Gospel Order

Ichabod!

Table of Contents


NOTICE: This study was written quite awhile back before learning that the SDA leaders edited the original SOP books by publishing the Conflict of the Ages series (such as DA, AA, PP, PK, GC 1888/1911). So I am NOT recommending these edited books. Thank you for your patience as I still have to change the edited reference to show the original and add more new informations and documentations. Anyway, it is still in God's advantage as I see it because even in edited books we can still connect the statements therein to prove the history of SDA downfall. To God be the glory!


Introduction

History repeats itself, so goes the saying. Unfolding before our very eyes are prophetic events which to some seem unthinkable they would truly occur during our time. Think of what happened to the old Jewish Church in Christ’s time. Think of what had happened to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The parallelism between the two churches will be the pivotal point of our study: The Rise and Fall of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Jerusalem would have stood forever, the elect metropolis of God. But the history of that favored people was a record of backsliding and rebellion. They had resisted Heaven's grace, abused their privileges, and slighted their opportunities.”4SP19 They forgot that “God's favor toward Israel had always been conditional on their obedience.”RH Feb 19, 1914, par. 2 “They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction. The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan... God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.” DA 36,41 (edited DA agreed that fallen Israel became satan's church)

“Ichabod!"--the glory is departed.”4SP34 “Already were the Saviour's words fulfilled: "Your house is left unto you desolate." Matthew 23:38.”4SP24

“…therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations... Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated.” DA 232 (edited DA have this quote proving of separation)

The religious leaders were responsible for this fatal fall.

“For the rejection of Christ, with the results that followed, they were responsible. A nation's sin and a nation's ruin were due to the religious leaders.” COL 305

Christ rejected by the Jewish Church, chose the Gentiles to serve Him; and gave them important responsibilities in the gospel work.

“The Lord Jesus will always have a chosen people to serve Him. When the Jewish people rejected Christ, the Prince of life, He took from them the kingdom of God and gave it unto the Gentiles. God will continue to work on this principle with every branch of His work. When a church proves unfaithful to the word of the Lord, whatever their position may be, however high and sacred their calling, the Lord can no longer work with them. Others are then chosen to bear important responsibilities.” UL 131

“Jerusalem is a representation of what the church will be if it refuses to walk in the light that God has given. Jerusalem was favored of God as the depositary of sacred trusts. But her people perverted the truth, and despised all entreaties and warnings. They would not respect His counsels. The temple courts were polluted with merchandise and robbery. Selfishness and love of mammon, envy and strife, were cherished. Everyone sought for gain from his quarter. Christ turned from them, saying: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem," how can I give thee up? "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Matthew 23:37. So Christ sorrows and weeps over our churches, over our institutions of learning, that have failed to meet the demand of God. He comes to investigate in Battle Creek, which has been moving in the same track as Jerusalem.” 8T 67

“The same danger exists today among the people who profess to be the depositaries of God's law. They are too apt to flatter themselves that the regard in which they hold the commandments will preserve them from the power of divine justice. They refuse to be reproved for evil, and charge God's servants with being too zealous in putting sin out of the camp. A sin-hating God calls upon those who profess to keep His law to depart from all iniquity. Neglect to repent and obey. His word will bring as serious consequences upon God's people today as did the same sin upon ancient Israel. There is a limit beyond which He will no longer delay His judgments. The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel, that the corrections given through His chosen instruments cannot be disregarded with impunity. “ 4T 166-167

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I - The Early Years

Ellen G. White from the Inspired Word of the Spirit of Prophecy, gives us a clear record of such historical development.

1840 – William Miller Presented the Advent Message
- March 1840, E.G. White First Heard the Advent Message.

The first angel’s message: “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. 14:8 was given in the years 1840-844. The Protestant church rejected such message. The second angel’s message was given next.

“When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." [REV. 14:8] This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message. The proclamation, "Babylon is fallen," was given in the summer of 1844, and as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches.” 4SP 232

“Adventists, seeing that the churches rejected the testimony of God's word, could no longer regard them as constituting the church of Christ, "the pillar and ground of the truth;" and as the message, "Babylon is fallen," began to be proclaimed, they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection.” 4SP 237

1844 – October 22, The Great Disappointment – When Christ Did Not Come

The religious movement in 1844 is described as:

“Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the lapse of forty years, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the platform of truth, still feel the holy influence of that blessed work, and bear witness that it was of God.” 4SP 250

“It seems to me that this must be a little the nearest to apostolic revivals of anything that modern times have witnessed." RH, November 25, 1884, par. 14

The first angel’s message was given “to separate the church of Christ from the corrupting influence of the world.” 4SP231 At its proclamation, the Protestant churches “were in Babylon.” 4SP239 When they rejected the first angel’s message in the summer of 1844, they became Babylon fallen as proclaimed by the second angel. About 50,000 Adventists were justified in separating themselves from their churches. It is only when a church or churches become “Babylon fallen” that members are justified in separating from their connections.

1844 – December, First Vision of E.G. White: The Straight and Narrow Path
- The Midnight Cry

“While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little higher." At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, "Alleluia!" Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off the path down into the dark and wicked world below.” EW 14-15

The Midnight Cry:

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Matthew 25:6.

This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel's message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!" Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!"

In every part of the land, light was given upon the second angel's message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. -- EW 238.

1846 – The Faithful Few After the Great Disappointment.
- The First Sabbath Observed

Two years after the Great Disappointment only about 50 proved faithful to God when their faith was tested and tried

“At first only a few were identified with this group who were moving forward in advancing light. By the year 1846 they reckoned their numbers as about fifty.” EW XVII.

In that same year, E.G. White and others began to observe the Bible Sabbath.

“In the autumn of 1846 we began to observe the Bible Sabbath, and to teach and defend it. My attention was first called to the Sabbath while I was on a visit to New Bedford, Massachusetts, earlier in the same year. 1T 75-76.

1850 -- The Shaking.

“The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause.” EW 50.

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people. “I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.” EW 270.

The shaking had begun in 1850, and was caused by the straight testimony of testing truth being poured forth upon God’s people by His messengers. Thus, some church members were shaken out from the truth (NOT from the church as church leaders always say) but by rejecting the truth and rising up against it and those who preached it.

1851 – Gospel Order And Perfect Union.
- Beginning of Local Church Organization.

”The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another.”

Unity "The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties—though there will be much of this to do—but union with Christ. Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all running to the center. The nearer these lines approach the center, the nearer they are to one another. Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite in harmonious action." Letter 49, 1904 (AH 179).

“A strong plea for “Gospel Order” (that is, church organization based on NT model) was made by Ellen G. White in the fall of 1853 (Published in 1854; see EW 97-101).” SDAE 1043.

“I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, "The church must flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. -- EW 100.

“The organization of the church at Jerusalem (Apostolic Church) was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel.” – AA 91 (edited AA agreed to New Testament organization as model)

"It is necessary that the same order and system should be maintained in the church now as in the days of the apostles." 3SP 293

1853 – Pride in the Church.

Pride of Dress and Appearance

“I saw that God's people are on the enchanted ground, and that some have lost nearly all sense of the shortness of time and the worth of the soul. Pride has crept in among Sabbathkeepers-pride of dress and appearance. Said the angel, "Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation." – EW 120.

1856 – The Church Conforming to the World.

“Ye Have Done Worse Than They.”

“Then I was pointed back to the years 1843 and 1844. There was a spirit of consecration then that there is not now. What has come over the professed peculiar people of God? I saw the conformity to the world, the unwillingness to suffer for the truth's sake. I saw a great lack of submission to the will of God…”

“I saw that many who profess to believe the truth for these last days think it strange that the children of Israel murmured as they journeyed; that after the wonderful dealings of God with them, they should be so ungrateful as to forget what He had done for them. Said the angel: "Ye have done worse than they." -- 1T 128- 129.

A Disgrace to the Cause of God

“I was shown the conformity of some professed Sabbathkeepers to the world. Oh, I saw that it is a disgrace to their profession, a disgrace to the cause of God. They give the lie to their profession. They think they are not like the world, but they are so near like them in dress, in conversation, and actions, that there is no distinction…” “As I saw the dreadful fact that God's people were conformed to the world, with no distinction, except in name, between many of the professed disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus and unbelievers, my soul felt deep anguish. I saw that Jesus was wounded and put to an open shame. Said the angel, as with sorrow he saw the professed people of God loving the world, partaking of its spirit, and following its fashions: "Cut loose! Cut loose! lest He appoint you your portion with hypocrites and unbelievers outside the city. Your profession will only cause you greater anguish, and your punishment will be greater because ye knew His will, but did it not." 1T131, 133.

1857 – The Church In Lukewarm State.
- God’s Plea and Warning.

The previous Testimonies borne for the church should have humble them, set their hearts in order, and cut loose from the world. Warnings unheeded, the Church was getting worse. A year later, E.G. White saw in vision the present state of the church.

“Dear Brethren and Sisters: The Lord has shown me in vision some things concerning the church in its present lukewarm state, which I will relate to you. The church was presented before me in vision. Said the angel to the church: "Jesus speaks to thee, 'Be zealous and repent.'" This work, I saw, should be taken hold of in earnest. There is something to repent of. Worldly-mindedness, selfishness, and covetousness have been eating out the spirituality and life of God's people.

“The danger of God's people for a few years past has been the love of the world. Out of this have sprung the sins of selfishness and covetousness. The more they get of this world, the more they set their affections on it; and still they reach out for more. Said the angel: "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Yet many who profess to believe that we are having the last note of warning to the world, are striving with all their energies to place themselves in a position where it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for them to enter the kingdom…” - 1T 141.

“Buy Gold Tried in the Fire”

“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18.

“Heed the counsel of the True Witness. Buy gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and eyesalve that thou mayest see. Make some effort. These precious treasures will not drop upon us without some exertion on our part. We must buy*--"be zealous and repent" of our lukewarm state. We must be awake to see our wrongs, to search for our sins, and to zealously repent of them.” -- 1T 142.

*“The purchase which Christ recommends to us is only complying with the conditions He has given us. True grace, which is of inestimable value, and which will endure the test of trial and adversity, is only obtained through faith and humble, prayerful obedience. Graces that endure the proofs of affliction and persecution, and evidence their soundness and sincerity, are the gold which is tried in the fire and found genuine. Christ offers to sell this precious treasure to man: “Buy of Me god tried in the fire.” The dead, heartless performance of duty does not make us Christians. We must get out of a lukewarm condition and experience a true conversion, or we shall fail of heave. -- 4T 89.

God’s Plea to His Church:

“After all our lukewarmness and sins He says: "Return unto Me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings." This was repeated by the angel a number of times. "Return unto Me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings."

