An Irrefutable Rebuttal to Robert J.
Wieland’s Article Entitled “Laodicea Is Not Doomed”
"The state
of the Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of
as the Laodicean state." E.G. White, Review and Herald, 8/19/1890.
The Laodicean
Church—What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that
they are right when they are ALL WRONG?” Testimonies, Vol.
3, pp. 253, 254.
"The
church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst."
E.G. White, Notebook Leaflets,p. 99, 1898.
"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.
“We ARE NOT
saved as a sect; no denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor
with God. We are saved individually as believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ.” E.G. White, Review and Herald Articles, vol. 2,
p. 464.
I asked the Lord to
give me conclusive evidence in direct response to Elder Robert J. Wieland’s
article on Laodicea. I believe that sure evidence that He answered my prayer
will be most evident when you read the following manuscript. My responses to
Robert J. Wieland are interspersed below his comments in
this color print, and any emphasis by me in
this color. Any sincere seeker after pure truth
should interpret all of Robert J. Wieland’s statements below with my vision at
the following link, so that nothing contradicts. That is Ellen White’s stated
formula.
Weight of
Evidence Formula: "1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the
subject presented in the Bible 2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be
understood by diligent application and study 3. Nothing revealed in Scripture
can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering 4. To understand
doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know,
then let every word have its proper influence and if you can form your theory
without a contradiction, you cannot be in error 5. Scripture must be its own expositor,
[interpreter] since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound
to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account
of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire,
creed, or wisdom is my rule, and not the Bible." E.G. White, Second Advent Review and Herald, 11-25-84, pr. 24.
https://omega77.tripod.com/laodiceannobleship.htm
Ellen White
first proclaimed that the Adventist church was Laodicean in 1852. That was 161
years ago as of 2013.
SDA
Church first proclaimed Laodicean by Ellen G. White in 1852 (June 10)—
"Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ, are
becoming conformed to this world, and seek more earnestly the applause of those
around them, than the approbation of God. They are cold and formal, like the
nominal church, that they but a short time since separated from. The words
addressed to the Laodicean Church, describe their present condition
perfectly....And unless they heed the counsel of the 'faithful and True
Witness,' and zealously repent, and obtain 'gold tried in the fire,' 'white
raiment,' and 'eye-salve,' he will spue them out of his mouth." E.G.
White, Review and Herald, June 10, 1852, Vol. 1, p. 18, col. 2.
"The warning for the last church
[Laodicea] also must be proclaimed to all who claim to be Christians. The
Laodicean message, like a sharp, two--edged sword, must go to ALL THE
CHURCHES:...It is our work to proclaim this message. Are we putting forth every
effort that the churches may be warned?" Testimonies, vol. 6, p.
77.
"If the church of God becomes
LUKEWARM [LAODICEAN] it does not stand in favor with God any more than do the
churches that are represented as having fallen and become the habitation of
devils and the hold of every foul spirit and the cage of every unclean and
hateful bird. Those who have had opportunities to hear and receive the truth,
and who have united with the Seventh-day Adventist church, calling themselves
the commandment keeping people of God, and yet possess no more vitality and
consecration to God than do the nominal churches, will receive of the plagues
of God just as verily as the churches who oppose the law of God." E.G.
White, Letter 35, 1898.
If Laodicea is not regarded with any
more favor by God than the fallen churches, and the call of Laodicea is to all
churches, then there is no difference between Laodicea and the fallen churches
as far as being in a fallen state is concerned. Different churches believe
different aspects of Babylonian teachings, but Ellen White equates them all as
far as falling from the favor of God is concerned, and as far as constituting
the habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit and the cage of
every unclean and hateful bird.
Appendix B — Laodicea Is Not Doomed by
the late Robert J. Wieland
Serious
efforts have been made to convince church members to leave the organized
Seventh-day Adventist Church, or at least to withdraw their support and
fellowship. The argument is that Philadelphia, not Laodicea, represents the
true church that will get ready for Christ's coming. Joseph Bates is cited as a
venerable authority for this view But this dear pioneer was mistaken in this,
as he was on some other points as well. Ellen White never lent her endorsement
to this idea of his. Her early testimonies about the Laodicean message
thoroughly contradict his view (see Testimonies, vol. 1, pages 185-195;
Testimonies, vol. 3, pages 252-255).
Ron
responds: Let’s examine all of Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 185-195 and Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 252-255. First Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 185-195. I will
emphasize portions in this color. The flyleaf will give the date of each Testimony.
Testimony 5, The Laodicean Church, was written in 1859. That was 154 years ago
as of 2013. Many Seventh-day Adventists have died since that time. They died
while the church was still in the Laodicean or foolish virgin state of the
church. What follows is Ellen White’s straight testimony to Laodicea. As you
read these all important words, see how you think the church measures up and
whether or not it has heeded this straight testimony and/or whether or not most
individuals in the church have done so. The Bible does give us license to JUDGE
RIGHTEOUSNESS, to wit:
Jhn 7:24 Judge not according
to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Chapter 33—The Laodicean Church
Dear Brethren and
Sisters,
The Lord has again visited me in much mercy. I have been greatly
afflicted for a few months past. Disease has pressed heavily upon me. For years
I have been afflicted with dropsy and disease of the heart, which has had a
tendency to depress my spirits and destroy my faith and courage. The message to the
Laodiceans has not accomplished that zealous repentance among God’s people
which I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make
continual progress upon me, and I thought that I must lie down in the grave. I
had no desire to live, therefore I could not take hold of faith and pray for my
recovery. Often when I retired to rest at night I realized that I was in danger
of losing my breath before morning. In this state I fainted at midnight.
