LinkingLinking withwith thethe LutheransLutherans Part One of Two

I received a telephone call from sented at the conference of secretar- “children of Luther” theme, the be- a friend in a distant city. “Read the ies of Christian World Communions. ginning step has been successfully latest issue of the Review. It’s by More recently, the SDAC has been taken to draw the two denominations Johnsson. He has carefully dis- represented at the annual conference into a close fellowship. In the eyes of closed, for the first time, that our of U.S. church leaders. Christian some, a great achievement is in the church leaders are entering into a se- World Communions and various making. ries of dialogues with the Lutherans. churches have responded to the SDA Only one name of those in atten- Read it, the latest issue.” invitation and sent observers to the dance at the reapproachment meet- The article itself is very carefully quinquennial General Conference ings was disclosed in the article. That written. According to Johnsson, it is Sessions.”—Bert B. Beach, article in man was the chairman of the Adven- merely a friendly get-together. Dictionary of the Ecumenical Move- tist delegation. Yes, you guessed it; it Yet, as we revealed three years ment, 1991 edition, Geneva. was Bert Beverly Beach, head of the ago in our in-depth study, A Hundred As clearly stated above by B.B. General Conference Religious Liberty Years of Ecumenism—Part 1-6 Beach, Adventist participation in Department—the same Adventist [WM—358-364],our church is under- WWC activities has continued un- leader who, on May 18, 1977, gave a taking, with the Lutherans, the ex- abated for nearly thirty years. Beach gold medal to Pope Paul VI. (See The act procedure the World Council of is generally chairman of the WWC Gold Medel to the Pope [MB-54], now Churches and its subsidiary national and CWC committees he serves on. in our Catholicism/New Age Tract- councils have been using for decades It was during a 1977 Christian World book.) to compromise doctrines and unite Communions meeting, in Rome, that (Because Beach can speak half a denominations! Meetings are held, Beach gave that gold medal to the dozen languages fluently, he has been agreements are reached, and finally pope, “as a token of appreciation” extremely influential at the General organic union occurs. from the Seventh-day Adventist Conference, since the early 1960s, Read that six-part tract set and Church. in all matters relating to Europe and you will understand. (It is now avail- Our General Conference leaders the papacy.) able in our Ecumenism/Hungary well-know that church members are We are told that the nine men Tractbook.) Although not “officially” upset when they bring Catholic bish- representing the Adventist denomi- a member denomination, our church ops, Orthodox priests, and Protes- nation at the Adventist-Lutheran has maintained essentially the same tant leaders to “bless” the delegates meetings were “scholars” from close ties and objectives by provid- attending our General Conference Andrews University, Biblical Re- ing voting members to WWC and Sessions each five years, but they search Institute, Adventist Review, other ecumenical councils in various keep bringing them back. Why are Europe, and Africa. The article men- parts of the world. they more anxious to keep in good tions that the meetings were held at “Though the SDAC [Seventh-day favor with the other churches than our Adventist seminary in Darm- Adventist Church] is not a member with our own people? stadt, Germany, not far from the of the organized ecumenical move- This new article, written by Will- headquarters of the Lutheran World ment, it recognizes those church iam G. Johnsson, editor in chief of Federation in Geneva, Switzerland. agencies that lift up Christ as a part the Adventist Review (although very (Geneva was selected for the LWF of the divine plan for the evangeliza- carefully written) is quite revealing. headquarters because, being an ecu- tion of the world and holds in high Significantly enough, it is entitled menical organization, it wanted to be esteem fellow Christians in other “Children of Luther.” The surface close to the WWC, which is also head- communions who are engaged in theme is that we are all—both quartered there.) winning souls for Christ. The SDAC Lutherans and Adventists—children Reading Johnsson’s article (re- is regularly represented through ob- of Martin Luther. I would like to in- printed on page three), the gather- servers or advisors at WCC and other form William Johnsson that, in faith ing sounded like a great evangelistic church meetings. For many years, a and practice, we are children of the opportunity for the Adventists! But SDA has been a member of the WWC Bible and Spirit of Prophecy; not of not so. As mentioned earlier, such Faith and Order Commission in a Martin Luther. There were few beliefs meetings are regularly held by de- personal capacity. The SDAC has which Luther held dear, which we nominations affiliated with the World participated in dialogues with the today accept. Council of Churches. Sometimes it WCC and various religious bodies, takes five or ten years of such meet- and, since 1968, has been repre- But, working on the basis of this ings, before churches enter upon 2 Waymarks major concessions. Occasionally or- Read it on the next page. The entire of Prophecy was always firm in teach- ganic union is the result. But there first session of top-level ecumenical ing that none should ever be