DOCSLIB.ORG

Our Eternally Righteous God: Paul's Great Controversy Theme in Romans 11

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Our Eternally Righteous God: Paul's Great Controversy Theme in Romans 11 Avondale College ResearchOnline@Avondale School of Ministry and Theology (Avondale Theology Papers and Journal Articles Seminary) 9-2010 Our Eternally Righteous God: Paul's Great Controversy Theme in Romans 11 Elizabeth E. Ostring Avondale College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://research.avondale.edu.au/theo_papers Part of the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Ostring, E. (2010). Our eternally righteous God: Paul's great controversy theme in Romans 11. Ministry: International Journal for Pastors, 82(9), 14-17. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Ministry and Theology (Avondale Seminary) at ResearchOnline@Avondale. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theology Papers and Journal Articles by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@Avondale. For more information, please contact [email protected]. E li z A b et h Ö strin g Elizabeth Östring, at the time of this writing, was a graduate student at Avondale College, Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia. our eternally righteous god: paul’s great controversy theme in romans 11 uther’s study of Romans is crucial to any worldview, and the a new way of salvation in Christ, provided the dramatic Old Testament narrative forms the as opposed to an obsolete way insight that salvation comes framework of Romans.5 Others plead of striving through obedience to through faith in Christ alone, for Christians to acknowledge the the law. But what does Paul really L 6 and not through any good deeds Bible as one story. emphasize? humans perform. Recent studies Paul often used narrative. He have given rise to further opinions frequently told his own conversion Paul and the people of about the central theme (righteous- story (Acts 22:3–21; 26:4–18; Gal. Israel ness by faith) of the epistle. The 1:13–17), used personal narrative to In Romans 11, Paul’s first proof “new perspective,”1 resulting from build his argument to the Galatians that God has not rejected His people, the study of intertestamental Jewish (Gal. 1:18–2:14), and indicates nar- Israel, is that Paul himself is an literature, suggests Jews understood rative when he writes, “You foolish Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin. the gracious nature of salvation, Galatians! . It was before your This simple statement alludes to and their laws were simply their eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly two narratives: Paul’s own dramatic part of the covenant God made exhibited as crucified!” (Gal. 3:1, conversion story, which he was very with them. Their problem was the NRSV). His doctrine of the Resurrec- fond of telling (Paul, once so destruc- exclusive ethnocentricity that effec- tion was based on narrative (1 Cor. tive towards the followers of Jesus, tively blocked Paul’s mission to the 15:3–8) and, most famously, he used has not been rejected), and that of Gentiles. Another perspective, which the narrative of Abraham, Hagar, and the tribe of Benjamin—the son born is gaining acceptance, considers Sarah to build his doctrine of salva- by grace to a dying mother (Gen. Paul’s focus as apocalyptic—the tion by grace (Rom. 4; Gal. 3:6–9; 35:16–19), the recipient of special revelation and triumph of God’s 4). Finally, Paul states clearly in the graces from his brother Joseph (Gen. righteousness2—what Adventists first two verses of his epistle to the 43:8, 9, 16–34; 45:14–20)—saved have understood as the central motif Romans that “the gospel of God . from Egypt, and finally part of a rem- of Scripture, “the great controversy.” [was] promised beforehand through nant returned from the Babylonian his prophets in the holy scriptures” exile (Ezra 10:9). The old perspective (Rom. 1:1, 2, NRSV), indicating the Paul repeats that God has not Many Christians today read Paul’s foundation of his teaching. rejected His people. Many times epistles primarily from Luther’s “old Koch states there are 89 Old Israel appeared close to rejection. perspective,” so an appraisal of Testament quotations in the Pau- They had barely become