MR
No. 454—Reasons for Apostasy in the SDA Church
There is a great difference between apostasy in a church versus a church that is in apostasy.
SDA leaders grant that there is indeed apostasy in the church, but strongly
protest that the church is in apostasy. It is not a difficult task to prove
that the church is in apostasy. If you have any doubts that the SDA church is
in apostasy, view this video by an SDA pastor: http://vimeo.com/12314409 Pastor Hughes does not give a proper response
to the apostasy, but he sure proves that the church is in apostasy.
The following article gives some of the
reasons as to why apostasy has existed in the SDA church for decades. And
because that apostasy was not checked, the church is now in apostasy.
MR
No. 454—Reasons for Apostasy in the SDA Church
We are living in these last days, when lukewarmness and apostasy abound. The apostle saw in
prophetic vision what should exist near the close of time, and if our hearts
were not calloused by sin and iniquity, we should discern and sense the
prophetic picture held up to our view.... {7MR 171.1}
Paul’s picture that is presented before us
should cause us trembling and anguish of soul. This is the state of a large
share of those who have the form of godliness in these last days. The doom of the
withered fig tree has a personal application. Who cannot see the living
counterpart in the men and women who claim to have great light, in advance of
every other people on the face of the earth, whose daily life and unholy
characters belie their profession of godliness? There is a manifestation of pride and
selfishness in many ways, peevish fretfulness, frivolity, discontent, uncharitableness, and censoriousness, thinking evil,
speaking evil of brethren. There is no inward crucifixion of sin. The mold of
Christ is not upon them, leaves of profession to conceal their deformity, but
no fruit. There is more hope of the open sinner than of such. The chambers of
the soul are desecrated by sin to Satan’s control. Will this people be
Christians? Will they heed the counsel of Christ, be zealous, and repent? Will
they have true contrition of heart? Will they humble their hearts before God
before it shall be forever too late? Will they repent of their backslidings?
May God help you just now, in this thy day, to confess your sins, and be
converted that your sins may be blotted out and your name retained in the
Lamb’s book of life.—Letter 16, 1888, pp. 15, 16. (To Brother
Rice, April 30, 1888.) {7MR 171.2}
Dr. _____ will perhaps be able to flourish in
his apostasy for a time; but poor man, he will get to the length of his chain
ere long. His happy days are almost over. I pity every apostate. I wish not to increase
their miserableness for they have enough to bear. Those who take the side of
the great rebel will have the wages of sin which is death. But those who take
the side of Christ will have the gift of God which is eternal life. Give me the
wages which the Lord gives.—Letter 20,
1892, p. 2. (To J. H. Kellogg, October 17, 1892.) {7MR
172.1}
The enemy is diligently working to see whom he
can add to the ranks of apostasy; but the Lord is soon coming, and ere long
every case will be decided for eternity. Those whose works correspond with the light
graciously given them, will be numbered on the Lord’s side.—Letter 19b,
1892, p. 14. (To O. A. Olsen, June 19, 1892.) {7MR
172.2}
There are those who have had great light, who
are far from God, who in heart are apostates. If they do not meet a higher
standard, if they do not take their stand for Christ, if they pursue in the
future the course they have pursued in the past, and neglect to search the
Scriptures, neglect to pray, refuse to humble their hearts, to deny self and
lift the cross, fail to obey the injunctions of the Scriptures, there will be
portioned to them an experience of grief and shame. “Be not deceived; God is
not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he also reap.” The harvest is sure. No frost will blight it, no mildew blast it, no palmer worm devour it. The harvest is sure....
{7MR 172.3}
If those who claim to believe the truth
misrepresent their Lord they are false lights. They neither burn nor shine.
Their sentiments and practices are so mingled with the sentiments and practices
of the world that there is scarcely any difference between them and the world.
They cherish the same self-love, have the same
hungering after foolish pleasures, the same thirsting for amusement. Of them
the word declares that they are “heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more
than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
They are professedly serving God, but serving Him after the fashion of the
world. They are presenting to the world a distorted image of what constitutes a
Christian. They are molding the minds of those with whom they associate to a
low standard of religious life. The irreligious class are
degraded by the example of those who profess to be Christians, and yet present
to the world only a worldly religion.”—Letter 12a, 1893, pp. 11, 14, 15. (To Louis Christie, 1893.) {7MR 173.1}
I have been shown that sleepless vigilance is
the price of safety. The truth is still the truth. Not a peg of the principles
of our faith has been moved, or will be moved. Even though you and many others
apostatize and turn from the precious light that has come to our world, that will not make truth error. Men will arise as
they have done to impair confidence in the faith once delivered to the
saints.—Letter 4, 1897, p. 5. (To Brothers and Sisters in
Adelaide, April 5, 1894.) {7MR 173.2}
When the test and trial comes to every soul,
there will be apostasies. Traitors, heady, highminded
and self-sufficient men will turn away from the truth, making shipwreck of the
faith. Why?—because they did not dig deep and make their foundation sure. They
were not riveted to the Eternal Rock. When the words of the Lord, through His chosen
messengers, are brought to them, they murmur and think the way is made too
strait. Like those who were thought to be disciples of Christ, but who were
displeased with His words, and walked no more with Him, they will turn away
from Christ.—Manuscript 68, 1897, 8, 9. (“Correct School Discipline,” June
21, 1897.) {7MR 174.1}
And to be an apostate, a traitor to the cause
of God, is much more serious than death; it means the loss of eternal life.—Manuscript 87,
1897, 3. (“All That Will Live Godly in Christ Jesus Shall Suffer Persecution,”
August 19, 1897.) {7MR 174.2}
When men after enjoying the truth, and
accepting the messages sent from God, yield to temptation in a crisis, and
become offended, when they turn their thoughts in other channels, and advocate
that which is entirely opposite to their work in the third angel’s message,
they show that unless they are thoroughly converted, they will follow in the footsteps
of Canright.—Letter 98a, 1897, p. 13. (To Brother McCullagh, April 9, 1897.)
