OCTOBER 2017: TESTIFY SABBATH + BEASTS, BLACKLIGHT, AND ETERNAL LOVE + JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE+ MARTIN LUTHER AND ME + THE ONGOING RELEVANCE OF THE REFORMATION ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG

“FAITH IS A LIVING, DARING CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE.” STEP BY STEP—MARTIN LUTHER

VOLUME 194 Readers are invited to submit photos or art to be featured here. Submission guidelines and info can be found at www.adventistreview.org 10/17 NUMBER 10

FEATURES DISCOVER 19 19 HOW CAN WE BE JUST BEFORE GOD? | RICHARD DAVIDSON The gospel is not about what we think of ourselves, it’s about what God thinks of us.

CONNECT 35 THE HESHBON EXPEDITION ØYSTEIN S. LA BIANCA and JEFFERY P. HUDON 35 For five decades Adventists have mined this significant archaeological site.

ENGAGE 55 TESTIFY SABBATH | ROB ERWIN No preacher? No problem! 55

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 1 A biblical worldview should inform Christian beliefs and practice. The Reformation set limits to every authority and tradition, and opened the door to a deeper movement of restoration that now seeks to restore what God intended. 31 ARTICLES DISCOVER CONNECT ENGAGE

26 TIME LINE OF THE 40 THE BRIDGE 60 MARTIN LUTHER AND ME PROTESTANT REFORMATION GALINA STELE MICHAEL SOKUPA SHAWN BRACE Salvation is nothing more The Bible and the Bible only Even with its detours and than Jesus, our way to is still a good way to engage delays, the gospel is still all salvation. society. about Jesus. 44 BUT WHAT DID 64 BEASTS, BLACKLIGHT, 28 BEFORE? OR AFTER? LUTHER MEAN? AND ETERNAL LOVE What did Ellen White know? SILVIA C. SCHOLTUS DE ROSCHER FAITH-ANN MCGARRELL And when did she know it? After 500 years there’s still What brought us to faith is room for interpretation. not always what keeps us 30 THE ONGOING RELEVANCE there. OF THE REFORMATION 48 REFORMATION 101 GANOUNE DIOP GERALD A. KLINGBEIL The Adventist role in the Seeing the Reformation process of reformation through a photographer’s lens. 32 JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE LAURICE K. DURRANT 52 HIS WE ARE AS Innocent mistakes are often HYMN WE SING just as dangerous. BILL KNOTT A hymn to commemorate a 500-year anniversary

NEWS|OPINION EDITORIAL » Washington Adventist Hospital 5 BILL KNOTT Builds on Its 110-year History REFORMATION CHANGES EVERYTHING » “Time for Technology and DEPARTMENTS Mission to Marry” 6 LETTERS HOUSE CALL » Threats to Religious Liberty 59 Call for Stronger Advocacy 68 CLOSER LOOK 70 VOICES » Adventists Appeal for Peace After Racial Conflicts in Charlottesville COLUMNS 25 TRANSFORMATION TIPS DELBERT W. BAKER 43 CURE FOR THE COMMON LIFE HYVETH WILLIAMS 63 INTRODUCING THE WHY JIMMY PHILLIPS 72 IN OTHER WORDS LAEL CAESAR 2 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG TRENDING

FOUNDED 1849. PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS® THE MOST SHARED STORIES ON ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG LAST MONTH: PUBLISHING BOARD Ted N. C. Wilson, chair Guillermo Biaggi, vice chair Bill Knott, secretary Cliff’s Edge: The Calculus of the Cross Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Williams Costa, Daniel R. 1 Jackson, Peter Landless, Robert Lemon, Geoffrey Mbwana, G. T. Ng, Daisy Orion, Juan Prestol-Puesán, Ella Simmons, Artur Stele, Ray Wahlen “I Prayed for a Bible” Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor 2 EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF ADVENTIST REVIEW MINISTRIES Bill Knott Newest Mission Boat in the Amazon ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ADVENTIST REVIEW MINISTRIES 3 Builds on Decades of Service ASSOCIATE EDITORS André Brink, Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil Who Is My Brother? Am I His Keeper? COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR/NEWS EDITOR 4 Costin Jordache ASSISTANT EDITORS Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Not Just a Cycle Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi MARKETING Jared Thurmon 5 DIGITAL EDITOR Kristina Penny ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Bryan Gray WEB DESIGN/SOCIAL MEDIA Evan Bambrick VIDEO RESOURCES FROM ARTV LAYOUT TECHNICIAN Fred Wuerstlin COPY EDITOR James Cavil OPERATIONS MANAGER Merle Poirier MARTIN LUTHER–THE JUST FINANCIAL MANAGER Kimberly Brown SHALL LIVE BY FAITH EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Early in his ministry Luther EDITORS-AT-LARGE Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler embarked on a trip that would SENIOR ADVISOR E. Edward Zinke change his life - and the world - AD SALES Glen Gohlke, Seth Hill, Carlos Medley CIRCULATION Rebecca Hilde forever. This and other episodes TO WRITERS: Writer’s guidelines are available at the of the Lineage series, take short Adventist Review Web site: www.adventistreview.org dynamic journeys to sites pivotal and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s to the Protestant Reformation. Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. E-mail: [email protected]. A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Enjoyed taking a look back on Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue Reformation history and individ- are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. uals who stood up for what they Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. believed? You might also enjoy Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2017. this documentary about a group The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119) is the general of young men who followed their paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published monthly by the General Conference of conscience during WWI. Seventh-day Adventists®, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Periodicals postage paid at Silver Spring, MD, and additional mailing offices. THE CARE AND FEEDING OF CONSCIENCE Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353. Are we convicted by conscience, Copyright ©2016, General Conference of Seventh- or just feeling guilty? Licensed day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. counselor Jennifer Jill Schwirzer SUBSCRIPTIONS: Twelve issues of the monthly Adventist Review, US$19.95, plus additional postage explores the topic in this outside North America. Single copy US$2.00 plus shipping and handling. episode of her video series 13 To order, visit adventistreview.org/subscriptions Weeks to Peace. or send your name, address, and payment to: Adventist Review subscription desk, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353 Simply search for these titles at ADDRESS CHANGES AND SUBSCRIPTION QUERIES: artv.adventistreview.org adventistreview@pacificpress.com. OR call 1-800-545-2449 OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 3 Nothing like Mozart to help me focus for my Calculus exam. Get involved in music.

See for yourself. Schedule a personalized visit to explore your interests and get your questions answered. We’ll cover your lodging, meals, and even some of your travel costs. Students who visit WWU rave about their experience here and we can’t wait to show you why! wallawalla.edu/visit EDITORIAL

BILL KNOTT The rediscovery of the Bible’s teachings about how human beings are saved began immediately to Reformation change the structures of daily life. Changes Everything ne of the most persistent unspeakable joys of actually com- feasts and holidays, became the misperceptions about the Prot- muning with a Father who heard measuring rods for progress, inno- Oestant Reformation is that the and understood them. vation and social success: “Six days movement now celebrating its 500th If the focus of the church’s wor- you shall labor and do all your anniversary was only about recov- ship was no longer on the repeated work” (Ex. 20:9, NRSV). ering biblical truth. and daily sacrifice of the body and The Reformation may have Ask the typical Adventist to blood of Jesus on the altar, then begun as an academic’s invitation describe the core experience of the worship could be “re-formed” as to a scholarly debate, for that, in Reformation, and if they find words the expression of personal and fact, was Luther’s purpose in nail- at all, they will likely murmur some- corporate praise it was always ing his 95 theses to the Wittenberg thing about “salvation by faith” and intended to be. Creativity, once only Castle Church door. But it escaped sola scriptura—the only Latin phrase for the “gifted” and the sponsored, the limited vision of even its first most Adventists know. But the now moved with grace among the hero to become, in God’s gracious world-changing events precipitated pews. Western Christianity expe- hands, the instrument of social by Luther’s propositions 500 years rienced an unparalleled explosion renovation and change that created ago this October 31 aren’t reducible of hymnody, poetry, and musical the modern world. to only the doctrine of righteous- composition. The literacy that allows you to ness by faith, and the authority of If God’s ideal for human sexual- read and understand these the Bible that teaches us to believe ity was no longer the celibate priest words—by yourself, and for your- in it. Significant as they surely denying himself the full expression self—is the legacy of the Reforma- were—and are—if these ideas hadn’t of his personhood as a symbol of tion. The job you hold—wiring dramatically reshaped—that is, consecration, then marriage as the houses as an electrician or “turn- re-formed—the daily lives, the God-ordained covenant between a ing on the lights” for classroom work, and the worship of individu- man and a woman was dignified, students—was shaped by the Ref- als and congregations, we would elevated—and righteously enjoyed. ormation. The hymn you sing— have likely never heard of the Ref- Unbiblical traditions of male dom- first softly, then with grateful tears ormation, let alone be celebrating ination and female subordination welling in your eyes—was cho- its half-millennium. began to erode as both women and rused by the Reformation. And if, All godly ideas have real-life con- men read for themselves the Word in grace, you have come to know sequences, and the rediscovery of that proclaimed in its first chap- God as a mighty fortress in your the Bible’s teachings about how ter—“In the image of God He cre- life, “a bulwark never failing,” you human beings are saved began ated them: male and female He can thank the Reformation. immediately to change the struc- created them” (Gen. 1:27, NRSV1). This October 31, while children tures of daily life. If accumulated If God not only gave human ply the neighborhood with cries of and repetitive prayers no longer beings meaningful work, but fur- “Trick or Treat,” pause for a moment shortened one’s stay in purgatory ther gifted them to use their skills to offer your grateful thanks to the nor vicariously freed another soul, in the building of His kingdom, Lord who still says to His faithful the purpose of prayer itself in the then labor became a means for church, “See, I am making all things believer’s life was “re-formed.” godly self-expression, character new” (Rev. 21:5, NRSV).

Slowly, haltingly at first, men and development, and the wise use of 1 Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New women whose spirituality had well-earned money. The yearly and Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ã 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of been enacted for them by robed weekly calendars, for centuries the National Council of the Churches of Christ in clergy began to experience the invaded by more than 125 annual the U.S.A. Used by permission.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 5 Thank you so much for the editorial “Greatest Common Denomination” INBOX (July 2017). What an eye-opener; what food for thought! MARY ANN THOMAS JIMENEZ, VIA E-MAIL

Word),Word), wew have not much emphasizedemphas the second exegesis QUOTABLE (un(understandingders the cultures and Thank you all for thee very-very-well-put-well-put- relireligionsgion around us). We will together issue in Junene (late partly hashastenten tthe Lord’s coming to the because of our cross-borders-border postapostall extentextent thatt we engage these service, but also my slow rereading!).ading!). culculturestures and religions. I happen to be a ccollectorollector of ErEErinrin SStone quotes. It’s an odd hhobby,obby, bbutut I do WWestest Hills, California it because there aree so mamanyny times I just can’t craftaft mmyy wwordsordsdss to GGREATESTREATE COMMON express an idea in justust the rightrightht way.waay.y SoS I DDENOMINATIONENOM am in awe of those whomwhom GodGod gavegave thathathaattt ttalentalea entt toto ThaThanknk yyou so much for the and love to borrow ffromrom ththem.em. As I read throuthroughghh ededitorialitoria “Greatest Common magazines or other literature,literature, I mark the ppagesages with qquoteworthyuotewowoorthy DDenomination”enomi (July 2017). What sections for my collection. an eye-opener; what food for As I read the June issue, I found I was marking almost every page! thought! The way things are Thank you to all the writers, especially Costin Jordache, Randy going in 2017, that is exactly what Fishell, Andy Nash, William Johnsson, and Wilona Karimabadi, for is needed. We have to wake up. blessing all of us with your special gift of writing. This is not a rerun; this is for In that vein I’d like to contribute a small quote that seems to real. Let’s stop “playing church” align with the theme of the June issue and how our church reaches and get serious. So many of us out to the world as we move forward in the twenty-first century: “It are just “going through the is acquaintance that awakens sympathy, and sympathy is the spring motions.” Don’t we all realize of effective ministry” (Ellen G. White, Education [Mountain View, Jesus is coming soon? Yes, get on Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903], p. 269). the phone, e-mail, text, and, I Karen Lee might add, send a card. God Calgary, Alberta, Canada bless each of you. Mary Ann Thomas Jimenez Via e-mail DIALOGUE (Ellen G. White, The Ministry of “Adventists just don’t dialogue!” Healing [Mountain View, Calif.: PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM My Muslim friend, who has Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1905], p. Last Sabbath I taught an adult frequent contact with Adventists, 143), I hear a dialogue. Sabbath School class. The last was expressing her frustration to I appreciate Jon Paulien’s paragraph of Stephen Chavez’s me. In getting out our message, concept of “double exegesis” piece, “Putting ‘Christ’ Into we have often had a monologue (“The Long View of Things,” June ‘Christianity’ ” (July 2017), with the world. However, when I 2017). While we have done quite summarizes Paul’s message to read that “the Savior mingled” well with the first exegesis (God’s the Galatians. It’s worth

6 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG While we have done quite well with first exegesis (God’s Word), we have not much emphasized the second exegesis (understanding the cultures and religions around us). ERIN STONE, WEST HILLS, CALIFORNIA

IN A FEW WORDS . . . repeating: “We’d like to think that JOURNEY INTERRUPTED living like Jesus is easy: you just read the Gospels and live accordingly. But living the I was impressed with the film Journey Interrupted. Sandra principles of the kingdom cost Balckmer’s article did it full justice (AdventistReview.org/ Jesus His life. And in the two church-news/story5391-journey-interrupted-sandra-blackmer). I initially went in to see it with skepticism. People were millennia since Jesus lived on sobbing as the interviews played out. I heard voices whisper to earth, countless martyrs have their neighbors: “I’m not gay, but this speaks to me exactly.” risked their lives to live like Nature or nurture, it really doesn’t matter. Satan has a Jesus. These martyrs were often counterfeit for everything good God has made. . . . Our entire persecuted by other Christians, church needs an honest conversation about being born again. people who thought they were Greg Cox, via Web being faithful to God.” Andy Hanson MY MANTLE Chico, California

This is a wonderful and encouraging topic (AdventistReview.org/ ADVENTISTS AND SPORTS church-news/story5393-my-mantle-lisa-poirier), true in so many I read one of my all-time favorite ways, especially if your “field” is uninteresting or uninspiring and magazines—Adventist Review, you yearn for more. Your heart tells you there is. Thank you. which I have done for nearly 80 Imabong Faminu, via Web

years. It had a lot to say about also wonder if Adventist women YOUR TURN sports. I hope someone in the engaged in sports wear modest We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a Review office will prepare for clothing. letter in this section does not publication what Ellen White had Donald Casebolt imply that the ideas expressed to say about competitive sports. I College Place, Washington are endorsed by either the ed- itors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP specific, timely letters have the Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation of the Adventist Review, published monthly at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The names and addresses of the publisher, editor, and coordinating editor best chance at being published are: Publisher: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Editor: (please include your complete Bill Knott, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Coordinating Editor: Stephen Chavez, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The owner is the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501 Old Columbia address and phone number— Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, a nonprofit, charitable corporation. There are no bondholders, mortgagees, or other even with e-mail messages). security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities.

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OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 7

“We work with a vision of integrated evangelism, where all areas of the church, and all possible means, are used to their maximum potential.” NEWS Erton Kohler, president, South American Division p. 14

The new, state-of-the-art Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital is scheduled to open May 2019. ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE EXPANDING CARE WITH NEW HOSPITAL STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY CARRIES FORWARD 110-YEAR HEALTH MINISTRY

BY ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE WASHINGTON ADVENTIST HOSPITAL new hospital and health-care tal in Takoma Park in a new loca- Hospital on health research, and A campus is rising in the White tion,” said Erik Wangsness, presi- is at the center of the emerging Oak area of Montgomery County, dent, Adventist HealthCare Wash- White Oak Science Gateway, a de- Maryland, United States, within 15 ington Adventist Hospital. veloping life sciences community miles of downtown Washington D.C. Washington Adventist Hospital bringing together medical research- The state-of-the-art facility, sched- has served the community for more ers, businesses, and retailers in uled to open in May 2019, is part of than a century, and will continue eastern Montgomery County. Adventist HealthCare’s longstanding providing health-care services such According to Stephen S. Fuller, plan to expand access to health care as urgent and primary care in Ta- director of the Center for Regional in the region. The hospital building’s koma Park following the move of Analysis at George Mason Univer- exterior will be finished by late fall, inpatient care to White Oak. sity, the new hospital project will and construction will begin on a The new campus sits on 48 have a significant impact on the medical office building and parking acres, not far from the Seventh-day region. The hospital will create 7,500 garage this winter. Adventist world church headquar- jobs between construction and on- “The hospital in White Oak will ters. The hospital will be adjacent going operations, and construction offer the high-quality and compas- to the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- alone will contribute $845.6 million sionate care you’ve come to know istration campus, which already to Maryland’s economy. from Washington Adventist Hospi- partners with Washington Adventist The new 170-bed health-care

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 9 NEWS “TIME FOR TECHNOLOGY AND MISSION TO MARRY!” GLOBAL GROUPS OF IT AND COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS GATHER TO DISCUSS MISSION.