a nation these other perspectives would line letters, 51 occur in Romans.7 when God threatened their destruc- be valuable. For starters, we must The density of scriptural quotation tion because they worshiped the understand the importance of recog- increases in Romans 9–11, where golden calf. Moses pleaded their nizing that Paul wrote with profound some theologians believe Paul case, offering his own rejection knowledge of Jewish Scripture, reaches the climax of his argument (Exod. 32:9, 10, 31–34). God’s reply particularly its narrative qualities.3 that God’s dealings with Israel are is pertinent: “ ‘Whoever has sinned Recent scholarship has recognized consistent with the way He has against me, him will I blot out of that the New Testament should not always worked.8 For centuries, Paul my book’ ”(v. 33).9 Moses remade be isolated from the Old,4 narrative has been seen as the champion of the stone tablets, and God repeated MINISTRY 14 SEPTEMBER 2010 His covenant with explicit words of own situation? Paul focuses, how- 11, he sums up this whole wonderful grace (Exod. 34:1, 5–7, 10–12). On ever, not on the failure of Israel but situation: restoration comes entirely the very borders of the Promised on God’s revelation of the still-faithful by grace. Israel’s repeated failure to Land, Israel rebelled, fearing the remnant. Did Paul focus on Elijah’s be true to God can be remedied only military might of Canaan (Num. situation because he was thinking by God’s amazing grace. 13:25–14:10). Again God threatened of Elijah’s coming before the day of Thus, the first six verses of to disinherit them (Num. 14:11, 12), the Lord? Romans 11 present the old perspec- and Moses pleaded for them, on the Paul thus rapidly establishes, tive—Paul’s teaching that human basis of the covenant of grace made through scriptural narrative, that beings are saved individually by after the golden calf episode (Num. God does not abandon His people: a grace alone. They also suggest the 14:13–21). remnant will be saved by grace, and first premise of the new perspective, As Paul thought of Israel, a long God will be vindicated (Rom. 11:5). that Jews also understood this grace. parade of narratives suggested they Verse 6 repeats this thought. The However, there are hints in the Elijah were always on the verge of rejec- verse echoes Isaiah 11:11, the prom- message and the new world to come tion. A common thread runs through ise of God saving the remnant of His that Paul sees beyond human issues. all these near-rejection events: it was people. Paul loved the book of Isaiah, always the people who turned from quoting from it more than from any The blindness of Jews God, not God from the people. But other Old Testament book.10 Isaiah and Gentiles in Romans 11:2–5, Paul chose to 11 narrates the coming righteous Romans 11:7–15 presents a zero in on one of the most blatant Branch of Jesse and the future new complex argument that Israel has of these episodes: when Israel was earth, where barriers will be removed been blinded (or hardened) and a prosperous nation, settled into the from between all former enemies: made jealous so that Gentiles can Promised Land, under no military wolves lie with lambs, toddlers with come in. Modern scholarship favors threat or difficulty, during the time adders (and by inference, Jews with the idea of the word being “hard- of Ahab and Elijah. Frustrated and Gentiles). In just a few words, Paul ened” not “blinded” (v. 7), but the discouraged, Elijah complains to alludes to both the coming Mes- scriptures Paul quotes in verses 8–10 God against them. Did Paul sense siah and the dreamed restoration of (Deut. 29:4; Isa. 29:10; Ps. 69:22, 23) a similarity between Elijah’s and his Israel. In verses 5 and 6 of Romans refer to blindness: “ ‘God gave them traveling where missionaries cannot go The gospel on-air and now online Explore programs in 80 languages from studios around the world, featuring sermons, Bible lessons, interview, dramas, and more. Search our programs by language and topic, then instantly listen to uplifting messages of God’s love. To share programs with your neighbor, download and print an invitation in their language, then hand it to them with a smile. www.awr.org 12501 Old COlumbia Pike · Silver SPring, maryland 20904 · 800-337-4297 @awrweb facebook.com/awrweb MINISTRY 15 SEPTEMBER 2010 E li z A b et h Ö strin g . eyes that should not see.’ . There their eyes are opened to their identity but of attitude. This occurs ‘[L]et their eyes be darkened so that dire predicament. The king of Israel, by the revelation of God’s power and they cannot see.’ ” Is Paul alluding blind to spiritual opportunity, eagerly character to Elisha, to his servant, to to a story here? Between the verses asks, “ ‘Shall I slay them?’ ” (v. 21). the king of Israel, and to the Syrians; quoted from the Elijah story (1 Kings No, says Elisha, give them food and that is, to everyone. 19:10, 18) are verses commanding water to drink. Now the king “sees,” Elijah to anoint a new king over Syria and prepares a great feast for his The olive-tree analogy (God’s involvement with Gentiles), a “guests,” who afterward simply go Paul now develops the idea of new king over northern Israel (God’s away (v.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • HEARTBEAT of ADVENTISM the Great Controversy Theme in the WRITINGS of ELLEN G
    The HEARTBEAT of ADVENTISM The Great Controversy Theme IN THE WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE M HERBERT EDGAR DOUGLASS, TH.D. ~~ COMPILER ~~ PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION NAMPA, IDAHO Copyright © 2010 by Herbert Edgar Douglass, ThD Printed in the United States of America All Rights Reserved Cover design by Gerald Lee Monks Cover resources from dreamstime.com Copy editing by Connie Dahlke Inside design, layout, and Index by Ken McFarland /Page One Communications Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible, copyright © 1979, 1980, 1987, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. The compiler is responsible for the accuracy of quotations and referenced material. Compiler’s note: This compilation will always be a work in progress. Further, no author or compiler can ever promise a book that would be free from errors. Additions and perhaps subtractions will be made in later printings. If any reader would like to suggest additions or subtractions of any material in future printings, please contact the compiler at: [email protected]. ISBN 13: 978-0-8163-2458-3 ISBN 10: 0-8163-2458-1 Contents v DEDICATION A REVIEWER’S RESPONSE vi vii PREFACE SECTION I. INTRODUCTION: THE GREAT CONTROVERY THEME IS 1 THE GRAND CENTRAL THEME OF THE BIBLE SECTION II. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME EXPLAINS THE 15 BACKGROUND FOR THE RISE OF SIN, SUFFERING, AND DEATH SECTION III. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME RECOGNIZES “THE CHANGE IN MAN’S CONDITION, THROUGH THE COMING IN OF A 27 KNOWLEDGE OF EVIL” SECTION IV. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME HIGHLIGHTS THE 65 CHARGES THAT SATAN HAS MADE AGAINST GOD SECTION V.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Controversy
    LESSON 7 *February 6–12 Jesus’ Teachings and the Great Controversy SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 11:29; Rom. 4:1–6; Matt. 13:3–8, 18–23; Matt. 7:21–27; James 2:17; Matt. 7:1–5. Memory Text: “ ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ ” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). hen we think of the great controversy theme, we tend to think of it in grand, overarching terms. That is, it’s a big-picture W view. It can be called a “meta-narrative,” a story that covers and explains a large portion of reality, as opposed to a local narrative or story that explains something much more limited in scope. For instance, Paul Revere’s famous ride is a local narrative, in contrast to the much grander and larger one of the American Revolution itself. And yet, however grand and all-encompassing the great controversy theme is, and however immense the issues, it is played out daily, here on earth, in our own lives, in how we relate to God, to temptation, and to others. Just as people’s daily existence is impacted, sometimes to a great degree by the grander and bigger events of politics and econom- ics, each of us faces the same from the great controversy, as well. In this week’s lesson, we will look at some of Jesus’ teachings on very down-to-earth and practical matters as we all struggle to know and do God’s will amid the great controversy.
