The
Most Abominable Apostasy of the SDA Church and/or Any Church or Ministry
“The testimony of the Alpha
and Omega in regard to the punishment for making nonessential one word spoken by
the mouth of God, is the fearful denunciation that they shall receive of the
plagues that are written in the book; their names shall be taken out of the
book of life, and from the holy city.” {FE 387.1}
“Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the
alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature.” {Lt263-1904.15}
“Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a
rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear,
and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. Therefore, thou son of man,
prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou
shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they
will consider, though they be a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 12:2, 3.
Apostasy means to fall
away from the truth. An apostate is
someone who has once believed and then rejected the truth of God. Apostasy is also a rebellion against God
because it is a rebellion against truth.
In the Old Testament God warned the Jewish people about their idolatry
and their lack of trust in Him. In the
New Testament the epistles warn us about not falling away from the truth. Apostasy is a very real and dangerous threat.
I have stated that the worst apostasy is the Trinity Doctrine, but the
angel of the Lord has instructed me that I should put this in the simplest of
terms as it relates to the Alpha heresy of the church. The most abominable
apostasy involves the “highest good,…crowning gift that heaven can bestow,”
that was made possible by the Incarnation sacrifice of Jesus Christ, namely the gift of His Holy Spirit (soul of His life) for the purpose of overcoming sin,
and finally for eternal life itself. I’m going to give
the simplest, abridged version first, but I will provide a more detailed
account for those who desire to study this abomination further.
SDA leadership totally
deny that the church is in apostasy. The most they have ever acceded to is that
there is some apostasy in the church. But God’s presence cannot dwell in a camp
where apostasy exists. That is why we had to leave the other fallen churches.
If the wheat can dwell and mature amongst apostasy, we should never have left
the apostate churches of our fathers.
John Chapter 14, is
the simplest COMPLETE revelation on the Godhead. You will never find three
ETERNAL persons to the Godhead in that book or anywhere else in the Bible. The
Trinity Doctrine does teach three CO-ETERNAL persons to the Godhead. There are
THREE persons since the Incarnation, as a result of God coming in the likeness
of sinful flesh, and thereby adopting humanity into the Godhead as a THIRD
person, but that THIRD PERSON was not part of the ETERNAL Godhead. Up to the
point of the Incarnation, only TWO PERSONS and their shared ONE ETERNAL SPIRIT
(which made/makes them ONE GOD) existed. Any other testimony on the Godhead is
antichrist, and makes nonessential all the words of John Chapter 14, which
explain the truth on the Godhead.
“The testimony of the Alpha
and Omega in regard to the punishment for making nonessential one word spoken
by the mouth of God, is the fearful denunciation that they shall receive of the
plagues that are written in the book; their names shall be taken out of the
book of life, and from the holy city.” {FE 387.1}
John Chapter 14 is so
clear on the Godhead, that there is no excuse for any misunderstanding of the
truth on this most fundamental of all Christian issues. https://omega77.tripod.com/godheadfromjohn14.htm
The Alpha and Omega Heresy
The Alpha heresy
involved the personality of God and Christ, which Ellen White defines as
pillar, landmark doctrine.
Godhead as a pillar doctrine
--
Personality of God and of Christ Landmarks: "Those who seek to remove the
old landmarks are not holding
fast they are not remembering how they have received and heard. Those who try
to bring in theories that would remove the pillars
of our faith concerning the
sanctuary or concerning the personality of God or of Christ, are working as
blind men. They are seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the
people of God adrift without an anchor." {MR760 9.5}
"You
are not definitely clear on the personality of God, which is everything to us as a people. You have
virtually destroyed the Lord God Himself." EGW letter 300 1903.
“I have been instructed by the heavenly
messenger that some of the reasoning in the book Living Temple is unsound, and that this reasoning would lead astray
the minds of those who are not thoroughly established on the foundation principles of present truth. It introduces that
which is nought but speculation in regard to the personality of God and
where His presence is. No one on this earth
has a right to speculate on this question. The more fanciful theories are
discussed, the less men will know of God and of the truth that sanctifies the
soul.” {1SM 201.3}
John Harvey Kellogg
was teaching in his book Living Temple,
that the PERSONality of the Spirit of God is in everything. That is pantheism. But it
goes much further, to sweep away the entire Christian economy. How? Why? Those
are questions the ministering brethren of the day AND TO THIS DAY, didn’t/don’t
understand.
Sanctuary Gone Atonement Gone -- "In a
representation which passed before me, I saw a certain work being done by
medical missionary workers. Our ministering brethren were looking on, watching
what was being done, but they did not seem to understand. The foundation of our faith, which was established by so
much prayer, such earnest searching of the Scriptures, was being taken down, pillar by pillar. Our faith was to have
nothing to rest upon--the sanctuary was gone, the atonement was gone." E.G. White, The Upward Look, 152.
Qualifying phrases in the above two statements:
· “…the foundation principles of present truth”—The
Sanctuary message [Where God’s presence is]; the Atonement, the personality of
the Godhead;
· If God’s Holy Spirit is in everything (pantheism),
then man would have had that Spirit inherently from creation—man would not have
needed the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit to overcome because it would
already have been in him, thus, He would have had no excuse whatsoever for
sinning, and there would be no atonement that would be left to atone for sin.
God would have sinned when man sinned, because the Holy Spirit of God was
already in man from creation. Thus, THE
ENTIRE CHRISTIAN ECONOMY WOULD BE SWEPT AWAY! And the ministering brethren were
looking on and did not understand all these serious implications. Some as
learned as Jones and Waggoner, apostatized to join Kellogg in his mutiny of
what was the true ship at that time.
· Ellen White met the apostasy associated with this
ALPAH HERESY. But she knew that the Omega heresy would be far worse.
The Omega Prophesied
“Be not deceived; many
will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of
devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature.” {1SM 197.4}
Ellen White didn’t say
the omega MIGHT BE of a most startling nature. She said that it WILL BE! Do you
see how important the Spirit of Prophecy gift was/is to the church? The
ministering brethren were such dumb-dogs (Isa. 56:10-12; 5T 211) that those
among them who were as smart as Jones and Waggoner didn’t have a clue as to the
implications of Kellogg’s theories, when they would have swept away the entire
Christian economy! And what’s MORE SERIOUS, the ministering brethren are
clueless to the fact that since the World General Conference Session of 1980,
they have done the same thing Kellogg did IN EFFECT, for the Trinity Doctrine
was then voted in as a fundamental belief of the church, and that doctrine
effectually sweeps away the entire Christian economy! How? Why?
The Trinity Doctrine
teaches that there are THREE CO-ETERNAL persons to the Godhead. That totally
does away with the Sanctuary/Atonement doctrines, the entire Christian economy
of the gospel, by negating the great heavenly Incarnation Sanctuary/Atonement
sacrifice, whereby the Son of God made His Holy
Spirit Divine Nature available to all of us as “the highest good….crowning gift
that heaven could bestow.” How does the
Trinity Doctrine do that? Because it teaches that there were ALREADY THREE
PERSONS CO-ETERNALLY, WITHOUT THAT HEAVENLY SANCTUARY INCARNATION SACRIFICE,
which sacrifice it was that produced a THIRD PERSON TO THE GODHEAD—namely the
God/Man, God come in the likeness of human flesh humanity of Christ Jesus. The
humanity of the Son of God was thus adopted into the Godhead of heaven.