“Some, I saw, would gladly return. Others will not let this message to the Laodicean church have its weight upon them. They will glide along, much after the same manner as before, and will be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord*. Those only who zealously repent will have favor with God. -- 1T 143-144.

God’s Warning to His Church:

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16.

“The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.” -- 6T 408.

But the people of God continued on their backsliding course. Two years later, another testimony was given to the church.

1859 – The Church in Laodicean State.

“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.

“The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst… Abridge the work, limit your labors, and you remove your Helper. .. What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ from His own temple! What a loss to the church!” -- 1NL 99.

Proclaim the Three Angel’s Messages

“In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. “—9T 19.

The SDA church continued in her Laodicean state; and became unfitted to proclaim the Loud Cry of the third angel.

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II - Years of Church Development 1860-1890

A. Beginnings of a Downward Course, 1860-1861

1860 – September 29, Name Seventh-day Adventist Chosen.
-- S.D.A. Church Asleep and Conformed to the World.

Exhorted to Flee From Idolatry

“When I study the Scriptures, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that they are asleep and so conformed to the world that it would be difficult to discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. The distance is widening between Christ and His people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ's professed people and the world have almost disappeared. Like ancient Israel, they follow after the abominations of the nations around them. “ 1T 277.

1861 – Incorporation of the SDA Publishing Association.

“Though the matter was repeatedly urged upon their attention, our brethren took no action in regard to it until 1861. Up to this time my husband had been the legal proprietor of the publishing house, and sole manager of the work. He enjoyed the confidence of the active friends of the cause, who trusted to his care the means which they donated from time to time, as the growing cause demanded, to build up the publishing enterprise. But although the statement was frequently repeated through the Review, that the publishing house was virtually the property of the church, yet as he was the only legal manager, our enemies took advantage of the situation, and under the cry of speculation, did all in their power to injure him, and to retard the progress of the cause. Under these circumstances he introduced the matter of organization, which resulted in the incorporation of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, according to the laws of Michigan, in the spring of 1861.” 1T 101.

Harm to the Cause of God

With the organization and incorporation of the SDA Publishing Association, E.G. White saw the danger that some unconsecrated persons would overstep the bounds and deface the cause of God.

“But while God's people are justified in securing church property in a lawful manner, they should be careful to maintain their peculiar and holy character. I saw that unconsecrated persons would take advantage of the position which the church has recently taken, and would overstep the bounds*, carry matters to extremes, and wound the cause of God.* Some will move without wisdom or judgment, engage in lawsuits that might be avoided, mingle with the world, partake of its spirit, and influence others to follow their example. One professed Christian who moves unadvisedly does much harm to the cause of present truth. Evil takes root much more readily than good, and flourishes when good and right languish unless carefully nourished.” 1T 212.

Peculiar Relationship to God

“Israel was now to be taken into a close and peculiar relation to the Most High-- to be incorporated as a church and a nation under the government of God.” PP 303 (edited PP has this statement with incorporation)

No Resort to Secular Power

“One of the principles most firmly maintained by Luther was that there should be no resort to secular power in support of the Reformation, and no appeal to arms for its defense.” GC 209 (edited GC has stated this)

“When the church begins to seek for the support of secular power, it is evident that she is devoid of the power of Christ—the constraint of divine love.” MB 127.

No Favor of the World

“It was by departure from the Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that the Jewish church became a harlot; and Rome, corrupting herself in like manner by seeking the support of worldly powers, receives a like condemnation.”
“Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome's example of iniquitous connection with "the kings of the earth"--the state churches, by their relation to secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term "Babylon"--confusion--may be appropriately applied to these bodies,..” GC 382-383 (even the edited GC has agreed with the term - Babylon and confusion)

"When the State shall enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Papacy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution as were God's people in ancient times. Almost every century furnishes instances of what human hearts, controlled by rage and malice, can do under a plea of serving God by protecting the rights of the church and State. The Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliances with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience. How many non-conformist ministers have suffered under the power of the Church of England! Persecution always follows a restriction of religious liberty on the part of secular governments." ST November 8, 1899

“Any movement in favor of religious legislation is really an act of concession to the papacy, which for so many ages has steadily warred against liberty of conscience.” 5T 711-712.

1863 – May, General Conference Organized.
-- June 6, Health Reform Message.

“General Conference Organized, 1863. The next annual meeting of the Michigan Conference (originally scheduled for October) convened at Battle Creek May 20-23, 1863, under the temporary chairmanship of J. N. Aldrich, with Uriah Smith as secretary. Elected delegates were present from the New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota conferences.”

“A committee appointed to draft a constitution for the proposed General Conference Organization brought in its report on Friday, May 21. The following constitution, after being discussed item by item, was adopted in its entirety:..” SDA Encyclopedia, p 1046.

“It was at the house of Brother A. Hilliard, at Otsego, Michigan, June 6, 1863, That the great subject of health Reform was opened before me in vision.” RH, Oct. 8, 1867 CDF 481.

“The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body.” The health reform is closely connected with the work of the third message, yet it is not the message.” CDF 74.

1865 – Church Departed From the Simplicity of the Gospel. -- Origin of the Great Apostasy.

“Many who profess the truth are not sanctified by it and are not endowed with wisdom; they are not led and taught of God. God's people, as a general thing, are worldly-minded and have departed from the simplicity of the gospel. This is the cause of the great lack of spiritual discernment in the course they have pursued toward ministers.” 1T 474.

“What was the origin of the great apostasy? How did the church first depart from the simplicity of the gospel? By conforming to the practices of paganism, to facilitate the acceptance of Christianity by the heathen. The apostle Paul declared, even in his day, "The mystery of iniquity doth already work." 2 Thessalonians 2:7. During the lives of the apostles the church remained comparatively pure. But "toward the latter end of the second century most of the churches assumed a new form; the first simplicity disappeared, and insensibly, as the old disciples retired to their graves, their children, along with new converts, . . . came forward and new-modeled the cause."-- Robert Robinson, Ecclesiastical Researches, ch. 6, par. 17, p. 51. To secure converts, the exalted standard of the Christian faith was lowered, and as the result "a pagan flood, flowing into the church, carried with it its customs, practices, and idols." --Gavazzi, Lectures, page 278. As the Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular rulers, it was nominally accepted by multitudes; but while in appearance Christians, many "remained in substance pagans, especially worshiping in secret their idols."--Ibid., page 278.” GC 384-385.

1867 – Vision of E.G. White: A Catholic Procession. -- The Eventual Fate of the SDA Church.

“That night I dreamed that I was in Battle Creek looking out from the side glass at the door and saw a company marching up to the house, two and two. They looked stern and determined. I knew them well and turned to open the parlor door to receive them, but thought I would look again. The scene was changed. The company now presented the appearance of a Catholic procession. One bore in his hand a cross, another a reed. And as they approached, the one carrying a reed made a circle around the house, saying three times: "This house is proscribed. The goods must be confiscated. They have spoken against our holy order." Terror seized me, and I ran through the house, out of the north door, and found myself in the midst of a company, some of whom I knew, but I dared not speak a word to them for fear of being betrayed. I tried to seek a retired spot where I might weep and pray without meeting eager, inquisitive eyes wherever I turned. I repeated frequently: "If I could only understand this! If they will tell me what I have said or what I have done!"

“I wept and prayed much as I saw our goods confiscated. I tried to read sympathy or pity for me in the looks of those around me, and marked the countenances of several whom I thought would speak to me and comfort me if they did not fear that they would be observed by others. I made one attempt to escape from the crowd, but seeing that I was watched, I concealed my intentions. I commenced weeping aloud, and saying: "If they would only tell me what I have done or what I have said!" My husband, who was sleeping in a bed in the same room, heard me weeping aloud and awoke me. My pillow was wet with tears, and a sad depression of spirits was upon me.” 1T 578.

The vision was a chilling statement that the whole Seventh-day Adventist System would become Catholic. This prophecy has just unfolded. Let us retrace the events in the unfolding of this prophecy.

Golden Medallion Given to the Pope

In 1977 the SDA Church gave a golden medallion to the pope—a medallion of St. Benedict with a cross engraved on it.

“The book presented was the Adventist missionary book Faith in Action, and the medallion was a gold-covered symbol of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The medallion is an engraved witness to the Adventist faith in Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and soon-coming Lord, in the cross and Bible….” Adventist Review, August 11, 1977.

Adoption of the Cross

“What are you waiting for… A sign? You’ve waited more than 150 years* for the church to adopt an official, worldwide corporate identity. Fortunately, there is no need to wait any longer for your sign… Positive ID is the officially licensed supplier of the Seventh-day Adventist logo accessories so we can guarantee that your signage complies with the strict global identity standards required by the General Conference.” (Back cover)

“The years 1996 and 1997 will go down in Seventh-day Adventist Church history as the era during which our church adopted and implemented a unified corporate image.” Ministry Magazine, July 1997 edition.

From 1846 when E.G. White first observed the Sabbath as a sign between God and His people (Eze. 20:12, 20), to 1996 when the SDA Church adopted and implemented the new logo for its corporate sign spanned 150 years.

How ironic then that the SDA leaders irreverently replaced the Holy Sabbath, being the sign of God’s people, with that of a corporate logo with a cross on it!

In addition, another warning was given to the SDA church being the modern Israel that they are in danger of falling like the ancient Israel.

“I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions. Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshiped, even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store, and would remove sickness from the midst of them. A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God--a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Testimonies for the Church, vol 1, p 609.

1868 – “Sleeping Preachers Preaching to a Sleeping People.”
-- Hellish Banner Planted in the Church.

“Men who stand in very responsible positions at the heart of the work are asleep. Satan has paralyzed them in order that his plans and devices may not be discerned, while he is active to ensnare, deceive, and destroy.

“Some who occupy the position of watchmen to warn the people of danger have given up their watch and recline at ease. They are unfaithful sentinels. They remain inactive, while their wily foe enters the fort and works successfully by their side to tear down what God has commanded to be built up….

“And Satan exults at his success in controlling the minds of so many who profess to be Christians. He has deceived them, benumbed their sensibilities, and planted his hellish banner right in their midst, and they are so completely deceived that they know not that it is he. The people have not erected graven images, yet their sin is no less in the sight of God... They are idolaters, and are worse, far worse, in the sight of God than the heathen, graven-image worshipers who have no knowledge of a better way.” 2T 439-441.

“Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preaching to a sleeping people!” 2T 337.

God’s Appointed Way

E.G. White had tried to set before God’s people their danger and their sins; endeavored to arouse and remind them that men could be saved only in God’s appointed way.

