Editorial
opportunity to learn what is truth. Ten- "Do we realize how large a number 1 derly will the Lord look upon them. His In the world are watching our move- , heart of mercy is touched; His hand is ments? From quarters where we least still stretched out to save, while the door expect will come voices urging us for- is closed to those who would not enter." ward in the work of giving to the world Testimonies, vol. 9, 97. the last message of mercy. Ministers and ND that, knowing the time, that "God cannot forbear much longer. people, wake up! Be quick to recognize now it is high time to awake out Already His judgments are beginning to and seize every opportunity and advan- A of sleep: for now is OUf salvation fall on some places, and soon His signal tage offered in the turning of the wheel nearer than when we believed. The night displeasure will be felt in other places." of providence. God and Christ and the is far spent, the day is at hand: let us Testimonies, vol. 9, 96. heavenly angels are working with in- therefore cast off the works of darkness, There will come to the faithful an tense activity to hold in check the fierce- and let us put on the armour of light. Let understanding of these events, the pur- ness of Satan's wrath, that God's plans us walk honestly, as in the day; not in pose of which is to bring an urgency to may not be thwarted. God lives and rioting and drunkenness. not in cham- people to prepare their characters for the reigns. He is conducting the affairs of bering and wantonness. not in strife and final events that will burst upon the the universe. Let His soldiers move for- envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus world as an overwhelming surprise. Al- ward to victory. Lei there be perfect Christ, and make not provision for the ready we are seeing many ofthese warn- unity in their ranks. Let them press the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Romans ing events: earthquakes, fires, floods, battle to the gates. As a mighty Con- 13:11-14. and terrible storms. queror, the Lord will work for them. Do we who consider ourselves faith- 'The world is a theater; the actors, its "Let the gospel message ring ful, obedient, loyal Seventh-day Advent- inhabitants, are preparing to act their through our churches, summoning them ists, cognizant that these are the final part in the last great drama. With· the to universal action. Let the members of hours of our probationary lime in the great masses of mankind there is no the church have increased faith, gaining great controversy, understand what God unity, except as men confederate to ac- zeal from their unseen, heavenly allies, expects of us in this final crisis, in this complish their selfish purposes. God is from a knowledge of their exhaustless hour in which the judgments of God are looking on. His purposes in regard to resources, from the greatness of the en- being clearly apparent? His rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. terprise in which they are engaged, and Ellen White reveals much to us re- The world has not been given into the from the power of their Leader. Those garding the prophetic time in which we hands of men, though God is permitting who place themselves under God's con- now live, including the following: the elements of confusion and disorder trol, to be led and guided by Him, will "More and more, as the days go by, it to bear sway for a season. A power from catch the steady tread of the events is becoming apparent thot God's judg- beneath is working to bring about the ordained by Him to take place. Inspired ments are in the world. In fire and flood last great scenes in the drama-Satan with the Spirit of Him who gave His life and earthquake He is warning the in- coming as Christ, and working with all for the life of the world, they will no habitants of this earth of His near ap- deceivableness of unrighteousness in longer stand still in impotency, pointing proach. The time is nearing when the those who are binding themselves to- to what they cannol do. Putting on the great crisis in the history of the world gether in secret societies. Those who are armor of heaven, they will go forth to the will have come, when every movement yielding to the passion for confederation warfare, willing to do and dare for God, in the government of God will be are working out the plans of the enemy. knowing that His omnipotence will sup- watched with intense interest and inex- The cause will be followed by the ef- ply their need. pressible apprehension. In quick succes- fect." Testimonies, vol. 8, 27-28. "God's servants are to make usc of sion the judgments of God will follow Now, right now, is our time to pre- every resource for enlarging His king- •, one another-tire and flood and earth- pare so that we can help to prepare dom." Testimonies, vol. 7,14. quake, with war and bloodshed. others. The loud-cry message of Revela- God's faithful saints who give the "Oh, that the people might know the tion 18 will be given only by faithful loud cry to a waiting, doomed world will time of their visitation! There are many Seventh-day Adventists, by those who reprove and rebuke sin because of their who have not yet heard the testing truth have been obedient to all truth without love for righteousness. They cannot and for this time. There are many with whom compromise. See Testimonies, vol. 3, will not hold their peace. the Spirit of God is striving. The time of 281. These faithful leaders and layman "Who are standing in the counsel of God's destructive judgments is the time will catch the steady tread of events God God at this time? Is it those who virtu- of mercy for those who have had no ordains to awaken His faithful people. Continued on 27
2 Our Finn Foundatio1l April 1994 It is the mission of Hope Interna- tional and the editors of Our Firm Foundation to clearly present Christ and His truth. The days that yet remain of this world are few, and Table of Contents what we do we must do quickly. We Vol. 8. No.4 April. 1994 must boldly proclaim the historic truths of Adventism that place us on so firm a foundation in the midst of this troubled world.-EDITORS Articles
Editor-Ron SJX,:ar The Myth of the Objective Gospel Colin Standish 4 As... Editors-Bob Bresnahan, A '·new" gospel that does not really exis!. Clark Aayd. Kenneth Hodges. Preston Monterrey. Vernon Sparks. In Adam Vernon Sparks 8 Harvey Steck What it means to be a descendant of Adam. Production Manager-Harvey SIeck Editorial Secretary-Mary Hayd Ellen G. White 14 ContribUling Edilors- Colin Standish. Letter K-303-1903 Russell St.:mdish Newly discovered statements on Christ our Example. Art Director-Bob Bresnahan Art-Joel Allen A Theological Picass<>-Part 2 Kevin Paulson 18 Circulation-Lois McGaughey Beautiful but unreal theology.
Should God Say Thank You? Ralph Larson 25 To SUBSCRIBE: Are our good deeds really good? Suggested donntions for the :'lnnual subscrip- lion arc listed below. We h:lVC kept these as Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Clark Floyd 28 low :1.<; possible: but if your financc;s C
April 1994 Our Firm Foundafioll 3 thians 5:18-19). I believe that [3] the only reason anyone will be lost is because he or she willfully and persistently rejects God's gift ofsalvation in Christ (see John 3: 18, 36). This is what constitutes the three angels' messages of Revelation 14, the everlasting gospel that must be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before the end comes." Jack Sequeira, Beyond Belief, 7-8. All emphases added unless otherwise noted. This opening statement should have raised a red flag right at the beginning for anyone who read it. That so many have accepted this amazing introduction, among them many who had no difficulty rejecting the presentations of Dr. Ford a decade or two ago, is remarkable. Let us briefly examine the three emphasized por- tions of this statement in the light of divine revelation. I. To deny that we must believe and repent to attain salvation denies the very gospel preached by Jesus. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel ofthe kingdom ofGod, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom ofGod is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark I: 14-15. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- ever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3. 2. The claim that salvation is uncondi- tional is just as devoid of scriptural foun- dation as is the claim that salvation does not require belief or repentance. "There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the righteousness of Christ." Selected Mes- sages, vol. 1,377. The Myth ofthe Objective Gospel "Blessed is the man that endureth N last month's article we investigated human beings on the cross, but that this temptation: for when he is tried, he shall the Word of God and discovered that salvation is limited only to the elect-those receive the crown of life, which the Lord I the gospel of salvation encompasses whom God has predetermined to be saved. hath promised to them that love him." both justification by faith and sanctifica- The second view, Arminianism [the can· James 1:12. tion by faith. We proved that Christ and cepts ofthe Dutch reformer, Arminius, who "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath the Bible writers presented a gospel strongly opposed Calvin's concepts of pre- not God chosen the poor of this world rich which denied the Reformational claim destination and once saved, always saved], in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which () that the gospel was justification alone. holds that on the cross Christ obtained he hath promised to them that love him?" This month we will look at the claims of salvation for all humanity, but that this James 2:5. the "objective gospel,,1 which concept is salvation is only a provision; [1] a person "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, a central feature of the 1888 Study must believe and repent for the provision to nor ear heard. neither have entered into Group's teaching and of Elder Jack Se- become a reality. Both these views are only the heart of man, the things which God queira's book, Beyond Belief This latter conditional good news. hath prepared for them that love him." fact is made clear in the preface to Elder "I believe that neither camp presents the I Corinthians 2:9. Sequeira's book: full truth about salvation. I believe the Bible "For since the beginning of the world "For four hundred years, Protestant teaches that [2] God actually and uncondi· men have not heard, nor perceived by the Christianity has been divided into two tionally saved all humanity at the cross so ear, neither hath the eye seen, 0 God, camps regarding salvation. The first, Cal- that we are justified and reconciled by God beside thee, what he hath prepared for him vinism, confesses that Christ actually saved by that act (see Romans 5:10, 18; 2 Carin- that waiteth for him." Isaiah 64:4. I Colin Standish I
4 Our Finll Foundation April 1994 "Like as a father pitieth his children, 4, The centrality of the gospel is the "in goeth in to make an atonement in the so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." Christ" motif. ''The central theme of the [most] holy place, until he come out, and Psalm 103:13. apostle Paul's theology regarding the gospel have made an atonement for himself, and "But if we walk in the light, as he is in is the 'in Christ' motif or idea." Ibid., 33. for his household, and for all the congre- the light, we have fellowship one with 5. All of OUf salvation was accom- gation ofIsrae!." Leviticus 16: 17. another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his plished 2000 years ago on Calvary logi- Sister White says that the sanctuary Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7. cally making the sanctuary ministry of message is the center of our faith. "The "And shewing mercy unto thousands Christ redundant; in spite of the fact that correct understanding of the ministration of them that love me, and keep my com- both Ford and Sequeira have spoken in the heavenly sanctuary is the founda- mandments." Exodus 20:6. much about the sanctuary message. "All tion of our faith." Evangelism, 221. "Blessed are they that do his com- three of these aspects of our salvation- Some have challenged this concept, mandments, that they may have right to justification, sanctification, and glorifica- saying that the cross is the center of our the tree of life, and may enter in through tion-have already been accomplished in faith, but, ofcourse, the cross ofChrist, His the gates into the city." Revelation 22: 14. the birth, life, death, and resurrection of death and sacrifice, are integral to the 3. The third concept is just as errone- our Lord Jesus Christ." Ibid., 30. sanctuary message. Without the sacrifice, ous. While rejection will lead to eternal loss, so will neglect. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was con- he concept that we are saved unless we firmed unto us by them that heard him?" reject or resist is extraordinarily dangerous. Hebrews 2:3. T The concept that we are saved unless It indicates that if we make no decision we will we reject or resist is extraordinarily dan- gerous. It indicates that if we make no be saved. decision we will be saved. In reality we must accept Christ's saving grace, or we will be lost. We must choose to be for Christ. 6. Both teach a universal salvation. "I there would be no administration of the "He that is not with me is against me; believe the Bible teaches that God actu- blood before the mercy seat by the heav- and he that gathereth not with me scat- ally and unconditionally saved all human- enly high priest. tereth abroad." Matthew 12:30. ity at the cross so that we are justified and Concerning the objective gospel, On the issue of righteousness by faith reconciled to God by that act." Ibid., 8. Elder Sequeira further says: "This salva- there are few substantial differences be- 7. We can lose salvation only by active tion is an objective truth realized in the tween the message of Elder Jack Sequeira and persistent rejection of salvation. "1 earthly history of Christ, and therefore we and the message of Dr. Desmond Ford. believe that the only reason anyone will can refer to it theologically as the objec- Jack Sequeira has presented a concept be lost is because he or she willfully and tive gospe!." Beyond Belief, p. 31. of salvation that many will recognize has persistently rejects God's gift of salvation While he does acknowledge a subjec- many elements common with those taught in Christ." Ibid. tive aspect of the gospel, Sequeira denies by Dr. Desmond Ford in the 1970s and 8. If we sin we still retain justification. that it has anything to add to the objective 1980s. For example: "However, God does not reject us every gospe!. 1. Salvation is justification alone. time we make a mistake or fall into sin. If "Second, Scripture also refers to sal- "Justification means all of Christ's right- we believe that we lose our justification in vation as what God accomplishes in us eousness that He provided for us so that Christ each time we sin, we completely through the Holy Spirit. This aspect of nothing more is required of us to qualify invalidate the truth of justification by salvation is not something in addition to for heaven. In other words, we stand faith" Ibid., 104. the objective facts of the gospel." Ibid. perfect in Him." Beyond Belief, 103. Em- Both teach many concepts common to The claim to an objective justification phasis in the original. Evangelical Protestantism, Calvinism, is built around Romans 5: 18. 2. There is an objective gospe!. ''The and Augustinian Catholicism. "Therefore as by the offence of one J objective gospel (the imputed righteousness These concepts do not allow for a true judgment came upon all men to condem- of Christ) is what qualifies us for heaven- Seventh-day Adventist position on the sanc- nation; even so by the righteousness of both now and in the judgment." Ibid., 36. tuary message, despite the fact that Elder one the free gift came upon all men unto However, unlike Desmond Ford, Jack Se- Sequeira has done a lengthy series on this justification of life." Romans 5: 18. queira also believes in justification by faith. message. The book Beyond Belief signifi- I! is argued that all humanity, past, 3. That sanctification is a very part of cantly ignores the heavenly sanctuary mes- present, and future, were justified on Cal- truth, but it does not contribute to our sage as part of the salvational acts of God; vary. This belief is a strong pillar of the qualification for heaven. "The subjective therefore one assumes that Elder Sequeira 1888 Study Committee, yet it is not to be gospel (the imparted righteousness of believes that the atonement was completed found in the message Christ OUf Righteous- Christ) does not contribute to our qualifi- on the cross, rather than in the heavenly ness as taught by Sister White, nor is it to be cation for heaven; it gives evidence of the sanctuary, as clearly identified in the type. found in a broad study of the Word ofGod. reality of Christ'S imputed righteousness "And there shall be no man in the Sister White, in the thousands of pages she in the life." Ibid. tabernacle of the congregation when he wrote on the 1888 message of Christ Our
April 1994 Our Firm Foundatioll 5 Righteousness, never once distinguishes "He that overcometh, the same shaJ I be "At that day ye shall know that Jam in between an objective and a subjective form clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." ofjustification. out his name out ofthe book oflife, but Jwill John 14:20. It is not uncommon for those who confess his name before my Father, and "I in them, and thou in me, that they support the 1888 Study Committee to say before his angels." Revelation 3:5. may be made perfect in one; and that the that there are two phases of justification: "Him that overcometh will I make a world may know that thou hast sent me, forensic (legal, universal, corporate, tem- pillar in the temple of my God, and he and hast loved them, as thou hast loved porary, judicial) justification, which is a shall go no more out: and I wi II write upon me." John 17:23. justification which came upon all men him the name of my God, and the name of Perhaps the unity of the two is best through the death of Jesus Christ; and the city of my God, which is new Jerusa- seen in Jesus' use of the vine-and-branch justification by faith. lem, which cometh down out of heaven illustration of John 15. Unlike Dr. Ford's presentations, there is from my God: and I will write upon him "Abide in me, and 1 in you. As the an emphasis on justitication by faith; but, as my new name." Revelation 3: 12. branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it pointed out in the October 1993 issue ofOur ''To him that overcometh will I grant abide in the vine; no morc can ye, except Finn Foundatiol/., voL 8, no. 10, we have seen to sit with me in my throne, even as I also ye abide in me." John 15:4. that the forensic justification concept has no overcame, and am set down with my "If ye abide in me, and my words foundation in the Bible or in the Spirit of Father in his throne." Revelation 3:21. abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, Prophecy. We also noted that in the end this "And the very God of peace sanctify and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. concept begins to dominate over the only you wholly; and I pray God your whole The picture is clear. Is the vine in the justification that will ever save us, and that is spirit and soul and body be preserved branch, or the branch in the vine? Obvi- justification by faith, 'T1lis teaching leaves us blameless unto the coming of our Lord ously they are in each other. There is no in danger of moving God's people toward a Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 5:23. such thing as an "in Christ" motif outside concept in which obedience is seen to have "And now, brethren, I commend you of a "Christ in" motif; the two cohere less and less importance in the development to God, and to the word of his grace, together in the gospel. of a people of God who will be tit for the which is able to build you up, and to give In his first epistle, John continues to kingdom of heaven. TIle Bible is rich with you an inheritance among all them which emphasize the unity of the "in Christ" and statements showing that the subjective trans- are sanctified." Acts 20:32. the "Christ in" message. formation oftile life is absolutely essential in One of the most imporlant pillars of "And he that keepeth his commandments those who will be saved. the objective gospel is the "in Christ" dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby "Now unto him that is able to keep motif. As Elder Sequeira says: "The cen- we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit you from falling, and to present you fault- tral theme of the apostle Paul's theology which he hath given us." I John 3:24. less before the presence of his glory with regarding the gospel is the 'in Christ' "Hereby know we that we dwell in exceeding joy," Jude 24. motif or idea." Ibid. 33. He sees it as his him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testi fy that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall his teaching leaves us in danger of moving confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God God's people toward a concept in which dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we T have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that obedience is seen to have less and less dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and importance in the development of a people of God in him." I John 4:13-16. That Paul fully acknowledged the God who will be fit for the kingdom of heaven. "Christ in" and the "in Christ" concepts can be seen from the following texts: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless "He that hath an ear, let him hear what fundamental concept of "corporate one- j live; yet not I, but Chris! liveth in me; and the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him ness." The idea is that we were all "in the life which I now live in the tlesh I live by that overcometh will I give to eat of the Christ" when He died on Calvary, when the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, tree of life, which is in the midst of the He paid the penalty for our sins. and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. v paradise of God." Revelation 2:7. While Elder Sequeira also refers to the "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the "He that hath an ear, let him hear what "Christ in," motif it is clear that, like his Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that reference to sanctification, he does not see in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit overcometh shall not be hurt of the second it as essential to the salvation of mankind. ofChrist, he is none of his. And if Chris! be death." Revelation 2: II. But let us look at the foundation of this ill you, the body is dead because of sin; but "He el,at hath an ear, let him hear what message. Christ Himself refused to sepa- the Spirit is life because of righteousness." the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that rate the two components; they are as Romans 8:9-10. overcometh will 1 give to eat of the hidden indivisibly linked as are justification and "To whom God would make known manna, and will give him a white stone, and sanctification. what is the riches of the glory of this in the stone a new name written, which no "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh mystery among the Gentiles; which is man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colos- Revelation 2: 17. John 6:56. sians 1:27.
