their backslidings, and educate themselves in a knowledge of the principles of healthful living. Let the students be taught to live these principles. Cooking schools are to be established, at our gatherings. Meetings are to be held where the children can be taught principles of temperance and the value of self-denial. In the year 1908 we are to do all in our power to advance the work of God in every line. Ellen White. {PH128 3.2}

When God gave Ellen White the pledge and told her to take or send it to the General Conf. and Daniels or Butler which ever was the president of the GC was told to give it to the people. He said He could not do that, it would split the church. Then when he wanted to talk to her again. She said "I have no more to give him. That is when the frown was upon the GC and then things got worse etc..... I know there is a little more to that but did not know if you knew what the pledge was or was about.

"God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it, rejected God." Testimony Series B, #6, 31.

HEAVEN HAS ASKED FOR IT...HOW LONG SHALL WE WAIT? IT IS TIME THAT WE SIGN THE PLEDGE--- and stop eating meat!

Testimony and Pledge Sent to the General Conference

March 29, 1908

This testimony on health reform was sent directly to Elder Daniells, but it was withheld and not circulated because he said it would "split the church." He evidently did not know that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" God's true church. Later on, when Elder Daniells wanted to see Sister White, she refused to see him, saying: "I have nothing more for him." I understand that this testimony was the last one in the way of reproof ever sent to the Laodicean church.

"God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it, rejected God." Testimony Series B, #6, 31.

The Pledge

"I SOLEMNLY PROMISE, BEFORE GOD, TO ABSTAIN FROM TOBACCO, SPIRITOUS LIQUORS, SNUFF, TEA, COFFEE, FLESH-MEATS, BUTTER, SPICES, RICH CAKE, MINCE PIES, A LARGE AMOUNT OF SALT, AND ANIMAL FAT OF ALL KINDS, BAKING POWDER, SODA OR SALERATUS IN ANY FORM, AND CHEESE, AND FROM ALL EXCITING ARTICLES OF FOOD, AND TO ABSTAIN FROM EATING BETWEEN MEALS, AND TO DO ALL I CAN TO INDUCE OTHERS TO DO LIKEWISE."

MY PERSONAL PLEDGE, BEFORE GOD,

SIGNED_____________________________

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" —John 14:12-14

On Sat, Jun 16, 2012 at 9:53 PM, C. H. wrote:

Below you will find a compilation of quotes that were taken from numerous writings of Ellen G. White on the subject of flesh foods. I pray you are blessed by reading it.

Food for thought to God's remnant…

... from the writings of Ellen G. White

Reasons for Reform

"Only one lease of life is granted us; and the inquiry with every one should be, 'How can I invest my powers so that they may yield the greatest profit? How can I do most for the glory of God and the benefit of my fellow men?' For life is valuable only as it is used for the attainment of these ends… We cannot afford to dwarf or cripple any function of body or mind. As surely as we do this, we must suffer the consequence." CH 107

A Question of Obedience

"The obligations we owe to God in presenting to Him clean, pure, healthy bodies are not comprehended." MS 49, 1897.

"A failure to care for the living machinery is an insult to the Creator. There are divinely appointed rules which if observed will keep human beings from disease and premature death." CDF 16.

"It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God's laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism, will be inclined to violate the laws of God spoken from Sinai." CTBH 53.

"Since the laws of nature are the laws of God, it is plainly our duty to give these laws careful study. We should study their requirements in regard to our own bodies, and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin." 6T 369,370

Present Truth

"Present truth lies in the work of health reform as verily as in other features of gospel work." 6T 327

"The health reform is an important part of the third angel's message," CH 49

"Health reform...is one of the great branches of the work of preparation for the coming of the Son of man..." 3T 61

"We are to be brought into connection with the masses... We ask them to leave off eating meat... All flesh food should be discarded." CD 358

Far and Abroad

"In countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God's people." 9T 159

"In some countries, where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food. Under these circumstances the change [to vegetarianism] will be made with greater difficulty; but it can be effected." MH 316-7

In the mission field of the South Pacific islands, there are occasions when the villagers prepare and serve fish. In these circumstances, there is no rebuke to them. In many villages the folks have nothing but casava, taro (mainly starch, very little protein), and fruit (bananas and papayas). If they get any "city" food it is white rice or white bread. The fish is their primary source of protein. Many of these people have never heard of dried beans or tofu. Theirs is a hand to mouth existence and counsel is clear that until these folks can find something better, they are to be left alone on this point. If they were eating pork, it would be a different matter altogether. They are to know the difference between the clean and unclean, and they must not eat the unclean. But in America or Australia, theirs is not our experience. We have food in abundance.