    [Show full text]
  • Cosmic Conflict Between & Atan
    ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE JAN FEB MAR 2002 Tbe Cosmic Conflict Between & atan SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AIIMANk Let Ellen G. White help you study! E. G. White Notes for the Sabbath School Lessons is an indispensable study tool designed to help you gain new insights and fresh perspectives rOleS from your Sabbath School Bible study. Sabbath school Le on' This attractive booklet contains E. G. White comments addressing the topics of the day, week, and quarter in the Adult Bible Study Guides. Don't miss out! Start getting more from your daily Bible study with E. G. White Notes today. Available at your Adventist Book Center. Call 1-800-765-6955 to order. Pacific Prese Publishing Association. Visit us at www.pacificpress.com CO 2001 Prices subject to change. Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this Bible Study Guide for First Quarter 2002 are as follows: NIV. From the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1978 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. NKJV. From the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permit sion. NRSV. From the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of th National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. RSV. From the Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1946, 1952. 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of th National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Perspectives on 1844: Putting the Pieces Together
    $5.00 november | december 2006 adventist today volume 14 issue 6 Perspectives on 1844: Putting the Pieces Together LOOKING BACK AT GLACIER VIEW: : 08 1844, A PERSONAL JOURNEY: : 18 Foundation Board Elwin Dunn—Board Chair Editorial | John McLarty Ervin Taylor—Board Vice-Chair Eugene Platt—Treasurer John McLarty Greg Billock Keith Colburn Diana Fisher Problems Edmund Jones Chuck Mitchell Madelyn Nelson Jim Nelson Randy Roberts Nate Schilt with 1844 In some ways Eldon Stratton James Stirling » John Vogt 1844 functions like the James Walters he date, 1844, is included in Kit Watts Article 23 of the Adventist creed. appendix in the human body. Raymond F. Cottrell (See box.) Religious communities We can’t deny it’s there, Endowment Board James Walters—Board Chair add to but almost never subtract but we don’t know what it’s Douglass Ewing James Nelson from creedal statements. Nate Schilt good for. Ervin Taylor TAdventist scholars who question the adequacy or Advisory Council accuracy of the biblical interpretation supporting Now, it is important to note that the ministerial SENIOR LIFETIME ADVISORS* secretary and both pastors are devout conservatives. Beth and Elwin Dunn this judgment chronology risk being expelled as Kathi and Richard Guth They believe the church’s teaching about 1844. But Marilynn and Ervin Taylor heretics. So 1844 will likely remain the teaching of their professional judgment was that people who Priscilla and James Walters show up at church showing a keen interest in 1844 the church. must be carefully watched, lest they cause conflict LIFETIME ADVISORS** This permanence of 1844 in Adventist doctrine Betty and Al Koppel and division in the congregation.
    [Show full text]
  • On Being the Remnant
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Andrews University Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 24/1 (2013):127-174. Article © 2013 by Fernando Canale. On Being the Remnant Fernando Canale Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Andrews University Seventh-day Adventists claim to be the remnant church of biblical prophecy. Following the historicist method of prophetic interpretation they see themselves as the end time remnant predicted in Revelation 12:17.1 Specifically, they see their movement meeting the identifying marks of the remnant in the book of Revelation. These marks include commandment keeping (12:17), having the testimony of Jesus (12:17), perseverance (14:12), having the faith of Jesus (14:12), and proclaiming the three angels’ messages (14:6-12).2 Adventists teach that one should keep all the commandments of God, believe in gift of prophecy manifested through the writings of Ellen White, persevere, have the faith of Jesus (the truths of the Bible that Jesus believed and taught), and preach the three angels’ message of Revelation 14:6-12 that prepares God’s people for the Second Advent.3 With the passing of time, however, some Adventists have become more hesitant about their identity as the remnant. Although they are aware of the identifying marks of the remnant, they find it increasingly difficult to understand what makes them the remnant and explain it to other Protestant 1 Gerhard Pfandl, “Identifying Marks of the End-time Remnant in the Book of Revelation,” in Toward a Theology of the Remnant, ed.