God’s Gift to the Human Race,
February 8
“For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. {FLB
45.1}
The
heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death.
In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. {FLB 45.2}
Through
that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah’s goodness.
Every flower, with its delicate tints and sweet fragrance, is given for our
enjoyment through that one Gift. The sun and moon were made by Him; there is
not a star that beautifies the heavens which He did not make. There is not an
article of food upon our tables that He has not provided for our sustenance.
The superscription of Christ is upon it all. Everything is supplied to man through the one
unspeakable Gift, the only-begotten Son of God. He was nailed to the cross that all these bounties
might flow to God’s workmanship. {FLB 45.3}
In
taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is
never to be broken.
Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. “God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son.” He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die
as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable
counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son
to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God
will fulfill His word. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and
the government shall be upon his shoulder.” Isaiah 9:6. God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried
the same into the highest heaven.... Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and
humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.” {FLB 45.4}
We
are linked to God through the eternal ages by the sacrificial Incarnation gift
of His Son, who took, and is to forever retain, our human nature. Through His
human person, He forfeited the attributes of the THREE OMNI’s—omnipotence,
omnipresence, and omniscience, FOREVER, to become a human man priest forever:
Christ
as a man and a HIGH PRIEST forever—Hebrews
7:24 But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
Before
the Incarnation sacrifice, there was only TWO PERSONS in the Godhead—God the
Father, and God the Son. They constitute ONE GOD, for they both share/shared
the ONE ETERNAL SPIRIT. But at the Incarnation a THIRD PERSON accrued which was
to THENCEFORTH SHARE THE ONE ETERNAL SPIRIT—the human PERSONality of Christ.
"Christ
declared that after his ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning gift,
the Comforter, who was to take his place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit,--the soul of his life, the efficacy of his church, the light and life of the
world. With his Spirit Christ sends a reconciling influence and a power that
takes away sin.
In
the gift of the Spirit [HIS LIFE--THE SOUL OF HIS LIFE], Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow....
The
Spirit was given as a regenerating agency, and without this the sacrifice of
Christ would have been of no avail....
It
is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer
becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given his Spirit as a
divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and
to impress his own character upon the church." E.G. White, Review and Herald Articles, May 19,
1904, vol. 5, p. 42.
"Cumbered with humanity
Christ could not be in every place personally, therefore it was altogether for
their advantage that He should leave them to go to His Father and send the Holy
Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the
personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as
present in all places by His Holy Spirit.” E.G. White, (Manuscript Releases
Volume 14 (No’s 1081-1135) MR No.1084.
Does the Bible Teach That Christ’s Holy
Spirit Divine Nature as Divested and Separate From His Human Person Though They
Were Both Fully God and Fully Human?
Jesus
speaking with Nocodemus face to face while He was on earth:
"And
no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the
Son of man which is in heaven." John 3:13.
How
could the Son of Man be in heaven while Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus on
earth? By the reason that His humanity was divested (separated from) and
INDEPENDENT of His Holy Spirit Divine Nature HIMSELF. And John Chapter 14
confirms this as well, WHEN IT SPEAKS OF ONLY THE COMFORTER (HOLY SPIRIT)
COMING TO US WITH THE FATHER, VERSE 23, where it says: WE WILL COME TO YOU.
Notice that the God/Man Jesus does not come to us, for He does not possess the
three omni’s. He divested Himself of those attributes FOREVER, at His
Incarnation. The “we will come unto him” means the Son’s Holy Spirit and the
Father’s Holy Spirit because they share the ONE ETERNAL SPIRIT, and this is
also what constitutes them as ONE GOD.
Jhn 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a
man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will
come unto him, and make our abode with him.
The Omega Heresy Further
Prophesied
"The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the
supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day
Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which
stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to
take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom
has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be
changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last
fifty years would be accounted as error. A NEW ORGANIZATION would be
established. Books of a NEW ORDER would be written. A system of intellectual
philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the
cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly
regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in
the way of the NEW MOVEMENT. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than
vice, but GOD BEING REMOVED, they would place their dependence on human power,
which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand,
and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. Who has authority to
begin such a [NEW] movement? We have our Bibles, we have our experience,
attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that
admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in
harmony with this truth?” E.G. White, Selected Messages, Bk. 1, 204, 205.
"A new order of things has COME INTO the
ministry. There is a desire to pattern after other churches and simplicity and
humility are almost unknown. The young ministers seek to be original, and to
introduce new ideas and new plans for labor. Some open revival meetings, and by
this means call large numbers into the church. But when the excitement is over,
where are the converted ones? Repentance and confession of sin are not seen.
The sinner is entreated to believe in Christ and accept Him, without regard to
his past life of sin and rebellion. The heart is not broken. There is no
contrition of soul. The supposed converted ones have not fallen upon the Rock,
Christ Jesus." E.G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 2, pp. 18, 19.
The Lord has shown me that the greatest apostasies
of the church are the Trinity Doctrine, the denial of corporate responsibility
for open sin apostasy in the church, and ecumenical liaison with Babylon.
Isaiah 8:9-16. In the 1970’s and 80’s, many Adventists wrote to the National
Council of Churches in the U.S.A., asking if the SDA church was a MEMBER. They
had letters from that agency admitting that the SDA church was a member. But at
the same time, SDA leaders were lying about that membership. Then a few years
ago, on the Internet roster of that agency, SDA’s were on the list as MEMBERS.
I began calling attention to that list, but lo and behold, the name Seventh-day
Adventist has been taken off again.
In the 1980’s I wrote to the World Council of
Churches for their publication of MEMBER churches. SDA’s were listed as MEMBERS
and in WORKING RELATIONSHIP with the WCC. I purchased copies for the members of
my home church group. That publication is no longer in print, but my church
members KNOW that the SDA church was listed as a FULL MEMBER of the WCC. SDA’s
are being lied to by their leaders and lying is an ABOMINATION to the Lord.
This is another of the reasons why Ezekiel 9 will begin at their once “church,”
become the Synagogue of Satan, for God has been removed by the apostasy.
God’s Presence Cannot Exist in an
Apostate Church
If God’s presence
could exist in an apostate church, we need not have left the apostate churches
of Babylon!
"God
has a church. It is not the great cathedral, [or the super mega churches],
neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various
denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. 'Where
two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of
them.' Where Christ is even among the humble few, THIS IS CHRIST'S CHURCH, for
the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone
constitute a church." Upward Look,
p. 315.
"The church is in the
Laodicean condition. The presence of God in not in her midst." Notebook Leaflets, p. 99; Latter Day Events, p. 49.
"To
the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true
church." E.G. White, Acts of the
Apostles, p. 55.
There
is always a TRUE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT in existence to come to the aid of anyone,
any church:
Though
it is true that the members of the church militant who are faithful will become
the church triumphant, we must consider a later statement by Ellen White to the
effect that the church triumphant has existed in every succeeding generation.