“I have stated before them that, from what was shown me, but a small number of those now professing to believe the truth would eventually be saved--not because they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in God's own appointed way. The way marked out by our divine Lord is too narrow and the gate too strait to admit them while grasping the world or while cherishing selfishness or sin of any kind. There is no room for these things; and yet there are but few who will consent to part with them, that they may pass the narrow way and enter the strait gate.” 2T 445-446.

B. Church Steadily Retreating to the World. 1882-1890

1882 – Continual Backsliding.
-- Disbelief in the Testimonies of the Spirit of God.

The succeeding years found God’s people in a much worse condition. In 1882, the church had turned back and was steadily retreating toward Egypt or the world, instead of following Christ, her Leader.

“I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people. The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or condemnation. Grievous and presumptuous sins have dwelt among us. And yet the general opinion is that the church is flourishing and that peace and spiritual prosperity are in all her borders.”

“The church has turned back from following Christ her Leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power. Doubt, and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches everywhere. Satan would have it thus. “ 5T 217.

“It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition.” 4T 211

“The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony.” 1SM 48

God’s Urgent Plea

Again, the SDA church was urged to return to God’s appointed way; to return to the old landmarks from which she had wandered away.

“No matter who you are or what your life has been, you can be saved only in God's appointed way. You must repent; you must fall helpless on the Rock, Christ Jesus.” 5T 218.

“Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of His wrath is poured upon the sons of men. We have wandered away from the old landmarks. Let us return. If the Lord be God, serve Him; if Baal, serve him. Which side will you be on?” 5T 137.

The Church Found Wanting

“The church cannot measure herself by the world nor by the opinion of men nor by what she once was. Her faith and her position in the world as they now are must be compared with what they would have been if her course had been continually onward and upward. The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. If her moral character and spiritual state do not correspond with the benefits and blessings God has conferred upon her, she will be found wanting. The light has been shining clear and definite upon her pathway, and the light of 1882 calls her to an account. If her talents are unimproved, if her fruit is not perfect before God, if her light has become darkness, she is indeed found wanting. The knowledge of our state as God views it, seems to be hidden from us. We see, but perceive not; we hear, but do not understand; and we rest as unconcerned as if the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, rested upon our sanctuary. We profess to know God, and to believe the truth, but in works deny Him. Our deeds are directly adverse to the principles of truth and righteousness, by which we profess to be governed.” 5T 83-84.

1886 – The Church in Danger of Becoming Babylon Fallen.

“We are in danger of becoming a sister to fallen Babylon, of allowing our churches to become corrupted, and filled with every foul spirit, a cage of every unclean and hateful bird…” 21MR 380

1887 – Appeals to the SDA Church

Be Sober, be Vigilant”

“We must no longer remain upon the enchanted ground. We are fast approaching the close of our probation. Let every soul inquire, How do I stand before God?...” “The work is before us; will we engage in it? We must work fast, we must go steadily forward. We must be preparing for the great day of the Lord. We have no time to lose, no time to be engaged in selfish purposes. The world is to be warned... O my brethren, will you grieve the Holy Spirit, and cause it to depart? Will you shut out the blessed Saviour, because you are unprepared for His presence? Will you leave souls to perish without the knowledge of the truth, because you love your ease too well to bear the burden that Jesus bore for you? Let us awake out of sleep. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8) – The Review and Herald, March 22, 1887. – 1SM 125, 126, 127

1888 – Righteousness by Faith Message

In 1888, the precious light on Righteousness by Faith was given to the SDA Church. The message, which was in its entirety the third angel’s message, was to teach the world to believe in Jesus Christ and His love.

“The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure.“ TM 91

The Gospel of His Grace

“The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ…” “For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines.” TM 92-93

The Message Rejected

Sadly, the SDA Church rejected the message of Justification by Faith.

“The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness only through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed, and rejected.” TM 467-468

“An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord's message through Brethren {E.J.} Waggoner and {A.T.} Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world.” 1SM 234.

Had the SDA Church accepted the message in 1888 in Minneapolis, a reformation and reorganization of the church in accordance to God’s plan would have taken place. Jesus Christ would have been the Head of the Church. Contrarily, the church adhered to its having a visible head, the General Conference president among others….

The Church continued in rejecting the 1888 message.

“In 1888 the direction of the Adventist church took an upward turn at the Minneapolis Ministerial Pre-Session… and the church has not been the same since...The 1985 World Ministers Council follows in the tradition of 1888.” Ministry magazine, November , 1984, p 22 (Back cover).

1890 – Proposal for Consolidation and Centralization.

“During the year 1890, much thought had been given by leading men connected with the management of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, to a proposal for the consolidation of the work of the publishing houses under one board of control. The proposed union of the publishing interests was advocated as a means of securing unity, economy, and efficiency.” LS 311.

Consolidation and centralization is not God’s plan. If adopted, it would mar the work.

“At times it has been urged that the interests of the cause would be furthered by a consolidation of our publishing houses, bringing them virtually under one management. But this, the Lord has shown, should not be. It is not His plan to centralize power in the hands of a few persons or to bring one institution under the control of another.” 7T 171.

“This is not God's wisdom, but human wisdom. Those matters have been coming up again and again in different aspects, but this policy of consolidation would, if adopted, result in marring the work..” PM 144

“The policy of consolidation, wherever pursued, tends to the exaltation of the human in place of the divine..” 7T 172.

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III - Marked Downward Development in the Church 1891-1897

1891 – Consolidation and Centralization.
-- E.G. White Sent to Australia.

Guard Against Adopting Worldly Policy

“If there is committed to us a special message, as we believe, that message must go, without reference to the customs or prejudices of the world, not governed by a policy of fear or favor… Patterning after the world and adopting a worldly policy, must be guarded against. Men in responsible positions should go to God as often as did Daniel in earnest supplication for divine help. “ LS 314.

“The General Conference for 1891 was held in Battle Creek March 5-25. Sunday forenoon, March 15, the committee of twenty-one appointed at the preceding General Conference to consider the consolidation of the publishing interests, presented its report. The committee spoke favorably of the objects to be gained by consolidation, but advised that the Conference move cautiously. They then proposed that the General Conference Association be reorganized, with a view to its eventually securing control of all the publishing work of the denomination.”

“In harmony with the advice of this committee, the General Conference Association, intended at first as an agency for the holding of church property, was reorganized with a board of twenty-one members, and was given control of many lines of work, of which publishing interests stood first.” LS 313.

Controlling Power in Battle Creek

“Notwithstanding frequent counsels to the contrary, men continued to plan for centralization of power, for the binding of many interests under one control. This work was first started in the Review and Herald office. Things were swayed first one way and then another. It was the enemy of our work who prompted the call for the consolidation of the publishing work under one controlling power in Battle Creek. “ 8T 217.

E.G. White and Her Son Sent to Australia

“In his reports and addresses to the General Conference of 1891, Elder S. N. Haskell … He pleaded that teachers be chosen to open a school in Australasia; and also that Mrs. Ellen G. White and her son, W. C. White, spend some time in that field.” LS 331.

Her mission to Australia was not according to God’s will. In 1896, she wrote Bro. Olsen:

“Dear Brother [O. A.] Olsen:…. I have not, I think, revealed the entire working that led me here to Australia. Perhaps you may never fully understand the matter. The Lord was not in our leaving America. He did not reveal that it was His will that I should leave Battle Creek. The Lord did not plan this, but He let you all move after your own imaginings. The Lord would have had W. C. White, his mother, and her workers remain in America. We were needed at the heart of the work. . . . But the Lord read the hearts of all. There was so great a willingness to have us leave, that the Lord permitted this thing to take place. Those who were weary of the testimonies borne were left without the persons who bore them. Our separation from Battle Creek was to let men have their own will and way, which they thought superior to the way of the Lord. The result is before you. Had you stood in the right position the move would not have been made at that time. The Lord would have worked for Australia by other means and a strong influence would have been held at Battle Creek, the great heart of the work. There we should have stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a healthful atmosphere to be felt in all our conferences. It was not the Lord who devised this matter.” 10MR 392

Another letter she wrote while yet sailing her way to Australia.

“The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, "a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." TM 265

“Let us not form unholy bonds of union with the friends of the world; for God has pronounced His curse upon all such unions… Already has the power of darkness placed its mold and superscription upon the work that should stand forth untainted, unpolluted from Satan's cunning devices… Woe be unto him whose wisdom is not from above but from beneath!” TM 277

Repeated Warning from E.G. White

Further departure of the SDA Church from Christ, would make her the harlot of Babylon as prophesied in Revelation 18:2.

“In the Bible the sacred and enduring character of the relation that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage… The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and affection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow. The sin of Israel in departing from the Lord is presented under this figure; and the wonderful love of God which they thus despised is touchingly portrayed: "I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest Mine." "And thou wast exceeding beautiful and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee. . . . But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown." "As a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord;" "as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!" Ezekiel 16:8, 13-15, 32; Jeremiah 3:20.” “In the New Testament, language very similar is addressed to professed Christians who seek the friendship of the world above the favor of God. Says the apostle James: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." GC 381-382.

“A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot.” 4SP 233.

1893 – SDA Church Prematurely Called Babylon
-- Strong Warning to the SDA Church

“ Thou Capernaum… Shall Be Brought Down to Hell.”

“How is it that these pamphlets denouncing the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Babylon were scattered abroad everywhere, at the very time when that church was receiving the outpouring of the Spirit of God? How is it that men can be so deceived as to imagine that the loud cry consists in calling the people of God out from the fellowship of a church that is enjoying a season of refreshing? Oh, may these deceived souls come into the current, and receive the blessing, and be endued with power from on high.” TM 23.

“There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren.” TM 50.

“Those who assert that the Seventh-day Adventist churches constitute Babylon, or any part of Babylon, might better stay at home. Let them stop and consider what is the message to be proclaimed at this time.” TM 37.

The message that the SDA Church was Babylon in 1893, was premature and preempted. It was a premature call, a deception. God is very precise when He gives clear statements in the Testimonies pertaining to the Church. At that time, 1893, the SDA Church was not Babylon yet. Significant words like – “at this time”, “at the very time,” “at the present time” – clearly referred to 1893. As such, distinctly clearing all doubts about the right timing of the Babylon message.

It is very clear that the SDA Church was not yet Babylon in 1893 when the message was given the first time. E.G. White states:

“My brother, I learn that you are taking the position that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, and that all that would be saved must come out of her… My brother you are certainly off the track. The second angel’s message was to go to Babylon (the churches) proclaiming her downfall, and calling the people to come out of her. This same message is to be proclaimed the second time.” TM 58-59.