6 Our Fin/l Poundation April 1994 There is no objective gospel separate It is works of the law through theflesh .. 'When the fruit is brought forth,
from the subjective gospel. AllY legal acts which are rebellion against God. "Now immediately he putleth in the sickle, beM of God rejlecr whar has happened and is the works of the flesh are manifest, which cause the harvest is come.' Mark 4:29. happening in the /(fe of the man. Every- are these; adultery, fornication, unclean- Christ is waiting with longing desire for thing that is done retlects what is taking ness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, the manifestation of Himself in His place in the life of the Christian. When we hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, church. When the character of Christ shall are justified in heaven, it is because we seditions. heresies, envyings, murders, be perfectly reproduced in His people, have repented and confessed our sins, and drunkenness. revellings, and such like: of then He will come to claim them as His we have new motives. new impulses, new the which I tell you before, as I have also own." Christ's Object Lessons, 69. desires, a new character. When we are sanctified in heaven it is because Christ is dwelling daily in our hearts. When our sins are blotted out in the investigative here is no objective gospel separate from judgment, they are not only blotted out of the subjective gospel. Any legal acts ofGod the books of record in heaven. they are T also blotted out of the lives of God's reflect what has happened and is happening in the people. "As in the finnl alOnement the sins of life ofthe man. Everything that is done reflects the truly penitent are to be blolted from the records of heaven, no more to be what is taking place in the life of the Christian. remembered or come into mind. so in the type they were borne away into the wil· derness. forever separated from the con- told you in time past, that they which do Acceptance of the objective gospel gregation:' Patriarchs Gnd Prophets, 358. such things shall not inherit the kingdom concept will inevitably lead many to con- "The righteous will not cease their of God." Galatians 5: 19-21. clude thatlhey can be saved shol1 of perfect earnest agonizing cries for deliverance. While Elder Sequeira and the mem- obedience, the obedience that comes They cannot bring to mind any particular bers of the 1888 Message Study Commit- through the power of the indwelling Christ, sin, but in their whole life they can see but tee do speak about santification, the logic and in response 10 their love for the gift of little good. Their sins have gone before of their position leads many thinking men our heavenly Father. If we doubt this asser- hand to judgment, and pardon has been and women to conclude that perfection of tion we have only to review the carnage written. Their sins have been borne away character is not essential to salvation. Yet caused by Dr. Ford's teachings. into the land or forgetfulness, and they Inspiration says: In summary. it can be said without could not bring them to remembrance." "And the dragon was wroth with the doubt that the objective gospel is a fig- Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 135. woman, and went to make war with the ment of human imagination which has "But while they [the saints after the remnant of her seed, which keep the arisen out of Augustinian Catholicism, close of probation} have a deep sense of commandments of God, and have the and which ultimately leads people away their unworthiness, they have no con- testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation from the transforming power of Christ in cealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have 12: 17. the life and from their preparation to be fit gone beforehand to judgment and have "Here is the patience of the saints: or qualified to walk the streets of gold been blotted out, and they cannot bring here are they that keep the command- with the unfallen beings of heaven. 0 them to remembrance." The Great Con- ments of God. and the faith of Jesus.'· troversy, 620. Revelation 14: 12. With great joy we can acknowledge "Blessed are they that do his com- I The objective gospel is :1 purported I1ldhod of that Inspiration presents a gospel that mandments, that they may have right to justifying man without his know1cdgc or participa- tion. Jnd thus without the necessity of any inh..:rnal transforms the life and fits men and the tree of life, and may enter in through change or transformation-sanctification. Sec Be- women for the courts of heaven. Thus we the gates into the city." Revelation 22: 14. JOlld Belie}: 31-33. have to reject Elder Sequeira's statement: "Performing works of law is a subtle form of rebellion against God because all such works are actually independent of Him." Beyond Belie}; 97. Special Notice It is true that the works of the law As this issue of Our Firm Foundation was going to press, our cannot save us, but it is not true to say that doing the works 01' the law by faith is a shipping department notified us that we have sold all but a few subtle form of rebellion. of the Spirit of Prophecy three-volume sets at the special "Knowing thal a man is not justified clearance price. (These volumes were selling for $150 per set by the works of the law, but by the faith of plus $10 shipping.) Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Since the price may change when these volumes are reprinted, Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith ofChrist, and not by the works of please watch Our Firm Foundation for prices and availability. the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Galatians 2: 16.
April 1994 Our Finn FOIllldmif1fl 7 ties peculiar to himself or herself. See ibid. The individuality of each person is deter- mined at the fertilization of the mother's ovum by one sperm of the father. At that moment a unique combination of genetic material is formed, a combination of ge· netic material-personhood-that has never existed before, nor will it be dupli- cated in the future. From each such unique, new creation arises a person with a unique mind, with "individuality, power to think and to do," intended by God to exist eter- nally from that time onward. "The great Master Artist has not made two leaves of the same tree precisely alike; so His creative power does not give to all minds the same likeness. They are created to live through ceaseless ages, and there is to be complete unity, mind blend- ing with mind; but no two are to be of the same mold." Ibid., 426. Seventh-day Adventists reject the tenet of some Eastern religions that we pre-exist- ed as conscious, morally responsible per- sons. In the garden of Eden the first man and woman were so created that both male and female were needed to provide the genetic material to form each of their descendants. Thus it is impossible for us to exist as persons, with moral responsibility and ac- countability, prior to the union of our own father and mother. We can only marvel at God's willingness to share with men and women the ability to form new creations. Genetic material capable of forming us was in Adam and in all ofour forefathers, but we have not existed as morally accountable persons until the unique. new creation con- ceived by our specific parents. Adam and Eve's sin in partaking the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil had a tremendous impact upon all their potential descendants. At the moment they InAdftm sinned, justice demanded their eternal de- struction. If this destruction had occurred it E are going to study in this a power akin to that of the Creator-indi- would logically, in harmony with the laws article what it means to be de- viduality, power to think and to do." ofbiology, have also eternally destroyed the W scendants ofAdam. We will dis- Education, 17. genetic material for all of their potential cover that there are serious, multiple conse- Each individuality is "separate and descendants. We could surmise that if God J quences of Adam's original sin affecting distinct from all others. Each must be had destroyed Adam and Eve, He could each one of us. Among these consequences convicted for himself, converted for him- have replaced them with another pair with are a probationary life that ends in the first self. He must receive the truth, repent, the same genetic potential to form the same death and is followed by a resurrection believe, and obey for himself. He must persons who have arisen from Adam and from the dead. We will conclude, however, exercise his will for himself. No one can Eve. But God chose a different response-a that our eternal destiny-life or death-is do this work by proxy. No one can sub- response of justice mingled with mercy- determined solely by our personal choices merge his individuality in another's. Each that would give Adam and Eve and the regarding the plan of salvation and not by must surrender to God by his own act and human race a second chance. the choices of our ancestors. the mystery of godliness." Mind, Charac- Rather than experiencing eternal obliv- Every person is created with the power ter, and Personality, vol. 2, 423. ion in the obliteration of Adam, the human of individuality. "Every human being, cre- It is by the Lord's design that each race immediately received through Christ's ated in the image of God, is endowed with person has natural aptitudes and capabili- willingness to die in man's place, a temporal Vernon Sparks I 8 Our Finll Foundation April 1994 life of probation and an opportunity to obtain 4. Painful child doliveries. See Gene- alike go down into the gravc. And through cternallifc. All that the potential human race sis 3: 16: PC/lriarch., and Prophets, 58. the provisions of the plan of salvation, all lost by being in Adam it would eventually 5. The woman became- mbservient to are to be brought forth from their graves. regain upon condition of returning to the the man. See Genesis 3: 16. 'TIlcre shall be a resurrection of the dead, obedience to the Creator that Adam exhibited 6. The ground cursed, necessitating both of the just and unjust;' 'for as in prior to his fall. Yes. the human race theoreti- earning one's livelihood by the sweat of Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be cally lost all by being in Adam. but in reality, one's brow. See Genesis 3: 17-19. made alive.' Acts 24: 15; I Corinthians through Christ, we have present life and the 7. The tree of life removed from the 15:22." The Great Controver.I)'. 544. offer of life eternal. diet; for it were substilUted thL" herbs of It is significant that in the above refer- Under Heaven's plnn to redeem man. the field. Sec Genesis 3: 17-18. ence Inspiration applies the passage in the punishmcnt or wages of sin--eternal 8. Inherited and developed evil tend- I Corinthians 15:22. "as in Adam all die." death-was not waived, but was deferred. encies, including perverted appetih::s and to the first death which is a sleep, and not ll1Us each present and future member ofthe human race has the opportunity to person- ally choose eternal life or eternal death. The plan of redemption was actually developed n consequence of Adam's sin, death passed before man's creation. Christ is "the Lamb slain frol11 the foundation of the world:' I upon the whole human race. All alike go Revelation 13:8. Chris!'s promised death if man sinned did nOt include unconditional down into the grave. And through the justification-pardon or forgiveness-for provisions of the plan of salvation, all are to be Adam. Eve and their potential descendants. To unconditionally pardon man before he brought forth from their grave. sinned, or was even created, would indeed be a mockery of God's law and justice. [f Adam and Eve could have truly been debased morals, as well as physical dis- 10 the eternal, second dealh deserved by declared salvationally righteous at the mo- ease and degeneracy, transmitted to the Adam at the time of his fall and through ment of their disobedience, through uncon- third and fourth generation, See Patri- him affecting the entire potential human ditional justification, then there would have archs and Prophets. 306. racc. In the above reference Inspiration been no basis for removing them from the 9. A congenitally defective physical also applics the phrase, "all be made Garden ofEden with its tree oflife. The fact body wilh diminished physical and mental alive," to the resurrection of all-the un- that they were cvicted confirms that justice strength and stamina. just as well as the just which follows the or punishment was not annulled, but was 10. The desire to know good and God first death. It does not apply to this present mcrely defcrred; temporal probation was dependent upon "the true Light. which probmionary life. provided. for the unjustified to give them lightcth every man that cometh into the 15. One of the final consequences of the opportunity to demonstrate renewed world." John I:9: See Education, 29. Adam's fall will be the dispensing of loyalty to their Creator. II. Ongoing affliction by Satan's temp- rewards to both the resurrected just and tations. See Patriarchs and Prophets, 59. the unjust. 12. Dominion over the earth lost; the "But a distinction is made between the Consequences of Adam's Sin inferior creatures in rebellion to man's two classes that are brought forth. 'All that The conditions of probalionary life, authority. See ibid., 59-60. are in the graves shall hear his voice, and along with the bounties of nature neces- 13. Lifetime sorrow of beholding the shall come forth; they that have done good. sary to sustain it. were provided by the blight of sin in nature and humanity-also unto the resurrection of life; and they that Creator for the unjust as well as the just. referred to as "the penalty of transgres- have done evil, unto the resurrection of There were to be consequences ofAdam's sion." See Maranatlw, 315, All emphasis damnation.' John 5:28-29. They who have sin for Adam and for all future descen- supplied. been accounted worthy of the resurrection dants. These consequences were to teach 14. Man to return to the dust from of life are 'blessed and holy.' 'On such the all humanity that intelligent beings are which he was taken-the first death. " 'The second death hath no power.' Revelation accountable to the Creator for their ac- wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is 20:6. But those who have not, through repen- tions. Among these consequences are the eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' tance and faith. secured pardon, must receive following: Romans 6:23. While lite is the inheritance the penalty of transgression-'the wages of I. No direct communication between of the righteous. death is the ponion of the sin,' They suffer punishment varying in dura- God the Father and man-all communica- wicked. Moses declared to Israel: 'I have tion and intensity, 'according 10 their works.' tion would be through Christ. See Parri- set before thee this day life and good. and but tinally ending in the second death. arc/Is and Prophets, 366. death and evil." Deuteronomy 30: 15. The Covered wid, infamy, they sink into hopeless. 2. Loss of the robe of light which death referred to in these scriptures is not eternal oblivion." Ibid., 544--545. enabled man to clearly pcrceive the char- thai pronounced upon Adam, for all man- acter of God in nature. See Selected Mes- kind suffer the penalty ofhis transgression. The Second Dcath sages, book I, 29G-293. It is 'the second death' that is placed in 3. Sinless human nature changed into contrast with everlasting life. Inspiration gives additional information sinful human nature, with an inherited "In consequence of Adam's sin, death regarding the second death, which helps to bent 10 sin and 11l0rJI degeneracy. passed upon the whole human race, All contrast it with the first dcath. nle wages of