This 1903 statement, makes it apparent that members of the church militant who
prove faithful will become PART OF THE ALREADY EXISTANT CHURCH TRIUMPHANT.
“The
Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the church
militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant.— Letter
32, 1892. {Ev 707.1}
Subsequent
to the above statement which was made in 1892, the following one made in 1903,
states that the members of the church triumphant, the church in heaven, will be
permitted to draw near to the members of the church militant to aid them in
their necessity. THAT WAS TRUE IN 1892. THAT WAS TRUE IN EVERY GENERATION. I
will prove this fact.
"The members of the church triumphant--the
church in heaven--will be permitted to draw near to the members of the church
militant, to aid them in their necessity." E. G. White, The Southern
Watchman,
Sep. 8, 1903.
Chapter
Title: The Church Triumphant—“I am instructed to say to Seventh-day Adventists
the world over, God has called us as a people to be a peculiar treasure unto
Himself. He has appointed that His church on earth shall stand
perfectly united in the Spirit and counsel of the Lord of hosts to the end of
time.”—Letter
54, 1908. (Jan. 21, 1908.)
The
only church that has stood on earth as perfectly united is the church triumphant.
The church triumphant consists of TRUE REFORMERS whose names are
registered/written in heaven. They are Zion, the bride of Christ. Isaiah
62:1-5.
"Characteristics
of True Reformers.--Here [Isa. 8:11-14] are given the characteristics of those
who shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel’s message,
these 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 repairer of the
breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their names
are registered [written--Heb. 12:22, 23] in heaven as reformers, restorers, as
raising the foundations of many generations." E. G. White, SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 4, 1151, & Review
and Herald, Oct. 13, 1891.
How Adventists
Make the Great Mistake of Thinking That the Church Militant is the Church
Triumphant
"Those
who think that the church militant is the church triumphant make a great
mistake." E.G. White, The Upward Look, 152.
“The
Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the church
militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant.” Letter
32, 1892. {Ev 707.1}
Members
of the SDA once church militant, make the great mistake of thinking it is the
church militant in its embryo by teaching that the bad (tares) leave that
church, which will then be the church triumphant. Were that true, Ezekiel 9
would not BEGIN AT HIS CHURCH, THE LORD’S SANCTUARY, Ezekiel 9, and Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 211. This is just one of the DEADLY CHERISHED ERRORS of the
professing SDA church.
More Proof on the Existence of
a Church Triumphant in Every Succeeding Generation
“The church is God's fortress. His city of
refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any
betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who
has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the
church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a
faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave
the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor,
others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation
with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has
sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not
been able to prevail against His people.
Through centuries of persecution, conflict, and
darkness, God has sustained His church. Not one cloud has fallen upon it that
He has not prepared for; not one opposing
force has risen to counterwork
His work, that He has not foreseen. All has taken place as He predicted. He has
not left His church forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what
would occur, and that which His Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell has
been brought about. All His purposes will be fulfilled. His law is linked with
His throne, and no power of evil can destroy it. Truth is inspired and guarded
by God; and it will triumph over all opposition.
During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From
age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have
been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear,
the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His
supreme regard. It is the theater of His
grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.” Acts of the Apostles, pp. 11, 12.
Important QAULIFYING parts of the above
statement:
·
From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted
the church on earth. [Faithful souls
designates THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT in every age.]
·
In every age the
Lord has had His watchmen, who have
borne a faithful testimony to
the generation in which they lived. [Faithful
watchmen bearing a faithful testimony, DESIGNATES THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT.]
·
These sentinels gave
the message of warning [It is the church
triumphant that gives a message of warning, because the Dumb-dog watchmen of
the church militant will NEVER AGAIN show the House of Jacob its sins. Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211 and Isaiah
56:10-12, if you want it directly from God’s Word.
·
God brought these
witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with
the church in heaven. [I will prove to you
that it is the True Reformer Church Triumphant, registered in heaven, that
Ellen White is speaking of.]
·
He has sent forth
His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able
to prevail against His people. [The angels
sent forth are the THIRD ANGELS, faithful men, who select the wheat from the
tares via their shaking message, just as the disciples of Christ did in their
day.]
·
The Gates of Hell
will prevail against the church militant:
"Of those who boast of their light and yet fail to walk in it Christ says,
"But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the
day of judgment than for you. And thou,
Capernaum [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted
unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt
be brought down to hell: for if the
mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have
remained until this day."--RH Aug. 1, 1893. [THE BRACKETED COMMENTS ARE BY
ELLEN WHITE.] {LDE 48.2}
It would be best if Zechariah 2:8 were NEVER quoted
without its qualifier, VERSE 7, for ZION is the bride of Christ, the Church
Triumphant of all ages, Isaiah 62:1-5. No church militant has ever been the
bride of Christ, because of the fact that there are tares present.
Zec 2:7 Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with
the daughter of Babylon.
Zec 2:8 For thus
saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which
spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
"The Apple of His Eye”
“For
thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations
which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you
toucheth the apple of his eye. Zechariah 2:8. {HP
284.1}
The church of
Christ, enfeebled
and defective as it may be, is the only
object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard.... The Lord has a
people, a
chosen people, His church, to be His own, His own fortress, which He holds in a
sin-stricken, revolted world. {HP 284.2}
The
church is the property of God, and God constantly remembers her as she stands
in the world, subject to the temptations of Satan. Christ has never forgotten
the days of His humiliation. In passing from the scenes of His humiliation,
Jesus has lost none of His humanity. He has the same tender, pitying love, and
is ever touched with human woe. He ever bears in mind that He was a Man of
Sorrows and acquainted with grief. He forgets not His representative people who
are striving to uphold His downtrodden law. He knows that the world that hated
Him, hates them. Although Jesus Christ has passed into the heavens, there is
still a living chain binding His believing ones to His own heart of infinite
love. The most lowly and weak are bound by a chain of sympathy closely to His
heart. He never forgets that He is our representative, that He bears our
nature. {HP 284.3}
Jesus
sees His
true church on the earth, whose greatest
ambition is to cooperate with Him in the grand work of saving souls. He hears
their prayers, presented in contrition and power, and Omnipotence cannot resist
their plea for the salvation of any tried, tempted member of Christ’s body....
Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us. Through our Redeemer what
blessings may not the true believer receive? The
church, soon to enter upon her most severe conflict, will be the object most
dear to God upon earth. {HP 284.4}
The
confederacy of evil will be stirred with power from beneath, and Satan will
cast all the reproach possible upon the chosen ones whom he cannot deceive and
delude with his satanic inventions and falsehoods. But exalted “to be a Prince
and a Saviour, ...” (Acts 5:31), will Christ, our representative and head,
close His heart, or withdraw His hand, or falsify His promise? No; never,
never.” {HP 284.5}
Important
Qualifying Words in the Above Statement:
·
The church that is
the apple of God’s eye is the church triumphant, ZION, His bride, Isaiah
62:1-5.