{7MR 174.3}
In our experience we have seen some who
although they apparently believed the truth, were not in the truth, and the
truth was not in them. Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, and when once they open the heart to
unbelief, Satan comes in to possess the soul. The rapid change that takes place
in the character and in the countenance, show whom
they have chosen as leader. {7MR 174.4}
The men who have lately apostatized say that
the Sabbath does not amount to much. It makes no difference whether we keep it,
or do not keep it. They say they are preaching sanctification, but where does
their sanctification come in. They began the work of disaffection by their
criticism. Here is where they fell, and here is where many will fall. To
complain of our brethren in the ministry, to be suspicious of the gifts the
Lord has set in the church, to always be finding spot and stain in something
said or done is to follow the enemy. If one chooses to obtain this class of
education, Satan will help him in a masterly manner. After the criticizers tell
all that appears to them to be out of joint, they go into the manufacturing
business, and commence to weave webs of falsehood. They abuse the confidence
that has been reposed in them, and strive to destroy the reputation of the very
ones that have ever been their truest friends.... {7MR 175.1}
Mark
this point with care; those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them
by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by the man in linen, are those
"that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done" in the
church. Their
love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they
are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying.” {RH, June 8,
1886 par. 2}
Those who have drawn away from us, who have not
remained in the truth, will talk, they will fabricate
reasons as to why they did not remain steadfast. They will do just as Satan
did, cast reproach upon some one else. God will be
accused of unfairness.—Letter 126, 1897, pp. 4, 5, 7. (To
Brother and Sister John Wessels, May 18, 1897.)
{7MR 175.2}
Many unpleasant things have occurred, but we
would have this anywhere. We have concluded that A and B are thorough
apostates. A says that he will never give up the Sabbath, but it will soon go.
The most false statements are being made of me and my work. The most senseless
lies that can be manufactured are being circulated. Some of these have been
written out, with the names of those to whom they were told attached.... {7MR
175.3}
This recent apostasy has been a great trial to
us, and has largely increased my burdens and writing. It has hurt my soul. But
having done all, we must stand. Paul wrote to Timothy, “As I besought thee to
abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions,
rather than godly edifying which is in faith; so do. Now the end of the
commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience and of
faith unfeigned; from which some having swerved, have turned aside unto vain
jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they
say, nor whereof they affirm.... Now unto the king eternal, immortal,
invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for
ever and ever. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest
war a good warfare; holding faith and a good
conscience; which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck.”
{7MR 176.1}
If these men who have gone out from us, had,
as faithful stewards, searched deep into the word of God, and heeded Paul’s
words of the sixth chapter of Ephesians, they would now have been standing more
and still more firmly in the faith.... These men have yielded up the Bible
truth which has made us what we are, Seventh-day Adventists. They have thought
to wrap themselves up in a spurious sanctification, which will accord with any
false theories that men may choose to accept. They have not added to their
faith, but have detracted from it.... {7MR 176.2}
Those who have known the truth, who have been
blessed by the influence of the Holy Spirit, who have appreciated the truth,
but have turned from it, will not be treated merely as impenitent sinners.
Their guilt is aggravated, because they have had a knowledge
of the truth. They have a knowledge of the
defections of church members, and of the difficulty which those in the faith
have experienced because of the weak sinful characters of those in the church
militant. They can misrepresent the words and actions of the faithful servants
of God, who strive to place the straying feet of the erring in the path of
holiness. They can put the worst construction on the words and actions of those
who labor for the erring. If they are not converted, if they do not choose to
put away their evil speaking, if they corrupt their ways before the Lord, they
will misinterpret the words of God’s servants, and the whole world will rise up
in the day of judgment against them.... {7MR 177.1}
It is not merely the apostasy of these men
that we regret; it is their power to hurt, and to make a lie appear as
truth.... {7MR 177.2}
Nothing is sacred with apostates. They add so
much to what they think they know, that there is
scarcely a semblance of truth in their reports. These false witnesses would
just as readily swear to their fabricated lies as to the truth itself.—Letter
143, 1897, pp. 1-4, 6. (To W. C. White, May 6, 1897.)
{7MR 177.3}
We were anxious to know if the leaders of this
rebellion had fallen on the Rock and were broken. Do they hold fast their
wicked apostasy? ... {7MR 177.4}
A. is the life and soul of the rebellion he
has instigated. He has apostatized from the truth,—a secessionist.... {7MR
178.1}
The revolters
against divine government will not ascribe their disaffection to themselves.