COSTIN JORDACHE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND NEWS EDITOR, ADVENTIST REVIEW

n historic gathering of Seventh- day Adventist communication A and information technology professionals converged near São Paulo, Brazil, for a weeklong series of events to better un- facility carries on the health-care derstand technology, its current use in the church, and ways in ministry that began 110 years ago which it can enhance mission effectiveness. with the founding of Washington Sanitarium, a place where people THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY came to relax in nature. The hos- The week began on August 7, 2017, with the fourth annual pital started with 40 beds and a meeting of information technology (IT) specialists from around staff of 12. In 1903 Adventists ded- the world. A record 336 attendees, from multiple countries, icated to a wholistic approach to flocked to the Southern Hemisphere to grapple with the ev- wellness bought a 50-acre tract in er-changing technology landscape, and the even more dy- Takoma Park for $6,000. An addi- namic landscape of global mission. tional $50,000 was raised by Ad- “ ‘Reaching the world through technology solutions and ser- ventists throughout North America vices’ is our mission statement,” explained General Conference to build the sanitarium. Proceeds administrator of ITS software development Stephen Filkoski. from Ellen White’s book The Min- His words were reflected in nearly two dozen other presenta- istry of Healing helped fund the tions that peppered the two days of intense meetings: IT is a construction. ministry function that provides tools for effective ministry. A copy of the book and several “You have a unique ministry,” said Mabio Coelho, chief in- other historic items from Wash- formation security officer for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ington Adventist Hospital were part “What you do is no less a ministerial work than pastors and of an artifact box that was embed- those who physically baptize . . . people.” ded into the new hospital’s wall With that in mind, presenters from the world headquarters this spring. The box included nu- and the 13 divisions and attached merous other historical hospital fields shared various updates and documents (such as a copy of the tools that are being used or con- first patient ledger), a current or- sidered to further mission. Coelho ganization chart, and a letter to discussed cybersecurity, Filkoski future discoverers outlining the announced dialogue around a de- time capsule’s contents. veloping human resource manage- As Adventist HealthCare builds ment system, and an IT represen- a hospital for the twenty-first cen- Williams Costa, commu- tative from the West-Central Africa tury, it will focus on carrying for- nication director for the Division revealed a digital records ward its mission of providing Adventist Church, leads a management system his division whole-person health care in a heal- dynamic Sabbath morning is working on that allows local ing environment. The new campus song service. ITALO OSORIO-PEZO churches to tap into a centralized will feature a green roof, rooms database of church records. with lake views, and additions to “I was impressed with how the various church entities are the natural landscape, such as a integrating technology into propagating the gospel,” said first- walking trail around the lake. time attendee Abitana Hachamba, communication director in “This is a blessed time in our Midlands Zambia Conference, in the Northern Zambia Union. history,” added Wangsness. “I thank Presentations were more than just show and tell, though. The our employees and physicians who greater purpose involves collaboration. “Find ways to share your are enthusiastic about our future resources with other parts of the world who may not have access and committed to our mission.” to critical tools,” challenged Nancy Lamoreaux, chief information

10 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG A group of GAiN attendees stop for picture with the life- size logo on the campus of officer for the Adventist Church. Adventist Mission centers, offering UNASP in Brazil. BRIAN STEPANEK The IT meetings were hosted at perspectives on current mission IATec, the South American Division’s challenges. and lead organizer. “The presenta- Institute of Technology. Its new “Today we’re going to look into tions, the discussions, the sugges- high-tech building houses dozens the mission mirror, but we may not tions, the proposals, and finally the of employees, who have been like what we see,” said Gary Krause, presentation from the university— brought together by the division director of Adventist Mission. everything was about mission. It’s to “optimize, standardize, and glo- Krause outlined some startling sta- so meaningful that people attend balize procedures, data, and in- tistics, including that 86 percent GAiN, and their first and strongest formation flows,” according to the of Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists impression is about mission.” organization’s Web site. worldwide do not have even one friend who is a Christian. “We do PRESENTATIONS GAiN 2017 SETS not make friends with nonbeliev- INFORM AND INSPIRE ATTENDANCE RECORD ers,” he observed. Krause concluded As the technology conference August 9 launched the second by challenging communication pro- progressed, organizers continued set of record-breaking meetings fessionals to harness the power of to offer a lineup of experts and on the campus of Brazil’s Centro culture in reaching the world’s pop- practitioners to unpack the theme Universitário Adventista de São ulation. “Study the culture. Look. “Wired for Mission.” “Our goal was Paulo (UNASP), a university with Listen. Learn,” he concluded. to inspire all communicators to more than 6,000 enrolled students. Perhaps the most striking met- look higher and broader so as to The Global Adventist Internet Net- aphor supporting the theme came see the whole world as their mis- work (GAiN) convened with more early in the lineup from Gregory sion rather than just their own ter- than 800 attendees from more than Whitsett, director of the Center for ritory,” said Sam Neves, associate 80 countries, the most ever. The East Asian Religions. Whitsett, along Communication Department di- event, organized annually by the with his wife, Amy, associate direc- rector for the Adventist Church. Communication Department of the tor, demonstrated how vastly dif- “It is important for communica- General Conference, brings together ferent worldviews can contribute tion professionals to know the chal- multidisciplinary communication to a very different understanding lenges and creative ideas that the professionals to discuss best prac- of John 3:16. They advocated a mul- Adventist Church uses in different tices and industry trends while en- tistep mission process and pro- parts of the world,” added Rafael gaging in meaningful networking. posed a mobile app that would aid Rossi, communication director for Organizers themed this year’s missionaries in their work, “It’s time the South American Division. “This event “Wired for Mission,” to em- for technology and mission to marry exchange brings new prospects for phasize the greater purpose of me- each other!” concluded Whitsett. local growth.” dia technology and communication “I am thrilled that the first day Among GAiN presenters were within the Adventist Church. The of GAiN was fully focused on mis- those who were given seven min- first day of meetings featured pre- sion,” said Williams Costa, director utes to describe a project they are sentations from Adventist Mission of the Communication Department involved in. The segments, strewn leaders and directors of the six of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the daily proceedings,

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 11 NEWS

Andrew Perry, from Australia’s Collaboratory, discusses Adventist Passport, a developing and innova- tive app for Adventists around the world. ITALO OSORIO-PEZO

were called Project Slams and fea- content. Williams Costa announced A REFLECTIVE NOTE tured a variety of missional tech- the launch of ACT, the Adventist Com- GAiN 2017 ended on a reflective nology uses. munication Training initiative that note. Guillermo Biaggi, a vice pres- A Brazilian IT professional un- aims to provide educational content ident of the Adventist Church in- veiled ShekinaStore.com, a central- to communication practitioners volved with media ministries around ized online store for Adventist me- around the world. Brent Hardinge, the world, shared a message during dia resources. Benjamin Seifert, from assistant director of communication which he affirmed conference par- Germany, shared the development for the Adventist Church, reintro- ticipants. Citing a number of trends of Image, a social media network duced ALPS, the Adventist Living Pat- and statistics, Biaggi made a case that builds a character profile for tern System, a globally coordinated for utilizing technology for mission, users. A communication professional visual identity system for developing concluding that “GAiN is vital in from the Southern Africa- Indian Adventist Web sites and apps. fulfilling the mission of the Sev- Ocean Division showed a clip of a enth-day Adventist Church.” biblical game show. A professor at A CRITICAL REMINDER Allan Novaes, a professor at UNASP introduced WePray.mobi, a Against this vast backdrop of UNASP specializing in the inter- global repository of prayer requests. mission-infused technology, Deb- section of theology, communica- Hope Channel Inter-America de- orah Bonazzi threw the audience tion, and culture challenged at- buted a new series about ministry a curve ball. Bonazzi, who is head tendees with the notion that pay- to native Mayan people. Andrew of Industry-Media and Entertain- ing attention to pop culture can Perry, from Australia, introduced ment for Google Brazil, reminded have a positive effect on mission. Adventist Passport, an app-based attendees to be fully conscious of “God can communicate Himself personal aggregator of customized their use of technology. While ad- through culture or everyday life,” Adventist content to track involve- mitting that we need technology, explained Novaes, pointing to bib- ment in Adventist events and groups. Bonazzi explained, “We are not hav- lical wisdom literature and the par- Other Project Slams included Car- ing deep conversation” because ables of Jesus as examples. ole Saint-Louis, who, along with her of our immersion in digital spaces. Karnik Doukmetzian, legal coun- husband, reproduces ANN news- She informed audience members sel for the General Conference, re- casts in French. Jesse Johnson an- that Google has created intentional minded communicators and tech- nounced that It Is Written has a spaces for conversation among its nology professionals to pursue their Daniel and the Lions’ Den VR expe- employees in its headquarters. calling within legal parameters. rience, and an app called Outreach, Bonazzi then introduced a con- Doukmetzian outlined copyright featuring comprehensive evange- cept familiar to Adventists, though and trademark issues relevant in lism resources. Michael von Horsten with a twist. She advocated a “dig- the GAiN context, and cited multi- introduced attendees to Adventist ital Sabbath,” a time during which ple examples of the damage done Help, a humanitarian organization every person commits to taking a by not following intellectual prop- working in partnership with ADRA break from technology. She relayed erty law. He summarized the an- in places such as Mosul, Iraq. Ad- several examples of how those swer to every potential question ventist Mission introduced a 30-sec- outside of the Adventist Church with one solid principle: “Make sure ond student film competition. are discovering this concept and you get permission” from the owner Several full-length presentations its benefits, quoting YouTube CEO of the intellectual property. featured ongoing projects. The South Susan Wojcicki: “If you’re working Finally, Sam Neves reflected on American Division unveiled FELIZ- 24/7, you’re not going to have any the collective identity, or brand, of 7PLAY, an online repository of video interesting ideas.” the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

12 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG Sam Neves, associate director of Communication for the Seventh-day Adventist Church (right), moderates a panel of Adventist mission center directors dis- cussing the use of technology in mission. PAULO ARAUJO

He introduced attendees to the new nication actions in an effort to ogy in mission. On the campus of Adventist visual identity package spread the gospel message more UNASP, students and staff left an that included the slightly redesigned effectively. Digital communication indelible impression on attendees logo, a new font that “speaks more is seen as strategic by the division, with two media-rich showcase pro- than 90 languages,” and a creation and as an ally in ministry. “We work ductions: the first about the uni- grid, a design approach that gives with a vision of integrated evan- versity itself, and the second about designers six sevenths of the space gelism, where all areas of the the life of Paul, featuring choir, or- for custom design, while reserving church, and all possible means, chestra, and solos, all coordinated the seventh for the global Adven- are used to their maximum poten- in a film depicting a modern apos- tist identifier. tial. But the focus is on the preach- tle and the impact his ministry had ing of the gospel,” explained Köhler. on many different lives. A COMMITTED HOST DIVISION That commitment to integrated “You are here to change the fu- For South American Division and missional use of technology ture,” concluded Köhler during his president Erton Köhler, hosting the was visible to attendees through- keynote address. He encouraged the GAiN conference was a significant out the conference. Organized trips communication professionals to help opportunity, since his division has to Novo Tempo (Brazil’s Hope Chan- the gospel message “go viral.” defined technology as a primary nel) and the division’s publishing The next GAiN conference is emphasis for the five years lead- house demonstrated the use of scheduled for August 8-12, 2018, in ing to 2020 to strengthen commu- large-scale, cutting-edge technol- South Korea.

THREATS TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CALL FOR DOUBLING ADVOCACY EFFORTS IRLA’S WORLD CONGRESS APPEALS TO EXTEND RELIGIOUS IRLA’s President John R. Nay officially opens the IRLA’s FREEDOM. World Congress in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on August 22, 2017. MYLON MEDLEY/ADVENTIST NEWS NETWORK MARCOS PASEGGI, ADVENTIST REVIEW eligion pours $1.2 trillion into part of an introduction to an up- Grim’s presentation came on the Rthe U.S. economy every year,” dated report on the state of reli- heels of the official opening of the said Brian J. Grim, social scientist gious freedom around the world. event, which brought together about and director of international reli- It came on the opening day of the 600 religious freedom advocates, gious resources at Pew Research. International Religious Liberty As- government officers, and church “That’s 50 percent more than Amer- sociation’s (IRLA) World Congress leaders from 65 countries. ica’s six largest oil companies.” in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United “Religious freedom [is] a princi- Grim’s startling fact-sharing was States, on August 22, 2017. ple of dignity for humanity,”

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 13 NEWS

Forty percent of the world’s countries suffer high restrictions to religious freedom or freedom of belief.

explained Ganoune Diop, IRLA’s of the world population, based on faith went up from being present secretary-general and director of a Pew Research study of 198 coun- in 48 countries in 2007, to 89 in 2015. the Public Affairs and Religious Lib- tries and territories. On the other hand, coercive en- erty Department for the Seventh-day “Compared with 2007, by 2015 1.1 forcement of religious norms wer Adventist Church. “IRLA is commit- billion more people were suffering present in 73 nations (compared ted to the task . . . of making this a curtailment of their religious free- to 35 countries eight years before), world a better place for millions, dom,” he said. and women were harassed over [a place where] people can expe- Grim explained that restrictions religious dress in 49 countries (com- rience freedom of conscience, free- usually come from two sources: pared to just 14 in 2007). dom of belief, and freedom of governments, on one hand, and “Countries in which mob violence expression.” society, or what experts call “social related to religion was documented As he briefly listed some of the hostilities.” Both are often con- went from 23 to 53, and religion-re- organization’s accomplishments nected, he said. lated terror—such as the one pro- over the past five years, Diop re- For example, some states in In- moted by ISIS—went from 60 to 78,” minded attendees that IRLA has dia have passed laws to prevent said Grim. been participating in public dis- anyone from killing cows, which courses and debate, engaging in are considered sacred animals, said A SILVER LINING international forums on religious Grim. “While this is a government Despite a rather bleak picture freedom and peace, holding meet- restriction, it often leads to social of religious freedom around the ings of experts from top universi- hostilities, as some people are ready world, Grim said there are reasons ties, and helping people to under- to kill anyone who decides to raise to hope. stand better what religious liberty cows.” “Currently 83 percent of coun- means. Other startling facts derived from tries have initiatives to reduce re- “Every year we engage the aca- the Pew Research study show that ligious restrictions, and 56 percent demic world to help develop a re- the number of governments ha- have interfaith initiatives,” he said. ligious culture of religious liberty, rassing or intimidating their citi- “Moreover, 38 percent of countries a culture of human rights,” said Diop zens on religious grounds has gone have initiatives to combat reli- of the nongovernmental, nonsec- up from 118 to 157. In the same pe- gious discrimination, and 20 per- tarian, not-for-profit organization riod, government use of physical cent have educational and train- chartered in 1893, now with asso- force has gone from 61 to 106, and ing initiatives.” ciations in 80 countries and corre- government interference with wor- Grim also highlighted a dozen pri- spondents in 172 nations around ship from 112 to 146. vate initiatives around the world the world. “In 54 countries the government that contribute to healthy social en- had regulations on religious sym- vironments in which religious free- CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS bols in 2015, up from just 21 in 2007,” dom can thrive. Among them he fea- Grim opened his slide show about said Grim. tured Abdo Ibrahim El Tassi, a Leb- the state of religious freedom In the area of social restrictions, anese Canadian entrepreneur who around the world by sharing that Grim revealed that 27 percent of sponsors and provides microloans 40 percent of the world’s countries countries suffer high social restric- to Muslim refugees; Y. W. Junardy, suffer high restrictions to religious tions, which affect 4.1 billion peo- an Indonesian businessman and freedom or freedom of belief. Since ple, or 54 percent of the world pop- philanthropist who sponsors mass many of them are populous na- ulation. Assaults on people accused weddings for low-income couples tions, this accounts for 5.9 billion of offending the country’s majority of multiple faiths who cannot afford

14 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG the fees required for a legal mar- riage; and H. Bruce McEver, a Har- Potomac Conference president William Miller (center), and Allegheny West Confefrence pres- vard theologian and venture capi- ident William T. Cox, Sr. (right) comfort Susan talist who launched the Foundation Bro, mother of Heather Heyer. BRIAN PATRICK TAGALOG for Religious Literacy, an organiza- tion that offers seminars that bring together business leaders with re- ligious thinkers to promote religious understanding as a global, good business practice.

PART OF A WHOLE Religious freedom is not an iso- lated right, but part of a wider net- work of human rights, said Grim, who shared how it aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Devel- opment Goals. Retired Harvard Divinity School professor David Little echoed Grim’s words. Discussing the in- tersections of religious freedom and peace, Little said both are closely related. “There is empiri- ADVENTISTS COMFORT cal evidence of the strong connec- MOTHER OF SLAIN tion between the two,” he said. “Religious freedom thrives when CHARLOTTESVILLE WOMAN other rights are also protected, JOINT RALLY AND WORSHIP SERVICE [especially] in the context of con- CALLS ADVENTISTS TO COMPASSION. stitutional democracies.” COLUMBIA UNION VISITOR In this context of religious free- CELESTE RYAN BLYDEN, dom as a road to peace, Little said n the wake of the violent Charlottesville, Virginia, attack that left one efforts must be redoubled to sup- Iwoman dead, 19 others injured, and a city in shock, Seventh-day Ad- port this fundamental human right. ventist worshippers made their way to the downtown promenade where “The most important lesson [we residents and visitors gathered to post messages of comfort, love, and can learn] is the importance of a hope on giant chalkboards erected in the town square. commitment to religious freedom, In front of a large chalk sketch of Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old because promoting peace by en- woman who died after being struck by a car that plowed into a crowd suring religious freedom has power that was protesting a White nationalist rally in her city, church mem- in itself,” he said. bers and leaders prayed and placed red roses and a handmade prayer Additional articles about the IRLA chain for her family. Then they headed to Fourth Street, where they World Congress can be found at planned to sing, pray, and recite the Lord’s Prayer. AdventistReview.org. “We planned everything so carefully, including to meet at the site

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 15 NEWS

“What we didn’t plan is what happened next.”

where Heather was hit at the exact comforting and strengthening them to prevail. “When they speak hate, time of the incident, 1:42 p.m., and in the days and weeks ahead. . . . we’re going to speak love even offer prayers for all who were im- Bring healing into this place, bring louder,” said Bethany pastor Na- pacted,” says Debra Anderson, com- healing into our hearts.” thaniel Drew. munication director for Potomac “What you’re seeing on TV, that Conference, who spearheaded the “AS A CHURCH, is not who we are,” said Wes Bel- Adventist response. “What we didn’t WE NEED TO RESPOND” lamy, Charlottesville’s vice mayor. plan is what happened next.” The need to come together com- “Now, more than ever, we are uni- As they rounded the corner onto pelled leaders from the Allegheny fied, stronger together, and more Fourth Street, someone spotted West and Potomac conferences, than willing to deal with and ad- Susan Bro, her husband, and the which have four churches and more dress our issues, not in our own young adults they’d asked to lead than 250 members in Charlottes- silos, but collectively.” them to the site where their daugh- ville, to collaborate with the Colum- William Miller, president of Po- ter was killed. The group watched bia Union Conference in releasing tomac Conference, which has two and waited in silence to give the a statement and planning a trifecta churches in Charlottesville, ex- family privacy. of unity: a joint Sabbath worship plained why he wanted to partic- When Bro noticed the group, service, prayer rally, and potluck. ipate. “As the church, we need to many wearing red clothing, she “As a church, we abhor evil and respond,” he said. “This happened beckoned them. “It’s OK; you can stand against individuals and or- on our watch. This happened in come closer,” she said. “I probably ganizations who perpetuate ha- our lifetime.” need you right now.” tred, violence, and discrimination,” Miller’s counterpart, William T. It had been only a week since they said in a statement released Cox, Sr., president of Allegheny West her daughter died. August 15, 2017. “God calls each of Conference, which also has two Without hesitation they de- us to love, to be compassionate, churches in the city, agreed. “When scended on the couple, enveloping and to show mercy to all people we pull together, God will heal all them with hugs and words of com- no matter their race or gender. We our wounds. . . . Trouble will not fort. “We love you,” someone said. honor that call and stand in soli- last always. God has put an expi- “We’re so sorry about Heather,” darity with those who seek peace ration date on hatred, on fear, on someone else said. “Do you need and justice. We pledge to do ev- prejudice. God has put an expira- anything?” asked another. The erything in our power to end the tion date on death and dying.” crowd grew as Adventists, city res- scourge of racism, sexism, and dis- Fernando Muller, who pastors idents, and visitors from far and crimination whenever and wher- Allegheny West’s Central Hispanic near surrounded the couple. ever we see it.” congregation, shared one more “Can we pray for you?” asked On Sabbath morning, members reason for the turnout: “When we Daniel Xisto, pastor of Potomac’s from all four churches gathered at started talking about coming to- Charlottesville church. With con- Allegheny West’s Bethany church, gether today, there is one word in sent he lifted his bullhorn and and, despite the record heat index, the Bible that started resonating prayed so the crowd could hear: marched three quarters of a mile with me: That word is ‘compas- “We thank you, Lord, that . . . love to Potomac’s Charlottesville church sion,’ ” he said. “I hope that today is stronger than hate. . . . At this singing and chanting “Love Wins.” we can show compassion, because moment, we just want to bring heal- During the worship service that that’s the reason God created the ing down upon this family. . . . I followed, each speaker echoed the church, to show compassion in this pray that You’ll be with them . . . sentiment, calling for love and unity moment.”

16 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG NEWSBRIEFS

TWO NOTED ADMINISTRATORS PASS AWAY. W. Richard Lesher (left), former president of Andrews University, passed away on August 18, 2017, at the age of 92. Lesher also served as vice president of the General Conference, among other leadership roles. Former General Conference undersecretary Athal Tolhurst passed away on August 7, 2017, at the age of 82. He served as a pastor, evangelist, and administrator in Australia before being elected executive secretary of the South Pacific Division.

CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATION GOES GLOBAL WITH BRAND CHANGE. Asian Aid USA recently announced a brand change. As of August 1, 2017, the organization based in Ooltewah, Tennessee, became Child Impact International. The new name is expected to bolster the implementation of ongoing and future projects. The organiza- tion sponsors more than 3,500 children in Adventist mission schools in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

U.S. CHURCH MEMBERS STEP UP TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Adventist members in the United States are gearing up to support initiatives fighting human trafficking in Kansas City, Kansas, and other U.S. cities. According to some reports, Kansas City, which sits at the intersection of three national highways, is a hub for sex trafficking. Adventists in the region are working to create greater awareness and support local initiatives that help exploited women. One initiative, Magdalene KC, provides a home for women escaping prostitution and sexual violence.

CONGRESS FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED OFFERS SUPPORT, RESOURCES. More than 200 deaf persons, interpreters, and special-needs ministries directors from across Inter-America gathered for the first territory- wide Congress for the Hearing-impaired. The five-day event, held at Montemorelos University in northern Mexico in July, sought to reassure deaf members and friends that they are valuable to God and the church, and provided training to church leaders on strengthening special needs ministries in churches and communities.

HIGH-TECH “WAR ROOM” CENTERPIECE OF NEW CANCER CENTER. A high-tech “cancer war room” is the centerpiece of the new Integrated Cancer Centre (ICC) at Sydney Adventist Hospital in Australia. The purpose-built multidisciplinary room is designed for specialists to simultaneously review a cancer patient’s case. Technology in the room allows real-time sharing of a range of information, such as pathology results and radiology images, from multiple sources to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. Dasebre Adjei Dwamena, a broadcast journalist and news editor in Kumasi, Ghana, celebrated his birthday differently this year. Dwamena decided that on his birthday he would collect, purchase, and present various items to the women’s unit of Kumasi Central Prisons, including toilet paper, sanitary pads, clothes, washing powder, and soap. Dwamena noted that no one is above prison inmates, and he believes that under no circum- stance should members of society underrate those in prison.

HATE MESSAGE TARGETS CHURCH BUILDING IN CANADA. Members of Guelph Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ontario, Canada, arrived for prayer meeting on August 9, 2017, to discover graffiti and a racist message spray-painted on their church building. Community organizations pledged to help clean up the damage, and member of Parliament for Guelph, Lloyd Longfield, denounced the act, saying that discrimination has “no place in Canadian society.” Longfield praised the Adventist church in Guelph for its reputation for “inclusion and great faith.”

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 17 INSPIRATIONAL CLASSICS

Ellen G. White’s STEPS TO CHRIST ANNOTATED ANNIVERSARY EDITION WITH HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION AND NOTES

• Extensive historical and theological introduction, annotations, scriptural
SFGerences, and appendix • Edited by Denis Fortin, Ph.D., former dean, Seventh-day Adventist
5heological Seminary, and co-editor of 5he Ellen G. White Encyclopedia • Classic, highly readable type design • Elegant foil stamping and gilded edging

ADVENTIST Read it BOOK CENTER like you never 1-800-765-6955 have before! ALSO IN THIS SECTION: » LUTHER’S STRENGTH: FOCUS » TIME LINE OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION » BEFORE? OR AFTER? » THE ONGOING RELEVANCE OF THE REFORMATION » JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE DISCOVER

Christ Himself is bringing the climax of the Reformation, which will be completed when He restores all things at His second coming. The Ongoing Relevance of the Reformation, p. 30 DISCOVER WE BE HOW CAN GOD? BEFORE JUST

RICHARD M. DAVIDSON

n what is likely the earliest book of the Bible, the patriarch Job asked the penetrating question: “How can a mortal be just before God?” (Job 9:2, NRSV).1 Down through the centuries this question of our standing before God, how one is justified by Him, has been viewed as the most crucial question faced by Christians, foundational to all other questions. Martin Luther asserted, “If we lose the doctrine of justification, we lose simply everything.”2 He believed that justification is “the article with I 3 and by which the church stands, without which it falls.” In the preface to his 95 theses, drawn up in 1517, Luther boldly declared that “the article of justification is the master and prince, the lord, The Reformation the ruler, and the judge over all kinds of doctrines; it preserves and heritage of governs all church doctrine and raises up our conscience before God. justification Without this article the world is utter death and darkness.”4 by faith Similarly, John Calvin considered the doctrine of justification to be “the main hinge upon which religion turns. . . . For unless you understand first of all what your position is before God, and what the judgment which he passes upon you, you have no foundation on which your salvation can be laid, or on which piety toward God can be reared.”5 In the wake of the 1888 General Conference session, Ellen White likewise affirmed the importance of the subject of justification by faith: “The light given me of God places this important subject [justification by faith] above any question in my mind.”6 At the same time she warned that this subject is liable to be confused and is the object of Satan’s attack: “The danger has been presented to me again and again of entertaining, as a people, false ideas of justification by faith. I have been shown for years that Satan would work in a special manner to confuse the mind on this point.”7 Luther had earlier given a similar warning: “Whoever falls from the doctrine of justification is ignorant of God and is an idolater. . . . For once this doctrine is undermined, nothing more remains but sheer error, hypocrisy, wickedness, and idolatry, regardless of how great the sanctity that appears on the outside.”8

BASED ON SCRIPTURE The Protestant Reformation occurred largely in protest against the Roman Catholic understanding of justification, which Protestant theologians con- sidered a gross distortion of biblical teaching. Building upon the writings of Paul, especially Romans and Galatians, and their roots in the Old Testament, Luther presented justifying righteousness as the “alien righteousness” of Christ. This was in opposition to Augustinian understanding, in which justifying righteousness, although completely through the grace of God, was something inherent in humans. For Augustine, justification was God making sinners righteous by a conversion of their wills; for Luther justification was God’s act of declaring sinners righteous based solely upon the righteousness of Christ credited to their account. Luther affirmed that justified Christians were simul justus et peccator, “at the same time righteous and sinner.” R. C. Sproul explains that Luther’s famous dictum “goes to the heart of the issue regarding forensic justification.” For Luther, in justification sinners are counted just forensically by virtue of Christ’s

PHOTO BY STEVE HALAMA ON UNSPLASH STEVE BY PHOTO righteousness while they remain, in and of themselves, yet sinners.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 21 Even though those justified “necessarily, inev- is warmed by light and illumined by heat?” Even itably, and immediately” are indwelt by the Spirit though there is a “mutual and undivided connec- and begin the process of sanctification, “the tion” between heat and light, “yet reason itself grounds of that person’s justification remain solely prohibits us from transferring the peculiar prop- and exclusively the imputed righteousness of erties of the one to the other.”13 Christ. By His righteousness and His righteousness While the Magisterial Reformers (especially alone that sinners are declared to be just.”9 Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Philip Melancthon For Luther, justification was not for the onlook- in the sixteenth century) emphasized different ing eyes of humanity, but coram Deo, “before the aspects of the doctrine, and experienced their own face of God,” or as his theological colleague Philip personal growth in understanding its meaning,14 Melancthon put it: “before the heavenly divine by 1540 there was general consensus regarding tribunal.” Grace was not a holy substance that came down from God and became inherent in human beings; it was an attitude of divine favor. Melancthon further worked out Luther’s concepts using more precise language of imputation. Jus- We Seventh-day Adventists, as tification was presented as the divine act of declar- ing sinners righteous, based upon the extrinsic, heirs of the Reformation, must imputed righteousness of Christ.10 Calvin’s doctrine of justification was deeply clearly understand the truth indebted to concepts developed by Luther and Melancthon. Calvin eloquently emphasized the about justification by faith. forensic nature of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ as he summarized the doctrine in his Institutes: “A man . . . [is] justified by faith when, excluded its essential contours. from the righteousness of works, he by faith lays Alister McGrath summarizes three main points hold of the righteousness of Christ, and clothed of the consensus, in contrast to Roman Catholic in it appears in the sight of God not as a sinner, theology: (1) justification is the “forensic declara- but as righteous. Thus we simply interpret justi- tion that the Christian is righteous, rather than fication as the acceptance with which God receives the process by which he or she is made righteous”; us into His favor as if we were righteous. And we (2) justification is “the external act by which God say that this justification consists in the forgive- declares the believer to be righteous,” while sanc- ness of sins and the imputation of the righteous- tification or regeneration is “the internal process ness of Christ.”11 of renewal by the Holy Spirit”; and (3) justifying To justify, therefore, is nothing less than to righteousness is “the alien righteousness of Christ, acquit from the charge of guilt, as if innocence imputed to the believer and external to him, not were proved. Hence, when God justifies us through a righteousness that is inherent within him, the intercession of Christ, He acquits us, not on located within him, or in any way belonging to proof of our own innocence, but by an imputation him.”15 of righteousness, so that although not righteous This basic understanding of justification was in ourselves, we are deemed righteous in Christ.12 accepted by later Reformers, such as Jacobus Armin- ius,16 and became embodied in the major Protestant BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION creeds in their treatment of justification.17 For Calvin, justification and sanctification occur Ellen White affirmed that “the great doctrine of simultaneously and are inseparable, but must be justification by faith” was “clearly taught by distinguished. He compared justification and Luther,” but laments that within 100 years after sanctification to the twofold attributes of the sun: Luther’s time this doctrine “had been almost “If the brightness of the sun cannot be separated wholly lost sight of; and the Romish principle of from its heat, are we therefore to say that the earth trusting to good works for salvation, had taken its

22 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG place.”18 She documented how John and Charles 2 Martin Luther, Lectures on Galatians, 1535, Chapters 1-4, vol. 26, of Luther’s Works, ed. Jaroslav Pelikan (St. Louis: Concordia, 1963), p. 26. Wesley in the eighteenth century recovered this 3 Martin Luther, What Luther Says: An Anthology, ed. Ewald M. Plass doctrine and faithfully proclaimed it. 19 (St. Louis: Concordia, 1959), vol. 2, p. 704, n. 5. “Although Luther did not coin this famous formula himself, it is widely acknowledged that it nicely RESISTANCE captures his sentiments concerning justification” (Paul Rhodes Eddy, James K. Beilby and Steven E. Enderlein, “Justification in Historical Per- At the Council of Trent (1545-1563) the Roman spective,” in Justification: Five Views, ed. James K. Beilby and Paul Catholic Church, in its Decree on Justification Rhodes Eddy [Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2011], p. 24). 4 Luther, What Luther Says, vol. 2, p. 703. (1547), not only systematically rejected the dis- 5 John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559 ed.), trans. tinctive tenets of justification by faith alone as Henry Beveridge (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966), III.xi.1. espoused by the Reformers, but anathematized 6 Ellen G. White, Faith and Works (Nashville:Southern Pub. Assn., 1979), p. 20. (cursed and declared heretical) anyone who 7 Ibid., p. 18. believed or taught such beliefs.20 8 Luther, Lectures on Galatians, 1535, Chapters 1-4, pp. 395, 396. Within the past few decades, a number of evan- 9 R. C. Sproul, “The Forensic Nature of Justification,” in Justification by Faith Alone: Affirming the Doctrine by Which the Church and the Individ- gelicals have engaged in dialogue with Roman ual Stands or Falls, ed. John Kistler, rev. and updated ed. (Morgan, Pa.: Catholics on this subject. In a surprising turn of Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 2003), pp. 33, 34. events, many evangelicals are now returning to 10 The mature Melancthon also grasped the concept of the human free will in which salvation was truly available to all human beings, unlike Rome, reaching consensus with Roman Catholic Calvin and Luther, who held on to a doctrine of predestination. See scholars and proclaiming that the Reformation Gregory B. Graybill, Evangelical Free Will: Philip Melanchthon’s Journey was a misunderstanding that should never have on the Origins of Faith (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010). 11 Calvin, Institutes, III.xi.2. happened. 12 Ibid., III.xi.3. Various joint declarations between Protestants 13 Ibid., III.xi.6. and Catholics regarding the doctrine of justifica- 14 For more details and substantiation, see, e.g., Bruce L. McCormack, ed., Justification in Perspective: Historical Developments and Contempo- 21 tion have been released. But a close look at these rary Challenges (Grand Rapids: Baker; Edinburgh, Scotland: Rutherford developments reveals that the Catholics have not House, 2006). changed their views on this doctrine since Trent. 15 Alister McGrath, Justification by Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988), p. 61. Rather, many Protestants have capitulated and no 16 See Jacbus Arminius, “Disputation 19: On the Justification of Man longer see any need for ecclesiastical division Before God,” in Works, vol. 1 (accessed at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ between Catholics and Protestants.22 arminius/works1.v.xx.html): “I am not conscious to myself, of having taught or entertained any other sentiments concerning the justification We Seventh-day Adventists, as heirs of the of man before God, than those which are held unanimously by the Reformation, must clearly understand the truth Reformed and Protestant Churches, and which are in complete agree- about justification by faith in view of its central ment with their expressed opinions.” Arminius, however, as did the mature Melancthon, widened justification to include all who chose to importance in our lives and in view of Satan’s accept it (and not just the elect, as for Luther and Calvin). special work to undermine and to confuse minds 17 See John H. Leith, ed., Creeds of the Churches: A Reader in Christian on this foundational biblical teaching. Ellen White Doctrine From the Bible to the Present (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1963). 18 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific carefully underscored the crucial difference Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 253. between justification and sanctification, in har- 19 Ibid., pp. 253-259. mony with our Reformation heritage: “The righ- 20 See H. J. Schroeder, Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent (Lon- don: Herder, 1941). teousness by which we are justified is imputed; 21 For a collection of the main documents in the recent Protestant-Cath- the righteousness by which we are sanctified is olic rapprochement over the doctrine of justification, and a sympathetic imparted.”23 assessment, see, e.g., Anthony N. S. Lane, Justification in Catholic-Protes- tant Dialogue: An Evangelical Assessment (London: T & T Clark, 2002). She also stressed the centrality of this doctrine 22 See Thomas Schreiner, Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification: for the Advent message in these last days: “Several What the Reformers Taught . . . and Why It Still Matters (Grand Rapids: have written to me, inquiring if the message of Zondervan, 2015), pp. 209-230; and Klaas Runia, “Justification and Roman Catholicism,” in Right With God: Justification in the Bible and the justification by faith is the third angel’s message, World, ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998), pp. 197-215. and I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s mes- 23 Ellen G. White, in Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, June 4, 1895. sage in verity.’ ”24 24 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958, 1980), book 1, p. 372.

1 Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Educa- Richard M. Davidson is the J. N. Andrews professor of Old tion of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used Testament interpretation at the Seventh-day Adventist Theo- by permission. logical Seminary.

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To see a full listing of degrees visit, adu.edu/ar or call 407-303-7747 ambition to defend truth to “an unbeliev- LUTHER’S ing world and an ungodly church.”2 Ellen White casts this challenge in an eschatological setting: “In the near con- STRENGTH: FOCUS flict, thousands will be called to imitate Luther’s constancy and courage.”3 Three areas in Luther’s life merit artin Luther (1483-1546) was a emulation: lightning-rod and centerpiece of the First, he strategized truth by confront- MReformation. Five hundred years ing the Catholic Church and the onlook- ago Luther boldly nailed 95 theses to the ing public with his 95 theses. He door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, facilitated ways and means to Germany. As a result, October 31, 1517, give everyone access to the has become an anchor point in Reforma- Bible, elucidated scriptural TRANSFORM- tion history. understanding, and drew ATION TIPS Luther’s heroic confrontation with the attention to the need for DELBERT W. Roman Catholic Church became a flame reform in the church. Luther that stoked the spiritual fires of reform. found the practice of selling BAKER By so doing, Luther shook the foundation indulgences particularly odi- of institutionalized Christianity. Yet ous. He countered it with a LUTHER STOOD IN A thoughtful students of history concede strong denunciation and LONG LINE OF that the Reformation wasn’t only about asserted that salvation, for- REFORMERS, AND one man. Luther stood in a long line of giveness, and repentance can- WAS FAR FROM Reformers, and was far from perfect. not be bought and sold. He PERFECT. Many other groups and people were famously affirmed that salva- heroic in their protest. tion is by faith through grace alone. Groups such as the Albigenses (c. 1100) Second, Luther systematized truth with and Waldenses (c. 1173) are two notable other Reformers, and contributed to the examples. Stalwart reformers such as John five theological principles that unify Wycliffe (1320-1384), John Huss (1369- around common truths among the various 1415), and Gerolamo Savonarola (1452- and diverse streams of the Reformation: 1498) courageously denounced error and sola fide (by faith alone); solus Christus advocated truth. They spoke out against (through Christ alone); sola gratia (by the Papacy, confessionals, purgatory, pil- grace alone); sola scriptura (by Scripture grimages, saint worship, relics, etc. Many alone); soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). were martyred for embracing the truth. Third, he scattered truth to the masses In spite of Luther’s many and obvious by translating the entire Bible into Ger- flaws, weaknesses, and foibles, Ellen man (New Testament, 1522; Old Testa- White highlighted some of his exemplary ment, 1534). His translation was a major traits. She poignantly noted that we who influence on the development of the King are “living so near the close of time James Version of the Bible. should emulate . . . [his] noble example.”1 As we experience the 500th anniver- She emphasized that he set positive sary of the Reformation, let us be inspired examples for us in three distinct ways: and motivated with the best examples (1) religious liberty: defending people’s of Luther and the Reformers. right to worship God according to the 1 In Signs of the Times, July 26, 1883. dictates of conscience; (2) Bible study: 2 Ibid. 3 pursuing a deep knowledge of the Word Ibid. of God and His righteousness; (3) truth Delbert W. Baker is vice chancellor of the Adventist proclamation: making it our highest University of Africa, near Nairobi, Kenya.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 25 DISCOVER TIME LINE OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION From Wycliffe to the Second Coming SHAWN BRACE

John Wycliffe, known as the “Morning Star” of the English Reformation, 1382 oversees the translation of the Bible into the language of the people. A group of Bibles, known as “Wycliffe’s Bible,” are translated into Middle English, setting the stage for the Protestant Reformation.

Priest and philosopher Jan Hus, heavily influenced by John Wycliffe, is burned at the stake 1415 in modern-day Czech Republic for attacking the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.

German theologian and priest Martin Luther posts a list of disputations, 1517 now known as the 95 theses, on the door of All Saints’ Church in Wit- tenberg, Germany, criticizing the practice of indulgences in the Roman Catholic Church. It effectively starts the Protestant Reformation through- out Europe, emphasizing salvation by grace alone and a return to the Bible as the sole source of authority.

Luther is called before the Diet of Worms to recant his views about salvation by grace 1521 alone. He refuses to move from his positions, declaring, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason, I am bound by the scriptures I have quoted. . . . I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.” As a result, he is declared a heretic.

English scholar William Tyndale produces the first English New Testament taken from the 1526 Greek language. A decade later he is condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake.

Over the span of five years, beginning in 1553, Queen Mary I of England, 1553 known as “Bloody Mary,” goes on a campaign to rid England of Protes- tants, executing nearly 250 heretics, including Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer together. Latimer famously says at their execution, “Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

Fleeing persecution in Europe, the Pilgrims emigrate to the New World, setting up a colony 1620 in present-day Massachusetts.

ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG Roger Williams is banished from Massachusetts for promoting full 1635 religious liberty. He flees to present-day Providence and founds Rhode Island, becoming the first territory to guarantee complete separation of church and state.

Englishman John Wesley, while attending a meeting in Aldersgate, hears 1738 Martin Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to Romans read and converts to Christ, feeling his heart “strangely warmed.” With his brother and hymn writer, Charles, he launches the Methodist movement, leading to great revival across England and America.