·
CHURCH OF CHRIST, enfeebled and defective… a chosen people, HIS CHURCH,…His TRUE CHURCH on the
earth.
·
Does enfeebled and
defective include gross apostasy, the worst apostasy, the worst abomination
possible, the teaching of the Trinity Doctrine? If it does, you had better rush back to the church of your fathers
as quick as you can, for you can dwell with the tares there until the harvest!
·
God’s TRUE CHURCH.
·
“The church, soon to
enter upon her most severe conflict, will be the object most dear to God upon
earth.” [The new movement SDA church will not
enter upon that mose severe conflict. It will instruct its MEMBERS to keep
Sunday sacred, says Ellen G. White.]
“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.” The Desire of Ages, p. 232.
Alpha Presented in “Living Temple”
I am instructed to
speak plainly. “Meet it,” is the word spoken to me. “Meet it firmly, and
without delay.” But it is not to be met by our taking our working forces from
the field to investigate doctrines and points of difference. We have no such
investigation to make. In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha
of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be
received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given. {1SM 200.1}
“Finally my son said
to me, “Mother, you ought to read at least some parts of the book, that you may
see whether they are in harmony with the light that God has given you.” He sat
down beside me, and together we read the preface, and most of the first chapter,
and also paragraphs in other chapters. As we read, I recognized the very
sentiments against which I had been bidden to speak in warning during the early
days of my public labors. When I first left the State of Maine, it was to go
through Vermont and Massachusetts, to bear a testimony against these
sentiments. Living Temple contains the alpha of
these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our brethren and
sisters not to enter into controversy over the presence and personality of God.
The statements made in Living Temple in regard to this point are incorrect. The
scripture used to substantiate the doctrine there set forth, is scripture
misapplied.” {1SM 203.2}
I asked the Lord what
Ellen White meant by warning the brethren not to enter into controversy over
the presence and personality of God, WHEN SHE TREMBLED FOR OUR PEOPLE? I was
shown in vision that Kellogg was as uncanny and deceptive as Satan his master,
in defending his position on the presence and personality of God. It seems
almost impossible that two men who were as intelligent as Jones and Waggoner
would be deceived by Kellogg, but that is exactly what happened! Ellen White
meant warning others not to parley with Kellogg, because of the great danger
they would be deceived as were Jones and Waggoner, while she taught the Bible
truth concerning the personality and presence of God and Christ. Further proof
of this meaning are the many statements as to how we would profit from a deep
study of the Incarnation, to wit: The Nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery upon which silence is golden:
“The nature
of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the
Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together
passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them; but the acceptance
of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which
are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden.” {FLB 54.5}
The NATURE of the Holy Spirit is what the Holy
Spirit consists of. We don’t know that! If we did, we would find out God. But
that is far different from a study of the Incarnation WHICH IS THE FOUNDATION
OF THE GOSPEL.
"This earth has been honored and blessed with
presence of the Son of God. In the Scriptures we red of His INCARNATION, His
teaching, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection. The effort to
understand these wonderful subjects puts to the tax the highest powers of the
mind, and then there is an infinity beyond which can not be exhausted. The oftener the mind is called
to this study, the stronger and clearer it will become. In the daily life will be
revealed the mysteries of godliness, which may be experienced, but can not be
explained. Throughout
the ceaseless ages of eternity the redeemed will study these subjects, ever
gaining from them a deeper and clearer knowledge of God and of Christ." E.G. White, The
Signs of the Times, 04-26-05, Pr. 01.
"It requires considerable effort to climb
hills, to get upon the rock. And so we find that it will require the exercise
of all our abilities, of every spiritual nerve and muscle, to get upon the
Living Rock, the Saviour of mankind. It will require all our mental and spiritual power
to understand the Word of God, to understand the INCARNATION of Christ, to
understand the great plan of redemption. The mind may faint beneath the effort,
and yet, there is an infinity beyond. You have only then touched the surface." E.G. White, Manuscript
Releases Volume Nine, pr. 3, P. 68.
"This earth has been honored and blessed with
presence of the Son of God. In the Scriptures we read of His INCARNATION, His
teaching, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection. The effort to
understand these wonderful subjects puts to the tax the highest powers of the
mind, and then there is an infinity beyond which can not be exhausted. The oftener the mind is called
to this study, the stronger and clearer it will become. In the daily life will
be revealed the mysteries of godliness, which may be experienced, but can not
be explained. Throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity the redeemed will study
these subjects, ever gaining from them a deeper and clearer knowledge of God
and of Christ." E.G. White, The Signs of the Times, 04-26-05, Pr. 01.
"It requires considerable effort to climb
hills, to get upon the rock. And so we find that it will require the exercise
of all our abilities, of every spiritual nerve and muscle, to get upon the
Living Rock, the Saviour of mankind. It will require all our mental and spiritual power
to understand the Word of God, to understand the INCARNATION of Christ, to
understand the great plan of redemption. The mind may faint beneath the effort, and yet,
there is an infinity beyond. You have only then touched the surface." E.G.
White, Manuscript Releases Volume Nine, pr. 3, P. 68.
Incarnation --Satan would Mystify: "This is a
great mystery, a mystery that will not be fully, completely understood in all
its greatness until the translation of the redeemed shall take place. Then the
power and greatness and efficacy of the gift of God to man will be understood.
But the enemy is determined that this gift shall be so mystified that it will
become as nothingness." E.G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7A,
p. 444.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The
carnal mind cannot comprehend these mysteries. . . . The worldly-wise have
attempted to explain upon scientific principles the influence of the Spirit of
God upon the heart. The least advance in this direction will lead the soul into
the mazes of skepticism. The religion of the Bible is simply the mystery of
godliness; no human mind can fully understand it, and it is utterly
incomprehensible to the unregenerate heart. {FLB 54.4}
"No one can search the Scriptures in the
spirit of Christ without being rewarded. When man is willing to be instructed
as a little child, when he submits wholly to God, he will find the truth in His
word. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan
of God's government. The heavenly world would open its chambers of grace and
glory for exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what
they now are, for by exploring the mines of truth men would be
ennobled. The mystery of redemption, THE INCARNATION OF
CHRIST, His ATONING SACRIFICE, would not be as they are now, vague in our
minds. They would be not only better understood, but altogether more highly
appreciated." E.G. White, Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 114. Vol. 7a, p. 441.
"As the worker studies the life of Christ, and
the character of His mission is dwelt upon, each fresh search will reveal
something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is
inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice
and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as
time shall last." Gospel Workers, p. 251. SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7a, p. 444.
"No one can search the Scriptures in the
spirit of Christ without being rewarded. When man is willing to be instructed
as a little child, when he submits wholly to God, he will find the truth in His
word. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan of God's
government. The heavenly world would open its chambers of grace and glory for
exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what they now are,
for by exploring the mines of truth men would be ennobled. The mystery of
redemption, THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST, HIS ATONING SACRIFICE, would not be as
they are now, vague in our minds. They
would be not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated." E.G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 114.
Ezekiel
9 would not BEGIN at His Church, His Sanctuary, the House of Jacob, those priviledged with great light, if the bad (tares) are shaken
out of the professing SDA church militant:
Begin at My Sanctuary -- "Here we see that the
church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of
God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood
as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their
trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the
marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed.