This will be seen to the close of time. This apostasy in Adelaide is not a new
chapter in our experience as you well know. Apostasy has come in to our ranks
as it came in to heaven, and all who unite with Satan in this kind of work will
act on the same principles Satan has worked. Not open, not frank, but in
secrecy. Satan must deceive in order to succeed. “In vain the net is set in the
sight of any bird.”—Letter 156, 1897, pp. 1, 2. (To Brother S. N. Haskell, April 8, 1897.) {7MR 178.2}
It is a great grief for true hearted souls who
love God and keep His commandments, to pass through the experience of seeing
men and women apparently taking their position on the Lord’s side, and then
when some special requirement is presented, which calls for self-denial and
self-sacrifice, as the tithing question, becoming offended, and walking no more
with Christ, but away from Him. These give evidence that the seed of truth has
fallen among thorns, and that the thorns have sprung up and choked it. If these
men and women had been truly convicted of sin, if they had allowed truth to
cleanse the soul-temple from defilement, the thorns would not have had so
favorable a chance. They would have been unable to germinate. {7MR 178.3}
It is not the fault of the gospel that
apostasies occur. Those who apostatize are not truly converted. They have
received the truth by halves. The light of truth has not been strengthened by
practice, and it is soon quenched, leaving them in greater darkness than
before.... {7MR 178.4}
Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used by
Satan as he plays the game of life for human souls. If these tares are not dug
out of the heart, they will spring up and bear their harvest. The heart must be
diligently searched as with a lighted candle, that all defects may be seen in
the light of the law of God, His standard of character. Every briar and thistle
must be uprooted as soon as it makes its appearance. If this is not done, men,
women, and youth will sell their birthright for some worldly advantage.... {7MR
179.1}
Each man in this world is charged with his own
salvation, which he is to gain through Christ. It is possible for him to do a
work as enduring as eternity. If he loses his own soul, he will be charged also
with the souls that might have been saved had he used aright his God-given
talents. Had he complied with the conditions, had he acted his part by giving
God’s warning and invitation, had he shown a living interest in the work of God
in behalf of the souls for whom Christ paid the price with His own blood, he
would have been accounted a faithful steward. In proportion to his faithfulness
in cooperating with God would have been his reward. {7MR 179.2}
Just as far as we give ourselves unselfishly
to God, so far shall we be honored by God. Those who
have been blundering along, making little advancement, may be saved as by fire.
They have worked in wrong lines, but if they repent, God will forgive them.
Those who have done their best to elevate, purify, and ennoble humanity, who
have knit their hearts to the hearts of others, and the hearts of others to
God, will hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant; ... enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord.” Their work is imperishable.—Manuscript 13, 1898, 1,
2, 5, 6. (“Seed Sown Among Thorns,” 1898) {7MR 179.3}
We are now living in the last days, when the
truth must be spoken, when in reproof and warning it must be given to the
world, irrespective of consequences. If there are some who will become offended
and turn from the truth, we must bear in mind that there were those who did the
same in Christ’s day. When the greatest Teacher the world has ever known spoke
the truth, many of His disciples become offended and walked no more with Him. {7MR 180.1}
But truth will bear away the victory. Those who will
maintain the truth, irrespective of consequences, will offend some whose hearts
are not in harmony with the truth as it is in Jesus. These persons cherish
theories of their own, which are not the truth. The truth does not harmonize with their
sentiments, and rather than give up their own ideas, they walk away from those
who obey the truth. But there are men who will receive the truth, and these
will take the places made vacant by those who became offended and leave the
truth.—Manuscript 97, 1898, 5, 6. (“The Necessity of a Close Walk with God,”
August 11, 1898.) {7MR 180.2}
We shall in the future as we have in the past,
see all kinds of characters developed. We shall witness the apostasy of men in whom
we have had confidence, in whom we trusted, who, we supposed, were as true as
steel to principle. Something comes to test them, and they are overthrown. If such
men fall, some say, whom can we trust? This is the temptation Satan brings to
destroy the confidence of those who are striving to walk in the narrow way.
Those who fall have evidently corrupted their way before the Lord, and they are
beacons of warning, teaching those who profess to believe the truth that the
Word of God alone can keep men steadfast in the way of holiness, or reclaim
them from guilt. {7MR 180.3}
The Word of God is the pearl of great price.
It is unchangeable, eternal. Truth as it is in Jesus sets men right and keeps
them so. But when men show themselves to be unimpressible,
unable to appreciate the pearl of great price, when they deal dishonestly with
God and unrighteously with their fellow men, it is
not best to link up with them. We shall meet those who have so perverted their
conscience that they are unable to discern the precious truths of God’s Word.
Then let all be careful with whom they connect. The truth is no truth to those
who do not obey it. {7MR 181.1}
Those who are doers of the Word have found the
pearl of great price. The truth is as an anchor to the soul, both sure and
steadfast. When men drift away from the principles of truth, they always
betray sacred trusts. Let every soul, whatever may be his sphere of action,
make sure that the truth is implanted in the heart by the power of the Spirit
of God.—Manuscript 154, 1898, 3, 4. (“Pearl of Great Price,” November
22, 1898.) {7MR 181.2}
When we see those who for nearly a lifetime
have been standing on the platform of truth, deciding that they can just as well as not unite with the men who do
not recognize the law of Jehovah, seeking their influence and support,
our hearts are made sad. They think they can occupy a non-committal position.