April 1994 Our Firm FOJllldmiol/ 9 sin-the second death-includes suffering nent of the probationary life provided by we have the true definition of sin: it is 'the the wrath of God as well as eternal death. Christ's substituti:mary death on the cross transgression of the law.' How often the "The forbearance that God has exer- because of Ad-:.m's sin. We all-saint and sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come cised toward the wicked has emboldened sinner alike-actively participate in each of to Jesus: but has the messenger who would men in transgression; but their punishment these consequences merely because we are lead him to Christ clearly pointed out the will be nonetheless certain and terrible for descended from Adanl. way? Has he clearly pointed out the fact being long delayed. 'The Lord shall rise up All of these consequences effect the that 'sin is the transgression ofthe law: and as in mount Perazim. he shall be wroth as in just as well as the unjust. essentially to the that he must repent, and forsake the break- the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his same extent, except for the last conse- ing of God's commandments? Christ will work, his strange work; and bring to pass quence listed. The just and the unjust come 10 consume the false prophet, to his act, his strange act.' Isaiah 28:21. To our receive different eternal rewards. Eternal sweep away the hoSls of apostasy, to take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of God; and it is of the highest importance to each one of us f they refuse the heavenly benefit and choose that we know the conditions by which we shall escape the sinner's doom. It is of the I the pleasures and deceitfulness of sin, they greatest moment that we understand the have their choice, and at the end receive their nature of our fall and the consequences of transgression. Man's conscience has be- wages, which is the wrath ofGod and eternal come hardened by sin, and his under- standing darkened by transgression, and his death. judgment has become confused as to what is sin. He has become benumbed by Ihe influence of iniquity, and it is essential that merciful God the act of punishment is a life is given to Ihe just-all who have his conscience be aroused to understand strange act. Yet He will 'by no means clear placed all Iheir guilt on ChriSl the Lamb, that sin is the transgression of God's holy the guilty.' Exodus 34:7." The Siglls ofthe the Sin-bearer. The punishment by the law. He who does not obey the command- Times, January 25, 1910. wrath of God ending in eternal oblivion is ments of God is a sinner in the sight of "Christ felt much as sinners will feel experienced by the unjust who have cho- God." Signs ofthe TImes, June 20,1895. when the vials of God's wrath shall be sen to bear their own guilt. It is clear that disobedience to the will poured out upon them. Black despair, like To fully understand the plan of re- of God is sin. In Romans 7:7-9 Paul the pall of death, will gather about their demption and the good news of the gospel teaches that sin with guill and condemna- guilty souls, and then they will realize to we must understand clearly when and tion comes with a knowledge of the law: the fullest extent the sinfulness of sin. how a man or woman becomes guilty or "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Salvation has been purchased for them by condemned. God forbid. Nay. I had not known sin, but the suffering and death of the Son of God. Justification, or righteousness, versus by the law: for I had not known lust, It might be theirs, if they would accept of guilt or condemnation plays a definite, but except the law had said. Thou shalt not it willingly, gladly: but none are com- not always a well-defined, role in the covet. But sin, laking occasion by the pelled to yield obedience to the law of quality ofour temporal lives. However. by commandment. wrought in me all manner God. If they refuse the heavenly benefit far its greatest importance will be revealed of concupiscence. For without the law sin and choose the pleasures and deceitful- when the final verdict is pronounced. "He was dead. For I was alive without the law ness of sin, they have their choice, and at that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and once: but when the commandment came, the end receive their wages, which is the he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: sin revived, and I died." wrath ofGod alld eternal death." Testimo- and he that is righteous, let him be James clearly teaches that sin is com- nies, vol. 2, 210. (All emphasis supplied eous still: and he that is holy, let him be miled and condemnation received by unless otherwise noted.) holy still" (Revelation 22: II) shall be those who knowingly disobey. "Therefore "Satan rushes into the midst of his applied to the tinal entry of our name in to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth followers and tries to stir up the multitude the book of life in heaven. This statement it not, to him it is sin." James 4: 17. to action. But fire from God out of heaven is true whether our last entry in the Paul in Acts 17:30 states that the is rained upon them, and the great men, and enly record book is made when we die the disobedience of ignorance is winked at by mighty men, the noble. the poor and miser- first death ofsleep or whelher we are alive God and thus results in no condemnation. able, are all consumed together. I saw that when the above words are spoken at the "And the times of this ignorance God some were quickly destroyed, while others general close of probalion for the human winked at; but now commrmdeth all men suffered longer. They were punished ac- race. To understand guilt and condemna- every where to repent:' cording to the deeds done in the body. Some tion, we must first understand their cause, Ezekiel clarifies the issue further were many days consuming. and just as which is sin. when he says that "The soul that sinneth, long as there was a portion of them uncon- o'A terrible doom awaits the sinner, and it shall die. The son shall not bear the sumed, all the sense ofsuffering remained." therefore it is necessary that we know what iniquity of the father, neither shall the Early Writings, 294. sin is, in order that we may escape from its father bear the iniquity of the son: the Each member of Ihe human race is power. John says, 'Whosoever commiueth righteousness of the righteous shall be involved in each of these consequences of sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the upon him, and the wickedness of the Adam's sin. Each of the fifteen is a compo- transgression of the law.' I John 3:4. Here wicked shall be upon him." Ezekiel 18:20.
10 Our Fin1l Foundation April 1994 Thus we see that we are sinners. guilty indulge in depraved appetites, they will, in death passed upon all men." Romans 5: 12. and condemned before the law, worthy of almost every case, see the same acted over "For if by one man's offence death the second death because of our own per- in their children. The children will develop reigned by one,"Romans 5: 17 sonal, knowing disobedience to God's will. characters similar to those of their parents: "Therefore as by the offence of one The modern prophet is in agreement with and unless they arc renewed by grace, and judgment came upon all men to condem- this clear biblical teaching. overcome, they are truly unfortunate. If nation." Romans 5: 18. "None will be condemned for not parents are continually rebellious, and in- "For as by one man's disobedience heeding light and knowledge that they clined to disobey God, their children will many were made sinners." Romans 5: 19. never had, and they could not obtain." generally imitate their example. Godly par· "Adam sinned, and the children of Review alld Herald, November 25, 1884. ents. who instruct their children by precept Adam share his guilt and its conse· "Men will not be judged for light they and example in the ways of righteousness, quences:' Failh alld Works, 88. have never had." Review and Herald, will generally see their children following "The sin of our first parents brought September 13, 1898. in their footsteps. 'll1e example ofGod·fear· guilt and sorrow upon the world." Patri- "We shall not be held accountable for ing parenlS will be imitated by their children, archs and Prophets. 61. the light that has not reached our percep· and their children's children will imitate the "Parents have a more serious charge tiOll, but for that which we have resisted right example their parents have set before than they imagine. The inheritance of chil- and refused. A man could not apprehend them: and thus the influence is seen from dren is that of sin. Sin has separated them the truth which had never been presented generation to generation." The Spirit of from God. Jesus gave His life that He might to him, and therefore could not be can· PrapheC), vol. 1,257-258. unite the broken links to God. As related to demned for light he had never had." Re· Thus the weighl of the evidence clearly the first Adam, men receive from him view alld Herald, April 25, 1893. supports the concept that we are not in any nothing but guilt and the sentence ofdeath." "Said the angel: 'If light come, and way guilty or condemned to suffer the Manuscript Releases. vol. 9, 236. that light is set aside or rejected, then wrath of God and eternal death merely by "Christ volunteered to come to this comes condemnation and the frown of being descendants ofAdam. All of Adam's earth and stand at the head of fallen God; but before the light comes, there is descendants-the unjust and the just-suf- human beings, who were heirs of guilt, no sin, for there is no light for them to fer the consequences of Adam's sin, but no under sentence of eternal death," Manu- reject.'" Testimonies, vol, I, 116. person is guilty orcondemned for actions of scripr Releases. vol. 12,61. his ancestors; neither is he accountable for "These dear children received from light that he could not have perceived prior Adam an inheritance of disobedience, of Visiting the Iniquity to his birth. We are candidates 10 suffer the guilt and dealh." Manuscript Releases, The servant of the Lord also helps us wrath of God ending in the second death vol. 13, 14. to correctly understand how God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. "'Visiting the iniquity of the fathers t is inevitable that children should suffer upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.' Exodus I from the consequences of parental 20:5. It is inevitable that children should suffer from the consequences of parental wrongdoing, but they are not punished for the wrongdoing, but they are not punished for parents' guilt, except as they participate in their the parents' guilt, except as they participate ill their sins. It is usually the case, however, Slns, that children walk in the steps of their parents. By inheritance and example the sons become partakers of the father's sin. only if we personally choose to participate These four scriptural references and Wrong tendencies. perverted appetites. and in, and choose to remain participants in. five Spirit of Prophecy references are inter- debased morals. as well as physical disease rebellion against God. There are some in- preted by many to mean that all mankind and degeneracy. are transmitted as a legacy spired counsels, however, that appe..'1f on the are condemned, guilty sinners simply be- from father to son, to the third and fourth surface to contradict these divine teachings. cause they arc descendants of Adam. They generation." Patriarchs Gnd Prophets. 306. say that this universal guilr and condemna- "God did not mean in this threatening Point of Confusion tion, being inherited, is registered against that the children should be compelled to our account even prior to our birth, clearly suffer for their parents' sins, but that the We have already seen where Inspira- before we can know good from evil. Others example of the parents would be imitated tion interprets "For as in Adam all die" believe that somehow we were actually by the children. If the children of wicked (I Corinthians 15:22) as referring to the accountable for. and thus guilty for, our parents should serve God and do righteous- first death which is not the result of guilt. "participation" with Adam in his sin. even ness. he would reward their right-doing. for it comes upon both lhe just and the prior to the creation of our personhood by But the effects of a sinful life are often unjust as a consequence of Adam's sin. the union of our specific human father and inherited by the children. They follow in the and 110t because of condemnation. See mother. They say that thus we are guilty al footsteps of their parents. Sinful example The Great Comroversy. 544. birth forour"implication" with Adam in his has its influence from father to son, to the "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered sin. Such beliefs are contrary to the inspired third and fourth generations. If parents into the world, and death by sin; and so writings. (However, Paul states that chil-
April 1994 Our Finll Fmllldmitm II dren in the womb have yet done neither .. ·Though Noah, Daniel. and Job, were In conclusion, being in Adam-his po- "any good or evil." Romans 9: II). in it Ithe landl. as I live. s"ith the Lord God. tential descendants-at the time of the Fall "God never contradicts Himself." Se- they shall deliver neither son nor daughter: robbed the future human race of its God- lee/ed Messages. book I. 162. Therefore they shall but deliver their own souls by ordained power of individual existence and truth will be arrived at only as we can their righteousness: (Ezekiel 14:20) which choice. Christ immediately stepped in as harmonize all of the inspired teachings is the imputed righteousness of Christ.'· the second Adam, the first Adam's Substi- regarding what it means for us to be in Maniiscript Releases, vol. 18.246. tute. to provide for each member of the Adam. Our pioneers founded their beliefs We can receive the justification and human race a time of personal existence on a harmonizing of all the inspired coun- righteousness ofChrist only if we choose to with personal responsibility and account- sels on each subject. We will be able to participate in it; so also we receive the ability. avoid apostasy only as we also harmonize disobedience and condemnation of others The entire human race-the unjust as all of the counsels on each subject. only as we choose to participate in their well as the just-are in the first Adam by The preceding nine references disobedience. Neither the first Adam nor the physical birth through no choice of their clearly state thm Adam's descendants receive guilt and condemnation. and are sinners because they are descended from Adam. However. these references can be e can receive the justification and harmonil.cd with the rest of Inspiration Iighteousness of Christ only if we choose to only by accepting the scriptural teaching W that each child of Adam receives of the participate in it; so also we receive the guilt and condemnation of Adam only when he or she consciously partakes in disobedience and condemnation of others only as Adam's rebellion. In Romans 5: 12 Paul himself harmonizes chapter 5 of Romans we choose to participate in their disobedience. with the rest of Inspiration with the phrase "for thm all have sinned." Thus we inherit guilt, condemnation and sin second Adam can or will force uS to pal1ici· own. Through the mercy ofGod, the unjus- from Adam illdirec/I)' when we choose pate in his activities against our will. tified as well as the justified, experience to panicipate in his rebellion, and 1I0r Being in Adam we all, both just and temporary. probationary life ending in the direc/!y, prior to our ability to choose, or unjust, obedient and rebellious. receive by temporary sleep of the first death. During without our choice. inheritance the consequences of Adam's this probationary life each person chooses Hebrews 7:9-10 is used by some to sin. But only post-birth willful disobedi- to, or chooses not to, experience the new attempt to establish a principle that all ence results in the guilt and rebellion bil1h into the family of the second Adam. persons are considered by God as having which will be punished in the lake of fire Christ. done everything that their ancestors did. ending in etemnl demh. The plan of re- Those who choose to remain spiritually "And as 1 may so say, Levi also, who demption was designed to provide for all in the lirst Adam by choosing to continue to receiveth tithes. payed tithes in Abraham. in Adam the consequences of Adam's sin participate in the disobedience of the firsl For he was yet in the loins of his father, (for example. temporal life and the first Adam will eventually suffer the delayed when Melchisedec met him." death) in order that all might have the wages ofsin-the wrath ofGod and eternal These verses were pan of an argument opportunity of avoiding the second death. On the contrary, those persons who of Paul's to show the superiority of the death-the wages of sin. The terms "guilt, choose to be born again and who daily, by Melchiscdec priesthood, which was n01 condemnation, obedience, righteousness. the second Adam's enabling grace, abide in detcrmined by inheritance as was the priest- pardon, and justification" are "II plan-of- Christ will in the end receive eternal life. hood of Levi. T11esC verses do not say, nor salvation terms relating to eternal life and This present, temporary, first life and wcre they apparently written to show, that eternal death rather than to the first life temporary first death are experienced by all Levi was morally justified nor morally and the tirst death. regardless of their choice to be obedient or condemned by his father's actions prior to The plan of salvation was designed to disobedient. just or unjust. On the contrary, Levi's birth. It is stretching the intent and justify nnd snve individual sinners con- no morally accountable person will experi- meaning of these verses to state that they demned to the wrath of God and eternal ence eternal death merely because of support the idea that we were condemned oblivion because of their personal, active, Adam's disobedience. Neither will he re- by "our participation" in Adam's fall be- known participation in disobedience to ceive eternal life merely because of the Clluse we were in his loins. Such a teaching God's will. Guilt. condemnation and the second Adam's obedient substitutionary contradicts previously cited Scripture llnd second death corne to each of Adam's life. Spirit of Prophecy statements. descendants, not directly because of Through the plan ofsalvation Christ has It is only reasonable to conclude that Adam's sin. but indirectly as each descen- provided freedom of choice-religious lib- as the good deeds and the justification of dant chooses to join Adam in his rebel- erty-to each reasoning descendant of others do not morally justify us, neither do lion. The plan of salvation was designed Adam. How we exercise our will, what we the disobedient acts of others condemn us. /0 prorect the religious liberty of each choose. is a matter of life and death. Be- "We cannot bless one another. My sou!. II was activated at the time of Adam's cause of the second Adam our eternal faith C:.lnnot save you, nor your faith avail sin in order to give each child of Adam the destiny is our choice, personally, alone. 0 for my salvation." The Signs ofthe Times, oppOltunity nnd the freedom to decide his June 10, 1889. own destiny.