These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good,
neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment.
Thus 'Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up
their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the
house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who
feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children
all perish together." E. G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, 211.
"In the very courts of the temple, scenes will
be enacted that few realize. God's people will be proved and tested, that He
may discern 'between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.'
Vengeance will be executed against those who sit in the gate, deciding what the
people should have and what they should not have. These take away the key of knowledge. They refuse to enter
in themselves, and those who would enter in they hinder. These bear not the
seal of the living God. All who now occupy responsible positions should be
solemnly and terribly afraid lest in this time they shall be found as
unfaithful stewards." E.G. White, Manuscript 15, 1886, Paulson
Collection, p. 55.
"Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words
will be literally fulfilled yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep.
They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer
will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths
revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual
experience. The time is short. God is calling will YOU hear? Will YOU receive
His message? Will YOU be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon,
every case will be decided for eternity. Letter 106, 1909, pp. 2, 3, 5, 7. (To
"The churches in Oakland and Berkeley, September 26, 1909.)" E. G. White
Manuscript Releases Volume One, p. 260.
“The time
will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy
should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.”—
Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1303.
We don’t have to argue and cavil with professing
Seventh-day Adventists about anything. All we need do is ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
· Why does Ezekiel 9 begin at His Sanctuary, His church,
if the church is not in apostasy?
· Why does Ezekiel 9 begin at His Sanctuary, His church,
if corporate Responsibility is not true and Biblical? If corporate responsibility
were not true, Ezekiel 9 should begin with INDIVIDUALS ONLY! Ellen White says
that the church is a THEOCRACY like Israel was. This is why corporate
responsibility accrues.
· If the bad are shaken from the good, leaving the
church militant as the church triumphant, why does Ezekiel 9 BEGIN THERE?
· Why are the MEMBERS of the church cited for doing “after
the manner of the world,” AT THE TIME
THEIR DANGER IS GREATEST, WHICH IS THE TIME OF THE SUNDAY LAW?
· "The leaven if godliness
has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of
the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will
be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But MORE
ESPECIALLY will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because ITS MEMBERS are doing after the manner of the world." Testimonies, vol. 5, 209, 210.
· "In the very courts of the temple [THE CHURCH], scenes will be enacted that
few realize. God's people will be proved and tested, that He may discern
'between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.' Vengeance will be executed against those who sit in the gate, deciding what the people should have
and what they should not have. These take away the key of knowledge. They refuse to enter in themselves, and those who
would enter in they hinder. These bear not the seal of the living God. All who
now occupy responsible positions should be solemnly and terribly afraid lest in
this time they shall be found as unfaithful stewards." E.G. White, Manuscript
15, 1886, Paulson Collection, p. 55.
· Begin at My Sanctuary --
"Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel
the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given
great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the
people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not
look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former
days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say:
The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit
His people in judgment. Thus 'Peace and safety’ is the cry from men who will
never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their
transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would
not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men,
maidens, and little children all perish together." E. G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, 211.
proʊˈlɛpsɪsShow
Spelled[proh-lep-sis] Show
IPA
noun, plural pro·lep·ses -siz
Spelled[-seez] Show
IPA.
1.
Rhetoric .
the anticipation of possible objections in order to answer
them in advance.
2.
the assigning of a person, event, etc., to a period earlier
than the actual one; the representation of something in
the future as if it already existed or had occurred;
prochronism.
3.
the use of a descriptive word in
anticipation of its becoming applicable.
4.
a fundamental conception or assumption in Epicureanism or
Stoicism arising spontaneously in the mind without conscious reflection;
thought provoked by sense perception.
5.
Pathology .
the return of an attack of a periodic disease or of a paroxysm
before the expected time or at progressively shorter intervals.
PROLEPSIS
PROPHETIC STATEMENT:
Here is the Spirit of Prophecy prophesied prolepsis
statement regarding the final fate of that once Noble Ship. This is a major
LYNCHPIN to my warning message. Can you explain it away? Are you a passenger on
this once NOBLE SHIP, that is about to sink? NOTICE WHO
SEPARATES FROM WHOM:
"Jesus sends HIS PEOPLE a message of warning
to prepare them for his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing
work in the great plan of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying 'in the
midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him for the hour
of his Judgment is come and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the
sea, and the fountains of waters [Rev. 14:6, 7.].
The angel represented in
prophecy as
delivering this message, symbolizes a class of
faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit and the
teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of earth. This message was not to be committed to
the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their
connection with God, and had REFUSED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN therefore they WERE
NOT of the number described by the apostle Paul: 'But ye, brethren, are not in
darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children
of light, and the children of the day we are not of the night nor of darkness'
[1 Thess. 5:4, 5].
The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch
the tidings of the Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim
him near, the first to warn the people to prepare for his coming. But they were
at ease, dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their
sins. Jesus saw HIS CHURCH, like the barren fig-tree, covered with
pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit. There was a boastful
observance of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true humility,
penitence and faith--which alone could render the service acceptable to
God--was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit, there were manifested
pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A BACKSLIDING CHURCH closed their eyes to the signs of the
times. God did nor forsake them, or suffer his faithfulness to fail but they departed from him, and SEPARATED THEMSELVES from his love. As they REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS, his promises were
NOT FULFILLED to them." E.G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol.
4, pp. 199-200 [The
1884 edition of The Great Controversy, 199, 200].
Note these important delineations in
the above statement:
·
Ellen
White is addressing HIS PEOPLE.
·
Ellen
White is addressing those to whom God committed the EVERLASTING GOSPEL of
Revelation 14.
·
Ellen
White is defining the angel represented in prophecy as symbolizing a class of
faithful men.
·
Ellen
White is saying emphatically that the final Loud Cry message is delivered NOT
BY THE LEADERS OF THE SDA CHURCH, but by a class of faithful men, because
the leaders had failed to preserve their connection with God and had refused
light from heaven!
·
Ellen
White is addressing "watchmen upon the walls of Zion," NOT FALLEN
BABYLON!
·
Twice
Ellen White mentions HIS CHURCH, NOT FALLEN BABYLON.
·
It is the MEMBERS of
said church that SEPARATE FROM GOD, AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TO SEPARATE FROM
THEM OR BE CORPORATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR APOSTASY.
·
The above reasons
are why there is another coming out of a faithful remnant FROM APOSTATE
JERUSALEM AS WELL AS FALLEN BABYLON.
·
Isa 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house
of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:
·
Isa 37:32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a
remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts
shall do this.