    [Show full text]
  • Image-Of-God Motif in the Writings of Ellen G. White : a Search for a Distinct Voice in Educational Philosophy
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2009 Image-of-God Motif in the Writings of Ellen G. White : A Search for a Distinct Voice in Educational Philosophy Kevin D. Grams Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, and the Education Commons Recommended Citation Grams, Kevin D., "Image-of-God Motif in the Writings of Ellen G. White : A Search for a Distinct Voice in Educational Philosophy" (2009). Dissertations. 400. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/400 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT IMAGE-OF-GOD MOTIF IN THE WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE: A SEARCH FOR A DISTINCT VOICE IN EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY by Kevin D. Grams Chair: John V. G. Matthews ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University School of Education Title: IMAGE-OF-GOD MOTIF IN THE WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE: A SEARCH FOR A DISTINCT VOICE IN EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Name of researcher: Kevin D. Grams Name and degree of faculty chair: John V. G. Matthews, Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Worship : Hope for the Waiting Community
    Loma Linda University TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects 9-1987 Worship : Hope for the Waiting Community Ivan T. Loo Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd Part of the Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, and the Liturgy and Worship Commons Recommended Citation Loo, Ivan T., "Worship : Hope for the Waiting Community" (1987). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 726. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/726 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects by an authorized administrator of TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Abstract WORSHIP: HOPE FOR THE WAITING COMMUNITY by Ivan T. Loo The relationship between hope and worship has been neglected for too long in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventism in North America has lost much of its zeal for and emphasis on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. A renewed awareness of corporate worship's importance would help Adventists more fully understand their unique role in Christiandom. Adventists need to gain a better grasp of the meaning of Christian hope. Worship services should be a time and place for experiencing, enhancing, and transmitting the believers' hope. Congregations that take part in litur- gies incorporating the "Great Controversy" theme will be better equiped to fulfill their gospel commission. Worship should declare the Second Coming while aiding congregants in participating in the Kingdom's present manifestation.
    [Show full text]
  • Cosmic Metanarrative for the Coming Millennium1
    Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 11/1-2 (2000): 102Ð119. Article copyright © 2000 by Richard M. Davidson. Cosmic Metanarrative for the Coming Millennium1 Richard M. Davidson S. D. A. Theological Seminary, Andrews University During the past few years I have been reflecting on the best theological ap- proach to reach out to the increasingly secular, postmodern society that has little or no regard for the authority of Scripture and hardly any acquaintance with the Bible. The Christian church in general, and the Adventist Church/Adventist Theological Society in particular, have a mission to reach the world with a bibli- cal theology that will attract and allure an increasingly relativistic and biblically illiterate society. In reading literature on postmodernism and talking to gen-Xers with a postmodern mindset, I have discovered that on one hand the very idea of a big picture of realityÑa grand metanarrativeÑis rejected as impossible to discover from our limited and provincial perspectives; and yet at the same time there is a hunger among postmoderns for a story, a narrative, with which they can identify and in which they can find meaning. I see this as the opportunity for a new and exciting application of biblical theology for evangelism: to show that the biblical metanarrative does give meaning to life like none other. As postmoderns are introduced to the beauty and harmony of the biblical metanarrative, I believe the Holy Spirit will bring con- viction that this overarching metanarrative is indeed a comprehensive and nor- mative picture of reality. The old proof-text methods and logical discourses are not very effective with the postmodern mind.