12 Our Firm /:()I/I1r!lIliofl April 1994 Ueralds of Peace
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April 1994 Our Finll/'iJlllUlar;r!ll 13 his servants things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unlo his servant John." [Revelation I: I.] If at the time these things were revealed, it could be said that they would "shortly come to pass," they must be very nigh now. Il is of far greater importance to us that we understand this solemn revelation, which concerns our temporal and eternal interests. the conse- quence of sins unconfessed [and] unre- pented of, than that we study Latin, or Greek. or the science of drug medication. We do not need these branches of learning to save the soul or the body. If we had needed them, the great Medical Mission- ary would certainly have given us some instruction in regard to the mauer. At this time, when the inhabitants of the whole world are being worked with an intensity by satanic agencies, [and] a cer- tain feature of scientific mesmerism is exerci ed, mind upon mind, which is de- stroying souls, we are to gain an under- standing of the one thing needful that will make it possible for us to secure eternal life. The one thing positively needful now, in this last remnant of time, is that we should love God supremely and our ncighbors as ourscl ves. When practical godliness of this sort shall come into the church, Heaven's signature will be at- tached to the work done 10 reveal 10 the world the true Medical Missionary, which saves soul and body and destroys sin. Christ came to this earth to lift up the fallen. 10 ennoble and refine and sanctifiy humanity. By His words and works in behalf of the fallen race, He evidenced to men and women whal they can become by cooperating with their Creator, while Sa- Ian is working with his satanic agencies to destroy sound judgment founded on the Bible. And that is the foundation of true Letter K-303 -1903 faith that is unto eternal life. The desecrated and defi led order of Elmshaven, St. Helena, California Last Tuesday, in the early morning beings, united with the great deceiver, August 29. 1903 hours, your case was presented before me work with all deceivableness of un- in such a way that now, for your own righteousness in them that perish. Satanic Dr. J. H. Kellogg: soul's sake, I will mention some things, agencies, working through human minds, My dear Brother: but not all now. I am instructed to bear a devise and plan wonderful things that are message to you, and to our brethren who not acceptable 10 God, nor in harmony ECENTLY I have been wrought claim to believe the truth as revealed in with His purpose. upon by the Spirit of God to say to the messages that Christ came to the Isle We see Satan's work constantly grow- R you some things that I did nOl say of Patmos to give to John while this ing in intensity, as manifested in increas- at the General Conference in Oakland apostle was in exile-the messages por- ing deception, violence, and crime. How because I felt that that was not the proper traying (he events that will occur in (he can the false and cruel work of apostasy lime or place [Q mention them. [ have last days of this earth's history. John was and rebellion be dealt with, both for the hoped that you would give heed to the directed to communicate these messages destruction of evil and the restoration of messages borne to you, and humble your to the churches. the evildoers? I have withheld many heart before God: but you have not done "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, things of sins unconfessed by you, hoping this. which God gave unto him, to shew unto that there would be a reformation in you, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!{I I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 14 Our Finn Foulldm;rJlI April 1994 and reformations have been presented to cometh will I grant to sit with me in my world, He declared that He was to leave me of what might be in you, but the throne, even as I also overcame, and am His position of dignity and disguise His remedial agencies must stand forth pure set down with my Father in his throne." holy mission by assuming the likeness of and undefiled. Revelation 6:21. These are the terms of a man, when in reality He was the Son of All our medical missionary work is to salvation. And may God forbid that poor, the infinite God. And when the fullness of bear the marks of heavenly, denominated weak, erring, finite man should build up time was come, He stepped down from power. It is to be free from stain and barriers around himself to maintain his His throne of highest command, laid aside corruption and defilement. When Christ dignity, for such a man, and all who His royal robe and kingly crown, clothed was engaged in medical missionary work, follow his example, will lose everything His divinity with humanity, and came to He declared to His disciples, "My meat is of value in this life, as well as the eternal this earth to exemplify what humanity to do the will of him that sent me, and to weight of glory granted to the overcomer. must do and be in order to overcome the finish his work." John 4:34. If this was Never will the human family-re- enemy and to sit with the Father upon His His plan in doing this line of work, if the deemed by the example of the Sent of throne. Coming, as He did, as a man, to Lord of life and glory thus resigned Him- God, the Only-Begotten of the Father- meet and be subjected with all the evil self in conformity to the divine will in order to gi ve to the world an example of self-denial and self-sacrifice, how it does put to shame our human preferences, our e stepped down from His throne of highest human exaltation, the multitude of false- hoods to deny truth' Hcommand, laid aside His royal robe and If man will not accept Christ's terms and reform, the seeds of rebellion will kingly crown, clothed His divinity with take root, spring up, and bear their fruit, humanity, and came to this earth to exemplify whereby many will be deceived and de- filed. Rebellion will never cure itself. God what humanity must do and be. alone can conquer it by reproof, by cor- rection in righteousness, through His ap- pointed agencies. But some will not be understand and fully comprehend the ter- tendencies to which man is heir, working cured, for they have braced themselves rible conflict waged with deceptive, allur- in every conceivable manner to destroy and will never confess their sins and ing power and concealed, deadly hatred his faith, He made it possible for Himself become vessels umo honor. Those sins of by Satan against our Lord when He lived to be buffeted by human agencies inspired transgression of the law of God stand among men. After the battle of the great by Satan, the rebel who had been expelled written in the books of heaven to your day of God shall take place, when the from heaven. account, to be proclaimed in the judg- power of rebellion is forever broken, and As the Head of humanity, Christ lived ment. Christ's mediatorial work in its magnitude on this earth a perfect, consistent life, in Our adversary, Satan, will work in is represented so plainly that all the re- conformity with the will of His heavenly every conceivable way to prevent erring, deemed of God's family shall with clear Father. When He left the courts of heaven, sinful man-especially one who occupies comprehension understand the mission of He announced the mission that He de- a leading position of responsibility, as His Son as the mediatorial Remedy to signed to fulfill. "Lo, I come," He de- yourself-from making straight paths for make of the fallen race a repentant, hum- clared, "In the volume of the book it is his feet, in humbling his will, his mind, ble, meek, reclaimed order of beings- written of me, I delight (0 do thy will, 0 his soul, to redeem himself by confession then there will be seen developed the my God." Psalm 40:7-8. Always upper- from the sure result, (making] thorough difference between him that serveth God most in His mind and heart was the work for time and for eternity. and him that serveth Him not. thought, "Not My human will, but Thy will The Lord has enlreated, reproved, en- Rebellion will exist in our world until be dOl/e." This was the infallible principle couraged, invited, and drawn by the cords in heaven are spoken the words, "It is that actuated Him in all His words and of His love, the erring ones; but they done." Revelation 16: 17. Rebellion in the works, and that molded His character. His change not their course. "Come unto Me," church is caused by its members feeling work is [to] do the will of His heavenly He says, "that ye might have life, and opposed to God and to His terms of Father. The Majesty of heaven was sub- through humiliation and repentance have salvation. Man wants abundant room to jected to the lowliest humiliation. it more abundantly." [See] Isaiah 57: 15. express himself and to attract attention, to Born in poverty in a stable, reared But the adversary of God and man has be first. He does not know or understand and trained in seclusion in the humbler exercised his power over these experi- that he is working out the plans of Satan. walks of life, the Saviour of mankind enced leaders, and wrought through them, Ifhe refuses to see and to become enlight- was not recognized as a superior being, doing many things contrary to the teach- ened, if he refuses to be instructed, he but He who was the Majesty of heaven, ings of Jesus of Nazareth, and Satan will rejects the mediatorial Remedy that has [the] only begotten Son of God, the King hold them captive as long as they have been given to save the sinner, not in his of glory, uttered no complaint in regard any inclination to continue in his service. sin but from his sin. For the express to His humble station in life. He was Let us obey the Captain of our salva- purpose of saving sinners was the reme- reproached even by His own brethren, tion. His title is The Lord of Hosts. By His dial work of Christ planned. because He would not take part with sufferings and humiliation He has pur- When Christ first announced to the them in their sins. He conformed His chased every soul. "To him that over- heavenly host His mission and work in the will to the will of His Father, as all the
April 1994 Our Firm FO/lndation 15 human family should do, to evidence themselves before God, repent and be He has paid a heavy ransom for their re- rlhatl humanity united with the purest converted, that their marked errors, their demption; bUI still they refuse to represent divinity would be uncontaminated with many sins and transgressions of the law before the world, in word and deed, the meek sin. [of God] may be blotted out. [They] will and lowly Saviour. Christ Jesus our Lord was a faultless meet all the results of transgression. But I am instructed to say, It is not now too character, a perfect example of heavenly God will not be mocked. He cannot, will late to make thorough work for repent- grace and lowliness. From His birth to His nOI, bear much longer with those who ance and reformation. There is no excuse death He gave us an example of what men make such a showing. for any man to choose to rule others and to and women must be, if they are accepted "God so loved the world, that he gave exercise a controlling power over human as His disciples, and hold Ihe beginning of his only begonen Son, that whosoever minds, as has been done. TIle will of such their confidence firm limo the end. In the believeth in him should not perish, but have a man needs to be broken and changed. True leaders are willing to be led in the i Lord's way because they feel that the f responsibilities they are carrying are so rue leaders are willing to be led in the Lord's fearfully solemn. and the results of fol- way because they feel that the responsibilities lowing a wrong course so terrible Ihat T they dare not choose their own way or they are carrying are so fearfully solemn, and the carry out their OWII devising, which would be liable to encourage a condition of results offollowing a wrong course so terrible that things that would place them on the side of the great fallen rebel. they dare not choose their own way. I call upon all who have any desire to be saved: Tum yeo turn ye, for why will you further provoke the wrath of all offended first period of His human existence, He everlasting lite." John 3: 16. Ought not the God? Why will you be companions ofthose did not deviate from what every child human family to consider what the Father who love not the truth and the WOld-those should be educated to be. He preserved and His Son have done to save the human who never submit their wills to God's will; His honesty, truthfulness, and integrity. family? And, considering all these things. those who in words and theories and He was a specimen of heaven here on the ought they not to be ashamed of their worldly maxims deny the faith, and give earth-an example of what every child, self-willed indulgences, their self-exalta- heed to seducing spirits. misconstruing, every youth. may be in the family home in tion as leaders when they are sinners, when yes, pervening, the truth? Are you not' the manifestation of tenderness, kindness, at all limes they should have pointed away afraid of the next reproof from God? Who love, perfect obedience. Angels of heaven from themselves to Jesus Christ as their will now. while it is called today. while are appointed to watch over every child Leader. their Redeemer? Oh. that the cur- Mercy's sweet voice is still heard calling, that comes into the world. tain could be rolled back and poor. sinful repent of their evil course, and follow Him Throughout His experience, during mortals could be enabled to endure the who has said: "Come unto me. all ye that the thirty-three years He spent on this seeing of Him who is invisible! Proud, labor and are heavy laden. and I will give earth, Christ was beset with all the temp- self-exalted, sinful human beings would you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn tations wherewith the human family arc change their altitude decidedly. lney have of me: for 1 am meek and lowly in heart: tempted. yet He was without a stain ofsin. violated every commandment of the Deca- and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For He was mocked. derided. spat upon, logue. Their wicked boasting would appear my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." scourged with thongs and His head in all its contemptibleness; they would Matthew 11:28-30. crowned with thorns, crucified. At the understand that their disgusting repre- Man can brace himself in stubbornness close of His dying agonies on the cross, sentations have made Christ ashamed to and rebellion against the truth. He can exalt He had finished His work triumphantly. call them His disciples. And yet they glorify himself in sinful acts, as some have repeat- Christ sacrificed Himself in order that themselves as leaders above Christ and turn edly done. Every such one needs now to He might rescue man from the penalty of away from the example of humiliation that make a determined effort to cut himself sin. "He was wounded for our transgres- He has given them. They desire not to loose from Satan's chariot-car. and no sions. he was bruised for our iniquities: practice the self-denial and self-sacrifice longer do his will. Arc you not afraid? the chastisement of our peace was upon that He practiced. They will not eat of His The Lord has a controversy with His him: and with his stripes we are nesh and drink of His blood-His Word. people. There are some with whom He healed."lsaiah 53:5. And yet. notwith- They fail to learn the lessons that He desires has borne long, out before them standing the Redeemer's work in our be- to teach them. again and the course Ihat they hal f, there are among us today some Christ's life was one ofcontinual trial in should pursue. And while they may have spiritual leaders who are in continual need our behalf. Divinity was hidden under the made some changes, they do not make of being led, leaders who are corrupting garb ofhumanity. But how many poor, sinful thorough work because they recei ve not their way and leading others into false mortals endeavor to climb to the highest the love of the truth that they may be paths through the presentation of per- pinnacle ofsclf-exaltalion! Christ turns away purified and saved. Therefore, very soon verted principles. tand whoJ will have to in grief. With quivering lips and with weep- the Lord will send them strong delusions, confront their works one day and meet the ing He says. "Ye will not come unto me, that that they should believe a lie. results. Some who have long walked in ye might have life:' He knows that unless Oh. may God forbid that these souls in various forbidden paths will nol humble these crring ones reform, they must perish. peril should continue to rebel against the
16 Our Finn FOl/luJmirm April 1994 truth and to take pleasure in Imrighteolls· The Lord lays grave responsibilities on me, lel him deny himself, and take up his IIess! How can so many deceive and spoil the mcn who have stood at the head of the cross. and follow me." Mark 8:34. To all such themselves by their own deceptions? rank and file of His people. My brelhren, He will He give grace and strength. He will be All can sec that the day of peril is now is tlying to call your attention lO your own unto them as One who is compassionate and upon us. No man's life is secure. Men witl peril. He invites; He presents Illotives. Who lovely. He it is who gives the invitation, "Let be imbued with the desire to kill, and will continue to reject His overtures of him take hold of my strength, that he Illay anyone that crosses their track is unsafe. mercy? Who will still choose to serve lhe make with me; and he shall make In the closing days of this earth's history, enemy? If you resist longer, will the Lord peace with me." Isaiah 27:5. 0 Satan seems 10 have things arranged in his God loueh your hearts after you have had a own way. As it was in the days of Noah, so more extended experience in regarding your shall il be when the Son of man shall be own ideas as supreme? Many of these ideas Found in DF 63 and added to file revealed. Consider the forbearance God are brought to the mind by the father of lies December 1993; retyped and grammati- :t manifested toward lhe Sodomites and and deception. cally ediled January 25, 1994, by the , their final punishment. The very sins of TIle cross ofChrist, with all its record of Ellen G. White Estate. which Sodom was guilty are charged in the Saviour's humiliation. stands before you. the books of heaven against them. Saith Christ, "Whosoever will corne after