Brethren Andrews and Loughborough were sent for, and earnest petitions were
offered to God in my behalf. The depression, the heavy weight, was lifted from
my aching heart, and I was taken off in vision, and shown the things which I
now present before you. {1T 185.1}
I saw that Satan had been trying to drive me to discouragement and
despair, to make me desire death rather than life. I was shown that it was not
God’s will that I should now cease from the work and lie down in the grave; for
then the enemies of our faith would triumph, and the hearts of God’s
children would be made sad. I saw that I should often feel anguish of spirit,
and should suffer much; yet I had the promise that those around me would
encourage and help me, that my courage and strength might not fail while I was
so fiercely buffeted by the devil. {1T 185.2}
I was shown that the
testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God’s people at the present time, and
the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of
their hearts. But God has given the
message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so
long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first
presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the
people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would
end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful
work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw
that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them
their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored
with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility
before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts
for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and His people were acquainted
with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, God
would have wrought for His people in greater power. Yet the efforts made since the message has been given, have been
blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to
rejoice in the truth. {1T 186.1}
God will prove His people. Jesus bears patiently with them, and does not spew them
out of His mouth in a moment. Said the angel: “God is
weighing His people.” If the message had been of as short duration as many of
us supposed, there would have been no time for them to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this
solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, and
excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work which God designed that it
should. God reads the heart. Lest His people should be deceived in
regard to themselves, He gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and
then proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness. {1T 186.2}
God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to
different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at
one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is
tested and tried a little closer. If the professed
people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should
convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be
spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: “God
will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His
people.” Some are willing to receive
one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from
it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished
idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that
shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their
hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they
will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and
overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God
have the charge: “They are joined to their idols, let them alone,” and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful
traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every
point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have
heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain,
and thus be fitted for translation. {1T 187.1}
Note by Ron: How many SDA’s have died
since 1852 without being purified through obeying the truth, and overcoming
their selfishness, their pride and evil passions? Can you see that a response
to the Laodicean Message is a very personal one and must be the work of every
individual, for we ARE NOT saved as a sect, but as individuals, said Ellen
White. End note.
God proves His people in this world. This is the fitting-up place
to appear in His presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, persons will show what power affects
their hearts and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine
truth, it will lead to good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him
noblehearted and generous, like his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the
heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness,
covetousness, pride, and evil passions. {1T 188.1}
Note by Ron: Do you see the personal responsibility of PERSONS in the above
statement? End note.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.
Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves to see
whether they are in the faith; and it is a fearful fact that many are leaning
on a false hope. Some lean upon an old
experience which they had years ago; but when brought down to this
heart-searching time, when all should have a daily experience, they have
nothing to relate. They seem to think that a profession of the truth will save
them. When they subdue those sins which God hates, Jesus will come in and sup
with them and they with Him. They will then draw divine strength from Jesus,
and will grow up in Him, and be able with holy triumph to say: “Thanks be to
God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It would be
more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors of religion had never named
His name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers
of Jesus. They are a stumbling block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over
them, and taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse
to the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips, while
their heart is far from Him. {1T 188.2}
Note by Ron: Do you see the PERSONAL, INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY of each person
to closely examine themselves to see whether they are
in the faith? The Bible says to examine yourselves, to
wit:
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves,
whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves,
how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
However, a responsibility rests upon the entire church as well, to
separate open sinners who refuse to reform from the church, to wit:
"Christ has plainly taught that
those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church, but He has
not committed to us the work of judging character and motive. He knows our nature too well to entrust this
work to us. Should we try to uproot from
the church those whom we suppose to be spurious
Christians, we should be sure to make mistakes.
Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very one whom Christ is drawing
to Himself, it would perhaps extinguish their last
hope. Many who think themselves
Christians will at last be found wanting.
Many will be in heaven who their neighbors supposed would never enter there. Man judges from appearance, but God judges
the heart. The tares and the wheat are
to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary
time." COL 71.
One does not have to judge character or
motive to recognize open sin. If an organization or individual is participating
in open sin, it is not part of God's church.
“The names of those who sin and refuse to repent should not be
retained on the church books, lest the saints be held
accountable for their evil deeds. Those who pursue a course of transgression should be visited and
labored with, and if they then refuse to repent, they should be separated from
church fellowship, in accordance with the rules laid down in the Word of God.”
{11MR 208.3}
End note.
I was shown that the people of God should not imitate the fashions
of the world. Some have done this, and are fast losing the peculiar, holy
character which should distinguish them as God’s people. I was pointed back to
God’s ancient people, and was led to compare their apparel with the mode
of dress in these last days. What a difference! what a
change! Then the women were not so bold as now. When
they went in public, they covered their faces with a veil. In these last days,
fashions are shameful and immodest. They are noticed in prophecy. They were first brought in by a class
over whom Satan has entire control, who, “being past feeling [without any
conviction of the Spirit of God] have given themselves
over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” If God’s professed people had not
greatly departed from Him, there would now be a marked difference between their
dress and that of the world. The
small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty. The
hoops are a shame. The inhabitants of earth are growing more and more corrupt,
and the
line of distinction between them and the Israel of God must be more plain, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on God’s professed people. {1T 188.3}
I was directed to the following scriptures. Said
the angel: “They are to instruct God’s people.” 1 Timothy 2:9, 10: “In
like manner also, that women adorn themselves in
modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided
hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh
women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of
the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this
manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned
themselves.” {1T 189.1}
Young and old, God is now
testing you. You are deciding your
own eternal destiny. Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of
the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in
the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you. You are poor,
and miserable, and blind, and naked. While evil is increasing and taking deep
root, it is choking the good seed which has been sown in the heart; and soon
the word that was given concerning Eli’s house will be spoken to the angels of
God concerning you: Your sins “shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering
forever.” Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good
Christians, who have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what
it is to be renewed by the grace of God. They have no living experience for
themselves in the things of God. And I saw that the Lord was whetting His sword
in heaven to cut them down. Oh, that every lukewarm professor could realize the
clean work that God is about to make among His professed people! Dear friends,
do not deceive yourselves concerning your condition. You cannot deceive God.