Not Our Problem

"Flesh meat is not the right food for God's people... In a country such as this [the United States], where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, how can one think that he must eat the flesh of dead animals?" CDF 390

"We have no need to use meat, where there was an abundance of fruit, as in California." CDF 413

"There is a class who profess to believe the truth, who do not use tobacco, snuff, tea, or coffee, yet they are guilty of gratifying the appetite in a different manner." TSDF 157.

"Many are so devoted to intemperance that they will not change their course of indulging in gluttony under any considerations. They would sooner sacrifice health, and die prematurely, than to restrain their intemperate appetite." CD 158.

"The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain and death as its fruits. And as we near the close of time, Satan's temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. It is only through obedience and continual effort that we shall overcome as Christ overcame." TSDF 36.

Leading the Flock

As far as those in the position of leadership, we read:

"No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion." 6T 378

"Let our ministers and canvassers step under the banners of strict temperance. Never be ashamed to say, 'No, thank you; I do not eat meat. I have conscientious scruples against eating the flesh of dead animals… Let the members of our churches deny every selfish appetite. Every penny expended for...flesh meat is worse than wasted." CDF 402

In Our Homes and Our Families

"Individually, you will not subsist upon the flesh of dead animals, neither will you put one morsel in the mouths of your children...." CDF 294

"...meat should not be placed before our children...." 2T 352

"...the students in our schools are not be served with flesh foods." CDF 403

A Firm Stand

For those who claim to be God's remnant church:

"It has been clearly presented to me that God's people are to make a firm stand against meat eating." CDF 383

"We bear positive testimony against...flesh meats." 3T21

"Dead carcasses should always be looked upon as not fit to compose the diet of Christians." CDF 414

"Flesh meat is not the right food for God's people." CDF 390

"Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs." CDF 380

No One's Looking

What about an occasional backsliding?

"Those who digress occasionally to gratify the taste in eating a fattened turkey or other flesh meats, pervert their appetites... They are controlled by taste, not by principle." 2T 487 & CDF399

Obviously He thinks it is a matter of concern. When we "digress occasionally to gratify the taste" there is an indication that we are "controlled by taste, not by principle." Clearly we see, being consistent in the "little" things is important. If He cannot trust us in the "little" things, how can He trust us with "big" things? Is that piece of turkey (or hamburger, or whatever it is) really that important? It's not the piece of flesh that will keep us out of the kingdom, but our perverted appetite which is in rebellion against God's laws of health.

But, you say, it is clean meat, and there's no commandment against eating meat. What about....

"It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments," CDF 17

"It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the Ten Commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God's law." 2T 70

"The transgression of physical law is the transgression of God's law... And the human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practices that concern his physical life and health, sins against God." CDF 43

"It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has given us." CDF 20

A Strong Hold

"Satan is constantly on the alert to bring the race fully under his control. His strongest hold on man is through the appetite, and this he seeks to stimulate in every possible way." CTBH 16

James 1:14& 15 says: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

"The first great evil was intemperance in eating and drinking. Men and women have made themselves slaves to appetite." CDF 149

"It seemed a small matter to our first parents to transgress the command of God in that one act,-- the eating from a tree that was so beautiful to the sight and so pleasant to the taste,-- but it broke their allegiance to God, and opened the gates to a flood of guilt and woe that has deluged the world." CTBH 44

"The light has come to me for many years that meat eating is not good for health or morals." CDF 413

"Flesh food is injurious to health..." MH 315

"...flesh foods are injurious to the physical well-being,..." 9T156

"...flesh meat...is...hurtful,..." 1T 548

"...flesh food...is harmful..." Ed 203

Good Blood

"Our bodies are built up from the food we eat. There is a constant breaking down of the tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste is repaired from our food. Each organ of the body requires its share of nutrition. The brain must be supplied with its portion; the bones, muscles, and nerves, demand theirs. It is a wonderful process that transforms the food into blood and uses this blood to build up the varied parts of the body; but this process is going on continually, supplying with life and strength each nerve, muscle, and tissue. Those foods should be chosen that best supply the elements needed for building up the body. In this choice, appetite is not a safe guide. Through wrong habits of eating, the appetite has become perverted." MH 295

We tend to forget that the reason for eating is to make good blood not to appease our appetites. We must eat good food in order to make good blood in order to make right decisions. This is where our decisions reveal whether we live by principle or if we live to indulge our appetite.