My husband and I have been avid retired minister of the Seventh·day Ad- donation in comparison with the need, but readers of Our Firm Foundation for years ventist organization, doing independent please accept lhis cheek to help with and frequently attend Hope camp meel- ministry. All my sons are employed in the "Overseas Literature," and may God ings. The quality of work that goes into Seventh-day Adventist organization. richly bless your ministry. Our Firm Foundation is very evident and We need some free tructs and maga- -RH, Vermonl I believe honoring to the Lord. The art zines for free distribution. I would also work is always excellent. Lots of Spirit of like to translate somc articles into local I am a Seventh·day Adventist local Prophecy articles nrc just what we need languages, for which I ask your permis- elder and have been rcading your book nowata time when, unfortunately, so sion. Above all this we need your prayers World Peace or Final War '-now entitled many are leaving the Spirit of Prophecy and counsel to strengthen this humble Heralds ofPeacel. Ilhink there could not books on the shelf. beginning. have been a more appropriatc lime for The articles by Tom Waters and Jim -India those selections to have been put together Hohnbergcr of Restoration International than now. I am rather interested in sending are very helpful in gaining the victory I am very much interested in your copies to several of my non-SDA friends, necessary in our daily walk with Jesus. ministry. Please send me information on and would like 10 know just what is the These gentlemen and their families have the focus of your ministry, and the history. cost. ministered 10 us personally in the past and that I might from time to time support it. -RW, Florida I can testify that lhey do practice what -JI, Arizona they preach. I praise the Lord that morc This is just a short note to thank you people can receive these blessings I cannot thank my Father enough for for thc calendar that you mailed to me this through Our Firm FOlindarion" the article "Holding thc Truth in Un- last week. It was appreciated very much. I 1 want to say a heartfelt thank you to righteousness" in a recent OUf Firm would like to make a suggestion. Ifit is 10 all who havc a part in Our Firm FOtmda· Foundation. This, to me, has been the be printed again put the days of Ihe week tion. God is using it in my life to prepare most practical and wisest article I have as 1st day, 2nd day, and so on, as slaled in me for the coming of Jesus. ever read concerning "walking the walk" the Bible, with the names of the days -MO, Washington ofJesus. All glory be to God. below in parenlheses (Sunday, Monday. -JA, New York and so on). Also the Sabbalh should be It was my privilege to meet you and highlighted with Ihe word Sabbath rather hear your sermons at the camp meeting My husband and I were impressed as lhan Salurday. Enclosed is a $50 cheek 10 held at B::mgalore, India. I was very much we read "Letters to the Editor," especially help you with your expenses. Please usc impressed by your presentation of the from foreign countries expressing Ihe where most needed. Message and by your lifestyle. I am a need for literature. This is but a meager -HD. Florida
April 1994 Our Finn FOUl/dation 17 A Theological Picasso: Part 2 "
N his book, Be)'olld Belief. Jack Se- queira claims thm according to Ro- I mans 5. the whole human race sinned "in Adam," and fell when he fell (pp. 34. 52). TIle verse in question is Romans 5: 12: 'Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread 10 all men be- cause all men sinned:' Sequeira believes that when this passage says "all men sinned," it really means that all men sinned "in Adam," not individually (pp. 52-54). He offers I,ve reasons in support of his position (pp. 52-53), each of which we will examine: I. He declares...It simply isn't true that everyone dies because they have per- sonally sinned as Adam did. Babies, for eX Aplil 1994 Our Firm FOIlI1tlmiml 19 him."' John 3:36. Like Ellen White, this does benefit every man and woman. sal- themes-the motif (pp. 33- verse makes it plain that belief and obedi- vation is still available only 10 those who 35). The notion of corporate oneness has ence are one and the same thing. thus meet God's conditions (Proverbs 28: 13: i.\uractcd many to Scqueira's theology clarifying just how much is meant by the Isaiah 55:7: John 3:36: Romans I: I6: who have long sought to direct the biblical command to "believe in the Lord 2: 13: Hebrews 5:9). church's attention to the concept ofcorpo- Jesus. and you will be saved:- Acts 16:31. "But," the question is asked, "doesn't ratc repentance-the identification e;;:vcn At the bottom line. nonc of the verses cited the Bible say rh:ll the whole world was by godly individuals with the sins of an earlier by Sequeira leach the ghastly doc- reconciled to God when Jesus died?" It is apostate people. as was done by Moses trine that mere birth consigns anyone to the true til;}! the cross is described as the and Daniel (Exodus 32:32: Daniel 9:5- seeond death. Those Adventists who truly means of our reconciliation with God. but 19). But to twist Ihe idea of corporate believe this concept should be as consistent nowhere do we read thar this reconcili- solidarity into some form of universal about it as Roman Catholics and other ation was complete at Calvary. Paul states salvation is to go beyond the words of , Scripture. The Bible is very clear about whal it means to be "in Christ"; 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ. he is a new creation: the old has passed away, any do not realize that the doctrine of behold, the new has come'" 2 Corinthians universal justification at Calvary is 5: 17. M The word "if' implies conditionality, indistinguishable from the doctrine of a as we noted before, clearly indic31ing Ihal not all are "in Christ." as Sequeira claims finished atonement at Calvary. (p. 34), and that certain conditions must be met ifone is in fact to be in Chris!. The following verses make plain that to be "in Christ" and to have Christ dwelling in us Christians. and proceed to develop their in Romans that "while we were enemies are one and the same thing; own form of infant baptism. we were reconciled to God by the death of "'I am the vine, you arc the branches. In summary, the theme of Romans 5 His Son."' Romans 5:10. Notice he does He who abides in me, <.1nd I in him, he it is and I Corinthians 15 is simply this: Christ not say we were reconciled al the death of that bears much fruit." John 15:5. "But has replnced Adam as the Father of hu- Jesus. but rmher, by His death. The theme whoever keeps his word, in him truly love manity, offering salvation 10 a race which here is instrumental, not chronological. for God is perfected. By this we may be has universally chosen to follow its ances- This point is clarified in 2 Corinthians 5, surc lhat we are in Him." I John 2:5. "All lOr in sin. Because of Christ. human be- where Paul makes clear that the who keep His commandments abide in ings have a second chance to prove their ation God seeks was not finished at Cal- Him. and He in them.. 'IJohn 3:24. love ancl loyalty to God through obedi- vary. We read that in Christ God was "Whoever confesses that Jcsus is the Son ence. See John 15: 10. Had Christ not reconciling the world to Himself. See of God, God abides in him. and he in God. intervened in Eden and become "'the 2 Corinthians 5: 19. The word reconciling So we know and believe the love God has Lamb slain from the foundation of the implies that the process is continuing and for us. God is love. and he who abides in world" (Revelation 13:8, KJV), Adam's has not been finished, a point made even love abides in God, and God <.1bides in and Eve's partaking of the forbidden fruit plainer by Paul's invitation to his readers him."' I John4:15-16. would have at once produced the divine to "be reconciled 10 God." Verse 20. Cle..'lfly, the "in ChrisI"' mouf as taught in sentence. that "in the day that you cal of it Another passage. also in 2 Corinlhians the New TestamcllI includes only lhose who you shaJJ die."' Genesis 2:17. Why were 5, is used to support univcrsal salvation at have accepted God's lnlnsfonning grace. not our first parents annihilated at that Calvary: "Because we are convinced that Many do not realize Ihat the doctrine moment? Because Jesus offered to take if one has died for all. therefore "II have of universal justification at Calvary is their punishment, together with the pun- died." 2 Corinthians 5: 14. But is this verse indistinguishable from the doctrine of ,I ishment of all their descendants who saying thm all have ;'Iegally" died with finished atonement al Calvary. It is this should choose to follow their example in Christ and therefore received salvation? doctrine which has led thousands or Ad- Sill. The passage does not say so. This verse ventists during the past fifteen years lO Every Illun or woman who has ever must be read with Ephesians 2: I; "And discard their belief in 10lal victory over ., lived thus owe::; his or her physical exist- you he made alive. when you were dead sin, the investigative judgment, and the ence to the sacrifice of Jesus. lillie won- through the trespasses and sins in which doctrinal authority of Ellen G. White. der that Ellen White spe"ks of the cross "s you once walked." The reason Christ died Consider the following statements: reflected in every water spring and for all is that all have received the cternal "Chrisl now, I rcalizcd, was primarily stamped on every loafofbread.s This fact. death sentence through their choice to si". my alonement for sin. and secondarily He at Ihe bottom line. is what Christ has done Human beings participate in Christ's was my example. I was under no for every human being. at only has He death only when they die to self and illusion now. I knew I could nol equal provided sufficient power for all to be experience baptism. Romans 6:3-7. Christ. Christ had done all the equalling saved, He has also granted physical life- The concept that all humanity was necessary."6 and thus the opportunity for eternal life- corporately condemned "in Adam" and "Hebrews knows nOlhing of an 'ex- to a race which rightfully should never corporately justified "in Christ" is the tended' atonement which drags on for have existed. But while the cross of Christ basis for one of Sequeira's best-known 1800 years after the cro". Every 20 01/1" Firm FOUI/dotiol/ April 1994 translation of Ihese verses makes it plain on his or her [the Christian'sl behavior'" (p. makes any distinction between choosing that lhe cleansing of rhe sancluary all the 9 I). and then to speak of a necessary sancti- Christ and choosing obedience. The at- Day of AlOllemeJll by the Jewish high fied response (p. 30). leI us remember that tempt 10 make this distinction forms the priesf found if.\" fulfillmcm in fhe cross of for Sequeira. the behavior here described as basis of many assurance theories in popular Christ. for on Calvary Christ pUI away sin without saving value includes not only works Christianity-and indeed. in contemporary by the sacrifice of Himself.'"7 oflegalism, but also the work ofChrist in the Adventism. People want an assurance in '"The finality of the Christ event in believer (pp. 25, 32. 33. 170). Put simply. which the choice for Christ overshadows salvation history is inseparable from the Sequeira leaches that sanctification saves no the occasional lustful glance, the momen- finality of the apostolic witness and inter- one. Add to this beliefhis refusal to affirm the tary loss of temper. lhe frequent lapse into pretation. A subsequent. supplementary. completeness of the believer's sanclification gossipy whispering. But the prophet de· and doctrinally authoritative revelation is here on earth. and one has alilhe ingredients clares. "However great lhe pressure not necessary. II is neither anticipated nor of a religion in which believers inevitably brought to bear upon the soul, transgression allowed by the New Testament. The final- gravitate toward eventual accommodation of is our own aCl:- 11 Every action we take is ity of the New Testament revelation is a their favorite sins. our responsibility. and in every decision necessary corollary of the finished work h is truly difficult to harmonize this relative to the counsel of God, a decision is of Chris!.'" notion of "sinning under grace'" with thereby made for or against God. However. Well might Brother Sequeira and his Paul's impassioned protest-"What then? the opportunity for repentance will always sympmhizers recall the words of Santay- shall we sin. because we are not under the exist for the heart not sufficiently hardened ana: ''Those who do not remember lhe law. but under grace? God forbid:' Ro- against it. for the Lord desperately seeks pasl are condemned to repeat it" mans 6: 15. KjV. King David was cer- our repentance. When probmion closes, tainly under no illusion that his sin would God will have gramed sufficient light and deprive him of salvation. Why else would grace to either fully convert or fully harden Assurance he have prayed. "Restore to me the joy of every heart. Few questions are quite as emotional in thy salvation"? Psalm 5 I: 12. Ellen White The Bible does teach that we can know contemporary Adventism as the one of is equally clear regarding the conditions that we have eternal life. I John 5: 13. But assurance. In many ways it is under- for retaining justification: having eternal life. as described in the writ- standable, since the human heart craves "In order for man to retain justifica· ings of John the apostle, refers to the new- security. Insurance companies know this lion. there must be continual obedience. birth experience. not a finished salvation. As fact. which is the reason they arc among the through active. living faith that works by the apostle concludes the very chapter where wealthiest organizations in our society. love and purifies the soul."9 the above verse is found, this point is clari- But as the victims of illness and natu- ral disaster often learn. those who promise security do not always deliver. And the purveyors of spiritual security are fre- quently less reliable than their temporal n order for man to retain justification, there coUnlerpi.lrts. However appealing full must be continual obedience, through active, surance of salvation may be. we must I bypass our emotions and test every theory living faith that works by love and purifies the presented by the wrillen counsel of God. Sequeira recounts in writing a story he soul. often includes in his preaching-an encoun- ter he had with an African Christian who claimed he was saved despite lhe beer on his breath (p. ISS). Unfonunately, Sequeira fails "It is by continual surrender of the fied: "We are in Him who is true. in His Son to perceive the helplessness of his own will. by continual obedience. that the Jesus Christ. This is the true God. and eternal theology ugainst this kind of self-indulgent blessing ofjustification is relained.'"IO life:' I John 5:20. We have already seen tl,e religion. When he makes lhe utterly auda- Sequeira notwithstanding, according to biblical evidence which shows thai to be in cious claim that "lnere is a world of differ- the written counsel of God, any sinful Christ is identical to having Christ in us. ence between sinning under law and sinning choice will most assuredly deprive us of Jesus made a similar statement in the Gospel under grace" (p. 165). that "stumbling under juslification. Ofcourse, lhe God who is not of John: "And this is eternal life, that they grace, falling into sin, docs not deprive us of willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9) know Thee the only true God, and Jesus justitication" (p. 166). how can he argue that will do all in His power to bring us back to Christ whom Thou hast sent:' John 17:3. an occasional beer or extramarital fling could a spiril of repentance. God is not like the Ellen White makes lhe same stalement: not perhaps be included among the stumbles mililary drill instructor who vows to use .. It is through the Spirit that Christ and sins committed "under grace"? ll1is "every means necessary, fair and unfair:' to dwells in us and the Spirit of God. conundrum is especially a problem for Se- wash his cadets out ofthe training program. received inlo the heart by faith. is the queira since he consistently stops shan of On the contrary. God wants us in heaven beginning of the life eternaL"12 Thus. to saying that the sanctification ofGocJ's people more than we wanl to gel there. But the fact say that one has eternal life. as explained will ever be perfect in this life-a point we remains lhat Scripture promises no assur- in these pl.1Ssilges. is not the same as will address Sh0l11y. ance which transcends the practical choices saying that one's salvation is completed. It makes no sense on the one hand to ofour daily lives. When Scriplure speaks of salvo.tion and deny thut "sal vatiol1 depends {Q some degree Neither the Bible nor Ellen White being saved. we find vcry different April 1994 Our Finn Foul/datio!l 21 guage. In the words of Jesus, "He who tion will be perfect. I Thessalonians Because he fails to define this much- endures to the end will be saved." Mat- 5:23; I Peter 2:21-22; 2 Peter 3:11-14; I abused term, he leaves himself wide open thew 24: 13. John 3:3, 7: Revelation 3:21; 14:5. '4 In to the perception that he embraces the One year ago I attended a series of fact, Sequeira states quit.e clearly that unscriptural teaching that sinless living is meetings given by the author of Beyond "sanctification is not perfection" (p. impossible before Jesus comes. Belief, in which he spoke of his years as a 109), thereby contradicting the following Sequeira promotes the utterly strange missionary in Africa and of how young inspired statements: concept that the church will fully reflect people from the evangelical churches there "And the very God of peacc sanctify Jesus' character corporately, but not indi- were supposedly better able than Adventists you wholly; and I pray God your whole vidually. He writes, "No individual mem- to face persecution because they, unlike the spirit and soul and body be preserved ber can fully display Christ completely for Adventists, possessed full a'3Surance of sal- blameless unto the coming of our Lord the simple reason that no individual mem- vation. I advised Brother Sequeira to read Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 5:23, KjV. ber is thc toral body of Christ. Only Tile Crear again. Those who have not accepted the biblical teaching that character pelfection is essential to salvation have a false assurance. The saints during the time of trouble will be fearful that there are he work of preparation is an individual sins in their lives that are yet unrecognized, work. We are not saved in groups. The unconfessed and unforsaken. We read: "If T they [the saints] could have the assurance of purity and devotion of one will not offset the pardon they would not shrink from tonure or death; but should they prove unworthy, and want of these qualities in another. lose their lives because of their own defecls ofcharacter. then God's holy name would be reproached. . So, in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to "What is sanctification? It is to give one's through the church as a whole, living in appear before them while tonured with fear self wholly and without reserve-soul, perfect coordination and conformity to and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; body and spirit-to God; to deal justly; to the direction of the Holy Spirit, can the despair would cut off their faith, and they love mercy, and to walk humbly with life of Christ be fully displayed" (Pl'. could not have confidence to plead with God; to know and 10 do the will of God 152-153). The unbeliever who encounters God for deliverance."]