New York farmer William Miller converts from deism to Christ, entering 1816 upon a deep personal study of the Bible, anchored in the Reformation principles of the primacy of the Bible, and that the Bible explains itself. He eventually concludes that Christ’s second coming is imminent and proclaims the message in the northeastern United States.

The “Millerites” experience great disappointment when Christ doesn't return on October 22, 1844 after concluding He would do so based on a reading of Daniel 8:14. A few despondent believers come to realize that Christ started His work of the investigative judgment on the date instead.

Beginning in 1845, a group of “Adventists” that formed out of the Millerite movement, in 1845 continued commitment to faith in the Bible’s unparalleled authority, begin studying the question of the seventh-day Sabbath, ultimately concluding that it is still an institution for Christians to keep and enjoy.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is officially organized in Michigan as a means of 1863 spreading “present truth” to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6, NKJV)* around the world.

Adventist prophet Ellen White declares that the “loud cry” of Revelation 1888 18:1-4, which, as the ultimate continuation of the Protestant Reforma- tion, would spread the message of God’s love to the entire world, had begun in the message of justification by faith being proclaimed by two young preachers, Ellet J. Waggoner and Alonzo T. Jones.

The Reformation reaches climactic fulfillment when, consistent with His word in the Bible, SOON Jesus comes to earth in splendor, and brings His people to His home of glory, along with the absolute end of evil, of sin and sorrow, death and pain.

* Bible texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. all rights reserved.

Shawn Brace is a pastor in the Northern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in the state of Maine.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 27 DISCOVER

COMPILED BY TIM POIRIER, VICE DIRECTOR, ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE

as 1888 a turning point in Ellen White’s understanding of righteousness by Before Wfaith? Which of the following state- ments did she make prior to the Minneapolis General Conference session, and which were after? Check the word “before” or “after” as or After? it relates to the 1888 session. Turn the page upside down for the answers, as well as to When did she say it? read a relevant statement from Ellen White.

“Adam sinned, and the children of Adam “God requires perfection of character from 1 share his guilt and its consequences; but 4 His children. He demands that His law be Jesus bore the guilt of Adam, and all the remembered and meditated upon, that children of Adam that will flee to Christ, unswerving obedience be rendered to its the second Adam, may escape the penalty requirements.” of transgression. Jesus regained heaven for „ BEFORE „ AFTER man by bearing the test that Adam failed to endure; for He obeyed the law perfectly, “Implicit obedience is the condition of and all who have a right conception of the salvation. God’s law must be obeyed in plan of redemption will see that they can- 5 every particular. It is our salvation to make not be saved while in transgression of God’s His law our rule, His life our pattern, His holy precepts. They must cease to trans- glory our chief aim. To keep ourselves in gress the law and lay hold on the promises the love of God, to be bound to obedience by of God that are available for us through the His requirements, this is to be free in Christ.” merits of Christ.” „ BEFORE „ AFTER „ BEFORE „ AFTER

“In these dreadful hours we must learn to “God has given us the rule of conduct which 6 trust, to depend solely upon the merits of 2 every one of His servants must follow. It the atonement, and in all our helpless is obedience to His law, not merely a unworthiness cast ourselves upon the mer- legal obedience, but an obedience which its of the crucified and risen Saviour. We enters into the life, and is exemplified in shall never perish while we do the character. God has set His own standard this—never!” of character for all who would become „ BEFORE „ AFTER subjects.” „ BEFORE „ AFTER “Man’s destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law.” “We may rest upon God, not because of our 7 „ BEFORE „ AFTER 3 own merit, but because the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. “No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in „ BEFORE „ AFTER 8 the heart that does not see and realize its own sinfulness. . . . A view of our own sin- fulness drives us to Him who can par- don. . . . As our substitute, He takes our guilt

28 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 on His own soul, and imputes His righteous- “The same law that was engraved upon the ness to the sinner. When the soul, realizing 12 tables of stone is written by the Holy Spirit its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He upon the tables of the heart. Instead of going will reveal Himself in power.” about to establish our own righteousness „ BEFORE „ AFTER we accept the righteousness of Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted for us.” “Such is the infinite goodness of God that 9 through Jesus Christ’s merits He not only „ BEFORE „ AFTER spares but pardons and justifies us, and through the righteousness of Christ “We are nothing, but Christ is all and in all. imputes righteousness to us, and exalts 13 We may unite our ignorance to His wisdom, and ennobles us by making us children of our weakness to His strength, our His adoption.” imperfections to His merits, our frailty to „ BEFORE „ AFTER His enduring might. Oh, yes, He is our all. Upon His merits we may rely, and through “The Lord requires at this time just what His merits we may have access to our heavenly Father and thus be closely 10 He required of Adam in Eden—perfect obe- dience to the law of God. We must have connected with heaven.” righteousness without a flaw, without a „ BEFORE „ AFTER blemish.” „ BEFORE „ AFTER “We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to 14 commend ourselves to divine favor. We “The ministers must be converted before must not trust at all to ourselves or to our 11 they can strengthen their brethren. They good works; but when as erring, sinful should not preach themselves, but Christ beings we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love. God will accept every one that and His righteousness.” comes to Him trusting wholly in the merits „ BEFORE „ AFTER of a crucified Saviour.”

„ BEFORE „ AFTER

, vol. 1, pp. 116, 117). 116, pp. 1, vol. , Talks and Sermons (

heard, excepting the conversations between myself and my husband” husband” my and myself between conversations the excepting heard,

the first clear teaching on this subject from any human lips I had had I lips human any from subject this on teaching clear first the

Brother Waggoner brought out these ideas in Minneapolis, it was was it Minneapolis, in ideas these out brought Waggoner Brother

This is what I have been trying to present before your minds. When When minds. your before present to trying been have I what is This

you for the last forty-five years—the matchless charms of Christ. Christ. of charms matchless years—the forty-five last the for you

that these men are presenting?’ Why, I have been presenting it to to it presenting been have I Why, presenting?’ are men these that

“I have had the question asked, ‘What do you think of this light light this of think you do ‘What asked, question the had have “I

, p. 39 (1883). 39 p. , Works and Faith before, 14. (1874). 40 p. 7, vol. , Releases

Manuscript Manuscript before, 13. (1890). 372 p. , Prophets and Patriarchs after, 12.

, vol. 1, p. 469 (1869). (1869). 469 p. 1, vol. , Testimonies before, 11. (1890). 89 p. , Works and

Faith Faith after, 10. (1873). 17 p. , Calling High Our before, 9. 1885. 17, Feb.

, , Herald and Review , before 8. (1898). 498 p. , Ages of Desire The after, 7.

, vol. 1, pp. 309, 310 (1862). (1862). 310 309, pp. 1, vol. , Testimonies before, 6. 1899. 15, Nov. , Times

Signs of the the of Signs after, 5. 1897. 4, Mar. , Times the of Signs after, 4. (1883).

(1892 ed.), p. 427 427 p. ed.), (1892 Workers Gospel before, 3. (1898). 523 p. , Ages of

ANSWERS: ANSWERS: The Desire Desire The after, 2. 1890. 19, May , Times the of Signs after, 1.

COURTESY OF THE ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE, INC. OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 29 DISCOVER Sola scriptura (Scripture alone as the foundation for faith and practice, not Scripture along with THE ONGOING 1 tradition). The “Scripture principle” is the con- viction that the Bible is the only absolute source of authority and that all believers are equal before RELEVANCE OF it. It is Protestantism’s central, unifying idea.2 Sola gratia (by grace alone, not grace along THE REFORMATION with merits when it comes to salvation). The 2principle of “grace alone” highlights the depth Core principles that of God’s love manifested in unmerited favor toward sustain our Adventist hope those He created in His image. Those who receive God’s grace are called to be gracious people. Sola fide (by faith alone, not faith with works to earn salvation). The nature of justification 3 was at the root of the Reformation. The righ- teousness of Christ is the ground of our hope. As Ellen White put it: “Our only ground of hope is in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and in that [righteousness] wrought by His Spirit working 3 GANOUNE DIOP in and through us.” Solus Christus (Christ alone, the only mediator o capture the multiple facets of the Refor- between God and humanity). This principle mation, it is helpful to identify the intrin- 4 presupposes that only God can lead us to God. sic principles shared by several Christian Only God can forgive offenses to God. Only God can traditions. Many of these principles cap- save and offer eternal life. The whole purpose of ture the issues at stake. They also indicate the Christian life is to become a Christ-centered life. what was understood as the gospel, or the Soli Deo gloria (to God be all the glory; only Tgood news, of the new covenant. As a result of God is worthy of worship). Instead of seeking searching Scripture, Martin Luther discovered the 5 popularity, prestige, or power, pastors and fundamental truth of God’s unconditional love. other leaders are called to validate their ministry God’s provision for salvation sparked a reforma- by embracing the humility of Christ, who, even tion in Luther’s life, one that is still felt today. though He was the only one worthy of glory, did The principles of the Reformation, including not seek His own glory. the five “sola”s and other insights and changes in Presbyterii fidelium (priesthood of all believers). belief, were adopted to restore what was under- The new covenant is characterized by free stood as new covenant revelations. They were all 6 access to God. The premise of this principle is grounded in a deep experience of the sufficiency direct access to all who come to faith in God. In the of God and the need to rely completely on Him. new covenant God graciously grants access to us “Luther’s breakthrough had a dazzling, corrosive through faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. simplicity to it. The power of those twin principles, Ecclesia semper reformanda (the church is ‘faith alone’ and ‘Scripture alone,’ lay in the word constantly being reformed). The church is in ‘alone.’ There is nothing and no one else other than 7 a continuous process of reformation until God God incarnate in Jesus Christ worth our attention. makes all things perfect again. This principle is Being a Christian means throwing yourself abjectly, consonant with the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, unreservedly, on Christ’s mercy. Living a Christian who alone will complete the Reformation, given life means living Christ’s life—that is, abandoning His prerogative to renew all things at His Second all security and worldly ambitions to follow him Coming. Every Christian ought to be a reformer. ‘through penalties, deaths and hell.’ ”1 The sacraments. From the Reformation on, the The core tenets of post-Reformation Christian seven sacraments of the Roman Church are beliefs were based on the following: 8reduced to two: baptism and Communion. Obvi-

30 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG ously, the latter was and is understood differently SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST EMPHASES by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists. This Adventists claim to be entrusted the whole principle also invalidates putting church leaders chain of truth. This claim presupposes that what- on a pedestal above church members. Leaders are ever is justifiably and genuinely biblical in other no more sacred to God than His other children. Christian traditions should be embraced in Advent- Equality. This principle is based on the fact ism. Adventists are part of the nineteenth-century that God makes no difference among God’s reform movement that insisted on the following: 9 children. He does not practice favoritism Q restoration of biblical truth among His redeemed. His love extends to all. Q affirmation of Christ’s high-priestly ministry The principle of human rights recognized by the Q preparation for Christ’s second coming international community in declarations and trea- Q God’s righteousness revealed in Christ ties is grounded on the premise of equality. This Q transformation of our characters into Christ’s equality is beautifully captured in the words of the likeness apostle Paul: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children Key to Seventh-day Adventist self-understanding of God through faith, for all of you who were bap- is the importance of Creation. It legitimatizes the tized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ. Sabbath and human dignity by virtue of the belief There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor that humans were created in the image of God. This free, nor is there male and female, for you are all aspect is present in the name Seventh-day Adventist. one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26-28). The other aspect in the name refers to the Sec- Freedom of conscience. The famous declara- ond Coming as the climax to the history of salva- tion of Martin Luther on the pivotal role of tion and restoration of all things. Before this 10 conscience is in order: “Unless I am con- coming of God, the Son, a critical phase in the victed by Scripture and plain reason . . . my con- history of salvation is Christ’s priestly ministry. science is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and In highlighting the heavenly, high-priestly min- will not recant anything; for to go against con- istry of Jesus Christ as an integral part of God’s science is neither right not safe. God help me, salvation, Seventh-day Adventists show an under- Amen.”4 Lack of conformity to this principle has girding attachment to the restoration of justice as tarnished the tremendous legacy of the Protestant only God can do it. Reformation. Justice is due in favor of countless people per- A biblical worldview. Such a perspective secuted, discriminated against, and murdered. should inform Christian beliefs and practice. Christian martyrs and other victims of injustice 11 The Reformation set limits to every authority require a work of vindication. Seventh-day Adven- and tradition, and opened the door to a deeper tists’ broader understanding of the atonement is movement of restoration that now seeks to restore a distinctive feature of its identity. what God intended. This restoration is deeply In Adventist understanding, the cross is insepa- ingrained in Seventh-day Adventist self-identity rable from the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. and mission. Love is the ultimate expression of Martin Luther’s declaration “The cross alone is our human dignity. theology” (crux sola est nostra theologia) is fully Implications of the love of God. God's love embraced as a crucial aspect of atonement, followed reveals human dignity and humanity's by Christ’s heavenly, high-priestly ministry. 12 infinite worth through our creation in God’s Christ Himself is bringing the climax of the image. The love of God for humans created in His Reformation, which will be completed when He image undergirds every other principle of the restores all things at His second coming. Reformation. 1 Alec Ryrie. Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World (New York: Viking, 2017), p. 23. 2 Alister E. McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea (London: SPCK, 2007). The Reformation irreversibly changed the world 3 Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press of the Christian faith. These 12 principles, char- Pub. Assn., 1956), p. 63. 4 April 1521. acteristics, and insights into the post-Reformation Ganoune Diop, Ph.D., is director of the Public Affairs and Reli- give us perspective about how the initiatives of gious Liberty Department at the General Conference and secre- Luther and other Reformers changed the world. tary general of the International Religious Liberty Association.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 31 DISCOVER embassies, as well as a major seaport and airport. Patients from various embassies, ships, or airlines needing medical attention came, and I was called to translate their complaints/ needs to the doctors. I met and befriended a number of import- ant representatives of various countries, as well as ship and airline captains and their crews.

A STRANGE REQUEST One day an embassy employee whom I had assisted on several occasions called. He was going on business to a town approxi- mately a two-hour drive from the capital, and he wondered if I would like to join him for some sightseeing and lunch. I asked if I could bring along my friend Dorothy. He agreed. He was an older gentleman in his early 50s. In those days, I con- sidered anyone past 40 “old.” Dor- othy was a young woman with whom I had a lot in common. She was head nurse on one of the hospital units I supervised. We attended church together and JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE became fast friends because of our similar backgrounds, educa- tion, and religious experiences. The day arrived for our outing. A chauffeured car picked us up. We had an enjoyable time visit- ing and sightseeing on the way s a young nissionary nurse to our destination. Following How an innocent request in my early 20s, I was naive lunch the embassy attaché asked led to a visit from an Aand trusting. My job respon- me to deliver some phonograph officer. sibilities were many: supervi- records to his friend in prison. sion, teaching, and secretarial Surprised by the strange request, work. In addition, because of my I agreed. I was to wish his friend knowledge of such languages as happy birthday and tell him that French and Arabic, I was on call I’d brought him a gift. I remember day and night to interpret for objecting to taking credit for the non-English- speaking patients. gift, but the man gently insisted. The capital city where the hos- The chauffeur drove us to the LAURICE K. DURRANT pital was located was the seat of prison gate. I showed the prison

32 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG guard my pass, and he led me to a small room. A SERVING OUR SENTENCE man dressed in a suit and tie rose from the chair My rather astonishing experience dims into and greeted me. He was young and stood more insignificance compared to the injustices to which than six feet tall. I said something like “Happy Jesus was subjected. He was betrayed by a birthday! I hope you enjoy the classical music on so-called friend. Even the high priest misrepre- these records.” sented Him before Pilate’s tribunal, falsifying His We shook hands and made small talk. He character while professing to be a follower of the thanked me, and I left with the guard who took God of Abraham. Jesus was treated as a criminal, me back to the gate. I was puzzled: no prison bars, mocked, reviled, humiliated, and, ultimately, con- no jail clothes, a private room. What kind of jail demned to death. is this? To my inquiry my embassy friend said, It’s extremely difficult to read the account of “He’s a political prisoner; they are treated differ- Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion without shed- ently,” or something to that effect. We did some ding tears for the inhuman treatment He received. more sightseeing, then drove home. Ellen White wrote: “Christ suffered keenly under abuse and insult. At the hands of the beings whom UH-OH He had created, and for whom He was making an A couple weeks later I was in my apartment infinite sacrifice, He received every indignity.”1 with Dorothy when the doorbell rang. I opened Jesus had earlier healed the sick, opened the eyes the door to find a stern-looking police officer. He of those who were blind, cleansed those with lep- asked if I was Laurice Kafrouni. I nodded yes. rosy, raised those who were dead, and performed “Come with me,” he said. many more wonderful miracles. For which of those Dorothy, who had followed me, recognized the good deeds was He tried and condemned to death? officer and spoke his first name. Turning to me, It’s hard to fathom or understand such cruel behav- she said, “It’s my cousin.” ior on the part of those He had come to save. Simultaneously they both said to each other, But praise God that Jesus’ story does not end “What are you doing here?” with His crucifixion, death, and burial. He is alive Sensing something wrong, Dorothy said to me, today, sitting at the right hand of God. He will soon “Go finish your lecture preparation.” She went out return to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. and closed the door behind her. I wondered why He will judge the world in righteousness. “Justice a police officer would come to my house. How did is the foundation of His throne,” wrote Ellen he know my name? And why did he want me to White, “and the fruit of His love.”2 go with him? I couldn’t concentrate on my work. Waiting IMPLICATIONS OF OUR REDEMPTION seemed like an eternity. After about 30 minutes, In our present fallen world, injustices abound. Dorothy came in with a reassuring look and told I’ve often wondered what would have happened to me “the rest of the story.” me had not Dorothy been there when an officer The records I delivered to the political prisoner came to my door. Was this just a chance happening? were not musical records, but messages from his I think not. We can take heart, realizing that we are supporters who were planning a plot of some kind. only pilgrims in this world. Although difficult cir- I was implicated because I had delivered them and cumstances assail us, we will never be called to my name was on the pass. She shared with her endure what Jesus went through. He did that for us. cousin exactly what had happened, and that I was Judgment day is coming. In the meantime we just a nurse, definitely not a spy. I had been set up. can rely on God’s unfailing promise: “Never will I Dorothy told the officer that if he arrested me, leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). he’d have to arrest her, too, because she’d come What blessed assurance! along for the ride in more ways than one. Because 1 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press of their family ties, and (I presume) in order not Pub. Assn., 1898), p. 700. to jeopardize his reputation, he accepted her 2 Ibid., p. 762. account and left, satisfied that I was innocent of After serving as a professor of nursing at several Adventist any wrongdoing. colleges, Laurice K. Durrant lives in Hanford, California.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 33 FIELD TRIP

Archaeology and art students tour Petra Ready to dig in and expand your horizons? in Jordan. Travel. Absorb. Experience it for yourself. Come with us beyond the classroom and learn by living. Throughout the year, our students travel to Israel, China, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, and more, to explore archaeology, business, music, biology—you name it. Others spend time growing through mission service abroad, whether for a few days or a whole year. In all, 546 Southern students participated in international learning opportunities last year.