Ellen White is addressing a BACKSLIDING CHURCH
whose leaders and laity alike failed and rejected light from heaven and
who refused to comply with the conditions so that God's promises are not
fulfilled to them. Consider the following commentary on the 1884 Great
Controversy that the above statement is quoted from:
“Consider for a few moments the chapter in the
first edition of Great Controversy, Volume IV, published by Pacific
Press in 1884. In Chapter XXVII, ‘The Snares of Satan,’ you find that about
four pages in the latter part of the chapter were omitted from the later
editions of Great Controversy. These four pages are to be found in
Testimonies to Ministers, pages 472 to 475. The information contained in these
four pages is very valuable to Seventh-day Adventists and was very
appropriately included in the first edition of Great Controversy, Volume IV, which
when it was published was like the other volumes considered to be A MESSAGE
ESPECIALLY TO SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, and to [all] Christian people
sympathizing with them in beliefs and aims.” W. C. White, Selected Messages,
Appendix C, pp. 452, 453.
~rwb
The Full Spirit of Prophecy Account of
the Alpha Heresy for those who care to pursue the issue further:
The Alpha and the Omega
Chapter 24—The Alpha and
the Omega
[During the summer of 1904,
at a critical point in the crisis over the promulgation by Dr. J. H. Kellogg of
pantheistic theories, and at a time when he was advocating unsound policies
relating to the management of our medical work, Ellen G. White sounded a number
of warnings, which were assembled and “Published for the Author” in a
sixty-page pamphlet, Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, entitled
“Testimonies for the Church Containing Letters to Physicians and Ministers
Giving Messages of Warning and Words of Counsel and Admonition Regarding our
Present Situation.” In two of these communications she refers to “The Alpha and
the Omega.” Following are the two statements in their entirety as taken from
the pamphlet. Further counsels making reference to pantheism may be found in Testimonies
for the Church 8:255-318 and The Ministry of Healing, 427-438. For the
background of the experience with pantheism, see A. G. Daniells’ The Abiding
Gift of Prophecy, pages 330-342, and L. H. Christian’s .—Compilers.]
Washington, D.C.
July 24, 1904 {1SM 193}
To Our Leading Physicians:
Dear Fellow Worker,
I am awakened at eleven o’clock. The
representations passing before me are so vivid that I cannot sleep. The word of
the Lord has come to me that there is a decided work to be done in warning our
medical missionaries against the dangers and perils that surround them. {1SM
193.1}
The Lord calls upon those connected with
our sanitariums to reach a higher standard. No lie is of the truth. If we
follow cunningly devised fables, we unite with the enemy’s forces against God
and Christ. God calls upon those who have been wearing a yoke of human
manufacture to break this yoke, and no longer be the bond servants of men. {1SM
194.1}
The battle is on. Satan and his angels
are working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. They are untiring in
their efforts to draw souls away from the truth, away from righteousness, to
spread ruin throughout the universe. They work with marvelous industry to
furnish a multitude of deceptions to take souls captive. Their efforts are
unceasing. The enemy is ever seeking to lead souls into infidelity and
skepticism. He would do away with God, and with Christ, who was made flesh and
dwelt among us to teach us that in obedience to God’s will we may be victorious
over sin. {1SM 194.2}
Assailed by Every Form of Evil
Every form of evil is waiting for an
opportunity to assail us. Flattery, bribes, inducements, promises of wonderful
exaltation, will be most assiduously employed. {1SM 194.3}
What are God’s servants doing to raise
the barrier of a “Thus saith the Lord” against this evil? The enemy’s agents
are working unceasingly to prevail against the truth. Where are the faithful
guardians of the Lord’s flocks? Where are His watchmen? Are they standing on
the high tower, giving the danger signal, or are they allowing the peril to
pass unheeded? Where are the medical missionaries? Are they co-workers with
Christ, wearing His yoke, or are they wearing a yoke of human manufacture? {1SM
194.4}
Satan and his angels are making every effort
to obtain control of minds, that men may be swayed by falsehood and pleasing
fables. Are our physicians lifting the danger signal? Are the men who have been
placed in prominent positions in our sanitariums lifting the danger signal? Or
are many of the watchmen asleep, while mischievous tongues and acute minds,
sharpened by long practice in evading the truth, are continually at work to
bring in confusion, and to carry out plans instigated by the enemy? {1SM 194.5}
Please read Paul’s exhortation to the
Colossians. He speaks of his earnest desire that the hearts of the believers
might be “knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of
understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father,
and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”
(Colossians 2:2, 3). “And this I say,” he declares, “lest any man should
beguile you with enticing words.... As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the
faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest
any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of
men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him
dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:4-9). {1SM 195.1}
Will the men in our institutions keep
silent, allowing insidious fallacies to be promulgated to the ruin of souls? The
sentiments of the enemy are being scattered everywhere. Seeds of discord, of
unbelief, of infidelity, are being sown broadcast. Shall our medical
missionaries raise no barrier against this evil? Is it not time that we asked
ourselves, Shall we allow the adversary to lead us to give up the work of
proclaiming the truth? Shall we allow him to keep us from being channels
through which the blessings of the gospel, as a current of life, shall flow to
the world? Let every man now arouse, and work as he has opportunity. Let him
speak words in season and out of season, and look to Christ for encouragement
and strength in welldoing. {1SM 195.2}
Dangers Continually Increasing
The dangers coming upon us are
continually increasing. It is high time that we put on the whole armor of God,
and work earnestly to keep Satan from gaining any further advantage. Angels of
God, that excel in strength, are waiting for us to call them to our aid, that
our faith may not be eclipsed by the fierceness of the conflict. Renewed energy
is now needed. Vigilant action is called for. Indifference and sloth will
result in the loss of personal religion and of heaven. {1SM 195.3}
At this time the Laodicean message is to
be given, to arouse a slumbering church. Let the thought of the shortness of
time stimulate you to earnest, untiring effort. Remember that Satan has come
down with great power, to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish. {1SM 196.1}
For years our physicians have been
trained to think that they must not give expression to sentiments that differ
from those of their chief. [Reference is here made to Dr. J. H. Kellogg, for
many years the medical superintendent of the Battle Creek
Sanitarium.—Compilers.] O that they had broken the yoke! O that they had called
sin by its right name! Then they would not be regarded in the heavenly courts
as men who, though bearing weighty responsibilities, have failed of speaking
the truth in reproof of that which has been in disobedience to God’s Word. {1SM
196.2}
Physicians, have you been doing the
Master’s business in listening to fanciful and spiritualistic interpretations
of the Scriptures, interpretations which undermine the foundations of our
faith, and holding your peace? God says, “Neither will I be with you any more,
unless you awake, and vindicate your Redeemer.” {1SM 196.3}
Sophistries That Undermine the Pillars
My message to you is: No longer consent
to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious
sophistries which, if received, will lead ministers and physicians and medical
missionary workers to ignore the truth. Every one is now to stand on his guard.
God calls upon men and women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner
of Prince Emmanuel. I have been instructed to warn our people; for many are in
danger of receiving theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation
pillars of the faith. {1SM 196.4}
Sometimes our physicians talk for hours,
when they are weary and perplexed, and in no fit condition to talk. Medical
missionaries should refuse to hold long night sessions of conversation. These
night talks have been times when Satan with his seductive influence has stolen
away from one and then another the faith once delivered to the saints.