Says the True Witness: “I know thy works.” The third angel is leading up a
people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested. {1T
189.2}
Note by Ron: 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.
Question: How would the SDA Church
militant ever repent if the dumb-dog leaders will NEVER AGAIN lift up their
voice like a trumpet to show GOD’S PEOPLE their sins and THE HOUSE OF JACOB
their sins?
Do you see the PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY involved in deciding YOUR OWN ETERNAL DESTINY? Do you recognize
that a church that will NEVER AGAIN show THE HOUSE OF JACOB its sins, and
teaches peace and safety, will not contribute to your salvation by being the
ship that carries you into port heaven? End note
The plan of systematic
benevolence [Appendix.]
is pleasing to God. I was pointed back to the days of the apostles, and saw
that God laid the plan by the descent of His Holy Spirit, and that by the gift
of prophecy He counseled His people in regard to a system of benevolence. All
were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who
ministered unto them in spiritual things. They were also taught that the
widows and fatherless had a claim upon their charity. Pure and undefiled
religion is defined, To visit the widows and
fatherless in their affliction, and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw
that this was not merely to sympathize with them by comforting words in their
affliction, but to aid them, if
needy, with our substance. Young men and women to whom God has given
health can obtain a great blessing by aiding the widow and the fatherless in
their affliction. I saw that God
requires young men to sacrifice more for the good of others. He
claims more of them than they are willing to perform. If they keep themselves
unspotted from the world, cease to follow its fashions, and lay by that which
the lovers of pleasure spend in useless articles to gratify pride, and give it
to the worthy afflicted ones, and to sustain the cause, they will have the
approval of Him who says, “I know thy works.” {1T 190.1}
Note by Ron: Ellen White said elsewhere that the
tithe is for one purpose only—the support of the true messengers with a
message, and that it should never go to help the poor. End note.
There is order in heaven, and God is well pleased with the efforts
of His people in trying to move with system and order in His work on earth. I
saw that there should be order in the church of God, and that system is needed
in carrying forward successfully the last great message of mercy to the world.
God is leading His people in the plan of systematic benevolence, and this is
one of the very points to which God is bringing up His people which will cut
the closest with some. With them this cuts off the right arm, and plucks out
the right eye, while to others it is a great relief.
To noble, generous souls the demands upon them seem very small, and they cannot
be content to do so little. Some have large possessions, and if they lay by
them in store for charitable purposes as God has prospered them, the offering
seems to them like a large sum. The selfish heart clings as closely to a small
offering as to a larger one, and makes a small sum look very large. {1T 191.1}
In the prefigure TYPE of the
experience of Israel, which was to be an ensample for us, when the organized
church apostatized, Jesus took the faithful out of that church and formed home
churches. There was order in those churches because Jesus was with them and He
was the leader of them.
"Christ was a protestant...The
Reformers date back to Christ and the apostles. They came out and separated
themselves from a religion of forms and ceremonies. Luther and his followers
did not invent the reformed religion. They simply accepted it as presented by
Christ and the apostles." E.G. White, Review and Herald, vol. 2, 48, col. 2.
Paul left
"And as they persisted in their
rejection of the gospel the apostle (Paul) went into the synagogue,
and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the
things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed
not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them,
and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus." Acts, 19:8, 9.
"Fearing that the faith of the
believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated from them, and
gathered the disciples into a distinct body." E.G. White, Acts of the
Apostles, p. 286.
Scripture on Home Churches
Act 16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all
that were in his house.
Act 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat
before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Act 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house
of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and
departed.
Act 18:7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain [man's]
house, named Justus, [one] that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the
synagogue.
Rom 16:5
Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1Cr 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by
them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1Cr 16:15 I
beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the
firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry
of the saints,)
1Cr 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute
you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Ellen White on
Home Churches in the Alpha of Apostasy:
When the young
men and women were kept away from the Alpha of apostasy in the church, what did
they do and where did they meet for worship?
"There is
a little hope in one direction: Take the young men and women, and place them
where they will come as little in contact with our churches as possible, that
the low grade of piety which is current in this day shall not leaven their
ideas of what it means to be a Christian." E.G. White, Manuscript
Release #995, p. 5.
"God has
a church. It is not the great cathedral, (or the super mega church), 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. End note by
Ron.
I was pointed back to the commencement of this last work. Then some who loved the truth could
consistently talk of sacrificing. They devoted much to the cause of God, to
send the truth to others. They have sent their treasure beforehand to heaven.
Brethren, you who have received the
truth at a later period, and who have large possessions, God has called you
into the field, not merely that you may enjoy the truth, but that you may aid
with your substance in carrying forward this great work. And if you have an
interest in this work, you will venture out and invest something in it, that others may be saved by your efforts, and you reap
with them the final reward. Great sacrifices have been made and
privations endured to place the truth in a clear light before you. Now God
calls upon you, in your turn, to make great efforts and to sacrifice in order to
place the truth before those who are in darkness. God requires this.
You profess to believe the truth; let your works testify to the fact. Unless
your faith works, it is dead. Nothing but a living faith will save you in
the fearful scenes which are just before you. {1T 191.2}
I saw that it is time for
those who have large possessions to begin to work fast. It is time that they were not only laying by them in store as
God is nowprospering
them, but as He has prospered them. In the
days of the apostles, plans were especially laid that some should not be eased
and others burdened. Arrangements were made that all should share equally in
the burdens of the church of God according to their several abilities. Said the angel: “The ax must be laid at the root of the tree.”