"Flesh meats [is]...entirely out of harmony with health reform principles. If we would allow reason to take the place of impulse and love of sensual indulgence, we should not taste of the flesh of dead animals." CDF 401

"...in order to make good blood, the system requires good food...." CDF 263 (MS95, 1901)

"Flesh meats will depreciate the blood. Cook meat with spices, and eat it with rich cakes and pies, and you have a bad quality of blood. The system is too heavily taxed in disposing of this kind of food. The mince pies and the pickles, which should never find a place in any human stomach, will give a miserable quality of blood. And a poor quality of food, cooked in an improper manner, and insufficient in quantity, cannot make good blood. Flesh meats and rich food, and an impoverished diet, will produce the same results." CDF 387

"It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning." CDF 396

"God has written His law upon every nerve and muscle, every fiber and function of the human body. The indulgence of unnatural appetite, whether for tea, coffee, tobacco, or liquor, is intemperance, and is at war with the laws of life and health. By using these forbidden articles a condition of things is created in the system which the Creator never designed. This indulgence in any of the members of the human family is sin. . . . the eating of food that does not make good blood is working against the laws of our physical organism, and is a violation of the law of God. The cause produces the effect. Suffering, disease, and death are the sure penalty of indulgence." EV 265-266

"The simple grains, fruits of the trees, vegetables, have all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. This a flesh diet cannot do." CDF 322

"No man can become a successful workman in spiritual things until he observes strict temperance in his dietetic habits. God cannot let His Holy Spirit rest upon those who, while they know how they should eat for health, persist in a course that will enfeeble mind and body." CDF 55

"The eating of food that does not make good blood is working against the laws of our physical organism, and is a violation of the law of God." EV 266

"Flesh of dead animals... contaminates the blood in their veins." CDF 384

"The eating of flesh meats has made a poor quality of blood and flesh... Flesh meats will depreciate the blood." 2T 61, 368

"Flesh meat...is...corrupting to the lifeblood coursing through the veins." MM 310

Blood & Fat

"...all the fat is the Lords. It shall be a perpetual statute...that ye eat neither fat nor blood." Lev 3:16,17

"Of the meats permitted, the eating of the fat and the blood was strictly forbidden. Only such animals could be used for food as were in good condition. No creature that was torn, that had died of itself, or from which the blood had not been carefully drained, could be used as food." MH 312

So much for buying a steak at the local market. There were strict laws about how the animal must be killed, how it had to be prepared, the blood drained, etc. Certainly today's butchers and meat handlers fall far from meeting this requirement.

Since those laws are still very much in effect (having been restated under the direction of God in the counsels to His last day people), today if a Christian were to eat meat, according to Biblical standards, the blood and fat would have to be removed.

Is Eating Meat a Sin?

I will leave that between you and God. Consider these quotes:

"...if they could see the animals when living and know the quality of the meat they eat, they would turn from it with loathing. People are continually eating flesh that is filled with tuberculous and cancerous germs. Tuberculosis, cancer, and other fatal diseases are thus communicated." MH 313

"When men take any course which needlessly expends their vitality or beclouds their intellect, they sin against God..." CDF 118

"...meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities." 2T 64

"Meat eating...has always been a curse to the human family..., and our only safety now is in leaving meat entirely alone." CDF 412

"Concerning flesh meat we can all say, Let it alone." CDF 430

"Those who believe present truth...should refuse to eat flesh meat." EV 265

"Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat eating will go from God's people to walk no more with them." CDF 382

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17

The Meat Eating Revelation Timeline

1864 "Since the Lord presented before me, in June, 1863, the subject of meat eating in relation to health, I have left the use of meat.... We have no meat... upon our table." CDF 482-3

1867 "Flesh meats...is...hurtful..." 1T 548

1868 The meat-eating question was presented before me 5 years ago [1863], showing how little the people knew what they were eating for food in the shape of flesh meats." 2T 153

1868 "A plain diet, free from... flesh meats...would prove a blessing to you.... Meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities. We say to you, dear brother and sister, your safest course is to let meat alone."

1870 "I broke away from...meat... I was a great meat eater.... Flesh meats...are not the most healthful and nourishing diet.... Those who digress occasionally to gratify the taste in eating a fattened turkey or other flesh meats, pervert their appetites... They are controlled by taste, not by principle.... No...flesh meats of any kind come on my table." 2T 371, 400, 487

1872 "We bear positive testimony against...flesh meats." 3T 21

1884 "Flesh meats [is]...entirely out of harmony with health reform principles. If we would allow reason to take the place of impulse and love of sensual indulgence, we should not taste of the flesh of dead animals." CDF 401

1894 "I have already consecrated my table. I have freed it from all flesh meats... From henceforth my table shall be free from the flesh of dead animals." CDF 488

1895 "Since the camp meeting at Brighton [January 1894] I have absolutely banished meat from my table. It is an understanding that whether I am at home or abroad, nothing of this kind is to be used in my family, or come upon my table."