Brilliant, sparkling ideas often flash from a mind that is influenced by the
great deceiver. Those who listen and acquiesce will become charmed, as Eve was
charmed by the serpent’s words. They cannot listen to charming philosophical
speculations, and at the same time keep the word of the living God clearly in
mind. {1SM 197.1}
Our physicians have lost a great deal
out of their lives because they have seen wrong transactions and heard wrong
words spoken, and seen wrong principles followed, and have not spoken in
reproof, for fear that they would be repulsed. {1SM 197.2}
I call upon those who have been
connected with these binding influences to break the yoke to which they have
long submitted, and stand as free men in Christ. Nothing but a determined
effort will break the spell that is upon them. {1SM 197.3}
The Alpha Now Seen
Be not deceived; many will depart from
the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now
before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling
nature. {1SM 197.4}
We need to study the words that Christ
uttered in the prayer that He offered just before His trial and crucifixion.
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father,
the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou
hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as
many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified
thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And
now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had
with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which
thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and
they have kept thy word” (John 17:1-6). {1SM 197.5}
Christians to Manifest Godliness
The righteousness of God is absolute.
This righteousness characterizes all His works, all His laws. As God is, so must
His people be. The life of Christ is to be revealed in the lives of His
followers. In all His public and private acts, in every word and deed,
practical godliness was seen, and this godliness is to be seen in the lives of
His disciples. {1SM 198.1}
Those who heed the light given them will
bring the virtues of the character of Christ into the daily life. Christ did no
sin, because there was no sin in Him. God has shown me that the lives of
believers are to reveal practical righteousness. {1SM 198.2}
Has not God spoken in His Word
concerning the solemn events which must shortly take place? As you read these
things, do you believe what He says? Or have you, through listening to specious
philosophy, given up your faith in God? Can any power avert the punishment that
must come upon you unless you humble your hearts before God and confess your
sins? How is it, my brethren in the medical missionary work? Does not the
living God speak to you from His Word concerning the events that are taking
place in fulfillment of that Word? Soon the last great reckoning with man will
take place. Have your lives been such that you can then be weighed in the
balances of the sanctuary, and not be found wanting? Or has your faith been
molded and restricted until it has become unbelief? Has your obedience to men
become rebellion against God? “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;
prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, 12-17. {1SM 198.3}
Beware
Washington, D. C.
August 7, 1904
My Dear Brother:
I am given a message to bear to you and
the rest of our physicians who are connected with the Medical Missionary
Association. Separate from the influence exerted by the book Living Temple; [A
568-page book issued in 1903 by Dr. J. H. Kellogg in which pantheistic
philosophies were promulgated.—Compilers.] for it contains specious sentiments.
There are in it sentiments that are entirely true, but these are mingled with
error. Scriptures are taken out of their connection, and are used to uphold
erroneous theories. {1SM 199.1}
The thought of the errors contained in
this book has given me great distress, and the experience that I have passed
through in connection with the matter has nearly cost me my life. {1SM 199.2}
It will be said that Living Temple has
been revised. But the Lord has shown me that the writer has not changed, and
that there can be no unity between him and the ministers of the gospel while he
continues to cherish his present sentiments. I am bidden to lift my voice in warning
to our people, saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7).
{1SM 199.3}
You have had access to Testimonies for
the Church, volumes 7 and 8. In these Testimonies the danger signal is raised.
But the light so clear and plain to minds that have not been influenced by
deceptive theories, has not been discerned by some. While the misleading
theories of this book are entertained by our physicians, there cannot be union
between them and the ministers who are bearing the gospel message. There should
be no union until there is a change. {1SM 199.4}
When medical missionaries make their
practice and example harmonize with the name they bear, when they feel their
need of uniting firmly with the ministers of the gospel, then there can be
harmonious action. But we must firmly refuse to be drawn away from the platform
of eternal truth, which since 1844 has stood the test. {1SM 199.5}
Alpha Presented in “Living Temple”
I am instructed to speak plainly. “Meet
it,” is the word spoken to me. “Meet it firmly, and without delay.” But it is
not to be met by our taking our working forces from the field to investigate
doctrines and points of difference. We have no such investigation to make. In
the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The
omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed
the warning God has given. {1SM 200.1}
Our physicians, upon whom important
responsibilities rest, should have clear spiritual discernment. They are to stand
constantly on guard. Dangers that we do not now discern will soon break upon
us, and I greatly desire that they shall not be deceived. I have an intense
longing to see them standing free in the Lord. I pray that they may have
courage to stand firm for the truth as it is in Jesus, holding fast the
beginning of their confidence unto the end.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No.
2, 49, 50. {1SM 200.2}
Chapter 25—The Foundation of Our Faith
[This article appeared in Special
Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, pages 51-59, published in 1904.]
The Lord will put new, vital force into
His work as human agencies obey the command to go forth and proclaim the truth.
He who declared that His truth would shine forever will proclaim this truth
through faithful messengers, who will give the trumpet a certain sound. The
truth will be criticized, scorned, and derided; but the closer it is examined
and tested, the brighter it will shine. {1SM 201.1}
As a people, we are to stand firm on the
platform of eternal truth that has withstood test and trial. We are to hold to
the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of truth that God has revealed to
us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of
time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of the enemy to
remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious
theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his
deceptive designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will
give these truths their proper place in the plan of God. {1SM 201.2}
I have been instructed by the heavenly
messenger that some of the reasoning in the book Living Temple is unsound, and
that this reasoning would lead astray the minds of those who are not thoroughly
established on the foundation principles of present truth. It introduces that
which is nought but speculation in regard to the personality of God and where
His presence is. No one on this earth has a right to speculate on this
question. The more fanciful theories are discussed, the less men will know of
God and of the truth that sanctifies the soul. {1SM 201.3}
One and another come to me, asking me to
explain the positions taken in Living Temple. I reply, “They are
unexplainable.” The sentiments expressed do not give a true knowledge of God.
All through the book are passages of Scripture. These scriptures are brought in
in such a way that error is made to appear as truth. Erroneous theories are
presented in so pleasing a way that unless care is taken, many will be misled.
{1SM 202.1}
We need not the mysticism that is in
this book. Those who entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a
position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead them away from God. It is
represented to me that the writer of this book is on a false track. He has lost
sight of the distinguishing truths for this time. He knows not whither his
steps are tending. The track of truth lies close beside the track of error, and
both tracks may seem to be one to minds which are not worked by the Holy
Spirit, and which, therefore, are not quick to discern the difference between
truth and error. {1SM 202.2}
A View of Approaching Danger
About the time that Living Temple was
published, there passed before me in the night season, representations
indicating that some danger was approaching, and that I must prepare for it by
writing out the things God had revealed to me regarding the foundation
principles of our faith. A copy of Living Temple was sent me, but it remained
in my library, unread. From the light given me by the Lord, I knew that some of
the sentiments advocated in the book did not bear the endorsement of God, and
that they were a snare that the enemy had prepared for the last days. I thought
that this would surely be discerned, and that it would not be necessary for me
to say anything about it. {1SM 202.3}
In the controversy that arose among our
brethren regarding the teachings of this book, those in favor of giving it a
wide circulation declared: “It contains the very sentiments that Sister White
has been teaching.” This assertion struck right to my heart. I felt
heartbroken; for I knew that this representation of the matter was not true.