Those who, like Judas, have set their
hearts upon earthly treasure will complain as he did. His heart coveted the
costly ointment poured upon Jesus, and he sought to hide his selfishness under
a pious, conscientious regard for the poor: “Why was not this ointment
sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” He wished that he had the
ointment in his possession; it would not thus be lavished upon the Saviour. He
would apply it to his own use; sell it for money. He prized his Lord just enough
to sell Him to wicked men for a few pieces of silver. As Judas brought up
the poor as an excuse for his selfishness, so professed Christians, whose
hearts are covetous, will seek to hide their selfishness under a put-on
conscientiousness. Oh, they fear that in adopting systematic benevolence we
are becoming like the nominal churches! “Let
not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”
They seem to have a conscientious desire to follow exactly the Bible as they
understand it in this matter; but they entirely neglect the plain admonition of
Christ: “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” {1T 192.1}
“Take heed that ye do not
your alms before men, to be seen of them.”
Some think this text teaches that they must be secret in their works of
charity. And they do but very little, excusing themselves because they do not
know just how to give. But Jesus explained it to His disciples as follows: “Therefore when thou doest
thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I
say unto you, they have their reward.” They gave to be regarded noble and
generous by men. They received praise of men, and Jesus taught His disciples
that this was all the reward they would have. With many, the left hand does
not know what the right hand does, for the right hand does nothing worthy of
the notice of the left hand. This lesson of Jesus to His disciples was to
rebuke those who wished to receive glory of men. They performed their almsgiving
at some very public gathering; and before doing this, a public proclamation was
made heralding their generosity before the people; and many gave large sums
merely to have their name exalted by men. And the means given in this manner
was often extorted from others, by oppressing the hireling in his wages, and
grinding the face of the poor. {1T 193.1}
I was shown that this scripture does not apply to those who have
the cause of God at heart, and use their means humbly to advance it. I was
directed to these texts: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” “By their fruits
ye shall know them.” I was shown that Scripture testimony will harmonize when
it is rightly understood. The good works of the children of God are the most
effectual preaching that the unbeliever has. He thinks that there must be
strong motives that actuate the Christian to deny self, and use his possessions
in trying to save his fellow men. It is unlike the spirit of the world. Such
fruits testify that the possessors are genuine Christians. They seem to be
constantly reaching upward to a treasure that is imperishable. {1T 193.2}
With every gift and offering there should be a suitable object
before the giver, not to uphold any in idleness, not to be seen of men or to
get a great name, but to glorify God by advancing His cause. Some make large
donations to the cause of God while their brother who
is poor, may be suffering close by them, and they do nothing to relieve him.
Little acts of kindness performed for their brother in a secret manner would
bind their hearts together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that in their
prices and wages the rich should make a difference in favor of the afflicted
and widows and the worthy poor among them. But it is too often the case that
the rich take advantage of the poor, reaping every benefit that is to be
gained, and exacting the last penny for every favor. It is all written in
heaven. “I know thy works.” {1T 194.1}
The greatest sin which
now exists in the church is covetousness. God frowns upon His professed people for
their selfishness. His
servants have sacrificed their time and strength to carry them the word of
life, and many have shown by their works that they prize it but lightly.
If they can help
the servant of God just as well as not, they sometimes do it; but they often
let him pass on, and do but little for him. If they employ a day
laborer, he must be paid full wages. But not so with the self-sacrificing servant of God. He labors for them in word and doctrine; he carries the heavy
burden of the work on his soul; he patiently shows from the word of God the
dangerous errors which are hurtful to the soul; he enforces the necessity of
immediately tearing up the weeds which choke the good seed sown; he brings out
of the storehouse of God’s word things new and old to feed the flock of God.
All acknowledge that they have been benefited; but the poisonous weed,
covetousness, is so deeply rooted that they let the servant of God leave
them without ministering to him of their temporal things. They have prized his
wearing labor just as highly as their acts show. Says the True Witness: “I know
thy works.” {1T 194.2}
I saw that God’s servants are not placed beyond the temptations of
Satan. They are often fearfully beset by the enemy, and have a hard battle to
fight. If they could be released from their commission, they would gladly labor
with their hands. Their labor is
called for by their brethren; but when they see it so lightly prized, they are
depressed. True, they look to the final settlement for their reward,
and this bears them up; but their families must have food and clothing. Their
time belongs to the church of God; it is not at their own disposal. They sacrifice the society of their
families to benefit others; and yet some who are benefited by their labors are
indifferent to their wants. I saw that it is doing injustice to such to let
them pass on and deceive themselves. They
think they are approved of God, when He despises their selfishness. Not
only will these selfish ones be called to render an account to God for the use
they have made of their Lord’s money, but all the depression
and heartache which they have brought upon God’s chosen servants, and which
have crippled their efforts, will be set to the account of the unfaithful
stewards. {1T 195.1}
The True Witness declares: “I know thy works.” The selfish,
covetous heart will be tested. Some are not willing to devote to God a very
small portion of the increase of their earthly treasure. They would start back
with horror if you should speak of the principal. What have they sacrificed for God? Nothing.
They profess to believe that Jesus is coming; but their works deny their faith.
Every person will live out all the faith he has. Falsehearted professor, Jesus knows thy works. He hates your
stinted offerings, your lame sacrifices. {1T 195.2}
Robert J. Wieland (Cont) [I will quote Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. pp. 252-255 later in this document. End note.
The idea that
Philadelphia, not Laodicea, is the translation church conflicts with the
general pattern of the prophetic picture in Revelation. The number seven
indicates that the seven churches symbolize the true church through succeeding
periods of history from the time of the apostles to the close of probation
(Acts of the Apostles, pages 581, 583, 585). The message to Laodicea is
"the warning for the last church," not the next-to-the-last one
(Testimonies, vol. 6, page 77). The message does not apply to apostates, but to
God's true people in the last days (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, page 959;
Testimonies, vol. 3, pages 252, 253).