1897 "Shall human beings live on the flesh of dead animals? The answer, from the light that God has given is, No, decidedly No." CDF 388

1898 "The light has come to me for many years that meat eating is not good for health or morals...; for dead carcasses should always be looked upon as not fit to compose the diet of Christians." CDF 413-4

1900 "In your association with unbelievers do not allow yourselves to be swerved from right principles. If you sit at their tables, eat temperately and only of food that will not confuse the mind." 6T 336

1901 "Let our ministers and canvassers step under the banner of strict temperance. Never be ashamed to say, 'No, thank you; I do not eat meat. I have conscientious scruples against eating the flesh of dead animals.'" CDF 402

1902 "It has been clearly presented to me that God's people are to take a firm stand against meat eating." CDF 383

1902 "Those who believe present truth...should refuse to eat flesh meat." EV 265

1902 "Let not any of our ministers set an evil example in the eating of flesh meat." CDF 399

1903 "Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs." CDF 380

1904 "We do say that flesh meat is not the right food for God's people... In a country such as this [United States], where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, how can one think that he must eat the flesh of dead animals?" CDF 390

1909 "Flesh foods are injurious to the physical well-being." CDF 403

1905 "Flesh food is injurious to health, and whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind." CDF 383

The King's Table

We are on the borders of the Promised Land. Will we, as did the Israelites in the wilderness, continue to lust after the flesh pots of Egypt?

"The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables, and grains. He led the children of Israel into the wilderness where they could not get a flesh diet; and He gave them bread from heaven. Man did eat angel's food. But they craved the flesh pots of Egypt, and mourned and cried for flesh, notwithstanding that the Lord had proposed that if they would submit to His will, He would carry them into the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a pure, holy, happy people, and there would not be a feeble one in all their habitations, for He would take away all sickness from among them. But although they had a plain 'thus saith the Lord,' they mourned, and wept, and murmured, and complained, it displeased the Lord;..." SpM45-46

Do we find ourselves moaning and whining that we can't have this or can't eat that? Will we not be content with the bounty presented before us on the Kings Table, but rather, as did they, prefer to endure slavery and even death rather than to be deprived of some `tasty' morsel?

The Right Arm

"When the Third Angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangement. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body." 6T 327

The right arm is a part of the entire body. It is not the head. It is not the toe. It represents strength, activity. If you have ever broken your arm, or for some reason have not been able to use it, you know how awkward it is. It is nearly impossible to get anything done efficiently. Without regular use, the muscles of the arm will begin to atrophy or die. Thus it is with God's principles of health. In many places through out the Spirit of Prophecy, we're told that the health reform is as closely connected with the third angel's message as the right arm is with the body, (see CH 20-1; 1T 486; 3T 62; 3T 161; 6T 327) and that the body of truth should be constantly active and constantly at work (see 6T 288; CH 513). The right arm is to serve and protect the body (see 6T 327). It is not a bionic arm that beats people over the head with a book of rules.

Extremes

"Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of reform are often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views themselves, but in urging them on their families and their neighbors... Those who understand the laws of health and who are governed by principle, will shun the extremes, both of indulgence and of restriction... While they do not urge their views offensively upon others, their example is a testimony in favor of right principles. These persons have a wide influence for good." TSDF 43. [Notice, they are not described as those who people hate to see coming...]

"There is real common sense in dietetic reform... It is impossible to make an unvarying rule to regulate everyone's habits, and no one should think himself a criterion for all. Not all can eat the same things. Foods that are palatable and wholesome to one person may be distasteful, and even harmful, to another..." MH 319-320

Ellen White said that beans were poison to her. That does not mean that we should not eat beans. We must use sound reasoning in understanding principle.