Find out how you can make the world your classroom! southern.edu/fi eldtrip ALSO IN THIS SECTION: » THE BRIDGE » TO TAKE A STAND » BUT WHAT DID LUTHER MEAN? » REFORMATION 101 » HIS WE ARE AS HYMN WE SING CONNECT

THE HESHBON EXCAVATION {FIVE DECADES LATER}

A drone’s view of Tal Hisban’s summit reveals the ruins of a Byzantine Church, Umayyad Bath- house and perimeter wall that may date to the Iron Age. In the field, students of many backgrounds put their unique skills to use. Here two art

CONNECT students measure and document under- ground structures in a cave below Tal Hisban.

ØYSTEIN S. LA BIANCA AND JEFFREY P. HUDON

ongtime readers of this magazine will the material culture of the Islamic centuries, studies likely remember a series of articles report- of life in the present-day village and, most recently, ing on the discoveries of the Andrews community archaeology. Scores of Jordanian and University-led archaeological expeditions foreign archaeology professionals have started or to biblical Heshbon in Jordan from 1967 grown their careers by working at Tall Hisban. to 1976. Written by Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary professors POWER AND PRESTIGE AT HISBAN Siegfried H. Horn and Lawrence T. Hisban (or Heshbon in the biblical text) played Geraty, these articles covered not only discoveries a significant role in biblical narratives, and contin- Lilluminating biblical history but also the people, ued to do so in later periods as well. Located at 2,900 the goals, and the scientific procedures that were feet (885 meters) above sea level along the edge of integral to the Heshbon expedition. the highland plateau overlooking the Jordan River As a member of the original expedition, who valley from the east, Hisban’s summit provides now leads research teams to the same site, my panoramic views of storied biblical landscape. To colleague Jeff Hudon and I (OSL) will share some the southeast, across the plains of Madaba, known highlights and accomplishments as we mark the in the Old Testament as the “tableland” of Transjor- fiftieth anniversary of archaeology at Tall Hisban, dan, is a highly contested region. Here King David as the site is known in Jordan today. (1 Chron. 19), Israelite rulers Omri, Ahab, and We owe a great deal to the founding directors of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25), and kings Uzziah and the expedition, Siegfried H. Horn, Roger Boraas, Jotham of Judah (2 Chron. 26:8-10; 27:5) fought and Lawrence T. Geraty. The original Heshbon team against neighboring nations for control over this routinely and enthusiastically adopted innovative strategic and agriculturally valuable plateau. Ammo- practices for data collection and analysis, even nites and the Moabites were Israel’s most notable pioneering new methodologies themselves. The adversaries in the region (Isa. 15; 16; Jer. 48; 49). expedition became a leader in introducing To the southwest of Hisban lies Mount Nebo, a multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of Jor- prominent ridge ending in two peaks. From this dan’s long-term past, including studies of animal vantage point God showed Moses the entire sweep and plant remains, groundbreaking research on of the Promised Land, then buried this great Isra-

36 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG Andrews student Noël Harris works with teachers and students from the local primary school to build a rooftop garden as part of a community development project.

TOP: From riding camels to digging in the dirt, for 50 years the Hisban Project has served not only as an introduction to Archaeology but elite leader in an unknown location somewhere in also as many students first experi- the vicinity of Nebo when he died (Deut. 32-34). ence in a different culture. Because of its commanding location, its natural endowments in terms of annual rainfall amounts, BOTTOM: Our best way of under- fertile valleys and slopes, and construction-quality standing the past is often through looking at the little things, even limestone, Hisban has been a place for the demon- trash left behind by generations of stration of power and prestige by various rulers the past. Bones, shards of ceramic going back more than three millennia. Thus, exca- and broken pieces of glass all tell vations at the site have uncovered traces of a long a story to the trained eye. succession of regional and imperial powers that have influenced the material culture and daily life at Hisban over time, including Egyptians, Assyri- ans, Neo-Babylonians, Ptolemaic Greeks, Romans, over the Amorites and their sacking of Heshbon. Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Ayyubids, Mam- Perhaps the first person to fully exploit Hisban’s luks, Ottomans, and British. potential as a capital and administrative center The earliest biblically attested ruler of Hisban was King Solomon of Israel. First Kings 4:19 seems and the person most often associated with this to indicate that Hisban functioned as the capital biblical site, was Sihon, king of the Amorites (Num. of Solomon’s twelfth district, governed by one of 21:21-34; Deut. 2:24-32). Sihon famously Solomon’s officials, Geber, son of Uri. Ecclesiastes attempted to block Moses and the Israelites from (2:4-6) and Song of Songs (7:4) hint that Hisban traveling through his domain, which he had con- also served as one of Solomon’s royal estates. In quered from the Moabites. Despite Israel’s message 1971 Professor Horn and his team began to exca- of peaceful intentions, Sihon marched his army vate an enormous rectangular reservoir cut from out from Hisban to fight against Moses and Israel the bedrock high on Hisban’s southern slope. at Jahaz near the desert to the east. Sihon and his Archaeologist Larry Herr, who oversaw the exca- army perished by the sword, and the Old Testament vation of this monumental installation, estimated preserves the poetic “Song of Heshbon” (Num. that the reservoir’s capacity was an astounding 21:27-30), which memorializes this Israelite victory 2.2 million liters of water!

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 37 An extensive labyrinth of subterranean caves and These local inhabitants built and maintained cisterns beneath Hisban may attest that an on-site dozens of cisterns, terraces, and other water instal- spring once provided water for Hisban’s inhabitants. lations throughout the site. They enlarged and Since such a huge quantity of water far exceeded dwelt in nearby caves and built houses and sheep the needs of Hisban, a primary purpose of the res- pens on its slopes. Hisban’s inhabitants fashioned ervoir may have been that of an enormous holding many of the thousands of ceramic vessels and tank for irrigating, via gravity-fed channels, an exten- other household artifacts found during our exca- sive array of gardens and orchards. vations. Bones recovered at Hisban reflect that Although not specifically mentioned in the New people populated Hisban with horses, donkeys, Testament, Esbus (as Hisban was known in the sheep, goats, chickens, doves, and, yes, pigs. Early Christian period) played a prominent role The local population terraced the hillsides, in the territory of Perea, governed by the Has- planted olives and grapes, and used oxen to plow monean and Herodian dynasties, and boasted a the surrounding plains to harvest wheat, barley, Roman temple and plaza. After the rise of Chris- and other grains. They accomplished all this by tianity Hisban became an episcopal seat, and clinging to the institutions of hospitality, honor bishops from Esbus attended important Church and shame, and tribalism as a means for security councils. The original Heshbon expedition iden- and solidarity in the face of outside threats. By tified and partially excavated three Byzantine-era following these time-tested formulas, their way churches at Hisban. Members from our team are of life survived, outlasting their many conquerors now conducting focused research on religious and continuing to the present day. aspects at Hisban during the New Testament, early church and later Islamic periods. THE FUTURE OF HISBAN Decades of excavation at the site have resulted ARCHAEOLOGY FROM BELOW in a new challenge: how to preserve and protect We must note, however, that our excavations Hisban’s exposed ruins from natural and human at Hisban have not provided direct archaeological threats. As archaeologists, we have to assume some confirmation for any of the famous individuals of this responsibility and provide a sustainable listed in the sidebar. In fact, archaeology rarely future for it. This concern led to the most recent provides direct evidence for or against the exis- phase of our work, namely, collaborating with the tence of any one particular ruler. local community to help them benefit from Hisban While our research shows that Hisban was as a tourist destination, even as they also help a place for the demonstration of power and us care for it. This practice is known as com- prestige by conquerors and kings, it also munity archaeology, and our Hisban team has reveals the daily lives of their local subjects— been a pioneer for this type of archaeology. the farmers, artisans, and merchants that With the local community’s help, we turned occupied the site throughout time. Their story Hisban into an archaeological park where is best preserved among Hisban’s many three dozen signs in Arabic and English guide discoveries.

3838 ADVENTISTADVEADADVADVEDVVEENTNTISNTINTTISTIISTTRETR RERREVIEWEVIEWVVIEIEWIEEEWW | OCTOBEROOCTOCTOCTCTOTOBERBBEERER 201202201700117 FAMOUS INDIVIDUALS ASSOCIATED WITH HISBAN The following persons, representing various ancient kingdoms and locals and tourists along well- empires, brought widespread notoriety to Hisban and influenced the groomed interpretive paths. A lives of its inhabitants. local ironsmith made the metal Q Sihon (c. 1400 B.C.; Amorites): An Amorite king attested 37 times in signs on which a local school- the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Num. 21:21-34; Deut. 2:24-32; and in various teacher then inscribed explan- other contexts), Sihon utilized Hisban as the epicenter of a domain atory texts, and a site steward is that stretched from the Arnon to the Jabbok rivers, but was defeated responsible for the upkeep of in battle by the Israelite tribal confederacy at Jahaz. the park. Such partnerships with the local community are a Q Solomon (c. 970-931 B.C.; Israelites): The most famous person win-win for all parties and associated with Hisban, King Solomon followed his father David essential for small business as ruler of Israel. First Kings 4:19 appears to designate Hisban as development and jobs that will the capital of Solomon’s twelfth district, and the more celebrated undoubtedly result from devel- texts of Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 and Song of Songs 7:4 associate Solomon oping the archaeological park. with Hisban and its reservoir. At the conclusion of our next field season in July 2018 we look Q Mesha (c. 840 B.C.; Moabites): In the well-known Mesha Stele, forward to celebrating 50 years Moabite king Mesha boasts about his conquest of the land of of friendship and cooperation Medeba (the Madaba Plains; the biblical mishor). While he mentions between us and the local com- the nearby towns of Madaba and Nebo, Hisban is absent, but munity at Hisban. Our experi- Mesha’s reservoir repairs at other sites are noted and a Moabite ence with scientific endeavors, presence at Hisban is likely. united to collaboration with the local community in helping care Q Amminadab (c. 600 B.C.; Ammonites): An inscribed bronze bottle for the site, has allowed us to unearthed in Amman probably served as a votive object honoring appreciate the many and varied the Ammonite king Amminadab. Scholars offer various interpre- ways in which we may be tations, but the crux of the message seems to boast about Ammi- blessed by and be a blessing to nadab’s royal estates, possibly including the hewing of reservoirs. our local friends and neighbors, This message may allude, at least in part, to the prosperity reflected as well as to the wider academic at Hisban during this period. community. Q John Hyrcanus (164-104 B.C.) and Alexander Jannaeus (c. 127-76 B.C.) Øystein S. LaBianca is professor of were two Hasmonean leaders who controlled Hisban. While histor- anthropology and associate director of ical sources are silent, John Hyrcanus apparently captured Hisban the Institute of Archaeology at Andrews during an incursion into Transjordan, which also netted the cities University. Jeffrey P. Hudon is a recent graduate of Andrews’ Ph.D. program in of Medeba and Samaga. His son, Alexander Jannaeus, consolidated Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and Jewish rule over Perea and the King’s Highway and seized northern an adjunct professor at Bethel College Transjordan. in South Bend, Indiana.

Q Herod the Great (c. 73-4 B.C.; Herodians): Appointed an ethnarch by the Romans c. 39 B.C., Herod captured Jerusalem with their help. Taking the title of king for himself over the former Hasmonean kingdom including Perea, Herod was later granted this title by Rome. Hisban/Esbus was apparently among the cities included in his massive building program.

Q Gennadius (Byzantine bishop): Proving that Hisban served as an episcopal seat, the bishop Gennadius of Esbus (Hisban) was present at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Other known bishops of Esbus are Zosius, present at the Council of Chalcedon (451), and Theodore, the recipient of a congratulatory letter from Martin I (c. 649) regarding his stand against heresy. OCTOBEROCOCTOOCTOCTCTOCTOBBERBEERER 202201201701017 | ADVENTISTADADVADVDVVEENNTINTNTISTITISTISSTRETTR RERREVIEWEVIEWVIEVIVIEWIEEWEW 3939 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven

CONNECT given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

GALINA STELE ridges have always fascinated me. From was not built by human hands. Its going forth may when? I must have been quite young. And be from the days of eternity (Micah 5:2), but it why? I’d probably offer too many reasons to cannot be dismissed as mere ancient history. It Bsound reasonable. has borne the brunt of anger and hostility from millennia of enemy attacks. But it bears no dark- BRIDGES AND ME ened gray or green discoloration from the passing Every time I see a bridge I have a strong desire to of the centuries, nor will it ever be burned down take a picture of it. I have photographed lots of or blown up. My Bridge is a Person, and He joins bridges. I now have a wonderful variety of their us to eternity, humanity to Infinity, earth to glory. pictures to share with you: pictures of small wooden His name is Jesus Christ: “With His human arm, bridges, stone bridges, metal bridges. Some of them Jesus encircled the race, and with His divine arm speak of ancient history, having stood in place for He grasped the throne of the Infinite, connecting centuries, as indicated by their darkened grayish or man with God, and earth with heaven.”1 greenish stones. Or it could be modern reality, more On the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Refor- recent and more complicated. There are bridges that mation, I think of the Bridge. The Reformation did move: swing bridges like one I remember from the not build this Bridge. But because of the Reformation place of my youth. There are simple wooden bridges friends and enemies of the truth have focused the composed of narrow boards; and powerful concrete world on its reality: My Bridge is the Word of God bridges, massive and solid. incarnate, to whom “the law and the prophets,” God’s The purpose of a bridge is to connect: banks of written Word, bear witness (John 1:45). Before the a river; buildings; two or multiple streets or high- Reformation, generations of human tradition and ways. No wonder that during times of war bridge satanic truth distortion obscured the Bridge from units are often very busy: building bridges over the eyes and minds of people. Pretended represen- rivers or ravines for troops to cross over; or restor- tatives of its ownership privatized the Bridge, and ing bridges that were blown up by the enemy; often even denied access to some people. the first to arrive to facilitate their troops’ entry But in the voices of the Reformation proclaiming into fields of future battle; the last to leave, destroy- solo Christo, the Bridge once obscured emerged ing, blowing up the road behind them—burning from under its burden of misguided human tradi- bridges so that none may follow in their track. tion and distorting supernatural confusion! When the voices of the Reformation cried out solo Christo, A MIGHTY BRIDGE When I look at bridges, I always think of another Bridge, the Bridge that connects this world and the universe. Unlike bridges on earth, this Bridge

THECrossing over into savedBRIDGE

40 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG it destroyed generations of barricades to the Bridge, He is the Bridge that takes us across to glory. and showed the world the route to heaven. So, sister, brother, sinner: step on the Bridge. Here on earth some bridges have a financial Just step on! Believe in Jesus and step on. Faith is cost: you pay a price to procure a ticket to cross what we need to know that He has brought us the bridge. The Bridge to heaven also has its cost. across; and He gives us the faith to believe (Rom. You need a ticket or pass to step on the bridge that 12:3): Luther and other theologians call this “jus- leads to heaven. In the days of Reformer Martin tification by faith.” But don’t fret about the theo- Luther, earnest humans believed that the purchase logians. That’s just what the Bible calls it to let us of indulgences provided their ticket. The church know that accepting it puts us on God’s side: being sold indulgences that took sin away, even the sin “justified by faith, we have peace with God through of people already dead, and made heaven acces- our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1, NKJV).2 sible to them. So people tried to secure their way So cross over the Bridge. Go all the way. Finish to glory by paying money, or by other means, such the journey: it’s a lifetime journey. Theologians as good deeds done or other penances performed. call it sanctification, but don’t fret (we know the Luther himself tried hard to earn his ticket by his rest—John 17:17-19). Walking this journey is a good deeds. Many people today still try hard to different reality. We need to always move forward. pay their own way across the Bridge. As we do, our vision and understanding keep expanding “from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18, FINDING THE BRIDGE NKJV). Stepping on this Bridge changes us forever. But then Luther’s study of the Bible disclosed We can thank God and Luther for that. a wonderful truth to him. It was like Jesus’ story 1 Ellen G. White, “How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine,” of finding an incomparable jewel in a field (Matt. Review and Herald, Feb. 18, 1890, p. 98, http://documents.adventis- 13:44). The pearl that changed the world for tarchives.org/Periodicals/RH/RH18900218-V67-07.pdf. Luther was the truth that Jesus has already paid 2 Bible texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. for all access to the Bridge. Salvation is solo All rights reserved. Christo—by Christ alone, and sola gratia—by grace alone. The metaphors break down because divine Galina Stele is research and evaluations manager, Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, at the General Conference truth is more than all the pictures we have ever of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland. seen, and all the metaphors that human language can generate: Jesus is the ticket to the Bridge, and Jesus Himself is the Bridge: He is the way to God, the truth of God, and the life of God (John 14:6). He gives everyone a free pass to the Bridge.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 41

blessings (Deut. 30:19, 20). When they TAKING A STAND chose life, they settled in the Promised Land. But decades of disobedience found them far from their beloved homeland. What did they do? They sat down! They fell into a pit of doubt and dark- ness, shocked, numbed, and immobile, as if taken by surprise. Psalm 1 details the ords matter! Words literally created slow spiral into spiritual disaster. First we the universe and our world. Five neglect the assembly of the righteous, Whundred years ago words launched then walk in the counsel of the wicked, the momentous religious revolution called and stand in the path of sin- the Protestant Reformation, when a stub- ners when we should be wor- born but brilliant thinker named Martin shipping God and serving Him CURE FOR THE Luther posted his 95 theses of complaints only. Exiles in Babylon, when COMMON LIFE against the Roman Catholic Church. overcome by their circum- HYVETH Words matter in our world, where an stances, threw up their hands epidemic of harsh rhetoric all around chal- and sat down, forgetting that WILLIAMS lenges and exposes the fallacy that “sticks God was with them, even in and stones may break my bones, but words captivity (Isa. 43:1-7). will never hurt me.” Today, as we continue As God's people today, we MANY OF GOD’S to long for and pray for reformation and are faced with a similar situ- PEOPLE HAVE revival in our denomination, careless ation as discouraged twen- words can undo rather than strengthen ty-first-century captives. SIMPLY GIVEN UP our unity in the community of faith. Many of God’s people have AND SAT DOWN! The end result of violent words in a simply given up and sat speech-poor world may be described in down! Sitting down rather the timeless confession of Daniel: “We than singing Zion's song have sinned and done wrong. We have against prejudice and the been wicked and have rebelled; we have denial of civil rights. Sitting turned away from your [God’s] com- down instead of singing Zion's song for mands and laws. We have not listened to temperate living even as U. S. surgeons your servants the prophets, who spoke general announce war against promiscu- in your name to our kings, our princes ity and cigarettes to change public atti- and our ancestors, and to all the people tudes about AIDS and smoking. We have of the land” (Dan. 9:5, 6). Their disobedi- divine insights that can make a difference ence and rebellion brought them in the in the battle. We cannot afford to stay end to the banks of Babylon's rivers. And seated and silent. there they report: Thank God, He is still with us. As we “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and commemorate the 500th anniversary of wept when we remembered Zion. There the beginning of our Protestant heritage, on the poplars we hung our harps, for we must rise up and prosecute the refor- there our captors asked us for songs, our mation the Spirit wills to inspire among tormentors demanded songs of joy; they our own. said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ Hyveth Williams is a professor at the Seventh-day How shall we sing the songs of the Lord Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews while in a foreign land?” (Ps. 137:1-4). University. The words “by the rivers of Babylon we sat” paint a vivid portrait of disillusion- ment in people who once enjoyed divine

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 43 CONNECT BUT WHAT DID LUTHER MEAN? The light of salvation that Jesus brings