Yet a strong warning to the SDA Church was given:

“Of those who boast of their light, and yet fail to walk in it, Christ says, "But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee." Review and Herald, August 1, 1893

It seems unthinkable that the SDA Church being the modern Israel, the chosen one, would be brought down to hell; but “it should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional.” 1SM 67.

The promise is upon condition of obedience.” 2T 80.

After the chilling pronouncement, there was never been hardly a change in the conduct of affairs in the SDA Church in the succeeding years.

1895 – Worldly Policy Introduced into the Church.
-- General Conference Corrupted.

“A Cage of Every Unclean and Hateful Bird.”

“The world must not be introduced into the church and married to the church. Through union with the world the church will become corrupt,--"a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The customs of the world must not have a place; for they will be open doors through which the prince of darkness will find access, and the line of demarcation will become indistinguishable between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not… Satanic forces are continually at work through the world, and it is Satan’s object to bring the church and the world into such close fellowship that their aims, their spirit, their principles, shall harmonize..." Review and Herald, February 26, 1895. (3RH 233).

Wrong Principles and Sentiments--Consolidation

The General Conference—the center of the work—was becoming corrupt:

“I do not find rest in spirit. Scene after scene is presented in symbols before me, and I find no rest until I begin to write out the matter. At the center of the work matters are being shaped so that every other institution is following in the same course. And the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles.* In the working of plans, the same principles are manifest that have controlled matters at Battle Creek for quite a length of time.” TM 359.

Battle Creek—Heart of the Work

“If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence. Satan's chief work is at the headquarters of our faith.” 4T 210.

“At Battle Creek is the great heart of the work. Every pulsation is felt by the members of the body all over the field. If this great heart is in health, a vital circulation will be felt all through the body of Sabbathkeepers. If the heart is diseased, the languishing condition of every branch of the work will attest the fact.” 1T 596.

“It is impossible for you to unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure. "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial?" God and Christ and the heavenly host would have man know that if he unites with the corrupt, he will become corrupt.” 6BC 1102.

So Christ sorrows and weeps over our churches, over our institutions of learning, that have failed to meet the demand of God. He comes to investigate in Battle Creek, which has been moving in the same track of Jerusalem.” 8T 67.

1896 – Admonition: Not to Choose One Man as President of the General Conference.

“As a people we should study God's plans for conducting His work. Wherever He has given directions in regard to any point, we should carefully consider how to regard His expressed will. This work should have special attention. It is not wise to choose one man as president of the General Conference.” TM 342

Sacred Character Lost

“To a large degree the General Conference Association has lost its sacred character, because some connected with it have not changed their sentiments in any particular since the Conference held in Minneapolis…”

“Who can now feel sure that they are safe in respecting the voice of the General Conference Association? If the people in our churches understood the management of the men who walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, would they respect their decisions? I answer, No, not for a moment. I have been shown that the people at large do not know that the heart of the work is being diseased and corrupted at Battle Creek. “ SpM 35.

1897 – Decentralization of the General Conference.

“Prior to 1897 the president of the General Conference also had been president of the Foreign Mission Board, president of the General Conference Association, president of the International Tract Society, and president of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, besides being a member of a number of other committees and boards…”

“It also was voted that the General Conference territory be divided into three sections; the United States and British North America, the European Union Conference, and the Australasian Union Conference, the rest to be under the care of the Mission Board. The Mission Board was to consist of 9 members, and the General Conference Committee was increased to 13 members. Union conferences were to be organized in Europe and America as soon as it was deemed advisable.” SDA Encyclopedia, p 1050. (see also 2PRC 270).

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IV - Years of Complete Conformity to the World, God’s Retributive Judgment 1900-1902

1900 -- SDA’s Conforming to the World.

No Longer a Separate and Peculiar People

“Many who call themselves Christians are mere human moralists. They have refused the gift which alone could enable them to honor Christ by representing Him to the world. The work of the Holy Spirit is to them a strange work. They are not doers of the word. The heavenly principles that distinguish those who are one with Christ from those who are one with the world have become almost indistinguishable. The professed followers of Christ are no longer a separate and peculiar people. The line of demarcation is indistinct. The people are subordinating themselves to the world, to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. The church has gone over to the world in transgression of the law, when the world should have come over to the church in obedience to the law. Daily the church is being converted to the world.” COL 315-316.

The Church and the World Standing on the Same Ground

“The church has taken the world into her fellowship, and has given her affections to the enemies of holiness. The church and the world are standing on the same ground in transgression of the law of God. The church prefers to assimilate to the world rather than separate from its customs and vanities.” ST, March 12, 1894 par. 7

1901 – The General Conference No Longer the Voice of God.
-- Call for Renovation, Reorganization.
-- Leaders Closed and Bolted the Door Against the Holy Spirit’s Entrance.
-- Testimonies Not Heeded.

“The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth.” 2SM 390.

True Bible Order Changed

“At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the general management of the work have, in the name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and to restrict God's work, I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God. But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field should not be respected. God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority. The error that some are in danger of committing is in giving to the mind and judgment of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and influence that God has vested in His church in the judgment and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work.”

“When this power, which God has placed in the church, is accredited wholly to one man, and he is invested with the authority to be judgment for other minds, then the true Bible order is changed. Satan's efforts upon such a man's mind would be most subtle and sometimes well-nigh overpowering, for the enemy would hope that through his mind he could affect many others. Let us give to the highest organized authority in the church that which we are prone to give to one man or to a small group of men.” 9T 260-261.

“From the light God has given me, everything connected with this conference is to be regarded as most sacred. Why? Because at this time the work is to be placed upon a proper basis. Wrong principles have been followed. For the last fifteen years* wrong decisions have been made; and now God calls for a change…”

“It is high time that this came to an end. Let the work be woven after the same pattern that it has in the past and it will finally come to naught. God calls for a decided change... This is what is needed.” 13MR 195.

“That these men should stand in a sacred place, to be as the voice of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to be,--that is past. What we want now is a reorganization. We want to begin at the foundation, and to build upon a different principle… “The men that have long stood in positions of trust while disregarding the light that God as given, are not to be depended upon. God wants them to be removed…God has not put any kingly power in our ranks to control. There must be a renovation, a reorganization;” General Conference Bulletin, p 23-26, April 3, 1901.

Door Closed Against the Holy Spirit’s Entrance

A reorganization seemed to take place…

“No official head or president had been elected by the GC.” SDA Encyclopedia, p 1052.

“What a wonderful work could have been done for the vast company gathered in Battle Creek at the General Conference of 1901, if the leaders of our work had taken themselves in hand. But the work that all heaven was waiting to do as soon as men prepared the way, was not done; for the leaders closed and bolted the door against the Spirit's entrance... The doors were barred against the heavenly current that would have swept away all evil... They built themselves up in wrong doing, and said to the Spirit of God, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee." Battle Creek Letters 55-56

Call for Reformation

A solemn warning was given prior to the destruction of the publishing house.

“Unless there is a reformation, calamity will overtake the publishing house, and the world will know the reason... At the General Conference, held in Battle Creek in 1901, the Lord gave His people evidence that He was calling for reformation. Minds were convicted, and hearts were touched; but thorough work was not done. If stubborn hearts had then broken in penitence before God, there would have been seen one of the greatest manifestations of the power of God that has ever been seen. But God was not honored. The testimonies of His Spirit were not heeded. Men did not separate from the practices that were in decided opposition to the principles of truth and righteousness, which should ever be maintained in the Lord's work… Many will wander from the path of humility, and, casting aside the yoke of Christ, will walk in strange paths. Blinded and bewildered, they will leave the narrow path that leads to the city of God.” 8T 96, 97, 100.

Testimonies Not Headed

“The results of the last general conference has been the greatest, the most terrible sorrow of my life, no change was made… Men did not receive the testimonies of the Spirit of God…

“So today upon those who have had light and evidence, but who have refused to heed the Lord’s warnings and entreaties, heaven’s woe is pronounced. The Lord bore long with the perversity of Israel, but the time came when the people passed the boundaries...” 13MR 123

1902 – Review and Herald Publishing House, Battle Creek Sanitarium Destroyed by Fire.
-- God Made Appeals.
-- E.G. White Would No Longer Participate in SDA Church Camp Meeting Activities.

Destruction of the Review and Herald Publishing House by fire in 1902.

In this destruction, God was appealing to His people to return to Him.

Problem of Centralization Solved by Fire.

“ At one time it was supposed that the publishing interests should be centralized under the organization in Battle Creek. I was in great distress in regard to this sentiment. I was weighed down as a cart beneath sheaves. But this difficulty was adjusted by the Lord's permitting the principal buildings of the Review and Herald Publishing House to be destroyed by fire...” PM 177.

God Made Appeals

“We have all been made very sad by the news of the terrible loss that has come to the cause in the burning of the Review and Herald office. In one year two of our largest institutions have been destroyed by fire… The destruction of the Review and Herald building should not be passed over as something in which there is no meaning. Everyone connected with the office should ask himself: "Wherein do I deserve this lesson? Wherein have I walked contrary to a 'Thus saith the Lord,' that He should send this lesson to me? Have I heeded the warnings and reproofs that He has sent, or have I followed my own way?… I pray that those who have resisted light and evidence, refusing to listen to God's warnings, will see in the destruction of the Review and Herald office an appeal to them to turn to God with full purpose of heart. Will they not realize that God is in earnest with them? He is not seeking to destroy life, but to save life…He says: "They shall have another chance. I will let the fire speak to them and will see if they will counterwork the action of My providence. I will try them as by fire to see if they will learn the lesson that I desire to teach them. When the Battle Creek Sanitarium was destroyed, Christ gave Himself to defend the lives of men and women. In this destruction God was appealing to His people to return to Him. And in the destruction of the Review and Herald office, and the saving of life, He makes a second appeal to them. He desires them to see that the miracle-working power of the Infinite has been exercised to save life, that every worker may have opportunity to repent and be converted.” 8T 101-102.

E.G. White’s Decision

“… I have but very little confidence that the Lord is giving these men in positions of responsibility spiritual eyesight and heavenly discernment. I am thrown into perplexity over their course, and I desire now to attend to my special work, to have no part in any of their councils, and to attend no camp meetings nigh nor afar off. My mind shall not be dragged into confusion by the tendency they manifest to work directly contrary to the light that God has given me. I am done. I will preserve my God-given intelligence. “

“My voice has been heard in different conferences and at camp meetings. I must now make a change… I shall therefore leave them… I have pity for them, but…. They are brought no nearer right actions by what I say that if the word were never spoken… this is the light given me, and I shall not depart from it.” 17MR 65

However, this does not mean E.G. White never attended conferences and camp meetings at all. But upon the Lord’s direction, she would attend such gatherings if only to deliver certain testimonies to them. Jesus did the same when He separated and departed from Jerusalem.