Note by Ron: The above statement by Wieland contradicts himself and Ellen White. All the messages have applied in every succeeding generation. For example, the message to Laodicea applied to the first Laodicean church established in the earliest period of Christianity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laodicean_Church
Notice the following statements by Ellen White:
"The names of the seven churches
are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian era. The number seven indicates completeness,
and is symbolic of the fact that the messages [PLURAL—ALL OF THEM] extend to
the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the
church at different periods in the history of the world." Acts of the
Apostles, p. 585.
The following Ellen White statement
proves Robert J. Wieland to be totally errant on
Laodicea being the last church as applied to the SDA church because Ellen White
applied that message TO ALL CHURCHES:
"The warning for the last church
[Laodicea] also must be proclaimed to
all who claim to be Christians. The Laodicean message, like a sharp,
two--edged sword, must go to ALL THE CHURCHES...It is our work to
proclaim this message. Are we putting forth every effort that the churches may
be warned?" Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 77.
Hear, hear! If Laodicea is the warning
for the last church—the SDA church, as Wieland clearly states, then to agree
with Ellen White’s above statement, ALL CHURCHES—ALL WHO CLAIM TO BE
CHRISTIANS, would be the true church! Wieland says that the message does not
apply to apostates! Ellen White says it applies TO ALL WHO CLAIM TO BE
CHRISTIANS! That includes the Babylonian churches! Wieland says the Laodicea
message applies ONLY TO “GOD’S TRUE PEOPLE IN THE LAST DAYS.”
What about Wieland’s references that are supposed to say the Laodicean message applies only
to the SDA church? They are bogus! The first one says:
“To the church of the present day this
message is sent. I call upon our church members to read the whole of the
third chapter of Revelation, and to make an application of it. The message
to the church of the Laodiceans applies especially to
the people of God today. It is a message to professing Christians who have
become so much like the world that no difference can be seen [vs. 14-18 quoted]
(E.G. White, Review and Herald, Aug. 20, 1903).
· The
WHOLE of the chapter of Revelation 3, includes the
messages to SARDIS, PHILADELPHIA and LAODICEA. We are to make an application of
all three churches!
· Ellen
White says in Early Writings, 273, that the
other fallen churches have become so much like the world that it is impossible
to distinguish between the two.
· She
says in her statement above that the message applies ESPECIALLY to the people
of God today, but that cannot mean ONLY the SDA church, because her other statement
says ALL WHO CLAIM TO BE CHRISTIANS! Of course it would apply ESPECIALLY to
SDA’s because of their knowledge of advanced truth that other professing
Christians have not heard! They have more light and are thus more
responsible—ESPECIALLY RESPONSIBLE!
· Laodicea
cannot be the TRANSLATION CHURCH because Ellen White says that the Laodicean
state of the church is the foolish virgin state and the foolish virgins are not
TRANSLATED!
· Philadelphia
is told she will be made pillars (LEADERS) in the Temple in heaven. Ellen White
saw that only the 144,000 go into the Temple on Mt. Zion, Early Writings,
p. 19. And she said the 144,000 are translated without
seeing death. She said in The Great Controversy 426-427, that the bride (the 144,000) represent the New Jerusalem. Rev.
3:10-12, message to Philadelphia, says that she gets the name NEW JERUSALEM.
End note by Ron.
The Lord's
intention has always been that the message to Laodicea result
in repentance and overcoming on the part of His true people and that it prepare
them to receive the latter rain (Testimonies, vol. 1, pages 186, 187). There is
no hint in Scripture or the Spirit of Prophecy that the message will ultimately
fail; God's true people will heed "the counsel of the True Witness, and
they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation" (Ibid., pages 187, 188). Nowhere does Ellen White say that
God's true people must leave Laodicea and return to Philadelphia.
Note by Ron: There is more than HINT in Scripture and
the Spirit of Prophecy that Laodicea will never repent. See my vision that
depicts at least 17 statements to prove this fact: https://omega77.tripod.com/laodiceannobleship.htm
· Ellen White says clearly that the state of the church represented by the
foolish virgins, is the Laodicean state, and the
FOOLISH VIRGINS DON’T REPENT! "The state of the
Church represented by the foolish virgins, is
also spoken of as the Laodicean state." E.G. White, Review and
Herald, 8/19/1890.
· Wieland is saying that the foolish virgins repent! He does not speak
according to the Testimonies.
· Of course the message will not fail, but Ellen White clearly says that
the SDA church militant will be brought down to hell and that God’s promises
are not fulfilled to that church because they separated themselves from His
love and refused to meet the CONDITIONS, to wit:
PROPHETIC PROLEPSIS 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 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.
·
Obviously, Laodicea is not the noble ship that goes through to port
heaven.
·
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!
·
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.
·
The angel of the Lord showed me that ancient Laodicea never
repented. It was destroyed by a great earthquake in A.D. 17 and in A.D. 60, it
was leveled again.
·
Anciently, an important school of medicine was established in the city of
Laodicea. (Sound familiar?) Followers of the teaching of Herophilos believed in compound medicines for complex
diseases and developed a compound for curing eye diseases called ‘Phrygian
powder.’”
·
It is clear from Ellen White’s prophetic prolepsis statement that
the SDA Laodicean church never repents. The foolish virgins don’t repent. They
are not saved.
·
The SDA Laodicean church has added misery to malady by becoming
cold apostate.
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. That is the noble ship that sinks to rise no more. Zion, the
bride, (Isaiah 62) is the church triumphant. She is married, verse 5. She
appears as about to fall when a sword is drawn out after her, per Ezekiel 5.
But that sword breaks and she is delivered by the voice of Christ.
End note by Ron.