BY SILVIA SCHOLTUS DE ROSCHER

he story of a German monk nailing theses explanation is self-sufficient. God would have us to a church door on October 31, 1517, is apprehend from His Word everything related to our the story of the start of the great theolog- salvation, including such key terms as: ical debate that brought us the Protestant Propitiation—a cultic term, the sacrifice God Reformation. Paul’s epistle to the Romans offered to satisfy justice: God sacrifices His Son bears fair blame for this. as “a propitiation through faith in his blood, to T declare his righteousness for the remission of sins PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS that are past” (Rom. 3:25, KJV). Texts such as Romans 1:17 and 5:1, 2 were key Redemption—a business term, the price God paid to Martin Luther’s theological understanding, of for our ransom: we are “justified freely by his vital importance to his theological argument. In [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in the preface of his commentary to Romans, Luther Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24, KJV; see also Col. 1:14). points out the need to apprehend certain key Justification—a judicial term, God’s legal defense terms such as justification, faith, peace, grace, hope, that declares us innocent (as above, Rom. 3:24). and glory, before tackling a study of the epistle.1 Reconciliation—a family-based term, God’s These terms, all found in the passages mentioned embrace to restore us to a relationship with Him- above, are just so many key words for describing self: God has “reconciled us to himself by Jesus the process of salvation from beginning to end. Christ” (2 Cor. 5:18, KJV). According to Romans 5, God can make us dif- Understanding God’s use of these biblical terms ferent people: “Being justified by faith, we have is reason for profuse thanksgiving: we can thank peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by God for His sacrifice; for the price He paid for our whom also we have access by faith into this grace ransom; for declaring us innocent when we know wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory we are not, and for His restoring embrace. of God” (Rom. 5:1, 2, KJV). Believers can be at peace In Jesus’ parable about the prodigal son, we hear, with God, though for some, finding peace may in the story of that father’s embrace of his once lost take a lifetime. son, Jesus’ narration of the story of our salvation. Luther’s wondrous new light that he was driven to shine upon the whole world was how sinners LUTHER’S 95 THESES may access grace: not by circumcision; not by our Luther was not the only one interested in the meritorious works; but just by faith in Jesus Christ. topics discussed in his theses. But he was a master- ful interpreter of the pervasive feeling among other UNDERSTANDING GOD’S GRACE scholars of his time. Others had attempted to intro- Why the focus on Jesus Christ? Because He duce changes,2 often through church councils, but makes all the difference: we are “justified freely . . . also through individual and collective efforts.3 through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Luther’s theses impacted the society of the late (Rom. 3:24, KJV). Middle Ages the way they did because they embod- Justification is a judicial term. To be justified is the ied the sentiments of many Germans of the day. opposite of being condemned. The gospel message Religious motivations powerfully influenced is that though sin condemns us, accepting Christ’s Luther’s internal journey and external action; the sacrifice by faith absolves us. The final judgment Augustinian monk had experienced distressing permits only two possibilities: justification or con- anxiety about securing his salvation. But then demnation. Without Christ all stand condemned; Paul’s categorical declaration, “the just shall live but everyone who is in Christ is justified. For them by faith” (Rom. 1:17), brought him out of his deep there is no more condemnation; they are at peace crisis. He understood that a merciful God justifies with God (Rom 5:1; 8:1). This is our understanding us through faith. In light of this principle, all Scrip- from the Bible, which explains itself, and whose ture took on a new meaning. Everyone—indul-

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 45 “Out of love for the truth and from a desire to Faith had become a mere elucidate it, the Reverend Father Martin Luther, commodity linked to purchases Master of Arts and Sacred Theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Wittenberg, intends to defend of righteousness and shortened the following statements and to dispute on them stays in purgatory. in that place. Therefore, he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter.” His intro- duction concluded, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.” gence salespeople, indulgence purchasers, Then followed the 95 theses. After the document preachers (in fact, especially preachers)—was was printed in Latin, fixed on the whiteboard of the interested in the “how” of salvation. Luther was university, and sent to the authorities, people began “scratching where it itched.” His writings spread. to make and share copies of Luther’s theses. Starting in 1514, Luther preached against the abuse of indulgences, and how they made grace THESES TOPICS cheap instead of leading to true repentance. In The theses first address the biblical basis of 1517 his parishioners were returning from buying forgiveness. Discussing the value of indulgences, Tetzel’s indulgences, believing that they did not they probe the grounds on which human beings need to repent and change their lives to receive are forgiven their sins. What does the Bible say forgiveness of sins. Luther deepened his study on about it? the topic, and sought expert advice. He preached Second, they focus on indulgences and the on the topic several times in 1517, explaining that authority to administer them; also, on the possi- true repentance was better than buying indul- bility of doing favors for those who have already gences. He even taught that buying indulgences died, and on the efficacy of such means. God’s presupposed true repentance and confession, granting of complete freedom and forgiveness to otherwise it was useless. the truly repentant Christian makes it a blas- Between April and October 1517 Luther stopped phemy to consider indulgences as a gift from God. preaching these sermons, perhaps because he was Third, Luther addresses the relations of these preparing himself for writing his theses. indulgences to Christian ethics, exploring the possibility of abuse from religious leaders. WHY OCTOBER 31? Of his 95 theses, two in particular, 1 and 62, On November 1, at the Church of All Saints in express Luther’s thought. Both are brief statements. Wittenberg, many relics collected by Federick III, In the first thesis he writes, “When our Lord and elector of Saxony would be distributed. People who Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Matt. 4:17), he visited the church on November 1, “All Saints’ Day,” willed the entire life of believers to be one of repen- had been promised indulgences, something the tance.” Luther quotes Matthew 4:17 from the Vul- church offered as “a way to reduce the amount of gate [Latin version]. He insists that the true punishment one has to undergo for sins,”4 or even repentance Christ requires for experiencing the a system of convertibility.5 October 31 was the eve forgiveness of sins is an inner, spiritual action of a day when the church would be full of people rather than an external sacramental confession. attending celebrations, seeing and procuring holy Indulgences led Christians to avoid true repentance relics, and, in exchange, dispensing with sins. and pain for sin, believing that purchased indul- With much hesitation and anguish, Luther gences could replace true repentance. Indulgences posted the theses. A few friends encouraged him. discouraged Christians from giving to the poor and The theses were an academic proposition performing other acts of mercy, since they believed expressed in Latin, not German. Luther intended that indulgences were of more spiritual value. for them to be discussed at the University of Wit- Luther’s own struggles with penance gave him tenberg, where he taught. Initially, he had nothing clear understanding of the anxieties and worries else in mind. The document began: of his audiences. In his own life he had fought

46 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG hard to distinguish between contrition and sincere theses explain how Christians can achieve for- repentance, a contrition born of fear of hellfire. giveness, justification, and salvation by faith in Following years of torment in which faith had Jesus. Even more, they lead us to a better under- become a mere commodity linked to purchases standing of the God of the Bible. of righteousness and shortened stays in purgatory, Luther’s reflections continue to point to the he found the gospel renewing, refreshing, liber- importance of individual study of Scripture. Study ating, incomparable. His thesis 62 declares, “The of the Bible on its own terms introduces us to the true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel unique God of love who offers forgiveness and of God’s glory and grace.” eternal life through Christ. Meeting Him through Luther quotes Jesus, who begins His ministry Scripture eliminates all those barriers erected by by saying, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is false teachers and twisted doctrines that stand at hand” (Matt. 4:17, KJV). In true Christianity the between God and us, children of His selfless, solution to the problem of sin implies repentance. all-sacrificing love. Hearing His Word tell how He But in the Middle Ages, other elements were feels about us helps us to respect and value our- added: spiritual efforts, material substitutes, mon- selves and each other as God values us. etary sacrifices. And there were abuses of the Luther’s mission continues far beyond his time. system that Luther felt were affecting priestly His work made the Bible more accessible; religious service. Some people stopped confessing their freedom became important; and many discrimi- sins, mistakenly thinking that indulgences had natory social structures were abolished. But too solved their problems. many people still do not know that “being justified But living a Christian life requires us to change by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord the wrong course that leads us to sin, turn back to Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1, KJV).6 Many have yet to God, and accept His effort to embrace and restore be inspired by this foundational text so important us. It is impossible to purchase entrance into Christ’s for Luther and the Reformers. We who have heard spiritual kingdom, or experience “no regrets” about now share his duty of spreading the gospel’s light our previous status and conduct in life. Jesus says so that men and women everywhere may savor that entering His kingdom begins with repentance— peace from God that passes all human understand- regretting our past—itself a gift from God, along ing. The privilege of such work is a debt we owe with His forgiveness of our sins (Acts 5:31). to the medieval messenger God used to bring us Another striking point of thesis 62 is that the the truth of our own reconciliation. church has a treasure. Luther discusses merit 1 “Vorrede auff die Epistel S. Paul: an die Romer,” in Martin Luther, Die theology, the treasure chest of merits that could gantze Heilige schrift Deudsch 1545 aufs new zurericht, ed. Hans Volz and be offered. He writes, “Do not forget that the great- Heinz Blanke (Munich: Roger & Bernhard, 1972), vol. 2, pp. 2254-2268. See est treasure of the church is the holy gospel of http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/luther/romans/1.html. 2 Events leading up to Luther’s break—ultimately both a theological glory and grace.” The treasure of the church is the and political revolution—included conciliarist doctrines, political fac- gospel, that is, the good news of Jesus Christ. There tors such as the conflicts between popes and emperors, and other is no other treasure besides Christ and the good causes derived from the German state of affairs—moral decadence within the clergy (especially of the episcopate), the monopoly of the news of His grace—the undeserved favor He nobility, the weakness of sovereign power in an empire fragmented into extends to us to extract us from our disastrous an endless number of principalities and cities, and especially, resent- state and condition, and offer us the security of ment against Rome. 3 Consider John Huss, Jerome, John Wycliffe, Girolamo Savonarola, the His forgiveness, peace, and hope of eternal glory. Waldenses, the Cathars, Francis of Assisi, and others. In His parable of the treasure, the man who finds 4 Edward Peters, A Modern Guide to Indulgences: Rediscovering This it sells everything to purchase the field where the Often Misinterpreted Teaching (Mundelein, Ill.: Hillenbrand Books, 2008), p. 13. See also http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07783a.htm. treasure is buried. The treasure of the gospel is 5 Martin Luther, “Disputación acerca de la determinación del valor de worth more than anything else on earth. las Ingulgencias: Las 95 tesis,” Spanish translation by Rodolfo Olivera Obermüller, Chile, 2011. In https://es.scribd.com/document/142485872/ LUTHER’S THESES AND US Las-95-Tesis-Indulgencia-y-Gracia-1517-Adap-2011. Accesed Aug. 2, 2017. 6 Even the faith to believe in His love is a free gift from Him (Rom. 12:3; Are Luther’s theses from 1517 relevant for us, Eph. 2:8).

500 years later? Can we learn from them a thing Silvia Scholtus de Roscher teaches New Testament theology or two about salvation? Yes, we can: Luther’s at River Plate University, Argentina.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 47 PHOTOS AND TEXT BY GERALD A. KLINGBEIL “A picture is worth a thousand words,” they say. This pictorial introduction to the Reformation highlights five key principles as articulated by the German Reformer Martin Luther. His 95 theses changed the world forever. REFORMATION 101 Gerald A. Klingbeil is an associate editor of Adven- tist Review who was born and raised in Germany, THROUGH A PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS where Luther is always not too far away. SOLA SCRIPTURA “by Scripture alone” Martin Luther became Knight George in 1521 when he was kidnapped by the henchmen of a friendly prince and hidden for his own safety in the Wartburg Castle above Eisenach. He spent this time giving the German people one of the greatest gifts possible: a German translation of the Greek New Testament.

Replica of the printing press of Johann Rhau-Grunenberg, who was the first to print Luther’s writings between 1508 and 1525. Luther and the early Reformers realized the power of the printed word and used cutting-edge technology to spread the good news of the gospel— sola scriptura.

48 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG Stairway in the Luther house in Wittenberg. SOLA As a conscientious monk, Luther tried FIDE for many years to find peace and a quiet “by faith alone” heart through prayer, fasting, confessions, and even a pilgrimage to Rome. In Rome he saw many a faithful crawling on hands and knees in order to gain grace. Through the careful study of Scripture Luther finally recognized that by faith alone we have direct access to Christ and His grace.

Faith is more than a doctrine. Martin Luther realized that music was a powerful way of teaching and remembering. As in Old Testament times, composing new music and finding new words became a way to bolster faith—even in difficult times.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 49 CHANTAL J. KLINGBEIL J. CHANTAL

“We are beggars; this is true.” Luther’s quote, on the wall in his Wittenberg home, reminds us that an honest look in the mirror of God’s word tells us that we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

Grace knows no boundaries. In a small cell in SOLA the Augustinian monastery at Erfurt Luther finally GRATIA realized that grace is an unearned gift. “by grace alone”

50 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG Putting Christ back in the center of SOLO Christianity became Luther’s CHRISTO passion and purpose. In the “through Christ alone” Wittenberg city church the place usually reserved for the images of saints is now replaced by the central focus on Christ crucified.

The salesmen of religion promised immediate forgiveness through the purchase of indulgences. Johann Tetzel, the Dominican friar engaged in selling indulgences for the pope, is said to have used this ditty: “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings / the soul from purgatory springs.” Luther challenged this mechanical notion of unlocking forgiveness by focusing on Christ, faith, and divine grace.

The Protestant Reformation was more than a powerful social or political reform movement. Its renewed focus on Scripture also paved the way for many innovations in the arts, sciences, and humanities. One of the most famous expressions of soli Deo gloria can be found in the works of Protestant composers Johann Sebastian Bach (who, incidentally, was born in Eisenach, SOLI DEO below Wartburg Castle) and Georg Friedrich Händel, who GLORIA regularly dedicated “glory to God alone” their works to the glory of God. CONNECT deeper aswe move toward history. ofhuman culmination the connection between peoplewillgrow God the andHisfaithful that stronger and if itisto“follow Lambwherever the Hegoes” (Rev. 14:4,NKJV). church the is never ofJesuscontinues complete—that toneedrevival andchange tinue tofire today. my faith ofHisWord. truths Theirstoriesmovedthe they medeeply and con- as child, Christians who lives gave uptheir because commitment toJesusand oftheir prose orverse acknowledging without heroic millionsof sacrifices the ofthe reality Second 14,andthe soon lation Coming. ofChrist’s of Adventism Protestant angels’messagesofReve- three tothe movement—the church verse the ing in celebrates ofJesus.the unique Thefourth contributions dowe receive only faith righteousness.that through giftofChrist’s the Scripture only isultimately that grace reliable source asa saves oftruth, us, and gratia, 52 hymn, celebratingverses ofthe Reformation principles the of 16:24,NKJV).* and follow Me”(Matt. anyone desires tocome andtake deny uphis cross, afterMe,lethim himself, words the andhelpedmeunderstand ofJesus:“If mycentury lodgedin faith The challenges andpersecutions endured by andhis successorsKnox foranother ofScots,Queen likely tideforProtestant turnedthe nation. Christianity that in Scottish Churchof the accomplished by Knox, whose confrontations Mary, with YourGuide people toYourWord. facing pageemerged: the hymn on line ofthe homechurch first Knox’s Edinburgh, the when sightofJohn in Scotland, within my courage andaccept July my 1,Iwas friend’s challenge. Sabbath, On standing ofProtestant history Knox, tothe Christianity? and somany others Luther,enduring contributions madeby Martin Calvin, John Zwingli, Ulrich John What wordsthought. ofminecould somehow enormousand encompass the gation’s celebration ofReformation Day (October31),Iinitially quailed atthe W HIS WEAREAS HYMNWESING BILL KNOTT

All of this is encompassed in a prayer, isencompassed a in All ofthis the openinglineof each offered verse, in The final the the areverses workthata of Protestantreminder Reformation It isimpossibletotrace significance the Protestant ofthe Reformation in third The verse principlesthe foundational oflovecalls tomind andpeacemak- From reliability simplelineaboutthe ofGod’s that Word firsttwo unfolded the childAs a Iwas fascinated boldandremarkably by the successful reformation pieces somany Iwrite,itwas that other place helpedmeregain As with a that So when the ministerofmusicchallenged hymnSo whenforourcongre- metowritea the ADVENTIST REVIEW and sola fide sola continues to unfold to this day.continues tounfoldthis biblical dozen a event generations hasunfoldedthrough of that and meaning forthe anniversary more iseven challenging, 500th about a significancewill dojustice tothe occasion. ofthe Writing anything hand we ouraddedwordsin pauseabove page,doubtfulthat the so manycrafted ofusoptforthe verse ofgreeting cards. With pen aboutanniversariesriting anything work, isdaunting which iswhy OCTOBER 2017 | . Expressed in the Latin of the era, they underline that only underline era, they that ofthe Latin . Expressed the in God oftruthunmixed witherror, sola scriptura, sola scriptura, sola sola

* Bible texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. SPIRIT OF TRUE REFORMATION A Reformation Day Hymn

God of truth unmixed with error, God of hope, restore our longing Guide Your people to Your Word. For a future shared with You; Give Your preachers timely courage; May the coming of Your kingdom Let Your righteousness be heard. Make our hearts beat quick and true. Father, keep us from all doctrine Shape us to the task of heralds, Fashioned by the will of man; Joining angels in their cry; Save us from our hallowed structures Pointing tribes and tongues and peoples Not prefigured in Your plan. To the truth that cannot die.

God of grace, in faith receiving, God of all who died for Jesus, May we trust in Christ alone; Fiery saints who shared His pain; All our works are less than nothing Beaten, broken, stoned, and martyred—

As we kneel before His throne. Make their deep resolve our gain. Adventist Review Keep us from our self-absorption Teach us how to bear our sorrow, readers may wish Lest we come to love our fame. Wrestle doubt, and conquer fear; to use this hymn in worship services Let the blood of Jesus wash us: Nerve us with the deep conviction: on Sabbath, We are righteous in His name. In all trouble, Christ is here! October 28, as the world nears the 500th anniversary God of kindness, lead Your people God who far exceeds our worship, of the Protestant To the primacy of love; Lend Your people heaven’s song; Reformation on Give us deep, connected living, Let Your angels teach an anthem October 31. The hymn may be sung Mirroring Your courts above. That will drown out noise and wrong. to several tunes in Let our words be full of caring; Spirit of true reformation, The Seventh-day Let our hands be full of peace; Flame up bright—revivals start! Adventist Hymnal, including “Hymn May the gentleness of Jesus With the coals from heaven’s altar, to Joy” (no. 12), and In Your church each day increase. Light the altar of our heart. “Austria” (no. 423).

Bill Knott is executive editor and director of Adventist Review Ministries.