“The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ's message and was bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.” DA 232.

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V - Great Apostasy Developing Stronger 1903-1909

1903 – Leaders Voted Directly Against God.
-- A New Constitution Passed.
-- SDA Church Declared a Harlot.
“The Divine Presence and Glory have Deparated.”

In the 1903 GC session, the leaders voted to go directly against God. “A New Constitution was passed in General Conference contrary to the principle of God.” (2PRC 437).

“How is the Faithful City Became an Harlot!”

“In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged…”

“The heavenly Teacher inquired: "What stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretense that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning against Jehovah? Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion, that takes possession of minds when men who have once known the truth, mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof; when they suppose that they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, while in reality they are in need of everything…"

“Who can truthfully say: "Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments are unspotted by the world"? I saw our Instructor pointing to the garments of so-called righteousness. Stripping them off, He laid bare the defilement beneath. Then He said to me: "Can you not see how they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of character? 'How is the faithful city become an harlot!' My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!" 8T 247-250.

Surprisingly, the strong statement declaring that the SDA Church is harlot is confirmed by the SDA Leaders. To wit:

“1903 – The Church became a harlot…[quoted 8T250].” Answers to Current Issues, vol 1, p. 64, by Severino S. Paypa.

“That city of ‘Jerusalem’ is analogous to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a ‘faithful’ church which become an ‘harlot’ during the time of E.G. White…” Documented Answers on Seventh-Day Adventist Issues, by Gideon Durante, p. 72 (1994).

Spirit of Prophecy vol. 4 p. 233 clearly states that, “In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot.”

Babylon is a harlot is the SDA Church!

The SDA Church is a harlot is Babylon!

To recall, the SDA Church was not yet Babylon in 1893. Fact is, E.G. White denounced A.W. Stanton et al for such a premature declaration that “the Church was Babylon”. “He has run before he was sent.” At that very time the “Church was receiving the outpouring of the Spirit of God.” E.G. White states: “The same message is to be proclaimed the second time.” Te second time took place 10 years after—in 1903. God, ever loving and merciful, would have wanted that the Church would mend her ways. A period of time was given for the Church to repent. Belligerent, rebellious, unheeding God’s command to mend her ways, the SDA Church repeated ancient Israel’s glum experience.

Thus, the chilling pronouncement: “Ichabod! – the glory is departed!”

… Again and again, the history of Christ’s withdrawal from Judaea was repeated.

Appeals for change fell on deaf ears. With continual backsliding, the distance between church and papacy lessened.

It is a backsliding church that lessens the distance between itself and the Papacy.” ST, February 19, 1894 (3ST 99).

No Repentance

No evident effort was done to make the necessary repentance. The Church continued to grow worse.

“After I received word in regard to the excellent meeting of confession and unity that had been held in Battle Creek I was writing in my diary and was about to record the thankfulness I felt because a change had come, when my hand was arrested, and there came to me the words: "Write it not. No change for the better has taken place.” 8T 231.

Platform of Eternal Truth

The Church could no longer stand in the platform of eternal truth because she had been governed by worldly policy.

“If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the world, and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our transactions, we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth.” 4BC 1142.

“Our platform is the law of God, in which we are enjoined to observe the Sabbath day; for, as is distinctly stated in the thirty-first chapter of Exodus, the observance of the Sabbath is a sign between God and His people.” 7T 122

“God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” 3T 446.

Hopeless Apostasy

No repentance made, the Church continued to grow worse in hopeless apostasy and rebellion against God and His truth.

Yet instead of repentance, they continued to grow worse in “hopeless apostasy” and rebellion against God and His truths from henceforth that “will result in the loss of many souls.”

“That which has been done since the General Conference held at Oaklandin 1903 will result in the loss of many souls. Men who might have stood in clear light, doing valiant service as ministers of the Gospel and medical missionaries, have been accepting false theories and sophistries which originated with the father of lies, and yet they do not realize that they have changed.” SpTB07 16

“The world is represented in the apostate churches who are trampling upon the Word of God, transgressing His holy law.” UL 285.

1904 – A Supposed Great Reformation

Principles of Truth Discarded

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.” 1SM 204-205

Reformations from Truth to Error

“The reformations that were shown me, were not reformations from error to truth; but from bad to worse; for those who professed a change of heart, had only wrapt about them a religious garb, which covered up the iniquity of a wicked heart. Some appeared to have been really converted, so as to deceive God's people; but if their hearts could be seen, they would appear as black as ever.” RH, August 1, 1849 par. 12.

“Our ministering brethren were looking on, watching what was being done, but they did not seem to understand. The foundation of our faith, which was established by so much prayer, such earnest searching of the Scriptures, was being taken down, pillar by pillar. Our faith was to have nothing to rest upon--the sanctuary was gone, the atonement was gone.” UL 152

Can the Whole Church be Revived?

“Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.” 1SM 122.

A very strong statement, to which the following SDA leaders gave their stamp of approval.

“The quotation above written on March 22, 1887, that the whole church will never be revived is correct.” Documented Answers on Seventh-Day Adventist Issues, by Gideon Durante, p. 90 (1994).

“Now what does this mean? Of course the whole church will never revive!” Reasons of Faith, p. 29, by James B. Rubrico, Sr.

1905 – Great Apostasy Developing Stronger.

“One thing it is certain is soon to be realized,--the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger,... will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout. We are to hold fast the first principles of our denominated faith, and go forward from strength to increased faith… Souls are departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There must not be any languishing of soul now.” SpTB07 57

1907 – Apostasy and Hypnotism

“The Time of Apostasy is Here.

“The end of all things is near at hand. The signs are rapidly fulfilling, yet it would seem that but few realize that the day of the Lord is coming, swiftly, silently, as a thief in the night. Many are saying, "Peace and safety." Unless they are watching and waiting for their Lord, they will be taken as in a snare. . .”

"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 Tim. 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. . . “

“Those who look for miracles as a sign of divine guidance are in grave danger of deception. It is stated in the Word that the enemy will work through his agents who have departed from the faith, and they will seemingly work miracles, even to the bringing down of fire out of heaven in the sight of men. By means of "lying wonders" Satan would deceive, if possible, the very elect.” 1SM 408

“Apostates Will Use Hypnotism.

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. Let us draw near to Him, that He may draw near to us. Let us bear a plain, clear testimony right to the point, that hypnotism is being used by those who have departed from the faith, and that we are not to link up with them. Through those who depart from the faith, the power of the enemy will be exercised to lead others astray.” 3SM 411.

1908 – SDA’s Reminded of Their Peculiarity.
-- Churches Which Constitute Babylon.

A Peculiar Treasure

“I am instructed to say to Seventh-day Adventists the world over, God has called us as a people to be a peculiar treasure unto Himself. He has appointed that His church on earth shall stand perfectly united in the Spirit and counsel of the Lord of hosts to the end of time.” 2SM 397.

“Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people. DA 107.

Separation From Babylonian Churches Foreseen

“The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;" and they that "received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved," will be left to receive "strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future… Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ's true followers are still to be found in their communion. There are many of these who have never seen the special truths for this time. Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected. As these bodies depart further and further from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the difference between the two classes will widen, and it will finally result in separation. The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such as are "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work.” GC 389-390.

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.” Romans 9:6.

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Romans 11:1, 2, 5.

“Christ was a Seventh-day Adventist, to all intents and purposes.” MM 49.

Babylon Fallen

In GC 389-390, two conditions must be met for a Church to be Babylon fallen:

(1) “to receive strong delusion and believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

(2) A union of the church with the world

In 1903, the first condition was fulfilled.

8T 249 states:

“The heavenly Teacher inquired: "What stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretense that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning against Jehovah? Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion, that takes possession of minds when men who have once known the truth, mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof; when they suppose that they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, while in reality they are in need of everything…"

The fulfillment of the second condition was a progressive one when on July 12, 1968, the Seventh-day Adventist Church became a member of the Faith and Order Commission—the highest policy making body of the World Council of Churches. verification please write to: San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridders Park Dr., San Jose Ca. 5190.

What is Faith And Order?

According to “The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia” p. 273”: “From time to time attempts at reunion were made. Yet in its contemporary form the ecumenical movement originated in 1910 at an international conference of chiefly Protestant missionary organizations. It took shape between the two World Wars as two organisms: “Faith and Order,” concerned with unity in doctrine, and “Life and Work,” eager to promote joint action. A few Catholic theologians took an interest in it in the 1920s, especially when Cardinal Mercier, in Belgium, sponsored the Malines Conversations (1921-1926) between Catholics and Anglicans. In 1948 the two organizations united to form the World Council of Churches, in which Faith and Order remains an agency that is focused on growing together in the area of doctrine. Under the impact of the ecumenical movement, a number of Protestant Church have taken practical steps toward reunion through progressive mergers, notably in South India, North India, Canada, Australia, and the U.S.A. Diverse forms of cooperation have also been tried. An agreement on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (BEM), that was finalized at Lima in 1982 after many years of discussion in the Faith and Order Commission, was a hopeful achievement.”

The Denial

However, this is denied by the Church leaders! They say that the SDA Church is not a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) but participates only in their assemblies and various committees.

“Although, the SDA General Conference Directors have participated in various committees it does not mean that the SDA Church is a member of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.” Documented Answers on Seventh-day Adventist issues, by Gideon Durante, p. 54. (1994).

But what really is participation in the truest sense? GW 392 says, “Fellowship means participation.”

Interestingly, in Adventist Review, February 11, 1999, p 18, it says that “the term (ecumenical) forum had been deliberately chosen… in order to suggest that participation is more important than membership.”

The SDA Church is in outright denial of its membership in the World Council of Churches, yet she participates in its various committees. What does that give when fellowship means participation as stated above? Hence fellowship is participation is membership or vice versa.

Great Apostate Movement—Bridging the Gulf

SDAs on the basis of Bible prophecies and E.G. White’s writings, envision a great apostate movement to unite the world to gain global peace. They are aware of God’s message of mercy and His call to leave the apostate Churches.

“On the basis of bible prophecy and the writing of E.G. White, SDA’s anticipated the eventual success of the ecumenical movement, both in eliminating the division of Protestantism and in reuniting Christendom by bridging the gulf that separates Non-Catholic communions from Rome. The ecumenical movement will then become a concerted effort to unite the world and to secure universal peace and security by enlisting the power of civil government in a universal religio-political crusade to eliminate all dissent. SDA’s envision this crusade as the great apostasy to which John the revelator refers to as ‘Babylon the Great’. They understand also, that God’s last message of mercy to the world prior to the return of Christ in power and glory will consist of warning against this great apostate movement, and a call to all who choose to remain loyal to Him to leave the churches connected with it.” Seventh - Day Adventist Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 410- 411.