It is, of course,
true that spiritual applications can be made from all of the messages to the
seven churches, appropriate to God's people in all generations. Human nature is
the same the world over and in all generations, so that spiritual principles
apply to all. But the messages to the seven churches reveal a progression of
victorious overcoming that will enable the last generation finally to reach a
maturity of faith and understanding. "The harvest of the earth" will
at last be "ripe" (Revelation 14:12-15).
Heart acceptance of truths in all the appeals to "the angels of the seven
churches" will be necessary for this eventual ripening of the "full
corn in the ear … when the fruit is brought forth" (Mark 4:28, 29). But for the last-day church to return to Philadelphia would be to set
the clock back to a previous generation and violate the prophetic symbolism.
The messages to the six churches have prepared multitudes of believers for
death; repentance on the part of Laodicea prepares a people for translation.
Note by Ron:
· Ellen White said that only the 144,000 will be translated without seeing
death.
· She said that only the 144,000 enter the Temple on Mt. Zion in heaven, Early Writings, p. 19.
· The message to Philadelphia says that they will be made PILLARS
(LEADERS) in the Temple in heaven.
· Philadelphia is not faulted.
· In Revelation 14:1-4, the 144,000 are described as being BLAMELESS.
(KJV)
· Rev. 3 says that Philadelphia is kept through the greatest time of
trouble. That is at the end-time. Matt. 24:21, so Philadelphia will be the
church triumphant bride who awakens the ten virgins, Christ’s Object Lessons,
pp. 405-406.
· Repentant Laodiceans (on an individual basis)
will be guests at the wedding.
· All but the 144,000 bride will be martyred, for only the 144,000 will be
translated without seeing death.
Ellen White says
that a church triumphant is always in existence to come to the aid of the
church militant. She says that there has been a faithful church in every
generation, Acts of the Apostles, p.
11, 12. She said that to the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide
with the true church. She said Laodicea is the foolish virgin statement of the
church and that the presence of God is not in her midst. If you can count to
three, you should see the folly of Wieland’s conclusions concerning Laodicea.
"The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence
of God is not in her midst." E.G. White, Notebook Leaflets,p.
99, 1898.
"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.
End note by Ron.
The message to
Laodicea parallels the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary and the work of
Christ in the Most Holy Apartment. The obvious intent of the Revelation
symbolism is to relate Laodicea with the time of the "seventh angel"
sounding his trumpet during the "time of the dead, that they should be
judged" when "the temple of God was opened in Heaven" and the
Most Holy Apartment came to view (Revelation 11:15-19).
Note by Ron:
· Ellen White says that Laodicea is the foolish virgin state of the
church. When a person buys gold tried in the fire, he/she is no longer
Laodicean or a foolish virgin. He becomes a member of the Sardis church, those
who are martyred for their faith.
· What do foolish virgin Laodiceans have to do
with the cleansing of the Sanctuary and the work of Christ in the Most Holy Apartment. That is where the faithful enter by faith. Early Writings, p.
251 and 255.
· Ellen White said that ALL THE MESSAGES EXTEND TO THE END OF TIME.
· Wieland is saying that only the Laodicean message applies at the end.
· What about Philadelphians being told that they will be kept through the
worst time of trouble ever to occur? That is at the end-time—Matt. 24:21.
· It is Philadelphia that is not faulted. In Revelation 14:1-4, the
144,000 are spoken of as being BLAMELESS.
"The names of the seven churches
are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian era. The number seven indicates completeness,
and is symbolic of the fact that the messages [PLURAL—ALL OF THEM] extend to
the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the
church at different periods in the history of the world." Acts of the
Apostles, p. 585.
Ellen White on Sardis:
1-5 (Matthew 22:14). A Few Faithful Ones in Sardis—The
church of Sardis is represented as having in it a few faithful ones among the
many who had become, as it were, careless and insensible of their obligations
to God. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have
not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are
worthy.” Who
is so favored as to be numbered among these few in Sardis? Are you? Am I?
Who are among this number? Is it not best for us to inquire into this
matter, in order that we may learn to whom the Lord refers when He says that a
few have not stained their white robes of character (Manuscript 81, 1900)? {7BC
959.3}
(Revelation 3:14-18.) Read the Third Chapter of Revelation—In the message to the church at Sardis two parties are
presented—those who have a name to live, but are dead; and those who are
striving to overcome. Study this message, found in the third chapter of
Revelation. [Revelation 3:1, 2quoted.] Who are meant by those that are ready
to die? and
what has made them thus? The explanation is given, “I have not found thy works
perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:3-5 quoted.] {7BC 959.4}
To the church of the present day this
message is sent. I call upon our church members to
read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation, and to make an application
of it. The message to the
church of the Laodiceans applies especially to the
people of God today. It is a message to professing Christians who have become
so much like the world that no difference can be seen [Revelation 3:14-18
quoted] (RH August 20, 1903). {7BC 959.5}
The church of Sardis precedes the
antitypical Day of Atonement as well, but Ellen White applies ALL THE MESSAGES
as extending to the end of time. Most SDA leaders like Robert J. Wieland, apply only Laodicea to the end-time. That is a
great mistake. End not by Ron.
The message to
Philadelphia obviously precedes the antitypical Day of Atonement, fittingly
parallel to the "mighty angel's" work of Revelation 10, which also
precedes the final message of the three angels (verse 11). To change the order
of the seven churches is as confusing as changing the order of the seven seals
or the seven trumpets. God knew what He was about when He gave the visions to
John at Patmos, and we dare not tamper with the inspired order of these
messages.
Note by Ron:
The message to Philadelphia does not merely precede the antitypical Day of
Atonement. On the Day of Atonement, the bride of Christ must overcome all sin.
Revelation 14:1-4 proclaims the 144,000 as being BLAMESLESS, without guile.