} without regard to self or self-interest; to an individual Christian who abuses his The word "if' makes it clear that the be heavenly-minded, pure, unselfish, children or deals dishonestly in business saints at this time will 1/01 have full holy, and without spot or stain."]S can console himself that, while the Chris- assurance, any more than Jesus did on the "Sanctification consists in the cheerful tian he happened to meet was not perfect, cross of Calvary. when He cried, "My performance of daily duties in perfect the church as a corporate body is. The big God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken obedience to the will of God."'6 problem with this theory is that, as one me?" Matthew 27:46. At the beginning of Sequeira speaks of the belief that contemporary gospel song says, "You and Part I of this series of articles we quoted "Christ became a man to prove that men I are the only Jesus some will ever see." Sequeira's statement that "What Satan and women can keep God's law" (I'. 41), Our friends and neighbors cannot possi- and the world did to Christ on the cross, and states that "the problem with this ,10- bly observe the church as a whole, but they will do to us. This is the 'offense of swer is that we cannot explicitly substanti- they can certainly see us as individuals. the cross' that all true believers must ate it from Scripture." Ibid. But we can. Ellen White is clear that the perfection endure" (I'. 70). If so, we had best recall What else can the following verses mean? God requires of His people is indeed an the utter absence of certainty with which "For God has done what the law, individual matter: Jesus confronted His final test. In this way weakened by the Ilesh, could not do: "Not one of us will ever receive the seal the great time of trouble will test the faith sending His own Son in the likeness of ofGod while our characters have one spot or of God's last generation, thus making all sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the more splendid their ultimate triumph. in the flesh, in order that the just require- the defects in our characters, to cleanse the The contemporary Adventist obsession ments of the law might be fulfilled in us, soul temple of every delilement. Then the with assurance, borrowed largely from who walk not according to the flesh but latter rain will fall upon US."18 Protestant evangelicals, represents a gross according to the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4. Following this notion of corporate per- betrayal of the spirit of Adventism and a "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us fection even further, Sequeira makes an even detraction from the future glory she will an example, that ye should follow in his more extreme statement, declaring that offer her Lord. steps who did no sin, neither was guile "Christ will never take us to heaven as found in his mouth." I Peter 2:21-22, KJv. individuals, but only as members of His Perfection and the Final Conflict "And in their [the saints'] mouth was church" (I'. 115). Ellen White disagrees found no guile, for they are without fault decisively: While Sequeira affirms the need for before the throne of God." Revclation "The work of preparation is an indi- God's people ro reflect the image ofJesus 14:5, KJv. vidual work. We are not saved in groups. (PI'. 71, 173), we have notcd already that Sequeira speaks of the "heresy of per- The purity and devotion of one will not he SlOpS short of affirming the Bible and fectionism," both in his book (I'. 41) and offset the want of these qualities in an- Spirit of Prophecy truth that this reflec- in a recent letter to the Adventist Review. 17 other. Though all nations are to pass in 22 Our Firm Foundatio/1 April 1994 judgment before God. yet He will exam- No. between obedience and disobedience. institutional disregard for the written ine the case of each individual with as While some will claim that legalism is the counsel of God. The simple fact is that close and searching scrutiny as if there boltom line of all disobedience (though Sequeira's theology renders the church were not another being upon the earth. Inspiration never says so). the language helpless against apostasy, for it makes no Everyone must be tested and found with- Ellen White uses when discussing legal- sense to sound the call to reform and risk out spot or wrinkle or any such thing.'·19 ism is very different from the language dividing the church over behavior- Not only is perfect obedience required she uses when discussing laxity and care- which, even when sanctified. has no sav- ofeach of us, it is also a fundamental part of lessness. She speaks of how the Papacy ing value. P. 170. our salvation. The tirst reference to salva- appeals to "two classes of mankind, em- In short, Jack Sequeira's book is a tion in the New Testament makes clear bracing nearly the whole world-those dangerous document, a mingling of in- what biblical salvation is: "You shall call who would be saved by their merits, and compatible concepts, one more promotion His name Jesus, for He will save His people those who would be saved in their sins."24 of a passive salvation whose logical an- from their sins." Matthew 1:21, We cannot Notice the different language she uses in tipathy to the pillars of our faith should be saved from our sins unless. through describing the two groups. Ellen Whit.e is have caused us to uproot it from our ranks divine power, we SlOp committing them. equally clear that the lauer group will be long ago. Some have described Sequeira's No wonder the modern prophet tells us: by far the dominant one among God's theology as a "third force" in contempo- "Christ came to this world and lived a professed people at the end of time. De- rary Adventism, an alternative to the po- life of perfect obedience. that men and scribing those who will be shaken out, she larized forces of historic and evangelical women, through His grace. might also speaks of "those who have step by step theology. But there is no third option. Our live lives of perfect obedience. This is yielded to worldly demands and con- prophet is clear: ··Divisions will come in necessary 10 their salvation."zo formed to worldly customs,"2S the "care- the church. Two parties will be devel- In his final chapter, Sequeira repealS less and indifferent."26 those "not willing Oped."30 There is no room for a third. another popular but confusing theory in to take a bold and unyielding stand for the Either we will stand with those in whom contemporary Adventism-the notion truth:'27 those "who have not been sancti- God's grace will produce sinless obedi- that salvation by faith versus salvation by fied through obedience to the truth ence here and now, or we will stand with works will be the great issue in the final uniting with the world and partaking of its those who employ God's grace as a sacri- conflicl. Pp. 182, 185. Nowhere does spirit."28 legious covering for occasional sin. The Inspiration use this terminology to define Notice she does not speak in this context choice is ours. On which side will we the issues of the last days. Ellen Whi,e ofthose who "have preached the law until we stand? 0 repeatedly insists that the central issue in are as dryas the hills ofGilboa,"29 or who are the great controversy is over whether trying to eam their way to heaven through References God's law can in fact be obeyed." The excessive attention to obedience. Nowhere only reason Satan uses legalism to tempt a does Scripture or Ellen White describe such certain class is that he knows the end persons as the primary sources ofapostasy in , --Signs (If the TIme.f. June 27. 1900. result will be disobedience to God's law. the church at the close of time. , --Review (lnd HerallJ. 4. 1875. , --111 Hem'enly Place.f. 155. We can be sure that Satan, who thor- But overemphasizing the danger of , --Rel'iell'cwd Herald. May 3.1887. oughly despises the law of God. receives legalism is nothing compared to misun- • --The De.fire ofAges. 660. no great thrill watching people pay atten- derstanding what legalism is. This tactic is • Colin Cook. "Which Door 10 Hc.:wcnT 71,eu tion to its precepts. The legalistic attention the basis of Sequeiras theological prob- TImn. September 1979. 14. , Ford. Good New.rfor Ad\·ellfists. 38. to lawkeeping serves Satan's purpose lems. By teaching that salvation by sancti- • A!cx:mdcr l...:l.Brccque. "The Rcal Issue:' Enm- only because the end result is law-break- fied obedience is the same as salvation by gelic:a. November 1981. 42. ing. Ellen White points out this fact as the works (p. 25). he adds yet another contri- Whitc, Selel·ted Mes.fClge.f. book I. 366. basic reason the devil templed the Jews bution to the contemporary Adventist IU Ibid. 397. 22 "righteousness by faith" obscssion, which " --Patriarc.:h.f (lnd Prophets. 420. along these lines. The boltom line of the "--The Desire 388. great controversy always has been, and begins by misunderstanding the problem "--The Great COlltroversy. 619--620. always will be. obedience to the divine grace seeks to correct. "-- Cllri.l·t:f Object tenfl/l.f. 69. law. Thus Ellen White defines the issues Instead of recognizing that legalism is "--0/11" J-fiKh Calling. 212. in the final conflict: obedience wrongly motivated, we have " --Christ:f Object Le.\".frlfls. 360. II Lcncr of hek Sequeira to Ad\.'ef/tist Rel'iew. "The warfare against God's law. sidestepped the motivation issue and con- Scptember 23. 1993.2. which was begun in heaven. will be cluded that we were simply preaching the " While. Testimonics. vol. 5. 214. tinued until the end of time. Every man law too much. If we would only empha- "--71w Creal Conrmver.fY. 490. will be tested. Obedience or disobedience size Jesus, His love, and the believer's • --Review and Herald. March 15. 1906. " --Tile Desire 0fAxe.f. 24. 761: The Failh I Li'·e to relationship with Him, without thc intimi- is the question be decided by the whole 8y. 114: Our High Calli"g. 49: Chri.ft:f ObjecI world. All will be called to choose be- dating clarity of law and doctrine, we 1..e.f.mll.f.314. tween the law of God and the laws of assumed it would eventually develop an :: --The Desire ofAxe.f. 29. men. Here the dividing line will be drawn. interest in the law and the doctrines. " tbid.763. There will be but twO classes. Every Sadly. just the oppositc has happened. " --Tile Greal Crmtrtl\·er.fY. 572. "--Teslimrmies. vol. 5. 81. character will be fully developed. and all Attcmpts to bring revival through this • --Early Writings. 271. will show whether they have chosen the approach have repeatedly fallen flat, since 17 Ibid. 50. side of loyalty or that of rebellion."" no reformation can possibly result from :> -Tile Great Controversy. 608. Where does she say the dividing line de-emphasizing the law. The result "--Review and Hemld. March I J. J890. • --Selected Me.Hage.\". book 2. 114. will be drawn? Between faith and works? stead has been widespread personal and April 1994 Our Finn Fmllldlllirm 23 New Books From Hope International ---_._----._. Title: Could il be Aposlasy? Author: Vernon Sparks Why the delay of ChrisL·s second coming? Could it be because or our disobedience to the Lord's directions as to how we arc to Jive and work for Him? Ten chaptcrs ofSpirit of Prophecy quotations especially relevant to our time. Some of chapLer titles arc Apostasy Prophesied. Apostasy Defined, Types of Apostasy, Prevention of Apostasy, and Hope in Spite of Apostasy. "..,...... - "-""".... _"C· WHI1'.. - Eighty pages. • US $3.50. Plcasc add 10% shipping ($1.50 minimum). Washing. Two new books are now available ton residents please add 7.6% sates tax. from Rcmnant Publications: Living Ihe Life oflhe Lifegiver-$5: 320 Title: Heaven's Health Service pagcs. This book brings together in one J£]I[I(f3'JNJ'7.> volume the two classic volumes entitled I!h Author: Vernon Sparks Thoughf.'i From the M01l1ll ofBlessing and ,11"" This seventy-page book presents inspired counsels in discussing such Christ Object Lessons. topics as acute care. health reform, simple remedies and mcdical missionary s work. Counsels regarding lypeS. locations and sizes of health institutions. types of health workers and their remuneration. A must not only for church Steps 10 Christfor a Sanctified Life-$4; administrators and health workers but also for every church member. for we 134 pages. A combination of Steps to each one are to work in medical missional)' lines just as did Christ Christ and The Sanctified Life. Retail US $3,00. Ple.se add 10% shipping ($ 1.50 minimum). Washing- Lon residents please add 7.6% sales tax. Order from Hope International. Please add 10% shipping and handling. WashinglOn rcsidents add 7.6% sales tax. Rekindle the Pioneers' Fire - Scripture the Love of the Truth As the forefathers penned the earty manuscripts, Memory Cards aflame was ignited. Today that flame needs 10 bum brig,ter, Volume Two shining Hghl on God's truth and love. $3 pcr set. E.G. White urg€ 24 Our Finn F'oundllli(1tI April 1994 those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was OUf duty to do." In her inspired commentary on this passage, Ellen White points out two rea- sons why God need not say Thank you for any of our good works. First, we are only doing our duty for which we have already been abundantly J paid; and second, we are performing our good works only in strength supplied by God. Notice the clarity of this statement found in The Sevemh-day Advemist Bible Commemary. vol. 5, 1122: "Our works in and of themselves have no merit. When we have done all that it is possible for us to do, we are to count ourselves as unprofitable servants. We deserve no thanks from God. We have done only what it was our duty to do, and our works could not have been performed in the strength of OUf own sinful natures." Emphasis supplied. She adds in Testimonies, vol. I, 167: "The very best you can do will not merit the favor of God." And notice the exquisite balance and clarity of this application: "Will any re- fuse Him that which, though it may be given without merit. cannot be denied without ruin?" Testimonies, vol 6, 481. "It may be given without merit." OUf good works are a debt that we owe to God and to our neighbor. They have already been more than paid for by the death of Christ on the cross. We could not perform them at all if God did not provide the strength. Self-congratulation, then, is not appropriate. Our debt is far greater than the total ofall ofour good works. We have lS'I'"E&NAHAM. earned no merit, for God owes us no gratitude. We cannot point to our good works as an evidence that God should save us. Should God Say Thank You? "It cannot be denied without ruin." This is simply another way of saying that HIS article deals with the neg- even one soul to be saved without good we cannot be saved without works. Is it lected parable. Though it is in the works." Selecled Messages, book 1,377. logical? Yes, indeed. Based upon a princi- T very heart of the gospels (Luke Let us read the parable as it was given ple that we all practice daily, the principle 17), it seems to be hardly noticed. I have by Jesus in Luke 17:7-10: "But which of of the measurement of forces. never read an article about it. I have never you, having a servant plowing or feeding A force cannot be measured directly heard it referred to in a sermon, other than cattle, will say unto him by and by, when by ascertaining its length, width, and one that I preached myself. This neglect is he is come from the field, Go and sit depth-its mass or its weight. It