“A close cooperation between Protestant and Roman Catholics.”

“She (EGW) prophesied that major changes within Protestantism would bring about a departure from the faith of the reformation. Consequently, differences between Protestants and Catholics would diminish, leading to the bridging of the gulf separating the two.”

“The years since her death (E.G. White) have seen the rise of the ecumenical movement, the establishment of the World Council of Churches, the Catholic Church’s Vatican II, and Protestant ignorance and even outright rejection of the Reformation views of prophetic interpretation. These major changes have broken down barriers between Protestants and Catholics, leading to growing cooperation.” Seventh-day Adventists Believe, p. 225.

Separation

The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ’s message and was bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.” DA 232

“Like ancient Israel the church has dishonored her God by departing from the light, neglecting her duties, and abusing her high and exalted privilege of being peculiar and holy in character. Her members have violated their covenant to live for God and Him only. They have joined with the selfish and world-loving. Pride, the love of pleasure, and sin have been cherished, and Christ has departed. His Spirit has been quenched in the church. Satan works side by side with professed Christians; yet they are so destitute of spiritual discernment that they do not detect him… Their only hope of salvation is to separate from the world and zealously maintain their separate, holy, and peculiar character. Oh! why will not God's people comply with the conditions laid down in His word?” 2T 441-442, 444.

“Our holy faith cries out, Separation. We should not be conformed to the world, or to dead, heartless professors. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 1T 240.

Justified in Separating From Former Churches

When the Protestant churches became Babylon Fallen in 1844, some members felt justified when they separated from the Churches they loved. So have been with Adventists.

“Adventists, seeing that the churches rejected the testimony of God's word, could no longer regard them as constituting the church of Christ, "the pillar and ground of the truth;" and as the message, "Babylon is fallen," began to be proclaimed, they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection.” 4SP 237.

“But as ministers and religious leaders decided against the advent doctrine and desired to suppress all agitation of the subject, they not only opposed it from the pulpit, but denied their members the privilege of attending preaching upon the second advent, or even of speaking of their hope in the social meetings of the church. Thus the believers found themselves in a position of great trial and perplexity. They loved their churches and were loath to separate from them; but as they saw the testimony of God's word suppressed and their right to investigate the prophecies denied they felt that loyalty to God forbade them to submit. Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God's word they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, "the pillar and ground of the truth." Hence they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew from the churches.” GC 377.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whose readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea, flee into the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16.

1909 – SDA Church Strongly Reminded.

“For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in positions of responsibility to lord it over God's heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things must be changed. There must be a reform.” TM 477-478.

“Simple organization and church order are set forth in the New Testament Scriptures, and the Lord has ordained these for the unity and perfection of the church.” Loma Linda Messages p. 464

“The order that was maintained in the early Christian church made it possible for them to move forward solidly as a well-disciplined army clad with the armor of God. The companies of believers, though scattered over a large territory, were all members of one body; all moved in concert and in harmony with one another. When dissension arose in a local church, as later it did arise in Antioch and elsewhere, and the believers were unable to come to an agreement among themselves, such matters were not permitted to create a division in the church, but were referred to a general council of the entire body of believers, made up of appointed delegates from the various local churches, with the apostles and elders in positions of leading responsibility. Thus the efforts of Satan to attack the church in isolated places were met by concerted action on the part of all, and the plans of the enemy to disrupt and destroy were thwarted. “ AA 95-96.

The current Seventh-day Adventist organization deviates from such pattern so ordained by the Lord.

“Neither should we insist that current Seventh-day Adventist Church organization and ceremony are modeled directly after the pattern of the New Testament.” Ministry Magazine, p. 27 (May 2002)

… The polity of the Seventh-day Adventist is hierarchal; authority flows downward and members in local congregations have virtually no voice. Above the level, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a closed, self-operating, and self-perpetuating system, similar to the Roman Catholic Church…” Spectrum, Quarterly Journal of the Association of Adventist Forums, Vol. 14, no 4, March 1984.

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VI - Ellen G. White’s Last Years 1913-1915

1913 – E.G. White’s Last Written Messages to the General Conference.
1915 – February 13, E.G. White Fell in Her Elmshaven Home.
-- July 16, E.G. White Passed Away at the Age of 87.
Her Last Words Were: “I Know in Whom I Have Believed.”
UL Biographical Notes

“I pray earnestly that the work we do at this time shall impress itself deeply on heart and mind and soul. Perplexities will increase; but let us, as believers in God, encourage one another. Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, looking to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. When in the night season I am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me and gives me the assurance that He is with His ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people*, and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.” 2SM 406.

"His People" Refers to the Remnant. Who are the Remnant?

“I saw then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin…. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:1,25.

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.” Romans 9:6.

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

“God's remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all the precepts of the Decalogue.” PK 678

“Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people.” DA 107.

The Standard – the Law – Lowered

The SDA Church lowered the standard, with end results not after the order of the Lord.

“The word of God is our standard.” 5T 133

“God’s holy law is the only standard by which we can estimate divine affection. If we do not accept the law of God as our standard, we set up a standard of our own.” 1SM 311

“But the standard of the ministry has been greatly lowered, and the Minister of the true sanctuary is misrepresented before the world.” TM 153.

“To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might claim the pre-eminence.” 6T 143.

“My brethren, the enlarging of your facilities, the increasing of your numbers, is not after the order of the Lord.” 8T 141.

No Support from God’s Treasury

Especially, those who are lowering the standard should never receive support.

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

By so lowering the law of God, the SDA Church is practically advocating a peace and safety message.

“It is because the saints are keeping all ten of the commandments that the dragon makes war upon them. If they will lower the standard and yield the peculiarities of their faith, the dragon will be at peace.” 1T 233.

Distinctive Banner of a Distinctive People Hauled Down

A vision was shown E.G. White regarding the lowering of the Standard:

"I was told that men will employ every policy to make less prominent the difference between the faith of Seventh-day Adventists and those who observe the first day of the week. In this controversy the whole world will be engaged, and the time is short. This is no time to haul down our colors.” ‘A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinctive people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed it was not the best policy in securing success to our institutions. This distinctive banner is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. In describing the remnant people of God, John says, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12). This is the law and the gospel.” 2SM 385.

Sabbath Ignored and Despised

Over a hundred years ago, a startling prophecy was given.

“The Lord has a controversy with his professed people in these last days. In this controversy men in responsible positions will take a course directly opposite to that pursued by Nehemiah. They will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but they will try to keep it from others by burying it beneath the rubbish of custom and tradition. In churches and in large gatherings in the open air, ministers will urge upon the people the necessity of keeping the first day of the week.” Review and Herald, March 18, 1884 (1RH 405).

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VII - The Sabbath Issue: Seventh-day Sabbath and Ceremonial Sabbath

Proponents of truth and staunch reformers are well aware of the existence of books of new order which affirmed the fruition and fulfillment of the prophecy given in 1904 and during the time of Nehemiah way back.

Over the years, the Seventh-day Sabbath has been the center of attack by opposers of the truth. Fact is, hundreds of years ago, its solemn significance was deliberately transferred to a spurious Sabbath—Sunday. Series of “The Lord’s day Seminars” conducted by the SDA Church promoted the book “From Sabbath to Sunday” by Samuel Bacchiochi.

(About the Author: Samuel Bacchiochi, a SDA theologian, who teaches in a SDA seminary, graduated from a Jesuit training school—Pontifical Gregorian University, Vatican. His book “From Sabbath to Sunday” got an Imprimatur stamp of approval from Vatican.)

“Men in responsible positions will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but from the sacred desk will urge upon the people the observance of the first day of the week, pleading tradition and custom in behalf of this man-made institution.” Southern Watchman, June 28, 1904. (also in ChS 155)

What is the Seventh-day Sabbath and the Ceremonial Sabbath?

God has provided us His Law and the Testimonies of the Holy Spirit to repudiate whatever controversies and false claims there are surrounding His true Sabbath.

The Seventh-day Sabbath is a memorial of creation, an essential part of the Moral Law.

The Seventh-day Sabbath

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11

“The great God in his days of creation and day of rest, measured off the first cycle as a sample for successive weeks till the close of time. "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created." God gives us the productions of his work at the close of each literal day. Each day was accounted of him a generation, because every day he generated or produced some new portion of his work. On the seventh day of the first week God rested from his work, and then blessed the day of his rest, and set it apart for the use of man. The weekly cycle of seven literal days, six for labor, and the seventh for rest, which has been preserved and brought down through Bible history, originated in the great facts of the first seven days.” 3SG 90-91.

Therefore, the Seventh-day Sabbath is a memorial of creation, an essential part of the Moral Law.

The Ceremonial Sabbath

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.” Collosians 2:14-17.

“And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. And ye shall observe [the feast of] unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever. In the first [month], on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.” Exodus 12:16-18.

“These [are] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD. Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day [shall be] a sabbath, and on the eighth day [shall be] a sabbath.” Leviticus 23:37-39.

Distinction

A clear and broad distinction between the two systems is given:

“The ceremonial law was thus given to Moses, and by him written in a book. But the law of Ten Commandments spoken from Sinai had been written by God Himself on the tables of stone, and was sacredly preserved in the ark.

“There are many who try to blend these two systems, using the texts that speak of the ceremonial law to prove that the moral law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ "took . . . out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2:14. But concerning the law of Ten Commandments the psalmist declares, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89. And Christ Himself says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law. . . . Verily I say unto you"--making the assertion as emphatic as possible--"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, 18. Here He teaches, not merely what the claims of God's law had been, and were then, but that these claims should hold as long as the heavens and the earth remain. The law of God is as immutable as His throne. It will maintain its claims upon mankind in all ages.” PP 365.

A true SDA minister would not use Colossians 2:14-17 in reference to the Seventh-day Sabbath because it refers to the ceremonial Sabbath.

The Lord’s Day

“The Lord's day is the seventh day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day that God sanctified and blessed, Christ signified "by His angel unto His servant John" things which must come to pass before the close of the world's history, and He means that we should become intelligent with regard to them.” 6T 128.

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” Revelation 1:10

“For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.” Matthew 12:8

“And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5

“And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28.

“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” Isaiah 58:13

The True Sabbath Changed

Hundreds of years ago, the true Sabbath was changed.