Thus believers slip away from the truth to the side of unbelievers, and the
enemy exults. There are before us issues that will bring those who sincerely
desire to do right to the true position. But there are those who will never
again stand safe. In trying to break down the barriers between him that serves
God and him that serves him not, they have placed themselves where their feet will
never again find solid ground.—Manuscript 82, 1900, 11. (Diary,
1900.) {7MR 181.3}
Those who exalt self place
themselves in Satan’s power, preparing to receive his deceptions as truth.
There are ministers and workers who will present a tissue of nonsensical
falsehoods as testing truths, even as the Jewish rabbis presented the maxims of
men as the bread of heaven. Sayings of no value are given to the flock of God,
as their portion of meat in due season, while the poor sheep are starving for
the bread of life. {7MR 182.1}
There seems to be a burning desire to get up
something fictitious and bring it in as new light. Thus men try to weave into
the web as important truths a tissue of lies. This fanciful mixture of food
that is being prepared for the flock will cause spiritual consumption, decline,
and death.... {7MR 182.2}
There are those who say, not only in their
hearts, but in all their works, “My Lord delayeth his
coming.” They show the effect of error upon them by smiting their
fellow-servants and eating and drinking with the drunken. As in the days
of Noah, those who have had great light will show their inconsistency. Because
Christ’s coming has been long foretold, they conclude that there is a mistake
in regard to this doctrine. But the Lord says, “If the vision
tarry, wait for it; for it will surely come. It will not tarry past the
time that the message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peoples.” Shall we
who claim to be students of prophecy forget that God’s forbearance to the
wicked is a part of His vast and merciful plan, by which He is seeking to
compass the salvation of souls? Shall we be found among the number who cease to
cooperate with the Lord, and who are found saying, My Lord delays His
coming?—Letter 131, 1900, pp. 2, 3. (To Brother Daniells, October 14, 1900.) {7MR 182.3}
Faith in God and a love for souls gives men a
genuine motive for faithfulness. It leads them to work faithfully, that others
may not be ruined by the example of unbelief which has ruined so many souls.
Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines
of devils. Why? Because they failed to work
diligently.—Manuscript 42, 1901, 6, 7. (“Revealing the
Christlikeness,” June 2, 1901.) {7MR 183.1}
The message given man to proclaim in these
last days is not to be amalgamated with worldly opinions. In these days of
peril, nothing but obedience will keep man from apostasy. God has bestowed on
man great light and many blessings. But unless this light and these blessings
are received, they are no security against apostasy and disobedience. When
those whom God has exalted to positions of high trust turn from Him to human
wisdom, their light becomes darkness; and how great is that darkness! Their
entrusted capabilities are a snare to them. They become an offense to God.
There can be no mockery of God without the sure result.—Manuscript 135, 1902,
9. (“Instruction to the Church,” October 31, 1902.) {7MR 183.2}
A spurious light will be accepted in the place
of truth by some who feel called upon to be expositors of the Scriptures,
because of their calling or position. Extravagance,
dishonesty, fraud, licentiousness, are mingled with sacred things, until
no difference is made between the sacred and the common. Many who claim to
preach the Word contemplate some portions of Scripture truth, but do not apply
it to the heart and character. They expatiate upon the plan of redemption, and
upon the law of God, and become enthusiastic upon some of these glorious
themes, but they take no personal interest in the matter. Christ is not brought
into their lives. Can we then be surprised to hear of ministers falling under
temptation and sin, disgracing the cause they were professedly advocating? Can
we wonder that there are apostasies when men who urge conversion upon others are
not themselves converted; when they commend to others the love of Christ, which
does not glow in their own souls, preaching repentance which they themselves
have not practiced, and faith which they have no experimental knowledge of,
telling of a Saviour whom they have never known except by rumor? They are
self-deceived men, not far from destruction. Pitiful indeed is their situation.
All may seem peaceful to them, because the palsy of death is upon
them.—Manuscript 15, 1886, 8, 9. (“Christian Integrity in the
Ministry,” 1886.) {7MR 183.3}
After his [Canright’s]
apostasy, why need you say the things in regard to him you have? God did not
treat apostates in this way and if you had anything to say, say it without
putting such things in the paper. I tell you brethren, I am troubled, when I
see you take positions that you forbid others to take and that you would
condemn in others. I do not think this is the right way to deal with one
another.—Letter 13, 1887, p. 3. (To Brethren Butler and
Smith, April 15, 1887.) {7MR 184.1}
The great apostasy is working to a point, and
will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair.
This is the time to employ any system that can be devised to discover and
counteract the leaven of error. Let there be light. There should be one hundred
light bearers in our world where there is one today. Darkness will become more
dense in human minds after the truth has penetrated and been rejected. But
there are some minds where the darkness will be removed. They recognize the light.