    [Show full text]
  • Worldview Through the Lens of the Great Controversy
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Faculty Publications 10-2020 Worldview through the Lens of the Great Controversy S. Joseph Kidder Andrews University, [email protected] Katelyn Campbell Andrews University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs Recommended Citation Kidder, S. Joseph and Campbell, Katelyn, "Worldview through the Lens of the Great Controversy" (2020). Faculty Publications. 3334. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs/3334 This Popular Press is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. | KIDDER’S COLUMN by S. Joseph Kidder and Katelyn Campbell Worldview through the Lens of the Great Controversy “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my found in Scripture. From The Chronicles of Narnia to mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all Star Wars and the heroes of the DC and Marvel uni- generations. I will declare that your love stands firm verses, we can see elements of the story Seventh-day forever, that you have established your faithfulness in Adventists call the “great controversy.” Christians and heaven itself.”—Psalm 89:1–2 non-Christians alike feel the pull of the metanarrative “With all the facts of the great controversy in view, of the great controversy between God and Satan, and the whole universe, both loyal and rebellious, with it shows in our creative works. After all, as Scripture one accord declare, ‘Just and true are Thy ways, Thou shows us, this is the story of the universe imprinted on King of saints.’”1 our hearts and minds.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of Seventh-Day Adventist Views on Biblical and Prophetic Inspiration (1844-2000)
    Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 10/1-2 (1999): 486Ð542. Article copyright © 2000 by Alberto R. Timm. A History of Seventh-day Adventist Views on Biblical and Prophetic Inspiration (1844Ð2000) Alberto R. Timm Director, Brazilian Ellen G. White Research Center Brazil Adventist UniversityÐCampus 2 Introduction Seventh-day Adventists form a modern eschatological movement born out of the study of the Holy Scriptures, with the specific mission of proclaiming the Word of God Òto every nation and tribe and tongue and peopleÓ (Rev 14:6, RSV). In many places around the world Seventh-day Adventists have actually been known as the Òpeople of the Book.Ó As a people Adventists have always heldÑand presently holdÑhigh respect for the authority of the Bible. However, at times in the denominationÕs history different views on the nature of the Bi- bleÕs inspiration have been discussed within its ranks. The present study provides a general chronological overview of those major trends and challenges that have impacted on the development of the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of inspiration between 1844 and 2000. An Òannotated bibliographyÓ type of approach is followed to provide an overall idea of the subject and to facilitate further investigations of a more thematic nature. The Adventist understanding of inspiration as related to both the Bible and the writings of Ellen White is considered for two evident reasons: (1) While their basic function differs, Adventists have generally assumed that both sets of writings were produced by the same modus operandi of inspiration, and (2) there is an organic overlapping of the views on each in the development of an understanding of the BibleÕs inspiration.
    [Show full text]
  • Editions of Great Controversy
    The Editions of Great Controversy by Vance Ferrell Pilgrims Books Beersbeba Springs, TN 57305 PB-2201 THE EDITIONS OF GREAT CONTROVERSY by Vance Ferrell Pilgrims Books Beersheba Springs, TN 37305 USA Printed in the United States of America Cover and Text Copyright © 1994 Research Institute for Better Reading, Inc. "Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth's history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in the Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books." -Letter 281, 1905 (Colporteur Ministry, 127) 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface: The Great Controversy Theme was the first to be revealed to Ellen White in vision. Something to Think About: Urgent statements we should no ignore. Part One THE WRITING OF THE BOOK 1 – Introduction: The great controversy theme was the first to be revealed to Ellen White in vision 2 - The Most Important Book of Our Time: Great Controversy is the most important of all the Spirit of Prophecy books 3- The 1848-1849 Visions: The 1848-1849 cluster of visions, provided a basic overview of final great controversy truths. 4 - From 1848 to 1858: Why Heaven waited until 1858 to give Ellen the major great controversy vision 5 - The 1858 Vision: The story of this panoramic great controversy vision 6 - The Attempt on Ellen White's Life: Satan began his warfare against Great Controversy by trying to slay the author before it could be written.
    [Show full text]
  • Principles of Church-State Relationships in the Writings of Ellen G
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2010 Principles of Church-State Relationships in the Writings of Ellen G. White Marcio D. Costa Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the English Language and Literature Commons, and the History of Christianity Commons Recommended Citation Costa, Marcio D., "Principles of Church-State Relationships in the Writings of Ellen G. White" (2010). Dissertations. 27. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/27 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH-STATE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE by Marcio D. Costa Adviser: Jerry Moon ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH-STATE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE Name of the researcher: Marcio D. Costa Name and degree of faculty adviser:
    [Show full text]