“The reason for changing the Lord’s day from Saturday to Sunday lies in the fact that to the Christian Church the first day of the week had been made doubly holy. It is the day on which Jesus conquered sin and death by his resurrection from the dead, to give assurance of our future glory. It is the day, too, which Jesus chose for the sending down of the Holy Spirit—the birthday of the Church. It is very likely, also, that the Church changed the Lord’s day for a psychological reason: to emphasize the fact that the Old Testament worship of the Hebrews, which had been a preparation for the coming of the Messiah, was now at an end. The Christian religion was not a mere “revision: of the worship of the Synagogue; the Christian religion was God’s final plan for the salvation of the world. The curtain of completion was drawn across the Sabbath. Christians would not be merely another “sect” among the Jews; they would be a new people with a new Law and a new Sacrifice."
"Nothing is said in the Bible about the change of the Lord’s day from Saturday to Sunday. We know of the change only from the tradition of the Church—a fact handed down to us from earliest times by the living voice of the Church. That is why we find so illogical the attitude of many non-Catholics, who say that they yet will believe nothing unless they can find it in the Bible and yet will continue to keep Sunday as the Lord’s day on the say-so of the Catholic Church.” The Faith Explained by Leo J. Trese, p. 246.

According to the book “From Sabbath to Sunday”:

“The context of the whole book then strongly suggests that the “Lord’s day” of Revelation 1:10 represents not a literal 24-hour day but rather the great day of the Lord to which John was transported in vision to be shown by symbolic imagery the events preceding and following Christ’s coming.” From Sabbath To Sunday, p. 125.

“The day of the Lord. The identification of the “Lord’s day” of Revelation 1:10 with the eschatological day of the Lord understood as the day of Christ’s judgment and parousia appears to us as the most plausible.” ibid, p 123.

In effect, Samuel Bacchiocchi, identifies the “Lord’s day” as: The day of Christ’s judgment and Parousia. Is it?

But the Lord says otherwise, refuting the above claims.

“The Lord's day mentioned by John was the Sabbath, the day on which Jehovah rested after the great work of creation, and which He blessed and sanctified because He had rested upon it. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John upon the Isle of Patmos as when he was among the people, preaching upon that day. By the barren rocks surrounding him, John was reminded of rocky Horeb, and how, when God spoke His law to the people there, He said, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” SL 74.

“The Lord’s day is the seventh day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day that God sanctified and blessed, Christ signified “by His angel unto His servant John” things which must come to pass before the close of the world’s history, and He means that we should become intelligent with regard to them.” 6T 128.

“It was in behalf of the Sunday that popery first asserted its arrogant claims (see Appendix); and its first resort to the power of the state was to compel the observance of Sunday as "the Lord's day." But the Bible points to the seventh day, and not to the first, as the Lord's day. Said Christ: "The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." The fourth commandment declares: "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord." And by the prophet Isaiah the Lord designates it: "My holy day." Mark 2:28; Isaiah 58:13.” GC 447.

Parousia: What is it?

Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic letter entitled Dies Domini, page 83-84 defines Parousia as”

“The Christian Sunday is wholly matter! Springing from the Resurrection, it cuts through human time, the months, the years, the centuries, like a directional arrow which points them towards their target; Christ’s Second Coming. Sunday foreshadows the last day, the day of Parousia…”

TRUTH VS. PERVERSION

1. Sabbath Observance

Today, SDAs hardly think bathing on Sabbath is a kind of work, since according to their Church leaders, doing so merely involves turning a faucet on. Is it?

God is precise when He instructs bathing should be taken on Friday, preparation day. Unquestioning obedience to God’s instructions on proper Sabbath observance is a must—not to resort to some perversions as to suit personal convenience and comfort.

Truth

“On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight.” 6T 355

Perversion

“Back in Ellen White’s day, she said it was wrong to bathe on the Sabbath. Why? Heating up buckets of water over an open fire and pouring them in to a bathtub involved a lot of effort. These days it is no work to turn a faucet on and enjoy hot water. But is that work, violating the Sabbath? Many hardly think so.” Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide – Teachers Edition JUL-AUG-SEP 2001 Pillar of Our Faith p. 49.

2. Sunday Law Observance

Sunday Law is inevitable. God gives this precise instruction: “refrain from ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort.” SDAs undeniably perverted this. Note how vital points of the quotation from 9T 232 are omitted, leaving the reader an assurance that he does not receive the Mark of the Beast by… “refraining from work that gives offense.” “Keep right on with your missionary work, with your Bibles in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause,” is God’s marching order.

Truth

“The light given me by the Lord at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching, was that when the people were moved by a power from beneath to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh-day Adventists were to show their wisdom by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort.

To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers. If they are left to rein up men who fear neither God nor man, the reining up will soon lose its novelty for them, and they will see that it is not consistent nor convenient for them to be strict in regard to the observance of Sunday. Keep right on with your missionary work, with your Bibles in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause. One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance.” 9T 232

“If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls "My holy day," you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God.”Ev 235

Perversion

“After Sunday legislation was passed in California, A. T. Jones urged Adventists to defy the laws openly; that is, to do whatever work they would normally do. In contrast, Ellen White specifically told Adventists not to defy those laws: “To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers… One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance.” Testimonies for the Church Vol 9, p. 232. In fact, in another place she wrote, in the context of Sunday laws, that instead of openly violating the law, Seventh-day Adventists should hold additional worship services on Sunday, as well as on the true Sabbath.” Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide – Teachers Edition OCT-NOV-DEC 2004 – Daniel p. 70.

THE GREAT APOSTASY

The abomination in the Church is deepening. The following train of events affirmed the unfolding of the great apostasy.

1867 – Vision: A Catholic Procession.

1903 – The Denouncement to the Church;

“The Church is Babylon… the Divine Presence and Glory Have Departed”

1904 – A Prophecy that the SDA Religion Would be Changed.

1968 – Membership of the SDA Church to the World Council of Churches.

1977 – A Golden Medallion, with a Cross Engraved on it and an Adventist Missionary Book ‘Faith in Action’ Given to Pope Paul II.

1996 – SDA Church Adopted a Corporated Logo with a Cross for its Sign.

The study about the cross will touch on the following.

The cross as –

a. an instrument of death used by ancient Rome.

b. a sacramental, among others, instituted by the Roman Catholic Church.

c. A sign, part of the new logo as a corporate identity of the SDA church.

d. a symbol of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.

a. An Instrument of Death Used by Ancient Rome.

“The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him.” DA 416-417

b. A Sacramental, Among Others, Instituted by the Roman Catholic Church.

“1532. Like the sacraments, they are sacred signs/symbols which signify some spiritual effect which is realized through the action of the Church. But they differ from the seven sacraments in that they are not instituted by Christ” as described above, but by the Church, which uses them to sanctify everyday life.” 1997 Cathechism for Filipino Catholics, p. 436.

“1534. Sacramentals are very popular among Filipinos, who eagerly make use of blessings (homes, cars, buildings), actions (kneeling, bowing, making the Sign of the Cross), words (grace before and after meals, indulgences, novena prayers, pious invocations, scapulars, statues), places (churches, shrines), and time liturgical seasons (cf. Advent Lent, Holy Week).” 1997 Cathechism for Filipino Catholics, p. 437.

“As the Jews professed to revere the law, so do Romanists claim to reverence the cross. They exalt the symbol of Christ's sufferings, while in their lives they deny Him whom it represents.

Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour's words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church: "They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Matthew 23:4. Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror fearing the wrath of an offended God, while many of the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.

The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the exaltation of the pope are devices of Satan to attract the minds of the people from God and from His Son. To accomplish their ruin, he endeavors to turn their attention from Him through whom alone they can find salvation. He will direct them to any object that can be substituted for the One who has said: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." [Matthew 11:28].” GC 568-569

c. A Sign, Part of the New Logo as Corporate Identity of the SDA Church.

In 1846, the early SDA Church observed the first Sabbath. Ezekiel 20:20 says, it was their seal, sign as God’s chosen people. In 1996, a 360 turnaround was made by the Church when it adopted the new logo with a cross as the Church’s corporate identity. “What are you waiting for… “A Sign?” You’ve waited more than hundred fifty years for the Church to adopt an official world wide corporate identity. (Ministry Magazine, July 1997) From 1846 to 1996 spanned 150 years. The Sabbath, lightly regarded, has been replaced by the cross! And behind the cross is Sunday worship! Very tragic indeed!

d. As a symbol of Christ’s suffering and Sacrifice.

“Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." DA 416

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:14-17

“The death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this world, and it will be our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do not comprehend the value of the atonement! If we did, we would talk more about it. The gift of God in His beloved Son was the expression of an incomprehensible love. It was the utmost that God could do to preserve the honor of His law, and still save the transgressor. Why should man not study the theme of redemption? It is the greatest subject that can engage the human mind. If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in the cross, their faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits of His shed blood, and they would be cleansed and saved from sin.” 5BC 1132

“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. Now we have a message, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world." Will not our church members keep their eyes fixed on a crucified and risen Saviour, in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered? This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men's minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. They thus receive their lesson. Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. He whose eyes are fixed on Jesus will leave all. He will die to selfishness. He will believe in all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalted in Christ.

As the sinner sees Jesus as He is, an all compassionate Saviour, hope and assurance take possession of his soul. The helpless soul is cast without any reservation upon Jesus. None can bear away from the vision of Christ Jesus crucified a lingering doubt. Unbelief is gone.” 6BC 1113

The cross stands as a symbol of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. It bespeaks of the science of redemption. During Christ’s ministry, reverence and exaltation of the cross was never part of His teachings. The theme of man’s thoughts and discourse must be centered on the Holy One, Jesus Christ, hanged on the cross as the ultimate Sacrifice.

Cross

“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring good fruit.” Luke 6:43

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20

“If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people.” DA 107

“The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God.” MH 470

The Inevitable Fall

Like ancient Israel, the SDA Church has been warned of her inevitable fall.

“I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions. Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshiped, even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store, and would remove sickness from the midst of them.

A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God--a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1T 609

A Great Revival Movement

However, amidst all the apostasies and deepening abomination, an inspiring vision was shown to E.G. White.

“I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement--a work of revival--going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God's call. My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice? Shall we not trim our lamps, and act like men who look for their Lord to come? The time is one that calls for light bearing, for action. “ 2SM 402.

The vision brings in a message of hope. There is to be a great movement.

“Of Babylon at this time it is declared, "Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." [REV. 18:5.] She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of his judgments, these faithful ones must be called out, that they "partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues." Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from Heaven, lightening the earth with his glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard, "Come out of her, my people." As these warnings join the third angel's message, it swells to a loud cry.” 4SOP 422.

Revival of Primitive Godliness

The work of revival is wholly different from the revivals we have been witnessing in our contemporary time.

“Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit.” GC 464.