{7MR 185.1}
The apostasy will exist in this night of
spiritual darkness. It will then be destroyed by the brightness and exceeding
glory of Christ’s coming. Oh, what a day of gladness for the righteous that
will be! What a breaking up of the spell of fanaticism and delusive sentiments
when Christ shall shine forth before his ancients gloriously. Then the system
of Satanic delusion which souls have preferred to the truth that involves a
cross will be broken up.—Letter 31, 1897, pp. 5, 6. (To
Brother Colcord, February 28, 1897.) {7MR 185.2}
Obedience
to all the commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification.
Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy.—Manuscript 41,
1897, 11. (“Words of Comfort,” 1897.) {7MR 185.3}
The Lord Jesus declared before the worshipers
in the synagogue, “This is the bread that cometh down from heaven.” It was
necessary that He should speak the truth in regard to His work, that He might
test those who claimed to be His disciples. They needed to be proved, and this
before He should leave them, lest their apostasy should come as a surprise to
the true disciples, and the trial be too severe for them. Christ saw that this
test was essential for the safety of His future work, that it should not be
swayed into wrong paths.—Letter 146, 1900, p. 6. (To Brother
and Sister Farnsworth, October 6, 1900.) {7MR 185.4}
Many who have known the truth have corrupted
their way before God and departed from the faith. The broken ranks will be
filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh
hour.—Letter 103, 1903, p. 4. (To Brother and Sister Starr,
June 3, 1903.) {7MR 186.1}
We know that unconsecrated Seventh-day
Adventists, who have a knowledge of the truth, but who
have linked themselves with worldlings will depart
entirely from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. The enemy will gladly
hold out inducements to them, to lead them to carry on a
warfare against the people of God. But those who are true and steadfast
will have a strong and powerful defense in God.—Letter 127, 1903, p. 5. (To Brother Haskell, July 1, 1903.) {7MR 186.2}
The greatest light and blessing that God has
bestowed is not a security against transgression and apostasy in these last
days. Those
whom God has exalted to high positions of trust may turn from heaven’s light to human wisdom. Their light will then become
darkness, their God-entrusted capabilities a snare, their character an offense
to God. God will not be mocked. A departure from Him has been and always will
be followed by its sure results. The commission of acts that displease God
will, unless decidedly repented of and forsaken, instead of seeking to justify
them, lead the evil doer on step by step in deception, till many sins are
committed with impunity.—Manuscript 139, 1903, 12. (“The Message in
Revelation,” October 3, 1903.) {7MR 186.3}
If he should in parable have presented to him
the difference between the genuine and the false, the eternal contrast between
truth and falsehood, if he would see the need of integrity in the everyday
life, his heart would be filled with humiliation and sorrow, as he thought of
the influence of his departures from righteousness, and of the many who had
learned from him how to act under similar circumstances. Would he not strive to
break the yoke of habit? Would he not cease to do evil, no longer remaining
feeble in moral power, lacking the grace of Christ, feeling no right to claim
pardon and to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness?—Letter 219, 1903, p.
4. (To Brother Butler, October 3, 1903.) {7MR 187.1}
I am instructed that false theories will be
presented, and that some in the medical missionary work, who have been
wavering, will yield up the faith, and give heed to seducing spirits and
doctrines of devils.—Manuscript 64, 1904, 4. (“A Warning
Against Deceptive Teaching,” June 23, 1904.) {7MR 187.2}
The spirit that led to the apostasy in heaven
is in unceasing activity in all parts of the world. Satan flatters his subjects
with the assurance that their forces will be sure to conquer.—Manuscript 96,
1904, 2. (“An All Sufficient Saviour,” 1896.) {7MR
187.3}
At this crisis all are called upon to take
their position. We must stand apart from those who are determined to make
shipwreck of the faith. We must not sell our Lord at any price. We are to refuse to listen to the
sophistries that have been brought in to make of no effect the truth for this
time. Not a stone is to be moved in the foundation of this truth—not a
pillar moved.... The time has come when even in the church and in our
institutions, some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits
and doctrines of devils. But God will keep that which is committed to Him....
Through those who depart from the faith the power of the enemy will be
exercised, to lead others astray.—Letter 237, 1904, pp. 5, 6. (To Brother Butler, July 14, 1904.) {7MR 188.1}
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.—Letter 263, 1904, p. 4. (To Our Leading
Physicians, July 24, 1904.) {7MR 188.2}
"It
is IMPOSSIBLE for you to
unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure. (II Corinthians
6:14-15 quoted). God and Christ and the
heavenly host would have men know that if he unites with the corrupt he will
become corrupt." E. G. White, Review
and Herald, Vol. 4, p. 137.
“From the instruction given us in the Old and
New Testaments God desires us to learn that we are not to place ourselves, and
those connected with us, in intimate connection with [those] who are corrupt in
thought, word, and action. If workers of limited experience are placed in close
connection with this class, there is danger that they will by beholding become
changed into the same image, that the standard of holiness and truth will be
lowered. There is danger that corruption will cease to appear in its vileness
to those who are trying to bring about a reform, and that the truth will become
confused with that which is common and low. . . .” {CTr 49.2}
Do not remain in the fog of skepticism until
it is too late for you to find your bearings. Entire consecration to God puts
to an end all vain, foolish suppositions and imaginations.—Manuscript 80, 1905,
3. (“Arise and Trim Your Lamp,” August 25, 1904.) {7MR 188.3}
If isolated sentences, separated from their
true setting, are taken from my writings and used to substantiate erroneous
positions, I must meet this effort by publishing some things that I would
prefer to withhold. I am weary of trying to withstand the attempts that are
being made to do violence to the truth that should be proclaimed at this time.