can only a loss, for the parable contains a profound down to meat? And will not rather say be measured by the work that it does. and basic truth providing the key to un- unto him, Make ready wherewith I may We utilize forces very frequently, such derstanding certain other truths that we sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I as heat, light, air pressure, water pressure, sometimes find perplexing, such as "We have eaten and drunken; and afterward are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8) and thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank Ralph Larson, a retired pastor, last served as judged by works (Revelation 20: 12-13)," that servant because he did the things that chaimlQn of the Church and Ministry Depart- and "While good works will not save were commanded him? I trow not. So ment ofthe Seventh·day Adventist Theological even one soul, yet it is impossible for likewise ye, when ye shall have done all Seminary, Far East. Ralph Larson April 1994 Our Finn Foundation 25 vacuum, gravity, electricity, and so forth. of the soul into harmony with God's truth Therefore, I am fully qualified for salvation. And we could not get along with these and righteousness." Lift Him Up, 188. You have to save me." forces if we had no way to measure them. "Genuine faith will be manifested in God will answer, "It was only by My Fortunately, forces can be measured with good works; for good works are the fruits grace that you obeyed the precise accuracy by letting them do some of faith." Selected Messages, book I, 397. ments, and it is only by My grace that you work. We let electric light bulbs of vari- All of these are simply echoes of will enter the kingdom of God. I am not a ous sizes test voltage. We let air pressure James 2:26: "Faith without works is debtor to you. I do not owe you anything." thrust a calibrated rod out of a tube to dead." Persons who have not grasped these check our tires. We let heat elevate mer- A dead faith is obviously not a saving basic principles are prone to a variety of cury in a thermometer to check our tem- faith. A saving faith always produces errors. Perhaps the most common and the perature. Probably the most common and good works. That is why it is perfectly most dangerous of these errors is the familiar application of this principle is a logical to say that while we cannot be conclusion that if we cannot be saved by gauge or dial across which a needle is saved by works, neither can we be saved works, it follows that works have no place moved by a force. We have learned to without works. If the works are not there. in the plan of salvation. This concept is trust the needle. The truck dri vcr, who uses the force of air pressure to stop the huge vehicle that he steers down the highway, places full f we cannot be saved by works, it follows confidence in the tiny needle in the gauge to the left of his steering wheel, which I that works have no place in the plan of tells him how many pounds of air pressure he has in reserve. We trust the needle that salvation. This concept is the error of those who records the temperature in our houses, and say that sanctification (work) is commendable, the mercury column that records our body temperatures to fractions of degrees. We but not necessary for salvation. have learned that they are trustworthy. Works are a precisely accurate measure· went ojforces, includillq thej"orce offaith. the faith is deficient and is not the real the error of those who say that sanctifica- Would a truck driver pull his rig out thing. tion (work) is commendable. but not nec- ont.o the highway if his air-pressure gauge It will be helpful also to clarify in our essary for salvation. They fail to distin- indicat.ed only a few pounds of pressure? minds the difference between positive guish between the testing device and the Indeed not. Is it because he depends upon qualifications and negative disqualifica- force, and between a negative disqualifi- the gauge to stop his truck? Of course not. tions. They are not the same and should cation and a positive qualification. They The gauge cannot stop the truck, but it not be confused one with another. need to gi ve the matter more thought and does testify to the life-saving quality of Suppose I see you loading suitcases recognize the unassailable logic in the the truck's braking system. The gauge on into your car and ask where you are going. simple yet profound statement, "Though the wall of our house cannot heat the "To New York City." you reply. we cannot be saved by works. neither can house, but it testifies to the quality of aUf But as 1 look at your car I notice that we be saved without works." heating system. The works that we one wheel is missing. "You will never get It is a similar misunderstanding that fOfm cannot save us, but they can, and there with only three wheels on your car:' produces the accusation that anyone who is must, testify to the saving quality of our I point out. You thank me and bolt on the careful to abide by the biblical principles of faith. fourth wheel, thus eliminating a negative Christian living is relying upon his works "A bith that is not sustained by works disqualification. for salvation. 1l1e end result of this line of is worthless." Bible Training School, June Just then your wife comes out the door reasoning is that slovenly standards endear I, 1815 and you say to her, "Honey, Ralph says us to God, while high standards are offen- "Saving faith is that which works by we can't fail to reach New York City now sive to Him. It would be difficult to imagine love and purifies the souL" Signs of the because we have four wheels on the car." a greater distOition of the gospel. Times, June 16, 1890. Is that what I said? Hardly. 1 only "You don't need to stop sinning" has 'That I"ith, and that alone. which pointed out a negative disqualification. I been Satan's siren song through all the cleanses the soul temple, is the genuine said nothing at all about such positive ages of man's history. It has been the faith." Ibid., February 16, 1890. qualifications as fuel, maps, and so on. bottom line in virtually every "ism" that "We are to be judged according to our A moment's reflection will reveal that the the world has ever produced, from Bud- works. Ten Commandments deal primarily with dhism. Taoism, Confucianism, Rosicru- "Those who claim that faith alone will negative disqualifications, not positive quali- cianism, Reincarnationism, Mormonism, save them, are trusting to a rope of sand; fications. You cannot marry your way into Catholicism, Universalism, and corrupted for faith is made perfect by good works." the kingdom ofGod. but you can marry your Calvinism. And now, through an invasion Review alld Herald, April 13, 1911. way out. You cannot talk your way into the of corrupted Calvinism into our church, it "Unless we have this faith that works, kingdom ofGod, but you can talk your way is spreading like a deadly plague into it is of no advantage to us." In Heavenly out. You cannot finance your way into the Adventism. Will corrupted Adventism Places, 118. kingdom of God, but you can finance your take its place beside corrupted Calvinism "A living faith in Christ will bring way out. You cannot say to Goo, "I have not in the historical records of both God and every action of the life and every emotion stolen, nor lied, nor committed adultery. man? For some, yes. For others, no. 26 Our Firm Foundation April 1994 "The remnant of Israel shall not do of Jesus, they will come off more than steadfastly on their way, letting the purity iniquity." Zephaniah 3: 13. conquerors. Then wililhe church ofChrist of their saving faith be demonstrated in "God will have a people pure and true. appear 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, their Christlike living. In the mighty sifting soon 1O take place we and terrible as an army with banners.' "And they shall be mine, saith the shall be better able to measure the strength Song of Solol11on 6: 10." Ibid., 81-82. Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up of Israel. llle signs reveal that the time is Some people wi II not be decei ved by my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man near when the Lord will manifest that His the errors around them and will be un- spareth his own son that serveth him. fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly moved by the apostasies Ihal challenge Then shall ye return, and discern between purge His floor."' vol. 5, 80. them. Whether the error be crude and the righteous and the wicked, between "The deeper the night for God's peo- vulgar or clothed in the charming garb of him that serveth God and him that serveth ple, the morc brilliant the stars. Satan will philosophical sophistries, they will simply him not." Malachi 3: 17-18.0 sorely harass the faithful; but, in the name test it by the Word of God and continue Editorial sons were vile men; yet he did not ter it is told to the church, arc we at Continued from 2 remove them from their position of trust. liberty to repeat it to others. A knowl- ally excuse wrongs among the professed These sons profaned the house of God. edge of the faults of Christians will be people of God and who murmur in their He knew this, and fell sad in conse· only a cause of stumbling to the unbe- hearts, if not openly, against those who quence of it, for he loved purity and lieving world; and by dwelling upon would reprove sin? I.s it those who take righteousness: but he had not sufficient these things, we ourselves can receive their stand against them and sympathize moral force to suppress the evil. He only harm; for it is by beholding that we with those who commit wrong? No, loved peace and harmony, and became become changed. While we seek to cor- indeed! Unless they repent, and leave more and more insensible to impurity rect the errors of a brother. the Spirit of the work of Satan in oppressing those and crime. But the great God takes the Christ will lead us to shield him, as far as who have the burden of the work and in matter in hand Himself. When the re- possible, from the criticism of even his holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, buke falls upon him, through the instru- own brethren, and how much more from they will never receive the mark of mentality of a child, he accepts it. feel- the censure of the unbelieving world. God's sealing approval. They will fall in ing that it is what he deserves. He does We ourselves are erring, and need the general destruction of the wicked. not show any resentment toward Sam- Christ's pity and forgiveness, and just as represented by the work of the five men uel, the messenger of God; he loves him we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this as he has done, but condemns himself. deal with onc another. point with care: Those who receive the "The guilty sons of Eli were slain in .• 'Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth pure mark of truth, wrought in them by battle. He could endure to hear that his shall be bound in heaven: and whatso- the power of the Holy Ghost. repre- sons were slain, but he could not bear the ever ye shall loose on earth shall be sented by a mark by the man in linen, are news thai the ark of God was taken. He loosed in heaven.' Matthew 18:18. You those 'that sigh and that cry for all the knew that his sin of neglect in failing to are acting as the ambassadors of heaven, abominations that be done' (Ezekiel 9:4) stand for the right and restrain wrong and the issues of your work are for in the church. Their love for purity and had at last deprived Israel of her strength eternity." The Desire q(Ages, 441-442. the honor and glory of God is such, and and glory. The pallor ofdeath came upon Thus God tells us clearly through they have so clear a view of the exceed- his face, and he fell backward and died." His prophet that we are responsible for ing sinfulness of sin, that they are repre- Testimonies, vol. 4, 516. the sins of others, both in the church and sented as being in agony, even sighing "Christ's instruction as to the treat- in the home, if we fail to do all in our and crying. Read the ninth chapter of ment of the erring repeats in more spe- power to check their wrongdoings. Ezekiel." Testimonies, vol. 3, 267. cific form the teaching given to Israel If we do not, in the love of Christ, Eli's sin was that he did not rebuke through Moses: 'Thou shalt not hate thy warn and rebuke sin then we too become the evils committed by his sons and by brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any guilty, and, like Eli, we will losc our the people. As a result he lost eternal wise rebuke thy neighbor. that thou bear souls for eternity. What a tragedy! Let us life. He was a good man. He loved not sin for him.' Leviticus 19:17. mar- remember that we cannot warn or re- righteousness and hated evil. But he gin. That is, if one neglects the duty buke sin in others unless, through the could not bring himself to warn the Christ has enjoined, of trying to restore Spirit's power, we are living in harmony people, and to rebuke sin in others. Our those who are in error and sin, he be- with all known truth, and are willing to prophet tells us the sad story: comes a partaker in the sin. For evils that be made willing to be obedient, and to "Eli was a good man, pure in morals; wc might have checked, we are just as love God supremely and others as our- but he was too indulgent. He incurred responsible as if we were guilty of the selves. the displeasure of God because he did acts ourselves. not strengthen the weak points in his "But it is to the wrongdoer himself Ron Spear, EDITOR character. He did not want to hurt the that we are to present the wrong. We are feelings of anyone and had not the moral not to make it a matter of comment and courage to rebuke and reprove sin. His criticism among ourselves; nor even af- April 1994 Our Firm FOllfldmiofl 27 ! Rightly Dividing the Word ofTruth TUDY to shew thyself approved astray can be quite instructive. We are told Brother Jones spoke against the con- unto God, a workman that needeth that many things recorded from the past are cept of the "visible" and the "invisible" Snot to be ashamed, rightly dividing for the admonition ofthose "upon whom the church. He said that it is only a fallacy of the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians spiritually blind men to argue since Pente- "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in 10: II. In its past history the Seventh-day cost about the "visible" and the "invis- his nostrils: for wherein is he to be ac- Adventist Church had what is often referred ible" head of the church, or about the counted ofT' Isaiah 2:22. to as "the Alpha of apostasy." Many of us "visible" and the "invisible" church. See Our counsel is clear. We are not to rely on know that this Alpha involved John Harvey Lessons From the Reformation, 148. As man for our understanding of spiritual mat- Kellogg and his writings on pantheism- we will see, this statement is a mixture of ters. We can listen to sermons. we can read which might be correlated to modem-day truth and error. articles, we can watch videos; but in the final spiritualism. Also involved with Kellogg was The Roman Catholic Church has analysis we must study for ourselves the Albion Ballenger with his attack on the taught for many years that there is an Word ofGod in the Bible and in the Spirit of sanctuary doctrine. Ballenger's teachings invisible spiritual head and a visible Prophecy for true understanding in regard to might be correlated to the modern-day attack spiritual head of their church-Christ our personal walk with God. on the sanctuary by Desmond Ford and and the pope-and that these have equal In the days of the apostles, there were others. authority. This concept definitely is not people who sought to put their reliance and What many Seventh-day Adventists biblical, for we are told in Ephesians confidence in men. Some would say that do not realize is that a third person was 4:4-6: "There is one body, and one they were followers of Paul, or of Apollos, eventually involved with Kellogg. This Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope or of Cephas. Paul rebuked them by point- person was AT. Jones. Ellen White said of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one ing out that Christ is not divided. Today we of him in July 1906, that he was following baptism, one God and Father of all, who have people following the conference, or the same course as John Harvey Kellogg. is above all, and through all, and in you this independent ministry or that inde- She continued concerning the course of all." We clearly believe that there is only pendent ministry. They accept as correct A.T. Jones by stating: "I have before me one spiritual head of the Seventh-day whatever is said by the leaders they follow such a revival of the first great apostasy in Adventist Church, who is Jesus Christ, without themselves studying the issues, the heavenly courts, that I am bowed our Lord and Saviour. using the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. down with an agony that can not be Ellen White states in Bible Commen- The truth is, these persons need to be expressed." Manuscript Release, No. 185. tary, vol. I, 1117: "The Lord God of followers "of Christ" (see I Corinthians Interestingly, one of the themes of AT. heaven is our Leader. He is a leader I: 12-13), orthey will be lost. Jones, as he began to draw away from the whom we can safely follow; for He never Understanding how God has led His Seventh-day Adventist Church, was the makes a mistake. Let us honor God and people in the past and reviewing the mistakes question, "What is the church?" All em- His Son Jesus Christ, through whom He made by those who previously have gone phases supplied unless otherwise noted. communicates with the world. It was Clark Floyd 28 Our Finn Foundation April 1994 Christ who gave to Moses the instruction Church. By the visible Church is meant Read Luke 17:20-21: "And when he that He gave to