{1SM 203.1}
Finally my son said to me, “Mother, you
ought to read at least some parts of the book, that you may see whether they
are in harmony with the light that God has given you.” He sat down beside me,
and together we read the preface, and most of the first chapter, and also
paragraphs in other chapters. As we read, I recognized the very sentiments
against which I had been bidden to speak in warning during the early days of my
public labors. When I first left the State of Maine, it was to go through
Vermont and Massachusetts, to bear a testimony against these sentiments. Living
Temple contains the alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow
in a little while; and I trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our
brethren and sisters not to enter into controversy over the presence and
personality of God. The statements made in Living Temple in regard to this
point are incorrect. The scripture used to substantiate the doctrine there set
forth, is scripture misapplied. {1SM 203.2}
I am compelled to speak in denial of the
claim that the teachings of Living Temple can be sustained by statements from
my writings. There may be in this book expressions and sentiments that are in
harmony with my writings. And there may be in my writings many statements
which, taken from their connection, and interpreted according to the mind of
the writer of Living Temple, would seem to be in harmony with the teachings of
this book. This may give apparent support to the assertion that the sentiments
in Living Temple are in harmony with my writings. But God forbid that this
sentiment should prevail. {1SM 203.3}
Few can discern the result of
entertaining the sophistries advocated by some at this time. But the Lord has
lifted the curtain, and has shown me the result that would follow. The
spiritualistic theories regarding the personality of God, followed to their
logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They estimate as
nothing the light that Christ came from heaven to give John to give to His
people. They teach that the scenes just before us are not of sufficient importance
to be given special attention. They make of no effect the truth of heavenly
origin, and rob the people of God of their past experience, giving them instead
a false science. {1SM 203.4}
In a vision of the night I was shown
distinctly that these sentiments have been looked upon by some as the grand
truths that are to be brought in and made prominent at the present time. I was
shown a platform, braced by solid timbers—the truths of the Word of God.
Someone high in responsibility in the medical work was directing this man and
that man to loosen the timbers supporting this platform. Then I heard a voice
saying, “Where are the watchmen that ought to be standing on the walls of Zion?
Are they asleep? This foundation was built by the Master Worker, and will stand
storm and tempest. Will they permit this man to present doctrines that deny the
past experience of the people of God? The time has come to take decided
action.” {1SM 204.1}
The enemy of souls has sought to bring
in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day
Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines
which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of
reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The
principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church,
would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles
that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as
error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be
written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders
of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath
of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing
would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would
teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place
their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their
foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away
the structure. {1SM 204.2}
Who has authority to begin such a
movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the
miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no
compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this
truth? {1SM 205.1}
I hesitated and delayed about the
sending out of that which the Spirit of the Lord impelled me to write. I did
not want to be compelled to present the misleading influence of these
sophistries. But in the providence of God, the errors that have been coming in
must be met. {1SM 205.2}
An Iceberg! “Meet It”
Shortly before I sent out the
testimonies regarding the efforts of the enemy to undermine the foundation of
our faith through the dissemination of seductive theories, I had read an
incident about a ship in a fog meeting an iceberg. For several nights I slept
but little. I seemed to be bowed down as a cart beneath sheaves. One night a
scene was clearly presented before me. A vessel was upon the waters, in a heavy
fog. Suddenly the lookout cried, “Iceberg just ahead!” There, towering high
above the ship, was a gigantic iceberg. An authoritative voice cried out, “Meet
it!” There was not a moment’s hesitation. It was a time for instant action. The
engineer put on full steam, and the man at the wheel steered the ship straight
into the iceberg. With a crash she struck the ice. There was a fearful shock, and
the iceberg broke into many pieces, falling with a noise like thunder to the
deck. The passengers were violently shaken by the force of the collisions, but
no lives were lost. The vessel was injured, but not beyond repair. She
rebounded from the contact, trembling from stem to stern, like a living
creature. Then she moved forward on her way. {1SM 205.3}
Well I knew the meaning of this
representation. I had my orders. I had heard the words, like a voice from our
Captain, “Meet it!” I knew what my duty was, and that there was not a moment to
lose. The time for decided action had come. I must without delay obey the
command, “Meet it!” {1SM 206.1}
That night I was up at one o’clock,
writing as fast as my hand could pass over the paper. For the next few days I
worked early and late, preparing for our people the instruction given me
regarding the errors that were coming in among us. {1SM 206.2}
I have been hoping that there would be a
thorough reformation, and that the principles for which we fought in the early
days, and which were brought out in the power of the Holy Spirit, would be
maintained. {1SM 206.3}
The Firm Foundation of Our Faith
Many of our people do not realize how
firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph
Bates, Father Pierce, [Older brethren among the pioneers are here thus
reminiscently referred to. “Father Pierce” was Stephen Pierce, who served in
ministerial and administrative work in the early days. “Father Andrews” was
Edward Andrews, the father of J. N. Andrews.—Compilers.] Elder [Hiram] Edson,
and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the
passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I
met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together
until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light
and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study
the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach
it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, “We
can do nothing more,” the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be
taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been
studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and
teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the
scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of
truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God,
was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had
given me. {1SM 206.4}
During this whole time I could not
understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I
could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was
one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until
all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony
with the Word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not
understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the
revelations given. {1SM 207.1}
For two or three years my mind continued
to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. In the course of our labors,
my husband and I visited Father Andrews, [See note on page 206.] who was
suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism. We prayed for him. I laid my
hands on his head, and said, “Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee
whole.” He was healed instantly. He got up, and walked about the room, praising
God, and saying, “I never saw it on this wise before. Angels of God are in this
room.” The glory of the Lord was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through
the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this I
have been able to understand the Word of God. {1SM 207.2}
What influence is it would lead men at
this stage of our history to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down
the foundation of our faith—the foundation that was laid at the beginning of
our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation
we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see
the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I
have something to say? I must obey the command, “Meet it!”... {1SM 207.3}
I must bear the messages of warning that
God gives me to bear, and then leave with the Lord the results. I must now
present the matter in all its bearings; for the people of God must not be
despoiled. {1SM 208.1}
We are God’s commandment-keeping people.
For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon
us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially
concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the
message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth
chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon
Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point,
has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working
power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be
preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word
and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip
of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable
authority. {1SM 208.2}
Additional Statements
“In all that we do or say, in all our
outlay of means, we are to strive with firm purpose of heart to fulfil the
purpose of Him who is the Alpha and Omega of medical missionary work. Our
hearts are to be softened and subdued, bound up with the heart of Christ, that
we may draw souls to Him. We are to sow beside all
waters, winning souls to Christ by tender compassion and unselfish interest. When we seek to
understand the necessities of those with whom we are brought into contact, and
to obtain their confidence, they will open their hearts to us because of the
kindness we show them. People are eager to hear the truth from those whose lips
are governed by the law of kindness. The divine Word, spoken
by such messengers, will be as music in their ears. Thus many of those whose
minds are now filled with prejudice against present truth may be won to
Christ.” {Lt63-1904.20}