If my words are taken by some to sustain error, I shall not be led into
controversy, but I shall continue to set before the people the truth as God
designs them to understand it. I shall endeavor to make my words so plain that
they cannot be misinterpreted. The truth of God will be vindicated, and effect
the purpose that God designed it should. The mind can only be freed from error
when every thread is cut that binds it to the fallacy of the enemy. {7MR 188.4}
A great reformation is needed among the people
of God. Many sapless and unfruitful branches are to be removed from the parent
vine. Everything will be shaken that can be shaken, that that which cannot be
shaken may remain. {7MR 189.1}
The enemy has worked upon the minds of some,
and has led them to do violence to our past experience by mingling with the
truth erroneous and false theories. He has led ministers and teachers to weave
into their doctrines some pleasing figures of his own invention. Every
deviation from the truth as we have advocated it in the past is a departure
from truth that has been witnessed by the Holy Spirit, and upon which God has
placed His seal. {7MR 189.2}
Truth must stand in its own order, linked only
with truth. Unbelief disturbs the balance of the system of truth, and tends to
destroy the whole. The mind that cherishes sentiments that tend to destroy the
foundation of the faith that has made us what we are becomes confused, and
cannot discern between truth and error. {7MR 189.3}
The truths that have been substantiated by the
manifest working of God are to stand fast. Let no one presume to move a pin or
a foundation-stone from the structure. Those who attempt to undermine the
pillars of our faith are among those of whom the Bible says that “in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils.”—Letter 87, 1905, pp. 1-3. (To Brother
and Sister Haskell, February 25, 1905.) {7MR 189.4}
"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, Vol. 1, 204-205.
I
am instructed to say that we must do all we possibly can for these deceived
ones. Their minds must be freed from the delusions of the enemy, and if we fail
in our efforts to save these erring ones, we must “come out from among them”
and be separate.—Manuscript 106, 1905, 8. (“A Plea for Loyalty,” November 20,
1905.) {7MR 190.1}
Christ is our sufficiency. Those who indeed
receive Him as a personal Saviour will reveal honesty and integrity in all
their dealings. There will be no robbery, no underhand dealing. We are to be
rooted and built up in Christ, that we may not be carried away by the science
of the great deceiver. Already some are departing from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There are those who boast that
they have been studying science for years. But what has this science done for
them? Just what it did for Satan in the heavenly
courts.—Letter 141, 1905, pp. 1, 2. (To G. I. Butler,
1905.) {7MR 190.2}
[Isaiah 29:9-16, quoted.] Every word of this
will be fulfilled. There are those who do not humble their hearts before God,
and who will not walk uprightly. They hide their true purposes, and keep in
fellowship with the fallen angel, who loveth and maketh a lie. The enemy puts
his spirit upon the men whom he can use to deceive those who are partially in
the dark. Some are becoming imbued with the darkness that prevails, and are
setting the truth aside for error. The day pointed out by prophecy is come.
Jesus Christ is not understood. Jesus Christ is to them a fable. At this stage
of the earth’s history, many act like drunken men. “Stay yourselves, and
wonder; cry ye out, and cry; they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger,
but not with strong drink. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of
deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes. The prophets and your rulers, the seers
hath he covered.” A spiritual drunkenness is upon many who suppose they are the
people who shall be exalted. Their religious faith is just as is represented in
this Scripture. Under its influence, they cannot walk straight. They make
crooked paths in their course of action. One and then another, they reel to and
fro. They are looked upon by the Lord with great pity. The way of truth they
have not known. They are scientific schemers, and those who could and should
have helped, because of a clear spiritual eyesight, are themselves deceived,
and are sustaining an evil work.—Letter 311, 1905, pp. 4, 5. (To
Brethren Daniells, Prescott and Associates, October
30, 1905.) {7MR 190.3}
We are to revive the truth; to stand in the
truth. Whoever is determined to depart from the faith cannot be helped by you.
All your reasoning will be as idle tales.—Manuscript 61, 1906, 3. (“Hold Fast the
Beginning of Your Confidence,” June 3, 1906.) {7MR 191.1}
The rulers of the land will take their
position above the great Creator of the world. The claims of a false Sabbath
will be brought to the front, and the rulers and the people will act upon the
principle of a short-sighted policy. The false Sabbath, the first day of the
week, will be accepted, and the rulers will unite with the man of sin to
restore his lost ascendancy. Laws enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath, will bring about a national apostasy from the principles of republicanism upon which the government
has been founded. The religion of the Papacy will be accepted by the rulers, and
the law of God will be made void.—Manuscript 39, 1906, 1. (“The
Law of God,” 1906.) {7MR 192.1}
Those who link up with the world, denying the
faith, and refusing to be the denominated people of the Lord’s choosing showing
by their actions that they believe that there should be no special distinction
between believers and unbelievers, will surely be left to the result of their
choice. There are those who, though knowing the truth that has brought us out
from the world as Seventh-day Adventists, have denied the faith.... {7MR 192.2}
Those who are departing from the faith are at
work to undermine the confidence of others, and they have been thus at work for
years. Our warnings come from the One who is interested in us, because he sees
our dangers, and is acquainted with the conniving of those who are opposed to
His truth.... {7MR 192.3}
Note: It is important to distinguish between
departing from the faith, the truth of pioneer Seventh-day Adventism and
departing from an apostate church that has embraced unpardonable sin we are not
even to pray for, to wit:
COUNTERPART: "The Lord commanded one of his
ancient servants, 'Pray not thou for this people [Jer.