the children of Israel. It the outward organization, the membership was demanded of the Pharisees, when the was Christ who delivered the Israelites of which is indicated by outward adher- kingdom of God should come, he an- from Egyptian bondage. Moses and ence to the visible ecclesiastical body. The swered them and said, The kingdom of Aaron were the visible leaders of the invisible Church is the body of those who God cometh not with observation: neither people. To Moses instruction was gi ven are real believers in Christ, who have been shall they say, Lo here! or, 10 there! for, by their invisible Leader, to be repeated regenerated by the power of His Spirit, behold, the kingdom of God is within to them." See also The Signs ofthe Times, and are being prepared by the Spirit for you." When the kingdom of God is set up September 9, 1880; The Youth's Instruc- the presence of God above .... Now this in the heart of the believer, it is visible tor, December 13, 1900; Patriarchs and distinction the Church ofRome refuses to only to God, for it is established by faith, Prophets, 463. draw, and claims that all are in the Church and "faith is the substance of things Ellen White further states in Testimo- who have been received into its member- hoped for, the evidence of things not nies, vol. 5, 553: "God wants as perfect ship by baptism, and all others are outside seen." Hebrews II: I. On the other hand, work as it is possible for human beings to of the Church and of salvation." in Romans 9:6, we read, "For they are not do. It is a dishonor to sacred truth and its Author to do His work in any other way. I saw that unless the workers in our institu- tions were subject to the authority of God, he invisible Church is in the visible there would be a lack of harmony and unity of action among them. If all will TChurch, as the soul is in the body, or the obey His directions, the Lord will stand as the invisible Commander; but there must kernel in the shell, but God only knows with a also be a visible head who fears God." certainty who belong to the invisible Church The distinction between this statement of Ellen White and the understanding of and will ultimately be saved. the Roman Catholic Church is that she is here speaking of a visible leader to help carry the work forward, not a visible Now, the question may be asked, "Is all Israel, which are of Israel." Though spiritual leader who stands in the place of the concept of the visible and the invisible many make the claim of belonging to Jesus. As Protestants and Seventh-day aspects of the church biblical?" The an- God and are very visible, again only God Adventists, we recognize the priesthood swer is, "Yes; for while the exact terms can see the heart, which is wholly invis- of all believers, and that Jesus Christ is are not in the Bible, the concepts are very ible to man. Only He can know whether a our one and only High Priest and Media- clearly there." member of the visible church body is also tor before God. In I Kings, 19: 14, Elijah the prophet one of the true and the faithful of all ages, The History of the Christian Church states his belief that he is the only faithful who compose the invisible church of by Philip Schaff, vol. VIII, 458, states: one in God's visible church, Israel. "And God. "The Reformers [not the Roman Catho- he said, I have been very jealous for the As further support for the concept of lics] introduced the terminology 'visible' Lord God of hosts: because the children the visible and invisible aspects of God's and 'invisible' Church. By this they did of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, church,consider the parables of the wheat not mean two distinct and separate thrown down thine altars, and slain thy and the tares, the sheep and the goats, and Churches, but rather two classes of Chris- prophets with the sword; and I, even I the gospel net. Finally, we have the state- tians within the same outward commun- only, am left; and they seek my life, to ment in 2 Timothy 2: 19-20: "Neverthe- ion. The invisible Church is in the visible take it away." But God soon informs him less the foundation of God standeth sure, Church, as the soul is in the body, or the that there are other faithful ones who are having this seal, The Lord knoweth them kernel in the shell, but God only knows invisible to Elijah, but clearly seen by that are his. And, let everyone that with a certainty who belong to the invis- God, the One who can read hearts. "Yet I nameth the name of Christ depart from ible Church and will ultimately be saved; have left me seven thousand in Israel, all iniquity. But in a great house there are not and in this sense His true children are the knees which have not bowed unto only vessels of gold and of silver, but also invisible, that is, not certainly recogniz- Baal, and every mouth which hath not of wood and ofearth; and some to honour, able and known to men. We may object to kissed him." Verse 18. and some to dishonour." the terminology, but the distinction is real In I Samuel 16:6, Samuel the prophet Ellen White, in commenting on this and important.. . Zwingli first intro- looking at Eliab, one of the sons of Jesse, is verse, says: "The 'great house' represents duced both terms. He meant by the 'vis- sure, because ofEliab's outward appearance, the church. In the church will be found ible' Church the community of all who that this man is the one whom God wants him the vile as well as the precious. The net bear the Christian name, by the 'invisible' to anoint as king. "But the Lord said unto cast into the sea gathers both good and Church the totality of true believers of all Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on bad." Review and Herald, February 5, ages." the height of his stature; because I have 1901. In The Developments of Roman Ca- refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man "And let us thank God that the Master tholicism by John Bain, 1908,94-95, we seeth; for man looketh on the outward ap- has His hidden [invisible] ones whose read: "One of the most important distinc- pearance, bur the Lord looketh on the heart." value may not be recognized by the tions drawn by theologians is that be- Verse 7. In verses 11-13, David is brought world, but whose names are written in the tween the visible and the invisible forth and anointed. Lamb's book of life. The Lord knoweth April 1994 Our Finn Foundario/l 29 them that are His." Signs of the Times, fection among the church members, 2) work in vain.... No longer confine your August 16,1905. then advocati ng separation from the sys- effol1s to one place.... Let there be a In Testimonies, vol. 5, 80--81, are the tems of Babylon (any church organiza- renunciation of self to God." Manuscript following statements: "The Lord has tion, including the Adventist Church), and Release, No. 185. Note: Ellen White was faithful servants, who in the shaking, test- 3) encouraging congregationalism. It is nO seeking to have Elder Jones remove ing time will be disclosed to view." They wonder that people who have been hurt by self from Battle Creek and the influence of apparently are invisible to all but God or disaffected from the church hold very John Harvey Kellogg. uwil the testing time. "There are precious strongly to Jones' later writings." "A.T. 2. December 29, 1905-a letter to ones now hidden [invisible] who have not Jones and the Church," Our Firm Foun- Brother Amadon: "I send no more testi- bowed the knee to Baal. They have not datiol/, vol. 7, No. II, page 7, Jeff Reich. monies to be read to the church to A.T. had the light which has been shining in a Over a period of years, Ellen White Jones, for I have evidence that a work will have to be done for him before the Lord will accept his service. God has given him warnings which he has repudiated, and I am deeply grieved that he has so little here are precious ones now hidden spiritual eyesight." Ibid. [invisible] who have not bowed the knee to 3. March 12, 1906--A letter to Brother T and Sister Farnsworth: "You may be sur- Baal. They have not had the light which has prised to hear the words that you have heard from Elder A.T. Jones; but I am not at all been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. surprised. This is the developmentofthe man when the spirit that is counter to the Spirit of God comes upon him .... The Lord accepts no such demonstrations of bittemess.. concentrated blaze upon you. But it may sought not only to warn others of the Read in my books, Patriarchs and Prophets be under a rough and uninviting exterior dangers of what A.T. Jones spoke and and The Great Comroven}', the story of the the pure brightness of a genuine Christian wrote, but she also continually sought to first great apostasy [the apostasy of Satan in character will be revealed. In the daytime bring him back into the fold, though heaven]. History is being repeated and will we look toward heaven but do not see the without success. The following are brief be repeated. Read then, and understand." stars [they are invisible to us]. They are excerpts from [etters written between Ibid. there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye 1905 and 1911 to, or concerning, A.T. 4. April 2, 1906-a letter to Brother cannot distinguish them. In the night we Jones: and Sister Paulson: "Before Elder A.T. behold their genuine luster." I. February 26, 1905-"ElderA.T. Jones, Jones went to Battle Creek. he told me She states that the testing time will God calls upon you to go out into the cities, that he would be guarded. 1 met him come when the mark of the beast will be and give the last message ofwarning. Look to shortly before he left, and told him that in urged upon every soul. "In this time the God for your support as you go. Call the vision I had seen him under the intluence gold will be separated from the dross in people together, and you will certainly not of Dr. Kellogg. Fine threads were being the church." Ibid., 81. The concepts of the visible and the invisible church are dennitely in both the The Church in the Jewish Era Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Why The visible church The invisible church then do some men miss these concepts? Why do they, in fact, seek to criticize those who believe and teach them? The National distinction answer is that they have used Lessons Descendants of Abraham From the Reformation by A.T. Jones as Conditional promises of Directed to the Jewish nation part of their source material. This book national exaltation to Jearn about the true clearly speaks against the idea of a visible Inherit land ofCanaan worship Messiah to come from their (Q and to find the Oracles. and an invisible aspect the church. Its lineage author sought to answer the question Led to the Jewish nation to What is the church? and he spoke in his find the Messiah. day (the early 1900s) against the Seventh- committed to them- day Adventist Church. The symbolic services Prophetic writings very rare In view of this fact, let us take a closer Prophetic writings and obscure; only on a local look at the experience of A.T. Jones so Spirit of Prophecy basis (not as a group). Ephesians 2:11-12 that we may determine the safety of using The Law material provided by him in 1913, as authoritative. In mid-1907 Jones' Sev- enth-day Adventist ministerial credentials The True Church were withdrawn. In 1909 he was removed among the visible from church membership. "Jones' apos- church tasy consisted of I) sowing seeds ofdisaf· 30 Our Fiml FoundtJlj(Jfl April 1994 woven around him, till he was being the heavenly courts, that I am bowed given heed to seducing spirits. He knows bound hand and foot, and his mind and his down with an agony that can not be not what manner of spirit he is of." Malllf- senses were becoming captivated.... He expressed." Ibid. script Release. No. 185. did not believe the warning given." Ibid. 8. Manuseript 39. 1906-"[ am sorry 12. November 19. 191 I-a leller to 5. June IS. 1906-3 letter to Brother for AT. Jones, who has been warned over AT Jones: "Your lips have ullered per- and Sister Haskell: "Dr. Kellogg comrols and over again. Notwithstanding these verse things. You have denied the clear the voice of Elder AT. Jones, and will use warnings, he has allowed the enemy 1O light of truth, and have linked up with him as his mouthpiece." Ibid. fill his mind with thoughts of self-impor- strange elements .... The question is. Do 6. July 3, 1906-a leller to Elder AT. tance. Heed not his words, for he has you think you can still hold your member- Jones: "Again and again your case has rejeeted the plainest light and has ehosen ship in the Seventh-day Adventist Church been presented before me.... Since the darkness instead:' Manuscript Release. and go on hurting the influence of this Berrien Springs meeting, your altitude No. 1423. people by the tracts that you publish? You and the altitude of several others has 9. September 30, 1907-a leller to have done a cruel work.... I think you have grieved the Spirit of God. You have been Brother and Sister Nieola: "AT Jones, never yet been thoroughly converted.... weighed in the balance and found want- Dr. Kellogg and Elder Tenney are all Scenes have been presented to me in which ing.... working under the same leadership. They I have heard you use rough, harsh language. "Brother Jones. I have a message for are classing themselves with those of coarse and denunciatory. Close beside you you. In many respects you are a weak whom the apostle writes, 'Some shall stood the father of lies, inspiring you with man. If I were to write out all that has depart from the faith, giving heed to his satanic energy. and you uttered words of been revealed to me of your weakness, seducing spirits. and doctrines of devils.' which you should ever be ashamed. and of the developments ofyour work that I Timothy 4: I. In the case of A.T. Jones I "He [AT. Jones] has set himself in direet have not been in accordance with the can see the fulfillment of the warnings opposition (0 (he work the Lord laid out for course of a true Chrislian, the repre- that were given me regarding him." him. and has gone to desperate lengths in sentation would nOt be pleasing. This may Through Crisis to Victory, 309-310. walking and working in defiance of light. have to be done if you continue to justify [0. Oetober I, 1907-a leller to . The message given me to bear concerning yourself in a course of apostasy." Ibid. Brother and Sister Starr: "AT. Jones has him is. If he does not truly repent. let him 7. July 27. 1906-a leller to Brother come to the place where he voices the alone. I do I/Ot advise that ourpeople accepl and Sister Kress: "My hean was filled mind and faith of Dr. Kellogg. They have !lim as a safe reacher," Ibid. with sorrow because of the course thal now taken a decided stand against the Brothers and sisters, plain evidence is lH. Kellogg is following. And A.T Jones truth, and speeial efforts will be made to given in this article, and is available from is following the same course and voicing lead souls away." Ibid. 310. other sources as well. The concept of tile SHIl1C scnliments, with a most deter- II. November I I. 1908-a leller to there being both a visible and an invisible mined spirit. When a realization of this Brother and Sister Haskell: "1 must warn aspect to the church is It was first comes over me, with such force, great our people against laboring in any line in presented by the Reformers, not by the sorrow fills my soul. I have before me connection with AT. Jones. He is onc Roman Catholic Church. The source such a revival of theftrst great apostasy in who has depaned from the faith, and has heavily relied upon by those speaking against this concept is not the Bible, but AT Jones' book, written after he had "set The Church Toda-y himself in direct opposition to the work the Lord had laid out for him." The visible church The invisible church And where will relying upon this book Seventh-day Adventist Church Faithful Souls lead its advocates? They would do well to consider the tragic results in the life of Distinct, visible Brother A.T. Jones. when he allowed a denominational boundaries No visible distinction by biller and defiant spirit 10 fasten his mind Conditional promises denominational membership on an erroneous position he came to hold Majority are still in Babylon regarding the church. Concerning the sub- Advanced light in- ject of What Is the Church? we must not Medical Missionary Work Education Reforms Final testing truth does Dot be followers of anyone person or group. and Practices originate here for it is dangerous to the soul. SACRED SDAs Read the Bible and the Spirit of ORACLES GNEN TO No prophetic symbols Spirit of Prophecy manifest Prophecy for yourselves and follow the in midst No sacred oracles counsels therein. Spend time on your Given the Law, the Sabbath, knees with the Lord in prayer. Know why the symbolic service of Faithful to all the light you believe wh;)t you believe and have a the sanctuary they have. "Thus saith the Lord" to support it. May God thus guide you safely into His king- dom. is my prayer. 0 Faithful souls in SDA Church Invisible in the visible April 1994 Our Finn FOIllldm;r)/J 31 Winter 1994 Week ofPrayer Staffand guests ofHope International received a tremendous blessing as Colin Standish and Ralph Larson presented ourfirst Week ofPrayerfor 1994. We wish to share these blessings with you through the video and/or the audio tapes listed below. Ralph Larson Complete set: \ideo: $30; Audio: $8 Having These Promises; The Highest ofOur High Calling Video: $20; Audio: $4 The Better Sacrifice; The Atonement Video: $20; Audio: $4 Colin Standish Complete set: \ideo: $65; Audio: $20 The Shadow ofAugustine; Every Wind ofDoctrine Video: $20; Audio: $4 Every Human Ear Shall Hear; Modern-Day Deceptions Video: $20; Audio: $4 Christ Our Righteousness, Parts 1-6 Video: $35; Audio: $12 Please add 10% shipping. Washington residents add 7.6% sales tax. Nonprofit Org. Hope International U.S. Postage Paid P.O. 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