ALSO IN THIS SECTION: » FASTING » MARTIN LUTHER AND ME » BEASTS, BLACKLIGHT, AND ETERNAL LOVE » WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE REFORMATION » MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ENGAGE

TESTIFY SABBATH It’s not just for the early church!

as your congregation ever tried to have a testimony-based worship service, in Hwhich volunteers share personal testi- monies as the basis for the worship hour? This kind of worship service often goes well, but can also be a less-than-edifying experience when the congregation feels uncomfortable or pressured to speak, or when the testimonies get out of control and the implicit messages distort biblical principles. In 1 Corinthians 14:26 the apostle

ROB ERWIN ENGAGE Paul warns against worship services that miss the FACILITATING THE EXPERIENCE mark: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you What are some specific ways to facilitate an come together, each of you has a psalm, has a effective testimony sharing time, a “Testify Sab- teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an bath”? Based on principles embedded in the guid- interpretation. Let all things be done for edifica- ance of Ellen White, as well as practical lessons tion.” What if the structure and lead-in to such a gained by facilitators of such services, here are testimony time could be planned in such a way some suggestions. as to cultivate the best features of testimonies and The testimony facilitator can encourage partic- reduce the negative features? There are, in fact, ipants with such guidance as: “Please consider some effective ways to facilitate this kind of tes- sharing briefly [three minutes or less] an experi- timony time. ence of . . .”: • God’s leading and presence A LONGTIME TRADITION • God’s instruction and insight Testimony sharing has a long history within • God’s comfort and strength Christianity, particularly within Seventh-day • God’s empowerment for service Adventist churches. In the early years of the • God’s answer to prayer Adventist Church in the United States—in the late 1800s—believers were frequently invited to pub- The facilitator should also minimize the follow- licly share experiences and testimonies of God’s ing behaviors that dampen participation and leading. During that early period congregations potential blessings: had to be less dependent on pastors because each • Allowing a few individuals to dominate the pastor had many congregations. Therefore, lay- testimony-sharing time, especially across mul- people frequently led the worship services. Along tiple testimony services. with more lay leadership of worship services, • Allowing participants to speak on monomani- testimony services were used frequently and were acal or pet topics, to speak in a judgmental tone, common in other Christian traditions, as well. or to promote nonbiblical thinking. When part of the church service, these testimony • Allowing the testimony period to extend too times were sometimes called “social” worship, and long for audience attention or engagement. Ellen White had insightful comments and guid- • Allowing the congregation to feel pressure to ance for these services.2 contribute to the testimonies.

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC TESTIMONIES By contrast, the following facilitator behaviors These testimony, or social worship times offered will typically encourage beneficial testimony time: significant benefits to the participants, benefits that • Informing the congregation ahead of time continue for contemporary participants. They cul- regarding the testimony Sabbath or meeting tivate a sense of community among believers in time. which people learn the names and personal spiri- • Cuing participants to give their names as they tual experiences of others. Participants are also share, as a way of helping members and partic- reminded of God’s providence and real presence, ipants to know one another by name. and are encouraged to pursue an active prayer life. • Guiding participants to adhere to a time Public testimonies have additional and import- budget. ant impacts on the congregation’s faith. Although • Keeping the interaction warm, supportive, non- it’s essential and appropriate for the pastor to share judgmental, spiritual, and aligned with experiences that encourage the congregation in Scripture. their faith, the influence of testimonies by laypeo- • Restating or clarifying a point within a testi- ple is also important and needed. When laypeople mony that keeps to the spirit of the testimony share personal experiences, it validates the avail- but makes it clearer to the audience. ability of God and His Spirit to every believer, and • Gently correcting, reminding, or placing within encourages listeners that a life of living faith is also context a nonbiblical statement by a participant possible for them. while restating it biblically.

56 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG • Using gentle humor to diffuse tension or to enhance of sense of community and support. • Arranging to have two or three volunteer testi- mony sharers ready to start or prime the sharing in case there is hesitancy on the part of the congregation. • Making connections among individual testimo- nies to highlight a theme or principle across testimonies. • Offering a brief wrap-up summary of key points that were shared in testimonies. • Providing or facilitating on-the-spot support and/or prayer for a member in emotional need. • Being ready with a backup sermonette in case congregants are too shy or are unwilling to share.

BE PREPARED When the program is prepared properly, pre- sented carefully, and managed effectively, partic- ipants have the satisfaction of sharing Jesus, listeners reap the benefits of spiritual and scrip- When laypeople share tural insight, a sense of community and connect- edness grows, participants receive emotional personal experiences, support, and the church service has a different and engaging format that brings a change of pace and glorifies God. Malachi 3:16 sanctions this by it . . . encourages listeners these words: “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; that a life of living faith so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on is also possible for them. His name.” Although requiring some preparation, this tes- timony-based worship service complements the offering of more conventional sermons in other Sabbath worship services. Social worship, or tes- timony services, can be as effective in drawing us to Christ in contemporary times as they were in the early Adventist experience.

1 All Bible texts in this article are taken from the New King James Ver- sion, Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by per- mission. All rights reserved. 2 For illustrative examples of this, see Ellen G. White’s counsel in Coun- sels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1913), pp. 246, 247; idem, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, p. 201; idem, in Review and Herald, Oct. 22, 1889.

Rob Erwin, Ph.D., is first elder of the Buffalo Suburban Sev- enth-day Adventist Church in New York, United States, and an associate professor and department chair at Niagara Univer- sity in nearby Niagara Falls, New York.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 57

HOUSE CALL PETER N. LANDLESS ZENO L. CHARLES-MARCEL Fasting Is it healthful?

I’ve always thought that fasting was a growth factors that promote development of Q: religious thing, but lately I heard that it healthy lean muscle, new brain cells, and renewed, is now recommended for my health. So is it active cells are released into the immune system. religious, a health thing, or both? How does The use of ketones for energy favors the break- fasting help me? down of fatty deposits in the liver and around internal organs and can produce favorable out- Fasting, a religious practice for ages, has also comes in metabolism. A: been a health practice for a very long time. Fasting may be a reasonable physical health-pro- To answer your questions with reasonable depth, moting practice in places where food is in abun- we will address the physical health aspects now, dance and overconsumption is common, but not and the psycho-spiritual aspects in a future where people are undernourished or malnourished. column. Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from all solid POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS OF FASTING and liquid foods—except water (minimum of 2.6 • Nausea • Temperature quarts [2.5 liters] per day)—usually for a predeter- • Irritability dysregulation (cold) mined period of time. Water-only fasting has been • Heartburn • Interference with employed by many around the globe for “cleans- • Gallstones established drug ing” or “detoxifying” the body’s systems and as a • Bad breath treatment metabolic and immunologic “jump starter” before • Headaches • Hypoglycemia making changes to new, healthier dietary • Binge eating (diabetes: on insulin practices. • Constipation or medications) Fasting may help prevent malignancies and • Dehydration • Dizziness on increase the efficacy of cancer therapies. It may • Sleep disturbance standing even reduce osteoporosis and autoimmune dis- • Eating disorder (hypertension: on ease activity. Recent studies have shown that trigger medications) medically supervised, controlled water-only fast- ing for one week had beneficial effects on blood Pregnant women and those taking medications or sugar control, blood lipid markers, body weight, who have an eating disorder, or serious medical and blood pressure. conditions are cautioned against “just fasting.” Diets designed to mimic fasting taken by persons Prudence, good judgment, and medical consultation with diabetes and prediabetes for five days per and supervision are always in order. Yet what is month for three months reduced risk markers eaten between fasts is still the major nutritional associated with aging, cardiovascular disease, dia- issue; a balanced, plant-based, nutritionally sound betes, and cancer. People whose lifestyle includes diet knows no substitute. An overall health-pro- periodic fasting may reverse early type 2 diabetes moting lifestyle is key, and in some cases may be and hypertension, and may have better heart health enhanced by careful, judicious, intermittent caloric than those who don’t. restriction. During water-only fasting, stored carbohydrates Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is are used up and fat is used instead (as ketones) director of the General Conference Health Ministries Depart- ment. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified internist, is an for energy; age-damaged cells are recycled in a associate director of Adventist Health Ministries at the Gen- process called autophagy, or “self-eating”; and eral Conference.

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 59 ENGAGE 60 Applying Reformation principles AND MARTIN LUTHER MICHAEL SOKUPA within a month. a within Luther kept hisvow andentered monastery a become monk!” me,St. a Anne, andI’ll “Help tion, despera- outin tocry ledhim A boltoflightning from home,Luther was caught thunderstorm. a in in Erfurt. toward law a career by university enrolling atthe lifeexperience casts Luther’s mine. dom. lighton led us, by free- meaning Scripture, oftrue intothe Ihavehim hadtofightfear asGod andtradition my Like own common spiritualheritage. with in experience is much that Luther’s Martin I seein applying principles ofReformation the toourlives. I LUTHER’S EARLY JOURNEY theological of elements, fallshort andoften Reformers,the biblical we emphasize the and Reformation lives lookingatthe andthe of n

In the early 1500s Luther started on his path early hispath the on In 1500sLuther started ADVENTIST REVIEW 1 ME In 1505,while In returning touniversity OCTOBER 2017 | 2

DINGEMAN CC 3.0 are we maderighteous. Heembracedfear only God. that idea by the faith hedidnot need to merits,did notdependon that covery gave assurance Luther an hissalvation that became pivotal forhisspiritualjourney. Itsdis- just shall live“The (KJV). by faith” bookofRomans, the on Luther read Romans 1:17: This gave some comfort. Luther Lutherfeelings ofseparation sometimesfelt. that ately herealized Jesushad even toChrist, that hislife. turningpoint in to a Applying itappropri- have This youverse brought forsaken me?” Luther Luther read Psalm my why God, 22:1:“My God, “LoveStaupitz: God? Ihate Him!” when hereceived encouragement the from fear Luther recalled andhate God. feelings histrue negative attitudetoward drove God that to him Luther hadbuilt upa of God andstopworrying. attitude. encouraged andreprimanded forhis him him before. Hissupervisor, both Staupitz, von Johann more monastery returned troubled than tothe church’sthe teachings aboutrelics andmerits. He toquestion tofillhiscritical Hebegan began mind. As hedutifullymotions, doubts the went through represent the Augustinian atErfurt. monastery interested in engaging Luther in debate. His main interested debate. Hismain engagingLuther in in papal representative, Cardinal was Cajetan, not Theand Luther. meeting. Luther attendedthe discuss several Turks itemsincluding the agenda ImperialDiet)metin Augsburg asthe (known to werewhen they charged asheretics. for hislife,many Reformers lives had losttheir inquiry. an motion setin statements Luther feared copy. popegot a the Thepope’s to reaction Luther’s copies were Saxony. throughout distributed Even were and theses printing press. printed, Luther’s rapidthe deployment ofGutenberg’s movable academic topic. This a debateon coincided with conventional a Wittenberg, in way ofinviting an Castle Church doorofthe tothe and nailedthem practicements againstthe ofsellingindulgences LUTHER BREAKSOUT On October31,1517,Luther wroteOn 95state- Two years later, ashewas preparing forlectures 1513,whileIn preparing seriesoflectures, fora encouragedStaupitz love Luther tofocus the on At ageof27Luther traveled the toRome to In October 1518 a group October1518a ofprincesIn andnobles ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG 4 3 Thistext aim was to persuade Luther to recant.5 A century longer sacrifice to the ancestors and remain true earlier Jan Hus had been burned at the stake for to biblical teachings. He also learned that a num- refusing to recant. He had demanded to be shown ber of tribal customs had elements that were from the Scriptures what his errors were. Luther contrary to biblical principles. took the same position, knowing the history and Dad traveled to the village where most of his the consequences that might follow. family lived, and informed them he would no Luther narrowly escaped because of his con- longer participate in family feasts directed to their nection to Frederick the Wise, whom the pope did ancestors. His brothers warned him that the anger not want to displease.6 of the ancestors would turn against him and his Luther continued writing. He produced treatises children. They ostracized him from the family entitled Address to the Christian Nobility of the circle, so they would not share in the bad luck German Nation, On the Babylonian Captivity of the brought by the ancestors. Church, and Freedom of a Christian. This fueled the I grew up not knowing my uncles, because when pope’s fury, and in1520 Luther received an ulti- they came together for family feasts we could not matum (in a document called a papal bull) from take part. Most of the family activities we could the Pope to recant his position within 60 days or attend, such as funerals and weddings, were held be excommunicated from the church. Luther on Sabbath. This opened an even wider gap publicly burned the papal bull. He was excommu- between us and our extended family. nicated on January 3, 1521. Luther was summoned to the Imperial Diet of MY OWN JOURNEY Worms under Emperor Charles V on January 22, When I became a young man, I was expected 1521. Given an opportunity to renounce or affirm to go through the Xhosa rite of passage. Instead his position, he responded: “Unless I am convicted of sending me to the traditional circumcision by Scripture and plain reason, I do not accept the school with the boys of the community, my dad authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”7 Martin Luther grew up in He is said to have spoken the following words that continue to ring in traditional circles: “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”8 a Roman Catholic home,

MY FATHER BREAKS OUT shaped by both Scripture My dad grew up an Anglican, in a family where his father was the eldest within the extended family. When his father passed away, my father and tradition. inherited the leadership role. Whenever there was a family gathering, he was the one who spoke to the ancestors on behalf of the family. In the mid-1960s, around the time of the Rivona collaborated with five other Adventist families; Trial in South Africa in which Nelson Mandela we were about six boys altogether. Bhomas (tem- and other political prisoners were sentenced to porary structures) were set up in the bush near life imprisonment for treason against the apart- our township home, and we became an Adventist heid government, there was turmoil in the community among the traditional bhomas. We had country. an Adventist ikhankatha (a dean of the school), At the height of that political turmoil, my dad who taught us about manhood in an Adventist came to know about the Seventh-day Adventist context. faith. He embraced this newfound faith and was Since this ritual was done in the Adventist soon faced with critical decisions. He could no context, all elements contrary to Scripture, such

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 61 as serving of liquor and special meats dedicated Seventh-day Adventist young people together to to ancestors, were removed. The pastor was given preserve their culture and avoid compromising an opportunity during the welcome celebration situations. These initiatives are not part of the (umgidi) to preach the Word to the community official church structure. There is, however, a need that was there to grace the occasion. This was an to have biblical-theological discussions on these opportunity for the community to understand elements of tradition, how they relate to biblical what we believe. There was no way to be accepted principles, and have these documented so that as a man in the community without going through future generations may have a reference point on this ritual. decisions taken. This rite of passage gave me status to get to the For Seventh-day Adventists the Bible not only next level, marriage. When I got married, I again addresses culture but also modifies it. Lay mem- had to avoid any elements contrary to biblical bers expose an interesting approach as they principles during the traditional wedding cere- attempt to win the community’s confidence while mony. Certain elements, such as the introduction modifying the traditions. of the bride to the family, include ancestor worship. For example, long before there were any Afri- These elements are deleted, and a focus is placed cans, Abraham was circumcised. This reference on living family members. The whole process, from usually arrests the attention of African tradition- dowry negotiations to the wedding, was filled with alists, because the earlier the custom, the more elements that Seventh-day Adventists have iden- respectable it is. But more work needs to be done tified over decades and categorized as acceptable to make sure that the Bible is handled appropri- or unacceptable to biblical principles. ately when such passages are quoted with refer- My experiences as an Adventist growing up in ence to current practices. South Africa within a Xhosa context helped me understand the dynamics of maintaining my REFORMERS STILL identity, and still remaining true to Scripture. Martin Luther and I grew up in contrasting Because my father took a firm stand against ele- religious conditions, but both he and I, and you ments in the Xhosa culture that militated against my reader, come to observe irreconcilable differ- biblical principles, I was able to grow up accepted ences between Scripture and prevailing tradition. by my peers, my community, and our extended It is our privilege to follow Luther’s example of family without compromising my Christian being true to principle: “The greatest want of the principles. world is the want of [people] . . . who will not be From Luther’s generation forward there has bought or sold, . . . who in their inmost souls are sounded a call to sola scriptura, a Reformation true and honest, . . . who do not fear to call sin by principle that can be applied to any culture. Many its right name, . . . whose conscience is as true to Xhosa South Africans have taken their stand with duty as the needle to the pole, [people] who will Luther, conforming cultural practice to biblical stand for the right though the heavens fall”9 principle. But some still defer to a culture in which Let’s stand with Luther today, for God. decision-makers are extended family members. 1 Roland H. Bainton, Here I Stand (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1950), For single parents who are female and have no pp. 21-34. Adventist males in the family, these issues can 2 See ibid., p. 21. 3 present huge challenges. Many women, in striving Ibid., p. 65. 4 Luther’s Works, vol. 31. to be true to biblical principles, have appointed 5 Charlotte Methuen, “Luther’s Life,” in The Oxford Handbook of Martin Adventist men with the same clan name to handle Luther’s Theology, ed. Robert Kolb et al. (Oxford: Oxford University family affairs that relate to rites of passage and Press, 2014), p. 12. 6 Martin Brecht, Martin Luther (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993), dowry negotiations. vol. 1, pp. 464-470. 77 Methuen, p. 15. CURRENT TRENDS 8 See Bainton, pp. 181-186. 9 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. In some parts of South Africa Seventh-day Assn., 1903), p. 57.

Adventist men have organized initiation schools Michael Sokupa is an associate director of the Ellen G. White over winter and summer holidays. This brings Estate at the General Conference.

62 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG his people from the most powerful nation WHAT WILL YOUR on earth, part the Red Sea, receive the sacred law on Sinai, and lead millions of grumbling Israelites to the border of the LEGACY BE? Promised Land. It’s amazing to stop and think of the millions of people whose lives were changed through the faithful- ness of one Hebrew mother, a slave at ike father, like son. Chip off the old that. block. The apple doesn’t fall far from But the influence exerted by the people Lthe tree. Moses led was not so positive. I never understood how much truth Even after watching God was behind these simple expressions take down their Egyptian until I became a father. Early on I became enemies through plagues INTRODUCING quite aware that my son, Lincoln, would and the parting of the Red THE WHY mimic my actions. It started small as he Sea, eating bread that liter- JIMMY learned to wave and blow kisses. But as ally fell from heaven, and he grew, I realized that the influence I had being led by a cloud pillar by PHILLIPS on his life was growing. day and fire at night, the One morning as we were getting ready Israelites still fixated on the for church, I happened to wear a sports impossibility of human cir- coat. I dressed him in his shirt and pants, cumstances as they sat on OUR CHOICES but that wasn’t good enough. He kept the border of the Promised IMPACT MUCH MORE saying “jacket,” “jacket like Daddy.” I put Land (Num. 13; 14). THAN OUR OWN his blue blazer over his brightly colored The result of their defiance SALVATION. polo shirt, and he became the proudest was severe: instead of enter- little boy in the entire world. ing the Promised Land in a This copy-cat behavior can also be bad. few days, the people spent the next 40 The other day our little dog, Coco, pooped years wandering the desert. Every adult— in the house. I pointed, scolding her except for Joshua and Caleb—died in the firmly: “Bad dog!” Lincoln came right up desert. Their children spent years in des- beside me, pointed at Coco, and said, “Bad ert toil, years that could have been spent dog.” Again I was reminded that Lincoln thriving in the land flowing with milk is always watching, ready to imitate. Daily and honey. actions and behaviors that seem incon- Our choices impact much more than sequential have the power to shape his our own salvation. The question every life, for better or for worse. parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, or The Old Testament is replete with youth leader must ask themselves is: Am examples that portray the power of gen- I leading my kids into the Promised Land, erational influence. or away from it? Baby Moses was found in the river by We all leave a legacy. What is yours? Pharaoh’s daughter (Ex. 2). The young princess agreed to let the boy’s mother Jimmy Phillips is executive director of marketing for Adventist Health Bakersfield. raise him until he was old enough to enter the palace as a teenager. These early years became the foundation of Moses’ life. Instead of seeking earthly riches and perhaps a chance to become pharaoh, Moses chose a life of wandering and hard- ship. He was God’s instrument to deliver

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 63 ENGAGE 64 Adventist Education Reformation and The Protestant AND BEASTS, BLACKLIGHT, FAITH-ANN MC GARRELL

ADVENTIST REVIEW ETERNAL LOVE OCTOBER 2017 | ized by images ofmultiheaded, mesmer- watched, spellbound, soon lives over toJesus!Heiscoming baritone bellowed, “Turn your rich TheBibleteacher’s room. C FEAR ANDLOVE Fear grippedmy asI heart through the sixth-grade class- the through reverberated anxioushush an drawn,urtains lightsdimmed, !” shavings andchalk Bible dust. chairs, booksandbinders, pencil once mazeofdesks and again:a grade classroom looked familiar oursixth- lightson, opened, toJesus.heart was near! Ineededtogive my wasthe world real! Theendof seemingly air. floatingon This tures swathed blacklight, in beastsfork-tongued andcrea Forty minuteslater, curtains ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG -

© STEVE CREITZ class was over, and we were free to run outside and enjoy recess. The Reformers paved Yet the unsettling nature of the images refused to go away. Years later, haunted by those images, I could not remember much of what my well-in- the way for what tentioned Bible teacher said, but I remembered the timbre of his voice. The urgency. He believed millions now embrace. with all his heart that the end of the world was near. This fear began to abate during a pivotal Week of Prayer in the middle of my tenth-grade year. Different speaker. Different tone. “Come to Jesus,” he pleaded. “He loves you just as you are!” That week, after listening to stories of how much Jesus cation seeks to share with everyone, whether sacrificed for me personally, I saw for the first time directly (as in the classroom), or incidentally (as a Savior who loved me, called me to serve, and in day-to-day existence), the truth of God’s love, had a plan for my life—not only an earthly plan, faithfulness, and abundant grace, as revealed in but an eternal one, as well. His written Word, and exemplified by Jesus Christ, God’s Word incarnate. Adventist education LEGACY OF THE REFORMATION seeks to reciprocate God’s faithfulness to us in When Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich salvation, by faithfulness to Him in communicat- Zwingli first read the Bible for themselves and ing His love to all. realized that God loved humanity not because of Fidelity, another word for “faithfulness” (from their good works, but because God, by His very the Latin fides [faith] and fidelis [faithful]), denotes nature, is love, it transformed their world—and loyalty, devotion, and accuracy, the degree to the whole world—forever. They were compelled which a copy of something reflects the original.5 to share, serve, and love with fidelity.1 And, the Charles Hodge notes that fidelity requires three more they studied, the more their devotion to God obligations: (1) knowledge; (2) grounds (reason/ increased. rationale); and (3) an understanding of how obli- Invigorated by newfound truth, these Reformers gations supersede everything else.6 The word paved the way for what millions now embrace as “obligation” brings to mind those things we have sola scriptura—truth is established by Scripture to do, rather than those we want to do. Another alone; sola fide—we are saved by faith in Jesus definition, however, is a debt of gratitude, a com- Christ alone; sola gratia—we are saved by grace mitment to someone or something to whom or alone; solus Christus—Jesus Christ, alone, is our for which a great debt is owed. Savior; and soli Deo gloria—we live and exist for Adventist educators know the One to whom we the glory of God, alone.2 Fear dissipated in the owe a great debt. Our faithfulness to Him is presence and awareness of God’s eternal love. demonstrated in service. A knowledge of who God Today, we believers embrace these truths born is and what He would have us do—in our relation- out of their struggle. ship with Him and with those around us—is nec- essary for each of us as we participate in the ADVENTIST EDUCATION AND ETERNAL LOVE partnership of education and redemption. There What, then, does this have to do with Adventist is comfort and assurance in knowing that God education? Adventist education rests on the gos- sought to know us long before we knew Him: pel truth that God is love (1 John 4:8), and that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, the foundation of an Adventist Christian educa- before you were born I set you apart” (Jer. 1:5). We tion is love: “Love, the basis of creation and of love God because He first loved us, not out of mere redemption, is the basis of true education.”3 obligation, but because we want to! In Him we Understanding that true education and redemp- find purpose and life: He came “that [we] may have tion perform the same function,4 Adventist edu- life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 65 birth or status. That descendant of the Reforma- True Christian education answers and tion, and practitioner of truly Christian Adventist echoes Christ’s call to partner with education, urged the entire class to read the apoc- alyptic passages for ourselves. And with each Him in the highest noblest assignment and careful instruction, understand- ing bloomed. work possible: that of building 500 YEARS AND MORE characters for heaven. For Christians this collective journey toward understanding continues. Five hundred years beyond Martin Luther and the Reformers, Bibles are no longer chained to podiums. We read and listen And there is more, more than just love and to them on our own computers and mobile devices, service. George R. Knight reminds us that Adven- and by faith accept the rule of Scripture in our lives, tist Christian education has another role to play: even while many still struggle to accept God’s uncon- an apocalyptic one. He writes: “The third aspect ditional love. But Adventist Christian inheritors of of Adventist educational identity relates to its Reformation truth rest in the assurance of God’s grasp of the denomination’s apocalyptic under- saving, keeping love, and rejoice in Christ’s witness standing and the implications of that understand- to “what great love the Father has lavished on us, ing for worldwide mission and the Second that we should be called children of God! And that Advent.”7 is what we are!” (1 John 3:16). We have a Great Commission—a biblical man- As an Adventist educator I know, without fear date that is more than humanly determined: or doubt, that God loves me. My purpose is tied “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, up in His. Where authentic Adventist education baptizing them in the name of the Father and of is disseminated, teachers and students experience the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). The this love for themselves, and grow in appreciation call extends “to every nation, tribe, language and of the true character of God in ways that nurture people” (Rev. 14:6). and cultivate their eternal love for Him (see Deut. Yes, we are called to love as Christ loves; we are 6:4-9). Teachers “see in every pupil the handiwork compelled to serve out of gratitude for what Christ of God”9 that they are preparing for another did for humanity. But true education is called to school—the Eden School—where we all shall do more. True Christian education answers and delight together in reflecting “throughout endless echoes Christ’s call to partner with Him in the ages the light of the knowledge of His glory.”10 highest, noblest work possible: that of building 1 See Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: 8 characters for heaven —characters trained to seek Pacific Press Pub Assn., 1911), pp. 120-125. after God’s heart, willing to be transformed by 2 Justin Holcomb, The Five Solas: Points From the Past That Should Mat- His Spirit; prepared to face the challenges of the ter to You, http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/ the-five-solas-of-the-protestant-reformation.html. times with confidence, assurance, and power 3 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. rooted in God’s Word; unafraid because they Assn., 1903), p. 16. 4 know how the story ends, but, by the same token, Ibid., p. 30. 5 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fidelity driven by a sense of urgency to let the whole 6 Charles Hodge, D.D., “Fidelity in the Service to God,” http://biblehub. world know. com/sermons/auth/hodge/fidelity_in_the_service_of_god.htm. 7 During a required Daniel and Revelation course George R. Knight, “Education for What? Thoughts on the Purpose and Identity of Adventist Education,” The Journal of Adventist Education 79, in college, and under the tutelage of a caring, no. 1 (October-December 2016): 11. erudite professor, I began to comprehend more 8 Ellen G. White, True Education: An Adaptation of Education (Nampa, clearly the love story between God and humanity. Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2000), p. 13. 9 Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (Moun- The fear-inducing images of beasts shrouded in tain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1913), p. 229. ultraviolet light transformed into big-picture sym- 10 E. G. White, Education, p. 22. bols: messages of hope, assurance, and God’s Faith-Ann McGarrell is editor of The Journal of Adventist ultimate plan for every individual, regardless of Education.

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Engaging the Mind • Touching the Heart P.O. Box 7729 • Riverside, CA 92513-9804 • (888) 940-0062 • www.faithfortoday.tv ENGAGE CLOSER LOOK 500 Years of Protest and Liberty From Martin Luther to Modern Civil Rights 500 Years of Protest and Liberty: From Martin Luther to Modern Civil Rights, by Nicholas P. Miller (Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2017), 192 pages, paperback; $24.99. Reviewed by Lael Caesar, Adventist Review.

n 500 Years of Protest and Liberty Nicholas Miller has given us a book on the intersection of IChristian religious history and American polit- ical and civic success. Four sections of varying length concern themselves, successively, with (1) European backgrounds of Protestant liberty, (2) early-American experience of such liberty, (3) a Protestantism consistent with its name, and Comfort for the Day finally, (4) a look at other church and state legal issues in current American conversation such as Living Through the Seasons of Grief homeschooling, tuition vouchers, tax-tutored theo- Steve and Karen Nicola, Comfort for the Day: logians, new variations on marriage, and the con- Living Through the Seasons of Grief, 3rd trasting consciences of legislators, employers and edition (Bloomington, Ind.: Westbow Press, employees in relation to affordable health care. The 2016), $16.95 at www.comfortfortheday.com. Reviewed by Gerald A. Klingbeil, Adventist sections are embraced by 11 pages of important Review. preliminary material and a nine-page conclusion. The introductory and concluding pages, along n Comfort for the Day author, pre- senter, and grief coach Karen Nicola Iand her husband, Steve, share their own grief journey following the death of their 3-year-old tains very practical suggestions for over- son from leukemia. The updated third edition, published coming grief. more than 30 years after that experience, includes more The authors make a strong case for jour- insights, offered from the distance of the experience of naling. “Having an outlet to express your past loss. thoughts and emotions is part of the ther- Comfort for the Day does not only contain helpful insights apy for heart healing. It can be painful, and good counsel. It represents, in itself, a journey toward but it will lead you towards healthy griev- healing, as it is designed as a personal journal with ample ing” (p. 14), they suggest, even though space to jot down impressions, emotions, questions, and they acknowledge that this exercise is personal insights. Following a brief introduction (pp. 1-4), often difficult and heart-wrenching. Writ- highlighting the key elements of the volume, the authors ing a goodbye letter to their son was one include two short chapters focusing on the nature of grief of their most painful writing tasks. and elements of the healing process (pp. 5-13), as well as Understanding the physical dimensions the physical impact of grief (pp. 14-20). Each chapter con- of grief was helpful to me. Our immune

68 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG underu the title “Religious Freedom and Modern AmericanA Politics.” Variations in title between the AdventistA Review article and the book are small pointersp to a larger truth: that Miller’s chapters are notn verbatim transfers from earlier articles to the newn book. He has tweaked his previously published materialm where appropriate, to augment its rele- vancev to North America and the world of 2017. Miller argues that making America great again— ana aptly borrowed phrase from current political rhetoric—requiresrh clear explanation of how the nationn first became great. For him, America’s ProtestantP backgrounds and its commitment to withh MilMiller’sler’s inintroductiontrodductiion ttoo eaeachchh ooff ththee fofourur representativere government and respect for indi- sections, together constitute most of the book’s vidual freedom of conscience are the sine qua non new material. Seventeen of the book’s 26 chapters of the nation’s political success. However bitterly are reprints of articles first encountered in the opposed, however tragically long delayed, slave pages of Liberty magazine between the years 1995 liberation, Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights and 2016. Two more are due to appear there soon. victories, and continuing respect for individual Longtime Liberty editor Lincoln Steed makes human rights are natural consequences of Amer- explicit his approval of Miller’s reuse of material ica’s founding principles. by writing the book’s foreword, in which he warns But to the extent that the courts’ interpretations of the forces of revisionist Reformation history of constitutional freedoms favor groups—churches, that are actively looking for “the next steps toward businesses, etc.—above individuals and minorities, Christian unity” between inheritors of the Refor- America faces the very threat to religious freedom mation and the very institution they separated from which its founders fled 400 years ago. And from half a millennium ago (p. 12). Miller urges the broadest promotion possible of The seven chapters that are notLiberty reprints “the dissenting Protestant view of the importance are from blogs (two), online Compass Magazine [two of the individual conscience” (p. 124). from 2015], an adaptation from the Journal of I voice one regret: the title of Miller’s conclusion Church and State (Spring 2000), a reproduction of should have been the title of his book: “From a National Press Club discussion from the year Martin Luther to Donald Trump?” Isn’t that a 2002, and an Adventist Review article, “Religious definite best seller formula? Whether or not, every Freedom in America” (Jan. 18, 2013), reprinted American should get a copy. Quickly.

system is weakened when we grieve, and we often a pertinent Scripture, followed by a paragraph that sense a mental cloud. We feel physically worn and develops the main concept and a section, titled uncreative. The authors adapt the eight health “From Heart to Hand,” containing a number of remedies found in the writings of Ellen White as questions meant to guide the journaling process. suggestions for regaining physical health (p. 18), Most parts of the journaling section are one-pag- and also include a list of questions (pp. 21, 22) a ers, even though there are some longer sections grieving person often asks, together with references (e.g., the section “Forgiveness Begins the Healing,” to answers contained in the journal, the main on pp. 36-42). section of the volume. Finally, the book includes a Comfort for the Day is a helpful resource for those section highlighting pertinent texts from Scripture who mourn and find themselves grieving. Since (pp. 148, 149), involving God’s constant presence, we all face the reality of death at one point or His forgiveness, hope, healing, rest and peace, and another, it’s a good volume to give away and keep victory over death, to mention a few. a copy handy on the shelf. Each of the 43 journaling sections begins with

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 69 ENGAGE

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE REFORMATION*

“[Christ] is everywhere, but He does not wish that this way, Luther . . . believed that God’s grace is a you grope for Him everywhere. Grope rather where gift, [and] no longer accepted what the church had the Word is, and there you will lay hold of Him in for so long taught: that we are really saved by the the right way.” works of the law. The medieval church had pawned MARTIN LUTHER off law as gospel, and Luther dared to know the difference. Then he became a preacher of grace, “The true treasure of the church is the most holy and that changed everything.” gospel of the glory and grace of God.” NADIA BOLZ-WEBER, PASTOR MARTIN LUTHER, THESIS 62 “The Reformation as such, liberated from its early “It is impossible to understand modern history modern political constraints, remains alive and apart from the Reformation. We cannot under- well in the United States. Anyone who doubts this stand the history of Europe, England, or America need only open the yellow pages of a local phone without studying the Reformation. For example, book from anywhere in the United States and look in America there would never have been Pilgrim under ‘Churches.’ ” Fathers if there had not first been a Protestant BRAD S. GREGORY, PROFESSOR Reformation.” JACK ARNOLD, CHURCH HISTORY PROFESSOR “The mainstream Reformation was not concerned with establishing a new Christian tradition, but with the renewal and correction of an existing tradition. On the basis of their assertion that Chris- “Reformation tian theology was ultimately grounded in Scrip- ture, Reformers such as Luther and Calvin argued for the need to return to Scripture as the primary and critical source of Christian theology.” ends not in ROBERT KENNERSON, AUTHOR

“The recently publishedAtlas of World Christianity contemplation, enumerates about 500 million adherents to churches and denominations that trace their descent directly or indirectly from sixteenth-cen- but in action.” tury Protestant beginnings, and several hundred GEORGE GILLESPIE, THEOLOGIAN (1613-1648) millions more in ‘independent’ churches with Protestant origins or strongly Protestant characteristics.” “Luther knew what it felt like for the law to convict MARK NOLL, PROFESSOR him, accuse him, leave him with nowhere to rest. And if you want to know what really sparked the Protestant Reformation, it is the fact that feeling

70 ADVENTIST REVIEW | OCTOBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG “The Reformation is a much broader event than after thehf Reformation idddl depended no longer on the h that singular day. To be sure, the Reformation works of the Reformers, but on the book of God, began on that day. The Reformation, however, which everybody could read for himself as his spanned two centuries and encompassed a cast daily guide in spiritual life. This inestimable of characters from a variety of nations. Luther may blessing of an open Bible for all . . . marks an very well be at the center of the Reformation, but immense advance in church history, and can he does not stand alone.” never be lost.” STEPHEN J. NICHOLS, AUTHOR PHILIP SCHAFF, THEOLOGIAN AND CHURCH HISTORIAN (1819-1893)

“The Protestant Reformation had a lot to do with the printing press, where Martin Luther’s theses “In essentials, unity; were reproduced about 250,000 times. So you had widespread dissemination of ideas that hadn’t circulated in the mainstream before.” in differences, NATE SILVER, AUTHOR AND STATISTICIAN

“The Waldenses witnessed for God centuries liberty; before the birth of Luther. Scattered over many lands, they planted the seeds of the Reformation that began in the time of Wycliffe, grew broad and in all things, deep in the days of Luther, and is to be carried forward to the close of time.” charity.” ELLEN G. WHITE, AUTHOR (1827-1915) “The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end ATTRIBUTED TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON, REFORMER AND THEOLOGIAN (1497-1560) with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world’s history. Luther . . . did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From “The now almost universally acknowledged prin- that time to this, new light has been continually ciples of religious freedom, liberty of conscience, shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have the rule of law, separation of powers and consti- been constantly unfolding.” tutionally limited republics were unthinkable ELLEN G. WHITE before the Reformation.” THE REFORMATION SOCIETY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA *Except for the quotations by Ellen G. White, these were taken from The- LivingLutheran.org/2017/01reformation-500/.

“The Bible ceased to be a foreign book in a foreign tongue, and became naturalized, and hence far more clear and dear to the common people. Here-

OCTOBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 71 IN OTHER WORDS BY LAEL CAESAR Multiple PERSPECTIVES For more than you thought

he kingdom of heaven involves mul- we get the fruit of the Spirit part or we tiple perspectives. A bird’s-eye per- latch on to the Ten Commandments parts, Tspective may take you above the when hard-work parts and soft-heart treetops. The astronaut’s-eye view may parts are equally divine: exhaustion in take you to the international space sta- sacrifice for God and the delight of service tion, from which, looking down on Planet for Him are not mutually exclusive. Metic- Earth, says Tim Peake, any astronaut ulous attention to detail and peace that knows “that’s one of the greatest things passes understanding are not opposing they’re going to see.” possibilities of Christian reality; hard However great, it’s pretty inconsequen- work and partying go together in Jesus tial when compared to the God’s-eye view the joy of living, at whose right hand there of reality. is eternal pleasure, regardless of how Jesus’ varied narratives of the kingdom much imprisonment, beating, stoning, are an excellent way to sense the breadth shipwreck, peril from nature or treacher- of the God’s-eye view. There’s ous humans, hardship, hunger, thirst, and the explorer’s treasure finder pastoral ministry we ever experience (see THE KINGDOM perspective; the experimental 2 Cor. 11:23-28). OF HEAVEN farmer’s multiterrain perspec- What do you know that could never be INVOLVES MULTIPLE tive; varied renderings of the part of the kingdom? Why? You may be PERSPECTIVES party perspective (the royal wed- right. But you may be wrong. God’s one ding, the girls’ sleepover); and of kingdom of glorious grace is so inex- course, the “animal farm,” sheep haustibly varied, diverse, and wonderful: and goats perspective, very popular with a kingdom for virgins and a kingdom for socially minded leftists and service-ori- slaves. A kingdom of administrators and ented millennials. The kingdom of God academics for God, researchers and retir- involves multiple perspectives, including ees, mechanics and maintenance people multiple ways of conceiving it; and mul- for Jesus: of office and wayside witnesses; tiple ways of participation: from sterner all aspects and elements of the same ways, such as commandment obedience kingdom. or martyrdom, to impossibly gracious The contrast is not between wayside ways, such as forgiving multimillion-dol- and ivory tower, or between fête and slav- lar debts. ery: it’s between God’s kingdom, and all Through the years Bible students have the other kingdoms! The God’s-eye view tried to divide and choose among these of Jesus’ multiple stories teaches that we metaphors. We pick faith—and mindless- shall never exhaust the dimensions of ness—because works and conscientious His truth. effort are proof of someone else’s pathetic Instead, we may all be constantly con- failure of insight into “the exceeding sin- scious, and uniquely satisfied, that the fulness of sin” (see Rom. 7:13). We insist kingdom of heaven involves multiple on obedience—and tithing our herb gar- perspectives.

dens—because too many have insulted Lael Caesar is an associate editor of Adventist God by their cheapening of grace. Either Review.

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