7:16 and 11:14], neither lift up cry nor prayer for them neither make
intercession to me for I will not hear thee.' The prophet thus describes the
sins which had called forth this fearful denunciation: 'The prophets prophesy
falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means and my people love to have it
so and what will ye do in the end thereof?' 'From the least of them even unto
the greatest of them, every one is given to
covetousness and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the
daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace.'
The apostles declare that this state of things will find its COUNTERPART in the
last days. Many have a form of godliness, but in their daily life deny the
power thereof. They have ceased to be convicted of their sins or alarmed at
their state. They say in their hearts, 'The church is flourishing. Peace and
spiritual prosperity are within her borders.' The words of the prophet may well
apply to these self-deceivers, 'They have chosen their own ways, and their soul
delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring
their fears upon them." E. G. White, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 11-07-82.
Ministers and doctors may depart from the
faith, as the Word declares they will, and as the messages that God has given
His servant declare they will. Thus believers will be given evidence that the
Word of God, the warnings He has given, are being fulfilled right among us.
Some may make light of these messages, misinterpret them, and say untruthful
things, which lead others’ minds astray. Our only hope is in the God of truth.
Our Mediator understands every phase of the matter. The more plainly the
testing truth is brought before the people, the more bitter will be the hatred
manifested by those who have departed from the faith, and given their attention
to sentiments of Satan’s presentation.—Letter 90, 1906, pp. 1, 2, 6. (“To
Brethren Assembled at Council at Graysville, Tn.,” March 6, 1906.) {7MR 192.4}
Never before have I carried so sad a heart as
since I have seen the apostasy of men and women who have had great light, and
an abundance of evidence of the truth for this time. This
bring to me a grief that should be spared me, in these closing days of
earth’s history. But I have no power to change the seductive working of the
enemy. The Scripture has said that such things will come. I accept the word of
the Lord, and submit to the conditions that arise.—Letter 266, 1906, p. 1. (To J. E. and Emma White, August 5, 1906.) {7MR 193.1}
We have the same dangers to meet as had the
apostles. There are men today who practice sleight and cunning craftiness who
lend themselves as instruments to do the work of the enemy and when I see the
enemy at work I cannot hold my peace. {7MR 193.2}
To walk in all the truth means being truthful
in word and in deed, constantly developing in the graces of a Christian
character. The essential unity of believers, as set forth in the Word of God,
is to be a standard to which we must all earnestly strive to attain. Christ has
given His people an example, that they need make no mistake. We must ever be
watchful that we may imitate our Divine Pattern—Letter 344, 1906, p. 4. (To W. W. Simpson, October 27, 1906.) {7MR 193.3}
Many have received all the evidences of truth
that God will ever give them. They have permitted and encouraged false
sentiments; and they have practiced deception to cover up their
apostasy.—Letter 50, 1907, p. 7. (To F. E. Belden, February
6, 1907.) {7MR 194.1}
Men who refuse to be converted and come into
line, and use their capabilities to advance the work on Bible principles, will
set up their own ideas, follow their own devisings,
retain their own erroneous suppositions, and work to create disunion and lead
souls from the true path. This we have seen illustrated in the experience of
some at Battle Creek.—Letter 66, 1907, p. 1. (To E. R.
Palmer, February 21, 1907.) {7MR 194.2}
God is speaking to His people today as He
spoke to Israel through Moses, saying, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” My
brethren, take your position where God bids you. Leave alone those who after light has been
repeatedly given them have taken a stand on the opposite side. You are not to
spend precious time in repeating to them what they already know, and thus lose
your opportunities of entering new fields with the message of present truth.—Manuscript
125, 1907, 5. (“Lessons from the Visions of Ezekiel,” July 4, 1905.) {7MR
194.3}
A
great apostasy originally began in a denial of the love of God, as it is
plainly revealed in the Word. Provision was then made whereby fallen man
might have a powerful revelation of the love of God, and be given an
opportunity to return to his allegiance to Jehovah. “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.” “I lay down My
life for the sheep,” say Christ. “The bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world,” Here
is a revelation of the power mighty to save “to the uttermost.” God is light
and love.—Letter 172, 1907, pp. 2, 3. (To P. T. Magan, May 15, 1907.) {7MR 195.1}
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in
the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1.)