“Go Ye Out to Meet Him”

“At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," the waiting ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;" they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged and prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not the most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the first to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the cause were among the last to join in this movement. The churches in general closed their doors against this message, and a large company of those who received it withdrew from their connection. In the providence of God this proclamation united with the second angel's message and gave power to that work. “ GC 402

How the Lord Will Work

Earth’s history is fast ending and coming to a close; the Lord will work in a way that will surprise many.

“Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” TM 300

1915 – February 13, E.G. White Fell in Her Elmshaven Home.
-- July 16, E.G. White Passed Away at the Age of 87. Her Last Words were: “I Know In Whom I have Believed.”

"When waking out of sleep, she called the nurse to her side and said, “I want to tell you. I hate sin (repeated three times). I am charged to tell our people, that some do not realize, that the devil has device after device, and he carries them out in ways that they do not expect. Satan’s agencies will invent ways to make sinners out of saints. "I tell you now, that when I am laid to rest, great changes will take place. I do not know when I shall be taken; and I desire to warn all against the devices of the devil. I want the people to know that I warned them fully before my death. I do not know especially what changes will take place; but they should watch every conceivable sin that Satan will try to immortalize.” February 24, 1915, Manuscript 1, 1915

Great changes have taken place in the Seventh-day Adventist Church after E.G. White’s death. The church has fully conformed to the world-assimilated its practices, customs, and policies. She has become Babylon fallen because of her connection and participation with the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also supported to give life to the image of the (Vatican) beast by being a 501c3 organization which is a church and state organization. What remains is just a name—Seventh-day Adventist Church--, bereft of the true principles of Adventism and without the presence of the Holy One.

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VIII - The Message Today

“Today, as in the days of Elijah, the line of demarcation between God's commandment-keeping people and the worshipers of false gods is clearly drawn. "How long halt ye between two opinions?" Elijah cried; "if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings 18:21. And the message for today is: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen... Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18:2, 4, 5. The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us.” PK 187-188

The Sins of Babylon Will Be Laid Open

“Thus will the message of the third angel be proclaimed. As the time comes for the loud cry to be given, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of a union of Church and State, the inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power,--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands have never listened to words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from Heaven. The people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? The ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience. But many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord." The popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, are filled with anger as their authority is questioned; they denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.”

“As the controversy extends into new fields, and the minds of the people are called to God's down-trodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message only maddens those who oppose it. The clergy put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists are solicited to come to the help of Protestants. The movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided. The law is invoked against commandment-keepers.” 4SP 424-425

The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us.” PK 188

The Betrayal

E.G. White saw that the nominal SDA Church would betray God’s people to the Catholics. “I saw the nominal church and nominal Adventists, like Judas, would betray us to the Catholics to obtain their influence to come against the truth. The saints then will be an obscure people, little known to the Catholics; but the churches and nominal Adventists who know of our faith and customs (for they hated us on account of the Sabbath, for they could not refute it) will betray the saints and report them to the Catholics as those who disregard the institutions of the people; that is, that they keep the Sabbath and disregard Sunday.” SpM 1

Persecution Rekindled

To this end, God’s little flock, as prophesied, will be persecuted for being true and loyal to God, upholding His law and believing in His Testimonies. Seemingly, there is no awakening of opposition. Why so?

“There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled.” GC 48

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IX - The Loud Cry

“The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel's message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been and the things that will be.” 2SM 104-105

“Every feature of the third angel's message is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. This is a much greater work than many realize. Our missionary enterprises are the one great object demanding our undivided attention at this time. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." In this work we are to study simplicity.

“This message is a testing message. Received into honest hearts, it will prove an antidote for all the world's sins and sorrows. No conditions of climate, of poverty, of ignorance, or of prejudice can hinder its efficiency, or lessen its adaptability to the needs of mankind.

“All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophecies in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given.” UL 277.

“The third angel's message must do its work of separating from the churches a people who will take their stand on the platform of eternal truth. Our message is a life-and-death message, and we must let it appear as it is, the great power of God.” 6T 61

Who are the Three Angels?

“God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God's messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth.” 5T 455-456

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X - God’s Call

“And I heard another voice from heaven , saying, Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.“ Revelation 18:4

In a vision, E.G. White saw honest ministers and members that are still in Babylon gladly responding to the call of separation and joining themselves with the remnant.

“I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” EW 261

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XI - The Last Message of Mercy

“And I saw another angel fly 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. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:6-12

“The last message of mercy is now going forth. It is a token of the long-suffering and compassion of God. Come, is the invitation now given. Come, for all things are now ready. This is mercy's last call. Next will come the vengeance of an offended God.” 2T 225

God never forces anyone to obey. He is pleading to you to choose life--obey Him by heeding His call to come out and joining Him outside the nominal and professed SDA church.

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XII - God’s Ardent Appeal: Choose Life!

“See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

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XIII - Answers to Issues

1. Are God’s promises and threatening unconditional?

“It should be remembered that the promises and threatening of God are alike conditional.” 1SM 67

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing a curse; a blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28

2. Considering the present state of the SDA Church, is there hope for her revival?

“Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.” LDE 195

3. For one who decides not to separate from a corrupt church and opts to remain inside that Church, is reformation/revival possible?

“It is impossible for you to unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure. "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial?" God and Christ and the heavenly host would have man know that if he unites with the corrupt, he will become corrupt.” 6BC 1102

“Faith in a lie will not have a sanctifying influence upon the life or character. No error is truth, or can be made truth by repetition, or by faith in it. Sincerity will never save a soul from the consequences of believing an error. Without sincerity there is no true religion, but sincerity in a false religion will never save a man. I may be perfectly sincere in following a wrong road, but that will not make it the right road, or bring me to the place I wished to reach.” 2SM 56

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3

4. What sin is committed when one chose to remain inside a corrupt Church?

The sin of corporate responsibility.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

“…as the human heart throws its living current of blood into all parts of the body, so does the management at this place, the headquarters of our church, affect the whole body of believers. If the physical heart is healthy, the blood that is sent from it through the system is also healthy; but if this fountain is impure, the whole organism becomes diseased by the poison of the vital fluid. So it is with us. If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence.” 4T 210

“We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence.” DA 152

5. The Seventh-day Adventist has likewise claimed reformation in the Church. But what kind of reformation is it?

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.” 1SM 204-205 -- Please see this page

6. Did Jesus Christ separate from the Jewish Church? Why?

“The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ's message and was bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations. {DA 232.1}

As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience.” DA 232

7. What is the significance of Jesus’ departure from the Jewish Church?

“But Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. The natural branches of the olive tree were broken off. Looking for the last time upon the interior of the temple, Jesus said with mournful pathos, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Hitherto He had called the temple His Father's house; but now, as the Son of God should pass out from those walls, God's presence would be withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory. Henceforth its ceremonies would be meaningless, its services a mockery.” DA 620

8. After His departure from the Church, there would be times when Christ would go back to the synagogue. Why?

“It was not his choice to teach within walls or temples. True, he often did so in order to reach a class whom he would not be likely to meet while speaking in the open air, but Jesus preferred the fields, the groves, and the lake-sides for his temples. There were also his favorite resorts for meditation and prayer.’ 2SP 200

In Luke 4:16-32, we are told that Christ went into the synagogue not to join and participate in their services but to give reproof, rebuke and strong reminders of their continual backsliding.

9. The contention of many is that E.G. White did not separate from the SDA Church. What are the plausible reasons and circumstances for her continued presence in the SDA Church? It is for the same reason why many Adventists are hesitant to separate from such connection.

A. “From the year 1844 till the present time I have received messages from the Lord and have given them to His people. This is my work--to give to the people the light that the Lord gives me. I am commissioned to receive and communicate His messages. I am not to appear before the people as holding any other position than that of a messenger with a message.” 8T 237

B. We should look up to any other man but to Jesus Christ, our only Model.

“We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model.” 7BC 970

“The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models for you to follow, but Christ is the perfect pattern.” 5T 129

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

“Let none be educated to look to Sister White, but to the mighty God, who gives instruction to Sister White.” 3SM 29

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XIV - Conclusion

The destruction of Jerusalem and the slaughter of its inhabitants forever stands as a mute yet loud witness to the tragic end of a nation once favored, the first-born of God—Ancient Israel.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church fell from the grace of Christ. Her moral fall marked the non-stop decadence of the whole system. The declaration of Christ in 1903—“How is the faithful city become a harlot? My Father’s house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!”—still rings with significance for us today. And the echo lingers…

“Prophets had wept over the apostasy of Israel and the terrible desolations by which their sins were visited… Christ saw in Jerusalem a symbol of the world hardened in unbelief and rebellion, and hastening on to meet the retributive judgments of God. The woes of a fallen race, pressing upon His soul, forced from His lips that exceeding bitter cry. He saw the record of sin traced in human misery, tears, and blood; His heart was moved with infinite pity for the afflicted and suffering ones of earth; He yearned to relieve them all. But even His hand might not turn back the tide of human woe; few would seek their only Source of help. He was willing to pour out His soul unto death, to bring salvation within their reach; but few would come to Him that they might have life.” GC 21, 22

Sacred history records God’s dealings with His people. The sacredness of God’s law given at Sinai forever holds true until the end of time.

Patriarchs and prophets of old witnessed the glorious rise and ignominious fall of Ancient Israel. Faithful Adventist pioneers likewise had witnessed the degeneracy of modern Israel. Today, the present generation is witnessing the unfolding of prophetic events and the non-stop moral and spiritual decadence of the Church.

The history-rise and fall-of Ancient Israel and the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a stark reminder to one and all that “the promises and the threatenings of God are alike conditional.” Ev 695

We who are called out from darkness, as God’s peculiar people, His remnant, claimants to present-truth and repairers of the breach, let us endeavor to relive the experiences and life of Ezra.

“To the experiences of Israel from the time the promise was made to Abraham, Ezra gave special thought. He studied the instruction given at Mount Sinai and through the long period of wilderness wandering. As he learned more and still more concerning God's dealings with His children, and comprehended the sacredness of the law given at Sinai, Ezra's heart was stirred. He experienced a new and thorough conversion and determined to master the records of sacred history, that he might use this knowledge to bring blessing and light to his people. {PK 608.2}

Ezra endeavored to gain a heart preparation for the work he believed was before him. He sought God earnestly, that he might be a wise teacher in Israel. As he learned to yield mind and will to divine control, there were brought into his life the principles of true sanctification, which, in later years, had a molding influence, not only upon the youth who sought his instruction, but upon all others associated with him.” PK 608

May the fervor of complete obedience to His will be forever burning in our hearts as we behold Him, and exclaim, “To God be the Glory!”


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