taught are rewards along the way—which meetings was portrayed as just won- that they have already been saved. are actually far more dangerous than derful. That is the impression con- Salvation and perdition do not come corporate unity: (1) Compromises veyed. One might think, “What harm till the close of one’s probation, are made which change worship ser- could come from such meetings? which, in most cases, occurs at vices, so they will closely mirror one Surely, they could only result in great death. another. (2) Doctrinal modifications good.” Johnsson and his fellow “schol- are quietly made “to bring us to- At the end of the article, Johns- ars” are now able to relate well to the gether.” (3) Regional ecumenical son gently informs our people around Lutherans, because of the Adventist meetings are planned, where mem- the world that, after a brief pause, changeover in the 1980s. Their foun- bers of both denominations gather further Adventist-Lutheran meetings dational beliefs are now very much for joint worship services. (4) Agree- will probably begin in earnest. That alike. ments are formed, regarding restric- was exactly why the article was writ- tions on proselyting in one another’s ten: to get us used to the idea, and Johnsson’s article about our territories. soften us up for what is coming. drawing near to the Lutherans was As for the church members, who Before concluding our comments published in the first week of 1995 are footing the bill for all these meet- on Johnsson’s article, we should no- in the Adventist Review. ings, they must be led along gingerly. tice the urgent significance of what But if you read Catholic periodi- Get the people used to it. Under-re- he said in the middle! And it was said cals, you will discover that a differ- port on the progress. Do it all in such loud and clear: Adventists and ent major breakthrough in Lutheran a way as to not alarm anyone. Keep Lutherans can now meet in harmony, reapproachment meetings was an- moving closer. Continue holding because, at last, they are in agree- nounced in the second week of 1995. high-level exploratory meetings. En- ment on law and grace! As Johnsson It was reported in the National courage local and regional worship phrased it: “Salvation by grace Catholic Register (see page six). gatherings and social service ven- alone.” “Salvation comes freely as The implication of that article is tures. a divine gift, without any human that, as the result of repeated re- Keep in mind that our church has works added on.” “Not by faith plus approachment committee meetings, been involved in WWC meetings for . . anything else.” “Our good works Lutherans have been brought to the twenty-seven years. The continued result from salvation; they do not point of catagorically declaring that quiet progress on reapproachment contribute to it. Martin Luther was in error in de- talks with other denominations is There is a world of difference be- nouncing Catholic teachings. That is taking its toll. Remarkable changes tween “grace enabling us to obey” astounding! How can this be? have occurred in Adventism over the and “salvation enabling us to obey.” The answer is simple enough: It past twenty years—even though, be- That is because obedience by grace is the result of many, many recon- cause of the blanket of silence, the is a process of many decades lead- ciliation meetings, such as the Ad- lowly church members may not un- ing to salvation. ventists are now entering upon. It is derstand all the reasons for what is It is true that obedience by grace the result of repeated softening state- taking place. leads to salvation. But it is an error ments and compromising reports in Why is it that advance appoint- to teach that salvation precedes obe- Adventist books and periodicals. It ments are made so Roman Catholic dience! is the result of apostasy, accepted by leaders can speak to our General Error has a way of sounding fas- the church members—until they are Conference Sessions? Why are cinating, even liberating. Yet the fact overwhelmed by it. Catholic and Protestant leaders in- is that when a person thinks he has Why is it that such meetings are vited to speak to the students in our already been saved, he need no ever permitted to start in the first colleges? Why are Catholic priests longer concern himself about obedi- place? It is believed that Jesuit pen- permitted to address the students in ence! etration of Protestant denominations our college and university assem- That is why so many Adventist is the crux of the matter. Carefully blies? Why are joint Adventist-Prot- ministers and members are now get- placed agents prepare the way for estant church services held? Why are ting involved with adultery and other high-level reapproachment meetings. ecumenical Sunday sunrise services sins. They have been taught they are The reunion talks between Lutherans held? Why is it that Adventist pas- already saved, and obedience is sec- and Catholics, and Lutherans and tors frequently lead out in these com- ondary. Repeatedly, from book and other Protestants, have proceeded to ing-together meetings? Why are pulpit, Adventist leaders declare that such a point, that it is thought well Catholic priests on the payroll of we should be wary of too many ef- to now bring the Adventists into the Loma Linda Medical Center? Why are forts to obey the law of God, lest we proceedings. At last the Adventists rosaries sold in their gift shop? become legalists and lose the salva- are doctrinally prepared