The time of this apostasy is here. Every conceivable effort will be made to throw
doubt upon the positions that we have occupied for over half a century.—Letter 410,
1907, p. 2. (To J. E. White, August 26, 1907.) {7MR
195.2}
We hope that no means will be drawn from you
to help those who have gone out from us because they are not of us. There are
many needy missionary fields that call for our help. The message of present
truth must be carried to those who have never heard it. We pray that the Lord
will give you wisdom to place your means where it will build up the cause of
God in the earth.—Manuscript 13, 1908, 2, 3. (“An Appeal for the Madison
School,” March 25, 1908.) {7MR 195.3}
I have been referred to case after case where
men have spoken just such messages [righteousness by faith] under the
inspiration of the Spirit of God, yet who, later on, because they have not
learned the lesson of walking humbly with God, and have failed to make Christ
their efficiency, their front guard and their rearward, have become
self-exalted and have lost their spiritual eyesight.—Letter 222, 1908, p. 3. (To D. H. Kress, July 23, 1908.) {7MR 196.1}
Let our workers study the epistle of Jude; for
he speaks of the conditions that will be met in our day.... {7MR 196.2}
We shall be called to meet those who,
notwithstanding definite reproof and warning through the Testimonies have gone
on in an evil course. We are bidden
of God to hold ourselves separate and distinct from these men who have not
given heed to His warnings. Some of them will seek to enter our churches,
but we are to give no place to them. If they are converted, they will bear a
different testimony. But I have a
positive warning in reference to men who have departed from the faith. Let not
our churches be opened for them; for they will
deceive, if possible, the very elect.—Letter 330, 1908, pp. 5, 7. (To
S. N. Haskell, November 11, 1908.) {7MR 196.3}
Note: The above testimony was not heeded. The
leaders have been ringleaders in the apostasy that has been brought into the
church.
I am not suffering physically, but I am often
bowed down with weariness and sorrow of heart as I see those who have departed
from the faith working out such a sad experience. I am deeply grieved as I
compare the present history of these souls with what their past has been, more grieved than words can express. That the same fountain
should send forth sweet water and bitter, that the vine which has borne grapes
should now yield wild grapes, this brings pain to my heart and sadness to my
soul. And the end is near, the end when truth alone will triumph. Oh, that the
truth as it is in Jesus may be planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and
daily tended there by the grace of God.—Letter 356, 1908, p. 5. (To Marian S. Crawford, December 13, 1908.) {7MR 196.4}
Confederacies will increase in number and
power as we draw nearer to the end of time. These
confederacies will create opposing influences to the truth, forming new
parties of professed believers who will act out their own delusive theories.
The apostasy will increase. “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” Those who have started this warfare
at their own charges will come more and more to practice the works of
Satan.—Letter 42, 1909, p. 4. (To S. N. Haskell, February 21,
1909.) {7MR 197.1} Released November 10, 1975.
Ellen
White’s Final Prophesied Fate of the SDA Church Militant
PROLEPSIS STATEEMNT:
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 to rise no more? 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 was 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!
·
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.
·
And
twice Ellen White mentions HIS CHURCH, NOT FALLEN BABYLON.
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.
"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.
The Signs of the Times,
February 12, 1880: “The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn
warning before the eyes of modern Israel.”
“The desolation of
Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that
the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot
be disregarded with impunity.” Prophets and Kings, 416.
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 [leaders], 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.
Do you believe Ellen White? Do you believe here
when she indicts the leaders with unbelief? Do you believe her when she says
the leaders would betray their sacred trust? Do you believe her when she says
the leaders will teach peace and safety and NEVER AGAIN show God’s people their
sins?
How do you have a revival and repentance of the
church militant if the leaders will NEVER AGAIN show the House of Jacob its
sins? What about a people who love leaders who teach them peace and safety? If
you think you have the answer to these issues, please send your responses to me
and I will publish them.
COUNTERPART: "The Lord commanded one of his
ancient servants, 'Pray not thou for this people [Jer.
7:16 and 11:14], neither lift up cry nor prayer for them neither make
intercession to me for I will not hear thee.' The prophet thus describes the
sins which had called forth this fearful denunciation: 'The prophets prophesy
falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means and my people love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof?' 'From the
least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one
is given to covetousness and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the
daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace.' The apostles declare that this state of things will find its
COUNTERPART in the last days. Many have a form of godliness, but in their daily life deny the power
thereof. They have ceased to be convicted of their sins or alarmed at their
state. They say in their hearts, 'The church is flourishing. Peace and
spiritual prosperity are within her borders.' The words of the prophet may well
apply to these self-deceivers, 'They have chosen their own ways, and their soul
delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring
their fears upon them." E. G. White, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 11-07-82.
Who is the only COUNTERPART TO THE JEWS—THE FIRST
CHOSEN PEOPLE OF GOD? Is it not professing Seventh-day Adventists?
"The
same disobedience and failure which were seen in the Jewish church have
characterized in a greater degree the people who have had this great light from heaven in
the last messages of warning" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 456).
If SDA’s
have a greater degree of disobedience and failure concerning the same things
the Jews failed on, how would we escape a similar punishment as occurred in the
first application of Ezekiel 9 in A.D. 70? Read Ezekiel 22:17-31 and Chapter 1
of The Great Controversy, to discern
the final fate of the omega of apostasy SDA new movement, new organization
church, 5T 211.
—rwb