"There is a wide difference in constitutions and temperaments, and the demands of the system differ greatly in different persons. What would be food for one, might be poison for another; so precise rules cannot be laid down to fit every case. I cannot eat beans, for they are poison to me; but for me to say that for this reason no one must eat them would be simply ridiculous. I cannot eat a spoonful of milk gravy, or milk toast, without suffering in consequence; but other members of my family can eat these things, and realize no such effect; therefore I take that which suits my stomach best, and they do the same. We have no words, no contention; all moves along harmoniously in my large family, for I do not attempt to dictate what they shall or shall not eat." CDF 474

"One person cannot lay down an exact rule for another. Everyone should exercise reason and self-control, and should act from principle." MH 310

"I consider that one reason why I have been able to do so much work both in speaking and in writing, is because I am strictly temperate in my eating. If several varieties of food are placed before me, I endeavor to choose only those that I know will agree. Thus I am enabled to preserve clear mental faculties. I refuse to place in my stomach knowingly anything that will set up fermentation. This is the duty of all health reformers. We must reason from cause to effect. It is our duty to be temperate in all things." CDF 493

We must be allowed to make our own decisions in regard to what best works for our individual system. I know of a couple that for years lived under the scrutiny of someone who watched their every move. If they were to choose to do something outside the strict rules this other person had chosen for himself, they were looked upon with disdain and severe disapproval (I'm talking about mixing lettuce with tomatoes -- not the eating of cheese or meat!). The health reform message was held in the light of a rigid set of rules in the hand of a god who sat on a big white throne with a whip, just waiting to zap you every time you step outside of counsel. That is NOT the true health reform! On the other hand, God has given principles that are to be lived within, and we will receive a blessing if we do. And we will suffer the consequence if we go our own way.

The Original Diet (In Genesis (1:29) we find God's original diet for man)

"Again and again I have been shown that God is bringing His people back to His original design, that is, not to subsist upon the flesh of dead animals. He would have us teach people a better way." TSDF 69

"If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people." TSDF 125.

"God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. It was contrary to His plan to have the life of any creature taken. There was to be no death in Eden...." CDF 81

Pure Vegetarianism

1868 "Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach." 2T 68

1883 "All the elements of nutrition are contained in the fruits, vegetables, and grains." HL 96

1889 "Years ago I had a testimony of reproof for the managers in our campmeetings bringing upon the ground and selling to our people cheese and other hurtful things." CD 329

1890 "The effect of cheese is deleterious." CH 114

1896 "The simple grains, fruits of the trees, and vegetables have all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood." HL 98

1898 "In a short time the milk of the cows will also be excluded from the diet of God's commandment-keeping people in a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation." CD 411

1899 "The light given me is that it will not be very long before we shall have to give up using any animal food. Even milk will have to be discarded." CD 384

1901 "The time may come when it will not be safe to use milk.... The time will come when we may have to discard some of the articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs.... The time will come when milk cannot be used as freely as it is now used.... But I wish to say that when the time comes that it is no longer safe to use milk, cream, butter, and eggs, God will reveal this.... We see that cattle are becoming greatly diseased, the earth itself is corrupted, and we know that the time will come when it will not be best to use milk and eggs." CD 357-9

1902 "Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men." 7T135

1903 "Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs." CD 380

1905 "Cheese is... objectionable; it is wholly unfit for food." MH 302

1905 "Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator.... The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain ALL the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood.... The diet reform should be progressive. As disease in animals increases, the use of milk and eggs will become more and more unsafe... The people everywhere should be taught how to cook without milk and eggs, so far as possible, and yet have their food wholesome and palatable." MH 296, 316, 320-1

1906 "In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found ALL the food elements that we need." CDF 92, 310, 313

1909 "The time will come when we may have to discard some of the articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs..." 9T162

The last few words in the Counsels of Diet and Foods appendix, are those of James White regarding the counsels on health given to his wife: "...all changes in diet should be made carefully, one at a time. And while she [his wife, Ellen White] would say this to those who are in danger of making changes too rapidly, she would also say to the tardy, Be sure and not forget to change."

Scripture says that you are to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). It is my hope and prayer that you will do just that.

I pray "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:17

Authority on Earth. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13: 34)

"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's people in His guiding power, should be steadfastly withstood.

In Nehemiah's firm devotion to the work of God, and his equally firm reliance on God, lay the reason of the failure of his enemies to draw him into their power.

The soul that is indolent falls an easy prey to temptation; but in the life that has a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, evil finds little foothold. The faith of him who is constantly advancing does not weaken; for above, beneath, beyond, he recognizes Infinite Love, working out all things to accomplish His good purpose. God's true servants work with a determination that will not fail because the throne of grace is their constant dependence.

God has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. He provides opportunities and opens channels of working. If His people are watching the indications of His providence, and are ready to co-operate with Him, they will see mighty results." --{Prophets and Kings, Page 660}

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

—ch