for what is But back to Johnsson’s article. tion we have received. But the Spirit coming. Perhaps three-way confer- 4 Waymarks ences will be held before long. those Lutheran denominations, noted “important agreements.” We have come a long way, and which held membership in the WCC, now we are all getting together! The to unite in some kind of worldwide Pages could be written about ecumenical crisis was predicted in Lutheran federation. The LWF is ex- these and other reapproachment ex- Great Controversy over a century tremely ecumenically oriented! They ercises. However, let us examine the ago: WANT to unite with other churches, Lutheran-Catholic reunion efforts “The ministry of ‘the evangelical and are quite willing to compromise more closely. They will reveal how the Protestant denominations’ is ‘not doctrine in order to work toward that compromises gradually keep taking only formed all the way up under a objective. place. (It is interesting how the com- tremendous pressure of merely hu- Why, then, are Seventh-day Ad- promises especially occur in the man fear, but they live, and move, ventist leaders meeting with the purer church body; in this instance, and breathe in a state of things radi- LWF? Indeed, why have Seventh-day the Lutheran.) cally corrupt, and appealing every Adventist leaders been voting mem- Lutheran-Roman Catholic dia- hour to every baser element of their bers of WWC committees since logue began in 1967 with a Joint nature to hush the truth, and bow 1968? The answer is simple enough: Lutheran-Roman Catholic Study the knee to the power of apostasy. We are more concerned to win the Commission. An interesting name: Was not this the way things went with favor of men than to obey the Word “Study Commission.” It sounds in- Rome? Are we not living her life over of God and guard our doctrinal pu- nocuous; all they want to do is study again? And what do we see just rity. one another’s beliefs,—and what is ahead? Another general council! A wrong with that? world’s convention! Evangelical alli- The Lutherans have had major My friend, that is exactly what ance, and universal creed!’ ”—Great ongoing meetings with other denomi- our own denomination is now enter- Controversy, 444-445. nations since the 1950s. ing upon with the LWF! It starts as Lutheran-Reformed meetings “studying one another’s beliefs,” Here is additional background began, in 1956, in the Netherlands. leads to compromising one’s own history on these Lutheran discus- They quickly spread to Germany beliefs, and ends with uniting on be- sions with other churches, of which (1959), France (1964), and other liefs. ours will be the latest addition: nations. Major breakthroughs in the But make no mistake; involved meetings occurred in 1981 and here are not beliefs of the few indi- As detailed in our in-depth study, 1983, with the report, entitled “Invi- viduals attending the meetings, but Hands Across the Gulf—Part 1-20 tation to Action,” calling on members the beliefs of entire denominations! [WM—121-140], the Seventh-day Ad- to recognize, as legitimate and Bibli- Enough progress had been made ventist denomination first began con- cal, one another’s doctrines of that the Malta Report, issued in tacts with the National Council of church, ministry, and Lord’s Supper, 1972, summarized areas of agree- Churches in the late 1950s, and first and to begin “establishing pulpit and ment reached so far, on five areas of began sending unofficial (but voting) table fellowship” worship meetings. committee discussion: tradition and delegates to World Council of The first pan-Orthodox council Scripture, justification, gospel and Churches high-level meetings in occurred in 1961 at Rhodes, and it world, ordained ministry, and the Geneva, in 1956. (Interestingly was there decided to lay the ground- papacy. The commission noted both enough, the same year Rome also be- work for single dialogue with the “the progressive overcoming of doc- gan sending unofficial, voting del- LWF. The Zagorsk “conversations” trinal disputes” and “structural prob- egates to high-level WCC meetings in between the LWF and the Russian Or- lems which are largely responsible Geneva). thodox Church began in 1974. More for continuing to keep our churches The Lutheran World Federation than 30 sessions of “dialogue” have divided” (para. 46).—Does that tell (LWF, the organization whose eight taken place. you what the goal is? It ought to. The officials our leaders recently coun- The LWF began holding bilateral “problems” are unique doctrines seled with for several days in Ger- meetings with the World Methodist keeping churches apart. many) was established in 1947 by Council in December 1977. One of It was also agreed that there representatives of Lutheran churches the initial main topics was “the could be “a mutual recognition that in 23 countries. At the present time, means of grace.” (That is frequently the ministry in the other church ex- there are approximately 55 million an initial topic in reunion meetings. ercises essential functions of the min- baptized Lutherans in the LWF. Only It was a key topic our leaders dis- istry that Jesus Christ instituted in churches, those (4 million members) cussed in their first session with the his church” (para. 85). associated with the Lutheran LWF in Germany.) Other topics in- Church-Missouri Synod, remain out- cluded the sacraments of baptism, Continued on the next tract side the LWF. eucharist, and church order. The More WAYMARKS - from — Frankly, that which brought the Bossey, Switzerland report (1984) PILGRIMS REST LWF into being was the desire of HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 LinkingLinking withwith thethe LutheransLutherans Part Two of Two