Philadelphia is told that she will be kept through the the
hour of temptation that comes upon all the world at
the end-time. That is the only time the hour of temptation comes upon ALL THE
WORLD!
9 Behold, I will make
them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do
lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know
that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast
kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon
all the world, to
try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come
quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take
thy crown.\
12 Him that overcometh
will
I make a pillar in the temple of my God,
and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon
him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new
Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my
God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:9-12.
Ellen White says that
it is the bride that represents the NEW JERUSALEM, to wit:
“The marriage
represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the
bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to
John: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried
me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the
holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Revelation
21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet
the bridegroom are a symbol of the church.
In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper.
Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient
of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the
New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2.” The Great Controversy, pp. 426, 427.
So Philadelphia, the
New Jerusalem, is the bride of Christ, the Zion that is married, Isaiah 62:1-5. She awakens the 10 virgins, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 405-406,
with the Loud Cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him.”
· Wieland discredits the very bride of Christ, Philadelphia, who is made
PILLARS, leaders in the Temple in Heaven. All others are guests at the wedding
feast. If guests, they cannot be the bride!
· Laodicea is the foolish virgin state of the church and they are not
saved.
· “Christ is represented as holding the
seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no
church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked
out of the hand of Christ.” {AA 586.2} End
note by Ron.
Quotations from the message to Philadelphia which Ellen White applies to
people in the last days do not require that Laodicea be eliminated from the
prophetic succession, any more than her frequent quotations from others of the
seven messages require that we "join" Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, or Sardis.
Note by
Ron: What follows is an irrefutable Ellen G. White statement that finally and
forever proves beyond any particle of a doubt that Robert J. Wieland was wrong
about Philadelphia:
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things
saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and
shutteth, and no man openeth;
{ExV 41.2}
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no
man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and
hast not denied my name. {ExV 41.3}
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are
Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship
before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. {ExV
41.4}
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. {ExV
41.5}
Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which
thou hast, that no man take thy crown. {ExV 41.6}
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. {ExV
41.7}
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:7-13. {ExV
41.8}
These are they
which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins: these are they which
follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men,
being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. {ExV
41.9}
And in their mouth
was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:4, 5.
{ExV 41.10} Experience and Views, p. 41.
There you have it friends! Philadelphia
is the bride, the 144,000 of Revelation 14:1-5! It is the voice of the Bride,
Philadelphia, along with the voice of God that awakens all ten virgins, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 405-406,
for Matthew 25 says all those virgins slumbered and slept! Robert Wieland
totally eclipsed the most important role of the most important of all seven of
the churches of Revelation 2 and 3. What a terrible and serious
misrepresentation of the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy. If one can’t
see this one, I will tell him/her straight, he/she is bereft of spiritual
discernment. End note by Ron.
The problem with
Laodicea is not with its identity or with its name. Laodicea is not a dirty
word—it simply means "judging, vindicating, or justifying, the
people." It is a name appropriate to the realities of the investigative
judgment that precedes the second coming. It connotes victory, not defeat.
Note by Ron:
Ellen White’s definition of the Laodicean state of the church as the foolish
virgin state, in no way connotes VICTORY, for the foolish virgins are lost! You
had better believe God in Isaiah 56:10-12 and Isaiah 9:16! End note by Ron.
The name
Philadelphia is also significant. It is compounded from phileo, meaning
affection, and adelphos, brother. The word phileo denotes a lower level of love
than agape. But "speaking the truth in agape" and growing "up
into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" is the experience
that will characterize God's people as they grow in maturity in preparation for
Christ's coming. "The whole body" of the church, the corporate whole
of God's people of all ages, will at last make "increase of the body unto
the edifying [building up] of itself in agape" (compare Ephesians 3:14-19;
4:13-16; Early Writings, pages 55, 56; Christ's Object Lessons, pages 415,
416).
As noted elsewhere
in this book, the expression "I will spue thee out of my mouth" is
not an accurate translation of the Greek. Christ did not say that Laodicea must
suffer His final rejection, without hope. The Greek is mello se emesai, which
means literally, "You make Me sick with nausea," or "I am so
nauseated that I am on the point of vomiting." But the Verb mello does not
require a final action. Christ's nausea can be healed; it is possible for
Laodicea to repent and thus to overcome her terrible lukewarmness.
Note by Ron:
Since the foolish virgins don’t have the necessary oil of grace, the power of
the Holy Spirit given for obedience, Rom. 1:5, it is impossible for them to
repent without possessing that oil—and gold tried in the fire—faith that works
out of a self-sacrificing love for Christ. End
note by Ron.
Read Christ's
letters to the angels of the seven churches at one sitting, consecutively. It
will be very evident that they show an historical goal direction oriented
toward the return of Christ. Thyatira is pointed forward "till I
come." Sardis is pointed forward to the pre-advent judgment. Philadelphia
is told, "I come quickly." But Laodicea meets Christ "at the
door," and is offered the ultimate honor of sharing with Him His royal
authority.
Note by Ron:
It is the bride, Philadelphia, the 144,000 blameless, who have the ultimate
honor of sharing with Christ His Royal Authority, for they go into His Temple
on Mt. Zion in heaven as priests. Christ is the High Priest, and they are the
lesser priests. Wieland is saying that the foolish virgins are offered the
ultimate honor of sharing with Christ His Royal Authority, when they are not
saved. End note by Ron.
Another internal
evidence that Laodicea is the last church is Christ's introduction of Himself
as "the Amen" This is a word that throughout the New Testament
expresses finality.