As the years passed, the delegates Although the two denominations cial communion with the church of to the reapproachment meetings kept have differing views of “the presence Rome” (para. 38). at their assigned task. By 1980, they of Christ” in the eucharist (the Lord’s The suggestion was made that had produced the document, “All Un- Supper), yet, by 1967, the meetings the Lutheran churches might be will- der One Christ,” which listed addi- produced the statement that the com- ing to “acknowledge . . the possibil- tional compromises which would munion service of the other church ity and desirability of the papal min- help bring them together. Elements had “the full reality of Christ’s pres- istry, renewed under the gospel and common to their differing views of the ence.” How can Lutheran members committed to Christian freedom, in communion service (they call it the put up with this heresy, that the mass a larger communion which would eucharist) were especially featured. is accepted by the God of heaven? include the Lutheran churches” In this document, both objective But, because of the meetings, that is (para. 32). But why should the and pathway toward it are described what their leaders formally agreed to. Lutherans want to return to the under the general term, “commun- The meetings continued, and, by pope? ion” (Gemeinschaft). “Unity” implies 1970, in the document, “Eucharist By 1983, the Lutheran-Catholic “a full spiritual and ecclesial fellow- and Ministry,” the statement was meetings had advanced to the point ship” (para. 53), “an outward, vis- made that there is “no persuasive of fully agreeing on that key doctri- ible unity which is becoming histori- reason to deny the possibility of the nal aspect which our leaders, a cally manifest in the life of the Roman Catholic Church recognizing couple of months ago, agreed with churches” (para. 33). Each denomi- the validity of [the Lutheran] minis- the Lutherans within their first four nation agrees “that, in the other de- try . . and, correspondingly, the pres- days of meetings: Salvation comes nomination, the church of Jesus ence of the body and blood of Christ alone by faith (paras. 44, 157). But Christ is actualized” (para. 124).— in the eucharistic celebrations of the that is not what God’s Word teaches. By 1980, Lutherans were saying that Lutheran churches” (para. 54). The Bible and Spirit of Proph- the papacy is the church of Jesus The committee kept at its work, ecy position: Salvation is entirely Christ; that is how much progress and the 1973 statement (“Papal Pri- made possible by Jesus, but, by His the meetings had taken them toward! macy and the Universal Church”) enabling grace, we must repent and Further concessions were made declared the “Petrine function” [the cooperate with Him. This coopera- in the 1981 joint Lutheran-Catholic work of the pope] to be valid (para. tive act is done by obeying, in His commission document, “The Minis- 4) and that its “single most notable strength, all that He asks of us in His try of the Church,” which stated that representative . . has been the bishop Word. Regarding salvation, it is not “a high degree of agreement has been of Rome” and that it would be accept- received until the close of our indi- reached” (para. 49). able for there to be a “renewal of pa- vidual probation, which, in most Regional members of the World pal structures” (paras. 23-24). cases, is after death. Apart from Council of Churches are the national This willingness by the spiritual Christ’s help, no work of man can councils. The one in America is descendants of Martin Luther to sell merit acceptance or salvation. Obe- known as the National Council of out, is incredible. dience to God through Christ’s em- Churches. The most extensive na- A few paragraphs later, the pos- powering merits is necessary, and tional dialogues between Lutherans sibility was suggested that “a distinct without it no man will be saved. and Catholics have occurred in the canonical status may be worked out The new theology and modern U.S; they began in 1965. by which Lutherans could be in offi- Protestant position: Salvation is en- tirely made possible by Jesus, and we need only believe—and we already “BOOK, MEDALLION PRESENTED dallion was a gold-covered symbol of the Sev- have that salvation. No work of TO THE POPE—In connection with a recent enth-day Adventist Church. The medallion consultative meeting of secretaries of World is an engraved witness to the Adventist faith man—with or without the aid of Confessional Families held in Rome, B.B. in Christ . . Christ—has any influence on whether Beach, secretary of the Northern Europe-West “The Conference of World Confessional or not a person will go to heaven. Africa Division, one of the 15 participants Families usually meets once a year. It is not and the only Adventist in the group, presented an organization, but an informal, unstructured a book and a medallion to Pope Paul VI on forum for consultation and the exchange of May 18. useful information.” Surely, we are near the end! “The book presented was the Adventist —W.D. Eva, news report in Adventist More WAYMARKS - from — missionary book, Faith in Action, and the me- Review, August 11, 1977, 23. PILGRIMS REST HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305