Christ's
message to Laodicea is closely related to the Song of Solomon 5:2, which He
quotes (from the LXX version) in Revelation 3:20. This often neglected truth establishes Christ's Laodicean appeal as
that of the Bridegroom to His beloved. Her eventual response is not
rejection of the Bridegroom's love, but repentance and preparation for the
"marriage of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:6-9). Thus the promise to the
"certain one" of Revelation 3:21 (Greek, tis) is the offer of an
intimacy in relationship to Christ that is not matched in any of the offers to
the previous six "angels of the seven churches." "The
angel" of the last church is clearly the one whose repentance is unique,
and whose overcoming at last presupposes a unique victory and unique honor
—that of sharing executive authority with Christ Himself. A higher destiny
awaits the Bride than those who are merely "guests" at the wedding.
It is difficult not to recognize the relationship between Revelation 3:21 and the
glorious victory of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-4; 14:1-5; 15:2-4).
Note by Ron: I
proved irrefutably that Philadelphia is the bride of Jesus Christ—being the
144,000 of Revelation 14, as clearly stated by the Spirit of Prophecy to the
church via Ellen G. White. Wieland is dead wrong. What you just read (above) by
Wieland, totally contradicts the following statement by Ellen G. White and
Revelation 14:1-4:
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith
he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that
openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; {ExV 41.2}
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no
man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and
hast not denied my name. {ExV 41.3}
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are
Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship
before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. {ExV 41.4}
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them
that dwell upon the earth. {ExV 41.5}
Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take
thy crown. {ExV 41.6}
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. {ExV 41.7}
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. Revelation 3:7-13. {ExV 41.8}
These are they which were not defiled
with women; for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb
whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the
first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. {ExV 41.9}
And in their mouth was found no guile;
for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:4, 5. {ExV
41.10}
End note by Ron.
Thus it becomes
clear that to cancel Laodicea out of the prophetic picture, to consider the
True Witness' appeal to end in failure, is to rob Christ of the honor and
vindication He so richly deserves. It violates the fulfillment of the
prophecies in Revelation. Cancelling Laodicea and substituting Philadelphia
requires the defeat of the True Witness, and the final humiliation of the
patient Bridegroom who is still knocking at the door.
Note by Ron:
Substituting the Philadelphian bride of Christ, with the foolish virgin state
of the church—Laodicea, is to cancel out the blameless, guileless bride of
Jesus Christ. Cancelling Philadelphia and substituting Laodicea—the foolish
virgin state of the church as the bride, requires the defeat of everything
Scriptural and contradicts the Testimony of the Spirit of Prophecy. Those who
speak not according that those sources have no light says
God Almighty.
It is Philadelphia
that gets the open door that no man can shut. Robert J. Wieland attempted to
shut that door.
Text: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is
holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and
shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man
can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast
not denied my name.” Revelation
3:7, 8. {PrT November 3, 1885,
par. 1}
“The True Witness
declares: “Behold, I have set before thee an open door.” Let us thank God with
heart and soul and voice; and let us
learn to approach unto him as through an open door, believing that we may
come freely with our petitions, and that he will hear
and answer. It is by a living faith in his power to help, that we shall receive
strength to fight the battles of the Lord with the confident assurance of
victory. {RH July 9, 1908, par. 7}
“Because thou hast
kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to
try them that dwell upon the earth.” In this scripture is brought to view the hour of
temptation that is to try them that dwell upon the earth. We are now living in
this trying hour. There is no escape for any from this
conflict. If in your life there are defective traits of character that you are
not striving to overcome, you may be assured that the enemy will endeavor to
take advantage of them; for he is watching vigilantly, seeking to spoil the
faith of every one. In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the
enemy, we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves. We must
maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who has power to give
victory to every soul that will maintain an attitude of faith and humility. If
we are self-sufficient, and think that we may go on just as we please, and yet hope to come out on the right side finally,
we shall find that we have made a terrible mistake. As those who hope to
receive the overcomer’s reward, we must press forward in the Christian warfare,
though at every advance we meet with opposition. {RH July 9, 1908, par. 8}
“Behold, I come
quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Here
again we are admonished to faithfulness, in view of the conflict. We must not
yield any point that we have already gained. From now on till Jesus comes, the
battle will wax fiercer and still fiercer. We
shall have to meet and resist men who are regarded as very wise and learned,
but who are not spiritually wise unto salvation. Our only hope of
saving our own souls and of helping others to be saved,
is to receive the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We are seeking for a crown, a
crown of glory that fadeth not away. As overcomers we
are to reign with Christ in the heavenly courts; and we are to overcome through
the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. {RH July 9, 1908, par. 9}
“Him that overcometh
will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and” he shall go no more out: and
I will write upon him the name of my God, and “the name of the city of my God,
which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will
write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” {RH July 9, 1908, par. 10}
“Christ bears to the church [Philadelphia in context] the words of consolation: “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy
crown. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and
he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the
name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from My God, and I will write upon Him My new name.” {ST February 4,
1903, par. 3}
To the overcomer is
promised a crown of unfading glory, and a life that measures with the life of
God. “To Him that overcometh,” Christ declares, “will I give to eat of the tree
of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Let us strive to
obtain an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord. Let us diligently
study the Gospel that Christ came in person to present to John on the Isle of
Patmos,—the Gospel that is termed, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God
gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which
must shortly come to pass.” Let us remember always that “blessed is he that
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things
which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” {ST February 4, 1903, par.
4}
James White on Philadelphia
"The history and description of the 144,000 apply to those who
are to be changed at the coming of the Lord, and to no other class. First, 'having his Father's name written in their foreheads.'
Said the true Witness to the Philadelphia church, 'Him that overcometh,
will I make a pillar in the temple of my God. And he shall go no more out, and
I will write upon him the name of my God.' Where? 'In their
foreheads,' just where John saw the Father's name.' Now just as sure as the Philadelphia church is the true church
of the last days, just so sure the 144,000 are sealed, just before the coming
of the Lord." James White, The Advent Review,
pg. 56.
End note by Ron
Corporate
Repentance Index | Appendix C — Ezekiel 18 and Corporate Guilt
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